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Differences between 69-71

29K views 33 replies 25 participants last post by  Bow_Tied  
#1 ·
Hey guys whats up. Im new to this forum, I just recently found my passion in muscle cars, and found the chevelle to be my choice of car. I wanted to get familiar with the pros and cons of the chevelle through the years of 69-71. Thanks again.
 
#2 ·
One thing I can tell you (in the most loving way) is that you can't swing a dead cat without hitting a 70 around here. Not that that's a bad thing. But it does get a little tedious that guys with other years don't seem to start a thread with "took my 70 out for a ride on hwy 70. Was doing 70 in my 70 getting 70 miles per gallon. Paid 70 cents for gas because the guy liked my 70. He offered me 70. I said no in, you guessed it, 70 nanoseconds.

So I would say get a 69. Much better looking car. LOL
Randy
 
#5 ·
One thing I can tell you (in the most loving way) is that you can't swing a dead cat without hitting a 70 around here. Not that that's a bad thing. But it does get a little tedious that guys with other years don't seem to start a thread with "took my 70 out for a ride on hwy 70. Was doing 70 in my 70 getting 70 miles per gallon. Paid 70 cents for gas because the guy liked my 70. He offered me 70. I said no in, you guessed it, 70 nanoseconds.

So I would say get a 69. Much better looking car. LOL
Randy

My favorite year is 67 but I had to settle for a 70.

LK
 
#6 ·
gdupm6 said:
I wanted to get familiar with the pros and cons of the Chevelle through the years of 69-71.

The "pros and cons" of different year Chevelles are mainly based on subjective criteria...as are favorite years of Chevelles.

Personally, my favorite is the '68 or '69.
I don't have a definite preference of one over the other because the body styles are so similar.

Regards,
-Greg
 
#9 ·
Pros & Cons...

Chassis is exactly the same from 68-72, so there is NO DIFFERENCE in handling, braking, traction, aftermarket support, etc.

Any engine that you can bolt in a 69, will also bolt in a 71, NO DIFFERENCE there. 70 had the biggest/most powerful optional engine from the factory, but unless you're looking to spend a lot for some tiny numbers stamped on the block, that doesn't really matter either.

69-71 you cannot tell if the car is an SS without paperwork to document it.

Of the three years you listed, a 71 will probably be the cheapest to buy, followed by '69. 70 will likely be the most expensive. This is directly the result of their popularity... 70 is most popular and sought after, 69 is a very close 2nd.

I prefer the 69, as it's the best looking. ;) You can't go wrong with any of them though, as they're the best musclecar there is... more comfortable than a Camaro or Nova, not huge like the Impalas, and more aftermarket support than any Ford, Mopar, or other brand of GM.
 
#18 ·
Pros & Cons...

Chassis is exactly the same from 68-72, so there is NO DIFFERENCE in handling, braking, traction, aftermarket support, etc.

Any engine that you can bolt in a 69, will also bolt in a 71, NO DIFFERENCE there. 70 had the biggest/most powerful optional engine from the factory, but unless you're looking to spend a lot for some tiny numbers stamped on the block, that doesn't really matter either.

69-71 you cannot tell if the car is an SS without paperwork to document it.

Of the three years you listed, a 71 will probably be the cheapest to buy, followed by '69. 70 will likely be the most expensive. This is directly the result of their popularity... 70 is most popular and sought after, 69 is a very close 2nd.

I prefer the 69, as it's the best looking. ;) You can't go wrong with any of them though, as they're the best musclecar there is... more comfortable than a Camaro or Nova, not huge like the Impalas, and more aftermarket support than any Ford, Mopar, or other brand of GM.
I have a 69 with no paperwork, BUT it has a paint code of 72 72. This fact IS enough information to determine it to be a real SS car.

Let's be nice now!:D
 
#11 ·
The Chevy small block engine is probably the best engine ever made. Based on production numbers it's the most popular engine ever made and for after market parts no other engine comes close.

Go big block, there is nothing like a big block Chevelle. Unmodified they have more torque and horsepower, easier to get more torque and horsepower out of them if you want. Nothing sounds like a big block with a good cam.
 
#15 ·
I've always favored the '69 body style, but I like the later ones too. The dash w/ gauges on the later ones is nicer, IMHO.
If I had the big money, I'd start w/ a '69, change the dash over to the '70 SS round gauges, then take the sheetmetal "blisters" from the sides of the fenders & graft them on the '69 body. Power it up w/ a LS6 style 454 and I'd be smiling big.
I'm working on the 454 part now, but it would be fun to have the custom I dream about.

Dan
 
#17 ·
Yes.
Enough time, money, skill & tools - you can do most anything!

Dan
 
#21 ·
lots of opinions here so here is mine :D

When shoppingfor your velle, looking at pics etc., look at the back end too to see what you prefer. While I love my 69, my 71 certainly has the sexiest rear end of any car ever built.

some light reading: http://www.chevelles.com/shop/ss_ident.html

Welcome to TC! :waving:
 
#30 ·
lots of opinions here so here is mine :D

When shoppingfor your velle, looking at pics etc., look at the back end too to see what you prefer. While I love my 69, my 71 certainly has the sexiest rear end of any car ever built.

some light reading: http://www.chevelles.com/shop/ss_ident.html

Welcome to TC! :waving:
Add me to the 71 List :hurray:. We have the sexiest rearend, but the 69 loooks real good from the front.
 
#22 ·
I have a 70, and if I were to get another one, I would like a 67!
 
#28 ·
I have a 72. My dad also had a 67 with a better body than mine i didnt get a choice for my first car when i was 16 i got the 72 and he sold the 67 i would rather have the 67. seems like everyone i know has a 70-72 and no one has and other years. and i love the body and shape of the 67.
 
#29 ·
The answer here is which ever body style you like best, they are not much different mechanically. If you like all the body style and cant pick one of the other. I would then suggest finding the nicest Chevelle you can and buy that. Especially if your looking for a project you want to restore yourself.
 
#32 ·
Personally, the '69 Chevelle has the ugliest taillights I have ever seen. The '68 Chevelle is the closest in shape and style and is a waaaaaay nicer looking car because of the tails.

If I were you, I'd not commit to one year, I'd hunt and shop until I found the most bang for my buck...no matter what year it is. It has been mentioned that '71s...maybe even '72s can be bought for less though. There is only a tiny difference between the '71 and '72. Are you excluding the '72s for a reason?
 
#34 ·
Personally, the '69 Chevelle has the ugliest taillights I have ever seen. The '68 Chevelle is the closest in shape and style and is a waaaaaay nicer looking car because of the tails.
I always thought the same thing til I saw them light up at night.

What actually looks best in 68/9 is Beaumont taillights. :yes: