'67 front fenders vs. '68 front fenders?

[mshaver51]

Friends,

I have searched and read 200+ threads about SWB fenders. My car is a '68, but a VERY early one (august, '67 build).

So, I'm trying to make sure that I fully understand the differences between '67 front fenders and '68 front fenders, so that I don't make another mistake in purchasing.

According to the cumulative various threads, there appear to be three differences:

1. the '68 headlight bucket has four tabs for the headlights to mount;
2. the '68 fender lip is tapered and narrower to allow for wider wheels/tires (5.5s);
3. the '68 fender has two holes behind the turn signal bucket for those US reflectors.

so, there are two questions:

1. Does anyone have any more differences between '67 and '68 front fenders?
2. Would EVERY '68 have had the US side reflectors, from VIN 0001?

As always, all knowledge is appreciated. Thank you.

[68911+1]

It is the only fender with the 4-headlight tabs and the wide 2-screw horn grill for easy identification. The other items you posted (1-3) are true. The side reflector holes may have been welded up.

[Jim Breazeale]

Porsche discontinued making and supplying 67 and earler fenders shortly after 1968. Any fender bought as a replacement after that was a 68 fender. 68 fenders are not uncommon and can be found on many 67 and earlier cars.

Regards

Jim

[swcarroll]

Porsche discontinued making and supplying 67 and earler fenders shortly after 1968. Any fender bought as a replacement after that was a 68 fender. 68 fenders are not uncommon and can be found on many 67 and earlier cars.

Regards

Jim

You might also note that the replacement fenders did not have the reflector holes.

[mshaver51]

"swcarroll," you are correct about the reflector holes in replacement fenders. (I have a set of NOS replacement fenders without the reflector holes, myself.)

To my 2nd question, I was wondering whether a very early production car might have omitted the reflectors at the factory?

I've seen several restored '68s without the side reflectors, but personally, it seems that "original" is more advisable. I'm interested in hearing the members' thoughts on including the reflectors.

Thank you.

[hesaputz]

ROW cars didn't have the reflectors.

[edmayo]

That's interesting Eric, which headlights did they use? Sugar scoop or early glass covered? To the best of my knowledge the early's won't fit with the 4 tabs in place, adjusters run into them.

[mbruen]

Interesting thread. After reading this, I checked my fenders and realized they are the 68 fenders with the tabs. My car came to me (67s euro) with h1 headlights.

The fenders seem original, with the original color polo red in the buckets etc., even though the car was repainted blue. Do you think someone would change the fenders to upgrade the headlights? Or is it possible that a euro would have the later fenders?

Mark

[hesaputz]

Quite a few '67's have the headlight tabs - it wasn't strictly a MY change.

[Harvey Weidman]

Did the "68 style" fenders on a 67 still have the lip trimmed? Must have been fairly late in production?
Ed, I haven't had a problem with putting early lights in "tab type" fenders. Then I can't say about H-1 or H-4s.... I only tried the USA early assys.
H