70 Chevelle - My First Car

[HEEP]

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.


After driving through high school and trade school, the wife and I decided it was time to start our complete frame off build.


Got the body off the frame and the wife lost her garage. For more years than she ever dreamed.


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.


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.


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.


So after life got in the way for more years than I care to say, kids, job, HEEP,




But now we are starting back on it.

HEEP

[dug]

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

[KPC67]

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

[HEEP]

Originally Posted by KPC67

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

Originally Posted by dug

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

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

[214Chevy]

Originally Posted by HEEP

.... We bought it one afternoon for $150.

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

[HEEP]

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.


The engine sitting in the frame


And my mini me helper.


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.

HEEP

[214Chevy]

Originally Posted by HEEP

..... He is pushing me on this project. I think he sees this thing in his future. That is not happening.

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

[HEEP]

I just hope I get it done before I die.

HEEP

[intocarss]

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

Keep us updated.

[HEEP]

Alright, here is where I stand today. Ordered the HPI frame kit and I have it installed.




I made a homemade frame table out of some 1/4 wall 4" sguare tubing.




Turning it over to weld the bottom was fun.


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