1965 Chevelle build

[steveZL]

New project just arrived... 1965 Malibu Chevelle Sport coupe, currently with a 327 and a Powerglide

Steve

[steveZL]

New project just arrived... 1965 Malibu Chevelle Sport coupe, currently with a 327 and a Powerglide

Steve

Initial pics of the delivery...

[Paraman1]

64-65 GM A-bodies are my favorite . Can't wait to see where you take it from here .

[steveZL]

Thanks... 64-65 ABodies have been my fav for a long time.

The plan at the moment is to build a pro touring Chevelle that is overall stock looking

[Justin@EntropyRad]

Killer looking car! Nice color on it too

[jwatts]

Looks like you have a nice starting point. Good luck with your build.

[1968CamaroSS_Sam]

Very nice looking Chevelle. Love the color also.

[steveZL]

Thanks guys... It's an unrestored car and fairly original so I can build it the way I want.

Probably going to use DSE suspension with coil overs. Anyone here using their stuff on an A-body?

[Motown 454]

Nice car. Welcome! your other car sounds sweet too.

[steveZL]

Nice car. Welcome! your other car sounds sweet too.

Thanks...the Camaro is actually up for sale. Need to fund the new project:)

[Rantheman]

Thanks guys... It's an unrestored car and fairly original so I can build it the way I want.

Probably going to use DSE suspension with coil overs. Anyone here using their stuff on an A-body?

nice chevelle I'm planing on ditching some parts and running dse suspension good luck keep us posted

[Jaay77]

I get my 65 back next week with DSE suspension and rear end. Should be good stuff.

[Bonehead]

Ah what a beautiful 65! Gotta love a-body builds here. Eager to see where you take it.

[steveZL]

I get my 65 back next week with DSE suspension and rear end. Should be good stuff.

How's the car with the new suspension?... What rear axle did you go with?

[steveZL]

117043The VHX cluster arrived today...thanks to Tanner at PRRC!

Engine bay cleanup is taking shape, Vintage air front runner and AC system in progress. Pics coming soon

[steveZL]

Parts are starting to arrive for the Chevelle... DSE suspension, Baer Brakes, Moser 9", Budnik wheels coming soon120741

[steveZL]

New exhaust and crossmember120740

[cbpldc]

ooh! I love new parts! What engine are they going on?

Chris

[steveZL]

ooh! I love new parts! What engine are they going on?

Chris

Thanks...they are going on a 327ci

Steve

[MOREHORSEPOWER]

Looking Good !! Who did you get the exhaust ?

[steveZL]

Looking Good !! Who did you get the exhaust ?

Thanks... I went with Flowmaster's stainless steel American thunder kit with the Scavenger Elite series stainless headers. Also adding a G-Force crossmember to ensure good clearance for the dual exhaust.

[steveZL]

Parts are finally starting to arrive and I started some disassembly so I can clean and refinish parts... Nice to have the blast cabinet and powdercoating system at the shop!

Merry Christmas everyone!121292121287121290121289121291121288

[tommycomfort]

Great Chevelle! Sorry I didn't run across your thread sooner, but we are running the complete DSE stage three kit on our 66 Chevelle and also my wife's Chevelle wagon. Great stuff! Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

[MOREHORSEPOWER]

Yea that Blast cabinet will get a lot of use before you are done . Keep working hard !

[steveZL]

Great Chevelle! Sorry I didn't run across your thread sooner, but we are running the complete DSE stage three kit on our 66 Chevelle and also my wife's Chevelle wagon. Great stuff! Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

Thanks Tom... I picked up this project early this past summer and just now starting the disassembly fir the DSE suspension, rear axle, brakes, etc. I have the stage 3 kit ordered and should be arriving just after the new year. I've seen your thread on your 66...nice car and good luck with the new front clip upgrade

Merry Xmas!
Steve

[steveZL]

Disassembly has begun...anyone need some 50 year old crusty drum brakes and worn out suspension?!!

121669121673121670121672121671

[steveZL]

Good day in the garage!... All the original front susp, brakes and steering are off the chassis!121745121746

[Yelcamino]

Nice Chevelle project!

[Josh@Ridetech]

Looks good! :headbang:

[Motown 454]

The engine compartment look in really good shape. What powder coat gun are you using? I just picked up a blast cabinet and have a harbor freight powder coat kit but I haven't tried either yet.

[steveZL]

Thanks... Ive been slowly picking away at refinishing everything in the engine bay.
At my shop we have the Eastwood powdercoating gun and it works good.
Check out Prismatic Powders for endless powder options http://www.prismaticpowders.com

[steveZL]

Old rear axle and suspension is out...now to start prepping for the new Moser 9" and DSE speed 3 kit123628123629

[steveZL]

Here some pics from over the summer...before the major work I was working on cleaning up the engine bay and installing Vintage air and front runner

123633123634123635123636

[MOREHORSEPOWER]

Steve that's is some nice parts you have there . Can't wait to see more .

Also love the fact you are keeping the SBC .

[steveZL]

I've been really busy the last month so the car took a back burner but the new wheels have finally arrived from Budnik...here's some pics of the initial mock up on the car. I went with Budnik Pivot with full Charcoal coating. 18 x 8 front, 18 x 9 rear.

Now I just need the suspension and brakes to show up so I can actually use the wheels

125200125201

[64G-lark]

Nice looking Chevelle. I have DSE front and rear control arms on my 64'. I haven't made it to coil overs yet.

[steveZL]

Nice looking Chevelle. I have DSE front and rear control arms on my 64'. I haven't made it to coil overs yet.

Thanks Mark...I'm waiting for my DSE suspension to arrive. I'm going with the Speed 3 kit with coil overs. How do you like the car with their suspension?

[1965_SS]

Rims look nice!
Did you keep the 9" the stock width?
Can't wait to see it with the Detroit Speed setup on.

[steveZL]

Rims look nice!
Did you keep the 9" the stock width?
Can't wait to see it with the Detroit Speed setup on.

Thanks Todd...wheels are always the most difficult decision and can make or break the look! I did keep the 9" the stock width because I'm running stock rear frame and wheelwells.

[Bonehead]

Love the first gen stuff. Keep the pictures coming! :)

[steveZL]

DSE suspension parts are finally starting to arrive...the rear suspension kit and coil-overs arrived today and hope to see the front kit soon

Pics to follow...

[MOREHORSEPOWER]

Cant wait to see it done ! Looks like you will be running this summer .

[steveZL]

Had to put the project on hold for a few months while we moved to a new house...but getting back to it! My DSE suspension finally arrived and mounted the tires for initial test fitting

[Motown 454]

They look nice .

[car_guy]

Project looks awesome. Nice wheel choice, what size tires did you go with?

[steveZL]

Thanks guys, I went with 245/40/18 front(18x8) and 275/40/18 rear(18x9). I went with the same sizes that DSE used on their test car so I know they will fit right using stock wheel wells

After about 6 months my DSE front suspension and steering box have arrived so it can start some assembly soon!

[steveZL]

Starting to hang some new parts!
DSE front suspension with coil-overs going on today. It feels good!

[steveZL]

Starting to look like something... What do you guys think of the blend of new and old in the engine bay?

[Motown 454]

Nice! I like it.

[therobski]

I really like the early A-body's great work I also like what your doing "mixing the old with the new" as I did on my 64 F-85 Pro-Touring build. I have stalled on mine the last 5 months but ready to get back on it, very close to firing the motor and get the bugs out. My thread is in this section somewhere, I will find it and put a few pictures in it to update, again nice job.

[steveZL]

Thanks guys... Slowly making progress but progress non the less. I need to find a full day that I can just spend in the garage

[steveZL]

Last big piece of the build arrived... Baer Brakes 6P pro+ 14"
:)

[Motown 454]

Saweeeet!

[tommycomfort]

Awesome! We have the same thing on our 66 and wagon.

[steveZL]

Awesome! We have the same thing on our 66 and wagon.

Thanks Tom... How do they hold up on the track? Are you running the stock Baer pads?

Steve

[tommycomfort]

Thanks Tom... How do they hold up on the track? Are you running the stock Baer pads?

Steve

They're awesome on the track and auto-x. We still fight a little bit of brake knock back with the wagon and the C-clip axles even with the floating calipers. Only way to really "eliminate" that is with a floater rearend like we did in our 66. We have the stock baer pads in the wagon but usually run Hawk HP+ in the 66.

[steveZL]

I'm running a Moser 9" rear axle so should be good with the rears.
Thanks for the feedback on the pads. I've used the Hawk HP+ on another car and liked them.

[steveZL]

DSE splined sway bar installed... Really impressed with the quality of their parts. Front suspension is officially completed!

[md79ta]

That front suspension looks excellent!

[bello]

That’s a nice project !
This is one of the best time, when you start assembling the parts !! :)

[steveZL]

Squeezed in a couple hours in the garage... New front grille and headlamp trim are on and it looks like a chevelle again!
Those Baer Brake boxes were haunting me so I've test fitted the front brakes.
Now on to the rear of the car...

[steveZL]

135772

starting to come together...

[Motown 454]

Nice!

[MOREHORSEPOWER]

Been a while since I checked out your build . This thing is looking great !!

[steveZL]

Been a while since I checked out your build . This thing is looking great !!

Thanks, it's been a while since any real progress so haven't made many updates here. Your car is looking good too, nice work on the chassis!

[1965_SS]

Car is looking great!

[steveZL]

Car is looking great!

Thanks... I'm pushing to get it ready for this summer.
Here's a picture of the current state. Working on new trunk floors and prepping the rear chassis.

[steveZL]

Moser Engineering 9" with 3.70 gears and an Eaton-Detroit True Trac differential assembled and ready for install. Feels good to finally put some new parts together!
136368136369

[1965_SS]

Nice!

[minendrews68]

Nice!

Very Nice!

[steveZL]

Nice!


Very Nice!

Thanks guys... getting pumped to get the car ready for this summer!

[steveZL]

Its been a while but getting closer to final assembly on the Chevelle.

more coming soon...

[MOREHORSEPOWER]

Steve looking forward to the finished project !! I wish we where this close !!

[steveZL]

139714139715139713
Steve looking forward to the finished project !! I wish we where this close !!

Thanks... getting closer and almost done with some metalwork in the trunk so i can do final assy. Heres sone resent pics of the trunk

[steveZL]

Trunk is finally done and i can move onto final assembly! Up next is rear suspension, 9" rear axle, fuel system...140599140600

[Motown 454]

Steve the trunk looks great, nice job. That picture is full of some sweet parts.

[steveZL]

Steve the trunk looks great, nice job. That picture is full of some sweet parts.

Thanks... it feels good to be putting together some new parts!

[tommycomfort]

Looks great!

[steveZL]

Looks great!

Thanks Tom... your 66 has been some inspiration!

Hows the rebuild going?

[tommycomfort]

Thanks Tom... your 66 has been some inspiration!

Hows the rebuild going?

Thanks Steve! It's not going near as quick as I hoped but we're getting close to setting the body back down on the chassis and then the real reassembly starts. Luckily it is pretty well sorted out and not much changing to systems that were already done and proven. Hoping it is back on the street and track by mid-late summer.

[steveZL]

Thanks Steve! It's not going near as quick as I hoped but we're getting close to setting the body back down on the chassis and then the real reassembly starts. Luckily it is pretty well sorted out and not much changing to systems that were already done and proven. Hoping it is back on the street and track by mid-late summer.

Nice! Look forward to seeing it back in action

[1965_SS]

WOW!
Great job on the trunk floor!

[steveZL]

WOW!
Great job on the trunk floor!

Thanks Todd, what I thought was going to be a couple small patch panels turned into the complete trunk floor and inner wheel houses! The usual can of worms

[beater65]

Thanks guys, I went with 245/40/18 front(18x8) and 275/40/18 rear(18x9). I went with the same sizes that DSE used on their test car so I know they will fit right using stock wheel wells

After about 6 months my DSE front suspension and steering box have arrived so it can start some assembly soon!



Curious if you know if a 10" wheel with correct BS will fit? (with same tire size)

OR is the 9" the max fitment on these cars with factory fender wells etc.

[MOREHORSEPOWER]

Curious if you know if a 10" wheel with correct BS will fit? (with same tire size)

OR is the 9" the max fitment on these cars with factory fender wells etc.

I think 9" wide in the 64/65 is all that will fit . Any more and you will need to do a mini tub kit .

[USAZR1]

A 10" width will require a minitub. A few people on Team Chevelle have been able to fit a 17x9.5 w/5.625" backspace, 285/40/17 tire. and rolled rear lips.
But, I think the safe bet would be a 9" width w/5.5" backspace and a 275 tire.

See post #35 of the wheel & tire database: http://www.chevelles.com/forums/17-wheels-tires/33229-wheel-tire-database-please-fill-your-info-3.html

[steveZL]

I think 9" wide in the 64/65 is all that will fit . Any more and you will need to do a mini tub kit .

I agree... i went with 9" rears because i knew they would fit because the DSE test car has the same sizes with stock wheelwells

[steveZL]

Big step towards completion this weekend! The rear axle, suspension and brakes are completed.

one issue that Im sure someone on here has run into... the rear axle only drops so far with the coil overs so the rear wheels wont go on because they hit the brakes and rear quarter panels. Looks like I'll be disconnecting the shocks every time i need to take the wheels on/off!

[beater65]

That is some pretty under belly parts you got there... Jealous.

[tommycomfort]

We have to disconnect the coilovers every time we pull the wheels off our 64 wagon too. It's a hassle, but part of the price of big brakes and tires and wheels that fill up the wheel wells.

[steveZL]

That is some pretty under belly parts you got there... Jealous.

Thanks man! Dont be jealous... DSE and Moser can ship you the same goodies ;-)

[steveZL]

We have to disconnect the coilovers every time we pull the wheels off our 64 wagon too. It's a hassle, but part of the price of big brakes and tires and wheels that fill up the wheel wells.

Yup... it will be the price to pay tobhave the big brakes and wheels!

If it was easy everyone would do it ;-)

[PhillipM]

Yup... it will be the price to pay tobhave the big brakes and wheels!

If it was easy everyone would do it ;-)

Oh man that does sound like a PITA though. I know ours BARELY clear with the 20" rear wheels so I can definitely see how this could happen.

[steveZL]

Its tight...but they fit!

[beater65]

I really want that rear sway bar...

Jeez they are proud of that boy lol

[1965_SS]

NICE!!!!!!!!!

With the car on the ground, can you jack up one side on the rear and get the wheel in there? I have to do that with mine............but I don't have the big brakes on mine yet.

[Cheveezy]

Its tight...but they fit!

How tight is the fit? Any concern with rubbing when cornering?

[steveZL]

How tight is the fit? Any concern with rubbing when cornering?

A little tight on the outer edge, i trimmed the inner lip of the quarter panels so should be fine

[steveZL]

141197141198

Thanks to Inland Empire Driveline for getting me a custom aluminum driveshaft in 1 week! I was able to get the driveshaft in and then mock up the exhaust system this weekend. Getting close!!

[Motown 454]

Some nice goodies right there!

[steveZL]

Some nice goodies right there!

Thanks Wayne, hows the Camaro?

[Motown 454]

Finally moving on it slow but steady.

[steveZL]

142768

Almost done...feels good to see it out of the garage! Few more adjustments and its ready for the maiden voyage.

[tommycomfort]

Looking good Steve!

[steveZL]

Looking good Steve!

Thanks Tom, few more tweaks and its ready for the road!
Thanks for the help on IG, hopefully able to adjust the coilovers this week

[Motown 454]

Sweet Steve! That looks great. The wheels go nice with that color.

[Boosted Falcon]

WOW Beautiful.

[1968CamaroSS_Sam]

Very nice looking. Great job

[steveZL]

Sweet Steve! That looks great. The wheels go nice with that color.


WOW Beautiful.


Very nice looking. Great job

Thanks guys!
Im looking forward to putting some miles on it soon!

[steveZL]

142927Time for a little interior love. New carpet, kick panels, sill plates, door panels and rear quarter trim panels.

[steveZL]

Shakedown run for gas...it feels good to drive it!142956

[Paraman1]

Shakedown run for gas...it feels good to drive it!142956

Very Nice!!

[USAZR1]

That dual snorkel air cleaner and those PML valve covers look really good, on that 327. I've been thinking about doing something kinda similar on my car's sbc.

[steveZL]

That dual snorkel air cleaner and those PML valve covers look really good, on that 327. I've been thinking about doing something kinda similar on my car's sbc.

Thanks, I wanted a somewhat stock looking engine bay and really like the cast alum valve covers. The original L79 327 Chevelles came with a chrome dual snorkel but I found the black one from a Chevy 409 supplier that uses the black dual snorkel air cleaner.

[USAZR1]

Some of the Chevelle/El Camino repro parts suppliers have those dual snorkel air cleaners in black or chrome. The one I looked at, was around $180.
I love those valve covers but want mine in a Corvette script. Only downside is the cost, $330/pair.

[steveZL]

143246
Its all coming together, VHX gauges fit perfectly in the stock dash and everything working nicely! Time to start logging some miles!

[tommycomfort]

Its all coming together, VHX gauges fit perfectly in the stock dash and everything working nicely! Time to start logging some miles!

Looks awesome!

[steveZL]

Thanks Tom... the Northeast Chevelle club regional show is this weekend and hope to make it!

[Motown 454]

The dash looks nice.

[steveZL]

The dash looks nice.
Thanks Wayne, its getting there!

[steveZL]

143498

Still a work in process but made it to the Northeast Chevelle and El Camino Regional

[Motown 454]

Nice! Glad you made it and had a good time.

[steveZL]

143532143533143534
Few pics from this weekend.

[steveZL]

Finally got around to finishing the Vintage air install. This beadlock crimper made it so nice to make the hoses.143931143932

[tommycomfort]

Finally got around to finishing the Vintage air install. This beadlock crimper made it so nice to make the hoses.

Yep Steve, when we built our 66 we found a parts store in Indy that had the tool so we'd mark as many things as we could and go get them crimped then back and forth a handful of times. Huge hassle! Then when we installed the vintage air on Deb's wagon we just bought our own tool. Only used it a few times since, but worth every penny!

[steveZL]

144817

Drove the Chevelle to the shop today and finished a few loose ends. Charged the AC and did final suspension adjustments & alignment

[Motown 454]

Must feel good just tighten up the loose ends

[USAZR1]

Thanks, I wanted a somewhat stock looking engine bay and really like the cast alum valve covers. The original L79 327 Chevelles came with a chrome dual snorkel but I found the black one from a Chevy 409 supplier that uses the black dual snorkel air cleaner.


Steve, are you using an MSD distributor? Did you have any clearance issues fitting that dual snorkel air cleaner? I'd hate to order one and find out it won't clear.

[HotRod47]

Your car looks fantastic!! I hope maybe we can run into each other at a cruise or car show at some point. I'm only a couple hours away in CT.

[1965_SS]

Car turned out very nice!!!!!!!!!

[steveZL]

Your car looks fantastic!! I hope maybe we can run into each other at a cruise or car show at some point. I'm only a couple hours away in CT.


Car turned out very nice!!!!!!!!!

Thanks guys!

[steveZL]

2nd phase of the build happening this winter... Time to lose the leaking, sluggish auto and convert to a manual. Tremec Magnum 6 Speed going in with some more goodies146418146419146420

[Motown 454]

Nice setup!

[1965_SS]

Awesome..........got that same Tremec trans in my shop waiting to go in my 65' also :)

[steveZL]

Awesome..........got that same Tremec trans in my shop waiting to go in my 65' also :)
Nice! Whats you plan for clutch? Hydraulic?

[steveZL]

146686146687New shifter arrived from the Ringbrothers... its going on jack stands this weekend to get ready to pull the auto trans.
Stay tuned for more pics of the tremec install

[1965_SS]

Nice! Whats you plan for clutch? Hydraulic?

McLeod RST twin disc with Tilton hydraulic throw out bearing

[steveZL]

McLeod RST twin disc with Tilton hydraulic throw out bearing

Thanks Todd, what master cyl & firewall bracket are you using? Im leaning towards the Mcleod setup

[1965_SS]

Thanks Todd, what master cyl & firewall bracket are you using? Im leaning towards the Mcleod setup

I bought these:

https://www.bowlertransmissions.com/shop/manual-parts/hydraulic-components/bowler-1964-1966-gm-body-hydraulic-master-cylinder-kit-billet-reservoir/

https://www.bowlertransmissions.com/shop/manual-parts/hydraulic-components/tilton-hydraulic-throw-out-bearing-t-56-bpt-800-2505-mag-gm/

[1965_SS]

I suggest you follow this:

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/103170-How-to-T56-Magnum-Quicktime-bellhousing-dial-in

[1965_SS]

143498

Still a work in process but made it to the Northeast Chevelle and El Camino Regional

Doesn't the hood stay up with those aftermarket hood hinges? If not, what is the brand so I DON'T buy them.

[steveZL]

Doesn't the hood stay up with those aftermarket hood hinges? If not, what is the brand so I DON'T buy them.
They actually do hold up the hood now!... once i installed the larger support pistons. Depending on the weight of your hood, fiberglass, steel etc they have different pistons. My hinges are from the Ringbrothers and they fit nice. They have 3 options for the pistons and even though i specified a steel hood the pistons that came with the hinges were a bit weak. They sent me the stronger pistons for free! Great guys there and awesome customer service!

[steveZL]

I bought these:

https://www.bowlertransmissions.com/shop/manual-parts/hydraulic-components/bowler-1964-1966-gm-body-hydraulic-master-cylinder-kit-billet-reservoir/

https://www.bowlertransmissions.com/shop/manual-parts/hydraulic-components/tilton-hydraulic-throw-out-bearing-t-56-bpt-800-2505-mag-gm/

Thanks... have you installed the clutch master yet? Any issues with the fitment to the firewall and alignment to pedal?

[jmking9]

I'm following along. I'm also trying to decide on a hydraulic setup for my 67 chevelle. I was leaning toward the McLeod setup also. I just wish it was made with less plastic.

[steveZL]

I'm following along. I'm also trying to decide on a hydraulic setup for my 67 chevelle. I was leaning toward the McLeod setup also. I just wish it was made with less plastic.

I agree... plastic master and reservoir. Im still deciding as well but check out the kit from Bowler. Todd put the link below. American Powertrain also makes a hydraulic kit with an adjustable firewall bracket

[1965_SS]

I've mocked it up and it lined up fine.

[steveZL]

I've mocked it up and it lined up fine.
Great, thanks for the feedback

[steveZL]

I'm following along. I'm also trying to decide on a hydraulic setup for my 67 chevelle. I was leaning toward the McLeod setup also. I just wish it was made with less plastic.

I bought the Mcleod hydraulic kit and the T56 retrofit kit from Ram that comes with a nice hydraulic t/o bearing and stainless braided hoses.147198

[Motown 454]

New parts !Sweet.

[jmking9]

Let me know what you think of the McLeod setup. I'm needing to order my hydraulic setup parts in the next few weeks. I was told by someone at McLeod that their kit required you to use their clutch pedal. Are you going to be able to make it work with your Clayton pedals?

[steveZL]

Let me know what you think of the McLeod setup. I'm needing to order my hydraulic setup parts in the next few weeks. I was told by someone at McLeod that their kit required you to use their clutch pedal. Are you going to be able to make it work with your Clayton pedals?

I didnt talk to Mcleod directly but their kit does come with a pedal but its a manual conversion kit so comes with everything you need. Looks like a stock pedal so shouldnt be an issue to swap with my Clayton pedals. I'll post an update soon

[Bonehead]

The whole key (for me) on the hydraulic master set up was having an adjustable rod on the clutch pedal side so I could adjust the pedal height where I wanted it. Started with a factory F-body one and had to ditch it in favor of one I could adjust. Went with one Tick offers. Eager to try it out in a few months.

[steveZL]

The whole key (for me) on the hydraulic master set up was having an adjustable rod on the clutch pedal side so I could adjust the pedal height where I wanted it. Started with a factory F-body one and had to ditch it in favor of one I could adjust. Went with one Tick offers. Eager to try it out in a few months. makes sense! The rod on the Mcleod setup is adjustable too so it will be nice to fine tune the pedal feel

[1965_SS]

Is that shifter in a good spot for you? length, angle? easy to reach all gears?
Any pics of it installed, thanks!

[steveZL]

Is that shifter in a good spot for you? length, angle? easy to reach all gears?
Any pics of it installed, thanks!
Still working on it. Car is on jack stands and will be starting soon.
One its installed I'll post an update with pics. Im thinking the rear shifter location on the Tremec will work good with the angled shifter

[steveZL]

Finally spent some time in the garage last weekend. New pedals are installed and trans tunnel is in process. T56 magnum going in soon!149264149263149265

[Motown 454]

Nice looking pedal set. The tunnel looks nice.

[tommycomfort]

Great progress. Thanks for the great pictures!

[steveZL]

Nice looking pedal set. The tunnel looks nice.


Great progress. Thanks for the great pictures!
Thanks guys!
Hope to test fit the Tremec this weekend

[64G-lark]

Love the pedals. Good luck on the trans swap.

[31069ss]

What pedals are those ?

[steveZL]

What pedals are those ?
Clayton Machine Works makes the pedals

[steveZL]

Initial test fit is good. Just some tunnel adjustments and ready to go together149640

[Paraman1]

did you build the new transmission tunnel yourself or is it an aftermarket product?

[steveZL]

did you build the new transmission tunnel yourself or is it an aftermarket product?
I bought a pre-fab tunnel from Tinman Fabrication. Its a roughed out tunnel made for an A-body.
See pic below of the initial test fit. 149757

[Paraman1]

Thanks for the picture, I was actually looking at one of those myself and will be interested in any feedback you have as to how well it fits and if it gives you the necessary height and room you need to get the transmission in and the driveline angles adjusted correctly

[steveZL]

Thanks for the picture, I was actually looking at one of those myself and will be interested in any feedback you have as to how well it fits and if it gives you the necessary height and room you need to get the transmission in and the driveline angles adjusted correctly
No prob! Here's a couple more pics. So far it fits good but still requires some modifications to the existing tunnel towrds the rear of the gearbox. It could be slightly bigger at the front so you have more room to access the top mounting bolts to the bellhousing. Tinman has a decent video on youtube installing their tunnel

Ill update again once mine is finished149758149759

[steveZL]

Its been a while since the last project update... 6speed Tremec upgrade is completed, new interior is in and the Chevelle is burning gas!
Here's a few pics155622155623155624155625

[1965_SS]

Bad ass!
:drive:

[Motown 454]

NICE! I like it

[therobski]

That's a nice well done job!!!

[CapSS92]

Very nice! Quick question, which carpet kit did you use? I like the look of it.

Alex

[steveZL]

Bad ass!
:drive:


NICE! I like it


That's a nice well done job!!!


Very nice! Quick question, which carpet kit did you use? I like the look of it.

Alex

Thanks guys!

The carpet is custom made... i bought a roll of squareweave carpet and black leather for the binding from Josh at Relicate Leather... He also supplied the alcantara that we used on the seats, shifter boot and armrests.

[shelteredchevelle]

I really dig this, awesome job! The fact that you left the interior mostly alone with just enough touches to set it off is well done. I love the tunnel extension with the cup holders and the manual windows. Nice design work and execution.

[steveZL]

I really dig this, awesome job! The fact that you left the interior mostly alone with just enough touches to set it off is well done. I love the tunnel extension with the cup holders and the manual windows. Nice design work and execution.

Thanks! I wanted just enough modern touches but still have that classic feel.

[minendrews68]

Very nice!

[therobski]

I like the door handles-whose are they? after going through your thread on your build, my 64 F-85 Pro-touring build and your Chevelle have a lot in common.

[Bygblok]

What an awesome build. Hoping my 66 Buick Special can look that good!

[Boosted Falcon]

Beautiful build. I have a real soft spot for 64-64 Malibu's my mom and dad bought a new silver blue SS in 65.

[1965_SS]

My white 65 has the identical factory blue interior as yours. It looks REALLY nice! Great job on that.

[steveZL]

I like the door handles-whose are they? after going through your thread on your build, my 64 F-85 Pro-touring build and your Chevelle have a lot in common.

Thanks... the door handles and window cranks are from the Ringbrothers.
Nice F85!

[steveZL]

What an awesome build. Hoping my 66 Buick Special can look that good!


Beautiful build. I have a real soft spot for 64-64 Malibu's my mom and dad bought a new silver blue SS in 65.


My white 65 has the identical factory blue interior as yours. It looks REALLY nice! Great job on that.

Thanks guys!

Todd... my car was originally white with blue interior. A couple owners ago it was painted blue but the interior was still orig when i bought it. I like the factory two tone interiors so when i made the custom seats i wanted to have that look

[wyattroa]

Gotta say I love the cup holders

[Bygblok]

Thanks guys!

Todd... my car was originally white with blue interior. A couple owners ago it was painted blue but the interior was still orig when i bought it. I like the factory two tone interiors so when i made the custom seats i wanted to have that look
My Buick is blue inside as well and it’s a huge departure from the blacks or reds you always see. Looking to do a dark grey maybe two-toned to go with the blue. Awesome build and so functional!

[steveZL]

My Buick is blue inside as well and it’s a huge departure from the blacks or reds you always see. Looking to do a dark grey maybe two-toned to go with the blue. Awesome build and so functional!
Thanks! I agree, i like the blue interior but it was too much blue so thats why i added the dark gray and black.

[WildCherry66]

Thanks guys!

The carpet is custom made... i bought a roll of squareweave carpet and black leather for the binding from Josh at Relicate Leather... He also supplied the alcantara that we used on the seats, shifter boot and armrests.

Interior is amazing. Did the TMI seat covers just get redone with the Alcantara or are they all new seat covers on TMI seats? How do you like the seats? Sufficient bolster for holding in the corners? What do you have for belts?

[steveZL]

Interior is amazing. Did the TMI seat covers just get redone with the Alcantara or are they all new seat covers on TMI seats? How do you like the seats? Sufficient bolster for holding in the corners? What do you have for belts?
Thanks! They are TMI pro classic buckets and i had them custom make them with the alcantara inserts.
I like them, decent bolster support and comfortable. I just have lap belts for now but need to install 3-point belts. I need to find a belt setup that will work

[Motown 454]

They look great in there.

[steveZL]

They look great in there.

Thanks Wayne!

[steveZL]

158360
Less than a week ago i didnt think there would be snow on the ground today! Glad i took the Chevelle for a quick ride.

[tommycomfort]

Sure is beautiful Steve!

[Cheveezy]

Looks great! Did you ever figure out a 3 point belt setup?

[Motown 454]

It looks great Steve, glad you got to enjoy it.

[ed1le]

Its been a while since the last project update... 6speed Tremec upgrade is completed, new interior is in and the Chevelle is burning gas!
Here's a few pics155622155623155624155625

Awesome build. Makes me weep that I sold my '65 years ago before finishing (was young & dumb!). I love the little touches, especially the shifter and built in cup holders. May have to borrow the cup holder idea for my Skylark. Thanks for posting pics and info on the Tinman tunnel as well. Looks like a simple solution I may use as well.

[steveZL]

Its been a couple years since I’ve posted an update. Hope everyone is doing well and working in their rides!

No major changes but finally switched over to Holley Sniper EFI with the Hyperspark ignition system. Running great and no more finicky starting!

Got a few more things on my to-do list.

Steve

[Cheveezy]

Looks great! Did you end up finding a 3 point belt setup that would work?

[steveZL]

Thanks! 3pt belts are on my list for this year. Considering a harness bar but want to keep back seat access for the kids.

Looking for ideas??

[Cheveezy]

Thanks! 3pt belts are on my list for this year. Considering a harness bar but want to keep back seat access for the kids.

Looking for ideas??

I'm in the same boat on my 65, I want 3 point belts without having to do a harness bar.

[1965_SS]

Looks great Steve! Glad we follow each other on Instagram to get current updates :twothumbs

[steveZL]

Looks great Steve! Glad we follow each other on Instagram to get current updates :twothumbs

Thanks Todd! It is nice to keep up to date on IG 👍🏻

[Dslpwr]

Steve
Who made your splitter? Or did you fab it?

[thumper877]

Looks like "spoilers by randy"

Ron
Steve
Who made your splitter? Or did you fab it?

[Rodney YJ]

Thanks! 3pt belts are on my list for this year. Considering a harness bar but want to keep back seat access for the kids.

Looking for ideas??



I am thinking about the same thing for my 65. Perhaps a custom harness bar that I can bolt in after popping the bottom seat out? Looking for ideas also.