1966 Chevelle Build
 

Some of you may have followed my 58 GMC build I started back in 2006. Well that build is done now (not really since they are never really even done) and it's time to start a new build. I went over to the Chevelle site, but I was having a hard time feeling at home there, then I ran across this page "Alternate Tinkerings", a place were I can start a new build thread at the best forum on the web! So now I'm back home.

I bought a 1966 Chevelle back in June 2010. We picked it up for $4,200. The plan is to build a really nice driver restro rod, nothing to fast for her, but something fast enough for me. We (yes, my wife and I) started tearing down the Chevelle last summer. We pulled the clip, motor and trans and sent a bunch of stuff of to powder coating. Anyway here are some pics were we started and were we are at now.

Here's a concept drawing of the Chevelle and the direction we’re headed. (no checker board on the side, thats a refection)

Re: 1966 Chevelle Build
 

Here's the Chevlelle when we got her back in June 2010.

Re: 1966 Chevelle Build
 

if its done like your truck was its gonna be a nice ride

Re: 1966 Chevelle Build
 

Im signing to watch looks like a fairly clean start

Re: 1966 Chevelle Build
 

Two of the baddest cars I have ever built were Chevelle's, 67 SS and 69 SS. Love me some A bodies.

Re: 1966 Chevelle Build
 

CAL 58 GMC,

I will be watching closely and I'm glad you decided to post this build here. I agree with pugs if its anywhere as nice as the truck its gonna be a sweet ride.

Re: 1966 Chevelle Build
 

nice work

Re: 1966 Chevelle Build
 

Thanks pugs!
Other them a small spot of rust on the floor board it's a solid car.
My friend in high school had a 66 that I did my gear head teething on. I had a 70 about twenty years ago, I loved that car.
Hey Kabwe, I learned alot off my 58 build, you know the do's and don'ts like I'm sure you did with your 55.
Thanks man.

Re: 1966 Chevelle Build
 

Here are a few more pics before the tear down.

Re: 1966 Chevelle Build
 

Here my wife and I start tearing down.

Re: 1966 Chevelle Build
 

Looks great man whats that orange truck in the back is that your 58?
divin right into it.
lets see some more

Re: 1966 Chevelle Build
 

After pulling the clip and motor we started cleaning and stripping the frame I then painted it. I had the A-arms powder coated, installed CCP dropped spindles & springs. I installed all new tie rods, tie rod ends, center link, idleler arm, 1.75 in. sway bar and a rebuild power steering box. I also installed all new polly bushings and 12 in. drilled and slotted disk brakes.

Re: 1966 Chevelle Build
 

Loooks great man

what paint did you use on the frame?

Re: 1966 Chevelle Build
 

I then started on the engine. I have been a fan of 327's for along time so I kept the origanl numbers matching engine. I tore it down and it was showing some wear so off to the machine shop it went for boring and a valve job. It's now bored .40 over. I intalled Speed Pro coated skirt piston and moly rings. A new performance Sumit Racing cam, roller tip rockers, gear drive timing Edelbrock intake and carb, Mallory HEI distributor and all the bling valve covers oil pan etc.

Re: 1966 Chevelle Build
 

Thanks man! I used a rattle can.

Re: 1966 Chevelle Build
 

nice man
im diggin this 327 nice edelbrack parts
what are you doing with the original one?
what size cam did you put in it?
this things gonna be cherry. love the 66

Re: 1966 Chevelle Build
 

Cool car, I have a soft spot for 66 Chevelle's had 6 of them in the past.
Be watching this build :metal:

Re: 1966 Chevelle Build
 

NICE...
I just sold my 66 convertible! :(

Re: 1966 Chevelle Build
 

This 327 is the original one. I don't remember off hand what size cam, I think it was 224 int./224 exh.
One of my favorite Chevelles too along with the 1970.
Thank must have been a sad day.

Re: 1966 Chevelle Build
 

Looking good CAl.
I'm glad you've got a thread going on this as the 66 is my favorite year. I hope to get another one when I finish my truck.
Kim

Re: 1966 Chevelle Build
 

Very sweet deal for $4200 I have to say! That is a great car, no rust, complete and it has some parts to sell to help out the project. That will be a killer car for your wife. Nice work, and keep up the great work!

Re: 1966 Chevelle Build
 

I'm going to keep an eye on this one because I know its going to be a sweet ride.

Re: 1966 Chevelle Build
 

Nice the thing looks really sharp

i meant to ask what are you doing with the original intake?:lol:

Re: 1966 Chevelle Build
 

Hey Bro I wish I could come help. But you probably want to hog all the fun for yourself ! Lookin good

Re: 1966 Chevelle Build
 

Another great start, Cal58. You can never go wrong with a Chevelle as your choice of canvas. It's good to see the missus digging right in and getting dirty! It makes the journey sweeter! I get my kids out into the shop on the odd occasion when I need a hand, but I wish it were more. They just aren't into it. Hopefully your wife is committed to being involved in the whole build. Did you paint the entire frame, or just from the firewall forward?