'68 Chevelle ss conv in process - suggestions???

[sam1]

I have pulled a super dry chevelle ss conv out of a 10 year sleep in a field. Body is now off the frame, and I am looking for any suggestions from the board in terms of things to consider when reassembling --- any other trick parts to consider, ideas for paint/body/interior, etc. Will post pics of my progress if any interest. Trying to build on a budget, and car has all original sheetmetal and floorboards which are all solid/straight - which I would like to retain - wondering if there is something I can do with the bumpers to streamline/modernize the look of the car.

Here is what I have so far:

New 3.73 12 bolt posi - ultimate cover/brace
GM disc brakes rear
Wilwood dynalite front
Global west upper control arms
QA1 Coil overs front
QA1 Adjustable rears
Hotchkis upper and lower arms for the rear(no coils or swaybars yet, suggestions?)
Built 700R4 with 2300 lockup stall - turbo 400 in there now.
Original 396, with 750 holley - rebuilt before sitting up - planning to crack open and see what is there - was able to fire it up and drive it on the trailer!
Acura TSX black front and rear seats - don't know if I can use the rears... Looking to do an interior with a lot of bare aluminum.
Prisitine '64 GTO wood wheel - family heirloom - finally have a place to put it.
Coddington Magneatos - 17x8 with 255/45's

Thanks for any suggestions! - if you have any pics that may prove inspirational - please email them to me at [email protected]

[ProdigyCustoms]

My knee jerk reaction is why an original motor big block convertible? Seems to valuable stock to molest, but congratulations on a cool car.
I avoid doing anything irreversible, re: cutting anything up. I would not do anything to this car that could not be unbolted. It does not sound like you are cutting it up at all.
I would seriously reconsider the interior mods, Unless future value is of no concern. Stock interiors are widely excepted in this group, just look at the praise for the Road Runner in the other post. In the past I have had to unexpectedly needed sell things I thought I would keep forever, sometimes life makes us do these things. I always have to look at value.
If it was not an original big block car, I would say, cut it up and modify the heck out of it.

[sam1]

I am keeping all parts which are removed from the car - rear end, drums, tranny, rally wheels - definitely want unboltable mods if I ever decide to return to stock - as for the interior, I have considered going all stock with only the tsx buckets for comfort - other than the dash - the interior is a clean slate, as it has been gutted - in all cases, want to have a back to stock option... thanks for your input

[socalfandabodys]

I have some pics of my 68 chevelle under new cars under chevele fresh from paint shop. The only thing is there alot of one off items on the 68 chevelle. Like the steering column,ignition key,grille,bezels. They are hard to come buy and they tend to be alot more expensive when buying them new.

[Bill Howell]

Sam1
Just curious-if you will get the numbers off the pad (below passenger head on the front) and post, I'll see if it is indeed the right motor and what the hp is. The one we need should start with a T, have 4 numbers then 2 letters. Those last 2 letters will tell what year engine and hp.I hope you find the letters EG. That would be a 396/375hp. If it is a 68 motor, the first letter will be E. Happy Hunting!
Oh!,by the way- :postpics:

[sam1]

Thanks...I will pull the numbers when I get back in town this weekend. And take some pics as well.

[sam1]

also - socalfandabodies - tried to find your pics, but could not find them under new cars added - is there any other thread I can look at?

[derekf]

Sam, he was referring to the New Cars forum - here's the post he was talking about.

http://66.70.234.198/forum/showthread.php?t=2485

[Jagarang]

Looks like a hard top. I think maybe the confusing part is the conv. standing for SS conversion vs. SS CONVERTIBLE! Is this right? A big block SS convertible, numbers matching car would be worth SILLY money in bone stock restored condition.

[derekf]

Kevin, the hardtop pics would seem to be socalfandabodys' car, not Sam's... or did Sam send you pics (and if so, we want to see!)

[Jagarang]

Ohhh I see....
two different cars....didn't read that carefully enough! My brain was clogged with organic chem and no sleep when I replied that first time. Restore that convertible and sell it for huge money!! Then buy a solid Malibu and mod the heck out of it with a smidgen of the cash!! Perhaps you could use some of the remainder to pay off a....hmmmm...a HOUSE!

[sam1]

Sorry about the confusion - it is a a real ss (138 vin code) - big block a/c convertible -

Keeping future value in mind, I want to make sure all mods are reversible - but given that I plan to drive and enjoy this car, I want it to handle and brake well, as well as haul ass. It seems to me like the ideal situation is to have a car setup with modifications I want, but to preserve it's value by keeping to original parts.

I will take some pics this weekend - lifting the body off the frame and getting to work with por15.

[rob07002]

Sam for what its worth I would take the advice of the rest who posted and restore the car and sell it or just sell it as it sits. If the car is matching #'s you could make a bucket of cash and buy whatever you want to modify.... Oh! the possibilities are endless, (must stop salivating) you could probably pick up a 68 malibu ragtop for under 10K depending on the condition probably cheaper and go nuts.....

[sam1]

Thanks for all the input, but I am not going to sell this car, and work on another one - I understand the value thing, but paid very little for the car due to the generosity of a good friend. Regardless of building back to stock or in a PT direction I will not be upside down, and that is good enough for me. By preserving all original stuff removed, and all the original sheetmetal - I think I am preserving what makes the car special. The newer parts I am considering could all be undone a brought back to stock easily with about $1000 at OPG and a couple of weekends. I would appreciate any input from others with chevelles who might have some comments on my planned setup / any other things to consider. Or drop by my garage in Austin and check it out....

[socalfandabodys]

I think chevy hi perfromance is doing a similiar build on an all original 64 mailibu ss convertible. They are doing all bolt on mods while saving everything in case they want to go back to stock. I think its in the september issue

[sam1]

thanks - I will check it out.

John

[sam1]

update on my chevelle - turns out motor in it was a 1970 crate motor - going to install a 502.

Received a call from the owner of the shop where work was done on the car 10 years ago, and he found the original motor collecting dust in storage. Going to drive out and get it in a few weeks and will verify numbers then.