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1968 Rally Sport grille research

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Kurt S

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Several guys on the CRG forum have been researching 68 Rally Sport grilles, http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=1087.0.
It appears that there was a mid-year change (May 68 timeframe) from the chrome highlighted RS grille to a black RS grille.
Several RS/SS cars with original grilles have been located that confirm this. But we'd like to find any later 68 RS cars (non-SS) with original grilles confirm it wasn't only SS. Condition is not important, as long as some of the grille is probably original. Preferred build dates of April 68 and later. You can post here or on the CRG forum or email.

Thanks!
 
#3 ·
Bryan

Would it be possible for you to take some pics of the grille and headlights (HL) where they attach (center grille: to the upper/lower grille and the HL cover to the chrome outer rim). I'm especially interested in the fastners used so close-ups would be great. I would also be interested in what year the HL covers are too. If you are willing to remove the covers and observe the reverse side to see if you have numbers vs. a number that would be very usefull as well. Thanks!

Steve
 
#4 ·
Kurt, this study would be helpful for all 68 Camaros. In all my years on here, I have never gotten a convincing answer on the color of the grille when the car is not an RS. Lots of people mix the RS with the other cars during that year and give answers that are not reassuring.

Love what you do. Please keep up the good work and investigation.
 
#5 ·
Eric

While doing this research the standard non RS grille was observed for various reasons. There is no evidence from that research that gives a reason to believe that the standard (non RS) grille was anything other than black for the entire run in 68. I can also say that from personnal experience that I never saw an original, non RS, with a standard grille, that had anything but a black grille.

Steve
 
#8 ·
Steve,

Are you saying that the standard 68 Camaro grilles should all be black??

In all of my years I have never seen a black 68 standard grille.
I daresay they are out there, but are you talking about the factory painting each and every grey grille before it left the factory or was there a black grille available at some time?

Do you guys have archive photos of original delivery standard front 68 cars?

Interesting topic, what do the judges say is correct and what will they accept in a concourse situation?

Cheers
 
#9 ·
Indy

I'm really not in a position to say definitively that all the standard grilles were black. I in no way claim to be an expert on standard grilles. If what folks are going on are promo shots though they can be miss leading as they (the promo) are not necessarily reliable for what was actually used on the production line. I can tell you that the RS grille research indicates that both the 67 standard and RS grilles were painted black and that the 68 RS grille was manufactured using black ABS plastic. The standard grille (3914772) may have gone through a revision like what is suspected for the RS grille (or perhaps black for SS only all along...just don't know). This is really another research project if this is an area of uncertainty or interest with the Camaro community unless someone has already pinned this one down and I'm just not aware of it. If not, and there is enough interest then after the RS grille research is done then maybe I'll tackle it. One research project at a time for me though....they are very consuming :)
 
#11 ·
Are you talking molded color or installed color?

I thought all non-RS grilles were argent silver unless the car was an SS or was painted black. An SS would have a semi-gloss black painted grille.

I think the molded color on my old '68 Z (non-RS) was an off white cream color. That's what I remember the back side looking like 39 years ago.
 
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#12 ·
Interesting thread. My original 68 standard grill was grey. When I replaced it due to warpage in the late 80's the replacement was also grey which I painted black.
 
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#14 ·
This one has me thinking, I've owned my coupe since 1992 and I recall it having the chrome on the grill, I'll double check some pictures from way back. (early car if I recall)

The convertible I now have is from the guy who painted my coupe, he redid the car in 82 and did not change the grill, his uncle is the original owner. I'm getting some pictures of it from the late 60's and 70's shortly, I'm thinking the car did not have the chrome on the grill. I'd be curious to see what others are finding... -Dan
 
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Steve68L78
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