I can't believe it's really happening! You're looking at the premiere issue of CHEVELLE WORLD. This issue represents a long-time dream of mine to create the biggest and best Chevelle club and publication out there. It won't be easy, either, because I know there are plenty of other fine publications and clubs out there, all vying for your attention. But I hope we live up to your expectations, and we thank you for your support and interest.
If I've managed to maintain your interest this far, now might be the best time and place to tell you a little about myself, and the A.C.E.S. agenda.
Credentials and credibility seem to be important to most folks thsese days, especially those of you contemplating turning loose of your hard-earned cash. Some of you may already be familiar with my work, even though my name may not ring a bell. I spent three years as the technical editor at CAR CRAFT Magazine during the early Eighties, before taking a position with NHRA as the Advertising Manager for National DRAGSTER ( a job that still pays the bills around here). More recently, you may have noticed my name in SUPER CHEVY Magazine where I contribute a monthly column called "Resto Tech," as well as various how-to articles and car features. So much for my work history.....
Unquestionably, the most important credential I bring with me is my unmitagated affection for classic Chevelles, Malibus and El Caminos. Residing under my roof right now are three Chevelles: a '66 SS396 convertible, a '67 big-block El Camino, and a '70 SS396 convertible. I believe that my focus on classic Chevelles produced form 1964 through 1972 is one that's shared by most other Chevelle enthusiasts, and it has become one of the founding principles that the A.C.E.S. is based on.
Speaking of principles, you may be asking yourself "What else, besides a common interest in classic Chevelles, does the A.C.E.S. have to offer me?" And that's a valid question. Besides the focus on '64-72 Chevelles, another unwavering A.C.E.S. principle is that ownership of a Chevelle should be fun, no matter what you're doing ( or plan on doing ) with your Chevelle. That means that your Chevelle and your interests, whether they lean towards fully restored, full-race, Pro Street or anything in between, are important and welcome additions, to the club. Enjoyment of ownershiip also extends to the way you use your Chevelle; daily drivers, show cars, and race cars are only a few of the ways that we express our interest and affection for them. and, as the name of this publication, CHEVELLE WORLD, implies, its editorial scope will extend beyond the club and its related activities, to include virtually anything concerning America's favorite musclecar.
The editorial package ( at least for the first year, or so ) will look a lot like the issue you're reading right now. Issues will be published bi-monthly and will include at least two Chevelle features, a technical Q & A column, a couple of how-to articles, free member classifieds, and a page for members' cars. We also plan to launch a frame-off restoration on a genuine '70 L78 ( 375hp ) SS 396 convertible, and to cover the procedure fully in CHEVELLE WORLD. Even if your plans don't call for your Chevelle's return to showroom condition, it will benefit just as easitly from a front suspension rebuild, a dashboard refurbishing, a trunk detailing, or any number of procedures that apply equally to all Chevelles. You can also look forward to articles telling you how to learn more about your Chevelle by deciphering cowl tags, protect-o-plates, engine codes, and casting marks. And, of course, we welcome your input on stories you'd like to see. Perhaps you'd even like to try your hand at writing a story and sharing it with the membership.
Your involvement, hopefully, won't end when your've turned the last page of the latest CHEVELLE WORLD. If this club is to grow, it'll need your help. Tell us what you like about the club; tell us what you don't like. If there's something you find extrememly wrong, tell us how you'd fix it. Like I said at the beginning of this column, I can't believe its really happening! This issue of CHEVELLE WORLD truly does represent a long-time dream of mine, and I understand the only way to keep the dream alive is by making it a reality.
Thanks again for helping make it so.
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