1968 SS hood ornaments

[KurtS]

The site says: For the 1968 model year, the chromed hood trim for SS396 changed from the simulated finned cooler to a set of simulated carburetor velocity stacks. The early 1968 model year SS350 continued to receive the 1967-style finned hood trim, but the SS350 trim transitioned to the velocity stack trim as the year progressed.

I'd like to have some data to document when the SS hood changed from the finned ornaments to the velocity stacks.
So, looking for data from original 1968 SS cars:
Build date, SS350 or SS396, finned or stacks, which plant.

Results (data in one of the last posts):
SS350 used finned up through Oct. So far, all Nov SS350 have stacks.
SS396 used stacks all of 68.

It would be good to find some LOS SS350 cars built in November to confirm what they used.

Thanks!

[gro51]

04A, SS350, stacks

[vtfb68]

O5C, 396, Stacks.
VT

[ernies 68]

03b, ss/rs 350. stacks

[WayneinNZ]

04D, SS350, Stacks

[Daytona Yellow 69 Z/28]

05D, SS/RS 396,  Stacks

[L78-Z28-BRENT]

03C. SS396, STACKS

[rat pack]

10E LOS car has stacks,  12B NOR car has stacks, both SS396.................RatPack..............

[KurtS]

Thanks guys! Tabulated:

SS350
03B   stacks
04A   stacks
04D   stacks

SS396
10E   stacks
12B   stacks
03C   stacks
05C   stacks
05D   stacks

Looks like we are in need of some early 68 SS data.

[bertfam]

Kurt, I've had a few 68 SS-350's over the years, but I don't remember the build dates on any of them except one. It was a 09D car and it had fins. It was also an LA car. Don't ask me why I happen to remember this one, because I don't know!

Ed

[1968RSZ28]

Kurt, I've had a few 68 SS-350's over the years, but I don't remember the build dates on any of them except one. It was a 09D car and it had fins. It was also an LA car. Don't ask me why I happen to remember this one, because I don't know!

Ed

Thanks Ed!  Data added below...

SS350
09D   fins
03B   stacks
04A   stacks
04D   stacks

SS396
10E   stacks
12B   stacks
03C   stacks
05C   stacks
05D   stacks


Paul

[JohnKY]

10D = Fins

[1968RSZ28]

10D = Fins

Thanks John, 350 or 396?

Paul

[JohnKY]

SS350 Norwood

[1968RSZ28]

10D = Fins

SS350 Norwood

Thanks John!  Data added below...

SS350
09D   fins
10D   fins
03B   stacks
04A   stacks
04D   stacks

SS396
10E   stacks
12B   stacks
03C   stacks
05C   stacks
05D   stacks

Paul

[169INDY]

Jim Here:

So, looking for data from original 1968 SS cars:
Build date, SS350 or SS396, finned or stacks


My Car 12E, SS396, LOS, Stacked!

JFW

[1968RSZ28]

Jim Here:

So, looking for data from original 1968 SS cars:
Build date, SS350 or SS396, finned or stacks


My Car 12E, SS396, LOS, Stacked!

Thanks Jim!  Data added below...

SS350
09D   fins
10D   fins
03B   stacks
04A   stacks
04D   stacks

SS396
10E   stacks
12B   stacks
12E   stacks
03C   stacks
05C   stacks
05D   stacks

Paul

[Rack Man]

03A.....NOR....SS350.....Stacks


Dan

[LB68SS350]

03D  NOR  SS350  Stacks

[Steve68]

SS350
09D   fins
10D   fins
03A   stacks
03B   stacks
03D   stacks
04A   stacks
04D   stacks

SS396
10E   stacks
12B   stacks
12E   stacks
03C   stacks
05C   stacks
05D   stacks

Thanks guys!

[gro51]

Kurt, I'm wondering if we should go back and ask everyone who responded whether their Camaro is a Norwood or LA car?  Would it make a difference?

[grampz]

nov build I think it's 11b 350 stacks

[1968RSZ28]

nov build I think it's 11b 350 stacks

Grampz -

Would you please verify the build date?  Thanks in advance!

Paul

[KurtS]

Kurt, I'm wondering if we should go back and ask everyone who responded whether their Camaro is a Norwood or LA car?  Would it make a difference?

Yes, the plant will make a difference. But only on the cars in the transition timeframe.
Grampz, which plant?

It looks like we really need data on cars from the first 3 months of 68 - Sept, Oct, and Nov.
Also be interesting to have some more early 396 data to confirm that they actually used stacks at the beginning of 68 production.

Having a post with a summation every other post takes up a lot of space. No biggie, but don't be offended if I delete or edit down some of the older summation posts.

Thanks guys!

[gro51]

Kurt, mine is the 04A 350, stacks, below.  It's a norwood car.

[68 SS 350]

SS350 10B FINS...

Pic on other site under my profile, 1st Generation RS/SS

[68 SS 350]

sorry...10B SS350 fin and LOS car

[rat pack]

Kurt, vin to this car sent to you.............. 09E NOR 8N319*** SS396 has stacks....................RatPack.......................

[KurtS]

As Troy reminded me, the documentation shows the 396 was supposed to have stacks from the start of 68. So far, the cars support this.
So, we're back to the original question: when did the SS350 transition to the stacks? It looks like Oct-Nov timeframe, but the plants may have different timing. More data will help tell the story.

SS350
09D   fins      LOS
10B   fins      LOS
10D   fins      NOR
11B   stacks  NOR
03A   stacks  NOR
03B   stacks  NOR
03D   stacks
04A   stacks  NOR
04D   stacks

SS396
09E   stacks  NOR
10E   stacks
12B   stacks
12E   stacks
03C   stacks
05C   stacks
05D   stacks

Thanks guys!

[grampz]

the car is in storage about 10 miles out in the country . I will get it asap. It is a norwood build 

[ernies 68]

kurt, mine is a norwood built car also 03b

[barraza]

11E norwood 350 - stacks

[KurtS]

Thanks, slowly narrowing it down and confirming.

SS350
09D   fins      LOS
10B   fins      LOS
10D   fins      NOR
11B   stacks  NOR
11E   stacks  NOR
03A   stacks  NOR
03B   stacks  NOR
03D   stacks
04A   stacks  NOR
04D   stacks

SS396
09E   stacks  NOR
10E   stacks
12B   stacks
12E   stacks
03C   stacks
05C   stacks
05D   stacks

[edwmck]

ss350 do not remember the exact build date,But I know it was an early build. It has Finns 

[edwmck]

Sorry it was also a Norwood built car

[KurtS]

Do you know what the VIN was? I can guess the date from that.

[edwmck]

ss350 vin # 124378N325427  Fins

[plumL78]

I know where there is an orig. one owner  SS 350 that has fins. I Think it an oct build with a white Trim tag.

[1968RSZ28]

SS350
09D   fins      LOS
10B   fins      LOS
10B   fins      NOR
10D   fins      NOR
11B   stacks  NOR
11E   stacks  NOR
03A   stacks  NOR
03A   stacks  NOR
03B   stacks  NOR
03D   stacks
04A   stacks  NOR
04D   stacks

SS396
09E   stacks  NOR
10E   stacks
12B   stacks
12E   stacks
01D   stacks  LOS
03C   stacks
05C   stacks
05D   stacks

Paul

[rat pack]

From the information compiled so far, it looks like the ornaments were changed to the "stack" design for the L48's shortly after the drawing in the AIM was changed on 11-6-67.................RatPack...................

[KurtS]

Thanks! I added it.

There's a large disconnect between what happened in the plant and when AIM drawings were done. But here is does seem the timing was about the same.
Oct 350 cars have the fins, Nov cars have the stacks. It will take more data to confirm and improve the resolution (i.e. what week).....

[another kurt s]

09D Los  68 RS/SS    FINS

[noschevys]

07C Norwood 68 SS/RS 350 Stacks

[GI JOE]

04B ss396 stacks

[grampz]

I was able to confirm the car 11B Norwood RS/SS 350 with stacks. I can provide additional info if needed

[Passin Through]

11A NOR, SS 350, Vin 124378N340537, stacks

[KurtS]

Thanks Jeff! That's a key piece of data for this discussion. And welcome to the forum!

SS350
09D   fins      LOS
09D   fins      LOS
10B   fins      LOS
10B   fins      NOR
10D   fins      NOR
11A   stacks  NOR
11B   stacks  NOR
11E   stacks  NOR
03A   stacks  NOR
03A   stacks  NOR
03B   stacks  NOR
03D   stacks
04A   stacks  NOR
04D   stacks
07C   stacks  NOR

SS396
09E   stacks  NOR
10E   stacks
12B   stacks
12E   stacks
01D   stacks  LOS
03C   stacks
04B   stacks
05C   stacks
05D   stacks

[Oregonjam]

SS 350
07D Stacks NOR

[69 4 Speed]

I no longer own the car but it was a NOR O2B 68 396 car and it had stacks.

[KurtS]

Thanks! And I added a 10C  SS350 car to the data.

[terry d]

11c ss396,stacks

[1968RSZ28]

08E Norwood SS350 = fins

Paul

[68 RS/SS Ragtop]

Wow, very cool detective work. I have a 03C ss350 NOR =stacks. I've havd plenty of people tell me I had the wrong louvers. All I knew was that late build 350's had stacks, now I can tell them which month it changed.

[DelGratta]

10D LOS SS396/325 (p552 chassis date) stacks

[KurtS]

Thanks! Updating the results:
SS350
08E   fins      LOS
...........................<cropped>

[1968RSZ28]

Thanks! Updating the results:
SS350
08E   fins      LOS

08E Norwood SS350 = fins

Paul

You almost got it, Kurt...  

Paul

[KurtS]

Geesum, this shouldn't be that tough.... Fixed. Thanks!

SS350
08E   fins      NOR
09D   fins      LOS
09D   fins      LOS
10B   fins      LOS
10B   fins      NOR
10C   fins      NOR
10D   fins      NOR
11A   stacks  NOR
11B   stacks  NOR
11E   stacks  NOR
03A   stacks  NOR
03A   stacks  NOR
03B   stacks  NOR
03C   stacks  NOR
03D   stacks
04A   stacks  NOR
04D   stacks
07C   stacks  NOR
07D   stacks  NOR

SS396
09E   stacks  NOR
10D   stacks  LOS
10E   stacks
11C   stacks
12B   stacks
12E   stacks
01D   stacks  LOS
02B   stacks  NOR
03C   stacks
04B   stacks
05C   stacks
05D   stacks

[68Zproject]

I can now say vin 124378L333691 stacks, SS350.

[RGwiz]

'68 SS/rs 350 01A NOR...stacks

[RESchreib]

Sorry for being late into this post but, I'm a newbie...

SS 396

08D Nor - Stacks

[KurtS]

Nice, an early 396 car.
Updating:
SS350
08E   fins      NOR
09D   fins      LOS
09D   fins      LOS
10B   fins      LOS
10B   fins      NOR
10C   fins      NOR
10D   fins      NOR
11A   stacks  NOR
11B   stacks  NOR
11E   stacks  NOR
01A   stacks  NOR
03A   stacks  NOR
03A   stacks  NOR
03B   stacks  NOR
03C   stacks  NOR
03D   stacks  NOR & LOS
04A   stacks  NOR
04D   stacks
07C   stacks  NOR
07D   stacks  NOR

SS396
08D   stacks  NOR
09E   stacks  NOR
10D   stacks  LOS
10E   stacks
11C   stacks
12B   stacks
12E   stacks
01D   stacks  LOS
02B   stacks  NOR
03C   stacks
04B   stacks
05C   stacks
05D   stacks

[Vintage Car Services]

Stacks were all made by Master Cast in Howell Michigan. Out of business now.
V.C.S.

[KurtS]

Thanks!
I thought they were bought out by Alpha-Tech? I doubt they still have the dies though....

[Charley]

03A Nor SS 350  stacks

[kdjZ28]

68 SS 396 L78 - 01A stacks

[KurtS]

Updating:
SS350
08E   fins      NOR
09D   fins      LOS
09D   fins      LOS
10B   fins      LOS
10B   fins      NOR
10C   fins      NOR
10D   fins      NOR
11A   stacks  NOR
11B   stacks  NOR
11E   stacks  NOR
01A   stacks  NOR
03A   stacks  NOR
03A   stacks  NOR
03A   stacks  NOR
03B   stacks  NOR
03C   stacks  NOR
03D   stacks  NOR & LOS
04A   stacks  NOR
04D   stacks
07C   stacks  NOR
07D   stacks  NOR

SS396
08D   stacks  NOR
09E   stacks  NOR
10D   stacks  LOS
10E   stacks
11C   stacks
12B   stacks
12E   stacks
01A   stacks
01D   stacks  LOS
02B   stacks  NOR
03C   stacks
04B   stacks
05C   stacks
05D   stacks

[Jesse James]

12B Los SS350 L48 Stacks

[bowtie68iho]

68 SS350, 03C stacks NOR

[tinman75]

10d nor l48 1968. fins

[1968RSZ28]

10D LOS SS350 (8L309348) = fins

Paul

[KurtS]

Updating:
SS350
08E   fins      NOR
09D   fins      LOS
09D   fins      LOS
10B   fins      LOS
10B   fins      NOR
10C   fins      NOR
10D   fins      NOR
10D   fins      NOR
10D   fins      LOS
11A   stacks  NOR
11B   stacks  NOR
11E   stacks  NOR
12B   stacks  LOS
01A   stacks  NOR
03A   stacks  NOR
03A   stacks  NOR
03A   stacks  NOR
03B   stacks  NOR
03C   stacks  NOR
03C   stacks  NOR
03D   stacks  NOR & LOS
04A   stacks  NOR
04D   stacks
07C   stacks  NOR
07D   stacks  NOR

SS396
08D   stacks  NOR
09E   stacks  NOR
10D   stacks  LOS
10E   stacks
11C   stacks
12B   stacks
12E   stacks
01A   stacks
01D   stacks  LOS
02B   stacks  NOR
03C   stacks
04B   stacks
05C   stacks
05D   stacks

[GI JOE]

I hate to do this but I think this is going to snow ball...

Has anyone noticed there are two types of SS Stacks???  One my cars I have a set where the square stacks are chrome all the way to the base and another car where the chrome only goes about 1/4" down... I'll have to post photos later... but I think both have the correct part numbers...

[bluess350]

I just found this site. Don't know if you're still compiling but mines a 68 ss350 01A NOR stacks.

[ko-lek-tor]

[/quote]

I just found this site. Don't know if you're still compiling but mines a 68 ss350 01A NOR stacks.

Welcome aboard there blueSS350. Just remember that when submitting information to this part of site, that it means you can confirm your car came originally this way. If you bought it restored there is no way to confirm it is authentic. You will find these replies invaluable to cronical when changes occurred. Hope you get as much enjoyment and information as I and others have and feel free to ask about things that affect your cars accuracy. Again, glad you found the site. there is a wealth of info and some real super Camaro fans here.

[firstgenaddict]

I hate to do this but I think this is going to snow ball...

Has anyone noticed there are two types of SS Stacks???  One my cars I have a set where the square stacks are chrome all the way to the base and another car where the chrome only goes about 1/4" down... I'll have to post photos later... but I think both have the correct part numbers...

Can you post a photo illustrating the differences?
I have looked at the stacks I have and can not understand whether the difference you speak of it a difference in the black paint application or a different design.

[vtfb68]

Sounds like paint.  I have a set of what I think are 68 fins (as opossed to 67 fins) that have a drain like the 68 stacks. I do not have any 67's or Nova's to compair.
   Anybody have knowledge of a differance, or a picture of the bottom of 67 fins?
      VT
 

[enio45]

Orig stacks have a flat silver paint on the base inside the stack area....I have several old nos ones that shows this......

[firstgenaddict]

Is this what you're talking about Ed?

[enio45]

exactly.....thanks james

[Camarocards]

Here is what I have. Top photo = Original, Bottom photo = NOS (still in box).

Bob

[firstgenaddict]

Do they appear to have silver paint in the area or is it a textured surface?
It also looks as though the matte silver comes all the way to the top on the outside of the stacks, is this correct?

BTW the inner black out in the bottom of the stacks appears to be anodized aluminum in the originals, are the NOS ones the same?

[Camarocards]

The outside of the stacks are painted matte silver right up to the top of the stacks. The insides are chrome plated. The base around the stacks are also chrome plated. It's difficult to capture in a photo but there is just a very small amount of overspray where the matte silver meets the chrome plating at the base of the stacks.

Hope this answers your questions.

Bob

[68ashgoldRS/SS]

10D  396  LOS  Stacks

[Rsss396]

01C  NOR  396  stacks

[firstgenaddict]

The reproduction Hood stack frames are very nice however the components when inspected with a close eye are off.

In order to make the repros look correct they need to have the areas around the stacks painted silver,
The backers in the originals are Black anodized the repros are black vinyl over aluminum or stainless.
Black anodizing isn't really black it is more of a Deep Purple color.
The wire in the original screens is .040 Aluminum  the Repros use .035 Stainless.

[My68SS]

hmmm....never noticed this before. Here's what I have. First pic is nos, 2nd pic is good used. Wether it is original production line or not I can't be sure.
But it certainly is paint, looks like a dull aluminum.

[rare396bronze]

06A Norwood 396 stacks

[KurtS]

Update:
SS350
08E   fins      NOR
09D   fins      LOS
09D   fins      LOS
10B   fins      LOS
10B   fins      NOR
10C   fins      NOR
10D   fins      NOR
10D   fins      NOR
10D   fins      LOS
11A   stacks  NOR
11B   stacks  NOR
11E   stacks  NOR
12B   stacks  LOS
01A   stacks  NOR
01A   stacks  NOR
03A   stacks  NOR
03A   stacks  NOR
03A   stacks  NOR
03B   stacks  NOR
03C   stacks  NOR
03C   stacks  NOR
03D   stacks  NOR & LOS
04A   stacks  NOR
04D   stacks
07C   stacks  NOR
07D   stacks  NOR

SS396
08D   stacks  NOR
09E   stacks  NOR
10D   stacks  LOS
10D   stacks  LOS
10E   stacks
11C   stacks
12B   stacks
12E   stacks
01A   stacks
01C   stacks  NOR
01D   stacks  LOS
02B   stacks  NOR
03C   stacks
04B   stacks
05C   stacks
05D   stacks
06A   stacks  NOR

[cook_dw]

Thought I would add some input to this topic.  03D L78 Stacks

But the areas between the stacks are not paint or should I say there no signs of having had paint.  Wire is like James mentioned.  0.040"

[My68SS]

But the areas between the stacks are not paint or should I say there no signs of having had paint.  Wire is like James mentioned.  0.040"

That's my observation also.

[1968RSZ28]

11A LOS SS396 (8L311330) = stacks

Paul

[cook_dw]

I think I may have a retraction on the green cars original stacks.  While digging out the original smog system I came across these and I now believe these to be original to the green car..

[firstgenaddict]

Those are in great condition, wash them and a little chrome polish. the black anodizing doesn't appear to be thin at all.

[HawkX66]

Those are in great condition, wash them and a little chrome polish. the black anodizing doesn't appear to be thin at all.

You say "black anodizing." You mean it's not paint? I was going to fluff mine a little. They look just like Darrell's, but my black area is flaking a little more.

[ko-lek-tor]

Those are in great condition, wash them and a little chrome polish. the black anodizing doesn't appear to be thin at all.

You say "black anodizing." You mean it's not paint? I was going to fluff mine a little. They look just like Darrell's, but my black area is flaking a little more.

...and when you answer that James, please include if the same treatment was used on the vinyl top(69)mouldings?

[firstgenaddict]

The backer plates (behind the wire grille) are black anodized originally (LEFT), the reproductions use a black paint or black vinyl (RIGHT)

[firstgenaddict]

The black in the actual frame is black paint, the silver is silver paint.
Reproductions do not have the silver paint.

The one on the LEFT is the complete reproduction assembly
The RIGHT is the reproduction frame with the silver paint done, using original anodized backers and the original "screen".
(original screen is .040 aluminum wire the repro is .035 stainless)



On the car -

[HawkX66]

Excellent explanation James. Thank you. So you are also saying that the center had silver paint, not just chrome? Wow, two things learned. I don't see any evidence of silver paint on my originals. They've never been removed from the hood. I'm about to do that so I can paint.

edit:
I just looked at some pics of mine. I'll have to look at little closer when I get home, but I do see some potential silver paint. I don't know if it's just the flash or not, but it doesn't look like any anodizing is left. I just haven't looked closely at the stacks for quite a while.

[69Z28-RS]

Aren't the '68 and '69 SS hood ornaments different from one another?? (not that I know anything about them, but I think I've read that before )..

[ko-lek-tor]

Aren't the '68 and '69 SS hood ornaments different from one another?? (not that I know anything about them, but I think I've read that before )..

Yeh Dave, I think you are confusing 68 vs 69. that is the point of the thread I think? That both years are identical except the silver paint on the 68's? If that is not right, someone will surely straighten me and Gary & Dave out.

[HawkX66]

Aren't the '68 and '69 SS hood ornaments different from one another?? (not that I know anything about them, but I think I've read that before )..

Aren't the '68 and '69 SS hood ornaments different from one another?? (not that I know anything about them, but I think I've read that before )..

Yeh Dave, I think you are confusing 68 vs 69. that is the point of the thread I think? That both years are identical except the silver paint on the 68's? If that is not right, someone will surely straighten me and Gary & Dave out.

Ah, sorry about that. I thought the difference was just finned vs. stacks. I didn't realize there were also differences between stacks. Thanks.

[firstgenaddict]

Both are identical 68 & 69.
The assem man has the location of the seal changing in april of 69 only difference.

[69Z28-RS]

Bentley, ..  i suppose our old/bad memories have bit us again..   

[ko-lek-tor]

Bentley, ..  i suppose our old/bad memories have bit us again..   

Rats!

[cook_dw]

I think I may have a retraction on the green cars original stacks.  While digging out the original smog system I came across these and I now believe these to be original to the green car..

Ok I have a retraction of my previous retraction..  Is that possible??  Anyways I was out in the garage tonight and cleaning up the silver painted louvers in preps of installing when I happen to notice they were both the drivers side..  I thought; hmmm thats odd..  Looked at the boxes and sure enough both drivers..  SOOO with no other options the ones on the car are indeed the originals without the silver paint..  Just goes to show look everything over and verify before posting or making comments..

[dlaflamme]

Nothing like replying to a 7 year old post - looks like you guys solved a mystery I'd been wondering about, but I'll add anyway - Kurt, this makes 3 of the same on the list:

68 SS350 10D NOR - fins

It looks like that may have been the last week of fins on the 68 350, at least at NOR.

[KurtS]

No worries, more data is good.

[1968RSZ28]

02D NOR SS396 (8N386525) = stacks

Paul

[Pex68]

Kurt,

Been off here for a while - Got married and had kids...just starting to find some time to get back involved :-)

SS396 12D LOS  = Stacks

[Milts 1968 SS/RS 396]

O2C Stacks LOS
SS/RS 396

[KurtS]

Update.
It would be good to find some LOS SS350 cars built in November to confirm what they used.
SS350
08E   fins      NOR
09D   fins      LOS
09D   fins      LOS
10B   fins      LOS
10B   fins      NOR
10C   fins      NOR
10D   fins      NOR
10D   fins      NOR
10D   fins      LOS
10D   fins      LOS
11A   stacks  NOR
11B   stacks  NOR
11E   stacks  NOR
12B   stacks  LOS
01A   stacks  NOR
01A   stacks  NOR
03A   stacks  NOR
03A   stacks  NOR
03A   stacks  NOR
03B   stacks  NOR
03C   stacks  NOR
03C   stacks  NOR
03D   stacks  NOR & LOS
04A   stacks  NOR
04D   stacks
07C   stacks  NOR
07D   stacks  NOR

SS396
08D   stacks  NOR
09E   stacks  NOR
10D   stacks  LOS
10D   stacks  LOS
10E   stacks
11A   stacks  LOS
11C   stacks
12B   stacks
12D   stacks LOS
12E   stacks
01A   stacks
01C   stacks  NOR
01D   stacks  LOS
02B   stacks  NOR
02C   stacks LOS
02D   stacks NOR
03C   stacks
04B   stacks
05C   stacks
05D   stacks
06A   stacks  NOR

[NoYooper]

SS350 05E Stacks NOR

[396 SS/RS]

I know this thread is aged but if still keeping track...
09C 396 Stacks

[MO]

I know this thread is aged but if still keeping track...
09C 396 Stacks

LOS or NOR?

[FRANKTHECRANK]

So far, looks like all 396 SS's have stacks, early or late,.....and as was discovered and mentioned in the first post, it seems like all early 350 SS's have fins (build dates prior to Nov 67).

[jeffgore]

 SS396 Stacks 03D Norwood

[396 SS/RS]

I know this thread is aged but if still keeping track...
09C 396 Stacks

LOS or NOR?

Sorry, Norwood