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1968 CHEVROLET CAMARO

INFORMATION

ABOUT THE 1968 CAMARO: (click here for images)

1968 saw the deletion of the side vent windows and the introduction of Astro Ventilation, a fresh-air-inlet system. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate was located on the dash board under the driver side windsheild (it has been in location since). Also added were side marker lights, a more pointed front grille, and divided rear taillights. The front running lights (on non-RS models) were also changed from circular to oval. The SS models received chrome hood inserts that imitated velocity stacks. The shock absorber mounting was staggered to resolve wheel hop issues and higher performance models received multi-leaf rear springs instead of single-leaf units. A 396 cid (6.5 L) 350 hp (261 kW) big block engine was added as an option for the SS, and the Z28 appeared in Camaro brochures. 7,199 Z28s were sold in 1968.

The 1968 Camaro's suspension was much improved, thanks to the new five-leaf rear springs that worked with repositioned rear shocks. The new rear suspension not only delivered improved handling, but virtually eliminated wheelhop.

Inside, the 1968 Camaro was similar but incorporated a new center console, newly styled door panels, and circular Astro Ventilation vents on the outer edges of the dash. Although the 1968 had new seat covers, the big news was the availability of trendy-looking houndstooth seat fabric. 1968 was the first Camaro model year to display external Z/28 badges. (on Z/28 models).

The grill of non-Rally Sport optioned 1968 Camaros was restyled with a more pronounced center split. Non-Rally Sports had backup lights incorporated within the standard taillight bezels. The backup lights for Rally Sport models were separate units mounted below the bumper. The taillights of all 1968 Camaros had center dividers to create a 4-lamp (2 per side) appearance.

Interior colors were dropped from 8 colors to 6 color choices and could be in standard or custom trim. Taillights were changed to two-piece red lenses, with the backup lights mounted under the rear bumper in the 1968 Camaro model year. Headlight covers on 1968 RS models were now vacuum operated rather than electronically as in the 1967 model year. 1968 was the first Camaro model year to make cloth upholstery available. This included a first time (now-famous) "houndstooth" cloth pattern in a black and white checker pattern.

The Torque Drive transmission was now available in 1968 Camaro's. This was essentially a modified Powerglide automatic unit that was shifted manually without a clutch.

Joined to the "bumblebee" nose stripes found of the 1967 Camaro model year, there was now two other stripe themes joined to it for 1968. One wrapped across the top of the nose, down the leading edge of the front fender to a point about four inches above the bumper, then horizontally back to almost the end of the door. The other nose stripe was multicolored and came as part of a special Customized Camaro sales promotion. The sales promotion required selection of Rallye Green, Brite Green, Corvette Bronze, or LeMans Blue exterior.

A passenger-side assist handle, mounted above the glovebox, was included with the Custom Interior or Special Interior options in 1968. Camaro Super Sport (SS) models had unique hoods in 1968, and the hoods were different for SS 396 and SS 350 models. The SS 350 hood was the same as all 1967 SS models, featuring two thin-ribbed, decorative inserts. The hood for 1968 SS 396 models had two inserts which each had four simulated carburetion stacks.

Engine size emblems were moved to the front of the fenders. The tail lights and the non-Rally Sport grille were restyled. The door mirrors (right side optional) were changed from circular to rectangular in shape. Additional padding was added to the dash, A-pillars, and the armrests. Much of the bright interior trim was toned down to a brushed finish to reduce driver glare. The console, when present, was a new totally restyled model.

The standard, short, rear-bumper guards that were used in both '67 and '69 were not used in 1968. They were canceled immediately prior to start of 1968 production. (And though they can be installed on the bumper of a '68, they are not correct.)

A woodgrain (simulated walnut) dash center panel molding was new for Z23 special interior, Z87 custom interior, and D55 console. The convertible sunshade holder changed from neutral to the interior color.

1968 VIN tag was SMALLER than 1967's. Tag was now painted BLACK to minimize glare when viewing from outside the vehicle. The words "CHEVROLET" was no longer featured in the VIN TAG as it was coded into the VIN itself. Rally Wheel center cap now was updated with a "turbine" style appearance.

Inside, the 1968 model featured a restyled center console, and a restyled secondary gauge package with a "sawtooth" design. Unlike the previous year, the 1968's secondary gauge grouping didn't include a clock, so when the secondary gauge package was ordered, the clock was combined with the tachometer in the right pod of the main instrument display. This dual-function instrument became known as the "tick-tock-tach."

1968's ignition switch was on the dash as in 1967. These were the only Camaro model years with this location. (This switched to being on the steering column and where it would stay for the rest of the Camaro history)

4-wheel disc brakes were not factory-installed options for the 1968 model year. Those that were installed were done so by dealers, or by customers who purchased them over-the-counter.

Although a rear spoiler (Chevrolet called it an auxiliary panel and valance) was often associated with the 1968 Camaro Z28, the spoiler was actually a separate option, available with any Camaro as RPO D80. The spoilers were made of fiberglass.

The above text was reused from Wikipedia and can be found by clicking here.