1968 Rally Sport grille research

[Steve68]

Daniel Any CRG member with access to database

How many 68 SS/RS 396 vehicles do we have in the database?  Of those listed, are their owners, for the most part(if the info is known), current members of the Forum?  Depending on the results I may do a survey .......Thanks!

Steve

[bertfam]

Steve,

What kind of survey are you looking to do? I have a 68 SS/RS 396 that's (supposedly) in the database. At least I submitted the info many years ago...

Ed

[mr396]

I have a 68 SS/RS 396 that I assume is in the data bank. I would all so like to know how many are in there.

[Steve68]

Ed

It would be related to the grille discussion we have been having.  I actually have the survey prepared but if we don't have a significant number of folks that could participate then I didn't see any point in the exercise.  Wonder why I'm not getting any response to my request from CRG guys with access to database?

Steve

[bertfam]

Steve,

The CRG guys don't always read every thread. You might want to email them to get a better response.

Ed

[Steve68]

Sent email to Rich asking for some help.

[Rich]

About 70 68 SS/RS big-blocks in the db.  Since people change both cars and emails, we'd be lucky if the contact info was current for half of those, and there would be fewer still responses.  It's a lot of work to do this - we've done it in the past a few times, but it's like trying to herd rabbits.  What's the specific question?

[mr396]

How many of the 70 are  L34 convertibles?

[Steve68]

Ok.  Lets give it a try and see what kind of response we get anyway.  The built-in polling software only allows you to ask one question and there are several to this survey.  So I have asked all the questions here and you will need to respond with a post.  When you respond to each question give your answer as 1C, 2B, 3B, etc., whatever your case may be.  Thanks!

For 68 RS owners that have vehicles that were manufactured by GM as RS cars.

1.  Does your car currently have an original center grille?
     A. I am positive.
     B. Almost certain it does
     C. Not sure but it appears to be
     D. No
2.  Is it a:
     A. non GM grille
     B. GM RS grille
3.  The center grille currently is:
     A. Black with horizontal chrome stripes
     B. Black
     C. Other
4.  My center grille was replaced in:
     A. 1968
     B. 1969
     C. 1970
     D. 1971
     E. 1972
     F. After 1972
     G. Not sure
     H. Never (Stop survey)
5.  The replacement center grille came from:
     A. GM dealership parts department
     B. NPD, Year One, Ricks, Classic Ind, etc.
     C. Other (Delineate where it came from if you know)
6.  The replacement part number was GM 3919060
     A. Yes
     B. No
     C. Don't know

Please, no editorial comments on the questions right now.  They are asked as is for a reason.  If you don't understand the question then it's ok to ask for clarification of course.  Thanks for your participation in advance!!   (Just hope there is some )

Steve

[bertfam]

Okay Steve, here's my car...

1D
2B
3B
4G
5C (Junk Yard 67 RS)
6B

Sorry for the comments but you didn't have my selection on number 5

Ed

[Steve68]

Thanks Ed.  Your comment is very appropriate.  The type of comments I really don't want are "why did you ask that?", and "what does that have to do with anything" kind.  Survey now, answer questions and why this and that later .  Made modification to survey question #5.

Steve

[Rich]

This is a case where GM didn't supercede the part, but instead altered it to apply as a service part for both 67 and 68.  GM just removed the chrome from the PN and (as the MP721A notes) added instructions to "paint as required".

I believe Steve feels certain that his original grille didn't have the chrome.  The only question really is if the change was made mid-year before end of the 68 model, and I don't believe it was, though I'd have to check the part manuals to see when the 67 grille ceased being available.

[bertfam]

Rich,

Is there a date on the MP721A?

And Steve, what's the build date of your car? Mine's 05D but like I stated above, I no longer have the original grille.

OR DO I?

Where's the P/N stamping on the grille? I'll go take a look...

In the meantime, is this a 67 or 68 Grille on my car??? I've always assumed that my car had been in a front end fender bender and the grille had been replaced with one from a 67 RS. Is this not the case???

Ed

[Steve68]

You are a sly one Rich .  I think the survey would help answer Rich's question though.  My original HL covers are black as well.....67 part #'s!  But.....I don't want to skew the survey in any way!!

Ed, it's 06A

Steve

[Rich]

MPC721A is Dec 71.  Collectively the CRG has a number of the other Canadian MPCs, mostly through the efforts of Greg Davies.  They were issued several times per year.  I'm almost sure we've tracked this grille, but we didn't document the results.

That grille pic is so up close that I wouldn't be able to testify if it was a Camaro for sure, but assuming it is, it is a 68.  The 67 spacing is more square, and the vertical and horizontal ribs are essentially flush, whereas the 68 grille has a rectangular pattern and the horizontal ribs are significantly raised above the vertical ribs (I would assume for the purpose of easy application of the chrome to the horizontal ribs only, as it would have been difficult otherwise).

Rich