Cosmetic Difference 68-69 if any ?

[ic3blink]

Hello, the name's Sean, nice to meet you all.

I've been in the market for a p/u. I got a street bike last year (00' suz gsx600) So I need something to haul the bike around. I travel a lot.

(my 85 firebird's engine blew up last year and cuz it's a v6 I dont have motivation to rebuilt it.)

So recently one of my friends just bought a 65 mustang. Another friend is transfering parts from his wrecked 97 Lt1 (Z28) into an older camaro , something like 1st gen he seems to be into.

The, Old Restored Car bug has bit me, hard. Now I'm pretty much set on 68-69 el camino. I've spent hours on cardomain.com and ebaymotors.com looking at different years of el camino. Narrowed down to those two year im pretty stumped, I think their the same and cant tell much apart. Can anyone help point out what different about which one? , comestictly or mechanicly. Any kind of help would be great, thanks.

[Ali Croff]

"After its big changes for 1968, the 1969 El Camino was basically carried over. The big change was that the SS396 was no longer its own model (after just one year), but was now technically an option on the regular El Camino. Exterior changes included a new grille and front bumper and rear back-up lights now located on the tailgate. The SS396 option included the 325 bhp 396 V8, bright engine accents, power front disc brakes, three-speed floor shift transmission, dual exhausts, black painted grille, special hood, specific wheel house moldings, 14x7 inch Sport wheels, and GTO-14 red strip tires. Two body colors, named Monaco Orange and Daytona Yellow were exclusive to the SS models." I got this info from www.musclecarclub.com, it is an awesome website and has a ton of information on all makes and models of muscle cars. P.S. I have a 1971 El Camino for sale, but it has the front clip from a '69 if you're interested. (You can't tell it's a '71 just by looking)[img][/img]

[daveward]

The previous post covered the subject quite well. To me, the first clue is always the back-up lights in the tailgate (vs. in the bumper) on the '69. That's because I'm always approaching from the rear at some speed. If you like the cleaner look, I'd opt for the '68, I suppose having the back-up lights a bit higher in the '69 could be considered a bit safer. We also arrived at the same conclusion you did, the '68/69 was the nicest look for us.

One additional point re: the notion it'll be a pick-up. I also use it as a pick-up but you'll have to cope with the following shortcomings: think of it as sort of a 1/4 ton pickup in terms of load carrying, and if you carry very much plywood, the 4x8 sheets will be a challenge because they sit on top of the well wells. These were not deal breakers for me, because the El Camino is so cool, but if your first criteria was: I need a pick-up, you might want to consider my experience.

Dave

[a1supersport]

One difference which no one mentioned yet...even though it's a minor one...is the difference of the tail-lights. 68's are a little different from the 69-72 bunch. Same but a little different. If you get the chance to see a 68 beside a 69-72, check it out . http://www.hometown.aol.com/a1supers...page/auto.html

[BlockBustaRhymes]

Is that 71 el camino with the 69 front still for sale? Have no idea how old this thread is but thought I would give it a shot. I'm in Maryland so if you're anywhere close please e-mail me and let me know. Thanks

[tim1950]

My 68 ElCamino has later model Oldsmobile Cutlass rear springs for a stiller ride with a load

[daveward]

Originally Posted by tim1950

My 68 ElCamino has later model Oldsmobile Cutlass rear springs for a stiller ride with a load

Hi Tim, my '68 is awaiting restoration after my student son moved his stuff one too many times in the old gal. Anyway, how did you know to select a certain spring? Trial and error, or what? And you mention a "stiller" ride with a load...I'm curious if the stiffer springs can be felt with no load? Thanks. Dave

[tim1950]

They were in there when I got it. The previous owner told me what they came from. He went by body weight and size - 4 door or staion wagon, size and # of coils in the spring. I ment stiffer ride.