68 and 69 RS Grille interchangeable?

[monarchpackaging]

I am doing a ground up restoration on a 68 Camaro and want to use the 69 RS Grille in the 68. Has anyone successfully accomplished this? If yes, what changes were required on the 68 to install the RS Grille from the 69? Thanks, Larry

[bcmiller]

I think it would be difficult to accomplish.

[David K]

You just might be the first, and no they are not interchangeable.

[monarchpackaging]

Don Dillard at Hwy 99 Hot Rods is doing the work on the Camaro and our conversation was that we would purchase the grille and headlight assembly and make it fit, but he also said we might be the first to use the 69 RS system on a 68. I was hoping I would find someone that had tried it and was successful. Is there any drawings of the two years showing the dimensions of the grille and headlight areas, also showing the shape of each? Thanks to all who reply. Larry Thompson 559 688 7308 Office or 559 978 0625 Cell.

[fsc66]

So you're spending all the money to do a group-up un-original restoration?

[joesauer]

Just curious as to why you're doing this?   Are you changing other'68 items to look like '69's = taillights?

[monarchpackaging]

Joe, I am doing a lot of things different than what you would normally find on a 68, like electric bucket seats that came out of a late model convertible just so I can have shoulder and seat belts because a Camaro has no place to mount the shoulder strap and this type of seat has them built into the seats. We are building a center console that will have the electric window switches, and 2 cup holders. We are installing electric mirrors, door locks. totally different door panels. We are tubbing it to house large back tires and a completely different running gear, i.e. a built 454 with a 4L80E trans, and a Strange 9", 4:11 Posi rear end. This car belongs to me and my family, no one else, and the last time I checked, I have the right to build it any way I want to. It sounds like the guys that have replied are all original Camaro guys, and that is OK if that is the way you like yours, but yes I am building mine the way I want too, not the way any of you think it should be built. I like the 69 RS grille and headlight assembly better than the 68, and the major reason is the 68 headlight doors don't sit flush and even and the 69 does. Maybe some of the original parts that we don't use would have interest to others that are "Original Only" builders? Blessings to all that have built or will build there Camaros the way they want too.

[bcmiller]

I don't think anyone meant to offend you. 

Let us know how it goes.

[MO]

I agree, I'm sure no offense was intended. But you have to realize this site is more about preservation and originality than custom or resto-mod. So that is why you may see comments that might not align with your vision.

[Badshifter]

Good morning Larry, the only possible glitch in your question on modifications is that you posted under the restoration section. In this area we come to talk about actual restoration. There is a section for modifications, that would align more with what you are planning to do. I for one would love to see pictures of the progress. Good luck.

[bcmiller]

Topic moved to Mild Modifications section.

[joesauer]

Yup.   Nothing negative intended......just curiosity.

[monarchpackaging]

Thank you all for your additional comments, and thanks for the guide to the right place to share our project. I will try to find it and see if there are any replies. Blessings on Ya'al, Larry

[Badshifter]

Like this but an RS grille. Closest I could find.
https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/107978-68-vs-69-Camaro-Grill-Fitment

[sdkar]

Until seeing that photo, I would never have thought it possible to fit a 69 grille in a 67-68.  But there it is.  I guess if you have enough modifying skills, you can do anything.  It could not have been easy I bet.  I would like to see closeup photos of the ends of the grill where they fit to the fenders, and see how they fit it in. 

[FRANKTHECRANK]

I like the 69 RS grille and headlight assembly better than the 68, and the major reason is the 68 headlight doors don't sit flush and even and the 69 does.

Sounds like you and whoever is on your team, if there is one, are good at fabrication work and have lots of talent. That being said, why not try to re-engineer the 68 RS grille and headlight doors to make them sit flush instead of reworking the entire 69 RS grille and headlight doors to fit the 68?

[KevinW]

Interesting question!  First the RS grill (and tailpan) on a 69 is slightly wider than a 68 (a couple inches). Also the fenders where the grill meets is a little more rounded than a 68.

But the fenders are metal and the grill is plastic.  Both can be cut and welded/glued, so if you have skills (&money) anything is possible  

My question would be: even though the 69 RS grill is flatter than a standard, would there be enough room for an aftermarket electric headlight door mech to mount to a 68 rad support and still have room and geometry to operate?   

[X66]

Larry it can definitely be done and I hope it is done already because I would sure like to see pics of your Camaro. So I saw a 69 RS coming up behind me on the road so of course I slowed down to get a good look. Turned out it was a newer Camaro. It looked great with the 69 RS grille. It was a maybe mid 2000ish Camaro. I am not familiar with the newer year models but they did it and the front end was cool. So yes build it your way. My 69 will have torque thrusts when I get it done because I love those wheels.I had a 68 years back but I sold it. Of course I kick myself now for selling it but I will get me another 68 Camaro. Good luck