70 Chevelle - My First Car
 

Well,
I thought I would go ahead and start my build thread. As the title states, this is my first car that I bought back in 1981. My Dad found it when he was selling insulation to a guy. We bought it one afternoon for $150. Yes, the price is correct. I think I got a good deal.
This picture is after new paint, new interior, wheels and tires. When I frist got it, all it needed was a clutch, exhaust and interior.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psac2f9f13.jpg

After driving through high school and trade school, the wife and I decided it was time to start our complete frame off build.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps885e2936.jpg

Got the body off the frame and the wife lost her garage. For more years than she ever dreamed.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps8151bc29.jpg

Here's the roll and pleat job my Dad did when I first bought the car. Seats are still in the attic of the garage. they would probably clean up good to this day.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps2bde30f6.jpg

As I started building it back, I initially installed H.O. Racing Specialty suspension parts and rear disc brakes from a 1979 Trans Am, KYB shocks and every nut and bolt was brand new.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...pse6ce1611.jpg

I used the original engine block to build a 383 and a turbo 400 trans. the original trans was a three speed on the column.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps76fd355d.jpg

So after life got in the way for more years than I care to say, kids, job, HEEP,
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...ReadyKids1.jpg

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...6/100_0759.jpg

But now we are starting back on it.

HEEP

Right on! What are the plans for it? Just re-assemble and drive? Any other upgrades?

cool!
To me the exciting part of these cars is the history behind them.
looks like this one has some:thumbsup:

Kevin, yes this car has the history. I am the second owner have all the paperwork somewhere here at the house, and just love this car. I did not have any idea what a Chevelle was when Dad took me to see it. I was a 15yr old just looking for a car. That day started a life long bug that just consumes me sometimes.

Dug, Yes I have some plans. Right now the frame is getting modified and I have a LQ9 and a T56 to go in it. Brakes are getting upgraded from 4-wheel drum originally, to 4-wheel disc with stock components, to 4-wheel disc with 14" rotors and Corvette calipers.

HEEP

Now that's a deal anytime. Even with the car being 11 years old at that time...that was a deal :trophy-1302: :G-Dub: About time you started a build thread Heep. Let's go baby!! :popcorn2:

Thanks, Marcus

Now after many years as I stated, we have started a complete tear down and going the same direction as before, just with updated parts. No, the wife has not figured out how much this has cost. Please don't tell her.

Here is the rolling chassis before the teardown.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n..._4623-Copy.jpg

The engine sitting in the frame
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n..._4620-Copy.jpg

And my mini me helper.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...E/IMG_4636.jpg

I'm trying to get out of the welding stage so he can get back out there and help. He is pushing me on this project. I think he sees this thing in his future. That is not happening.:lol:

HEEP

He's a smart kid. He knows this thing is his. :idea: :idea:

I just hope I get it done before I die.

HEEP

Great build & family history on this one! My first car was a 500.00 primered 68 SS 4spd Chevelle..

Keep us updated.

Alright, here is where I stand today. Ordered the HPI frame kit and I have it installed.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...E/IMG_5060.jpg

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...E/IMG_5059.jpg

I made a homemade frame table out of some 1/4 wall 4" sguare tubing.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...E/IMG_4643.jpg

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...E/IMG_4644.jpg

Turning it over to weld the bottom was fun.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...E/IMG_5065.jpg

All this is welded in. I now have the ABC Performance rear frame narrowing kit that I am currently in the process of installing. I'll get pictures of this later.

HEEP

I loved reading and seeing the history of your Chevelle. The vintage Pepsi cup took me back to my childhood. Its also great seeing the next caretakers getting involved early. I will definitely be watching this build. So far you are headed the same direction my 70 Chevelle Malibu is headed.

J

Great progresss Heep. Looking good!! I see you have some fab skill, huh? :welder: :welder:

I'm no GregWeld, but I like to think I can bond metal together sometimes. I will say though, I have learned a lot here on this site. If you notice, I'm usually here most of the day.

How's yours coming along? Are there updates? No, because my notification says so. :poke:

HEEP

I smiled really big when I read this post. I currently feel the same way.
Love what your doing with the car. Looks great!

Thanks guys for the props. I'm hoping that I get some progress today. Got a little work this morning then it's out to the garage.

HEEP

Frame is looking very good so far,love these Chevelles,great to see a young kid actually interested in working on cars,that's cool,keep pics coming.

Ok guys. I need some idvice. At this point when I finish the frame. I'm ready for the body to go back on to fit engine and trans. Should I go ahead and have the body blasted or wait till later when the body will come off again?

What is the normal sequence on things like this?

HEEP

Heep, I guess it would be okay to just have it blasted. But, I wouldn't finish anything, be it paint, powdercoat, etc. until it's time to avoid any mishaps.

Cool project!

I'm thinking I need to go ahead and blast myself. I really just don't want to take the body off more than I need to. The HEEP was a little different that I did not need to do anything to the chassis. So once the body was on, it stayed on.

The way I see it right now, I blast the body , then put back on the frame. then set the driveline, and that way I can do body work and build everything else. Then blow it apart, paint, powder and reassemble to full build. Sounds simple when you write it down. Should be done in about a week. :lmao:

Of course, I'm no RShop or Ironworks. To bad I didn't find Gregweld on ancestry.com, or I could call uncle greg for help.:lmao:

HEEP

Thanks, meanchicken. read about your Camaro also. Sounds like a machine. Would love to be at that point.

HEEP

Nice project. Its looking great.

Thanks WayneZ.

Just thought I would give a little update. Worked all weekend on the rear frame section. This kit is from ABC Performance. He really has thought this through. I am really impressed with what strength was added with this kit.

Here is the first and main cut of the frame. The outer plate is removed.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psa9e012c7.jpg

Here is how I braced the frame to hold everything in place.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...pscff61a3e.jpg

This is a 3/16" solid plate that is welded into the frame section.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps7416a4f8.jpg

Here is the top view showing how thick the frame is now.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps22839165.jpg

Now this is the added inner "C" that goes to the inside. You can see now that it looks like a replacement rear section that one might add if doing a complete rear sectioning.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps090aef95.jpg

This is the left side after all new material added.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps0b26d106.jpg

Here is the right side still showing all the old metal of the frame. Big Difference.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psb68368f8.jpg

Lots of grinding and welding. but I think it is going to be worth it.

HEEP

Looks great boss! What rear tire are you shooting for?

Looking good bro! :thumbsup: Now you can put some meat back there. :drive:

I'm going to try 335's. Not sure yet, but that is what I have read.

That is the plan. If I can get the chassis done, the next step is the wheel wells. Stepping out of my boundries on this. We'll see what happens when I band the tubs.
:welder:

HEEP

A 335 would be money. Any wheel choice in mind? I vote Forgeline RB3C. :RunninDog: Man, I love those wheels.

Great project. tagged to keep an eye!

I spy our k brace kit installed in your frame! Nice job, any more pics?

Also, ABC only lists their mini tub pieces as 64-67, I assume they worked for you or they now have a 68-72 version? I figured that section of the frame was very similar from 64 up......

"Lots of grinding and welding. but I think it is going to be worth it."

Most definitely worth it! ( But of course that's easy for me to say I didn't have to do it )

Tyler, yes you can see that brace kit. Very well thought out kit. thanks for coming up with it.

Here are some more pics. If you look at the back you will see where I got a little over zealous with the disc sander.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...E/IMG_5060.jpg

Trying to get the tubes at the correct level was a bit of work, but I made it.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...E/IMG_5062.jpg

Here's a good shot of everything in place.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...E/IMG_5059.jpg

Now as far as the ABC kit, yes he does have a new 70-72 A-body kit. I will say I am impressed with it. Very well thought out process. I'm going to get with him on some measurement questions I had, but everything has worked out.

HEEP

Cool thanks for posting the pics! You came up with a really neat jig there.....I am going to keep that in the back of my mind!

Keep us updated, looks real great!

Just a little update. Finished up both sides of the frame. The right was a little tougher than the left. I talked with Tony at ABC and he said he has seen the problem I had. It tested my amateur fabrication skills to the max. However, the good thing about metal is you can add more and make it smooth again.

Here is the finished frame. There are a couple of welds that need to be finished on the bottom.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps416632a5.jpg

Another shot.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psf8edd4b7.jpg

Here is the HPI portion of the frame.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps9a002d38.jpg

WOW. what a mess.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps15bc945a.jpg

There is a lot of dust on the floor. Went through many discs and flapper wheels.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps035e75d9.jpg

Tore down the frame jig.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps3cf40092.jpg

Cleaned up the floor and the garage. Took a while. Got the frame back in and turned over, ready for the few welds on the bottom that need to be finished.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psc020c3d7.jpg

Her is one of the plates that ABC provides in their kit. It finishes out the frame rail and strengthens it at the control arm mount.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...psca4dec4b.jpg

That's about it for now. I hope to finish up the welding this week. I had planned to have the body blasted before I put the frame under it. I think I am going to wait. I'll mount the body, do the tubs in the rear. and get everything done and then go back to blasting the body.

HEEP

Nice work! Post some pics of the rear inner fender to frame clearance, before you begin the mini tub work. I'd like to see what your working with in that area.
Frame looks great!

Looking good bro. :welder: With the framework on the rear, how wide of a tire can you now go?

looking great.

How many hours do you think you have in doing the frame modifications shown?

I definitely will. I am anxious to get to that point. It will be a big undertaking for me to do the tubs.


ABC is saying 335s back there. I will have to wait to see. I need to get my hands on some tires for testing.

Thanks, I am happy with how it is turning out.

Dug, in my mind too many. However, I was trying to learn to TIG while installing the HPI kit.
I think I had about 24hrs in the front portion, and about 30hrs in the rear.

HEEP

nice job on the build so far keep the picts. coming! way to step up and go for it having new skills is a great thing!:thumbsup:

^^^^^ Uhh, so have we made a decision yet. Like I previously stated...Forgeline RBC3's right? :G-Dub: