1966 Chevelle Build

[CAL 58 GMC]

Some of you may have followed my 58 GMC build I started back in 2006. Well that build is done now (not really since they are never really even done) and it's time to start a new build. I went over to the Chevelle site, but I was having a hard time feeling at home there, then I ran across this page "Alternate Tinkerings", a place were I can start a new build thread at the best forum on the web! So now I'm back home.

I bought a 1966 Chevelle back in June 2010. We picked it up for $4,200. The plan is to build a really nice driver restro rod, nothing to fast for her, but something fast enough for me. We (yes, my wife and I) started tearing down the Chevelle last summer. We pulled the clip, motor and trans and sent a bunch of stuff of to powder coating. Anyway here are some pics were we started and were we are at now.

Here's a concept drawing of the Chevelle and the direction we’re headed. (no checker board on the side, thats a refection)

[CAL 58 GMC]

Here's the Chevlelle when we got her back in June 2010.

[pugs]

if its done like your truck was its gonna be a nice ride

[OARNGESI]

Im signing to watch looks like a fairly clean start

[TrixR4Kids]

Two of the baddest cars I have ever built were Chevelle's, 67 SS and 69 SS. Love me some A bodies.

[Kabwe]

CAL 58 GMC,

I will be watching closely and I'm glad you decided to post this build here. I agree with pugs if its anywhere as nice as the truck its gonna be a sweet ride.

[threeonthetree]

nice work

[CAL 58 GMC]

Originally Posted by pugs

if its done like your truck was its gonna be a nice ride

Thanks pugs!

Originally Posted by OARNGESI

Im signing to watch looks like a fairly clean start

Other them a small spot of rust on the floor board it's a solid car.

Originally Posted by TrixR4Kids

Two of the baddest cars I have ever built were Chevelle's, 67 SS and 69 SS. Love me some A bodies.

My friend in high school had a 66 that I did my gear head teething on. I had a 70 about twenty years ago, I loved that car.

Originally Posted by Kabwe

CAL 58 GMC,
I will be watching closely and I'm glad you decided to post this build here. I agree with pugs if its anywhere as nice as the truck its gonna be a sweet ride.

Hey Kabwe, I learned alot off my 58 build, you know the do's and don'ts like I'm sure you did with your 55.

Originally Posted by threeonthetree

nice work

Thanks man.

[CAL 58 GMC]

Here are a few more pics before the tear down.

[CAL 58 GMC]

Here my wife and I start tearing down.

[threeonthetree]

Looks great man whats that orange truck in the back is that your 58?
divin right into it.
lets see some more

[CAL 58 GMC]

After pulling the clip and motor we started cleaning and stripping the frame I then painted it. I had the A-arms powder coated, installed CCP dropped spindles & springs. I installed all new tie rods, tie rod ends, center link, idleler arm, 1.75 in. sway bar and a rebuild power steering box. I also installed all new polly bushings and 12 in. drilled and slotted disk brakes.

[threeonthetree]

Loooks great man

what paint did you use on the frame?

[CAL 58 GMC]

I then started on the engine. I have been a fan of 327's for along time so I kept the origanl numbers matching engine. I tore it down and it was showing some wear so off to the machine shop it went for boring and a valve job. It's now bored .40 over. I intalled Speed Pro coated skirt piston and moly rings. A new performance Sumit Racing cam, roller tip rockers, gear drive timing Edelbrock intake and carb, Mallory HEI distributor and all the bling valve covers oil pan etc.

[CAL 58 GMC]

Originally Posted by threeonthetree

Loooks great man

what paint did you use on the frame?

Thanks man! I used a rattle can.

[threeonthetree]

nice man
im diggin this 327 nice edelbrack parts
what are you doing with the original one?
what size cam did you put in it?
this things gonna be cherry. love the 66

[NONHOG]

Cool car, I have a soft spot for 66 Chevelle's had 6 of them in the past.
Be watching this build

[allengator]

NICE...
I just sold my 66 convertible!

[CAL 58 GMC]

Originally Posted by threeonthetree

nice man
im diggin this 327 nice edelbrack parts
what are you doing with the original one?
what size cam did you put in it?
this things gonna be cherry. love the 66

This 327 is the original one. I don't remember off hand what size cam, I think it was 224 int./224 exh.

Originally Posted by NONHOG

Cool car, I have a soft spot for 66 Chevelle's had 6 of them in the past.
Be watching this build

One of my favorite Chevelles too along with the 1970.

Originally Posted by allengator

NICE...
I just sold my 66 convertible!

Thank must have been a sad day.

[Kim57]

Looking good CAl.
I'm glad you've got a thread going on this as the 66 is my favorite year. I hope to get another one when I finish my truck.
Kim

[Dieselwrencher]

Very sweet deal for $4200 I have to say! That is a great car, no rust, complete and it has some parts to sell to help out the project. That will be a killer car for your wife. Nice work, and keep up the great work!

[Kabwe]

I'm going to keep an eye on this one because I know its going to be a sweet ride.

[threeonthetree]

Originally Posted by CAL 58 GMC

This 327 is the original one. I don't remember off hand what size cam, I think it was 224 int./224 exh.

Nice the thing looks really sharp

i meant to ask what are you doing with the original intake?

[61 son of a Gun]

Hey Bro I wish I could come help. But you probably want to hog all the fun for yourself ! Lookin good

[Woodbutcher]

Another great start, Cal58. You can never go wrong with a Chevelle as your choice of canvas. It's good to see the missus digging right in and getting dirty! It makes the journey sweeter! I get my kids out into the shop on the odd occasion when I need a hand, but I wish it were more. They just aren't into it. Hopefully your wife is committed to being involved in the whole build. Did you paint the entire frame, or just from the firewall forward?