1970 L-78 Camaro CKO block

[nrjulin]

The block casting is 3969854 and the date is J-18-9. The date seems early so that was going to be my next question.

Thanks again.

[Mr70]

That is early,but not impossible as these cars were built very late,and most likely the blocks were just sitting waiting for the cars awhile.
What's the Tonawanda build date before the CKO code on the Pad behind the Alternator?
Is the VIN# stamped there,or is it down by the Oil filter?
Do you see an external Oil cooler provision above the Oil filter Mount to indicate a 4-bolt block?

[CamarosRus]

Chuck S

[nrjulin]

Thanks. I'm going back and I'll get pictures.

[CamarosRus]

Rear picture appears to show bumper guards W/O VF-3 Rubber Strips. If this is PLAIN chrome bumper with guards, that would be wrong, UNLESS we have uncovered another detail on COPO spoilers (Phil B please respond) I also see what appear to be RARE Original Chrome tip tailpipes, which were on all SS cars.
Can anybody else SEE what appears to be a quite SHINY Black Taillight panel.....which helps to demonstrate how most people have this detail TOO flat........

Chuck S

[CamarosRus]

[Fhakya]

I think that a better phrase would be 'tangs' or 'fangs' as the early VF-3 seem to me to be urethane "guards".

The post above the pics kind of lost me a bit.

I the initial pics posted (granted I didn't blow them up at all) of nrjulin, I didn't see any real tell-tale signs of the early VF-3 option. The "tangs", "fangs" are there but can you really see the tell-tale signs of the 'early' VF-3 guards there? I trust you 1st and foremost Chuck but I'm not seeing it...so far from the pics.

Why would the VF-3 guards be wrong if it were after the rubber bumper guards were discontinued? I've been a 2nd gen "hound" since I was a kid but only recently has the VF-3 option caught my radar...weird.

Also..I've been thinking for the last few months about putting together a web based '70 Camaro L-78 registry (just because I have a passion for them, the server space and the time...and 600 cars can't be that much work right?

-Mark H.

[canadian_ssl78]

Mark, I think the only way to get rear bumper guards was to order a Z28 (standard equipment) or order the VF3 option on any camaro. The VF3 option included the rear guards.

Chuck, are the rear bumper pics shown above your car?
John

[70CitrusZ]

Fhakya,
rpo VF3 is the rubber strips AND the guards.
Regular guards only (rear)(with no rubber) are not VF3, and are apparently "only" a part of rpo Z-28, with no separate rpo.
So if you ordered rpo VF3 you got the guards along with the rubber strips.
If you ordered rpo Z-28 you got the guards but no strips.
If you ordered rpo Z-28 AND VF3 you got the guards and the strips.
The ONLY (apparently) other way a non Z-28 and non VF3 car could have these guards were as a dealer installed part.

A lot of people confuse VF3 with standard Z-28 guards.
standard Z-28 bumper guards are not rpo VF3.
Mark.

[Fhakya]

That's great news NRJ! I'm not going to jinx until you have it in your possession.

Great clarification Mark (70CitrusZ)....that was what I was kind of assuming but never had it backed up (no pun intended).

I've seen a few SS's w/ the tangs/fangs but just assumed that they were part a the later VF-3 (non Z) option or possible retrofit. I have not seen any 72,73's w/ them that I can recall and was wondering if that was still an option in those years. The strip wasn't as per my understanding...even in 71.

It's probably more of a topic for 2gcog but interesting nontheless and applicable here.

Great thread!

-Mark H.