CHEVELLE TECH is a regular column intended as a guide to assist members with questions they have regarding 1964-72 Chevelles. We'll publish as many letters and responses per issue as space permits.
Sorry, but no personal responses can be made.
Address your questions to:
CHEVELLE TECH, A.C.E.S.,
4636 Lebanon Pike, Suite 195,
Nashville, TN 37076-1316.
A:
Thanks for your input, Ernie. The debate of whether the
headliner and visors should be black or white is still
ongoing, but with information such as you've provided, is
one step closer to being solved.
As you're probably aware, there were so many variables that
determined the way cars were built (remember, these were all
assembly line cars, not individual, hand-built cars), not
the least of which was the ability (or inability) of vendors
to supply needed parts in a timely manner. The fact that
your Chevelle was assembled in Canada may also account for
some slight production variances, Ernie. But, it was not
unusual for assembly plants to install incorrect
sub-components if the correct pieces were not available,
just to keep the assembly line moving. A case in point is
our PROJECT REDUX Chevelle. Even though we have the papers
proving it to be a legitimate L78 car, the factory tach came
with a 5500 rpm redline, rather than the prescribed 6500
redline unit. We purchased the car from its original owner,
and he tells us that the tach is original. We've also seen
"regular" pulleys on engines that should have been fitted
with "deep groove" items; again, on cars that are original
and haven't been messed with. We've also noted incorrect
carbs, steering wheels, and other components that are not
"correct" for a particular car, but were installed at the
factory to "keep the line moving."
Thanks again for your input, Ernie. Any other members have
anything to add to the discussion? If so, drop us a line or
give us a call on the ACES hotline: (615) 773-ACES.
A:
Generally speaking, Chris, Chevelle is the name given by
Chevrolet to denote the entire line, while Malibu is a
specific model or trim level within that lineup. Other
models based on the Chevelle platform include the 300, 300
deluxe, Super Sport, El Camino, El Camino Custom, Concours,
Concours Estate, Greenbrier, and Nomad. And, who knows, we
may have even missed one or two. But, you've probably got
the idea. Thanks for asking.
There are no backup lights in the rear bumper, but it does have two delete plate where they should be. The car has no power steering or brakes, but it did come with a factory (?) small-block in it. Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.
I was told that the number 905 means that mine was the 905th one made of 1000. Is this true? Could you give me the value of this beast? A lot of the people I've talked to have never seen one of these things. Thanks again for any of your help. I'm looking forward to attending one of the Chevelle meets in the near future. James Hose #00152 Copley, OH
A:
It sounds like a neat car you have there, James. And,
you're right, it is a fairly rare piece. Our research shows
that your Chevelle (model #13411) is a V8-powered, 300
deluxe model, of which there were only 2667 built for
domestic consumption and another 5 built for export,
bringing the total to 2672 units. As for the 905, we aren't
real clear as to what those numbers indicate, but have it on
fairly good authority they are some type of in-plant codes.
The number that tells you where your car is positioned in the overall production sequence for your body style, however, is 1003. This indicates that your car is the 1003rd built of that particular body style (300 deluxe, two-door sedan, V8), and about mid-point in the overall production . It also coincides closely with the build date of your car (02C = third week in February).
We've also researched the interior and paint codes for your Chevelle, and you may interested to learn that it was originally Cameo beige with a Fawn interior. We hope we've been of some help, James, and if you're planning on attending a Chevelle event this summer, why not join us in Bowling Green, Kentucky the weekend of August 2-4 for the Chevy High Performance Thunder Cruise festivities. Special hospitality and parking will be provided for ACES members, and we'd certainly enjoy meeting as many members as possible while there.
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