Hi all, I'm new here! I wanted a Chevelle ever since I first got into cars as a teenager, and now I finally got one. Here is my new restoration project....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270464211721&viewitem=

I have never before done a frame off resto but I'm up to the challenge. I do have a large shop and access to all the niceties (rotisserie, media blaster, paint booth, supplied air, etc) so that I can do it right. I am completely new to body and paint work, but I have a buddy who is a whiz with it, and I'm ready to learn.

I still have a lot of planning to do but I already have (please don't flame me) all the parts to build a 600 HP, 509" Cadillac motor for it, plus some kick ass full length headers made for the swap. Will use a t-braked 400 and built 9" rear. Full (stock-ish) interior, not sure if I'll cage it or not. Stock-ish exterior with some nice, traditional type (American Racing, etc) 15-16" wheels, small cowl hood, big tires, but nothing crazy or excessive. Not sure on paint color yet but I'm thinking something dark and metallic with dark tinted windows and slightly lowered. It's basically gonna be a street/strip restomod bruiser that I will drive and enjoy as frequently as possible! I don't own and will never own a garage queen!

Thanks for such a great site. I've already downloaded a ton of nice '66 pics from the gallery to drool over, and have done some reading through the forums. Lots of good info here. Can't wait to get started on the resto!!

congrats & welcome, for the record..... the correct term is "trailer queen" ;)

"Garage queen" is something that sits in the garage, never to be driven

"Trailer queen" is a car that goes to shows but is not driven

"Fairground queen" is a car that is a "trailer queen" but actually gets driven around the fairgrounds of the show

"Drag Queen" is something quite entirely different than a 1/4 mile racer :yes:

Welcome!!

Hi Nate,welcome.:waving:

"Garage queen" is something that sits in the garage, never to be driven

"Trailer queen" is a car that goes to shows but is not driven

"Fairground queen" is a car that is a "trailer queen" but actually gets driven around the fairgrounds of the show

"Drag Queen" is something quite entirely different than a 1/4 mile racer :yes:


Oh....:D never heard garage queen before, I guess if I was to choose one, it'd have to be the trailer version. ;)

I've always felt any of the above terms are derogatory toward the owners of cars that are built for the purpose of Competition and choose to do what they want with their own cars.. but alas.. that's an old and tired topic.. :(

Welcome to the forum! :thumbsup:

Mike

I've always felt any of the above terms are derogatory toward the owners of cars that are built for the purpose of Competition and choose to do what they want with their own cars.. but alas.. that's an old and tired topic.. :(

Welcome to the forum! :thumbsup:

Mike

Yes, just like the people who bash someone for building a clone. I agree Mike, if it's your car, do what you like.

Welcome aboard, Nate!! Nice pick for your project. I love 66's. Lot's of good info here.

Thanks guys! I have been reading, learning, and planning. I won't be coming home until December so plenty of time to get things figured out. To begin with I had a general idea of the look I was going for, but through further thought and looking at other bad ass rides for inspiration I have been able to refine the look considerably. I've picked out the perfect paint color, wheels, etc to fit my theme, and the image is really starting to shape up in my mind's eye. LOTS of planning still left to do of course, but the more I plan, the more excited I get about this project. This is gonna be one WICKED ride!! I can't wait to get started!

One thing I'm loving is the huge aftermarket support for these cars. Seems like no matter what I need, somebody makes it. Some of the other cars I've built have required a lot of fabrication, and it'll be nice to be able to just bolt most of it together this time around.

Also, the community and enthusiasm surrounding these cars is freakin huge. Soon as I get it running there will be no shortage of cruise-ins, car shows, and other events to attend. Should have fun for years to come!

Yo Nate!
Looks like a nice project for you to get into! Ya can never go wrong with a 66... or any Chevelle, thats for sure! :thumbsup:

I have a 66 that I am (still) in the process of finishing up after a frame off. I didn't keep it original either. I believe that I am finishing what GM started many moons ago, and am making it that much better! :yes:

I am supprised at how many things I needed for the car that just weren't made aftermarket then but are available now. So thats working in your favor also!

Good luck and keep us posted on the progress when ya get it started!
Also, welcome to the site! :beers:

Oh....:D never heard garage queen before, I guess if I was to choose one, it'd have to be the trailer version. ;)


I'm the garage version :(...and welcome!