TC member #3273
My name is Kevin Burgess. I am 43 years old and own a 1969 Chevelle.
It was born a Malibu 2 door coupe. I am in the process of making it an SS Clone as I’ve always wanted one but couldn’t find one I could afford. I first saw the car listed on Ebay in July 2006. It was located about 3 hours from me so I called the owner and asked if he would consider a sale off Ebay. After some negotiation, a price range was set.
I drove out to see the car the next day and I loved it. I put money down and agreed to return the following week to pick it up. The question now was how to get it home? While at work a co-worker, Matt, offered to haul it home on his trailer for gas money only. Wow! What a bargain. As the week progressed we talked about the upcoming trip. He proceeded to tell me about his trailer. He built it himself and used mobile home wheels and tires. He said he had trouble in the past with bearings drying out, tires blowing, and had even lost a wheel. I began to wonder if this was such a great bargain after all. He reassured me that everything would be fine.
I left my home at 5 AM on the morning of our trip. I had to meet Matt about an hour from my home, a little closer to where he lived. I met him at a hotel parking lot at the arranged time. When I saw the trailer I almost called everything off. To say it looked rough was an understatement, and it looked too small to fit a Chevelle on it. After further reassurance from Matt, we were on our way
The time seemed to fly by and soon we were 30 miles from our exit off the Pa. turnpike. Just a little further down the road was a roadblock with a detour. It seems there was an accident in the East bound tunnel and we would have to go around. This detour would extend our trip at least an extra hour. The 3 1/2 hour ride with the trailer turned into 5 hours. Eventually we reached our destination.
We got the title transferred, loaded the car and headed for home. I definitely watched the mirror more than in front of me the entire way home. Whenever we stopped for gas we would receive comments on the car. I could only hope my friends and family would agree with these people's opinions.
We eventually made it home without any problems and unloaded the car. I felt completely relieved and Matt thought it was funny and told everyone who stopped by how insanely nervous I was on the way home. I spent the remainder of the day and evening going over every part of the car.
It was amazingly solid for being 37 years old. The previous owner had purchased it in March 2006. The body and paint was completed but it had no motor or tranny. He rebuilt a 350/ 310 hp engine and installed a 350 TH transmission and a B&M shifter. The engine has an HEI distributor, Edelbrock intake, Holley carb, Comp cam, and headers. It had less than 2000 miles when I bought it.
The interior had been completely redone. New seat covers, headliner, and carpet. Tunes come from a Pioneer stereo system.
While the previous owner had the car, someone backed into it and dented the front end. I replaced the bumper, hood grille, header panel and all associated trim. I added Cragar SS wheels, 15" Performance GT tires, lots of new chrome moldings, and tons of TLC. I made it to a few shows before the summer ended and even won some trophies. Although I tell everyone the car IS my trophy.
I plan to finish the SS trim and badges and begin building a 396 and 4 speed Muncie to install in the near future. Until then I will continue to enjoy and appreciate the thrills that only a piece of automotive history can bring.
Thank You, Kevin Burgess
More photos and information in the July issue of Chevy Punch Online Magazine
