PRE-Official build thread (NCT '70 Chevelle)

[Nick.V70]

I need to gather up all my pics to current point of my '70 Chevelle build and I will make a official build thread BUT I am really pumped to have the car back on the ground driving again after being apart for a year. I have been driving it around town for about 2 weeks now working out a few small bugs but I am taking on a trip with my wife this weekend to Carmel and we both are really happy.

Here are some pics I took the other day of how she looks, I am as you can see ditching the chrome and going to a black theme. The car is the color it came as I got it and at first I wanted to ditch the vinyl top but after the changes I made I feel I am going to stick with it.

Let me know what you think so far, I will have more pics of all the upgrades so far we have done you can't see in these pics.

http://www.norcaltruck.com/01_misc_pic/70'%20Chevelle/On%20the%20ground/Chevelle%2001.JPG

http://www.norcaltruck.com/01_misc_pic/70'%20Chevelle/On%20the%20ground/Chevelle%2002.JPG

http://www.norcaltruck.com/01_misc_pic/70'%20Chevelle/On%20the%20ground/Chevelle%2003.JPG

http://www.norcaltruck.com/01_misc_pic/70'%20Chevelle/On%20the%20ground/Chevelle%2004.JPG

http://www.norcaltruck.com/01_misc_pic/70'%20Chevelle/On%20the%20ground/Chevelle%2005.JPG

Yes...blue tape...the truck lock was not installed yet so blue tape held her down for a couple nights driving her home:lol:

http://www.norcaltruck.com/01_misc_pic/70'%20Chevelle/On%20the%20ground/Chevelle%2006.JPG

http://www.norcaltruck.com/01_misc_pic/70'%20Chevelle/Suspension/Fab9%2013.JPG

http://www.norcaltruck.com/01_misc_pic/70'%20Chevelle/On%20the%20ground/Chevelle%2007.JPG


I think if anything I may drop the rear alittle more to level the car out but over all I love the stance.


100% credit and THANKS goes out to Jeriah and Randy (Both Chevelle guys also), great friends that also work with me that really took over on getting this car back together for me, I would have loved to be the main person building my own car but I was way deep in work that I had to ask for help and they both stepped up and handled it for this trip my wife and I had planned for months, THANK YOU GUYS!!!


What do you guys think? :lateral:

[56pickup]

I love it! I love the color combo! The stance looks great right now but will look even better leveled out in the rear a little more! Cant wait to see the build thread! :thumbsup:

[Ron in SoCal]

I agree the rear needs to come down an inch or so, but overall...Great! How's your driving impression with the new suspension? Sweet car Nick; 70s are my fav Chevelle....:thumbsup:

P.S-> Vynil top looks good w the carbon!

[ironworks]

Take those "DEAVER" springs out of the back on get that big girl on the ground.

Looks pretty good for a lifted truck guy, if that's what you into. :D :D :D

[ironworks]

http://www.norcaltruck.com/01_misc_pic/70'%20Chevelle/Suspension/Fab9%2013.JPG



I think if anything I may drop the rear alittle more to level the car out but over all I love the stance.




Those lower links need to be more level to the world. That will lower your instant center and possibly improve traction. But your springs are as far down as possible. So if you like the ride quality try ordering some shorter springs with the same spring rate. That will bring your adjuster up off the adjustemnt knobs. More then likely Alston will not have what you need. They don't have a huge selection of springs with weight and length. Hyperco is a good spring company. I get mine through Ridetech since I'm a wholesale dealer for them. I had to go to hyperco springs on my camaro for the same issue. Alston did not make a light enough spring for how light my car is.

You could also just move the lower link on the axle housing up in the lower bracket holes on the housing to set the link to the proper position until you change springs. With that big block you might also make sure the upper links are in the bottom hole.

Rodger

[skatinjay27]

looks awesome with the v-top. the color wheels and top all just flow so nice together.
2 things that stand out to me are like you mention the rear need to come down to level out the car and second if its possible (rubbing at that height) the wheels in the front need to come out a bit, they just look odd being soo sunk in compared to the rears.

[Nick.V70]

Thanks guys, I know the body is not in perfect shape, well you guys can't see it yet but once I know I have her all figured out I am stripping her apart and getting the body and paint done. Not sure color but I am feeling the top.

Take those "DEAVER" springs out of the back on get that big girl on the ground.

Looks pretty good for a lifted truck guy, if that's what you into. :D :D :D

Your a funny guy... I can't believe you even knew what Deaver was...haha



Those lower links need to be more level to the world. That will lower your instant center and possibly improve traction. But your springs are as far down as possible. So if you like the ride quality try ordering some shorter springs with the same spring rate. That will bring your adjuster up off the adjustemnt knobs. More then likely Alston will not have what you need. They don't have a huge selection of springs with weight and length. Hyperco is a good spring company. I get mine through Ridetech since I'm a wholesale dealer for them. I had to go to hyperco springs on my camaro for the same issue. Alston did not make a light enough spring for how light my car is.

You could also just move the lower link on the axle housing up in the lower bracket holes on the housing to set the link to the proper position until you change springs. With that big block you might also make sure the upper links are in the bottom hole.

Rodger

I am picking up what you are putting down, yea I need to find a coil spring the next length below what I have, looking to drop maybe 1" out the rear. I will check those out, if I can buy them from you I am down. I can get you the spec on these and go from there.

Thanks buddy, I am still wanting to bug you on that stuff we need to do, you know:_paranoid

[ironworks]

Thanks guys, I know the body is not in perfect shape, well you guys can't see it yet but once I know I have her all figured out I am stripping her apart and getting the body and paint done. Not sure color but I am feeling the top.



Your a funny guy... I can't believe you even knew what Deaver was...haha





I am picking up what you are putting down, yea I need to find a coil spring the next length below what I have, looking to drop maybe 1" out the rear. I will check those out, if I can buy them from you I am down. I can get you the spec on these and go from there.

Thanks buddy, I am still wanting to bug you on that stuff we need to do, you know:_paranoid

I'm getting closer. I have the early model digitized I just need to get the 2nd gen done. I had some paying customers step in the way of progress.

[Nick.V70]

looks awesome with the v-top. the color wheels and top all just flow so nice together.
2 things that stand out to me are like you mention the rear need to come down to level out the car and second if its possible (rubbing at that height) the wheels in the front need to come out a bit, they just look odd being soo sunk in compared to the rears.


I feel the same on the fronts, this was my first go around on a old school from my past years when I had my first Chevelle, maybe 14 years back, ohh has it changed...WOW But I may order another set of wheels pending another step in my build for the total look I am after (Rear wheel wider & tire) so if that happens I will order a different front to pull it out. Right now I have room but the wheel wells are out, really thinking of doing a fab sheet metal inner wheel well rather use the OEM style, just look better.

[Nick.V70]

I'm getting closer. I have the early model digitized I just need to get the 2nd gen done. I had some paying customers step in the way of progress.

Oh wait...my money is not good enough? :mad: You seen my stack on face book?:lol: That would have been the down right there.


Really, I am down on that last stuff we talked about so if you need a poke, push or a damn hug to get rolling let me know and I will stop by next time I am down there to see my girl friend Justina, How is his car coming?

[tones2SS]

Great looking car Nick. Nice color scheme. Those wheels go with that car very well. The '70 Chevelle is my favorite year Chevelle. Although, I do like the '71/72 year models as well.
Have fun and enjoy!:cheers:

[ChevelleNV]

Ya, love the color scheme..:drool: subscribed

[Flash68]

Nick, I love it bro! Just get that manual trans in there and drop the rear and it's ready to go. :thumbsup:

You have any plans for autoX or road course with this? RTTC3? :unibrow:

[Richio1]

Yeah looks sweet Nick. Congrats on getting her drivable again. Wheels looks great with the color combo and I like the top with the blacked out chrome. Good call.

[Vegas69]

I agree that the rear needs to come down but unfortunately an inch will give you some serious shock bump issues. That will put you in the 1-1.5" of compression range, which won't be enough. Raising the top mount or lowering the bottom would be a better alternative. If you want performance AND looks.

[coolwelder62]

Look's like you have an awesome start.I agree w/Rodger The hyper coil spring's are some of the best on the market.they are made right here in the good ol USA.:thumbsup:

[jocko124]

Wow..Love the wheels and the stance. What are the specs on the wheels and tires?

[MODO Innovations]

I am normally not into v-tops but, this is appealing to the eye. It draws your attention in a good way and looks really nice on the car with the black.

I agree with rear end needing to come down and the front wheels need to come out a bit. Other than that the car looks really really nice.:thumbsup:

[jocko124]

Are those the original(OEM) side mirrors?

[The WidowMaker]

i had a vinyl top on mine prior, and i love the look. reminds me of a two tone.

what size is that front tire/wheel? whats your fender to ground height? how much room at full lock? im still wondering if mine are going to fit with anything close to a stock inner fender.

[pacificustoms]

Looking good! I'm trying to figure out where you come up with time to work on your own car?

[Nick.V70]

Looking good! I'm trying to figure out where you come up with time to work on your own car?

I don't, like everything else its last minute and hoping its ready to take somewhere. Come on you know how it goes with your personal cars:lol:

[torino420]

Just noticed this thread Nick, the car looks bad ass! Great work!

You going to Danville next week?

[Nick.V70]

Thanks!! I have been hit and miss on here, have alot on my plat right now but the Chevelle is always on my mind:unibrow: She is running and I plan on taking it out to Danville on the 18th, I hope to leave Livermore around 1ish to reg and park by 2pm, let me know if you want to meet up and head out there.

Oh and I have the chin spoiler on now too, need to post a pic. I like it but some say it doesn't go with the car, I think they are not seeing the style I am going after:lol:

[torino420]

Yeah that would be cool, I have to take half a day at least off work but that shouldn't be an issue. Will PM you later this week.

I need to get my car out, been busy with family stuff!

[Nick.V70]

Sounds good, got to take care of the family first but if thats handled I am happy to help get your car fix. We also have GG the 26-28 and the Livermore down town show late Sep. 25th:thumbsup:

[1965_SS]

Looks good Nick:yes:
Now slam that bi:censored: in the rear!

[Nick.V70]

Looks good Nick:yes:
Now slam that bi:censored: in the rear!

Thanks Todd, are you talking about slamming the engine in?

Let me know when you have a long lunch on a Thur or Fri and we can hook up, maybe you can teach me how to do a brake stand:unibrow: , its no longer a 1 leger anymore:thumbsup:

[1965_SS]

Thanks Todd, are you talking about slamming the engine in?

Let me know when you have a long lunch on a Thur or Fri and we can hook up, maybe you can teach me how to do a brake stand:unibrow: , its no longer a 1 leger anymore:thumbsup:

I WILL be there for that..........maybe this Thursday?

[Nick.V70]

Been a while, I am still around and really I put the Chevelle together for a few shows and trips I wanted to enjoy driving it. I truly did not think the engine would last but I have put it through the task and I maybe have put a good 1000+ miles on it, very impressed from a stock 307 with ha-ha.

So some pictures:

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevelle%20Factory/Nicks%2070%20Chevelle/Misc/Carmel6-18-11.jpg

6-18-11
The first trip out I took with my wife to Carmel. I was saying to myself... "please just make it there" it was our anniversary so I didn't care if I had to tow it home I just had to make it there and enjoy our dinner and evening:thumbsup:


http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevelle%20Factory/Nicks%2070%20Chevelle/Misc/ChevelleMeet6-19-11.jpg

So the Chevelle was treating us great with no real problems so my wife knowing I was really wanting to try and make the Chevelle Meet in Sacramento tells me, lets just start driving home and if everything is good lets pass home and head to Sac for the Chevelle Meet. Well as you can see we made it, no A/C and drove over hwy 152 to hwy 5 and headed North in about 100deg :wow:


http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevelle%20Factory/Nicks%2070%20Chevelle/Misc/CastroValley7-11-11_01.jpg

7-11-11
Here is my side kick Nick a.k.a Lil Nick heading to a local small show in Castro Valley.


http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevelle%20Factory/Nicks%2070%20Chevelle/Misc/CastroValley7-11-11_02.jpg

For a little show it brings out alot of local classic car lovers.


http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevelle%20Factory/Nicks%2070%20Chevelle/Misc/Stoneridge8-5-11_03.jpg

8-5-11
Heard about a big car meet at our local mall. Rumor's said it was going to be BIG, yea well thanks to good olé social media, Face Book and many car Forums we showed up and found our selves at a "Meet" that puts many full car shows to shame on how many cars it pulled. Any and every style and make of sporty cars where on display. I heard there was a few that drove from out of state to the show.....NUTS!


http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevelle%20Factory/Nicks%2070%20Chevelle/Misc/Stoneridge8-5-11_01.jpg

Pulled up in the Chevelle and the minute I shut the door I had people looking and asking questions. Great feeling when people dig your ride.


http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevelle%20Factory/Nicks%2070%20Chevelle/Misc/Stoneridge8-5-11_02.jpg

Another pic.


http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevelle%20Factory/Nicks%2070%20Chevelle/Misc/GoodGuys8-28-11_01.jpg

8-28-11
Good Guys in Ptown

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevelle%20Factory/Nicks%2070%20Chevelle/Misc/GoodGuys8-28-11_02.jpg

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevelle%20Factory/Nicks%2070%20Chevelle/Misc/GoodGuys8-28-11_04.jpg

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevelle%20Factory/Nicks%2070%20Chevelle/Misc/GoodGuys8-28-11_05.jpg

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevelle%20Factory/Nicks%2070%20Chevelle/Misc/GoodGuys8-28-11_06.jpg

[Nick.V70]

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevelle%20Factory/Nicks%2070%20Chevelle/Misc/Livermore9-25-11_01.jpg

9-25-11
Heading into the rain season we had our Livermore Car Show that has been getting pretty large over the years.

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevelle%20Factory/Nicks%2070%20Chevelle/Misc/Livermore9-25-11_02.jpg

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevelle%20Factory/Nicks%2070%20Chevelle/Misc/Livermore9-25-11_03.jpg

The BEST part of this Chevelle build for me is the family time, mainly my son but my wife and 2 daughters love to take it out with me also. Damn awesome my lil buddy is helping out already.

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevelle%20Factory/Nicks%2070%20Chevelle/Misc/Livermore9-25-11_04.jpg


Some may frown on this, my car is not as perfect inside at this current time for me to stress but another cool co-pilot is Brutus our Boxer. Never would have thought he would stay sitting but he does, he even stays in the car waiting for me when I run in for coffee in the mornings when I take the car into work.

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevelle%20Factory/Nicks%2070%20Chevelle/Misc/Brutus_01.jpg

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevelle%20Factory/Nicks%2070%20Chevelle/Misc/Brutus_02.jpg


Sorry for so many pictures, I had some time tonight to gather them together to post so I went for it. Still love my car build, I just have not found it in me to put her down for more mods. Been pretty busy with my business and have not had room in the shop to kill it also. I hope I can stack more parts to the side and find a couple months to tear into her again and try and do it as fast as possible because I LOVE DRIVING IT! I may have to sub out some of the work to the local guru's but i will cross that bridge when it comes.


:woot: :lateral: :cheers:

[Flash68]

Great update Nick.... thanks for sharing... glad you're enjoying it with your family and getting miles on it... can always add power later. :thumbsup:

You got 5+ months to get the new motor in it and ready for the big Buttonwillow weekend that will be a blast. :unibrow:

[Nick.V70]

Nice 5 months... sounds like a target!!!

I have this BBC sitting here still but something keeps screaming LS of some sort with the amount of driving i think I will be doing. I have been thinking of plugging a simple small block build in it for now while I gather LS swap parts, LS swap is alittle more that something I want to do fast. Dropping a small block is simple and would get some ball under me to get more learning seat time. Maybe a de-stroked SBC like you ran.....

eSJGlNH-h1I&feature=plcp&context=C4c89019VDvjVQa1PpcFNm-iuAZN8REvwRceLtRDOACiylHmQ5Vuk=


Sounds sooooo nice:thumbsup:

[torino420]

Hey Nick! Was just thinking to myself the other day, haven't heard from Nick in a while and bam here you are. Glad you got to enjoy the car a lot last year, it's a great feeling when you see people check out your car, give compliments, etc.

Look forward to future updates. :thumbsup:

[dug]

Nick, this is Doug, I just PM'd you yesterday asking for more pictures. Kind of weird how the first link on the update section is your car this morning. It looks really good and that chin spoiler adds a lot. Is that from a Buick GS?

[Rhino]

It looks about the size and shape of a 1st Gen Camaro spoiler.
It looks good there! :thumbsup:

[tones2SS]

Nice looking car Nick. Love the front end, the color and the wheels.

[bad.samaritan]

Hey Nick beautiful car:thumbsup: I'm a huge fan of the 70's but I am definitely biased.

[BanditDave]

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevelle%20Factory/Nicks%2070%20Chevelle/Misc/GoodGuys8-28-11_06.jpg

Hey Nick,

Where'd you get the spoiler? Also, I am going with the exact Rated-X scheme you went with but in a little different size package...what did you go with on your Chevelle?

Did you keep the column shift? Appears that way form one of the views...:thumbsup:

Looking good bud!
Dave

[Nick.V70]

Thank youfor the comments:cheers:

All the Carbon Fiber parts are from Anvil Auto and the chin spoiler is from a 67-68 Camaro but I also believe a 69 will work also.

Rushforth wheels are a custom fit in the rear, 20x10 with a 4.5" BS and then had the axle cut to the wheel and tire fitment in the wells. Here is the wheel and tire thread: http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=27423

And here is the rear suspension: http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=28220

Column shift, yes still rockin it!:lol: The car still has the OG 307ci & th350 in it.

So for an update:

The car is great and I love it BUT life has taken charge and I have had to put efforts into my business with changes/upgrades I have been wanting to for a while. We recently moved into a larger building we much needed and have a new web site coming together to help us run smoother. Once things settle and I can feel better with money and time being put into the Chevelle I will be all over it 100%. Here is a pic of the new installation area we are setting up for business and for my personal car plus buddies cars to work on.

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Misc/New%20NCT%20Building/NewNCTBuilding_18.jpg

So I have been all over about what to use for a power plant and tranny, I had a big thread about this http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=23933 and I did pick up a BBC 454 BUT..... I think I am just going to sac up and LS it. My wife and I love driving the car so really the LS will be the hot ticket for me. Currently the 307 I am pretty sure is about to tap out, she is smoking and I am thinking I am lossing the top end and I need to get another power plant plugged in so I can enjoy it for the summer. With money and time being put into business right now I am heavily thinking of another small block to keep the exspense down to just a couple thousand dollars and then start stacking parts for th LS swap once I have a better budget to play with.

If anyone has any suggestions for a nice little SBC 350 or maybe 383 stroker I a open to idea's for something to keep me on the road and happy for a year or little longer.

[dug]

Sounds like the new shop is gonna be nice. Sometimes priorities suck huh? well, especially when you want stuff for your car that is...

I wish I had a spare motor lying around for you but I feel like there are a lot of used small blocks and even brand new ones selling for the ~$2000 range. I think you're making a good decision to get it running to enjoy it and then saving up for the real deal. good luck:thumbsup:

[Nick.V70]

haha...thanks Doug, the pay off for waiting will be worth it in the end. These cars are not cheap so if it means waiting till the right time with funds then it is what it is.


Shop space is coming along, I have been plucking away at it a couple hours late day each week and going through everything from the old building to scale back on stuff we didn't need to hold onto any longer. The far rack is going to be my space for the Chevelle or any truck projects we bring in. Should be getting the place wired with outlets in all the right spots and under lighting for the work bench's in the next couple weeks once I am done placing everything. Thinking about running carpet on the main bench's to make a really nice surface to work off of, most all the stuff we work on is pretty clean. Going to make a couple dis-assembly carts with shelfs that have expanded metal so when we take parts off that are dirty it will be easy to push out side, clean and rinse and then paint.

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevelle%20Factory/Nicks%2070%20Chevelle/Misc/IMG_9624.jpg

I hope to stack a good amount of parts aside for this winter and sometime after SEMA in Nov. to pull the Chevelle apart and get a good amount handled to have it back together with the chassis reinforced and a SBC power plant in it so I can beat on it next summer.

Nick

[torino420]

Congrats on the new shop Nick, hope all is well. :thumbsup:

[dug]

lookin good!:cheers:

[onefast70elco]

Nick the black trim and hood looks sick! Slam that thing on the ground, it's got a nasty attitude.:thumbsup:

[Nick.V70]

Thank you, been busy with business and building a couple truck projects but I hope later in the year I can drop a motor and trans in it and beat on it some more. Kinda at a point where I need to drop a good chunk of money into it for the next steps I want to handle on the car so I have tried hard to leave it alone until time and money is available, but its so damn hard lol