66 Chevelle - New Beginnings

[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.


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.

looks like just another nova

[craigs73]

dude your so retarted....not sure why your still here how your still 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.

[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.


Covered and waiting for us to finish the thrash on our 66.


Sam working on something. Probably the super stubborn body bolts.


Getting ready to rebuild the clutch and brake pedal assembly.


Rebuilt


Sam taking things apart on the firewall.

[tommycomfort]

Body finally coming off the chassis.






Safely set back down on the body dolly.


Just thought this was a cool shot of both 66's together.

[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.


Sam working on cleaning and sanding the hood.


firewall prepped for clutch return spring bracket install.

Cut this off a parts car for good measurements.

Welded in position.



Firewall prepped, seam sealed, and everything taped and masked.


Painted parts




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?