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Thread: 69 Chevelle SS396 "Grizelda"
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03-14-2009 #1
69 Chevelle SS396 "Grizelda"
Purchased this Fremont plant built 'velle from a friend of the family that needed some dough...
Several (10+) years and a long-extended tour overseas later, I am getting the bug again.
A few changes made to this old gal since I bought it. Factory 4spd and tall gears were removed in favor of a TH-400 w/ (haven't verified) 3.56 gears (Posi removed :bsjerk and the factory bench front is gone.
My tech ability is pretty limited, compared to some of you guys, so you can imagine the learning curve I'd been dealing with when getting interested in Pro Touring.
About 5 years ago, I replaced all electrical... headlights to taillights and everything inbetween. Ditched points for a MSD 6 / HEI ignition and finally threw away the long-tube competition hooker headers that had been beaten to death by curbs, bumps and potholes. Sandersons had what I needed with some square-port 'shorty' style headers.
This summer, the front suspension was slated to be replaced/reworked. I contacted Mark @ SC&C and discussed my options. I went with SC&C due to their reputation and expertise for A Bodies.
I picked up the Stage 2+ kit which is SPC adjustable uppers (pro-lite) Tall upper and Tall lower BJs.
In retrospect, I should have just purchased the ATS spindles and adjustable SPC uppers but hey, hindsight is always 20/20, right?
Here they are, torqued and ready.
I decided to clean up and install new bushings in the lower control arm (which I will most likely replace with SPC lowers) and press in the new Howe Tall BJ... Now, don't forget my n00bness and look at what my first experence pressing in a BJ ended up in...
Yeah, that's what happens when you use a press and you have no idea of what to watch for. Apparently the large socket I was using didn't quite have the depth I should have looked for. Thank baby Jesus that I didn't destroy the threads on the balljoint or, the BJ itself.1969 Chevelle SS396
Currently figuring out more ways to make simple tasks difficult.
Build thread...
--Dan
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03-14-2009 #2
For springs, I decided to take a leap of faith and go with the semi-popular 5" x 9.5" circle track springs with adjustable spring spacers from SouthWestSpeed.com. I had decided to go with 750# for the front. 4 Days shipping from Arkansas and I was ready to set ride hight.
Yeah... front crossmember to ground clearance? Well, the tapmeasure body is 2.25" and it's showing another 1.25" on the tape. 3.5" crossmember to ground clearance! Atleast I was entertained by the fact that I felt like a giant standing over the engine compartment compared to before with the stock BB springs. Needless to say, I will be raising it at a minimum another inch.
Tires -- 215/70-14 fronts, 265/50-15 rears.
The measurements I have, after the front suspension work. Distance measured from ground to fender-well center:
Front Driver: 23.5
Front Passenger: 23.125
Rear Driver: 24
Rear Passenger:23.875
Not bad for a first timer... 3/8" higher on the drivers side and rear is damn close too. Rear suspension, BTW is all stock... Ya think my rear coils are worn?
Took a quick test drive... Not aligned yet but it looked pretty close and didn't drive too dodgy. WAY too LOW. scraped coming out of my own driveway... lol. Thankfully it was only the exhaust pipe and was just a scrape, not a smash. Front felt a little loose, no doubt the alignment needs adjusting and the baloon front tires could use some replacing.
I'll get some daytime, open air pics later... Right now I need a beer.1969 Chevelle SS396
Currently figuring out more ways to make simple tasks difficult.
Build thread...
--Dan
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03-14-2009 #3