66 Chevelle - New Beginnings

[tommycomfort]

Alright, most of you know that we have a soft spot for Chevelle's, especially 64-67's. Well, it's a long story, but about nine years ago we met Andy (central Ohio) though our similar love for all things Chevelle. Andy is a great guy with excellent mechanical abilities and knowledge, but at the end of the day he just doesn't have the time to devote to his fleet of cars. So, that's where the Farrington family comes into play. I would never downplay the amount of stuff we have going at our place, but we do have a bit more time to devote to the cars. Long story short, last winter we put together a fairly stock chassis for a 66 SuperSport he's working on. Then when we upgraded our 66 suspension last summer Andy showed interest in buying all the parts that were coming off. We don't officially run a business (yet), but we presented him with a few different plans, he selected one then we agreed on a fair hourly wage (along with him buying our take off parts). Andy and his Dad came over earlier in the week to drop it off so it is time to start wrenching! Our plan will be to have it done and sorted out with time for Andy to get comfortable with it before Goodguys Columbus.

This is what's we have to work with:
It's a basically stock lemonwood 66 Malibu with a 283, powerglide, drum brakes and ten bolt posi.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

The original chassis is coming out and going into storage (Andy has more purist in him than we do) and we will be swapping in a 66
El Camino/Convertible frame that has already been blasted and painted.

Here's a list of some of the goodies that will be going into the build:
ATS/AFX spindles and steering arms
SPC upper A-arms
Global West Lower A-arms
C5 front brakes
C4 rear brakes
Ridetech front Musclebar
1965 Chevy 12 bolt posi with 3.73:1 gears
UMI rear anti-swaybar
UMI upper and lower trailing arms
Right Stuff stainless fuel and brake lines
All new American made centerlink, idler arm and tie rods
Jeep Grand Cherokee steering box
Very healthy 406 small blockTH350 trans
The 17x9.5" Vintage Wheel Works wheels that were originally on our 66 (285 rear and 255 front)
DSE front and rear coilovers

Once all that's done, we'll bring the Malibu over and swap the body onto the new chassis.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[csouth]

After seeing that beauty of yours, its no surprise he would try to convice you to put the "touch" on his... Nice list of goodies, I'm sure he'll be satisfied with the results.

[Yelcamino]

That's cool Tom! How long before you quit the firefighting gig so you have even more car time?

[tommycomfort]

After seeing that beauty of yours, its no surprise he would try to convice you to put the "touch" on his... Nice list of goodies, I'm sure he'll be satisfied with the results.

Thanks for the compliment Chris! We'll do everything in our power to make it fun to drive.

[tommycomfort]

That's cool Tom! How long before you quit the firefighting gig so you have even more car time?

Well Herb, I can't let that gig go for a while, but before long my time in the National Guard will come to an end. That will lead to a lot more time, but less project and event money. Tough trade off for sure!

[musclecarmatt]

sweeet deal Tom....looking forward to this build!

[Bad94]

Tom when can i drop my car off and let you, deb and sam finish it?


That's cool Tom! How long before you quit the firefighting gig so you have even more car time?



Well Herb, I can't let that gig go for a while, but before long my time in the National Guard will come to an end. That will lead to a lot more time, but less project and event money. Tough trade off for sure!

Either we need to pick up and move to Indy or you need to move to Cincy.

Looks like a really clean car.

[analyte]

Love the color!!!

[Yelcamino]

Well Herb, I can't let that gig go for a while, but before long my time in the National Guard will come to an end. That will lead to a lot more time, but less project and event money. Tough trade off for sure!

You wanna talk about time coming to an end... I only have 118 days to go! My palms get sweaty just thinking about it!

[coolwelder62]

Tom,Very Cool.

[tommycomfort]

Tom when can i drop my car off and let you, deb and sam finish it?
Either we need to pick up and move to Indy or you need to move to Cincy. Looks like a really clean car.

Bring it up Dan, but Deb, Sam and I are really busy so you'll have to let Kaytlin work on it. ;-)


Love the color!!!

Hey Kerry, it's one of my favorite colors too! I can't wait to see what it looks like with the VWW 17's and a bit lower.

[tommycomfort]

You wanna talk about time coming to an end... I only have 118 days to go! My palms get sweaty just thinking about it!

I can only imagine how you must feel. Are we going to see you at any events this summer?


Tom,Very Cool.

Thanks Scott!

[Rx4aP-Tchevelle]

That car has been part of my family for a long while now and it is time for a "New Beginning". I look forward to enjoying another facet of the Chevelle hobby with this build and I can't wait for some seat time later this summer. I have a bunch to learn, but I am confident that the Farrington's are great teachers. I hope you, Deb, and the Saminator enjoy the Malibu these next few months as much as I plan to do so later on. I have met many great people thru the hobby, since my introduction by my dad at a very young age, but I have never met a finer bunch than you and your family. Thank you for helping see this project thru, but most importantly thank you for your friendship.

[67MAL]

It will be very interesting to see the "before" and "after" pics of this transformation.

[Yelcamino]

I can only imagine how you must feel. Are we going to see you at any events this summer?

That's a tough question to answer Tom. Right now I'd have to say maybe RTTH, but there's always hope we can get to one or two others.

[johnny68]

you doing this is great Tom before long youll be the man to go to for everyones chevelle needs , good job bud
john

[tommycomfort]

That car has been part of my family for a long while now and it is time for a "New Beginning". I look forward to enjoying another facet of the Chevelle hobby with this build and I can't wait for some seat time later this summer. I have a bunch to learn, but I am confident that the Farrington's are great teachers. I hope you, Deb, and the Saminator enjoy the Malibu these next few months as much as I plan to do so later on. I have met many great people thru the hobby, since my introduction by my dad at a very young age, but I have never met a finer bunch than you and your family. Thank you for helping see this project thru, but most importantly thank you for your friendship.

Thanks for your kind words Andy, the friendship is the most important thing we've got going! We'll sort the car out and make it a much safer and enjoyable ride all while cautiously spending your hard earned money.

[tommycomfort]

you doing this is great Tom before long youll be the man to go to for everyones chevelle needs , good job bud
john

Thanks John,
Taking eight years to build our 66 and buying countless parts cars has definitely given us an edge with the A-bodies.

[tommycomfort]

Look what the UPS man brought on Friday. Same thing we have on our 66, but still fun to play with the new ones for a while...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/DSC06156-1.jpg

[Rx4aP-Tchevelle]

Hey Tom, think we should paint those dove gray so they look factory?
After all I am the "purist".

[tommycomfort]

Hey Tom, think we should paint those dove gray so they look factory?
After all I am the "purist".

Alright Andy, I will get Sam right on it. We still have some paint from the last chassis... ;-)

[analyte]

I'd love to see a write up on the installation of those coilovers as that's something I might be interested in installing one day. Have Sam take lots of pictures.

Thanks,
Kerry

[tommycomfort]

I'd love to see a write up on the installation of those coilovers as that's something I might be interested in installing one day. Have Sam take lots of pictures.

Thanks,
Kerry

The fronts are really simple to install, but the rear is much easier with the body off the chassis. Pretty much just as the instructions say.

[tommycomfort]

We've been pushing forward on Andy's chassis. We had a death in the immediate family and wrench turning has been really good therapy for Sam and I....

Here's the stack of parts that came from our 66. I spent about half a day cleaning them up which of course wasn't billable hours and should have been done months ago...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/DSC06166-1.jpg

Jeep Grand Cherokee steering box
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/DSC06185-1.jpg

Front suspension as it was going together
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/DSC06183-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/DSC06189-1.jpg

[musclecarmatt]

looking good tom!......already looks like that chevelle will want autocross:cheers:

[lower90xcab]

good looking project guys....cant wait to see the final results....

[coolwelder62]

Looking good.

[796spdbu]

Cool project!

[csouth]

Thats a nice batch of quality parts... What did you guys use to paint the chassis? Did you have it blasted or wire wheel it first?

[tommycomfort]

Thats a nice batch of quality parts... What did you guys use to paint the chassis? Did you have it blasted or wire wheel it first?

Andy brought the frame to us already blasted and painted. If I got the story straight, a farmer was having someone come out and blast some equipment and Andy took the frame over there to have it done and the farmer just shot it with black implement paint. Maybe Andy will chime in and say if my story is way off base.

[tommycomfort]

Rear suspension together. Next will be ordering all the miscellaneous steering components and restoring all the clips and brackets that we need. Always helps to have a field full of Chevelle's!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/DSC06213-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/DSC06200-1.jpg

[musclecarmatt]

sweeeeeet!..i feel sure them DSE coilovers will handle and perform nicely!

[tommycomfort]

sweeeeeet!..i feel sure them DSE coilovers will handle and perform nicely!

Yep, the same ones that are on our 66 right now. Working well for us!

[66larkgs]

I use gloss POR15 for chassis paint.it lasts forever. Love the work you are doing but why c4 rear brakes over C5 brakes?
Paul

[tommycomfort]

I use gloss POR15 for chassis paint.it lasts forever. Love the work you are doing but why c4 rear brakes over C5 brakes?
Paul

We've used POR15 on a lot of things, but on the rearend in our 66 it really started to haze from exposure to the sun and no top coat. It may not have been an issue if it wasn't a rolling chassis for years before going under the body. For the most part now we have our stuff powder coated just to be safe.

Really a few reasons for the C4 rears. 1.) they came with the used C5 fronts 2.) we already had brackets for them on the shelf 3.) that's what we have on our personal 66 and they have been performing great on the street, auto-x and road course.

[TomT]

Look what the UPS man brought on Friday. Same thing we have on our 66, but still fun to play with the new ones for a while...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/DSC06156-1.jpg

Absolutely beautiful parts - The DSE stuff is awesome!
I look forward to seeing you guys make progress on this one.

[Alpina]

Jeep Grand Cherokee steering box
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/DSC06185-1.jpg


Can I ask what year the box is out of and what is needed to make it work in an a-body?

[csouth]

You can use the '93-'98 Jeep Grand Cherokee box. You will need your pitman arm, new coupler and inserts for the metric fittings on the steering box. Call Lee Manufacturing and they can hook you up with the parts needed outside of the box and pitman arm.

http://lee-powersteering.com/rebuild-misc.htm

[tommycomfort]

Yep, exactly what Chris said! I actually found and printed the information from the technical reference pages on Chevelles.com.

[tommycomfort]

Updates coming soon! We're finally back on the project and making decent progress.

[droptop73]

Do you use the Cherokee pump along with the box? Is the valving in the original pump correct? I want to use the Cherokee steering gear in my Mustang since they came stock with a saginaw box. I'm trying to do some research. Thanks

[Trans]

Alright, most of you know that we have a soft spot for Chevelle's, especially 64-67's. Well, it's a long story, but about nine years ago we met Andy (central Ohio) though our similar love for all things Chevelle. Andy is a great guy with excellent mechanical abilities and knowledge, but at the end of the day he just doesn't have the time to devote to his fleet of cars. So, that's where the Farrington family comes into play. I would never downplay the amount of stuff we have going at our place, but we do have a bit more time to devote to the cars. Long story short, last winter we put together a fairly stock chassis for a 66 SuperSport he's working on. Then when we upgraded our 66 suspension last summer Andy showed interest in buying all the parts that were coming off. We don't officially run a business (yet), but we presented him with a few different plans, he selected one then we agreed on a fair hourly wage (along with him buying our take off parts). Andy and his Dad came over earlier in the week to drop it off so it is time to start wrenching! Our plan will be to have it done and sorted out with time for Andy to get comfortable with it before Goodguys Columbus.

This is what's we have to work with:
It's a basically stock lemonwood 66 Malibu with a 283, powerglide, drum brakes and ten bolt posi.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

The original chassis is coming out and going into storage (Andy has more purist in him than we do) and we will be swapping in a 66
El Camino/Convertible frame that has already been blasted and painted.

Here's a list of some of the goodies that will be going into the build:
ATS/AFX spindles and steering arms
SPC upper A-arms
Global West Lower A-arms
C5 front brakes
C4 rear brakes
Ridetech front Musclebar
1965 Chevy 12 bolt posi with 3.73:1 gears
UMI rear anti-swaybar
UMI upper and lower trailing arms
Right Stuff stainless fuel and brake lines
All new American made centerlink, idler arm and tie rods
Jeep Grand Cherokee steering box
Very healthy 406 small blockTH350 trans
The 17x9.5" Vintage Wheel Works wheels that were originally on our 66 (285 rear and 255 front)
DSE front and rear coilovers

Once all that's done, we'll bring the Malibu over and swap the body onto the new chassis.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

looks like just another nova

[craigs73]

dude your so retarted....not sure why your still here how your still:getout::throw::here!::wf: here

[LUV2XLR8]

Looks great.... got a lot of cool stuff going on that chasis... what's the benifit of going with the cherokee steering box?... keep up the good work!!

[john31s]

Looks great.... got a lot of cool stuff going on that chasis... what's the benifit of going with the cherokee steering box?... keep up the good work!!

The cherokee box is s direct swap in 12.7:1 quick ratio box. A huge improvement over stock for cheap.

[bonecrrusher]

Saw the 66 silver one at the DSE shop - looking good as always!

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Any updates on this new build from you guys?

[tommycomfort]

Any updates on this new build from you guys?

Progress was at a standstill for a while, but has been slow but steady for a couple of months now. We're getting ready to mate the TKO 600 to the engine and set it in the chassis. We'll post pictures soon!

[tommycomfort]

Finally finished the brake a fuel lines a while back and set the engine and transmission this afternoon. The body is close to coming off the old chassis, but two body bolts are being stubborn.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/DSC06310-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/DSC06313-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/DSC06315-1.jpg

[brut4s]

Update's?

[tommycomfort]

We've been selfishly working on our 66 instead of Andy's. But, now it is again time to make some progress (complete) Andy's 66.

The 2.5" Flowmaster exhaust that came off of our 66.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/DSC08299_zpsec5c8b9a-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC08299_zpsec5c8b9a.jpg.html)

Covered and waiting for us to finish the thrash on our 66.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/DSC08296_zps57bc9c47-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC08296_zps57bc9c47.jpg.html)

Sam working on something. Probably the super stubborn body bolts.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/DSC08303_zps17ae3fac-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC08303_zps17ae3fac.jpg.html)

Getting ready to rebuild the clutch and brake pedal assembly.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/DSC08317_zpsc2d38f06-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC08317_zpsc2d38f06.jpg.html)

Rebuilt
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/DSC06457_zpsf83544b0-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC06457_zpsf83544b0.jpg.html)

Sam taking things apart on the firewall.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/DSC08320_zpsadc4ddfa-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC08320_zpsadc4ddfa.jpg.html)

[tommycomfort]

Body finally coming off the chassis.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/DSC08538_zpsf3dc7e55-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC08538_zpsf3dc7e55.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/DSC08540_zps3763870f-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC08540_zps3763870f.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/DSC08544_zps70ae5aed-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC08544_zps70ae5aed.jpg.html)

Safely set back down on the body dolly.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/DSC08549_zpse46a8c02-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC08549_zpse46a8c02.jpg.html)

Just thought this was a cool shot of both 66's together.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/DSC08553_zps7ce45ce9-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC08553_zps7ce45ce9.jpg.html)

[tommycomfort]

We made a huge step forward last night with the painting of the firewall, core support, inner fenders and bottom of the hood. Seems like these would be quick to prep and paint but the firewall and bottom of the hood were covered in a gooey undercoating and every time we thought we were close to being ready we would find more goo. Sam did a large amount of the prep but when things started to bog down Deb and I hopped in. Finished up last night and all looked great.

Inner fenders were chemically dipped and then sanded to give the paint a good surface to stick to.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/DSC08944_zps9158d21b-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC08944_zps9158d21b.jpg.html)

Sam working on cleaning and sanding the hood.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/DSC08946_zps20fd2a59-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC08946_zps20fd2a59.jpg.html)

firewall prepped for clutch return spring bracket install.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/DSC08968_zpse0560c14-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC08968_zpse0560c14.jpg.html)
Cut this off a parts car for good measurements.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/DSC08974_zpsd68b622d-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC08974_zpsd68b622d.jpg.html)
Welded in position.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/DSC08977_zps92ab6e19-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC08977_zps92ab6e19.jpg.html)


Firewall prepped, seam sealed, and everything taped and masked.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/DSC08986_zps4c9a470b-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC08986_zps4c9a470b.jpg.html)

Painted parts
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/DSC08994_zps79a0ddaf-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC08994_zps79a0ddaf.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/DSC08995_zpscf70b7f8-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC08995_zpscf70b7f8.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/DSC08999_zpse62c9021-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC08999_zpse62c9021.jpg.html)

Very happy with how everything turned out. Next is modifying the trans tunnel to allow for the TKO 600. TMI seat covers are on order.

[GeoffP]

Y'all sure know how to make magic with the 66-7 Chevelle's...

[tommycomfort]

Y'all sure know how to make magic with the 66-7 Chevelle's...

Thanks Geoff, this is one nice Chevelle to start with.

[csouth]

The Farringtons are still at it I see...lol Great work as usual Tom...

[1965_SS]

Looks great!

[Motown 454]

Y'all sure know how to make magic with the 66-7 Chevelle's...

I agree Nice work.

[cactuss4]

Very nice, Can't wait for the progress!!

Tory

[musclecarmatt]

Tom...what do you use to cover the car while painting?...i'm about do some touch up on my front subframe while my motor is out..didn't know if they make a specific plastic wrap for cars or homemade some stuff?

[tommycomfort]

Tom...what do you use to cover the car while painting?...i'm about do some touch up on my front subframe while my motor is out..didn't know if they make a specific plastic wrap for cars or homemade some stuff?

Nothing fancy Matt, just thin visqueen we bought at the local hardware store. We just make sure that everything is sealed off top and bottom because overspray has a way of finding its way to nice paint.

[musclecarmatt]

Nothing fancy Matt, just thin visqueen we bought at the local hardware store. We just make sure that everything is sealed off top and bottom because overspray has a way of finding its way to nice paint.

very nice tom.....my buddy builds boat motors at a plant near my house...he gets these huge thin clear plastic bags that can cover a whole fender...probably make a cover out of those....while got the motor out of my car...going respray the front subframe and firewall....

[tommycomfort]

Getting the "new" chassis under the body for the first time to see how much trans tunnel needed to be modified.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/DSC09030_zps16116893-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC09030_zps16116893.jpg.html)

Tunnel cut and body sat in place.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/DSC09044_zps7ba76558-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC09044_zps7ba76558.jpg.html)

Rear view.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/DSC09047_zps987ccd97-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC09047_zps987ccd97.jpg.html)

Clean/painted parts just look great together.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/DSC09049_zpsff8b411b-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC09049_zpsff8b411b.jpg.html)

The chassis will come in and out a couple more times as we modify the tunnel and will get a good washing before the last install. Should be ordering a offset shifter, steering column and radiator this week.

[SparkyRnD]

Should be ordering a.....radiator this week.

;-)

[tommycomfort]

Well, this has been a long time coming, but after multiple setbacks on our Chevelles, selling our old shop and building another, we finally finished up and returned the Chevelle to Andy. I'll post some pictures to try to get it up to date.

Finishing up the trans tunnel.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC09131_zpsg2yh7tzj-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC09131_zpsg2yh7tzj.jpg.html)

Moved into the new shop and onto the lift.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC01652_zpsapqw9wwl-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC01652_zpsapqw9wwl.jpg.html)

Welding in the bucket seat mounts.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC01710_zpsv5ywgqwd-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC01710_zpsv5ywgqwd.jpg.html)

Had to modify the console mounts due to the height of the trans tunnel.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC01719_zpsqgmpr64m-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC01719_zpsqgmpr64m.jpg.html)

New replacement fuel tank installed. It was so pretty we just clear coated it.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC01886_zpsmxh8rlv9-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC01886_zpsmxh8rlv9.jpg.html)

[tommycomfort]

Stock 66 Chevelle bucket seat frames. Wired brushed the big stuff and media blasted everything else followed by sealing it up.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC01658_zps8bcypd8g-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC01658_zps8bcypd8g.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC01660_zps34aiwlrj-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC01660_zps34aiwlrj.jpg.html)

Had to build a mount to use the stock shifter on the TKO600.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC01703_zpstrqg5rks-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC01703_zpstrqg5rks.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC01704_zpsd96cgy7u-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/DSC01704_zpsd96cgy7u.jpg.html)

Deb was showing off her handy work installing the fender. It had been a long time that it had been off.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/IMG_20150831_131138557_HDR_zpsgq76lrfo-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/IMG_20150831_131138557_HDR_zpsgq76lrfo.jpg.html)

Just an inner fender shot.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/IMG_20150831_131149348_zpskvy48e9l-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/IMG_20150831_131149348_zpskvy48e9l.jpg.html)

Replaced the 1310 pinion yoke with a 1330 and installed a 1330 yoke in the TKO.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/IMG_20151229_192018227_zpsakxenqyk-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/IMG_20151229_192018227_zpsakxenqyk.jpg.html)

We had a local guy build a nice new 3" steel driveshaft.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/IMG_20160114_183914312_zpswwfddi1c-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/IMG_20160114_183914312_zpswwfddi1c.jpg.html)

[tommycomfort]

Seats and console installed. The seat foam and covers came from TMI and feature the high bolsters. Deb insisted that she could put them together but when the time came she folded and we ended up taking them to a local custom interior guy. Great decision, they came out really nice. The stock console worked out great with the offset TKO shifter and the bracket we made to use the stock shifter.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/IMG_20151203_172755035_zpsudxelcmj-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/IMG_20151203_172755035_zpsudxelcmj.jpg.html)

Loaded up and headed to Ohio for the delivery.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/IMG_20160227_094239171_zps6i268uut-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/IMG_20160227_094239171_zps6i268uut.jpg.html)

Back in Andy's beautiful shop.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/IMG_20160227_162757730_zps11wbxps3-1.jpg (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/tommycomfort/media/Andys%2066%20Malibu%20build/IMG_20160227_162757730_zps11wbxps3.jpg.html)

[rixtrix1]

Nice changeover. Awesome work, as always.

[jwatts]

I am glad to see some updates on this car. This is one build thread I bookmarked when I started building my 66. The car, and all of the work in general looks great.

[wyattroa]

Did you go with TKO 600 or t56?

[tommycomfort]

did you go with tko 600 or t56?

tko600

[USAZR1]

Nice to see it all come back together, Tom.

[wyattroa]

Did you go with TKO 600 or t56?


I am debating between thesis two. I can't make up my mind. I Really don't think I will need two over drive gears, but I have heard things about the high RPM shifting with the TKO. What was your reason for going with the TKO over the t56.

[tommycomfort]

I am debating between thesis two. I can't make up my mind. I Really don't think I will need two over drive gears, but I have heard things about the high RPM shifting with the TKO. What was your reason for going with the TKO over the t56.

I actually put this car together for a customer/good friend and as we did it I had an opportunity to buy a used and recently refreshed TKO 600. My buddy Andy will street drive it 99% of time and I've known a huge number of pro-touring folks that have autocrossed and road raced TKOs without issue. My wife and I both have T56 transmissions in our Chevelles though. Her's is a 93 F-body LT1 behind a small block and mine is a 2004 Viper T56 with a swapped midplate run behind an LS. If you're looking at new I think for the difference in money I would go Magnum T56 for sure.