As I have mentioned to a few of the nicest Chevelle owners on the planet that live near me ;) I have the uncanny ability to volunteer my experience to help them finish the projects that need to get done on their cars (beer helps here). It's a pleasure of mine to do so, I have had my hands in Chevy's for 20+ years and glad to help where I can.

Beaux,

He has some rust repair to get done on his '70 lower cowl area, and I have been hunting down a section from a doner car and found one (Beaux, I feel he wants to much for the piece, I will call or PM you with an update) We will need a welder, wire feed a big plus 'cause that's all I have experience with :p Also Beaux need a few strong arms to yank that body off of the frame, I say about 8 of us would suit nicely. To add, if anyone reading has a 68-72 junk car that is not rusted on the drivers side lower cowl and is willing to let it go, post and let us know :)

Tony,

Cam swap. I spoke with Tony not to long ago and said I would be glad to help with this anytime I am not working on a Sunday. He said he could to the teardown, then the bro's can come in on Sunday morning armed with beer, BBQ and bad attitudes so we can get this done on his 66 convert....he has I believe a nice Voodoo Lunati hyd to go in, should be sweet.

Also, any one else needs something done, feel free to chime in. Between us all, we have plenty of experience to get just about anything done. Minus trans work, not that I know of.

So, let's pick a weekend sometime soon and get some of this stuff done :D

man, I wish you lived close to me......we would be buds. Wanna move to Georgia?

Ever planning on a visit to Kansas City :D

I have a dilemna... I am thinking about putting the convertible up for sale ( I DEBATE THIS ALL THE TIME IN MY HEAD). I am not in a big hurry...

But i do have pretty much everything needed for the swap (I need to pick up some oil filters)... The wife was okay with the idea of a party/BBQ...

I might pick up another project this week, and possibly do a cam swap/head swap on that...

I am up for helping Beaux (the wife already gave the approval to spending the day away from home helping someone else)...

Lets get together and do this. I also need a little work, just taking care of some of this rust on the elkie and swapping in my new rearend.:beers:

Just waiting for one of them to make a move :p . Seems like they can't commit to their Chevelles like they can to their women. LOL. I just had to say it :waving:

Just waiting for one of them to make a move :p . Seems like they can't commit to their Chevelles like they can to their women. LOL. I just had to say it :waving:

That right, but even after being with mine for over 18+ years, I still like to take a peak at (and lust after) others now and then:p

Even though I know on the inside, they're all the same... Chevelles that is...

I'll be pulling the 383 stroker motor on my 69 chevelle here as soon as we get the 68 corvette finished. 68 Hardtop vert 427/435 tri-power. Working on tuning the 3 dueces at the moment. I want to pull the motor on the chevelle because it leaks out of the oil pan gasket & I think maybe the head gasket. Once it is out I wan to do a small tear down to se what is in the motor. Bought it as is & want to make sure every thing is cool. Replace seals & gaskets. ETC. I will be doing this out in Modesto with a guy that has a lift in his sideyard. Pretty sweet.

Lets get together and do this. I also need a little work, just taking care of some of this rust on the elkie and swapping in my new rearend.:beers:


Also, I say let's weld an empty keg to the front of the car, and install air shocks up front old gasser style. But instead of fuel in there, Kinzli raz wheat. It'l be a blast at the next Turlock swap meet....

Also, I say let's weld an empty keg to the front of the car, and install air shocks up front old gasser style. But instead of fuel in there, Kinzli raz wheat. It'l be a blast at the next Turlock swap meet....

I'm game, give me a month and a half's notice so I can get the beer brewed...

well guys, I am really close to closing the deal on another Chevelle, so maybe we could do some work on that...

Wife "seems" okay, as long as its not parked in front (I have a neighbor that might let me park it there for a few months). Its affordable, and within my price range (plus I just sold a Muncie for $500 and have a guy coming to buy my old 396s). I've been thinking of this car for the past 4 months. Agreed on a price, and supposed to go up tomorrow morning...

I am really excited, yet at the same time I am a little apprehensive... I really don't need another car, especially a project, but I haven't bought an old car in 12+ years and I am itching to get something... I figure worst case, I could be out a few hundred dollars, but thats worse case...

Some of you have heard about it,


'66 Chevelle wagon
400 small block (supposedly, haven't checked yet) Runs, but seller thinks it might need a valve job (says it make some sound out the exhaust). undercarriage is greasy, so somethings been leaking.
TH400 (stock Powerglide column shifter)
Torque thrust wheels (or copies). the "old-style" grey spokes with machined lip, 15 inch, and straight spokes (like my convertible)
Front disc brakes (A-body?)
12-bolt rear end (1967+ based on the coil spring cups). Not posi (pretty sure)
Newer radials,
All the glass and trim is there and decent, except the grill is a little tweaked, and the rear bumper needs a rechrome ($280 from a local chrome shop)
The body is pretty straight (except a tweaked hood), but a repaint is peeling off badly
I didn't see any signs of "typical" chevelle rust, even the lower windshield looked pretty good. The radiator support is rusty right at the battery and probably the battery tray and inner fender, replacements all available
There are some larger portions with cracks (bondo?) and about 1/32" thick.
California Black plates, and "supposedly" its non-op'd. So a project, but basically a drivable car as-is.
interior is pretty thrashed, but just the regular soft upholstery items. heater contrals all work (common breakage area)
Power rear window, not roof rack

Just told the wife i was going to go tomorrow, and she didn't shoot the daggars at me, so I guess its okay...


In case you didn't realize it, I tend to talk alot about cars...

In case you didn't realize it, I tend to talk alot about cars...

You? Na, but it did just take me 20 min to delete the rest of your post to get that one line up :p

So, gettin' the shaggin wagon eh? Nice, I saw a 66 wagon on the freeway yesterday in Modesto, primer yellow, lowered, rallys etc I immideately thought of you Tony :)

I'm game, give me a month and a half's notice so I can get the beer brewed...

Well, if any of you will be attending the Turlock swap meet at the end of January this might be a good time to say it :)

Kinzli's beer> everything else in life (besides, eh ya know)

Swap meet sounds good. I hope to have some BB stuff to sell.

First I have to put the Elky back together with the new closed chambered heads, cam and intake. I have this foot thing I've been dealing with for the past several months. Hopfully by Christmas I'll be able to stand on it so I can put it back together. I do have a large garage and come springtime would welcome people over food and wrenching.

i'll be at the swap meet for sure i know it just about impossable to park a bunch of cars togather but i'll keep a look out for you guys

Any of you guys have experience with Hydroboost? I'm thinking of getting one in the next few months, but don't have any experience with building stailess lines or setting it up. And if anyone is bored over the winter and wants to teach me how to do body work, I will provide beer!

Any of you guys have experience with Hydroboost? I'm thinking of getting one in the next few months, but don't have any experience with building stailess lines or setting it up. And if anyone is bored over the winter and wants to teach me how to do body work, I will provide beer!

That would be Troy on the hydroboost (Gokou)

Bodywork? You sure you want to take on that hard work? :) It's not that bad, but it is labor intensive.

I don't really mind hard work, but I'm a total hack when it comes to metal, so just having an experienced person around to give me some pointers/supervise would be great. I've thought about taking it to a shop, but as someone said before, it looks like someone attacked my car with a chain, so I think farming the work out would be super expensive.

So, gettin' the shaggin wagon eh? Nice, I saw a 66 wagon on the freeway yesterday in Modesto, primer yellow, lowered, rallys etc I immideately thought of you Tony :)

Yeah,

I picked it up Saturday...

The guy started it 9but had to use a screw driver on the starter, and it runs okay, drives, stops... Funny thing, when I got home, it would NOT start... Tured out the strter broke (and i can't really blame the guy). the pivot pin on the starter (on the top, pivots the solenoid linkage) came loose, and the linkage busted through the back of the housing...

The wiring looked like a nightmare, but as i go through it, its mostly not that bad . the previous owner had alot of crap like cruise control, electric fan, HEI distrib, aftermarket A/C?, stereo that he just ran wires whereever he could.

Anyway...

Its mine (much to the neighbors disappointment)...

I'll be at the swap. No progress on the Chevelle lately, money is tight due to holidays and I been traveling. Im a lost cause...lol

I still need to get my hands on some air tools. Need a DA specifically, thinking IR but need to locate one that will run with my compressor. Then I am going to town on stripping. Already got the B mounts loose (broke two) and the interior is all torn down, front clip is off, etc. I just need to grab the DA and disca galore and go to town on it. Wont be able to shoot anything because of the cold but at least can get her down to metal, get the patch work done. Might be able to rent a booth and tow it over for a weekend with my POS GMC to get it in primer and such.

Im up for whatever, as always.

Congrats on the Wagon, Tony - FINALLY got it. Like a big bass you keep seeing in the lake and have been trying to catch for months. Sucker finally got hooked. :D

Right on Tony! Cool that you Finally got the wagon. Sounds like a project, but that's where all the fun is at. Sounds pretty solid. Just needs a lot of fixing other's hack jobs on the car. Good luck.

My '05 Sierra is going down the road soon so I can save toward getting a mid-60s Chevy longbed truck. Been my dream longer than I've had the Chevelle. I really want a project to make into a daily driver pickup. Tired of new vehicles. I'm short on space though, without extending the garage 400 sq. ft. or adding a roll-up door in the rear of the 3rd stall and a slab out back with a two or four post lift. My dreams are tied with this Sierra payment though.

Have fun with your new toy Tony :thumbsup:

My '05 Sierra is going down the road soon so I can save toward getting a mid-60s Chevy longbed truck.

I hear that, good stuff. I just want something fun to drive. I dont have fun driving this truck. Hell, when I broke the tiress loose for about 50 feet or so taking a corner (before I called you when I got kicked out of Chilis for doing those 4 double shots of patron back to back....to back.....to back) and when it caught traction the damn bed shifted on the frame. Now these aholes said its up to me to unbolt it and shift it back. Im just done with GM. The cars and customer "service" just suck. More the latter that turned me away from new vehicles. Never again. Still kick myself about that 70 C series 4x4 we saw at the GG show for 12k. I should of went after that one aggressively.

Let me know when you get it done, i'll come over and drink beer while you work on it. :D

I might rebuild the carb this weekend and do a tune up, fix one wheel, and I need to cover some bare metal spots before I put it away for a few months (I am thinking POR15 or Eastwoods Rust Encapsulator), and then picking up a decent car cover (well, an inexpensive one really)...

Still trying to hold back on any major stuff, since I am not sure what my long term plans will be. Just want to get it driveable and protected for the Winter...

The wife gave me the "okay" for a BBQ and Chevelle work here, and tenatively to go over to Beaux's for a welding party... I think Craig's gonna teach us all to weld using Beaux's car, Hands-on experience... Woo Hoo...

I might rebuild the carb this weekend and do a tune up, fix one wheel, and I need to cover some bare metal spots before I put it away for a few months (I am thinking POR15 or Eastwoods Rust Encapsulator), and then picking up a decent car cover (well, an inexpensive one really)...

Still trying to hold back on any major stuff, since I am not sure what my long term plans will be. Just want to get it driveable and protected for the Winter...

The wife gave me the "okay" for a BBQ and Chevelle work here, and tenatively to go over to Beaux's for a welding party... I think Craig's gonna teach us all to weld using Beaux's car, Hands-on experience... Woo Hoo...


Good stuff all around.

I just enrolled in a local metal working and welding class in Tracy that runs for 3 months. First one I found that covers all aspects of welding and cutting, etc and they offer it in the evenings so I am taking it.

Police Academy got moved back to next year after I finished the pre-academy. Need to stack some cash and be able to quit my current job or I wont make it. Too demanding of a course to be able to work and complete it successfully so I decided i'd tackle some fab and welding classes in between. Figure it will come in handy plenty of times down the road from brackets and body work to stuff around the house.

Im up for a visit to your place to learn a little something and tackle some steaks and beers.

I just enrolled in a local metal working and welding class in Tracy that runs for 3 months. First one I found that covers all aspects of welding and cutting, etc and they offer it in the evenings so I am taking it.

Perfect, I never did this. I really should have, it would have gave me a better understanding on the subject rather than how I did which was asking seasoned veterans and experimening on cars and hoping for the best :p

Also Beaux, you mentioned going after an older ride, remember that nice gray Buick T-Type at the Turlock swap a few years ago? Yes, that one, I still whine because that car is not in my garage....

Let me know when you get it done, i'll come over and drink beer while you work on it. :D

Sucks about your shifty bed. What a 'turd. I'm tired of the loose front suspension and steering, malfunctioning Air-Bag system, creaking plastic at parking lot speeds (I swear I have a stretched 1st Gen Camaro chassis). Plus, with the A/C on, it has less power than my S-10 without the A/C on. Sick of GM's lack of quality and taking into the dealer every month. Why should I pay $600/mo. to drive a POS around? :confused: . I could drive my S-10 for a fraction of that. I need to quite dragging my feet and cut this truck loose. Oh, I took the S-10 into the dealer for a quote on replacing the tranny and installing a new clutch. They never got back to me with a quote. F-it, I'll just do the work myself. Don't have time for a lazy dealer anyway :D

Good deal on the welding class! That rocks. My traveling schedule prevents any further education. I just get dumber :)

Perfect, I never did this. I really should have, it would have gave me a better understanding on the subject rather than how I did which was asking seasoned veterans and experimening on cars and hoping for the best :p

Also Beaux, you mentioned going after an older ride, remember that nice gray Buick T-Type at the Turlock swap a few years ago? Yes, that one, I still whine because that car is not in my garage....

I would of never known about the class but I got some pamphlet for an adult school right in Tracy and saw it. They have a beginner class that runs 3 monthst and then an advanced class that includes forming and shaping metal that runs 5 months. One night a week from 6-9 pm. Should be cool and its something that I really want to learn so it wont be a drag and since I dont care much about the grades or anything - no pressure.

I also hate the fact that I / we / you passed on that t-type. That sucker was CLEAN and the price was so right that Bob Barker would of bought the damn thing on the spot.

Folks say win some / lose some. I wonder when the hell im gonna win some. :D

Al - SAME boat my man but the truck isnt down on power, that part does ok. But as far as the loose suspension and interior rattles we're on par with each other. I had to fix the extended cab door rattle by wrapping the latch excessively with electrical tape after they failed to fix it after 4 trips to the stealership. My initial fix was a taco bell napkin around the latch but they fixed it up so that even that fix wouldnt work. Then I got custom with the electrical tape and gave up on them. They think I am being picky at this point and I kind of get rolling eyes but they dont have to listen to the thing squeeking like crazy every day and I dont want my passengers annyed anough to drive with me and actually put their hand on the latch to make it stop while we roll for hot chicks ;) Pimpin aint easy but its a lot harder when you have to hold your rig together with tape and manual efforts while gettin at da ho's on da strip in your G-ride

Im up for a visit to your place to learn a little something and tackle some steaks and beers.

Bring your new DA (and sanding discs :D )... You can test out my old compressor and your DA skills... The wagon has alot of sheetmetal, so everyone can take their turn...

I disassembled the carb last night (600 cfm Holley single feed), in anticipation of my carb rebuild kit (arriving today from Summit).

It is in pretty sad shape. The secondary butterflies were "rusted" to the base plate, etc...

So I pulled out an old "freebie" carb I had lying around... I never really looked at it before, but this was a fairly nice condition 1850-3 (single feed, so I didn't care)... So nice infact, I debated using it as-is... But I figured I do have the kit so I disassembled it... Ready to go back together, just have to figure out what to do with the choke (choke is missing from the 1850)...

New plugs are in, and new cap/rotor/wires from Summit too... Just need to add some gas (it ran out the other day while idling)... Compression test ranged from 122 psi to 140psi, so pretty good (no dead holes)...

I ordered some "rust encapsulator" from Eastwood. Going to sand and paint the rusted areas, and get a car cover from WalMart.com for Winter storage...

Hopefully, it will run well...

Honestly, not sure on the convertible cam swap... Might sell it (might not though)... But I have plenty of fun stuff to do around my place...

We could also pull the body off the frame on my hardtop...


Craig, do YOU have a portable wire-feed welder? Depending on when/if we do any work/BBQ at my place, I could use some minor welding (filling holes, maybe some small patch panels, etc), maybe instead of a cam swap...

Who knows, maybe a cam/manifold swap on the wagon...

Any progress on the wagon over the weekend Tony?

Any progress on the wagon over the weekend Tony?

Well, yes... I replaced the cap/rotor/wires and plugs, and bolted on the rebuilt carb with a new filter and a $15 new chrome air cleaner :cool: ... Poured in 4+ gallons of gas, and she fired right up... Oil pressure is a little low, 15psi or so at idle and max of about 30psi...

I rewired the distributor, as the PO used the "balast" wire to supply the distributor. That ballast wire only supplys about 9 volts, so I wired directly from the fuse box (ignition terminal).

Car stared and ran well. Idled a little rough, but once I adjusted the idle mixture screws, it smoothed out...

Took it down the street. Brakes pull slightly, but the trans shifted okay (shifter only gets D and 2, but car does start in low) Briefly accelarated, and it pulls nicely (I think it only has 3.31 gears too). the power steering was COMPLETELY gone.

The car is "greasy" underneath, and around the steering box. the seller said he was told it was leaking out the rear main seal. I did NOT see any drips on the ground from the engine/trans (and they were full), so I am wondering if its just the Power steering leaking... I put in 1/2 qt (while it was parked), and it actually came to life (growning and struggling, but there was some assist).

Amazingly, the factory wiring harness looks pretty good. the "oil sender" wire was cut, and the starter wires were spliced in along with crimped connectors on the alternator, but I didn't see any other problems once I got rid of all the "extra' wires... Even the heater blower works, as well as all the heater levers... The blinkers work, and I have power to/from the brake light switch, so I assume the brakes lights work (one taillight is out, probably a bulb). The running lights work, but NOT the headlights. I doubt all 4 are bad, so probably the switch or a ground wire. I didn't check, but even the wiper hoses were still hooked up on a replacement motor/pump...

I didn't get around to changing the oil yet, but I did drain the radiator and add a gallon of anti-freeze (just in time, since it was supposed to be around 27 degrees last night and tonight).

I haven't fixed/cleaned the one wheel that was leaking, so I have one of my rallys on the car now...

I spent a few hours with some old rubbing compound and cleaner wax, and got a few panels to shine (not great, but much nicer). Of course, now I start to see more blemishes. Not a big deal, because I know it needs paint, but nice to see a shine...

Bought a decent El Camino rear bumper "core" on Friday. Anyone know any chrome shops? I found a place in West sac that will straighten and chrome for $280 (the El camino/wagon bumpers are NOT repro'd). the guy was selling a nice flat malibu hood for $100, but I am thinking "SS" hood. I actually have some old SS hoods and scoops sitting around (imagine that), but the hoods need some work.

I bought a factory '66 floor shifter the other day that was converted to TH400 cable shift. Waiting for that to arrive. Also trying to find some "decent" usable "Chevelle " bucket seats (the factory bench is wasted anyway, with NO back support, perfect for cruising the 'Hood)... Supply and demand, repro seat covers/foam is ALOT cheaper for two buckets than it is for the Front wagon bench (non-split bench)...

IF I keep it, I will go with a '66 console and buckets. I have a full "restored" set of in-dash guages (the repros) with new floor shift lense and chrome that might go in this car later (with a "Knee Knocker, of course)... Actually thinking about converting to a 2-door wagon with ElCamino doors, but thats a ways off... Beaux, are you guys going to be hanging any quarter panels on your car?

Wheels appear to be "imitation" Torque Thrusts, and one has corrosion along the bead seat. I like the style, but have debated putting my old rallys on the wagon. Not sure my 295s will fit the rear (wider 68-72 rearend) but it would be close. the current tires are Pep Boys radials, nice tread, but only 215's all around (on 15X7 rims)...

I also bought a cheap, XL, waterproof (supposedly) but breatheable car cover for $20 from Kragens. I'll use that for winter storage.

Need to buy a battery since I am using the one out of the convertible right now...

I think I am basically done until Spring (except the paint, waiting for that to arrive). Next Sunday I will probably store it at the neighbors.

Whew... Sorry to make that so long... You had to ask...Actually, I still go back and forth about whether I should have bought it or not...

I got it for $2500, but sold a bunch of old parts for $1250, so really only $1250 lighter... Of course, I could have had that extra $1250 sitting around for other stuff for my other cars... I have put several hours and about another $250 into it (registration/transfer fees, tune up, bumper, etc)...

Anyone know anyone in the Sac/Lodi area that does blasting on car bodies?

I was talking to a guy in Yuba City that had his "shell" blated (inside and out, on a rotiserrie) for $500, and another guy did his front clip for like $200...

The only place i found wanted $1400 or something for a complete (might have included epoxy primer)... Ouch...

Anyone know anyone in the Sac/Lodi area that does blasting on car bodies?

I was talking to a guy in Yuba City that had his "shell" blated (inside and out, on a rotiserrie) for $500, and another guy did his front clip for like $200...

The only place i found wanted $1400 or something for a complete (might have included epoxy primer)... Ouch...


I met a guy at the turlock swap meet two years ago that does soda blasting. Craig and Alan were there but I am not sure if you made that one or not. I think he said somewhere in the $500.00 to $600.00 range for the entire body down to bare metal. He had a demo car half stripped, said he washes it all out when he is done. I was seriously considering going that route, I will see if I can find his business card when I get home. Car he did looked nice and clean.

Hey guys, I'd love to come too, my el camino needs so much work, I'm sure I could learn alot from you. Anyone have a good recommendation for a shop for axle rebuild?

Hey guys, I'd love to come too, my el camino needs so much work, I'm sure I could learn alot from you. Anyone have a good recommendation for a shop for axle rebuild?

Where are you located?

bay area. but willing to travel

bay area. but willing to travel

I've had good luck with this place in the past:

Rearend Specialties
1040 DiGiulio Ave. Ste. 350
Santa Clara, CA 95050
phone (408) 988-3619 fax (408) 988-1105

Been 3 or 4 yrs., but they were charging $225 or so for labor on a rear-end rebuild (parts extra). They also did not have a problem with you bringin in your own parts. They'll have it rebuilt in no-time flat. Used to do it in a few hours time.

thanks, i'll give them a call.

Once the weather warms a little, I'd love to have a gang get togther up here to finish off the little details prior to firing up the beast for the first time. The 454 motor is all done and in, the TH400 tranny is all done and in, the new summit radiator and windstar fan setup is all done and in... Just need to get all the wiring routed and the dash wired up and bolted in. It's all new M&H harnesses from the dash - forward.

Most of you guys are a little far for a 1-day work party, but if it worked out, steaks and beer are on me afterwards! At least with Tony, Steve and Jason... you guys aren't very far!

curt - checked out your site. wow, looking good! it gives me hope on my project!

Thanks elka - it's been a long time (at least for me) but it's slowly getting there. There wasn't really THAT much work to do in spite of what the initial pictures looked like. The bigest chore was definitely the 1/4's and when we messed them up by cutting ON the body lines, it added about 50 hrs of work to fix the problem. The rest has been a lot of sanding and cleaning and taking stuff to other people to get the work done.

My biggest issue right now is getting the wiring and vaccuum lines in place. I started out with nothing and when you have that to work from, figuring out where it all goes takes a lot of patience. Acquiring everything and then figuring out where it all goes has been a challenge - no doubt about it!

Hopefully, I can get some folks together and get this bugger fired up soon!

If you guys need any help, let me know. I am in Modesto. It would be nice to meet some local Chevelle guys. PM me if you need a hand.

who wants to help rebuild my little blower weiand 177

who wants to help rebuild my little blower weiand 177

Humm, that would be an interesting little project...

I will look into what it takes.

il be honest im scared of it

It might be something that is too much for a garage hobbiest to handle especially since it may include refacing of vanes and surface machining.