I guess it's time I started a build thread for my next project. This is my fourth build, but first time for the whole build thread thing, so bare with me...I started a build thread over on Team Chevelle several months ago and decided that I needed to start one here as well. I'll try and catch everyone up to speed on the build. I also have a build page on Facebook (
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chris...?ref=bookmarks) In the past 25 yrs, I've restored a 1970 Pontiac Lemans sport convertible 400/4spd, 1955 Chevy Bel-air 2dr sedan and recently a 1965 Malibu SS convertible (the car my father bought wrecked when I was 14yrs old. 20 yrs later, I located the car and restored it) I've always built the cars to a more original condition, but this build is going in a different direction.
Two years ago while at the Goodguys show in Indy, a friend of mine (Tom McBride) was driving the LS equipped Ridetech 66' Chevelle and asked if I wanted to do a ride a long. After the first lap, I was hooked. Then last year while attending the Bowler Transmission's carshow in southern IL. with my 65' convertible, I met Aaron Oberle and his LS powered 65' Chevelle on the autocross. I asked question after question and even tagged a long for a couple of laps. This was enough to re-spark my interest in building a autocross/road course car.
For this build, I was able to find a wrecked 2002 Trans-Am backed by a T56 6 speed trans and 41,000 miles on the odometer. I stripped the TA of everything I thought that I'd eventually need.
Next, it was time find the LS a home...
I spent several months, looking at reasonable priced bodies that were rusted in half or ones that were higher priced and too nice to cut up.
Then, I came across a 65' 300 Deluxe 2dr post car. It had been stripped to a bare shell, reworked floorboards and in primer. With it being just a shell and most of the original parts gone and a non SS, I wouldn't feel so bad when it came time to start cutting.
The plan is to build the car on a budget, do most the work myself with the help of a few friends and possibly look for some sponsorship.
Future plans for the car:
LS1 & T56
Boxed and narrowed frame for wider tires
Mini-tubs
9" Ford or GM posi rear-end
Front & rear complete Ridetech coil-over suspension kit
Ridetech tubular front & rear control arms
Brakes from either the TA, C6 or Wilwood
18" wheels front and rear (Forgeline or Vintage Wheel Works v40s)
Smoothed firewall
paint is undecided (either charcoal, 69' Chevelle blue or red)