66 SS396 Barn Car Back on the Road! [Archive] - Chevelle Tech

: 66 SS396 Barn Car Back on the Road!


bulletpruf
Jun 11th, 08, 8:10 PM
I bought my barn-fresh Chevelle in the spring of 2006 in Virginia. Shortly thereafter, I moved to Texas (Chevelle stayed in storage in VA), deployed to Iraq for 15 months, returned to Texas, and now I'm back in Virginia (D.C. area).

Other than driving it on and off the trailer, the Chevelle hasn't seen the open road for a dozen years or so. Fixed that today - got her running and took a few laps around the neighborhood. Had my e-brake and one rear brake working, so I had to be careful, but did drop the hammer a bit a few times. Engine is pretty healthy - 396 with closed chamber heads, large solid cam, roller rockers, alum intake, 700 dp, headers, built TH400 with 10" converter (original 4 sp car) etc. Plan is to get the car cleaned up, brakes sorted out, and hit the local track. Really curious to see what times it will run.

Plan is for a complete resto, but I'm going to have some fun with it in this configuration for a while. It's got that 80's look going for now - air shocks, Centerlines, gold Moroso valve covers, etc. Have some 14x6 steelies on the way, so the Centerlines are on their way out (might end up with a pair of slicks on them).

Anyway, since I'm posting a pic, figured I post the rest of my stuff while I'm at it. Pics all taken at my place; was lucky enough to find a house to rent with storage space for 6 cars -

WARNING - NON CHEVELLE CONTENT FOLLOWS!!!

In the attached garage is a RAIV GTO. It's originally Pepper Green, black interior, no power options, M21, 4.33. Right now it's got a non-original 400, but I have almost everything to put a correct RAIV back in it. Still need carb and distributor. It's been partially restored, but really needs to come off the frame to be done right. Think this one is destined for the Pure Stock Drags. I'm about to swap out the 14 x 7 rallys for steelies and dog dish hubcaps.

Next to that is an Antique Gold/gold RAIII 4 sp Judge. Purchased from the 2d owner 2 years ago; had been languishing in a barn near Palmyra, VA for about a dozen years. Runs and drives. All complete and original (carb, manifolds, Ram Air hardware, etc) except for the block. Really does need a frame off and a decent amount of body work.

In the back is another RAIII 4 sp Judge - Carousel Red/black, hideaways. Purchased in Lubbock, Texas about 2 years ago. Had been sitting in an aircraft hangar for the past 12 years. Has the original rearend, have a correct dated M20 for it, and just brought home a correct dated WS motor for it, purchased from another member on the Judge board.

In the back garage, starting on the left is a '67 Fairlane hardtop. 514 (bored and stroked 460) with 796 dyno tested hp (13:1, big roller cam, dominator, etc), C4 auto. Subframes connected, mini-tubs, 10 point cage. Super solid Wimbledon White/Seafoam Green car that I bought about 4 years ago. Should run 9s if I can get it to hook. Just need to spend more time running and tuning this one. This is the only car in my collection that was officially "for sale" when I purchased it.

The middle car is a '71 GTX, 440, hemi 4 sp, Pistol Grip, Dana 60. One of 324. Black on black. 2 fender tag car. Spoilers. Air Grabber. Runs and drives. Need to spray a coat of primer on it and drive it. Hasn't been on the road since the late 70's. 61k original miles. Purchased from 2d owner.

Only car that I don't have here is the '66 Fairlane convt - 289, auto. Originally Bronze/Bronze, but now white/red. Runs and drives, but needs a rebuild on the engine and tranny; both are pretty tired. It's still back home in La right now.

Scott

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m118/sd_walters/100_4053.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m118/sd_walters/100_4009.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m118/sd_walters/100_4035.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m118/sd_walters/100_3236.jpg

jc67
Jun 11th, 08, 8:33 PM
no fair. nice collection

Blue71
Jun 12th, 08, 8:44 AM
Hell of a garage. Great to see some done, some to-do...

gwizit
Jun 13th, 08, 3:40 AM
FIRST OFF - Welcome back from Iraq - Appreciate All the Guys/Gals Serving

Second - You S*ck (Joking) - Nice Collection of Toys/Hobbies/Whateverz

kettbo
Jun 13th, 08, 1:41 PM
Welcome back to "The world"
I went for 12 months OIF 1.5 so I know how it feels to be home with the loved ones...including the ones in the garage.

JHP69ss
Jun 13th, 08, 2:29 PM
Great looking collection Scott, welcome back!

bulletpruf
Jun 13th, 08, 5:22 PM
Fellas -

Glad you like my "children." I didn't really intend to end up with 7 musclecars, but it just kind of worked out that way. I went from 2 cars (Suburban and Fairlane) to 8 cars in just about 5 months. I was living near Charlottesville at the time (spring 2006), and ended up finding a few keepers along with a few cars and collections of parts that I sold for a profit. Proceeds went towards more cars, of course. Anyway, I got a little greedy and decided not to sell any more cars, so I'm stuck with 7 for the time being.

George - you hit the nail on the head - I sure was ready to get home, pull 'em all out of storage, and get to work!

Thanks,

Scott