1966 Chevelle Build
 

Some of you may have followed my 58 GMC build I started back in 2006. Well that build is done now (not really since they are never really even done) and it's time to start a new build. I went over to the Chevelle site, but I was having a hard time feeling at home there, then I ran across this page "Alternate Tinkerings", a place were I can start a new build thread at the best forum on the web! So now I'm back home.

I bought a 1966 Chevelle back in June 2010. We picked it up for $4,200. The plan is to build a really nice driver restro rod, nothing to fast for her, but something fast enough for me. We (yes, my wife and I) started tearing down the Chevelle last summer. We pulled the clip, motor and trans and sent a bunch of stuff of to powder coating. Anyway here are some pics were we started and were we are at now.

Here's a concept drawing of the Chevelle and the direction we’re headed. (no checker board on the side, thats a refection)

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Here's the Chevlelle when we got her back in June 2010.

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if its done like your truck was its gonna be a nice ride

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Im signing to watch looks like a fairly clean start

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Two of the baddest cars I have ever built were Chevelle's, 67 SS and 69 SS. Love me some A bodies.

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CAL 58 GMC,

I will be watching closely and I'm glad you decided to post this build here. I agree with pugs if its anywhere as nice as the truck its gonna be a sweet ride.

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nice work

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Thanks pugs!
Other them a small spot of rust on the floor board it's a solid car.
My friend in high school had a 66 that I did my gear head teething on. I had a 70 about twenty years ago, I loved that car.
Hey Kabwe, I learned alot off my 58 build, you know the do's and don'ts like I'm sure you did with your 55.
Thanks man.

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Here are a few more pics before the tear down.

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Here my wife and I start tearing down.

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Looks great man whats that orange truck in the back is that your 58?
divin right into it.
lets see some more

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After pulling the clip and motor we started cleaning and stripping the frame I then painted it. I had the A-arms powder coated, installed CCP dropped spindles & springs. I installed all new tie rods, tie rod ends, center link, idleler arm, 1.75 in. sway bar and a rebuild power steering box. I also installed all new polly bushings and 12 in. drilled and slotted disk brakes.

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Loooks great man

what paint did you use on the frame?

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I then started on the engine. I have been a fan of 327's for along time so I kept the origanl numbers matching engine. I tore it down and it was showing some wear so off to the machine shop it went for boring and a valve job. It's now bored .40 over. I intalled Speed Pro coated skirt piston and moly rings. A new performance Sumit Racing cam, roller tip rockers, gear drive timing Edelbrock intake and carb, Mallory HEI distributor and all the bling valve covers oil pan etc.

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Thanks man! I used a rattle can.

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nice man
im diggin this 327 nice edelbrack parts
what are you doing with the original one?
what size cam did you put in it?
this things gonna be cherry. love the 66

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Cool car, I have a soft spot for 66 Chevelle's had 6 of them in the past.
Be watching this build :metal:

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NICE...
I just sold my 66 convertible! :(

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This 327 is the original one. I don't remember off hand what size cam, I think it was 224 int./224 exh.
One of my favorite Chevelles too along with the 1970.
Thank must have been a sad day.

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Looking good CAl.
I'm glad you've got a thread going on this as the 66 is my favorite year. I hope to get another one when I finish my truck.
Kim

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Very sweet deal for $4200 I have to say! That is a great car, no rust, complete and it has some parts to sell to help out the project. That will be a killer car for your wife. Nice work, and keep up the great work!

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I'm going to keep an eye on this one because I know its going to be a sweet ride.

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Nice the thing looks really sharp

i meant to ask what are you doing with the original intake?:lol:

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Hey Bro I wish I could come help. But you probably want to hog all the fun for yourself ! Lookin good

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Another great start, Cal58. You can never go wrong with a Chevelle as your choice of canvas. It's good to see the missus digging right in and getting dirty! It makes the journey sweeter! I get my kids out into the shop on the odd occasion when I need a hand, but I wish it were more. They just aren't into it. Hopefully your wife is committed to being involved in the whole build. Did you paint the entire frame, or just from the firewall forward?

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Very Nice Cal, Daniel is heading back to Lemoore in April so we may be back over that way to visit in the next couple of years. I will let you know if we do and I might be able to come by and visit. Take care

Bernie

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I love 66s...in fact I love all Chevelles!

By the look of that rendering you need to go here www.Pro-Touring.com

Sorry I had to do that! lol

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Thanks Kim! Hows it going with your truck?
Thanks Dieselwrencher! I think $4,200 was a good deal too. I don't see many 66 Chevelle around anymore so I was happy to run across this one for the price.
Man, now the preasure on!! I hope I can liove up to your expectations!!:lol:
:lol:I thought you meant the motor. I gave away the old intake.
Well my old buddy, you know I would love it if you were not so far away. We could hang out in or man caves and help each other. :metal:
It's been cool, she's been going to more car shows with me now and watching all the car show and asking question.
You know you and your son are welcome anytime Bernie!
Thanks for the Link!

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That's cool your building a Chevelle for your wife too. I checked it out and looks like you have done a great job sop far.

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Thats right best be building those sissy Chevelle's for your wife's what real man would want one of those ? :)

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:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

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Remember when we tried to mold in Tim's SS hood with bondo oh god, young and Dumb, Look I could swear this could be that hood !That made me remember the two different style SS hoods ,The scoops set low on one and the other set taller . Does anyone know why or what option would be the difference of the two?

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Yes it does, SWEET!!

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I do remember trying to mold in the hood, yes young and dumb, but hey, that's how we learned....at Tim's expence:lol:.

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I scored on a factory center console fo $60. It needs some cleaning up but not bad for money.

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Great looking build!

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Good Guys show in Rhinebeck NY,Here is a couple of pics of a SS that was the same color and had some of the same options that my Malibu had.

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I scored on a factory center console fo $60. It needs some cleaning up but not bad for money.



Great Score ! I don't know if we could have got one for that price 30 years ago !

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Thanks 72BlcButy!
I love that color!Your right! I have seen original ones go for $350 to $400 on e-bay and the reproduction ones go for $450 and they are all plastic un like the pot metal originals