The Chevelle when we brought it home.
This was the Chevy 350 after I rebuilt it. The engine was later sold to one of our customers. I had installed
3:73's gears and built a 700R OD Transmission for his 72 Vette about 6 months earlier.
The 12 bolt buttoned back up. I built it with US Gear 3:73's, Eaton Limited Slip, Timken bearings and a TA
Girdle.
The suspension was totally rotten and worn out. The control arms had no bushings left at all. One control
arm was cracked where the bushing was missing and the bolts were just banging metal to metal.
It was about here trying to remove surface rust from the frame that I got frustrated and decided on a frame off restoration
and the Chevelle project took a new turn.
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Back side, serious surface rust. Bent bumpers
The Turbo 400 was shot. I rebuilt it with a Raybesto's Blue Lined friction race kit, Kolene Steels, hardened sprags and
a TransGo shift kit. The transmission ended up in the Pit Shop's race car in Fairfield.
Just say "No" to Por 15. It peels off like a sheen of coating with oil, brake fluid, or even soapy water.
It is expensive. If you prep the metal to make it stick, you can probably have the metal powder coated for
cheaper. Powder Coating is much more durable and attactive.
The body gets divorced from the frame.
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The Chevy 350 engine suffered from a flat cam.
Not only was the suspension worn out, the engine had a flat cam, the transmission was shot and the car had surface rust,
but the 10 bolt one legger had a few broken teeth off the ring gear!!!!
So the only answer for that is a 12 bolt. This was the 12 bolt housing just back from the powder coater.
Thanks Bill @ American Powder Coating in West Sac.
I had the car running and driving for about a week. After doing all the mechanical work, rebuilding the engine,
the transmission, the rear end, and the front end, I just didn't like the Por 15 on the frame. I decided the car
had to be re-done.
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Currently the Chevelle is waiting on paint and interior. I will publish some updated pictures soon.
Here is a short list of what has been to done to date, after the frame was Powder Coated, the car was completely rethought:
Frame: Including X-Member, Engine Mounts, Fender Wells, Radiator Support, Hood Latch, and Bumper Brackets have all been
media blasted and powder coated 80% Semi-Gloss Black.
Wheels and Tires: Custom Cut American Racing Torque Thrust II's 18X10's with 4" Backspacing in the rear. 17X8's
in the front also with 4" backspacing. BF Goodrich TA's KDW all around.
Front Sheet metal: Surface rust was bad due to paint removal from a previous owner and was replaced with Goodmark
Industries Fenders, Functioning Cowl Hood, Wheel Wells, Radiator Support and bumper filler.
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The Suspension: Upfront, Global West Tubular Control Arms, uppers and lowers with Delalume Bushings, Hotchkis Lowering
Springs, Edlebrock Shocks. The rear axle is held to the ground by Global West Control Arms as well. Global West
Sway bars, front and rear keep it tight in the corners.
The Differential: Chevy 12 Bolt, US Gear 3:73's, Eaton Limited Slip, Timken Bearings, Strange Axles, TA Girdle and powder
coated 80% Semi-Gloss Black.
Transmission: T-56 6-Speed. Rebuilt with 3-4 modified/strengthed shift fork. Install kit/Hyrdaulic Throw
Out Bearing and Bellhousing made by Wier Racing, American Canyon, Ca. and a Center Force Clutch
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The Engine: 454 +.040, balanced Courtesy of Lance at California Street Machine, Fairfield, Ca. GM Steel Forged
Crank for their 502, Fluid Harmonic Balancer, Eagle H-Beam rods, Speed-Pro Hyperutectic Pistons @ 10.5:1,
Miloden 7-Quart Oil Pan, Edlebrock Aluminum Heads, RPM Air Gap with Endura Shine Finish, Demon 875 Carb, Comp Magnum
292 Cam, Scorpian Roller Rockers 1:7, March Brackets with Serp belt, Mallory MSD 6-A Ignition System, Barry Grant Electric
Fuel Pump, Steel Braided Fuel Lines ARP Bolts hold every thing together. A BeCool Radiator with Twin Electric Fans keep it
running cool.
All rebuilding has been done in house and by my hand.
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