Classic/Antique Car Repair/1968 Firebird

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Expert: - 2/15/2010


Question
Hi, I'm thinking of buying a 68 Pontiac Firebird. When I ran the Vin it came out to a 69 Firebird. The Vin is 22337-9-U131718, I think the 6th number is the year of production. It's a 9 when I think it should be an 8. Is their any legitimate reason for this? Was it a late production 68? Your insight is greatly appreciated. Or is it a switched Vin? Thank You.

Answer
Well there was no late production 68 but there was a late production date for the 1970. Well the 1968 Firebird had the ignition switch on the dash and it was moved to the steering column for the 1969 model year. The front bumper was the wrap around the grille chrome unit while the 69 had the plastic front end assembly. Now if the VIN number does not match this configuration the car is either a "put together from the scrap pile car" or the VIN plate has been tampered with. The 1967 had vent windows on the front doors and they were dropped in 68. The 68 was the first to have the side marker lights. Good luck.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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