How to tell a real 68 Big Block SS?

If I was looking at a supposed 68 SS396 nova, is there anyway to tell its a real one? Anything someone would overlook if they where cloneing it?

Orginal paper work...
The info. your looking for is here at Nova Resource.

http://novaresource.org/rpo_Z26.htm

Personally, if I were looking at a claim of an original BB 68 Nova, the very first thing I would look at would be the build date on the Fisher Body Tag. Anything this tag revealed prior to mid-April of 68, would be highly scrutinized. Another clue I have not seen mentioned, the Turbo-400 transmission was specific to the 396 in a 68 Nova, with a total number of only 98, which would only be a small percentage of total 396 Novas built. Though, they had been used in previous applications of BB Chevrolets, this would be the only application to the 68 Nova. Several have researched the BB Nova, with several of the "BB Specific Parts," listed in a sticky above.

There are many things to look for and one place for information was listed above. The one thing I have seen over the years is, there are way more SS's out there today then were originally by built by GM... So, unless you have a highly documented SS, it's a clone in my eyes. I don't care what anyone says, with the talent out there today its very easy for them to clone an SS in every aspect and have people think its the real deal.

This subject comes up many times on this site and like I said, unless its highly documented, its a clone...

Slickman,

While I agree with most all you say, there may be some true SS's that can't be documented to the point of "Without a Doubt Documentation?" I, too, would not want to represent a car as being an SS without proof, but if I had reason to believe it was, then the interested party should be told why you believe it is? From the original post, however, about a 68 396 car, even the SS proof would not prove anything toward being an original 396 car, only the possibility? The 350-295 h.p. Novas preceeding the building of the BB's were SS, also? If it could be determined to be an original 396 factory built car, then the SS issue would be answered? The 396 BB claims of being original, especially in 1968 because of their rarity and bringing of high prices, is really where one needs to be careful, when buying or selling one of these?

Well this is the story behind my 68 L78 nova. I bought the car in 2001 were it has been in the same condition since 1978. Just without the original motor. The man that purchased it in 1978 was told buy the seller that it was a very rare car and that he was only selling it due to a divorce. The man bought the car put a small block in it and painted it silver. It traded hands 4 times before I bought it. Original BB clues that I found were the 23 inch radiator support. The BB heater box with the original Harrison heater core with a date code of M67 (which is December of 67). Both BB motor mounts with the correct BB Gm part numbers. It also had the BB 4sp cross member. It was a well optioned car,vinyl top,bucket seats, custom interior, tinted glass console with the 6000 redline 375 hp tach! It also has the 4 piston power disk brakes and the dual exhaust hangers with the special plate on the driver’s side of the frame rail for the dual exhaust. Guess what I found behind my back seat the original broadcast sheet with all the options except the L78 code. The broadcast sheet gives no motor or transmission code at all. I was told this was common for the 68 year.

So what does one due with all the clues but no proof? I built the car as an L78 nova taking pictures as I took things apart to fully document it. So if it ever comes a time when I go to sell it or I am even asked if it is original I say no it’s not original but I feel it was an original L78 nova. These cars are very rare and were abused from day one. I only know of a very few with the original documentation and running gear. I hope some day to find my original owner of my L78 car so I can get it in writing.

So All I can say is due your home work before you look at these so called all original cars.
Just my 2 cents

Jason

Jason,

Thanks for chiming in on this. This is exactly the problem many face, today. Everthing you mention, points toward your car being an original 396-375 68 Nova. One thing you didn't even mention, it being a (I believe) May built car is another clue that fits into the correct time frame, that can be documented. If I owned your car, I too would feel as you do in your claim? Now, what does one do? Continue to trace the history backward, keep following up any leads that you might have that is associated with your car. As mentioned earlier, paperwork is of great importance. Telling anyone why you believe it is a BB Nova originally, should never be taken in a negative attitude? You have done a very nice detailed restoration on your car, as I have seen pictures of it, and you should be commended for your effort.

You are absolutely correct mentionig about most all these cars being hammered form day 1. Many things were changed in the process, in change-overs for running different classes. Another thought during this time, in the early 70's, the Arab Oil Embargo was an issue. If a BB Nova was all you owned at this time, some of these were geared up and a small block added because of the extra gas mileage. Sometimes, one could not even buy a full tank in our area?

I have to agree with copo2 and JasonL78,there are ways to tell if these cars are true SS's or not without paper work,but you need to have torn one apart or have somebody who has to know what to look for date and #'s.I own 2 69 BB SS one with and one without paper work and after tearing one down I new what to look for when I purchased the second without paper work.Just do your homework!

Ray,

Thanks for chiming in also. Your opinion means alot to me. You are correct it is a May built car (05D). Like you said I have been following leads on my car since I have owned it. Tracing owners all the way back to 1978. Williamsboy (Tom) and I even trailered the car down to the town I bought it from for a local cruise. The car spent the last 20+ years here! The dealership, which I think it might of been sold from was across the street(Louis Smith Chevrolet in HIghland NY). Just hoping to toggle someones memory. The trip wasn't wasted, I was able to show 2 of the past 4 owners the car. One of the guy's owned the car for 15 years. He was just shocked it was the same car! He was like a child in a toy store. A smile from ear to ear. I hope someday to have the complete story on my car to share with everyone!

Jason

I have to agree with copo2 and JasonL78,there are ways to tell if these cars are true SS's or not without paper work,but you need to have torn one apart or have somebody who has to know what to look for date and #'s.I own 2 69 BB SS one with and one without paper work and after tearing one down I new what to look for when I purchased the second without paper work.Just do your homework!

Ok here is a question, I have a 69 L78 SS big block nubers matching. I have found the original owner that bought it new. I even know where the car was bought at Applegate Chevy in Flint Michigan and also all the owners down to me. By now I think you guessed it no one has any paperwork. Now what do I do??????:confused:

Ok here is a question, I have a 69 L78 SS big block nubers matching. I have found the original owner that bought it new. I even know where the car was bought at Applegate Chevy in Flint Michigan and also all the owners down to me. By now I think you guessed it no one has any paperwork. Now what do I do??????:confused:

If it's #'s match you got it made,the only way you could get a L78 car was with the SS package the only place you'll have any questions is the options.There's no reason to question a #'s car!Don't ever toss the block or any #'s parts if they break.:D

69 Rat,

Since you say you know all previous owners and the selling dealer, if you have not done a little detective work around Applegate Chevrolet, do so? Still in business at 3736 S. Saginaw St., Flint, MI 48503. Phone: 810-238-7611

With the original owners name, ask around to possibly see who might have been involved with this dealership at the time to see if maybe someone working there now could point you in the direction of those who might have been involved in selling this car? Possibility of a record of this car still? You have done a lot of the work already, but keep checking out leads?

69 Rat,

Since you say you know all previous owners and the selling dealer, if you have not done a little detective work around Applegate Chevrolet, do so? Still in business at 3736 S. Saginaw St., Flint, MI 48503. Phone: 810-238-7611

With the original owners name, ask around to possibly see who might have been involved with this dealership at the time to see if maybe someone working there now could point you in the direction of those who might have been involved in selling this car? Possibility of a record of this car still? You have done a lot of the work already, but keep checking out leads?

Thanks Ray, I have called Applegate Chevy they told me they didnt have any paperwork that far back. The original buyer is trying to find some paperwork from the bank that financed the car. I am happy that I could get the info I have. Would you believe the third owner bought it in 73 for $800 dollars. :)

69 Rat,

You are in a far better situation than most people tracing the history of their car. In your case, the original owner is the key? If I understand correctly, you have made contact with this person? If he is willing to share, he should know who he bought the car from at the dealership, possibly have some old pictures, maybe some documents or receipts (even insurance receipts or policy might be benenficial), etc.? If you have a good standing with him, he should be able to give you a great deal of help? Original owners should have a lot of key information, even if only verbal?

69 Rat,

You are in a far better situation than most people tracing the history of their car. In your case, the original owner is the key? If I understand correctly, you have made contact with this person? If he is willing to share, he should know who he bought the car from at the dealership, possibly have some old pictures, maybe some documents or receipts (even insurance receipts or policy might be benenficial), etc.? If you have a good standing with him, he should be able to give you a great deal of help? Original owners should have a lot of key information, even if only verbal?

I am happy that I have gotten this far with it. I was very lucky that the six owners before me were related except for one and he is a life long friend. They are all looking for anything they can find on the car. I am taking the car to Flint Sat morning to Applegate chevy. All of the owners are going to be there hopefully we are going to get pictures of the dealership and everyone in front of the car. I will talk more with them then. They do have pictures of the car about two hours after it was bought and some other pics. Thanks Ray I will let you know what I find out.:)

:) Hi Ray
I took a trip to Flint with my Nova Saturday and met up with the original owner at Applegate Chevrolet. A bonus was three other previous owners of the Nova showed up. We took pictures of them with the Nova. Another bonus was they all signed a statement saying that the car is a real L78. We asked the original owner where in the lot did he get his car from. He said what lot? It was on the showroom floor. We took the Nova to the A & W Root beer stand in Flushing with all the owners of the Nova. We were there 5 1/2 hours talking with them and they were telling us all the stories about when they had the Nova. They were very excited to see the car again. So far they havent come up with paper work but they have some more places to look for it. Banks, insurance ect. Its really amazing that all of the first six owners were brothers or cousins or life long friends and all from Flushing Michigan. 69rat

69 rat,

Very neat story, especially about you reuniting the former owners with this car. By getting the signed statements from 3 of the former owners, this pretty much puts to rest of what you have. The time and effort you have put into your research, will always be rewarding. Congratulations!!

69 rat,

Very neat story, especially about you reuniting the former owners with this car. By getting the signed statements from 3 of the former owners, this pretty much puts to rest of what you have. The time and effort you have put into your research, will always be rewarding. Congratulations!!

I have 4 former owners that have signed. I am waiting for the second owner, the brother of the original owner to send his to me in the mail. I have sent the sixth owner a cousin a statement to sign he now lives in Florida.
Anthony:) :) :)