Hi gang,
I am hoping a few 68 Chevelle experts can steer me in the right direction here. I am looking at buying this car: http://www.volocars.com/showrm_frame.html
It is the 5th entry down under the chevelle catagory.
It has the L35 396-325 hp engine w/ 4 speed. VIN indicates an SS here # 138678K138349. There is no build sheet or window sticker. It has no A/C, or power options. Is there anything I need to look specifically at to make sure I don't get screwed. I appreciate any comments you all may have.
Thanks
Warren
96 T/A,WS6,M6
79 T/A,WS6,A3,403 (original owner)


[This message has been edited by Warren_Seale (edited 11-15-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Warren_Seale (edited 11-16-2000).]

Yes, you are paying full on retail for that ragtop. Be cautious. Hopefully someone here with real expertise can guide you better. It better be EXACTLY what they say it is.

------------------
Gene Chaas
Gold Member 62/ACES
67 SS 427 (http://www.chevelles.com/feature/october2000.html)

I know alot of people will say I am crazy but the price (although very high)does not seem out of line if the car is as advertised. This is mainly because of the rarity of the true SS Ragtops. If the tags have not been messed with, obviously the "138" indicates a true SS. It apparently does have the POP and some other documentation that can be checked out as well as the matching # motor. Someone else can correct me but I think starting in 1968 the transmission will also have that number (last 6 or so numbers from the VIN) stamped on it. The ad indicates all original sheet metal and I think there is a way to determine that but I am not sure what it is. Not sure if it is all that important as long as it has replacement GM fenders. check the fit. Another thing I remember my freinds talking about their 68's was something about the dash but I don't remember. Just look at the condition closely as for that kind of money you don't want to get into that kind of depth of "fixing"

I had 2 freinds that each had a 68 SS Rags and then last Easter my one freind died and now the other freind has 2 68 SS Rags (he bought it out of the estate) He knows much more than I do about 68's and the nuances of them. I don't get to see him that often because he travels so much but if I see him this weekend, I will try to pick his brain on other areas to look for and come back and post. Neither of his are numbers matching cars but one is an absolute gorgeous restoration with a highly modified (12.5:1 motor)that I am pretty sure he would not even sell for price listed in the car you are looking at. The other is an almost complete restoration (interior and some other minor issues need finishing)that is also a very nice looking car.

Good Luck

Mytmouse

------------------
67 SS 396 350HP 4 sp 3:55 Posi, Butternut Yellow w/Black Vinyl Top
70 SS 396 350HP 4 sp 3:55 Posi, Black on Black
68 RS Z/28 302 350+Hp? 4sp 4:10 Posi, Euro Red on Black
Mytmouse: A.K.A. Robert Stacho

[This message has been edited by Mytmouse (edited 11-15-2000).]

Just took a quick look and noticed the "Chrome SS wheels". They look like '69 or '70 SS style wheels but OEM for Chevelle were not chrome. Those probably came off a Buick. '68 did not have SS wheels only hubcaps with SS centers.

------------------
Steve Strasemeier (70SS 396, Fathom Blue/White Stripes)

HEY MYTMOUSE,
OK, LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU FIND OUT FROM YOUR FRIEND. THANKS.
WARREN

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Mytmouse:
I know alot of people will say I am crazy but the price (although very high)does not seem out of line if the car is as advertised. This is mainly because of the rarity of the true SS Ragtops. If the tags have not been messed with, obviously the "138" indicates a true SS. It apparently does have the POP and some other documentation that can be checked out as well as the matching # motor. Someone else can correct me but I think starting in 1968 the transmission will also have that number (last 6 or so numbers from the VIN) stamped on it. The ad indicates all original sheet metal and I think there is a way to determine that but I am not sure what it is. Not sure if it is all that important as long as it has replacement GM fenders. check the fit. Another thing I remember my freinds talking about their 68's was something about the dash but I don't remember. Just look at the condition closely as for that kind of money you don't want to get into that kind of depth of "fixing"

I had 2 freinds that each had a 68 SS Rags and then last Easter my one freind died and now the other freind has 2 68 SS Rags (he bought it out of the estate) He knows much more than I do about 68's and the nuances of them. I don't get to see him that often because he travels so much but if I see him this weekend, I will try to pick his brain on other areas to look for and come back and post. Neither of his are numbers matching cars but one is an absolute gorgeous restoration with a highly modified (12.5:1 motor)that I am pretty sure he would not even sell for price listed in the car you are looking at. The other is an almost complete restoration (interior and some other minor issues need finishing)that is also a very nice looking car.

Good Luck

Mytmouse

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

HEY STEVE S.
I REMEMBER READING THAT NOT ONLY ARE THE HUBCAPS AVAILABLE BUT ALSO A RALLY WHEEL. ARE EITHER OF THESE STILL AVAILABLE?
WARREN

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Steve S:
Just took a quick look and noticed the "Chrome SS wheels". They look like '69 or '70 SS style wheels but OEM for Chevelle were not chrome. Those probably came off a Buick. '68 did not have SS wheels only hubcaps with SS centers.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Here's the wheel codes.....

N95 Wire Wheel covers
N96 Simulated Magn. Hubcaps

PA2 Simulated Wire Wheels, 2nd style, '68+
PA3 Deluxe Wheel covers
PE1 Turbine 1 wheels
PE2 Turbine 2 wheels

ZJ7 Ralley Wheels
PO1 Wheel Trim Cover
PO2 Simulated Wire Wheels, 14"
PO6 Wheel Trim Rings

Warren
I have lived here in Ill. by Volo and the other Musclecar dealers for 37 years.I don't know you,but I have to speak up.You ARE geting Screwed if you buy a car from here.I have been there with my friends to buy cars and have seen to many ploys by them to sell a car.Around here there are good deals and there is Volo.I will not sight examples unless you E-mail me.I am sorry for bashing,but I have to speak up on this matter.

Warren,

I would pick Mr70's brain as much as possible. Like I said, I don't think it is necesarrily overpriced if it is everything that they advertise it to be. Can't tell by the picture. Would not worry too much about the wheels not being corrrect as they are easily replaceable with Ralley's if they were available in 68 or Hubcaps although if it were me I would not put hubcaps on my car just for the sake of originality. I like those wheels on that car. They may just be 69/70 SS Wheels

But back to the point. Mr70's comments would have gotten my antenna's up immediately and put me on the defensive. I have found that most people on this board will try to watch each other's backs when it comes to a big $$ purchase and he "sounds" passionate about his concerns about Volo. That doesn't mean that this car is not what they represent but would make me very very cautious.

I will still try and contact my freind this weekend however as you requested.

Mytmouse

------------------
67 SS 396 350HP 4 sp 3:55 Posi, Butternut Yellow w/Black Vinyl Top
70 SS 396 350HP 4 sp 3:55 Posi, Black on Black
68 RS Z/28 302 350+Hp? 4sp 4:10 Posi, Euro Red on Black
Mytmouse: A.K.A. Robert Stacho

i have been to volo before and have seen their ads. i also have done some searching on their and other websites for a super nice car for a friend.

my observations are you may be mislead by descriptions and the actual vehicle based on the price. just because they are asking premium price for a car doesn't mean it is worth it to a true enthusiast. remember they are marketing a car to anyone in the world who wants a classic muscle car and has money to spend. in a nutshell they hope to sell a car to someone who just wants a nice looking car then to someone who knows what to looking for.

my opinion is this should be the car that you have been looking for before you even make the trip. you should also know enough about this car to catch the dealer b's'ing you. remember he's a professional smoothy. it's alot of money to take someones word for it. would you be able to sell it off if it wasn't what you thought you wanted?

if it was me i wouldn't spend the time or money to make the long distance trip.

if you are really persistant perhaps someone might take a look at it for you.
there is a big chevy-vette show in chicago this weekend and volo auto museum may be there with cars on display for sale. i plan on going so i'll look for it.

good luck





------------------
68 SS396 (http://www.chevelles.com/feature/feb2000.html)

Warren,

I think the price is a little steep. Now don't get me wrong, but 68's usually don't command the price that a 67 or 70 ragtop would get. Cool thing with that car is:
1.) Got the protecto-plate
2.) Short list of owners
3.) They look great in red.
4.) Not very many 68 SS ragtops around
5.) I am biased for 68's http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif
Spending that kind of money I would ask to talk to a couple of previous buyers. Also since the owner's list is so short, try to get to them also. Remember they are a used car dealer. Doesn't necessarily mean they are crooked, but they are in business to make as much money as possible. I would also make sure you see the car in person or have a reliable rep to check it out.
BTW- There was a 1 or 2 owner Blue 68 SS in the Local autotrader this last summer for $20k. Hemmings online has a Bu ragtop with a 396 for 11,500. Same has a 68 4spd SS396 ragtop for 14,500. Be sure to shop around. Just my 2 cents....okay maybe a buck o'5 http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif
Good Luck

------------------
Jeff Angerstein
ACES#841 TCG#158
68 SS396(454)
68 Pro Street
69 SSRS 396(427) 4spd
87 MC SS

My Chevs (http://www.tcg158.homestead.com)
My Favorite (http://tcg158.homestead.com/files/drvr.jpg)
If you don't have time to do it right, make sure you have time to do it over!

I'll agree with Rick on this one. I've seen Volo's stuff numerous times, and its always overdescribed. Really nice cars there are few and far between.

------------------
Rainer Seitz
Vancouver, WA
Team Chevelle Gold #50
ACES #3784

'68 SS396
'70 LS3 400 Malibu
'70 Malibu convertible 350/300hp
rseitz@chevelles.com

Mild68ss,
Thanks for the offer to look when your at the show. If you find anything please email me at wseale@neostech.com.
Warren


<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by mild68ss:
i have been to volo before and have seen their ads. i also have done some searching on their and other websites for a super nice car for a friend.

my observations are you may be mislead by descriptions and the actual vehicle based on the price. just because they are asking premium price for a car doesn't mean it is worth it to a true enthusiast. remember they are marketing a car to anyone in the world who wants a classic muscle car and has money to spend. in a nutshell they hope to sell a car to someone who just wants a nice looking car then to someone who knows what to looking for.

my opinion is this should be the car that you have been looking for before you even make the trip. you should also know enough about this car to catch the dealer b's'ing you. remember he's a professional smoothy. it's alot of money to take someones word for it. would you be able to sell it off if it wasn't what you thought you wanted?

if it was me i wouldn't spend the time or money to make the long distance trip.

if you are really persistant perhaps someone might take a look at it for you.
there is a big chevy-vette show in chicago this weekend and volo auto museum may be there with cars on display for sale. i plan on going so i'll look for it.

good luck





<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

HI D1_BRADLEY
WERE ALL OF THESE WHEEL OPTIONS AVAILABLE ON THE SS OR WHERE THESE TOTAL OPTIONS FOR ALL CHEVELLE VARIATIONS?
WARREN

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by d1_bradley:
Here's the wheel codes.....

N95 Wire Wheel covers
N96 Simulated Magn. Hubcaps

PA2 Simulated Wire Wheels, 2nd style, '68+
PA3 Deluxe Wheel covers
PE1 Turbine 1 wheels
PE2 Turbine 2 wheels

ZJ7 Ralley Wheels
PO1 Wheel Trim Cover
PO2 Simulated Wire Wheels, 14"
PO6 Wheel Trim Rings <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>



[This message has been edited by Warren_Seale (edited 11-16-2000).]

Dear Sir, I know so little, this is offered very humbly ( probably everyone knows is ). I have been shopping for 3 years now, and purchased one Chevelle convertible, no not an SS 396. There is one little item which looms enormously large...check the rear quarters, if they are not original, or have been fiddled with, you've got big probs...they have to have that funny little groove you can run your thumb down along the side near the top...I am told by a friend who has shopped these cars longer that nobody repops convert quarters, so if it's been patched at the bottom, okay, if it has been replaced with a partial quarter from a coupe, it probably won't be...or a tin tapper or good body man could put one it....anyhow, if the groove aint there, run don't walk away from the car at the price offered. On the other hand, if it appears all there, with the numbers etc...you will just be buying a very nice, expensive car. Good luck. R. B.

Warren, for example, there is a 69 Ragtop , SS396 alum heads ( doubt its a real L89 ), in very hood shape ( I was picky about the engine bay), and I believe he's looking for 23.

Terry Young's, Hamburg NY.

rb,
Is the groove only on the 68's? Is this just part of the design styling or is there a purpose for it.
Thanks
Warren

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by rb:
Dear Sir, I know so little, this is offered very humbly ( probably everyone knows is ). I have been shopping for 3 years now, and purchased one Chevelle convertible, no not an SS 396. There is one little item which looms enormously large...check the rear quarters, if they are not original, or have been fiddled with, you've got big probs...they have to have that funny little groove you can run your thumb down along the side near the top...I am told by a friend who has shopped these cars longer that nobody repops convert quarters, so if it's been patched at the bottom, okay, if it has been replaced with a partial quarter from a coupe, it probably won't be...or a tin tapper or good body man could put one it....anyhow, if the groove aint there, run don't walk away from the car at the price offered. On the other hand, if it appears all there, with the numbers etc...you will just be buying a very nice, expensive car. Good luck. R. B.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Mr 70 check your email.
Warren


<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by mr70:
Warren
I have lived here in Ill. by Volo and the other Musclecar dealers for 37 years.I don't know you,but I have to speak up.You ARE geting Screwed if you buy a car from here.I have been there with my friends to buy cars and have seen to many ploys by them to sell a car.Around here there are good deals and there is Volo.I will not sight examples unless you E-mail me.I am sorry for bashing,but I have to speak up on this matter.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Warren -

Just spoke with a friend last nite in WI who has seen the car. It was for sale at a swap meet in WI earlier this year for high teens. Had serious rust bubbles all around the rear wheel openings, visible from a distance, at that time. He also saw it later at Volo and recognized it as the same car. They mudded over the rust - a real quickie fix-it job. Its perfume on the pig...

------------------
Rainer Seitz
Vancouver, WA
Team Chevelle Gold #50
ACES #3784

'68 SS396
'70 LS3 400 Malibu
'70 Malibu convertible 350/300hp
rseitz@chevelles.com

Nice car, but it sure does have a hefty price tag on it. I think MR.70 has the jist on this place.The serious problem is a car salesman will be your best friend and will tell you anything to make a sale. I'd stay away from dealers when it comes to antique muscle cars. There's a place like that not far from me that put unbelievable prices on their Muscle cars and gets it. I was there last summer eyeballing a 68 Roadrunner contv. a 66 Mustang 2+2..etc. They were what I call 50/50 cars.They look good 50' away going 50mph. Both cars were priced in the high teens. The salesman gave me the evil eye every time I found shoddy workmanship, and I found alot. They describe the cars like volo does with lots of smoke and mirrors. Please be careful..JMO http://www.chevelles.com/forum/frown.gif

Hey,

I will not state these things with certainty, but here is what I noticed.

The VIN Number - 68SS cars are supposed to have a 13880 designation aren't they?

The Wheels - Are not original. 68SS cars came with ralley wheels, not the later style mag type shown in the pic.

The front fenders appear to have 69 style marker lights.

Good luck no matter what you decide.

------------------
Once you have made up your mind, facts are but a mere annoyance.

blorenz1 -

13880 is an El Camino SS in 68. An SS ragtop is 13867. I'd say the marker lights look like correct 68 units, though the picture isn't that clear.



------------------
Rainer Seitz
Vancouver, WA
Team Chevelle Gold #50
ACES #3784

'68 SS396
'70 LS3 400 Malibu
'70 Malibu convertible 350/300hp
rseitz@chevelles.com

Warren,

I apologize but my buddy did not come home this weekend and is on a job somewhere in New York right now. According to his son, he will be home late Wednesday night, so I probably won't see him and get a chance to talk to him until this Friday or Saturday with the holiday coming up. Let me know if you still want his input or have you given up on this prospective purchase based on some of your feedback already.

Mytmouse



------------------
67 SS 396 350HP 4 sp 3:55 Posi, Butternut Yellow w/Black Vinyl Top
70 SS 396 350HP 4 sp 3:55 Posi, Black on Black
68 RS Z/28 302 350+Hp? 4sp 4:10 Posi, Euro Red on Black
Mytmouse: A.K.A. Robert Stacho

Warren, Looks like a nice car but for that much money I would bring an expert with you and CHECK it out, Some of these guys on this web would eat that salesman alive. Dont you think that Don-Lightfoot checked his new ride out before he wheelbarrowed all those green backs down in FLA. Thats alot of money make sure its not just a smoothed over(Ithink it is)high teens car that they fudged over and quickie sprayed. If you want to spend that much Im sure that you can find a mint original surviver or perfect new restoration......Just my thoughts Good luck and please keep us posted.......Mark