1969 SS

George Mitchell

North Rose, NY

Team Chevelle Member # 557

The Dream Comes True

This story really begins back in 1969. I was a senior in high school and lusted after a SS396 but not having enough money and an unwilling lender named Dad, I went without.
Then came college (even less money) and then there was marriage and kids and ....many of you know how that drill operates: the dream was shelved again.

Enter July 1986. Up to now, my wife and I had been looking for a Chevelle but were having the usual problems; either too much money or too little car. Finally one day she was standing in line at the store and happened to pick up one of the national car papers and wouldn't you know.....
She came home and said "I think I have found it!" After several phone calls to obtain and verify the usual pertinent information I said to her, "Let's go take a look." At worst, it would be a weekend away for us (a rare event back then) and at best, we truly would finally own a 69SS.

We grabbed some money and a friend's dealer plates and took off. After a 400 mile trip, we pulled into the guy's driveway and there it sat. After a test drive and a couple of beers (it was very hot that day), we struck a deal. Money changed hands, the plates were put on, some oil was put in along with gas and home we came. We were the owners of a 69SS!!! (actually the 4th owners).

Fast forward to November 1996. Now the wife is saying that enough is enough; either let's fix it or sell it. It was beginning to show it's age around the edges and the engine was eating oil too. Ever since we brought it home, I also had been accumulating as many parts as possible in anticipation of the project to come so.....Frame off time!

Now, after 4 years, many dollars (don't dare add them up!), and help from my friends both locally and here at TC, here it is. Originally it came from the factory as a 325/396, Lemans Blue, black vinyl top, 4 speed, and parchment interior. Over it's previous owners, there was another 396 engine put in, a repaint, and a white vinyl top. Now it is a .030 over 402, Indigo Blue Metallic, no vinyl top, 4 speed, and parchment interior. My wife thought maybe we should change the interior to black, but I talked here out of it and now she agrees with me. You don't see many that color.

We love to cruise in it whenever we can. Right now, it is tucked away in the garage until spring but we can't wait until the time comes for our local little "car club" to get going again. It definitely was built to drive, not sit around. I won't like to deal with paint chips and road grime but I won't lose any sleep over it either!

This car is proof that you too, can do it; any of you. Make a plan, take your time, and most of all don't be afraid to ask fellow TC members how to do things. It sure worked for me. Thanks to one and all at TC for the help you gave me. Most of you don't even know how you helped me, the the fact that you willingly shared your knowledge enabled me to finish my project. I hope to do the same.

George Mitchell
Duke 69