Where do I start???

[classicvette66]

Hi all,
I just purchased a 1966 Chevelle Malibu for the purpose of Pro-Touring. What are the first steps I need to do. I want to jump into this with a vengence, but just dont know where to start. I believe I want to remove the whole interior, then send the car to be media blasted. Am I right so far.... then what. The frame? Please advise. I am kind of reminecing as I bought a new '66 Chevell SS Convertable when I was growing up.

[novavettnut]

Wow, what a question.....Build from the ground up. Do the frame the way you want, with wheels, tires, brakes, suspension. Then make the body fit. You may end up narrowing the rear frame rails to run big meats. We are doing a 66 in our shop and have made a ton o changes to get it up and going.....

Once the body fits the frame, do the body, then interior. Good luck.

[Steve1968LS2]

Does the car run right now?

If so then I would make a build plan with an ACCURATE budget. I would then start buying parts. This way you can continue to drive the car and enjoy it until you have enough parts and $$$ to make quicker progress.

Time frame will depend on your paint shop. Could be quick or you could end up in "paint jail"

Where are located? Condition of car?

[classicvette66]

Thanks for the info.. I've watched enough Overhaulin shows, as well as other shows on Speed channal, that I should remember what to do step by step. I will now remove all body parts, interior as well, and have the frame media blasted. Then put all suspention parts, fuel lines, everything that mounts to the frame, on. Then put body parts back on and have the body blasted and hope for the best. Then fix the metal, prime and paint. This car was a race car, so it will take a while. Has fuel cell, roll bar( many peices in front and back seat).. all race stuff. I knew this going in and planned to replace everything....everything. I have an experianced body man who has a few Chevelles,and is a real Chevelle nut, to help me all the way. It was much easier when I was 18, I just went to the Chevy dealer and bought one. Think I paid around $3100 brand new. I should say Dad paid $3100. Good luck with your cars, and thanks for your help.
Lou Skinner
[email protected]

[LateNight72]

Well first you need to buy a set of Delrin solid body mounts (which include stainless hardware) from me. Sorry I couldn't resist.

The first question is, is it running? If it is, I would drive the hell out of it for a month or two, so you have some motivation.

-Todd