First I just want to say hi since I'm new here. Great site! My friend and I have both owned our 68 GS's for nearly 14 years and noticed some small differences. I should also say mine was built in Flint and his in Oshawa. Along the top of the doors where the 'fuzzies' are I have a small bead of chrome while his is about 1/2" wide. I'm guessing this is because mine has a vinyl roof? On the rear edge of the hood and fenders near the windsheild I have chrome trim and he dosen't. Again, could this be because mine has the vinyl top? I was also wondering about pictures from the 68 catalog as they show shoulder belts and stripes running along the rockers. Neither of our cars has them. Were these options? Just curious, Mark
Hi Mark. On the hood and fender chrome, my car is supposed to have them- originally it did, but I removed it. I'm about 90% sure this was just a trim option, regardless of the roof treatment. I will have to dig out my assembly manual and look up the options... How about a couple of pictures of your car?
The 1/2 wide chrome on the window fuzzies is part of the "bright exterior moldings" and this was an option ( code W5). Your car has the standard chrome bead window fuzzies. The chrome along the back of the hood and fenders was standard on '68 GS's. Your friends may have been removed at one time. Shoulder belts were an option. Option code J3 or J5. The stripe along the rocker panel was a "no charge option" (code W8). They were called "GS Rallye Stripes" and they were not a decal, they were painted on. I would guess that only 30% of '68 GS's came from the factory with them. I think they were offered in Black, White, Red or Gold. The only thing extra you would get with the vinyl roof would be the chrome that runs along the edges of the vinyl roof. :beer
Thanks Chris & Mike, great information! Was that optional 1/2" moulding available on a vinyl roof car? It looks like it would be a tight fit where the vinyl roof trim comes close to the bottom of the rear quarter windows. I'll try attaching a picture of my car. I'm having trouble with my scanner so it may not be the best. I'm also embarassed to find the only pictures I have date from 1990. It still looks pretty much the same though. Thanks again for your replies, Mark
I am not sure if that trim was available with a vinyl roof. Here is a factory diagram for showing the available "bright moldings" and Rallye stripe.
Here is a photo of a '68 GS (cameo cream color) with a black rallye stripe (this car was for sale on-line at one time). I think this car looks great...
