Chris's 66 Chevelle @ The Roadster Shop [Archive]

ROADSTER SHOP

05-07-2011, 12:14 PM

I would like to re-introduce Chris's 66 Chevelle. This car has been seen around many of the Good Guys and pro-touring events through the midwest. We have become good friends with Chris and Lynda through these and other car events. Chris started talking with us about updating his car to gain some better performance and ride quality along with changing the stance of the car and gaining some much needed ground clearance. Well, after several discussions we agreed on a plan, Chris brought the car in, and we went to work!

Here is the original car.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture15447-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture16040-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture15257-1.jpg

Let the disassembly begin:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture16092-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture16446-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture16449-1.jpg

Removing the body from the chassis that it currently sat on.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture16453-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture16526-1.jpg

ROADSTER SHOP

05-07-2011, 12:16 PM

Our original chassis was designed and built 5 years ago before we many of the capabilities that we now do. There has been a lot of conversation about frames hanging down below the rockers of a car. This was one of our main areas to address in the re-design of the chassis. The goal was to get the new frame rail to be at the same location or less than where a stock frame rail sits in relation to the rocker. We were able to accomplish this and more! Our new frame rail design sits actually 3/4" closer to the body than a stock frame making it completely disappear under the car. As Chris said, it is a shame to cover this chassis up with a body, but our goal was to make a low profile frame as well as improve upon an already proven platform.

Here are a few shots of the frame rails being mocked up under the body.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture16749-1.jpg

Not the best view with the protective paper, but you can get the idea. Even with the car at eye level, the frame rails are not visible! There will be better pics in the next few days when the car is back on the chassis.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture16760-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture16747-1.jpg

New center crossmember design to clear the floor, allow for 3" exhaust, and keep the frame rail the lowest point on the car.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture17114-1.jpg

ROADSTER SHOP

05-07-2011, 12:18 PM

A few shots of the chassis clamped in the fixture to be TIG welded. A lot of time went into the jigs and fixtures to make all future chassis the same as the first chassis.

Another visual re-design was on the rear section of the main frame rail in front of the rear wheel. On most chassis, the frame rail dives inward leaving a large gap. In our re-design we moved the body mount on the frame rail so we can have a continuous frame rail running down the entire length of the rocker, filling it out. The rear frame rail kick up is also now boxed in by the side rail and the center crossmember brace creating a rear torque box in the frame for added strength.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture17024-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture17017-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture17015-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture17155-1.jpg

ROADSTER SHOP

05-07-2011, 12:20 PM

Chris started out with the plan of using his floater 9” rear end from the old chassis. We were going to cut all of the brackets off and weld our 4-link brackets in place for our chassis. Well, Chris caught a glimpse of another product that we were in the final stages of developing. Like every good car project, he made a few revisions and changed directions!

Here is Chris's completed chassis and the first Roadster Shop Fully Independent Fast Track Chevelle Chassis

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture18214-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture18234-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture18213-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture18230-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture18250-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture18147-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture18132-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture18113-1.jpg

kochevy67

05-07-2011, 12:52 PM

What are you doing with the old chassis?

Six_Shooter

05-07-2011, 01:25 PM

I like it.

DYNODANNY

05-07-2011, 01:52 PM

Dam! what a beute.

HotRod47

05-07-2011, 02:34 PM

Wow!!! that is really nice.

73z-6sp

05-07-2011, 03:25 PM

ghbnjmk

dontlifttoshift

05-07-2011, 04:07 PM

I guess the forces of nature will balance out now that Chris has enough independent suspension for the both of us.......

Any chance that IRS will be available as a "universal" fit? What's the hub to hub dimension?

Looks great and I can't wait to see it in action.

Donny

kryptik

05-07-2011, 04:19 PM

Love it!!

COPO-RAT

05-07-2011, 04:46 PM

WOW! Makes me wanna kick rocks at my outdated junk that is still in many, many pieces! Amazing stuff there, love it.

Mr. Anderson

05-07-2011, 05:39 PM

Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeez.......that is cool.....

Yelcamino

05-07-2011, 06:21 PM

Beautiful work there guys! Too bad it has to be covered up with a body!

Chris - I'm officially jealous! :worship:

andrewb70

05-07-2011, 08:34 PM

How much for an IRS chassis as seen in the picture, minus wheels, of course. Feel free to PM me if that works better.

Andrew

Zanie

05-09-2011, 05:48 AM

WOW!
very cool

Bow Tie 67

05-09-2011, 07:11 AM

Nice, the cats out of the bag. Will this make it to Motorstate?

John Wright

05-09-2011, 07:28 AM

Wow that is nice!....who makes those IRS rears?...RS Performance?

66SuperSport

05-09-2011, 12:32 PM

Nice, the cats out of the bag. Will this make it to Motorstate?

Hey Matt

The plan was, and still is, to have the car completed and dialed in for MotorState. It's going to be close, but it will be there.

ROADSTER SHOP

05-10-2011, 08:26 AM

Thanks Donny. Chris's main goal was to 1-up you. :smoke: You are the only guy running 2 solid axles, he wanted to run 2 independents!

We are going to offer it as a universal package. We are going to have a weld in cross member/cradle assembly, a rear stub kit with 2 straight rails that you can section to an existing frame, and we are going to offer a complete universal back half with rear kick ups that you can weld into a stock frame, or uni-body car.

The track width is 58.75" (59" with brakes). It is designed to clear a 12" wheel.

ROADSTER SHOP

05-10-2011, 08:49 AM

How much for an IRS chassis as seen in the picture, minus wheels, of course. Feel free to PM me if that works better.

Andrew

We are finalizing the pricing on the IRS and should have that out shortly. The chassis is $15,495 with a 9" and 4-bar rear. I will let you know when we have the pricing finalized.
-Phil

Zanie

05-10-2011, 10:14 AM

66SuperSport

05-10-2011, 10:47 AM

Man, that is nice.
Looking at that rear suspension makes me wonder how soon RS will have a project car with all wheel drive...................

I know of a black 56 Chevy 210 2 door sedan that would make an excellent candidate! :fingersx:

Dan

I was trying to figure out how to make that work too. AWD is going to be the next hurdle to jump. The WRX's, Evo's, and AWD Porshes are awesome to watch on an autocross.
Not sure how much it would help on an open road course, but for autocross it would be awesome!

ROADSTER SHOP

05-20-2011, 07:44 PM

We have been making some good progress on Chris's car. The frame came back from powder coating this morning and we have all of the suspension components in the booth being painted today. We should begin assembly early next week.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture18790-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture18796-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture18753-1.jpg

CruizinKev

05-20-2011, 10:02 PM

holy cow i love ur frames! looks great! awesome work :twothumbs

YancyJohns

05-21-2011, 07:25 AM

dontlifttoshift

05-26-2011, 07:24 AM

Well.....are we doing donuts yet or not?

trapin

05-26-2011, 08:50 AM

Wow. That is something else.

66SuperSport

05-26-2011, 11:27 AM

Probably going to be 2 more weeks before it's donut time. Chassis is mostly assembled with engine and trans. Body got bolted down today. Exhaust is next on the list.
Hopefully Phil gets some more pics up soon.

John Wright

05-26-2011, 11:32 AM

Hopefully Phil gets some more pics up soon.Pls do....

ROADSTER SHOP

05-26-2011, 07:32 PM

This is by far the nicest, probably best engineered full frame suspension I have seen on the market!! Great Job Phil!! I can't wait to Chris behind the wheel of the Chevelle now, Look out everyone......

holy cow i love ur frames! looks great! awesome work :twothumbs

Thanks Yancy and Kev. We can't wait to get it out and see what Chris and the car are capable of.

ROADSTER SHOP

05-26-2011, 07:35 PM

Been pretty busy at the shop and at home so I've been slacking on the updates.:pat:
Here are some updated pics.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/DSC_0004_1195x800-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/DSC_0009_1195x800-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/DSC_0023_1195x800-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/DSC_0026_1195x800-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture18950-1.jpg

ROADSTER SHOP

05-26-2011, 07:37 PM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture18953-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture18954-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture18959-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture18961-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture189651-1.jpg

John Wright

05-27-2011, 03:32 AM

Awsomeness! Thanks for the pics....

andrewb70

05-27-2011, 04:16 AM

....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/Picture18954-1.jpg

.....

Does this picture accurately show the approximate position of the wheel inside the wheelwell at ride height?

Andrew

CruizinKev

05-27-2011, 05:35 AM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/homerdrool-1.gif

gearbanger

05-27-2011, 05:39 AM

Andrew, you are such a detail man just like me! I was noticing the same thing. Why do the rear wheels not hang down when it is on a lift? Seems like there would be some more suspension travel than that. I can't get the wheels off my car with them at ride height like that. I have to let the suspension droop some to get them off.

Bryce

05-27-2011, 06:27 AM

I think they have solid links in place of the coilovers.

dontlifttoshift

05-27-2011, 06:46 AM

If it's gonna sit that low it needs Supremes and skinny whites.....

It looks bitchin, almost like it was made for it ;-) I am really looking forward to a ride.

gearbanger

05-27-2011, 07:01 AM

I think they have solid links in place of the coilovers.

Now that would make sense.

ROADSTER SHOP

05-27-2011, 03:27 PM

Scott LaPointe

05-27-2011, 07:06 PM

I have been thinking about a set up like this. Now that I see the awesome job that was done here, I can't wait to get my project going.

cmraman

05-28-2011, 06:36 AM

If it's gonna sit that low it needs Supremes and skinny whites.....

It looks bitchin, almost like it was made for it ;-) I am really looking forward to a ride.

You'll have to get in line behind me... LOL.

Nick.V70

05-29-2011, 02:08 PM

That car was already really nice, now it's just plan bad ass! Great re-build. Can't wait to see it all done.

ROADSTER SHOP

06-02-2011, 01:21 PM

Here are a few shots of the 3" exhaust. We have everything completed up to the rear end so far. We are now working on going through the IRS and then the tail pipes.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/Picture19114-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/Picture19077-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/Picture19111-1.jpg

dontlifttoshift

06-02-2011, 01:30 PM

If it's gonna sit that low it needs Supremes and skinny whites.....

....and bellflower tips now....and have Joe Dirt flake the roof...

Where do you get those stainless bellows? I haven't seen them with out the stainless overbraid on them before.

Yelcamino

06-02-2011, 04:31 PM

The exhaust system looks great! I bet it's going to sound bad azz too!

ponchoblue

06-02-2011, 06:00 PM

so whats the deal with the old chassis

rob_kibbe

06-15-2011, 06:42 AM

Hey Matt

The plan was, and still is, to have the car completed and dialed in for MotorState. It's going to be close, but it will be there.

Chris - awesome stuff! Are you going to be at the Heartland Nationals or Columbus Good Guys shows? I want a ride!

-Rob K

66SuperSport

06-15-2011, 03:39 PM

Rob

We're planning on being at both of those events. Taking it to the MotorState Challenge on Friday. Looking forward to driving it as I haven't done that in 9 months. Should be interesting.
I'll give you a ride, no problem.

Yelcamino

06-15-2011, 06:35 PM

I want a ride too! :)

cmraman

06-15-2011, 08:02 PM

I want a ride too! :)

Get in line Herb. Starts behind me. LOL!!

ROADSTER SHOP

06-15-2011, 08:32 PM

Get in line Herb. Starts behind me. LOL!!

Rob, I think that you are still in line behind Chris!

Bow Tie 67

06-16-2011, 08:12 AM

Ok, Chris I want the first race :)

craigs73

06-16-2011, 08:55 AM

sexy!!!!!! again you guys do awesome work would love to work at a place like this !! just AWESOME!!! have you guys thought about doing a 3rd gen nova frame..............hey matt i like your cars name BIG lol

66SuperSport

06-16-2011, 10:33 AM

There are solid bars in place of the coil overs to simulate ride height. The rear however is not at exact ride height. The bar installed in the back is about 1" shorter than the actual coil over ride height will be.

After seeing the car on the ground for the first time yesterday, I think the rear tires are tucked up even farther than in the pictures on the lift. This thing is slammed!!!
Front has to be a little over an inch lower than before and rear is down at least 2". Still has an inch MORE ground clearance than before too. Unbelievable engineering to get everything tucked up under the car.
Can't wait till tomorrow to drive it!

ROADSTER SHOP

06-22-2011, 07:28 PM

Here is a video that I pieced together of various shots of the car running at Gingerman this past weekend.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EWI811-jek

ROADSTER SHOP

06-22-2011, 07:30 PM

Rob McGaffin sent sent me a few great action shots of the car from the Motor State Event.

Gingerman Raceway Saturday
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/MSC_2011_1559-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/MSC_2011_1459-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/MSC_2011_1772-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/MSC_2011_1091-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/MSC_2011_0386-1.jpg

LMC Autocross on Sunday
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/MSC_2011_2103-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/MSC_2011_2145-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/MSC_2011_1930-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/MSC_2011_1920-1.jpg

srh3trinity

06-22-2011, 09:24 PM

that thing sits right. Love the kinesis wheels too and the chassis is a work of art.

Ron S

06-23-2011, 02:00 AM

CruizinKev

06-23-2011, 03:41 AM

wow awesome!!!!

gearbanger

06-23-2011, 10:05 AM

wmhjr

06-23-2011, 10:16 AM

That is a great way of describing it and that is just exactly the kind of build I like. It is like the car still has the look and feel of a 66 chevelle, but it is a complete race car under the skin.

You got that right. The car looked awesome, and it was FAST.

66SuperSport

06-24-2011, 04:22 AM

I never thught I'd want an IRS setup, but that chassis is over the top. Looking at that car at Motorstate, it has to be the most understated, yet most exotic car on the board. Chris and Roadster Shop should be so happy with final product, plus its fast as hell. Ron

Ron

That is the best compliment we could have received for the car. Coming from someone like yourself that understands what it takes to put something like this together makes me appreciate your comments even more. The work that Randy Johnson put into the original build is what drew me to the car in the first place. It has a timeless look with the factory color and all of the SS trim. I think we have been able to leave all of those visual features in tact during the rebuilding process and make the car even better. Right off the truck with almost no miles or testing it has already exceeded my expectations. Can't wait to get some more testing/tuning with springs and sway bars and some more seat time.

diesel1114

06-24-2011, 04:31 AM

you guys did an amazing job words cannot decribe how awsome it is and i love the detailes pics omg im just speechless over here

jp455

08-05-2011, 03:06 AM

That does look fantastic! Now Im very very curious to see how it gets installed in a second gen Camaro...does the whole floor need to be redone?

ROADSTER SHOP

08-05-2011, 09:01 AM

We have a 1st Gen and a 2nd Gen getting started as full builds with the Fast Track fully independent chassis. The 1st gen requires very minimal floor mods for the full chassis. About the same work required for most aftermarket sub-frame connectors. The 2nd gen has a completely different floor layout with a lot of limitations. This does require fabbing a floor for the car to accept the new frame.

jp455

08-05-2011, 09:27 AM

Good to know! I assume youll post pics of those builds too? So for the second gen, how much of the floor needs to be rebuilt, the passenger area, or all the way to the trunk removing the wheel wells etc?

SickSpeedMonte

08-05-2011, 10:14 AM

Wow, that car is amazing.

RS Performance

09-19-2011, 09:00 AM

Latest update with a new video and some pics we put together of Chris' '66 while out testing the Chevelle IRS (http://www.roadstershop.com/products/1964-1972-chevelle-chassis) setup at EL Toro.

http://vimeo.com/28419792

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/IMG_4326RS_SC_shootout-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/IMG_4401RS_SC_shootout-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/IMG_4333RS_SC_shootout-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/IMG_4407RS_SC_shootout-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/IMG_4409RS_SC_shootout-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/IMG_4410RS_SC_shootout-1.jpg