hi this is my first post here. i just recently got a 69 Chevelle SS (originally a 396 but has no motor now) from my uncle. the car's body is in EXCELLENT shape (no rust or major dents). its just missing a few trim pieces and such, the interior needs some help, and of course it needs an entire driveline. i just have a few body questions:

http://images.cardomain.com/member_img_a/321000-321999/321292_12_full.jpg

1. the car was originally a soft-top. how hard would it be to just shave off all the chrome trim that originally was part of this (the one going from the side windows across the top of the rear quarter panels, the chrome trim above the side windows, etc.)

2. has anyone here shaved the door handles and locks and used remote poppers? i want to do this but the doors on this car are heavy and i don't know how well it will work.

3. i'm going to have to take the body off the car to beef up the frame for the power i intend putting in this thing. what's the best way to take the body off the frame?

please excuse these questions if they seem stupid but this is my frist time restoring a car. everything else i've done has been a new car that didn't need so much work.

thanks
TONY

Tony - there ARE no stupid questions. It's refreshing to see a young guy who admits he doesn't know it all! Welcome to the site. Those chrome pieces for the old vinyl top just pop right off, and any decent body guy can weld up the base holes. Same with the door handles - just make sure your pins and bushings in the hinges are good, and both doors are adjusted perfectly before doing the remote opener thing. as far as the body removal is concerned, there is ONLY one way to do it, and you'll get right into it soon, I expect! Take your time, ask questions, do it right! Tou'll be that much prouder of it! I wish my uncle would have given me a prize like that!! GL

thanks man. your really helpful, this place ROCKS!! graemlins/hurray.gif i was over at chevytalk and never really got an answer to any of my questions. thanks again graemlins/beers.gif

Tony not sure on the 69's but on the 70 chevelle those moulding are also bolted on. The moulding on the quarter is bolted in about 3 spots. On the back moulding it just "POPS" off. There are special tools for this removal avaible at most auto stores.

For the door poppers pick up a street rodder mag and look for all the advertisements. I did poppers on a 46 ford convert used Uncle Urk's products...Eric