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1968 camaro specification

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3.4K views 28 replies 10 participants last post by  The Camaro Guy  
R
#1 ·
Hi , I just bought a 1968 camaro with a corrected v8 vin number starts with 124378 , but on the outside looks lake an ss version without hidden headlights, without reverse lights down below, under the vehicle it doesn’t have a correct ss kit, like the multi spring leaf it has only single , and it has the rs steering wheel and found it has the normal gauges cluster (without the clock).

but i have a feeling that the car has been played and customized with alot , the only thing that tells me that the car is an rs (not rs/ss) , that it has the U73 rear antenna on it (plus it has the rear spoiler installed) so I don’t know what the vehicle actually is?!

is the u73 antenna comes with the rs only or it came with both rs and ss ?
 
#2 · (Edited)
It sounds as as if it is not an SS and definitely not an RS. The rear antenna (option U73) was not exclusive to the SS or RS package. It could be ordered with an AM radio (only) and only without a factory installed rear spoiler.

Check this out.
http://www.camaros.org/index.shtml
 
R
#6 ·
Thank you both for your help and giving me the information, i just wanted to know if its an rs or basic camaro with 327 , unfortunately i bought the car without the original paperwork and documents which makes ot harder for me to know , i thought maybe the vin number or the body fisher would give me the answer bit but I guess not , anyway I just want to say thank you both again and if there is any other ways to know let me know god bless you.
 
#3 ·
Probably a basic 1968 8-cylinder coupe that through the years someone added the RS and SS features they liked. Post a photo of the Body Trim Tag, so we can see what you have. Include in the photo the rivets that hold it on.

ps: 1968 RS models have an appearance only option that consists of concealed headlights (requiring) a different grille and centered RS emblem, back-up lights under the rear bumper and included the Z21 style trim package. A different front valance panel with the front parking lamps/turn signals mounted in the valance instead of the grille.

1968 SS models have SS hood, 350 PG or MT with 12 bolt rear end and multi-leaf rear springs. These are the quick items to look for.

1968 RS/SS models combine both models features. SS feature took precedance when both affect an item.

Camaro Research Group has lots of info for you, if you take the time to register.
CRG Visual ID 1968 Model HyperTable (camaros.org)

Get a copy of the Chevy Detail Spec for the 68 Camaro models at the below link. It is too large to post here. It will tell you what an RS and SS is suppose to have.
Vehicle Information Kits | GM Heritage Archive | General Motors

Also get a copy of the 68 Camaro Factory Assembly manual to see the options in the manual. Free copy at link below.
Factory Assembly Instruction Manuals - 1967, 1968, 1969 Camaro Parts - NOS, Rare, Reproduction Camaro Parts for your Restoration (heartbeatcitycamaro.com)
 
R
#4 ·
 

Attachments

#5 · (Edited)
Trim Tag close up.

Image


Line 1
07C = built 3rd week of July 68

Line 2
ST = Body Style
68-12437 = "68" - Year, "4" - standard interior, "37" - Coupe
NOR174113 = "NOR" Place of production Norwood CA, "174113" -Production body #

Line 3
TR = Trim
712 = Gold Bench Seat
C2 = Can't figure this one out! Found where this should be "C2 PAINT ~ Ermine White, black convertible top (lower-upper) " but doesn't match coupe
ref: 1968 Camaro Norwood Trim Tags (macswebs.com)

I will let experts take tag decode from here. But it is not a RS without the RS Trim package from factory. A dealer could make SS, but why would they back then with the added cost to buy the parts and labor involved. Easier to order one up from the factory. . Now way to tell a real RS, SS or a RS/SS without the production paperwork and sales paperwork. But I don't yours think was either model trim style from Norwood.
 
R
#7 ·
Georgia68 said:
Trim Tag close up.

View attachment 325284

Line 1
07C = built 3rd week of July 68

Line 2
ST = Body Style
68-12437 = "68" - Year, "4" - standard interior, "37" - Coupe
NOR174113 = "NOR" Place of production Norwood CA, "174113" -Production body #

Line 3
TR = Trim
712 = Gold Bench Seat
C2 = Can't figure this one out! Found where this should be "C2 PAINT ~ Ermine White, black convertible top (lower-upper) " but doesn't match coupe
ref: 1968 Camaro Norwood Trim Tags (macswebs.com)

I will let experts take tag decode from here. But it is not a RS without the RS Trim package from factory. A dealer could make SS, but why would they back then with the added cost to buy the parts and labor involved. Easier to order one up from the factory. . Now way to tell a real RS, SS or a RS/SS without the production paperwork and sales paperwork. But I don't yours was either from Norwood.
Click to expand...
Thank you both for your help and giving me the information, i just wanted to know if its an rs or basic camaro with 327 , unfortunately i bought the car without the original paperwork and documents which makes ot harder for me to know , i thought maybe the vin number or the body fisher would give me the answer bit but I guess not , anyway I just want to say thank you both again and if there is any other ways to know let me know god bless you.
 
#10 ·
Thanks for the error alert, 396 SS/RS. I made the correction.

I checked my Coupe's trim tag and I also have the C2 paint code. with a 717 seat code. I asked about the C2 code before and it was explained it is Ermine White exterior with black vinyl top. 717 is blue bucket seats. Exterior paint was different when I got the coupe, but interior was a medium blue. Mine had a 327 MT from factory, but PO wanted to get it close to an SS config. The engine and tranny were changed, spoiler added, bumblee strip applied and some badging put on, but hood, rear springs and differential are still base Camaro. So I have a faux Camaro SS

So your original 68 Camarto C2 712 had to be Ermine White exterior with black vinyl top with a gold interior. It is now red with a black houndstooth interior with a 327 MT. So a basic V8 Camaro with a few changes related to the SS and RS trim levels, but a full accomplishment of either trim level was done. Since a base Camaro and is nothing unique, you can make it all original again or make it your own with features you want. Value is still close to the same, unless you go with a full resto-mod then value is left up to the next buyer based on level of perfection done with it.
 
R
#11 ·
I have a question guys, since I'm starting the restoration project on my Camaro I'm thinking of converting the whole look of the vehicle to a RS/SS instead of the regular base Camaro, (concealed headlights (requiring) a different grille and back-up lights under the rear bumper and included the Z21 style trim package. A different front valance panel with the front parking lamps/turn signals mounted in the valance instead of the grille. (everything to convert to RS/SS)

plus I'm going to put alot of money on a new engine which is 383 stroker with the 5 or 6 speed manual tko or tkx or Richmond (I don't know which is the best?)

new modern suspension kit conversion (if you know the best suspension kit for it please recommend )

I just want to know if its possible or worth it and after time if thought about selling it does it have a value or not.

like Ray Thompson Camaro.
 

Attachments

#12 ·
If you are thinking resale I don't think you will realize the big payday on a faux RS/SS. Mecum sales shows that faux SS Camaro brings the same amount as a base car. Make it your car and don't worry about resale. You will be much happier in the end.

Remember to do a faux RS car, fenders need to be replaced due to headlight door features in the fenders. Repro fenders and most repro parts aren't perfect and need lots of attention and manipulation to get them to work. NOS parts are much better, but carry high price tags. Stay with original base Camaro originality or go with a restro mod faux SS to maybe think of monetary gain in the future. Lots of work on that car , so if you can't do all the work yourself, you will be deep in deby bringing it back to a pristine condition. It takes a large fund to buy parts and restorations serviced. It will make a large fund turn in a small fund real quick, if you have to farm out body work, paint work and buying parts.
 
R
#18 ·
Hi everyone , I have a problem with my car, I have been trying to find a website or any kind of identification site that could help me to determine my 68 Camaro if its a Base Camaro , RS , i know its not a true SS because I found out it has a 10 bolts and single mono leaf spring , but the things that tells me that it isn't a base Camaro I found an RS badge on the center of the steering wheel and a
U73 (MANUAL REAR ANTENNA) , anything could help me to document my car so I can know through the RPO (Regular Production Options by Model) by sheet.

when I bought the car I got it with the original documents, I assume its lost or destroyed the last owner doesn't know about it but I take interest in it
 
#19 ·
Ralmass96 said:
Hi everyone , I have a problem with my car, I have been trying to find a website or any kind of identification site that could help me to determine my 68 Camaro if its a Base Camaro , RS , i know its not a true SS because I found out it has a 10 bolts and single mono leaf spring , but the things that tells me that it isn't a base Camaro I found an RS badge on the center of the steering wheel and a
U73 (MANUAL REAR ANTENNA) , anything could help me to document my car so I can know through the RPO (Regular Production Options by Model) by sheet.

when I bought the car I got it with the original documents, I assume its lost or destroyed the last owner doesn't know about it but I take interest in it
Click to expand...
You were given these 3 links in post #3 to research; Use them. The Camaro Research Group (CRG) link is the bible for researching a first generation Camaro.

Camaro Research Group has lots of info for you, if you take the time to register.
CRG Visual ID 1968 Model HyperTable (camaros.org)

Get a copy of the Chevy Detail Spec for the 68 Camaro models at the below link. It is too large to post here. It will tell you what an RS and SS is suppose to have.
Vehicle Information Kits | GM Heritage Archive | General Motors

Also get a copy of the 68 Camaro Factory Assembly manual to see the options in the manual. Free copy at link below.
Factory Assembly Instruction Manuals - 1967, 1968, 1969 Camaro Parts - NOS, Rare, Reproduction Camaro Parts for your Restoration (heartbeatcitycamaro.com)

Don't get hung up on trying to make it what you think others may like. Make it your own and enjoy it.
 
#20 · (Edited)
I think all the previous reponses gave you the info you need to determine the car's most probable originality of being a base 68 Camaro with a V8 engine. And probably a 327 engine. Now you just need to go through the links and convince yourself with the information provided. Only other way is find the original dealer to see if he still has the original sales paperwork on the car. A long shot search that usually doesn't turn up the needed info.

Here is the link again for the 68 Camaro specifation package GM put out. 21 mg, too big to post here.

gm.com/content/dam/company/no_search/heritage-archive-docs/vehicle-information-kits/chevrolet/1968-Chevrolet-Camaro.pdf

Here is the link to look up other GM vehicles from 1909 (Caddy) and 1913 (Chevy). IthasChevrolet Cadillac Oldsmobile GEO. Not many to download on Olds and Geo.

Vehicle Information Kits | GM Heritage Archive | General Motors


GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR SEARCH.
 
#22 ·
You have to click on the links if you want any of the documents listed in our response.

Not getting original sales document with the Camaro, all I can say is join the crowd. I bet less than 1% of current Camaro owners get the original sdales documents. Those would be from gracious family members passing the car on at the sale with the original sales documents or a 1st Owner finally selling his car and had kept every document on his "BABY". If the Camaro hit a dealership after the first owner, original sales documents were useless and unneeded papers.
 
#23 ·
I just saw this.

"when I bought the car I got it with the original documents, I assume its lost or destroyed the last owner doesn't know about it but I take interest in it"

That is a shame you didn't keep important documents in a safe place. Now lost, never can be recreated. You can now just get info about your car and make a very good sign board to inform non-Camaro people how special yiour car is. That same info (like the specification package) can help in the recreation of documents for registering it in Kuwait. Don't know anything about titles inKuwait, but a lost title is permanently gone title. A replacement title can be applied for in some states to replace a lost title. In Georgia a title is optional for 1963 to 1985 cars, you lose it, it is gone. I keep mine in a big heavy 900 lb safe.
 
This post has been deleted
#26 ·
Bill of sale can only be recreated by the originator (the selling dealer). Good luck with the recreation, if the dealership has gone out out of business or has destroyed old records whether by purpose or inadvertant fire.

Title replacements are up to last title issueing authority. Who knows how Kuwait handles vehicle titles. Not me and I won't venture a guess.

I will not guess on titles with the other 49 states in the USA, either. I know only what Georgia will do for a lost title on a 1963 - 1985 vehicle. I understand Georgia will not issue a new title for one lost by the owner, if vehicle is older than a 1986 model. Registration only from then on. I have not had the experience to go through this situation, so it could be rumor.

You can't get a title for a 1963 - 1985 vehicle from out of state, if the state it was bought in doesn't issue titles for those years. If you get a notarized title from any state, it can be submitted and a Georgia title will be issued. Otherwise, it can get a registration and license plate with a notarized bill of sale.
 
R
#27 ·
Hi , everyone i have an important question maybe you guys can help me with this, my friend wants to buy a 68 Camaro rs/ss and its a good , it has 427 big block , 4 speed manual hust shifter ( maybe m21 or m22 transmission ) with 12 rear bolts , deluxe interior with center console with manufacture gauges , its a nice but it has a tag on the cowl 1233 ( which indicates a V6 car) but also found a 1243 on the body fisher on the engine bay , my question is it a good purchase or not because its up for sale for $33,500. And which one do i rely on the cowl tag or body fisher tag ?
 
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