68 Camaro RS/SS 396/350hp

[68 Camaro RS/SS 396 RI]

Hello Everyone,
 I am new to the forum and would to thank everyone involved with CRG for their hard work and dedication.
So here is my questions/story;
1968 Camaro RS/SS 396/350hp M21 4-speed
Production date of 10/6/1967
Transmission Date code is Sept. 22. 1967
The rear end has never been out of the car which is a 12 bolt posi. ( will post numbers)

My father bought the car in July of 1976 with everything original except the engine(still has a 71 Camaro 402/350hp engine in it)
Do you know if it is possible to get any records on the car? The NCRS report states it was sold at Webber Chevrolet in Coventry RI? It has been in RI its whole life. I only have a replacement Protecto Plate, NCRS shipping report, bill of sale, and pictures starting in 1976. Everything big and small over nearly 50 years points to it being as stated. How would someone such as Jerry Macneish be able to prove this? I feel the single strongest piece of evidence is the fact the M21 (with the cars partial vin) in 68 only came on the 396/350hp/375hp and the Z28. As you know it would have to be taken apart to be proven as the use of a letter to distinguish Muncie types was not used until Oct. 21 of 1968. The work I am asking you about is not to gain any monetary value as I will leave the car to my daughter as my father left it to me after his passing. I just want to prove what he and I believed to be true when giving the car the proper restoration. Any questions for me please feel free to ask. I never discussed this with anyone including my father and would like to get a conversation started.  Thank you for your time, All the best, Carlos

[169INDY]

" I just want to prove what he and I believed to be true when giving the car the proper restoration."

Take TONS of Hi-Res photos as you go, esp early on of the Dozens of Clues pointing to the RPO / Eqpt as found.

The Farther you go into restoration and as some folks start opening catalogs and installing replacement parts (China) & loosing the patina & reality of as found parts & conditions. The collection of evidence can go a LONG way in documenting-proving some reasonable assurance HOW the 68 Was actually built.

It does sound like you have been studying this sites Content, I would add, obtaining the paper books, such as service manuals, Assembly manuals, Fact Books and Judging manuals to help POINT yourself in the EXACT areas you need to Self Document BEFORE tearing into the Car.

or

Just get on Jerry's schedule and get it inspected *Since you are VERY close to Him

Post a Pic or two as an introduction

WELCOME

Sixty-Eights aRE NEAt!

JIM

(*PS) Not a thread distraction but WE have Two 68SSRS396 hidden here in Western Wa, that I have helping my Buddies photo and feed to CRG for Data and behind the scene's discussion to get a better understanding what is here.

[David K]

Does the car require a restoration? 68 are bastard years and without original documentation to show a timeline, it’s difficult at best.

[bcmiller]

Careful with your words David. Some people are quite fond of the 68s. 

Carlos, with the data you have, it will be very difficult to prove the 306/350 hp part.

What is the axle code?

[David K]

I've owned my 68 since 86.....I know.....something....

[bcmiller]

I've owned my 68 since 86.....I know.....something....

Didn't say you knew or didn't know something. But this is not very appropriate "68 are bastard years".  I think you could have worded that differently.

[X66]

Welcome Carlos, I had a 68 for a long time and loved the car. I kicked myself when I sold it but I will get me another. I still have my 69 Camaro. Good luck and enjoy your Camaro

[cook_dw]

Welcome Carlos and please post up some of the photos you have of the car from BITD and today.

[Sauron327]

20 or so years ago in Ohio I looked at a 68 BB Rallye Green with black deluxe. Came with a 66 Chevelle BB motor. No paperwork, no tranny and not worth it to me. Decent car needing a resto. Seller figured I would not drive home with an empty trailer. Wrong.

[68 Ragtop]

Does the car require a restoration? 68 are bastard years and without original documentation to show a timeline, it’s difficult at best.

What's difference between documenting a 68 vs a 69 van nuys car, or first 4 months of Norwood production car, or any car with a questionable trim tag?

If you are using an X code or group 4 code as the sole documentation of a first gen, you get what you deserve.

[bcmiller]

Does the car require a restoration? 68 are bastard years and without original documentation to show a timeline, it’s difficult at best.

What's difference between documenting a 68 vs a 69 van nuys car, or first 4 months of Norwood production car, or any car with a questionable trim tag?

If you are using an X code or group 4 code as the sole documentation of a first gen, you get what you deserve.

My thoughts almost exactly.  No different that a pre-X code 67 or VN 69.

[68 Camaro RS/SS 396 RI]

Axle Assembly Stamp (axle code) help

Hello everyone,

Thank you so much for the replies.and advice. I plan on referring to all your previous questions and comments but wanted to get this out there right away. So after bc miller asked about the axle code I have been on my back with a can a paint thinner and a rag most of the morning lol. I came up with BS 1028 (still trying hopefully with make out later on today) 2  And an E on the second line.
So BS= 3.31 gears 12 bolt posi/ Oct. 28th (should be either a B, G, W, K) and 2 for the second shift.
The question is should the axle code precede the GM official production code of 10/06/67? If so does this mean the axle was not born with the car? thanks, Carlos

[bcmiller]

If the dates you posted are correct, that is not the original axle for the car.  But 3.31 was probably the original ratio. That is odd, because in most cases a rear axle would be one of the last things swapped out because of broken parts - engines and transmissions are more typically swapped out.

[David K]

If you took pictures, you could send them to BC….He’s helpful like that.

[68camaroz28]

Carlos, welcome aboard and enjoy your 1968 journey. Check other items on engine like distributor, and component date codes to try and establish if some of them might be original to car and help with identity.
And as Bryon stated, lot of us love 68’s LOL