[novator]

I am restoring a 1966 Chevelle SS for my father in law that will one day be my sons. Unfortunately, I have been without a project for 15 years (college, married, kids, etc). I have restored several 68-70 models when I was younger and grew up around cars so I am not totally dumb just rusty.
The 66 in overall in good shape as far as rust and decay but it needs paint, minor body, and engine rebuild. I need some best resources recommendations as far as parts sources and manuals (Year One, Classic Industries, etc). I am planning more of an original drivable restore since it is an numbers matching SS, but will do some minor upgrades that could be undone to original (electronic ignition, vintage air, etc). Thanks for any tips or best places.

 

[sglide]

Sweet car to restore! Which motor does it have, 325 hp, 360 hp, or 375 hp, and what options, like transmission, knee knocker tach, buckets, am/fm, rear antenna, etc? Some pictures of its current condition would be nice as well. For manuals, there are 3, maybe 4, that will be of get use. All of them are still available in reprints: the factory Assembly Manual, the Body by Fisher book, the Chassis Repair manual and the Chassis Overhaul manual. As far as new part sources, check out the Vendor section of TC. Also, True Connections is back in operation and has been a good source in the past. Good luck!

 

[novator]

Thanks for the advice. It's a close to drag race special. Front bench, 360 HP, 4 speed, Knee knocker tach, AM/FM, Black on Black. It has the original interior and carpet all still in great shape. It only has 130,000 miles. Been garage kept most of its life. It has a little rust in the lower driver and passenger quarters (I hope that's all). Going to pull the engine and put a stock rebuild kit in it. I will try to get some pics up soon.

 

[Jim_66SS]

Good luck and have fun. AM/FM pretty rare for a bench car. Order a bunch of catalogs, like from the Right Stuff, Paragaon, long Island corvette (same engine parts), James Hinshaw, oldmusclecars, etc. Also a CD from Dale McIntosh, Chevrolet by the Numbers, Hollander exchange, etc. Do you have the gague package? Probably no way to know if it was a 360hp car from the factory, unless you have the original block with an unmolested assembly code to match the vin. Don't bother looking for a build sheet, you won't find one. Maybe you will find some broadcast sheet.

 

[jaf6738]

You found the right place when the time comes for answers to your questions when rebuilding the 66. The advice is all good so far. Although the 66 models never offered front disc brakes for Chevelle, I would recommend adding that to your project if you plan to drive it on the street along side modern cars and trucks on today’s roads. You could use the disc brake setup from any 69-72 Chevelle as a direct bolt on. The four-piston disc brake setup (RPO J52) used in 67 and 68 Chevelle is extremely hard to locate and expensive to upgrade, (stainless sleeves) to use. The 1966 Chevelle SS 396 ci. engine incorporates a unique camshaft oiling system and needs correct bearings for that year. Be aware of that when ordering your 1966 engine rebuild parts. The drivers side (left) engine mount should be replaced with an upgraded “safety” tab type mount also, to avoid unsafe condition if the original style mount fails. Take lots of pictures. Clean, label, and bag everything you remove. Good luck with your project. Be safe and have fun.

 

[Jim_66SS]

Forgot to mention, you should get the 66 chevelle AIM (assembly instruction manual) and a 66 chevelle service manual. Maybe the Fisher 66 chevy manual.

Good advice on the rear cam bearing, and the camshaft has to have the special oiling groove that a machine shop can add if your changing the cam or you'll be doing another rebuild shortly. Special distributor also. Lots of cheap Motor mounts, get a good one. I chose to stay with a special drum brake pads for muscle cars as opposed to changing to disc.

 

[novator]

Thanks for all of the great advice, please keep them coming as anyone thinks of it. I am going to go with disc brakes, Thanks for the cam bearing and camshaft I had no idea. Looks like I will start the manual ordering. I hope to get something going in a couple of weeks, just wanted to get my plan laid out.

 

[Jim_66SS]

Thanks for all of the great advice, please keep them coming as anyone thinks of it. I am going to go with disc brakes, Thanks for the cam bearing and camshaft I had no idea. Looks like I will start the manual ordering. I hope to get something going in a couple of weeks, just wanted to get my plan laid out.

Make sure you have the correct rims. A lot of the set-ups for 14" rims won't work with the original 14" rims.

 

[dgwar]

My suggestion is to do the body 1st and interior last. body is the slowest part, better to give up there 1st, than to have a fortune in parts like engine, frame work. and interior that will be out of warranty before the body is finished. If a car has a good body, you can still sell that. Remember that you will never get paid for your time and parts never sell for what you paid for them. The job you farm out for 2 weeks will take 2 months.
But, jump in like I did and enjoy building your car. Had I searched all of the forums before starting each step, I would have been way ahead, someone here has made all the mistakes for you, seek and ye shall find.