[edca]

I've come across a 1970 454 SS, auto, h. top, mostly restored. Something that I've been looking to buy for a while. It doesn't have the stripes, but rather a contrasting white cowl and white top. Has the correct badging, but I'm wondering whether this might be a clone? I've seen only 1 picture, which I will try and post tomorrow. I'm new to classic cars and I'm looking for some advice on all that I can do to ensure this is indeed an original 454 SS? i.e. where should I be looking for all the numbers, build sheet, etc.? I will post the car w/ pictures if I end up buying it in a couple days.

Thanks in advance!

 

[ToocoolZ28]

Post pictures before you buy, after you buy will be too late. The guys here can answer any question about Chevelles but if you wait until after you buy it then it doesn't really matter, at that point it is yours.

 

[Tod74]

Assume its a clone until proven otherwise. Unless there is a build sheet or a matching numbers engine that passes the experts here as legit. I guarantee you this crowd will not steer you wrong. Lots of very knowledgeable people here.

 

[edspdog]

No original documents and or reliable history it will always be a clone.
Drive train numbers matching the vin number is a good starting point to verify a SS but no papers means you never really know what the car was born with. Canadian car, that's a different story.

If the car is good and you like it buy it for what it is not what it was then you won't be disappointed later.

Good hunting.

 

[edca]

Found a picture. It's hard to tell if those parking lights are orange or clear. If they are orange, then it is most likely a non SS? They say it's totally restored..

 

[Tod74]

I would not base my decision on parking lamps....they are easily changed and the car is 43 years old.SS cars as far as I know never had rocker molding from factory though.

 

[Sleez]

appears to be some sort of L88 hood???

 

[Tom Mobley]

>>> "They say it's totally restored.."

Not with those wheels and that hood it's not. truth is, they don't know the difference between "restored" and "fixed up the way I wanted it."

without detailed inspection by somebody qualifed to do that there's no way of knowing what it really is.

 

[LevonH]

Where is this car?
If Alberta we may be able to help identify it.

 

[Alan F]

SS cars as far as I know never had rocker molding from factory though.

Yes, they did. AFAIK it was an early production thing only. They were found on the models with the trim under the headlights. I had a documented Dec Arlington build convertible.

 

[Bunz-T]

You have given almost nothing that would help in guiding you in this. I hope you have a lot more than what you have here to make a decision on. A price would narrow it way down.

 

[Robinls5]

And yet another " SS " with the vertical trim in the grill !:yes:
Bob

 

[edca]

Thanks for all your expertise. I realize you need matching numbers and documents to fully verify this, I was just looking for suggestions on anything else to look for before I go to physically look at it, since it's out of town. From the comments, it appears this is most likely not an original 454, but nothing is certain. If I can't verify it, I will of course price it as a non 454. Thanks again.

 

[wambams69ss396]

come on 70 chevelle guys he is looking for clues to help him identify the car as maybe being a SS car.now i am not an expert on 70 SS cars but there are few things i know that came on big block cars.
1) F41 rear suspension= boxed lower control arms with rear sway bar
2) round pod gauges -NO sweep speedo gauge
3) big block steering shaft-with the bolt on flange and not the pressed on style flange
4) if the motor does not match the Vin to the car, then you can check the vin on the Transmission and rear end codes that were specific to big block cars.

 

[Tod74]

Yes, they did. AFAIK it was an early production thing only. They were found on the models with the trim under the headlights. I had a documented Dec Arlington build convertible.

See...I learn something new just about every time I come here. :beers:

 

[GotGrunt]

Yes, they did. AFAIK it was an early production thing only. They were found on the models with the trim under the headlights. I had a documented Dec Arlington build convertible.

I don't think that's entirely true Alan. I own an early 70 SS with the headlight extension trim but without the rocker moldings. I also owned another early 70 SS without it. Might have been certain plants or dealer add-ons.

 

[Alan F]

I'll agree to certain plants but definitely not dealer add on. Point is appearance of rocker moldings doesn't necessarily exclude a '70 from SS status. I'm not the only one that's had it through the years and this comes up all the time.

 

[motionwannabe]

That looks like a Baldwin Motion Chevelle. Now if thats really the car you're buying a 70 SS 454 isn't worth nearly as much as a Baldwin Motion. It could be a Baldwin Motion clone as well. If its a real Motion car Joel Rosen will document it for a non refundable $2500.00 but if it turns out to be a real Motion car $2500.00 is just a drop in the bucket of what those cars are worth:thumbsup:

 

[motionwannabe]

>>> "They say it's totally restored.."

Not with those wheels and that hood it's not. truth is, they don't know the difference between "restored" and "fixed up the way I wanted it."

without detailed inspection by somebody qualifed to do that there's no way of knowing what it really is.

If its a MOTION car those wheels and L88 hood can be what the car was delivered to the customer with.

 

[CoolBlueGlow]

Glad you want to get a Chevelle. They are great cars, and its a great community.
Heck, even Dean and Tom are pretty nice, usually...

All kidding aside, IMO email the guy. Tell him you are a serious buyer and that you have the finds to buy the car. Respectfully request that he provide a reasonable portfolio of well lit, sharply focused high resolution pictures of the car before you drive over to see it. Send him an example of such a photo...to help define the meaning of "sharp, well lit, high resolution". Tell him you will pay him fifty bucks for his time and trouble.

If he says "gee, I don't have any clear photos" or blusters and gets all defensive because you simply want some clear pics, save the trip - you're done.

We're not talking Ansel Adams here, but a good portfolio of high quality detail photos are de rigueur for any classic car going for the kind of bucks this guy undoubtedly wants. Not rocket science.

If he says "fine, what do you want?", Be nice - ask for a reasonable number of detail shots, like under hood medium close ups from three angles, close ups of the steering sector and shaft from the top, a trim tag shot, bottom of the car, front and back, interior shots, including dash cluster medium close up, a shot of the rear axle, showing ID codes, ditto for transmission codes, and engine block stampings.

Remind him that you don't need the glory shot, shining in the late afternoon sun from 20' with a girl draped over the car. (Well, o.k. maybe one glory shot is o.k.

You need the brutal unflattering close ups.

If you get them, post the pictures on Flickr or wherever and link them here. Plenty of guys here who can tell you the unvarnished truth from such photos - and with a high degree of authority. (I'm not one of them, btw)

Guess that's why I stick with 66 models. Harder to fake them without breaking the law.