THE Chevelle
ONLINE
INTERCHANGE MANUAL: BODY SECTION
A 1969 Chevelle Concours
station wagon, now a decaying hulk.
Most of the body components have been abstracted from
sources like the Hollander Interchange Manual, Chevrolet Parts Interchange
Manual, and the Chevelle Archives. Some corrections have been made, because
of my field experience, like the door handles.
HINGES
Door hinges, primarily the front doors, are interchangeable,
and some other vehicles like the Camaro or Nova would use the same part.
In some cases, door hinges can be rebuilt, but if one desires a concours
look, new or repro replacements are available from resto houses.
*The front door hinges for 1964/65 A-bodies interchange, and the 1966/67
front door hinges except for the 1967 Oldsmobile Cutlass interchange. (For
the 1967 Camaro/Firebird restorer, the hinges can be interchanged with
the 1966/67 A-body exc. 1967 Cutlass.)
*The 1968-72 models interchange with one another, so a hardtop/convertible
would use the same hinge with the El Camino, sedan, or station wagons,
along with the 1969-72 Grand Prix and Monte Carlo.
Hood hinges are interchangeable, and the coverage of interchangability
have been abstracted from the Chevrolet Parts Interchange Manual, and the
Hollander Interchange Manual. The springs for the hood hinges vary, and
it is important to use the springs that matches the hood used.
1964 Chevelle/El
Camino hood hinges will interchange with the following:
-
1963/64 Impala and other full size Chevrolets
-
1963-65 Chevy II
1965-67 Chevelle/El
Camino hood hinges interchange with the following:
-
1965-67 Impala
-
1966/67 Chevy II
Note: for the 1967-69 F-car enthusiast, the hinges can
be found on these vehicles.
1968 Chevelle/El
Camino Hood hinges are interchangeable, and there are two categories: one
version built before 11/30/67, and another built after 11/30/67. The hinges
can be found on the following vehicles:
-
1968-79 Chevrolet Novas and BOP variants of the X-car
-
1968 Chevrolet full size (Impala, Caprice, Bel Air, Biscayne)
If using the hinges from a 1968-72 Pontiac Tempest/LeMans,
some modifications may be needed. If using the hinges on the early production
models (before 11/30/67), the rear bolt slot will have to be elongated,
and the fit and function will not have any adverse effects.
1969 Chevelles
only interchange with the 1969 full size Chevrolet, and there have been
no other interchangability.
-
These hinges can be used on a 1968 Chevelle if the hood and
hinges are salvaged together from a 1969 model, but might not be concours
correct.
-
One of the clues that distinguishes the hinges and hoods
is that the 1969 type is dimpled around the rear bolt mount, while 1968s
are smooth and parallel to the front bolt.
1970-72 Chevelle
hood hinges interchange with the following:
-
1970 Impala
-
1970-72 Monte Carlos
1970-72 hood hinges will fit onto 1969 Chevelles, but
not the other way around, since the hinges do not have the extended outrigger
(called a "safety hook" by Dean Call)
around the rear bolt mounting area. (tech tip submitted by Dean
Call, Mid America Chevelle Club)
OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES
The outside door handles have an interchangability with other
GM marques, and the list that applies to the Chevelle can be found on other
GM vehicles. The downward angle (mounting area) of the handles differ,
so it is necessary to compare the existing handle to another to ensure
fit and function.
1964-67 Chevelle outside RH door handle (handle is
from a 1979 Pontiac Phoenix).
1964-67 Chevelle
door handles interchange with the following vehicles:
-
1968-79 Novas (and BOP variants)
-
1970-72 Buick Skylark 2 and 4-door hardtops/sedans (the rear
door handle for sedans)
-
1968-70 Buick Electra 225 (deuce and a quarter)
-
1968-70 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight Regency 4-door sedans (rear
doors)
-
1968-72 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser S/W
-
1968-72 Pontiac Tempest/Lemans (a little thicker, but fit
and function is not affected)
These handles are also used on the 1967-69 Camaro and
Firebird (typical of the F-car restorer to do). The 1970-72 Monte Carlo
used the same handle, but the pushbutton shaft is shorter.
*Door handles found on 1965 Pontiac Full Size (Bonnevilles,
Catalinas, and Executives) and 1970-72 Skylarks had similar handles, with
a slight angle which makes the door handle about 91 degrees offset from
the usual 90 degree flat face. . These handles are a little thicker on
the back side, but fit and function are the same.
1968/69 Chevelles,
along with 1968-72 El Caminos, interchange with the following:
-
1968-72 Chevelle Station Wagon
-
1971/72 GMC Sprints (El Caminos that are sold by GMC)
-
1968/69 Buick Skylark/Special (all models and bodystyles)
1970-72 Chevelles,
either a hardtop or sedan, interchange with the following:
-
1968-70 Buick Electra/LeSabre 2 and 4-door sedans (front
doors on the Electra only, this includes all models and hardtop/convertible;
all LeSabres used the same mounting angles similar to the Chevelle; the
angle of the handle may slightly differ, but fit and function will not
be affected if using the Buick handles on a 1970-72 Chevelle)
-
1966/67 Chevy IIs
Note: The handles for 1970-72 Chevelles resemble the
ones used for the 1955-57 Chevrolet, but the handle is slightly different.
Oldsmobile Cutlass, F85, 442 outside door handles
The outside door handles for 1968-72 Oldsmobile Cutlass, F85, and 442s
interchange with the following:
-
1969-70 Chevrolet full size
-
1965-70 Olds 88/Ninety Eight (front doors)
-
1965-67 Buick Electras
SHEETMETAL
Sheetmetal parts are often interchangeable, and there are
some circumstances that some parts are unique to a certain bodystyle, like
the SS hood. The listing below is compiled from the best of my knowledge;
there might be more to add as time continues to emphasize on other GM marques.
Most of the commonly interchanged sheetmetal have been focused on the Chevelle/El
Camino, but refer to the citation below on BOP marques.
1968-72 Chevelle
decklids interchange with the following:
-
1970-72 Monte Carlo
-
1970-72 Buick Skylark
*The roof panel, which is the sheetmetal part only, interchanges
with the A-body hardtops built by all GM divisions.
-
This means that a Cutlass Supreme (exc. 1970-72 Holiday coupe
bodystyle), Lemans, and Skylark roof panel would fit on a 1968-72 Chevelle
(including the 1968/69 300 series post coupe), but it is wise to compare
the salvaged piece with the existing panel before cutting and welding (use
a MIG welder).
-
The roof panel does not include the sail panels, and it might
be wise to salvage an entire roof assembly from a hardtop of the same year
as the car that is in need of a roof transplant.
-
The roof panel is spot-welded to the sail panels (the upper
part of the quarter panel), and the spot welds must be cut when removing
the roof panel.
1968/69 Chevelles
(all bodystyles) used the same header panel (and individual components),
but with minor differences (see below).
-
The only difference is that the core support (for both 1968/69)
will have different holes and cutouts to accomodate the A/C condenser lines,
as well as the opening for the radiator. Core supports with 20 3/8"
radiators will have a smaller opening, as opposed to 28 3/8" core supports.
-
There are three script emblems used. 1968 and 1969
Chevelles will have an emblem that reads "Chevelle",
but 1969 Chevelles will have a "BY CHEVROLET" bar beneath the Chevelle
script. El Caminos used a script that read "el Camino", and
the Nomad station wagon will have a script that reads "Chevrolet".
-
The front header panel trim piece is the same for both 1968
and 1969, but 1969s will have two smaller chrome pieces between the headlight
trim buckets.
-
The hood latch and grille brackets are different due to the
grille used for each vehicle. The upper hood hinge seen above is
from a 1969 Chevelle, and the one on the bottom is from a 1968 Chevelle.
-
1968 models used an aluminum grille, fastened with rivets,
while 1969 models used a plastic grille, fastened with screws on the front.
-
The front gravel shield, which is known as the bumper filler,
is interchangeable, but there is one clue: 1969 models have a curved section
for the hood latch lever to clear, and there are provisions for the lower
grille mounts, which are riveted in place.
-
The aftermarket piece (available from Year One) has two brackets,
located underneath, that must be welded in place to attach the gravel shield
to the fender.
The hood for 1970-72 Chevelles
interchange, and there are three styles: the flat (base models like the
Malibu), the domed hood (the base SS hood), and the Cowl Induction type
(RPO ZL2).
The doorskin panel for 1968/69 Chevelle
hardtops/convertibles, either a full or partial, will interchange, and
here's the other applications used:
4/20/00 update: the 1969 doorskin panel will fit 1968
hardtops with minor mods (I am sure that the doorskin panel will fit 1968-72
El Caminos, but modifications are needed for proper fitment).
-
1968-72 El Caminos shared the same doorskin, and this includes
the 1971/72 GMC Sprint.
*The doorskin panel for 1964/65 Chevelle
2-doors interchange
^The doorskin panel for 1970-72 Chevelle
hardtops/convertibles interchange, with a few notes:
-
The left door assembly interchanges with all 1970-72s, but
be careful about using the 1972 passenger door on earlier models, since
there might be a possibility of the positioning of the door hinges in a
different position (probably a midyear change for later production 1972
hardtops and convertibles).
BOP sheetmetal
Buick Skylark/GS/GSX
*The 1970-72 Buick Skylark front fenders for the hardtop
and sedan interchange, and this might be a valuable resource for finding
body panels for a Buick GS/GSX. This also includes the hardtop/convertible
doors.
The rear filler panel (which looks liks a sectioned 1968
Chevelle taillight housing) on the 1970-72 Skylark interchanges between
the hardtop/convertible and sedan.
Oldsmobile Cutlass, Hurst/Olds, 442
*The front fenders for 1970-72 Oldsmobile Cutlasses interchange
with all bodystyles, and this includes the Hurst/Olds, 442, Cutlass Supreme,
and Vista Cruiser station wagon. For hardtops and convertibles, the doors
from 1970-72 interchange.#
LIMITED SHEETMETAL INTERCHANGABILITY: the parts
that have limited interchangeability would include the following, like
fenders, doors, and header
extensions (sometimes referred to as the grille extension). This information
have been abstracted from the Chevelle Tech articles and postings, and
this information is true due to finding used parts in the salvage yard
or the swap meet.
For the 1970-72 Chevelles, the fenders for the hardtop, convertible,
and sedan are interchangable, and the header/grille extensions are interchangeable
as a set. The only difference between a 1970 and 1971/72 is the front
end, since the fenders are different, and this includes the header extensions.
Slight cosmetic variations are noticeable with the parking lens bezel,
H/L trim, and grille. The pics of the 1971 Chevelle and 1972 Sprint
are distinguishable, after glancing at the front nose.
Please note: 1970 models had the side markers in the lower
corner of the fenders, and this is the only feature that distinguishes
the 1971/72
Chevelles apart.
1970-72 El Caminos and Station Wagons
(1972 Sprint pic courtesy of Alan
Finley; scanned by Don Seributra)
The station wagon/pickup bodystyle, introduced in 1968, was
used from 1970-72 (possibly to avoid re-tooling for new stamping equipment),
and the fenders and header extensions interchange with these vehicles only.
Like the statement above for the 1970 models, they have the same characteristics.
Look at the pic of a restored 1972 GMC Sprint above, and have a close look
at the fenders.
1971/72
GMC Sprint also used the same parts with the El Camino and Station Wagons.
The reason for the exclusiveness of the front end parts
between the bodystyles is simple: the El Camino and Station Wagon have
smooth lines, and a wide stance, while the Chevelle had a muscular bulge
on the fenders and quarter panels, which meant that the front header extensions
are narrower than the ones used on the station wagon or El Camino.
1968-72 El Camino doors (what to expect)
*The doors used for the El Camino from 1968-72
(GMC Sprints from 1971/72) are unique to this bodystyle, and for the 1968
models, the lock rod is in a different position as opposed to 1969-72 doors.
1968s had the rod near the rear pillar, while the later doors had the lock
rod positioned a few inches forward. To use a 1968 style lock rod, a hole
might have to be drilled to accomodate the lock rod, in which the original
lock rod and mechanism can be reused. (Refer to the section on the window
regulator that concerns the use of components in 1968 hardtops and convertibles)
1970-72 El Camino doors also have a crash beam (side impact safety device),
which isn't present on 1968/69 doors.
Note: The doorskin panel will also interchange with 1968/69
Chevelles/Beaumonts.
1968/69 hoods
*The 1968 and 1969 SS hoods, along with the standard
flat hood, do not interchnage, but the hoods can be used on either model
if the hinges are used in conjunction with the hood. (Refer to the section
on the 1969 hood hinges.)
Note: This is a common problem in which I have seen at a
swap meet in which the SS hood for 1968/69 Chevelles/El Caminos is marked
for sale, but a lot of people end up with a problem when bolting the hood
to the hinges.
1969 Chevelle/Beaumont
full quarter panels
*If using a 1969 Chevelle hardtop replacement
quarter panel (available from General Motors) on a 1968 hardtop, then there
is a possibility of modifying the lower rear section that surrounds the
bumper, in which a 1968 lower patch piece can be grafted if the lower panel
is modified to fit . The hole for the marker light can be welded in using
a patch of sheetmetal.
1966/67 Chevelle/Beaumont
hardtop/convertible doors
*1966 and 1967 Chevelle 2-door hardtops have
interchangable door assemblies
1968/69 Chevelle
fenders
*1968/69 Chevelle/El Camino fenders are identical
in size, but the only difference is the cutouts for the side markers. (Refer
to the FAQ concerning 1968/69 body parts.)
The bumpers, either the front or rear, have limited interchangablilty.
These vehicles listed may provide a clue in which a bumper may be used
for more than one year.
REAR BUMPER: These are the following vehicles that interchange
(Chevelles):
-
1971/72
Chevelles exc. station wagon and El Camino
-
1968-72 El Camino/GMC Sprint (modification might be required
to clear the tailgate hinges)
-
1970-72 Monte Carlo
A 1971 Pontiac LeMans, with 1972 GTO fenders, which is
incorrect. The false air scoops are common with the GTO option in
1972, and the base LeMans would have the optional GTO nose.
BOP Rear Bumpers
These are the BOP A-cars that interchange:
-
1968/69 Buick Skylark/Special (includes GS)
-
1971/72 Buick Skylark (included GSX)
-
1971/72 Oldsmobile Cutlass (the 442 might need modification
if a Cutlass bumper is used, because there are provisions for exhaust cutouts)
-
1970-72 Pontiac LeMans (includes GTO and 1971/72 T-37
FRONT BUMPER: These are the following vehicles that interchange
(Chevelles):
-
1971/72
Chevelle/El Camino (includes GMC Sprint)
-
1970 El Camino and Monte Carlo
1971 Pontiac LeMans, with a 1972 GTO nose.
BOP Front Bumpers
-
1968/69 Buick Skylark/Special (includes GS)
-
1971/72 Buick Skylark (included GSX)
-
1971/72 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 442, Hurst/Olds
-
1968/69 GTO (front fascia)
-
1971/72 GTO (front fascia)
-
1968/69 Tempest/LeMans
-
1971/72 LeMans
-
1969/70 Grand Prix
-
1971/72 Grand Prix
Copyright 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 LSC Publications.
If there are any comments, or any other interchange along the GM line that
will allow donor parts for a Chevelle, feel free to e-mail me at seributra_d@yahoo.com.