That is the question. How do you know which one you have? I was looking at my 68' assembly manual to reference the power steering bracket set-up and it has different scenarios that are dependent upon which car you have; A, B-C or E car?

 

F-85/Cutlass = A body
88 = B body
98 = C body
Toronado = E body

 

Awesome! Thanks!

 

It's even a "sticky":

GM Car and Truck Platforms

 

I believe VC and Cutlass Flattop falls into A body and Custom Cruiser falls into C body.

 

Correct

That's less clear cut. The 1977-1996 Custom Cruisers are technically B-body cars (sharing the same 116" wheelbase as the B-body sedans), but in reality the only difference between the B-body, C-body, and D-body cars in that time frame is the wheelbase. They are otherwise mechanically identical and share body parts forward of the rear doors.

I'm less well versed in the 71-76 CCs, but again, the B-body/C-body distinction is primarily wheelbase and trim level.

 

I was inclined to lump the Custom Cruiser into the C body simply based on the body lines matching the Ninety Eight. That's really evident from 71-76 but when the bodies started becoming more 'generically similar' in 77 - 85 I agree the CC could be said to be more Delta related. Anyway, that's my line of reasoning and its just an opinion based on observation.

I did note that some references to the GM C body alluded that the CC and Ninety eight were simply 'stretched' versions of the B body platform. So your comment about wheelbase may be spot on.

 

Hey Joe, what's the body designation for your '62 F-85?

 

Alan, I believe the f85 was designated as an A body starting in 1961. Let's see what JP says.

 

Actually, the 61-63 compacts (F-85, Tempest, and Skylark) shared the Y-body designation (and platform) with the Corvair. I see that the list in my post is incorrect. I'll fix that.

 

Do you mean "Z"? Your list has the Corvette listed as "Y".

And did they make a Corvair as late as '69? (Sorry, I know nothing about Chevys).

 

Yup. Note sidemarker lights:







The Corvair was replaced directly (though late in the year) by the Vega:


pic from here

- Eric

 

I did mean "Y", which is why I need to correct the list.

And while the Corvair was produced through the 1969 model year, side marker lights were federally required with the 1968 model year.

 

I know, but there is no other "evidence" of 1969 production that I could show in a photo, since headrests were optional in '68, as far as I know, and I think Corvair somehow avoided having to use a column-mounted ignition switch.

I'm no Corvair expert, but I don't think there were trim differences between '68 and '69 either.

- Eric