1965 Chevelle

[bavtech]

Well I purchased this 1965 Chevelle a few weeks ago and starting to make a dent in it.

A little history, I bought this car from a guy here in Sacramento that had finished the body work and has no engine/trans. My 1972 RS Camaro is stuck in the bodyshop jail so I decided to pickup another project. I pretty just need to do all the mechincal work on this car.

Here is the plans:

350 Chevy Engine with Holley Carb ( Came from my 1972 Camaro) Est. 350HP.
700r4 auto trans
Corvette brakes front and rear with adapters from Kore3 with Power brakes
Tubular Upper and Lowers + Adjuster rear arms
Big Sway Bars
Coil-Overs front and rear
18" Wheels
Interior Redo
Plus more as it comes along

Well on this very rainy day here in Sacramento so I could not get much done. I have spent the last couple weekends putting the suspension and engine/trans together and got around to doing some adjusting on it today.

After playing with it I am not happy with the front setup. The coilover are adjusted all the way. I think I will need to get heavier springs or maybe tall ones. I might also try putting a spacer on the top of the front coils.

When to the back suspension and had similar issues. It is just to rainy to keep messing with it. I like the way it sits but the rear wheel are rubbing. I will probably have to change the wheels and move them in a inch or more. These wheels were originally meant for my Camaro Project but decided to go a different route on wheels for the Camaro. So they were laying around so I decided to try them out. I will probably have to order wheel that have the proper offset.

Still need to readjust that hood after the engine install :)

Here is a couple of pics i took today in the rain:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/31406297898-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=297898)

<https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/31406297899-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=297899)

[ProdigyCustoms]

Very cool, I really like the 65s.

[Blitz]

Good lookin 65. I like the wheels on it. Any more pics?

[bavtech]

Here is one with the car sitting next to my other project car.

That car up on the lift is a 1989 BMW E30 M3 that I am putting a Supercharged 6cylinder with 6 speed transmission. Me and one of my guys are working on both of these side by side.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/31406297930-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=297930)

[bavtech]

ohhh....If anyone is wondering what it is with all the car parts everywhere. I manage a large BMW auto recycler here in Sacramento. My guys don't like using the outside lifts during the winter so I use them for my projects.

[Tucks69]

Looks good. The wheels look great on there.

[dropit69]

damn sweet ride ..love the color..

[jhiphopjunky]

Nice ride!
What coil-overs are you running?
What didnt you like about your front coil-over shocks?

[Jon69RagTop]

The 65 Chevelle is my favorite year. I love the wheel choice and hope you get the stance to your liking. Good luck and keep us posted

[Blitz]

What's the issue with the wheels that makes them rub? What specs are they? If you aren't over on Chevelles.com also you should be!!

[bavtech]

Well I had a set of QA1 muscle car coilovers that I was going to use on the camaro but installed them on this car. The coilovers are at full top adjustment. I am thinking they should be somewhere in the middle to give adjustment both ways. Right now with the QA1 there seems to be very little suspension movement. When you push down on the car it goes down but no rebound at all. This rain today just made it hard to work in the open air. One minute it was fine then the next it was coming down like crazy. I will play with it more when the weather gets better.

I am running BOSS 338 wheels in the back in a 18x9.5 size. According to the website the Backspacing on those wheel is 5.031. Unfortunetly with this wheel maker they give you no options when it comes to wheel offset. They due make a 20x8.5 in a 5.79 Backspace but I do not think that 3/4 of a inch will make enough of a difference. The wheel currently hits the rear in fender and the car just lays up on it, even though I must have about 1 3/4" on the inboard side of the wheel. I like the look but I will probably have to bite the bullet and buy the right wheels. I just had these setting around and thought I would give it a shot.

I am on chevelles.com but it is hard finding a lot of info on the 65 Chevelles. Most of the talk over there is on the later model of chevelles.

[bavtech]

By the way....

Thanks Tucker for the Bowler Transmission parts. They will be going on this Chevelle.

[Blitz]

There used to be about 3 big time projects going on over here and I think they all fizzled out. I had been watching them for awhile and by the time I picked my 65 up, it seemed like I was a rare breed. Not a 70 and and not a Camaro. lol Malitude...probably the most recognizable 64/65, was just sold off. I have way more ideas than I have money so my project will creep but I do enjoy watching the other projects and gaining knowledge on what I can (and can't) do for mine.

Keep us informed on what you're doing. It will definitely help us guys with the early models keep interest.

[41565 chevelle]

A fellow 65er', welcome!!!

[L & H Kustoms]

Great Project looks like a nice 65 makes me want to get started on my 65 2dr wagon.got to finish my 67 300 deluxe first. If you end up pulling the plug on new wheels check out rushforth wheels great wheels great prices and only 4 week lead time. If your interested in running tall spindles I manufacture billet tall spindles that will work with your brake setup.

[Tucks69]

By the way....

Thanks Tucker for the Bowler Transmission parts. They will be going on this Chevelle.

I take it they made it there. Keep us updated

[camcojb]

cool 65. I don't know how you get a 9.5" wide wheel in the rear in any offset without a minitub. I had 17X11's on my 64, but that was with a 3" minitub. A 12" wheel would have been close enough to rub. Deducting the 3" minitub it looks like a 9" max with likely some rubbing, or an 8 or 8.5" with perfect offset would work without issues. These 64/5's have very small wheelwells.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/100_0774r-1.jpg

Jody

[CruizinKev]

very nice!!! love the rims - I also just bought a set few days ago :twothumbs

[jhiphopjunky]

[QUOTE=bavtech;609833]Well I had a set of QA1 muscle car coilovers that I was going to use on the camaro but installed them on this car. The coilovers are at full top adjustment. I am thinking they should be somewhere in the middle to give adjustment both ways. Right now with the QA1 there seems to be very little suspension movement. When you push down on the car it goes down but no rebound at all. This rain today just made it hard to work in the open air. One minute it was fine then the next it was coming down like crazy. I will play with it more when the weather gets better.

I am also running Qa1 shocks. Single adjustable coil-overs with 22in wheels. although i have plenty of travel (no rubbing) the shocks seem to be really stiff even on the softest setting.

It takes two guys to push on each front fender to get the suspension moving up and down. even then its really stiff.

Do you or anyone know if this is normal. (is this how your coil-overs travel)

Thanks

[bavtech]

I like these Boss 338 wheels just wish they gave you more choices in offset and the price is fair.

I would like more feedback on these QA1's also.

I am going to take some pics tomorrow of the rear wheel tubs and get some opinions on it.

Anyone seen these 65's with 20"s in the back?

[bavtech]

These have always been my most favorite Chevelle.

There was once a strawberry red 65 with a fake bird catcher scoop in an old issue of Car Craft and I just had to have one. Minus the scoop!

[Blitz]

These aren't mine.

[bavtech]

:drool: Sweet..... The car i was talking about was built over a decade ago.

[SUAREZ]

Love to see another 65. I got a 65 vert project with a motown 427 sbc.

here's a pic of one of my favorites, Charlie Currie's from 65

[bavtech]

That sounds like a awesome project Suarez. Keep us posted on your build.

[Blitz]

Love to see another 65. I got a 65 vert project with a motown 427 sbc.

here's a pic of one of my favorites, Charlie Currie's from 65

Charlie Currie's 65 is the standard that I'm building mine to. I have TWO copies of the Chevelle magazine that it's in. I just wish I could see it in person. Got anymore pictures of it?

[bavtech]

Well today I did a test fit on the rear wheels. I had these wheels off my BMW E38 7series. These wheels are 20x9.5 with a +15mm offset.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/31406298319-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=298319)

They seem to fit pretty wheel with room on both sides. This wheel seems a bit to modern for this car but I can get a BOSS wheel with the same offset to clear the fenders.

Not sure now....stick with the BOSS wheels or these. I would run 20inch wheels in the back and 18inch wheels upfront. Don't plan on running any autocross events in this car so I might use this setup.

Decisions.....DECISIONS

[twosaturns]

These aren't mine.
we won't hold it against you that that's a '64 :)

love the '65. my 1st car was a rust bucket '65 malibu hardtop.

[Blitz]

Lol. I'm not hurt about liking 64's. If it weren't for the nose I'd like them probably more. I like the nose of the 65 but the rear of the 64's....it's so much cleaner back there.

:lol:

I think those 7 series wheels look great on it. Run 'em!

[MSTSFabbed]

I second Blitz! Run the beemer wheels, they look great!

[MCMLXIX]

I agree... kep the Bimmer wheels... (if the fronts fit)

[SUAREZ]

Charlie Currie's 65 is the standard that I'm building mine to. I have TWO copies of the Chevelle magazine that it's in. I just wish I could see it in person. Got anymore pictures of it?

lol, the "Alley Sweeper". I'm somewhat doing the same thing with a vert. Currie enterprises has a couple videos of the restoration of it on streetfire.net

[twosaturns]

Lol. I'm not hurt about liking 64's. If it weren't for the nose I'd like them probably more. I like the nose of the 65 but the rear of the 64's....it's so much cleaner back there.

:lol:

yup, the flat '64 nose ruins it for me too. maybe the '64 tails are nicer, I can see what you mean there.

[Blitz]

Watched the videos. Cool stuff. Would love a team of experts to work with me on building it. I wish my bank account exceeded my ideas instead of the other way around.

[bavtech]

Well it has been a couple weeks since i had time to work on the Chevelle. Just bought a new house and been moving. I finally got a house with some acreage so I can build my own shop.

If everyone remembers I was having some wheel offset issue with the BOSS 338 wheels I had on the car. They were a 18x9.5 and were rubbing like crazy. Well I rolled the dice and ordered one of the 20x10 wheels in a 20mm offset and it fits.

[/URL]https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/31406300528-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=300527)


[URL="http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=300526"]https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/31406300526-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=300526)

I even like the way it fills the wheel well up in comparison to the 18" inch wheel. I would of rather had the 18" wheel but BOSS Motorsports just not give you a lot of option when it comes to wheel offset. Now for anyone else who wants to try this you absolutely must roll the lip in as tight as you can. This one is section cut and was flattened prior to painting.

I am going to lower the rear a bit more to take out some of the rake and level it out a bit.

[Blitz]

Cool. If you can, could we get pictures of how the fit is inside the wheel well? Just curious how a 10" wide wheel will fit under the rear and ultimately how much this limits how low you can get. Prior to now, I've only read of maybe two other 65's using a 10" wide wheel without modifying the rear and wheel wells.

Let us know.

[LSXfan]

Cool. If you can, could we get pictures of how the fit is inside the wheel well? Just curious how a 10" wide wheel will fit under the rear and ultimately how much this limits how low you can get. Prior to now, I've only read of maybe two other 65's using a 10" wide wheel without modifying the rear and wheel wells.

Let us know.

X2 :smoke:

[CruizinKev]

very nice man!!! love the rims - can't wait to get my 338's in a few days :twothumbs

[bavtech]

My son-in-law was working on his 1967 Firebird and took a couple pics of our cars together.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/31406302303-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=302303)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/31406302304-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=302304)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/31406302306-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=302306)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/31406302308-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=302308)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/31406302311-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=302311)

[CruizinKev]

sweet :twothumbs

[Blitz]

Nice. Another car I'd own if I had it like that.

[65convertSSl79]

10" wide wheel in a stock wheel well!!!? I guess I don't have to mini tub mine. Sweet

[bavtech]

You will have to roll/flatten the outside lip but that is about it. Critical to get the right offset of wheel.

[Blitz]

Probably a tight fit but for us curious folks can we get pictures of the wheel well?

[bavtech]

I will get some tomorrow.....I have some updated pics of the big brake i installed last weekend on tomorrow also.

[Blitz]

Can't wait to see it all.

[65bomber]

I have a 65 Chevelle as well. I was looking at getting those wheels in all black. What size are you running in the front?

Bryan

[Blitz]

I have a 65 Chevelle as well. I was looking at getting those wheels in all black. What size are you running in the front?

Bryan

Glad to see another 65 Chevelle in the mix. Are you on Lat-G or Team Chevelle? I think I've seen your Username before.

[bavtech]

Here is the some updated pics. Been tough to work on the car outdoors lately. The rain has been really bad here in california and I just got the garage done at the new house. The plan was to complete all the undercar projects here at work and on the lift then move it home for all the other tasks.

I finished putting the PBR/VEtte brakes on today and played with some additional chassis adjustments.

I am running Boss 338 wheels in sizes 18x8 and 20x10.

sorry the wheel well pics are not the best because of the poor lighting and camera but I hope you get the idea.

Left rear tire:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/31406304176-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=304176)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/31406304177-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=304177)

It is a little tight on the outside but I am waiting for my UMI rear control arms to come in and I can center the whole rear end. On the right side the wheel is closer to the inside of the well. So centering should do the trick and give me plenty of room. Right now I can move the rear of the car without hearing it scrape on the body.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/31406304178-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=304178)


Here are pics of the complete brakes and suspension work. I just need to decide on sway bar and the front is 100% done.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/31406304183-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=304183)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/31406304184-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=304184)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/31406304181-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=304181)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/31406304185-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=304185)

For the rear I still have to hook up and make the rear brake line. Then decide on what shocks I will use.

I am on Teamchevelle and on lateral g. I do not post much on Lateral G and I am fairly new to Teamchevelle. I just takes a lot of time to keep up on all these forums.

[DYNODANNY]

Man I love your 65, this was my 1st car when I was in high school. I put it together then and drove it through college. Then one day I decided to put it in a body shop, that was a big mistake. several cars got stolen and so did my car. Now I have a 66 chevelle but I syill want another 65 I have alot of parts fom my old one.

[CruizinKev]

what tire size you had with the 18x9.5?

[Blitz]

Bavtech, I like the MuscleBar SwayBar by RideTech. It tucks in closer to the car than most. You should check it out. It'll be what I use.

[1971CHEVELLE]

Very cool, I really like it awesome car

[94SNGLTURBO]

looks good... i love my 65

[Blitz]

looks good... i love my 65

Not to hijack Bavtech's thread but do you have pictures? I'm hoping that the 64/65 guys have a stronger showing around here eventually.

[bavtech]

I agree....Let's see all the 64/65 chevelles. I don't mind hijacking the thread for that purpose. :)

[bavtech]

I had 275/35-18 on the 18x9.5 rims.

[Bishop73]

Great looking car, I love the 65's.

[sebtarta]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/31406304181-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=304181)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/31406304185-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=304185)



Great car. like that yellow color too.

Questions --
What control arms are those? Also, how is the fitment of the Boss 338 with those brakes? Are they very close, did you have to shave the 'corvette' lettering?

[bavtech]

thanks.....the control arms are Global west. The only brand I will use on any of my projects.

No fitment issues at all on the brakes. They are close but do not rub on the wheel at all.

I did not have to shave them. These had no lettering on them at all.I have access thru my work to buy PBR calipers. Those calipers were brand NEW with the pads, hardware, abutments(caliper carrier), and bolts. I could not buy used calipers and put them together for the same price I got these brand NEW calipers. Bonus was no Corvette LOGO. I did have to bead blast them because they have some type of grey coating on them that did not allow the caliper paint to hold.

[sebtarta]

Yes I was looking in getting GW CA for the Nova.

Thanx for the info on the brakes. I bought the C6 calipers off from eBay for aout $200 shipped no rotors though, but still for front and rear it was a steal.

[bavtech]

Well I have been working on the engine bay and getting the ready to start the motor. The part that is slowing me down is the parts running I need to do each day. I keep getting stuck at a certain point because I do not have little parts like fitting, gaskets, not the right size belt, etc.

I am getting close.....This is not a super power engine. It is a crate GM ZZ4. I wanted good horsepower but not to much to make the car unreliable.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/02/31406307491-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=307491)

[monteboy84]

Looks good, very clean!

One thing before you go too far, if that fuel line isn't PTFE lined, you should read this thread:
https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=62575

[bavtech]

I will have to check into it.....I bought the bulk line from JEGS.

[monteboy84]

I'm pretty sure it's not then, you'll be fine to get the car running with what you've got, but it should be swapped out for PTFE the full length, or hardline and PTFE as soon as you can. If not, it's going to disintegrate on you, which is obviously not something you want happening.

[bavtech]

Thanks for the heads up.....I will order some and get it swapped out :)

[bavtech]

Well here is the some of the latest pics. Sorry for the poor quality but will take nice pics very soon.

I am down to finishing the fine details on the car and should be done this week.

Engine Pic - Still need to detail the wiring but it runs good. Still needs some minor tuning to the Holley carb.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/31406312865-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=312865)

Interior - Seats are in and the interior is coming together. I really like the LEATHER seats we used. My interior guy used leather stripped off of BMW seats to make these. It took a few back seats but it came out looking great.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/31406312866-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=312866)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/31406312867-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=312867)

Sitting in the parking lot at work.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/31406312868-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=312868)

[1971CHEVELLE]

Looks good :1st:

[65convertSSl79]

Awesome!!!!!!!!!

[Blitz]

Looks good. Can't wait till mine sports some nicer shoes and a relaxed stance.

What's your next move?

[brandonohm]

what size tires are you running on the 18x8 and 20x10s?

[bavtech]

HI.....

Sorry for the delay. Been super swamped.

Ok...the front tire size is 245/40R18 and the rear is 255/35R20. I probably would have went a little taller tire in the rear if I was to buy them again.

[brandonohm]

I have the same wheels ready to go on my 65 but in black. do you think a 275/30 20 will fit?

[69fbodyproject]

Ive always liked that body style of Chevelle. Clean lines.

[KWKRAG9]

49402Sweet ride. I just got a 65' Chevelle 300 that was my fathers. Me and my son are going to build a tribute car for him. He lost his battle with cancer a few weeks ago, and never got to finish the car. Mom gave me the car and wants me to finish it like dad would have wanted. A limit on funds is what is holding me back right now, but eventually plan on getting it together. it is a original 300 post with 39k on the ticker. It is a radio delete car and he was the second owner. It still has the original headlights in it.

[bavtech]

Sorry to hear about your father....Sounds like a great reason to do the project! I have a few kids and it is always great to see the enthusiasm when we build cars together.

Good luck and let me know if I can assist!

[sixfivepost]

Hey Nelson, I checked out your car a long time ago while deciding on wheel sizes. Good to see your thread updated again.

I've been considering a ZZ4 or a Fast Burn 385. How do you like the ZZ4? I'm really torn at this point and am STRONGLY considering an LS swap. The only thing holding me back is my lack of knowledge with the electronics and fuel supply requirements in addition to the fact that I am hesitant about cutting up the brand new floor to fit the T56 or 4L60e.

Dan

Project High School Sweetheart: 1965 Chevelle 300 Post aka "POSTAL"

https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?82862-Project-High-School-Sweetheart-%28the-build-of-a-1965-Chevelle-300-2dr-post-quot-POSTAL-quot-%29

[bavtech]

Yeah... I have been busy with some Euro car projects and my muscle cars are getting neglected right now. I have one customers car that was just on the cover of Eurotuner magazine and a bunch of others. I am collaborating with a good friend right now and we have three cars getting ready for SEMA.

I think the ZZ4 is a great motor. It is a great compromise between horsepower and reliability. I have ran that motor have recommended it to many customers. It is a engine that will cruise in the hot weather without overheating and giving you trouble.

Trust me ... I also love the LS1 but for muscle car simplicity and getting you on the road quick it is very hard to go wrong with the ZZ4 crate engine.

[nicke]

Nice 65'! I really like how you have it setup.

[sixfivepost]

Thanks man, good luck with the build!