66 Chevelle PT build (ours)

[tommycomfort]

Obviously project names aren't my strong suit, but we (wife, kids and I) have been working on this since 2002 and thought it was time to start a project build here. I've had a post going on chevelles.com for a few years, but since the current focus is strongly pro-touring here it is.
So, the story goes like this... In the mid 80's while my wife and I were dating I had a 66 Malibu and then a 67 Chevelle SS that had become a small block car. Good times of wrenching, cruising and informal racing were remembered by both of us. I sold the 67 in 1987 but swore I wasn't done with muscle cars. Fast forward 15 years and I was out in Sacramento, CA doing some National Guard stuff and the wife came out for Memorial day weekend and we decided that if we were going to get back into the hobby there was not better place to buy a project Chevelle. We searched all the local classifieds and found this one in Yuba City, CA. Even though I loved going fast in a straight line back in the 80’s, I always loved a car that handled well. So, when we bought this one I was far removed from the hobby, but knew I wanted some creature comforts and a car that handled as good or better than most. In the past 7+ years we have taken many directions with the project from show car to mild cruiser, but now that we’re down to the wire it is going to be a used as a auto-x / track car that can be driven to events. With more money in paint and body than any regular guy should have to spend I will most likely follow a gravel truck right off the bat to get the chips out of the way... The current battle cry is for completion by May 1st 2010.

Here’s what we have:

66 two door hardtop that was completely solid and didn’t need any new panels
454 that is nothing to exciting (will be a LS based engine eventually!)
Tremec T-56
12 bolt, eaton posi, moser axles 4.56:1 gears for now
Hotchkis swaybars
DSE front and rear coilovers
SPC upper A-arms
Global West lower A-arms
ATS/AFX spindles
Baer brakes C-5 based up front and C-4 rear
Currie lower control arms
Edelbrock upper adjustable control arms
Vintage Air front runner serpentine setup
Vintage Air Gen IV unit
Procar Scat bucket seats
Lots of sound deadening
Smoke tinted windows

There are a lot of things that I have changed during the build and a lot more I would have done differently, but at this point it just has to get done before “improving” anything else.

[1badchevelle]

Nice build. Loving it. What color is that?

[tommycomfort]

Nice build. Loving it. What color is that?

Thanks,

It's 2004 Audi silver. Probably has a name, but I long since forgot it...

[CruizinKev]

looking good

[Yelcamino]

Hey Tom! The Chevelle looks great! I can't wait to see it in person at RTTH VI!

Now that I've tossed that challenge on the table, you have to have it done in time!

[Tucks69]

Nice Project Tom! I met you at RTTHV, you did well in the station wagon. Can,t wait to see the Chevelle.

[tommycomfort]

Hey Tom! The Chevelle looks great! I can't wait to see it in person at RTTH VI!

Now that I've tossed that challenge on the table, you have to have it done in time!

I accept that challenge! Pizza and beer (within reason) on all build nights at the shop! Seriously though, I would really like to wring it out at the Motorstate Challenge on Fathers day and of course RTTH unless it is completely broken by then...

[tommycomfort]

Nice Project Tom! I met you at RTTHV, you did well in the station wagon. Can,t wait to see the Chevelle.

Thanks! It has a few more bells and whistles on the chassis than the wagon, but also weighs more. We'll just have to hope for the best.
Loved the Camaro also at RTTH!

[tommycomfort]

Learning how to attach full size pictures. ATS/AFX spindles installed.

[Young Gun]

awesome! keep it up!

[Hotchkis]

Very cool, we're happy to have our parts included!

[454bug]

Great project Tom!

It looks like you're well on your way of being ready for next summer...


It's amazing how these projects can take so many forks in the road along the way... It's like trying to hit a moving target...

[tommycomfort]

Great project Tom!

It looks like you're well on your way of being ready for next summer...


It's amazing how these projects can take so many forks in the road along the way... It's like trying to hit a moving target...

You sure do have that right. I have bought, installed then sold at a loss more parts than most average people ever buy for their project. Guess that's what makes us what we are....
Tom

[Twentyover]

You sure do have that right. I have bought, installed then sold at a loss more parts than most average people ever buy for their project. Guess that's what makes us what we are....
Tom

Pretty much broke but with bitchin' rides?

[RJ66]

Great looking project can't wait to see it run at Motor State Challenge.



Randy(D&Z Customs LLC.)
[email protected]
1-262-347-9741

[tommycomfort]

We've been making some decent progress on the Chevelle. Right now we're about half way throught the wiring, but have taken a short break while it is at the glass shop getting the front and rear glass installed.

I did work out a deal with Sean (SR73bu) to sell him our Procar seats. When it was all said and done, he sent payment with this awesome rendering of our project. He did it all from the pictures posted on here and team chevelle. Amazing work and great guy!

[Yelcamino]

Hey Tom, the car is looking good, nice rendering too!

How long before the first shake down drive?

[tommycomfort]

Still shooting for the 1st of May, but it'll be tight. I will be out of town for a little over a week doing National Guard stuff in April. Deb and the kids can continue to work on some things, but I'm a little of a control freak so not the "important" things. Maybe I'll drop it off for the stainless exhaust while I'm gone...

[Tucks69]

Can,t wait to see the Chevelle in person Tom. You coming to RTTH?

[tommycomfort]

Heck yeah we'll be at RTTH's. Hopefully we can have the wagon and the 66 there. You'll be there right?