I recently purchased a 68 Chevelle SS396 as a project car that I'd like to restore. The VIN verified it as an SS, and it's supposedly an L78, but there's no documentation to prove it.

The car itself is in excellent condition and was in the process of being restored by the previous owner. The body is very straight, rust free, and the engine, transmission, and rear-end have all recently been gone through. The interior of the car is in dire need of complete replacement, and it needs to be painted.

That gives you a little background about me, so now for the mass of questions from the newb :) :


In most cases, especially with regards to interior and exterior parts, I'd like to use Original or NOS parts. Are there any tried-and-true NOS parts suppliers for these cars?
I'm bouncing between a couple of ideas on what to do with the car. Which would you do?

Install an interior in the car, take it to the local paint shop for the bodywork / paint, and then driving the car.
Do a complete frame-off restoration on the car, going through each system and making sure it's exactly how I want it (including paint scheme and the whole deal), pretty much making it show-quality.

There are a few systems that I'd like to upgrade on the car, specifically the brakes (interested in disc brakes with crossdrilled / slotted rotors, etc) and electronic ignition (MSD used to be top dawg back when I was an auto-tech, but that was 10-12 years ago). Do you guys have any recommendations on either?
It is claimed that the car is an L78, but there's no paperwork to back that up. Is there any way to validate that claim with the vin or tags elsewhere on the car? I've not taken delivery of the car yet, so I don't know what tags may or may not exist on the car still, so I'm mostly just curious on this part for now.


I think that'll cover my questions for now, though I'm sure I'll have more later. :)

-- Ake

1.) No. www.true-connections.com (http://www.true-connections.com/) talk to Dick Brandt, he might be able come up with a few. Also since in your other statements it sounds as if the car isn't gonna be stock I would not worry about getting NOS stuff. Just get the best quality stuff you can.
2.) IMO get the car painted and drivable. Unless of course you tend to be a person who would rather spend the time building the car instead of driving it.
3.) MSD stuff is still good. If you can afford the high tech upgrades do what you like. Baer, SSBC, Wilwood all have good stuff.
4.) Basically there is only one option on an L-78 car that was standard for 68. It has to be a 4 speed. The other option NOT available was AC. Other than those I don't think there are any other things besides docs that would point to it being an L-78, unless of course it has the L-78 engine. One last possible indication is if the factory tach is on the car and the redline is 6k. (that could be added anytime and not a guarantee)

Congrats on the new ride and be sure to share pics when you can. Oh and welcome aboard :)

Crossdrilled and slotted rotors are overrated.
Not necessary on a driver.
Unless you're into BLING !

Nate

Welcome to TC,from another 68er.Have gotten a couple things nos from the el camino store.They have a nos section.Came in the regular cardboard gm boxs.Best to get an assembly book,can get from any vendor.They have the part # needed.I just buy mostly now from Ground up,classic muscle,and true connections.Or from the manufacture.Saw in Hemmings a guy is cutting all three dash lenses.GU and true connections carry just the two,and not the tach one.Good luck and happy restoring.68 is my favorite year look.Got my dash restored at Mr.G's,they also carry alot of hard to find bolts and clips.

I also have a 68SS thats being redone, as far as parts check ground up & gm reproduction. also automobile archives have some good stuff. you will find most of the guys here are extremly helpful. welcome aboard & enjoy the ride.