Hi, I am going to be looking at a 1968 Camaro this weekend. The guy says it's an SS. However, the engine is not the original, so it can't be proven. I read somewhere that the "1967-1969 Camaro SS's ALL came with front disc brakes." Then I read on another website that "The SS Camaro required power front disc brakes starting in '69." The car I am looking at has front drum brakes. Is it possible it is an SS? Any input is greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

All SS came with front disk brakes (required). I doubt anyone would convert to drum brakes.

If you do a search here or go to camaros.org, you can find a wealth of things to look for to help prove or disprove if its an SS. However, with out paper work or protect-o-plate, never 100 % sure.

In '67 and '68 only the Z/28 was required to have disc brakes. In '69 the SS was required to have disc's...

No, they don't have to. I had the same question when purchasing my 68 SS. The Camaro Research Group at camaros.org has a wealth of info on 1st gens. They state:

1968
Manual drum brakes on all four wheels remained standard for all models except Z28. RPO J50 power assist remained a separate option for drum brakes, but RPO J52 front disc brakes now included RPO J50, and thus all 1968 disc brakes were also power disc brakes. While SS neither included nor required J52 front disc brakes, RPO J52 was a mandatory option for Z28. This was the last year for the 4-piston disc brake calipers used only in '67 and '68. The J56 and J65 brake options ended in 1967 and were not offered in 1968.

A lot of the telltales for a 68 SS have been posted in Tag Team and other parts of this forum over the years, but unfortunately the new search function discards both "68" and "SS" as too common and won't return any results.

The only one I can think of off the top of my head that's hard to fake is the frame reinforcement plate above the left rear wheel for the dual exhaust that SS cars had, but I think the 327/275 had this as well. Absent a correct driveline (12 bolt with a correct date and code, trans with correct date, codes, and VIN stamp), the 68s are the hardest to spot.

Without documentation (POP, build sheet, etc.), don't pay SS money for a 68.

A lot of the telltales for a 68 SS have been posted in Tag Team and other parts of this forum over the years, but unfortunately the new search function discards both "68" and "SS" as too common and won't return any results.



The new "Search" function leaves a lot to be desired - but, if you use a "*" after the main topic you are looking for (eg: SS* ) you will get quite a few past posts on the subject - like this one - http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=58168&highlight=SS%2A

I always use the * in my searches now and rarely do I not find the post I'm looking for after a try-or-two-or-three...

"Without documentation (POP, build sheet, etc.), don't pay SS money for a 68"
Now - there's some sage advice. In this day and age you really need to research and document any car you are buying.

John

I have a 67 SS with drum brakes, and I'm sure it was an original SS.
Disc brakes were not well accepted at first, people were worried about "expensive" disc brake repair costs and service life. Radial tires were a similar deal, people needed to learn about the advantages of them and they cost more than regular tires.
David

I ordered my late '66 car, '67 SS/RS with drum brakes b/c the Salesman asked my twice if I wanted discs!!

pdq67