My wife calls it the other woman or the Mistress because of the time I spend with it.

[Mike H]

I started this story on Chevelles.com in the body shop section. At the time it really wasn't going to be a full pro-touring style build. I coping that thread over to here since i spend more time here then there lately. I'll try to keep them both updated, but I appreciate the info I've gotten from this site and would like to return the favor.

Well I thought I would put all the pictures of my progress on one thread. I found this car 3 (It's about 8 at this point) years ago on Craigslist. The owner had it in a Self Storage unit in Peoria, just a little over an house. It had been his weekend cruiser and occasional drag car. He had started to take it apart to do a restoration when he ran out of time, money and interest. It sat for 5 years till he decided to sell it. The downside was it was in pieces. The upside was it was easier to negotiate a lower price and I could easily see the body, floors and any where else rust would hide.


His ad picture.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/815200720Peoria-1.jpg


Here is how I found it.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_1101JPG-1.jpg


Bringing it home.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_1103JPG-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_1105JPG-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_1104JPG-1.jpg


I unloaded everything and figured out what I had.
The floors were in great shape along with the cowl area.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_1116JPG-1.jpg








https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_1118JPG-1.jpg


Rust in the rear window.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_1117JPG-1.jpg


A damaged passenger quarter and door skin. Of course rust in the wheel wells, but none on the on the inner wheel house


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_1111JPG-1.jpg

[Mike H]

I removed everything from the car and took it to Mesa to be Media blasted to remove all the old paint and rust. Then I built a makeshift paint booth, complete with intake and exhaust filters. Every bit of bare metal was painted with epoxy.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_2024JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_2026JPG-1.jpg


Then the car sat for a year or so as I went out of state to teach and when I got back home I got married. So not much happened with the Chevelle. Finally the Arizona heat relented and I've been able to get back into the garage. First up the rear window opening along the roof.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_3871JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_3880JPG-1.jpg

Removed the panel between the rear window and trunk expecting the worst, and found nice primered metal with just a touch of surface rust.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_3883JPG-1.jpg

The wife agreed to on the purchase of quarter panels, filler panel and a door skin. I picked up the parts from Scottsdale. Now I was about to make some real progress on the Chevelle. Off with the driver side quarter.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_3906JPG-1.jpg

Everything underneath was in great shape. A little clean up and some more epoxy. Then replace the outer wheel house.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_3912JPG-1.jpg

Fitting the new quarter. This is taking me several hours to get to this point from the last picture. It's not welded and only clamped and screwed in a few places.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_3916JPG-1.jpg

A few more with my garage help caught in these.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_3921JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_3922JPG-1.jpg

[Mike H]

Still working on the driver side quarter. The gap between the door looks fairly good. It does seem to grow towards the top. I don't think the quarter can go forward because the top of the quarter window is touching, but the bottom has a slight gap(3rd pic). I think the gap is caused by the rear of the panel needs to drop slightly. I have to trim a little at the trunk so it will flush up to the trunk panel(last pic).

Thoughts and suggestions :confused:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_3918JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_3919JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_3924JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_3923JPG-1.jpg

[Mike H]

Most of the gaps came out great except one. The top of the door jamb needs to be shifted out just a bit as you can see from the picture.

I know it doesn't look like a lot happened between the last shots and these, but the was tons of time fitting, moving, and shifting the quarter to get the trunk gap and quarter to rocker gaps correct. I was using sheet metal screws to hold everything in place then unscrew it and shift it the reattach it and recheck it. I got focused on the rocker to quarter interface and forgot to recheck the top of the door.


Lots of spot welds to grind and sand.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_3968JPG-1.jpg

Body Lines looking good.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_3969JPG-1.jpg?

This is the part I have to undo and move a little. That alignment wont do.:noway: The top of the quarter needs to move out. It's gotten better but there is still a gap issue at the top of the door, which you can also see in this picture. Not going to worry about that yet. I'm waiting to see how the other side with the new door skin and quarter line up. If it's better, then this side will get a new skin too. If not I'll have to cut and fit to get it right.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_3972JPG-1.jpg

[Mike H]

When I first started working on it, I was thinking big block and 4 speed just a nice cruiser. During the initial stages of the build up, I noticed the progress of the Pro-Touring cars and LS swaps. So the plan changed to more of a mild Pro-touring build. I picked up an LS1/T56 combo and redid the harness myself after lots of reading on here and a few other forums. At the same time, spent a lot of time talking with Mark at SC&C. He set me up with a nice basic suspension package. But I did splurge for the AFX/ATS spindles. While waiting for that to show up, I got the frame painted and the engine mounted on the frame. Trans tunnel modded to fit the T56, and extended the tunnel back to the seat pan for driveline clearance. Primed the shell and smoothed and painted the firewall and floor.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC_0022M-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/DSC_0032M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_3460M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_3466M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_3497M-1.jpg

[Mike H]

More pictures of the progress.

ATS/AFX spindles on SPC arms, and version 1.0 of the front suspension, more on this later.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_3530M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_3538M-1.jpg

Version 1.0 for the rear suspension, more on this later
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/IMG_3560M-1.jpg

Adapting the Camaro fuel module.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-2.jpg

[Mike H]

More progress.

Making my own mount for the clutch master cylinder.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-3.jpg

Fat tire beer case cardboard makes great pattern material
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-4.jpg

Added a reinforcing plate to the firewall.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-5.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-6.jpg

Under the watchful eye of my usual supervision.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-7.jpg

[Mike H]

More progress, hey it has been five years since the first pictures.

Epoxy primer.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-8.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-9.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-10.jpg

Final color, only on the bottom for now.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-11.jpg

Wiring getting done. All new American Autowire.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-12.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-13.jpg

[Mike H]

More progress pics. It's starting to look like a car finally.

Test fitting the front sheet metal. Built an X-pipe exhaust with the help of a friend at work. Made a blank panel to fit the empty sweep dash and mounted a set of Speedhut gauges. Installed Baer brakes.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-14.jpg

Casters and cribbing, best thing i did. Makes working around the car so much easier in a tight place. You can slide it around to get more room where you need it.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-15.jpg

Test fitting tires
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-16.jpg

Installing newly built dash panel and Speedhut gauges.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-17.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-18.jpg

Working on the exhaust. Pypes tubes with my own X-pipe.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-19.jpg

[Mike H]

More progress. Now at least it's mostly a whole car.

Exhaust is finished, did a slash cut for the tip.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-20.jpg

Formula 43 wheels showed up. 275/35/18 on 9.5 front, 295/35/18 on a 10.5 rear. Version 1.0 on the wheels too.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-21.jpg

After every A-body i was had small tires in the front and everyone said 255 was the biggest that fits safely, here's a 275 with tons of room left. This is what started the thoughts on 2.0 for the suspension and wheels.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-22.jpg

Of course my usual garage supervisor was present. I think she could build most of this on her own.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-23.jpg

It's first taste of sunlight.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-24.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-25.jpg

[Mike H]

And more progress.

Decided I did't like the blue on the firewall. I'm going to do the whole car in the blue that i painted the bottom of the car earlier. I'm going to use this grey as the color of the standard SS stripes. So, bright blue car/grey stripes. I matched the grey to the wheel centers. It only took me about an hour in the paint shop looking at chip books to find the right color. I'm hoping the upcoming version 2.0 doesn't cause me issues with this choice.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-26.jpg

Initial alignment. It took a little bit of trial and error to get the process down. Once I had a grasp of what the adjustments on the SPC arms did, it was a process of check the numbers, adjust, check the numbers, and repeat... Several times for each side. Once the caster and camber was where i wanted it, I set the toe. I actually surprised myself with how well the alignment turned out. At 80 mph on the interstate it's dead straight. The car has a lot of bite on the front and feels very planted.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-27.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-28.jpg

New mirrors showed up. The car probably won't have much chrome when I'm finished and the stock mirrors didn't fit the look i wanted and the passenger side was terrible. The sport mirrors looked nice but couldn't get past the price and the passenger side was a mod to make fit. I found these. They have a nice solid mount, easily adapted to the Chevelle doors, and a great view, even out of the passenger side. No shake and no movement even at higher speeds.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-29.jpg

[Mike H]

And this gets us almost caught up. This is how I drove the car for a while, kinda missing a few parts. Who needs windows? There was a huge stall in progress but it was for the better. We moved from a tightly packed neighborhood with a 3 car garage and no space to a house outside the city. We now have a house with an attached 2 car garage and a separate 20x40 shop on 3 acres. I was also stalling as i wasn't sure how to fix the issues with the way the front sheet metal was fitting. So the car got driven as it was. The wife referred to it as the Mad Max Chevelle. Who really NEEDS windows?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-30.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-31.jpg

We went to the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational in Las Vegas. This was a huge eyeopener. I had been watching the Goodguys autocross series grow and knew I wanted to participate with my Chevelle. Subconsciously part of the reason i initially went with the AFX/ATS spindles in the first place. I knew I wanted it to handle. Now SCCA has added the CAM series. it was enough to really get me excited about getting back to making progress on the car. It also altered the path of my build significantly. I learned that with some effort 315s can fit on a 70 Chevelle. I had also been reading up on some information Ron Sutton has been putting out about helping make cars handle better on track. I ran into him in Vegas and he was super helpful in filling in some gaps in my knowledge. We settled on a plan to convert my car to a Mid-travel "Tweener" setup. Big sway bars softer springs, now the car would have the ability to work the inner tires more in turns. It would also be a balanced car from to rear.

Part of my motivation to change was this car. That and the depth my tires set inside the wheel wells. I thought they set too far inside when you view the car from the side. Tony G was a great guy to talk to. His car was awesome in person, 315s on all four corners. A square set up has a better handling potential than a staggered setup.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-32.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-33.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-34.jpg

Test fitting the rear tires on the front in preparation of 2.0. 295 on the front, so far.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-35.jpg

Door number two! After two failed door skin installs.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-36.jpg

[Crestronwizard]

One day I'll build a Chevelle. Keep the updates coming!

[Mike H]

Getting almost caught up to today.

Back in the shop, and ready to get the door and fenders right!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-37.jpg

Third and final door skin. The door i bought, turned out to be in worse shape then i wanted to deal with. So, I attempted a third door skin on my original shell. I've had some practice. Third times a charm, close, but not perfect.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-38.jpg

Steel rod added to the edges to close the gaps to a level i was happy with.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-39.jpg

Small amount of filler
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-40.jpg

The wife caught an action shot. I generally don't like bodywork. I even conned a friend into helping a little.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-41.jpg

Looking better.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-42.jpg

Getting to the point I'm happy with the gaps and alignment.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-43.jpg

[Mike H]

Now we getting caught up to real time. Notice something missing in the last few pictures? Wheels. I tried for several weeks to reach Formula 43 to get new barrels made for my wheels. No returned emails, no returned calls. Started calling other venders to see if they could make what I needed. Got conformation from a few of them they couldn't reach Formula 43 either. Forgeline actually has barrels in stock for Formula 43 wheels. I thought about it, but decided to sell my current wheels and get a set of Forgelines made for the car. I'm actually going with the original wheel I had picked when i was shopping for wheels but didn't want to spend the extra money. With the cost of new barrels I'm actually about the same or cheaper out of pocket if i sell my current wheels and get the Forgelines. I also put the order in for a set of Ridetech coilers with Ron's secret sauce valving. Working on version 2.0 and still haven't painted the car. Oh well here's the last of what i've gotten done.

Amanda, my wife caught a great picture of the sunset and us working on the car.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageX2-1.jpg

Getting ready to epoxy coat the whole car.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-44.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-45.jpg

All covered in SPI epoxy. Too much bare metal exposed for my comfort level.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-46.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-47.jpg

First coat of 2K primer.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-48.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-49.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-50.jpg

[sdg0080]

Wow, that's an impressive build. Should be a damn nice car once she's done.

[SSLance]

Very nice work on your Chevelle. It sounds like you have some great inspiration with TG's car and having RS in your corner doesn't hurt either. Be sure to keep us updated with your progress as you go.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Looking really good!

[arcane73]

The wife caught an action shot. I generally don't like bodywork. I even conned a friend into helping a little.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/imageM-41.jpg

A little? I think it was even less than a little. His sanding-fu is horrible!

[Mike H]

Very nice work on your Chevelle. It sounds like you have some great inspiration with TG's car and having RS in your corner doesn't hurt either. Be sure to keep us updated with your progress as you go.

Thanks Lance. You've made some great strides with Barney, I've been following that car for a while. Yes, Ron's a great source of information.

[Mike H]

Don't worry Kris, there's lots of sanding left. You'll have time to perfect your fu!

[splatt]

Looks great. What part of the valley are you in?

[Auto Rod Technologies]

Nice looking car, looks like you have made some good progress.

[Mike H]

Looks great. What part of the valley are you in?

Thanks for the compliments. Casa Grande. That's part of the on and off progress. Once the temps hit triple digits all work stops.

[splatt]

Yeah I understand that, I'm in Phoenix

[WallaceMFG]

Looking good! You'll have to get up to some of the SCCA events when you get your Chevelle finished. The ones at Marana Airport are really good and you're considerably closer to them than I am haha. Hopefully I'll see you out there once my 69 is back together!

[Mike H]

Thanks Nelson. I've been looking at the SCCA local regional forums. I planned to hit the Marana events once the car is up and running. The Wildhorse event looked like a fun event. That little bit of over steer killed a good run you had going.

We'll have to get all everyone together and do some of those events. You know once we put all of our cars together. Lol

Back to my car, some interesting things showed up today. I like a company that has a sense of humor.

121259

Ridetech coilovers with some Ron Sutton special sauce valving. The Detroit Speed Sway bar also showed up but I forgot to take a picture. More pictures coming soon.

[Mike H]

Just a quick update. Parts started showing up for the change over on the suspension. After talking with Ron and deciding on a "Tweener" setup, we had to bump up the front swaybar. The easiest way was a Detrioit Speed splined front bar. Then we added some Ridetech single adjustable coilovers with Ron's Secret Sauce valving. The Speedtech mounts are also here to make it all fit in the car. I can't wait to get this all mounted on the car

121634

121635

[Mike H]

I started to mount the coilovers to the rear of the Chevelle. Speedtech makes some nice brackets to accomplish this. Unfortunately Currie has changed their brackets and didn't tell anyone. To get the brackets in the right spot I had modify both my axle mounts and the Speedtech brackets.

122022

122023

122024

Several fitting and sanding cycles and they ended up fitting nicely.

122026

The exhaust still fits. It's tight, we'll see if there are any issues when it's back on the road.

122027

With the rear taken care of, I moved to the front. The DSE sway bar is mounted. But now the real changes begin. Speedtech supplied the top mounts. These aren't a bolt on affair, the control arms are removed to make way for the hole to be cut and the new mounts will be welded in place. The lower mounts will be a totally custom piece as the current arms are for normal springs, not coilovers. Ron thought they would flex too much. He came up with a simple plan of attack to modify my current arms. Now it's up to me to make it happen.




122028

[SSLance]

It ain't hot rodding if you aren't cutting and loving on parts to make them fit. Take and post lots of pics of the install of the Speedtech parts, and your mods to the LCAs. Can't wait to see the results.

[Mike H]

I started with lower control arms set up for standard coils. Ron though the base would flex too much for the coilovers, but came up with a mount idea that should work.

122179


After a lot of cutting and grinding I had a rough opening to work with.

122180

And after a lot of trial and error I came up with a pattern I can give to a friend of mine who has a plasma table. He's going to cut out four brackets out of ¼" steel. I'm planning to do some more finish sanding and fitting once the brackets are cut out.

122181

[Mike H]

Took a break from actually working on the car to write about the car... The bottoms of the control arms were cleaned up and room was made for the new lower coilover mounts i had cut out. Thanks Overkill Ironworks, he saved me a lot of time.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4843M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4842M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4844M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4841M-1.jpg

Then I had to make some room in the frame for the new coilover and upper mount. Then fit up the upper mount from SpeedTech.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4766M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4803M-1.jpg

[Mike H]

Once the front suspension was done it was time to tackle the cage. But in the mean time, new shoes showed up. 18x11" Forgelines, with 315 BFG Rivals mounted.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4859M-1.jpg

A little test fitting.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4865M-1.jpg

On to the cage. It only took two try to get the fit like I wanted. Tight to the headliner and even on both sides.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4868M-1.jpg

Front down bars.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4872M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4874M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4873M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4876M-1.jpg

Upper spreader bar. The body is lifted up in this picture. It actually sits tight to the headliner.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4880M-1.jpg

Side view of the front of the cage.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4881M-1.jpg

Front lower frame mount.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4884M-1.jpg

Rear kickers.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4886M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4908M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4916M-1.jpg

Finished cage pics.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4923M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4924M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4925M-1.jpg

Here's the part where I may catch flak. The main hoop and front downbars are welded to the frame. The rear bars I ended up bolting. It's not a wheel to wheel race car. And without really cutting up the trunk, this seemed an acceptable method. It sandwiches the body braces and sits between the rear body mounts.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4926M-1.jpg

[Mike H]

Finally getting to test fit the wheels.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4865M-1.jpg

Which lead to a little concern about the initial adjustment of the front coilovers.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4927M-1.jpg

Getting the ride height closer, but still too low.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4938M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4939M-1.jpg

Does look good from the rear.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_4934M-1.jpg

Front isn't bad either.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_5104M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_5081M-1.jpg

Stock inner wheel wells and the fenders both had to be tweaked to clear the tires. I didn't get a pic after the metal work was finished, But you can see the room that was created at the out edge of the inner fender.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_5099M-1.jpg

[Mike H]

Most of the fun stuff is done, now it was time for the body work to start. First i started fitting the fender end caps.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_5116M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_5115M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_5121M-1.jpg

Then I moved on to the doors and fenders. I'm no body man by any means and it took me forever to get the gaps like I wanted. There was a lot of welding, grinding, filing and sanding. Not to mention a little hammering and moving parts around.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_5212M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_5226M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_5293M-1.jpg

After lots of work and only a few pictures, I made it to the point of applying high build primer and wet started wet sanding.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_5470M-1.jpg


I did stop to take a couple of pictures of the 315s on the front.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_5523M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_5524M-1.jpg

Then the fun of building an impromptu paint booth in the garage and taping up the car.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_5529M-1.jpg

[Mike H]

Finally getting color on the body.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_5536M-1.jpg

And a little on me.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_5539M-1.jpg

The clear really made the color pop.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_5547M-1.jpg

Especially in the sun.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_5547M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_5553M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_5566M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_5567M-1.jpg

It's not perfect, and I learned a lot along the way. Mostly by making mistakes. My paint supplier, summed it up nicely, "Everything that can go wrong, will go wrong once you start spraying". Ultimately, I was able to finish it, and I'm happy with the results.

I really like how it shifts color depending on the light.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_5798M-1.jpg

[Mike H]

Since its a caged car I didn't really want to replace the back seats. We do carry the dogs with us a lot, so I decided to make a rear seat delete/slash pet platform. I used some closed cell foam and grained vinyl to cover the boards. It's braced underneath and bolted into the back package tray.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_5905M-1.jpg

Rommel testing the platform for me.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_5906M-1.jpg

The car mostly assembled. I'm in the middle of cutting and buffing the clear, also a learning process. Once that is done I'm going to get the SS stripes applied matching the color to the center of the wheels. At the same time I'm thinking of getting the trim wrapped in the same color.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_5829M-1.jpg

The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter. I'm already planning on hitting the SCCA Border Region autocross in Marana the 28th of August.

[Jk918]

Nice build hope to build one very similar one day

[SSLance]

Very nice work! Great update. With both the dropped lower control arm shock mount and raised upper shock mount you really made room for a lot of shock. I'm assuming this is why you had to work on raising it up when you first put the front back together again. It's a good thing though as I'm sure Ron has said to you. Good luck at your first event, that thing ought to rock it!!!

[Mike H]

Thanks guys.

Ron specified where he wanted me to locate the lower mount realative to the control arm. We talked about upper mounts and he picked the Speedtech part then had a shock built around those parts. Everything fit well, but I was unsure about how far up the adjuster needed to be to get to the initial ride height I wanted. In the end they ended up right about where he told me they would end up. Lol.

I'm really excited to finally get it out in the track. I'm sure there will be some teething problems, but it's to be expected. I went out last weekend and watched the Marana event, even hitched a ride in a newer Z28. It was quick and a lot of fun. The course looked like a lot of fun with some fairly fast sections. I can't wait.

[69chevelle540]

Hell Yea

[AmKenpo1]

The '70 is my favorite. i like the work you're doing.
I have to say what caught my I was the in garage climbing wall, I am planning one also and thought it was funny to see one in such random place. keep up the great work.

Wil.

[andrewb70]

I may have missed this, but what are the specs on the front wheels?

I ran 255s on the front of my 70 GTO for years, then went to a 275....and I am pretty sure that I can run a 295...

Andrew

[Mike H]

I may have missed this, but what are the specs on the front wheels?

I ran 255s on the front of my 70 GTO for years, then went to a 275....and I am pretty sure that I can run a 295...

Andrew

In the pictures where the car is black the wheels are Formula 43. I had 275 on 9.5s on the front. The rears were 295 mounted on 10.5 wheels. I want to say when I was getting measurements I had the 295s up front and they fit fine. Backspacing will be critical.

The current wheels are 18x11 Forgelines with 315/30/18 on all four corners. For those to fit the rear wheel lips are trimmed and rolled. The fronts I had to roll the lips, pull the fenders out a little and add a lot of metal to the inner fenders. The outer edge of the inner fender now goes up, instead of almost flat like it used to be. Hope that makes sense.

[andrewb70]

Do you recall the front backspacing? I'm guessing around 6-6.5 inches?

Andrew

[Mike H]

I didn't remember but I do still have the invioces.
9.5x18 with 5.50 backspacing. Tons of room.
10.5x18 with 6.0 backspacing. Close to the swaybar and lower control arms.
Current wheels are 18x11 with 6.0" backspacing. But I'm running a 7mm concentric spacer on the front. So they are close to a 5.75 backspacing. That seems to be the sweet spot for my front end. Tight to the suspension but still clears everything. I did that so I can rotate the tires and I wanted a square setup. I can also adjust the track width a little either way.

[Rick2964]

Great job! I love Chevelles... Also very cool to see others doing everything in their garage.

[Mike H]

Made it out for a successful day at the Marana Autocross. I still don't have any trim on the car, and i'm only halfway through color-sanding the clear. Still had a great time, even with a few hiccups. The throttle cable end came off. Had to do a quick and dirty redneck fix, I didn't even miss my next run. It looks ugly, but it worked for the rest of the day.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_6049M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/08/IMG_6048M-1.jpg

I did't make any changes to the setup, just learned the course and worked on figuring out the car. I will have to do some suspension tuning. The front grip was awesome. Unfortunately the rear grip, mid turn and on the exits was lacking. So even though the the front would turn the car in very well, if i pushed too hard, the back would come around. I ended up losing it twice. The first time was the run where I finally got my wife in the car at speed. It got sideways into a small four wheel skid and took out a cone. The second time was the last lap of the day, the tires were a little greasy and I was pushing a little harder, it got sideways in a left hander, then as I was trying to gather it up it snapped around to the left. A few more cones suffered their demise. Lots of fun but not very fast. I thought i did well for a beginner. Took it slow the first lap for a 57.939, then 52.646, 51.066 and a best of the first session of 49.400. I got four more runs for time only and ended up with a best time of the day of 47.433.

I'll post the video of the best lap first. I'll do a few more post with pictures Amanda took while she's working on the highlight reel.



https://youtu.be/_pucM8_0fZE

[andrewb70]

Nice McGuiver on the throttle cable. Those Lokar cables can be tricky. Generally need to tighten the snot out of the set screw. DBW FTW! :-)

Andrew

[Mike H]

A few pics from last weeks adventure.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/DSC_0016M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/DSC_0106M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/DSC_0105M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/DSC_0094M-1.jpg

Another notification popped up in my email from Mind The Cones. There is another autocross this Saturday. The AZ SCCA is holding an event at AZ Motorsports Park in Litchfield Park. Figured it would give me some much needed seat time.

Other then figuring out I had my front shocks set way too soft,and shortening the driveline, I haven't been able to do much to the Chevelle. Hoping that was most of my over-steer issue I ran into last weekend out. So much for getting a little further along on the cutting and buffing. Oh well at least it's still fun to drive when it's dull.

Any one else thinking of bringing their cars out to AZ Motorsports Park?

[Gil]

Beautiful car !
Gil

[Mike H]

The Chevelle has been getting a lot of use lately. In September I took it up to Arizona Motorsports Park to run the AZSolo autocross. Since my last outing I've rechecked the alignment and made sure the rebound in the shocks were set up correctly. Straight out of the gate the car was a lot better. The front was planted and the rear tracks well. I'm still figuring out that you can't just plant your foot coming out of the corners. It's a mild LS1, but it's enough to make the car exciting to drive.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/DSC_0343M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/DSC_0505M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/DSC_0495M-1.jpg

I hope this comes out. My wife mage a GIF of the Chevelle stepping out around one of the corners. You'll have to click on the picture.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/AMP20skid20102016M-1.jpg (https://adventurewife.smugmug.com/Other/Chevelle/i-frqZkhG/A)

I'm still figuring out the car and learning where the better lines around the cones are. AMP was a tight course and proved to be too much for my power steering pump. By the end of the day in was whining. And another problem started to raise it's ugly head. Pad knock-back. Apparently 315 BFG Rivals have enough traction to flex 9" Ford axles, this pushes the pads back into the rear calipers. The next time you step on the brakes, there's not a lot of pedal.

I found a Jones Racing pump with AN fittings and an aluminum reservoir. I ended up making a simple bracket out of aluminum plate and some machined spacers.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/IMG_6219M-1.jpg

Well it should have been simple, but i spec'd the spacers to the dimensions of the original pump. Then I game the machinist the wrong numbers from my notes. So, after the third trip to the machine shop, I had the correct parts.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/IMG_6218M-1.jpg

[Mike H]

Another weekend another autocross. I think I may have an addiction. This weekend it's back to Marana. Both my Father-in-Law and my dad made it out this weekend. Dad's ridden in the car several times already. This was Howard's first time in the car. He had a great time and was completely surprised at how well the Chevelle handles. He had a Chevelle when he was younger, so he knows how they used to drive.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/DSC_0467M-1.jpg

There were lots of first this weekend. I started killing cones. I noticed from my videos I was pretty far off most of the cones. That's more time used, so I was working on learning where the edges of the car is. I was also pushing a little harder. Coming out of a tight left into a serpentine the rear stepped out and when it caught, my line was right at the gate cones. They didn't make it.>:)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/DSC_0311M-1.jpg

I did another trip to AMP in October then it was back to Marana. I'm noticing each weekend I learn a lot about what the car likes and how to pick lines. Some of the corners are more difficult for me to pick the best line. Definitely an area to work on.

At least now the car has a little more shine to it. it's starting to what the finished car should look like.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/DSC_0472M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/DSC_0238aM-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/DSC_0369M-1.jpg

Back to pad knock-back, here's what it starts to look like when the rear brakes decide not to show up.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/DSC_0433M-1.jpg

On a more positive note, I've been comparing my times to the C5 Corvettes that show up. Not a fair comparison, but it gives me a lofty goal to chase down. Scot has a 2003 C5 and I'm usually a few seconds behind him. He's fairly quick and a consistent driver, so he makes a good benchmark. We were running in the same sessions, and comes up to my window as I'm getting ready for one of my runs later in the day. He asks me what I've changed on the car, mostly the driver, I tell him. He says, "man your flying today, you're catching up to my times" I didn't think so, but after looking at the times my best was only 1.6 seconds slower. Not bad for a Chevelle!

The power steering pump died again. Well, actually I caused it's demise. In my haste to get the car ready for AMP, I didn't realize I should flush the steering box first. After AMP, it started making noise. The pump was getting worse. I put a cooler on the car and flushed the fluid. I ran Marana with the pump, but it was on the way out. I tried to find just the pump to replace the Jones Racing pump on the car. Summit tried but sent the wrong part. I ended up returning it and calling Jones Racing. They offered to rebuild the pump and get it back t me in time for the next event I had planned on attending. I sent it to them and soon after they received it they called. They said it was completely shot, they might be able to get it rebuilt, but not in time for my next weekend. They sent me a new pump and said they would try to get this one to me as a spare. By time it was sorted out I got the new pump and the system flushed on Wednesday and still needed to clean the car and have it completely ready for Friday.

[wfo guy]

Progress is just that!

[Mike H]

As I mentioned earlier, I finally made it to Goodguys. I've been wanting to take the Chevelle to Goodguys in Scottsdale for several years. Which is two shows every year, that's a lot of events missed. Either the car wasn't completely assembled or missing something. Well, it's still not finished. But it's running and driving.

Friday my wife and I got up early to make it to Scottsdale for the Goodguys Southwest Nationals. We wanted to get there early to get a spot for the Duel in the Desert autocross. Most of the spots are for competitors already qualified from winning earlier events or picked up enough points to have qualified. There are usually 10 or so spots for people like me to show up and compete to try to qualify.

When we arrived the staging area was already full. We set up our pit area just outside the gates. I didn't feel too bad. Brandi Phillips and the PCRods C10R and Matt Alcala were right beside me. I took a walk through the pits and had a little doubt creep in. It looked like all the fast cars showed up to this event. Most of the big names that run Goodguys and OSUSC events were there. Besides the 21 cars prequalified there were about 30 plus other cars trying for the 11 open spots. There were some serious cars there. I thought this might be a short race day.

My first lap out was a 70.029. Not too bad. The pros were in the 64s. My next run I got down to the 69s. The announcer stated they were going to start cutting the field down. The first cut was 73.00. Hey I made the first cut. The course was really tight and very loose. My car was skating around fairly badly. I asked a certain orange Camaro driver for a little advice on shock adjustments and if she was doing any coaching this weekend. I did a little tweaking and the car got a little better. Later in the afternoon I picked up my driving coach for a lap to see how bad my line choices were. She's a very fun person to have ride with you. It's like having cheerleader in the car. You hit the straights and she's yelling GO!, GO!, GO! Look for your turn in spot, wait for it, Now turn! GO! GO!, GO! I got so into it, I over-cooked a turn or two. But it was a blast! I was grinning from ear to ear. My wife wasn't too happy. I lost a little time from my last run. Apparently she's competitive. Lol. My coach pointed out a few more changes and gave me a few more pointers. Much appreciated.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/IMG_6713M-1.jpg

Towards the end of the day they cut the field down again. This time he cut off was 70.00. I was suprized I made it through both cuts.

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Saturday we got to the Scottsdale a little earlier. Unfortunately it still wasn't early enough. Oh well. At least we were in good company. He C10R and now DSE Staci Tucker was out there too. At least I got to walk the course this morning. My first run was decent and I dropped a little more time. Cold temps and a loose course had everyone fighting for traction. They cut the field again getting closer to the fastest 32 that would go to the eliminations. One more run and I shaved a little more time. They made their final cut, and I made it. The officials rearranged the pits and put us inside by the BFG tire archway and gave us stickers for the car.

We got a few more practice laps before the eliminations. I was looking for time but clipped a few cones ruining the runs. During the drivers meeting they showed us the elimination brackets. I was set to go up against yesterday's driving coach. Yep, no pressure! I knew she was going to have a good run. I tried to pull out al the stops but ended up locking the fronts coming into the hard left handed and went wide and off course. Oops made that a little too easy for her.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/DSC_0503M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/DSC_0081M-1.jpg

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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/DSC_0815M-1.jpg

A little oversteer going through the timing lights.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/DSC_0790M-1.jpg

My wife says this looks like the Camaro is a predator waiting for its prey to make a mistake. Lol

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/DSC_0112M-1.jpg

This is not good for a quick time.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/DSC_0068M-1.jpg


To be continued...

[Mike H]

Oh well, I was happy to make it to Saturday, and couldn't believe I made it to the eliminations. Not only did I make the field I got into the picture. It's a pretty impressive field to be a part of.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/DSC_0186M-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/2016120202074036FullSizeRenderM-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/2016120201425106IMG_6786M-1.jpg

Funny story about this pic. My wife wanted one more glory shot. Some of the cars were starting to leave. I'm posing by the car like we did for the GG pic. A guy and his buddies walk by and he says, "Look at this guy still smiling and posing by his car". I laugh and tell him I'm waiting for my wife to take a picture. He's like, "Don't worry, if I won my way in here I'd be posing by my car smiling too".

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/DSC_0193M-1.jpg


Now it's time for a few changes to the car. I'm going to address the brake issues and change the rear suspension a little bit.