68 front fender bezels

[David K]

Not sure why the part numbers are in different places. Zoom in to see better. Feel free to add your opinion or known fact.

[william]

Chevrolet built 235,151 1968 Camaros. That means 940,604 bezels, 18,882 per week, were needed at two assembly plants for the 50-week production span.

It is entirely possible there was more than one supplier; those suppliers may have had more than one facility. The tooling to cast the bezels was produced by different tool shops; the engineering drawing for the part likely specified the part number was to appear on the part but may not have specified a location. So, each shop was free to put it where they wanted. High-volume tooling wears, likely replaced during the model year.

After casting, the bezels had to be plated. Last thing you want in supply chain is to be shipping parts all over the place for secondary operations. So, the casting/plating plants were probably close to Norwood and Van Nuys.

GMPD didn't necessarily source these from the original suppliers. Common for service parts to be made by shops that deal in small volumes.

[David K]

I'll buy that..seems logical.....until an answer I like better comes along. 🤔🤔😆😆😆

[Gars68Tux]

Dug out my originals and will have to go with William on that. Numbers on mine are on the vertical, but appear much smaller and along the outside edge.

So, apparently you're aware the rears are different. Are all the repros still "one size fits all" (front & rear)?

[David K]

Gars...still 1 size fits all these days. And if you're going for the big judging stuff, you'll get dinged. I found a local set and will get them rechromed. Small and cheap stuff to bring it "closer to original " than it currently is.

[169INDY]

https://www.camaros.net/threads/time-for-another-68-z-28-to-be-restored.182584/page-48#post-2992465

Post #959

[68camaroz28]

https://www.camaros.net/threads/time-for-another-68-z-28-to-be-restored.182584/page-48#post-2992465

Post #959

Thanks Jim.....
GM stopped making or offering the front thin bezels by very early 70's and parts books show the rear bezel part number only stating 4 needed. I had our originals chromed and as Jim pointed to build thread another familiar not done on restoration involves black paint in the groove.

[David K]

169indy...thanks for the link. I got front and rear originals cheap and will have them rechromed.

[169INDY]

I waited and searched and searched for a pair of fronts & will rechrome the orig at a later date for my other 68 that I installed rears in four corners

[David K]

Straight outta 1970...nice!

[Gars68Tux]

I waited and searched and searched for a pair of fronts & will rechrome the orig at a later date for my other 68 that I installed rears in four corners

But what location is the part number cast on the inside?  Almost need a magnifying glass see mine...

[David K]

There's typically 2different sets I've found inside. Maybe bigger numbers we're more costly.🤔🤔😵‍💫😵‍💫

[camaroboy68ss]

Well I now have another part I will have to look for at swap meets. Never knew they were different. I have the repops all around my car.

[David K]

eBay all day.....Craigslist paid off for me....local. Make sure to note the part number for easy reference at that swap meet. You'll easily see the difference here. But don't peek at the next picture if you're not sure which is front or rear. The one on top is actually taller due to the 2nd beveled edge.

[x66 714]

After reviewing my car I realize I have the fronts on the rear & vise versa. Do the rears use a gasket?. Joe