My 69 Chevelle Progress

[tom_a]

Hi, My name is Tom and visit this site almost daily but don't post a lot. Rather I just take in everyone's builds and learn. I have been working on my car for a while and posted a little on other boards which some of you may have already seen. I thought I would officially start one here at PT and hope it's not two years before it is on the road LOL!

The basics: LS3 / TKO600 with Currie 9". I been putting a project website together at www.LS3-Chevelle.com (http://www.LS3-Chevelle.com) more detailed specs here. I still have to update/add more pictures. The website photos are a little out of order.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/900roller1-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/900roller3-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/9008-1.jpg

[tom_a]

A few more

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/9004-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/IMG_1326-1.jpg

Hopefully some more progress soon. :cheers:

[shortrack]

I love 69s............!!!!!!

[dharrod]

Look'in good don't hesitate to put a ton of progress pictures ...

[Code Red]

awesome

[eric1967]

Did you do any mods to get the tires to fit. I see on your website they are 295/45/18 & 255/45/17. Looks great. Killer website. Thanks Eric

[tom_a]

Thanks Guy's,

Eric, no mods. I plan to roll the lips as I may go with a 305 tire. It appears that the 295 clear just fine although I have not driven. I based the tire purchase off of Andrew's 70 GTO who is a member here. I believe his rim is a 10-1/2" and mine is only a 10"

Thanks,
Tom

[tom_a]

Got the tunnel mod almost finished. We ended making the complete tunnel out of sheet metal and a break. To reinforce the trans tunnel it is flanged on the bottom and along the edges it has a 3/16" plate that ties the sheet metal tunnel to the original floor board. Going to wait on the drive line hoop till after we see where the drive-line will land. I really don't think it will need any additional bracing....I am about 225 lbs and I bent over and stood on the tunnel and it's nice and firm. If any A-body guy's that are considering doing Troy's idea and want to see more angles let me know. I have more just don't want to bore anybody.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/06/1212-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/06/1215-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/06/1213-1.jpg

[tom_a]

Today we worked on the body again. I really am gonna owe my brother as he is doing most of the body work. I did not get the same talent he has. It's taking longer because what body guy wants to help his brother by doing body work on his day off LOL. It's no wonder why Paint and body cost so much $$$. It is just plain tedious. Sand primer, sand primer, sand primer and so on. Keep in mind that I have chosen for the time being to go with a satin paint job with a better down the road....in doing this I keep on telling him let's just squirt the darn thing, but even after begging he says it's still not ready for that....so we ended the day with another primer and guide coat. More blocking to come. Also it may be a little delayed as I have chosen to add a roll cage...hopefully and update on that in the future.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/06/1216-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/06/121-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/06/1217-1.jpg

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

coming along!

[gearheads78]

nice progress....

that will be a sweet car when done

[55chevyman]

This is an awesome build, Love the color you chose for the wheels!!!!
:cool:

[Young Gun]

looking awsome!!

[Kustom_dude]

OK....

please show us more angles or more pictures of your tunnnel you made for your Chevelle. I have been thinking of doing a tunnel on my car also. It would help to get some idea's.

Thanks

[Code Red]

its getting there

[tom_a]

Thanks for the feedback guy's.

Kustom Dude, I have more to upload on my site in the next few days but there are a few more here http://ls3-chevelle.com/Current_Updates.php


OK....

please show us more angles or more pictures of your tunnnel you made for your Chevelle. I have been thinking of doing a tunnel on my car also. It would help to get some idea's.

Thanks

[WTRacing]

looks great, where did you find those valve covers for the LS?

[7TSS]

The body is coming along nicely. Good job on the tunnel.
Even though it's moving along slowly, better to have slow progress than no progress hahaha.
Keep the updates coming.

[BossaNova]

Nice. Love what you're doing.

[tom_a]

looks great, where did you find those valve covers for the LS?

They come from GM Performance parts. You can get them at Jegs. I may switch back to the OE pieces as they have baffles and I won't have to mess with relocating the coils

[WTRacing]

you could probably make a simple bracket to relocate the coils no?

I take it they mean for those to be used with the carbed version?

[Motown 454]

Looks good very nice workon the tunnel. keep the updates coming.
WAyne

[1968CamaroSS_Sam]

Very nice work, keep the pics coming. Please.

[tones2SS]

Nice build. Keep us updated with the progress.
'69 is one of my favorite years for Chevelles, that and '68.
GOOD JOB!!!:headbang: :headbang:

[tom_a]

The roll cage is almost complete. I stopped by the shop and snapped a few pictures Today. I debated about material, size, roll bar or roll cage. I know this is a sticky topic of what is right or wrong etc. I tried to look at rules for something that over laps different types of events...wow there is no universal way. Rules, at least in my looking are confusing at best. So I elected to go with 1-3/4" DOM with 120 wall thickness. I also chose to weld to the frame. My frame is not boxed so we boxed/plated about a 7" section on the frame at each contact point. After talking with a few people about the floor pan I chose to leave a 5/16" gap and will later fill with seam sealer with hopes this may allow the body to flex a little.
I am using Delrin body bushings that I got from a board member here a while back.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/a7181-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/a7182-1.jpg

I was in a hurry Today and did not realize how bad of pictures I took but these will give idea what it looks like..
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/a71810-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/a7187-1.jpg

In order to get the bar tuck as tight as possible he cut parts of the inner structure to push the bar inward.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/a7184-1.jpg

[tom_a]

On the front bars going to engine we are using tube clamps that will allow them to be removed. We are waiting for UPS to deliver the M/C Today so we can no where to bend as it is real close.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/a7185-1.jpg

Just a few things left like picking seats and then will have to tie those to the cage. Here are a few more pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/a7183-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/a7186-1.jpg

We also went through the dash

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/a7189-1.jpg

[Young Gun]

great looking cage!

[tom_a]

I got some time to hang the front sheet metal. It's along ways away, but for me it feels like progress after seeing parts laying around.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/a7301-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/a7305-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/a7304-1.jpg

[tom_a]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/a7302-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/a7303-1.jpg

[Part Time]

Looks awesome! Can't wait to see more.

[jackfrost]

that motor looks tiny in there! :razz:

[SaturnVUEguy]

Car looks great with the cage! I agree with jackfrost, that engine looks small in that bay. Any plans to upgrade the engine too?

[tom_a]

that motor looks tiny in there! :razz:

LOL! Yah I agree it looks lonely. Maybe someday a Maggie will fill that space:yeah: . I even thought about a carb intake with a fabbed elbow but it would not really perform any better.

Saturnguy- no plans to upgrade as it has a brand new 6.2L LS3 in it. Even if I did spend the extra $7k for an LS7 it would look the same size.

[SaturnVUEguy]

...Maybe someday a Maggie will fill that space...no plans to upgrade as it has a brand new 6.2L LS3 in it...:confused:

[tom_a]

:confused:

Maggie as in magna charger http://www.magnacharger.com/superchargersystems.htm

I will assume that your questioning what is an LS3? If so this is the base engine that became available in the 2008 Corvette. Factory rated at 430HP.

[SaturnVUEguy]

Maggie as in magna charger http://www.magnacharger.com/superchargersystems.htm

I will assume that your questioning what is an LS3? If so this is the base engine that became available in the 2008 Corvette. Factory rated at 430HP.LOL. No! In your previous post you said you have no plans to upgrade the engine, yet in the same post you mention the idea of installing a magnacharger. You have me confused!

I know what maggie means, and I know what an LS3 is

[tom_a]

LOL. No! In your previous post you said you have no plans to upgrade the engine, yet in the same post you mention the idea of installing a magnacharger. You have me confused!

I know what maggie means, and I know what an LS3 is

Upgrade to another engine no. Upgrade induction system maybe down the road. I can see how that could be taken either way. My bad as I thought since you were a Saturn guy you were not into LS engines and trying to learn. :cheers:

[andrewb70]

Nice work Tom. I clicked on the Magnacharger link and I did not see a Corvette system. Do they not make a system for a C6?

Andrew

[SaturnVUEguy]

Upgrade to another engine no. Upgrade induction system maybe down the road. I can see how that could be taken either way. My bad as I thought since you were a Saturn guy you were not into LS engines and trying to learn. :cheers:So maybe I could have worded that better too then. I'm into all cars, not just Saturns, and actually prefer muscle cars along with the exotic sports cars (dream car is Dodge Viper). There's nothing like the rumble of a beefy V8, and trust me, no Saturn delivers that (well, from the factory anyway, there have been a couple swaps). If I wasn't into cars in general, I wouldn't be here

[tom_a]

Nice work Tom. I clicked on the Magnacharger link and I did not see a Corvette system. Do they not make a system for a C6?

Andrew

Thanks, I believe they don't list it as they have some arrangement for Calloway Corvette's but not sure. I did call them (Magna) a while back and the guy's said they could sell what they call a Hot Rod kit that would fit our L92 style heads. IIRC I think it was about $5500 for non polished kit.

[gearheads78]

keep up the great work. Its looking good

[tom_a]

keep up the great work. Its looking good

Thanks!

I fitted the hood Today. The whole front group fenders, hood, core support is all the Dynacorn Taiwan reproduction pieces. I have heard many horror stories with things not fitting. I took a chance as I did not want to spend the money for Nos sheet metal (I have also seen where Nos does not fit so great either). We just spent a little time so far working on gaps and I must say things are fitting much better than I expected.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/a111-1.jpg
One area I am a little concerned is the passenger fender where it meets the header panel is angled (see picture below the gray primer to the black panel above where the headlights go). You can see that it slopes where the driver side is more level. I need to get the grill and headlight eyebrows bought so I can see how much of an issue that is. Overall I am happy the way it is fitting as this car it just a driver anyway.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/a112-1.jpg

[HWY Nova]

Tom,

Looks like great progress!



--Eric

[tom_a]

Tom,

Looks like great progress!



--Eric

Thanks Eric. Looking forward to seeing your project come together. Good choice on Ironworks for the fab.

[BossaNova]

Great progress you're making.

[badbu68]

Looks great, I might have to buy a core support for my 68 chevelle and was wondering how the fitment were on them.

[tom_a]

Not much of an update but I got the Hydraulic kit from Classic Motorsports (AKA Classic Chevy 5 Speed). I knew Jeff and the guy's had been working on the Chevelle application for a while so I waited. Finally last week they were finished up with first production pieces. The guy's over there are great and they won't hurry any products until they are totally happy with fitment and function. I was very pleased with their design of the bracket (Note: There are no current plans for them to sell as a stand alone item. It is only available when buying a full 5 speed conversion kit from them). The bracket mounts on the four brake booster stud and is nice and Strong. It comes into the left side of the clutch pedal unlike others that go between the brake and clutch pedals. Here is a few pictures. Sorry crummy cell phone pics as I did not have my camera.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/1HYD1-1.jpg
My roll cage was close but cleared fine. This won't be an issue on most other Chevelles without a cage. It comes with remote reservoir and a direct mount. It appears the direct would fit if I did not have the bar through fire wall. I am using the remote. I not sure if I will leave it mounted like this or I may even use another type of remote. The hood does clear with plenty of room
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/1HYD4-1.jpg
A little wider shot prior to adding remote. The bracket while hard to see in this picture comes way out to the left.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/1HYD2-1.jpg

I have a few more things to fit and then I will be taking the front clip and engine out for some paint. Were going to add a crossbar to tie the two engine compartment bars together with a dimple die cover. I also think I am gonna add down bars that drop between the UCA and fire wall. I am thinking of adding tabs to the engine bars so we can make some kind of fender wells as the stock ones are not going to fit right

[orbit]

The 1969 is the BEST year for the Chevelle hands down!:1st: In my opinion....

My mechanic friend had a mint '69 that ran 9s flat in the quarter. It had the 502 bb! I made him take me for a ride in it. It was sooo sick! :barf: Made me fall in love with them.:rotfl:

You're car is excellent already and will be amazing when completed! Keep it up and keep the :pics2: coming!!!!

[Melman109]

Looking Good, Can't wait to see her done

[Les69]

that's a nice work in progess... what color are you going with?

[tom_a]

Thanks guy's :cheers:

Les69, For now I am gonna paint with Hot Rod Flatz Hugger Orange.
I know I won't win any beauty contests but I wanted to save time and just get the car going. Funny thing is I bought this paint 6 months ago thinking it would be on months back. It's amazing how quick time passes by. The body is close and the satin color is a little more forgiving but still requires alot of work. I hope in a couple of months to be painted but that depends on my free time. Here is the link to the paint http://www.tcpglobal.com/kustomshop/hrf208.aspx

[Dream68]

Awsome build, really is top notch! I cant wait to see what else you have planed for it.

[tom_a]

Well I brought my car back from my Brother's shop mainly because our schedules would rarely match where I could work on my car. My wife loves when I spray in my gararge..not https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/07/biggrin1-1.gif . In any case I have got more done in the last few weeks than I have done in the last 6-8 months and it feels good. I scuffed it down after having the problems with the Hot Rod Flatz and had a guy at the paint store mix up something greenish in primer. It's not for everybody but good enough for me for now. The firewall is a semi gloss black. I am not a painter so it is likely below some peoples standard but again it's all about getting it on the road DIY style. The cage and floor board is POR-15 gray. The cage is like painting a golf ball so it has some sags and a few holidays. I had planned to just use it as a base anyway. I have most of the front suspension on except for the sway bar. Gonna start plumbing and routing wire soon. I have to do a little sheet metal work where the back seat used to be. I need to get some shears and maybe build a DIY sheet metal break. Hopefully more updates coming in weeks ahead instead of years https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2006/06/lol-1.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/06/chev23-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/06/chev25-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/06/chev24-1.jpg

[nvmyss]

Looks like another great Chevelle build, can't wait to see this one done.

What are you going to do for the headliner?

[1971CHEVELLE]

Looks awesome

[1badchevelle]

I have been wondering what happen with your build. When I came a cross this site your car was one of the first I seen and from that point on I knew what I was going to build a Pro touring car........Now my wife hates this site. Keep the pictures coming.

specs on wheels and tires please.

[tom_a]

Thanks for the comments guy's.


What are you going to do for the headliner?

I plan on keeping very basic but the stock style won't fit so I will have to cross that down the road.

1badchevelle, 18 x 11 with 305/35/18 tire in the rear
18 x 9.5" with 275/40/18 tire in the front

[LateNight72]

Looks good! Wish I was any where near that far along..

[tom_a]

Thanks Todd. This car has a piece of you... or rather some of the delrin bushings you made. They fit great. Thanks,

[syborg tt]

Great looking car - can't wait to see more updates

[Motown 454]

X2 any more updates ?

[tom_a]

Thanks guy's. Not much in the way of updates. Working on the fuel lines. Got kinda overwhelmed by a few things such my brake line flaring tool sucks :machine:. I am going to buy the Eastwood tool. Went to start the wiring with a Painless kit and since I shaved firewall I could not really mount it so I bought a AAW Highway 22 kit. Now I am trying to figure where to mount that. I should have welded some brackets to the back of the firewall before painting but I wanted to have that area clear in case I want to add an A/C unit down the road. I can't believe how the time fly's by :). Hope to have a better update next time.

[1badchevelle]

any updates.????????