Early vs Late model chassis

[ApexGoblin]

don't the early early models also have smaller wheel bearings?

[xwill112x]

Window Regulators are different.

[Jean]

i was roaming around on this forum and was curious to find out if there were any major differences in the early to late model chassis. I am aware of the minor differences such as tail lights are different, gas tank is different, fender wells are different etc etc. but are there any real MAJOR differences between early and late model chassis in terms of structure?

All the O.G.'s get to chip in on this one :) and if there isn't any MAJOR differences why don't we make this a consolidated thread of all the differences, i can go back through and pick all the confirmed differences and list them here in this first post!

so far early vs late differences are:

- early has higher rear fender arches

- early has different rear valence

- early has different bumpers (metal diving boards)

- early model has different gas tank (14.5 as opposed to 16 something gallons in late model i believe)

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There were little differences here and there, like the radiator core supports with extra tabs on the bottom OR specific brackets for expansion tanks under the hood specific to models. There were also different trailing arms / strut housings , brakes, metal/vs plastic pedals...but the main/core components still the same other than the rear of the car as you noted.

There were also even smaller tanks than 14.5 in the very early cars.

[bmwstephen]

what do you mean diffusion pattern? im an idiot

[Kershaw]

that may be because they changed the black diffusion pattern. the windshields are the same.

the actual chassis differences are the rear wheel arches being lower and the rear valence.

[bmwstephen]

i think the windshields are different. realoem lists different part numbers for glass and gaskets

[reelizmpro]

No major differences between early and facelift models. It was just that...a facelift. Core supports, valances and the protruding rear valance on the facelift models changed but other than that, nothing critical structurally. You can take an early model and do a facelift without too much work. It's all bolt on except for the rear lower valance.

[ApexGoblin]

i was roaming around on this forum and was curious to find out if there were any major differences in the early to late model chassis. I am aware of the minor differences such as tail lights are different, gas tank is different, fender wells are different etc etc. but are there any real MAJOR differences between early and late model chassis in terms of structure?

All the O.G.'s get to chip in on this one :) and if there isn't any MAJOR differences why don't we make this a consolidated thread of all the differences, i can go back through and pick all the confirmed differences and list them here in this first post!

so far early vs late differences are:

- early has higher rear fender arches

- early has different rear valence

- early has different bumpers (metal diving boards)

- early model has different gas tank (14.5 as opposed to 16 something gallons in late model i believe)

-