I own a '66 SS 396 4 speed convertible car (325hp, 4 speed, marina blue, white vinyl). It is 100% straight, rust free, original tin and all the parts are there. It was torn down circa 1980 for a restoration (Mediocre black paint job) and never finished. When I got it it was complete, minus the power train (actually it came with a 402 and a turbo 350). I promptly rounded up the correct Mincie, and just kind of let the pieces set, entombed in a garage, for about 3 1/2 years. A few weeks ago I rounded up the right motor for the car ( a 325 hp motor, date coded Aug of '65) Today I dropped it off at the machinist's. This is OFFICIALLY the first thing I have done to restore the car. I should have the motor back in a couple weeks, in the meantime I am going to round up parts to rebuild the M-21
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On a side note I went out to celebrate tonight. I was so stoked, I talked my cousin into getting his 66 Malibu ( A solid, bone stock, Mint Green 2 door 283, powerglide car) running. We're going to work on it this Saturday. It has been parked in a garage since 1998 and hasn't been moved since. It is in a climate controlled shop but, that is a long time for a car to set. On the other hand, I've gotten cars, that have sat in fields for longer than that, and drove them home that day. As long as he supplies the beer and buys the parts, I will get it up and running...
"I got this 66 Chevelle Jones that has to be dealt with.":beers:
http://i862.photobucket.com/albums/ab190/VintageSteel/138/CIMG5066.jpg?t=1305109869

Congrats on the start of your convertible project.
Have fun with it. :thumbsup:

:beers:

Thats a great feeling, wait till you drive it with the top down@ about 120mph (before beer). Thats the reward. Honestly for me it was the next best feeling besides my kids being born ( includes making them). Congradulations