HPI Customs 1970 Chevelle "Roadwarrior"

[64pontiac]

So here is one of our Chevelle projects that is underway at HPI. It has taken a bit of time to get back at it after the move to our new shop, and we are getting back into this one! Kind of a pro touring style Chevelle with a big block and carb, bit of a break from all the totally modern drivelines! We have a bunch of cool ideas into this Chevelle though, so make sure you keep your eye on it at check out all the pages!

Lets try this, a teaser shot of what will come later in the posts!

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_8388.jpg

[64pontiac]

So this car started as a totally rusted hulk, which we ended up getting rid of for a slightly less rusted hulk! The body had three quarter panels on ONE side! They patched the original, stiched on a piece of quarter skin, then when that rusted they glued on another skin overtop. I peeled it apart easily. And the rockers were sculpted from tape, tinfoil, and filler.

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_2178.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_2177.jpg

[BanditDave]

Dude!?!??! You're kidding me right??? After these months of silence from you, you finally return and only give us a couple posts?!?!?! Totally uncool.

I was going into withdrawal....

You start posting more pics of your builds or else! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[64pontiac]

Sorry man,

I will post more tonight when I get home I promise!!! It has been tough as we have been just clearing up a bunch of small stuff and trying desperately to finish the new shop in between. You will notice all the pictures I will post leading up to this week are dark, because our lighting still wasnt finished. I have it scheduled to be done for wednesday, so after that the pics will get better!!

[64pontiac]

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_2173.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_2181.jpg

Just to show you what we deal with on a daily basis, really rusty cars! Damn winters:mad:

[64pontiac]

YlH7I-SBZRs&feature

LPqpVWgZ1KA&feature

[64pontiac]

Thats one way to let off some steam! We sold a Dynacorn body to another customer to replace his 1970 chevelle, so we got his old body to start with because it was in a bit better shape!

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_5513.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_7332.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_7805.jpg

[64pontiac]

We did a floor, trunk, bracing, wheel tubs, quarters, rockers, door skins and repairs, and some custom work including a really trick firewall with a cowl induction style setup for our custom air cleaner.

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_7701.jpg


http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_7501.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_7807.jpg

[64pontiac]

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_7735.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_7743.jpg

[64pontiac]

Here is what was the start to our 68-72 A body frame bracing kit! This was the first design.

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_2066.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/frame1-1.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/framepowdered2.jpg

[64pontiac]

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_3663.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_3668.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_3666.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_3665.jpg

[64pontiac]

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_8287.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_8278.jpg

And the New Gen one of a kind wheels .

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_8300.jpg

[64pontiac]

Ok now for some cool stuff. Sorry about the picture quality. I am working on a better camera and some graphic design help.

We wanted to do a few subtle body mods, so we came up with a few. Here is what we have so far, there are a few more to come but nothing major. Just a bit of a spoiler, which I havent seen alot of on Chevelles, and it matches the body line on the rear trunk and the angle of the upper quarter panels. It looks good standing back, and it will look amazing in paint! I will get some better shots once we have the car all mocked up.

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_8247.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_8252.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_8430.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_8426.jpg

[64pontiac]

Ok how about this for a cowl induction air cleaner....... it will match the valve covers once it is painted the same, and there will be a machined flange and seal on the firewall. It has a standard 14 inch air cleaner inside, and is two parts. Last piece to go on will be the lower laser cut flange that is tapped for the hardware.

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_8373.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_8372.jpg

[64pontiac]

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_8383.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_8385.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_8386.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_8389.jpg

[coolwelder62]

Looking good.:thumbsup: The exhaust is very nice.:thumbsup:

[BanditDave]

I slept very well last night after these pics....thank you. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Rick D]

Great work Tyler :thumbsup: What are you running for rear suspension?

[64pontiac]

This Chevelle has the "Track Time" Package from Speedtech. It is tubular front arms, coil over conversion, large sway bars front and rear, and articulink rear upper and lower control arms.

We are using a Strange S60 rear end as well!

Thanks for the compliments

[64pontiac]

Looking good. The exhaust is very nice.

I especially like doing exhaust. This one is just a modified Dynatech kit! My favorite part so far has been the air cleaner. Anyone else like it??

[NOPANTS68]

I like it. Looks like you put some good thought into it to match the valve covers. I'm doing something very similar on my wife's '67, but more rounded like the early Nascar 427s. Cool build btw.

[badmatt]

Its different, But not my cup of tea the copes are a little too deep, if the air cleaner was split in the center and the copes were shorter in height it would look a bit better in my eyes.

Matt

[64pontiac]

I saw yours too, I was half way into this one when I came across it. Looking good BTW!

Matt, Split which way, parallel to ground? Didnt want to put a shorter air cleaner element in, as it is a drop base and would contact the top of the carbs choke airhorn if it was shorter. We wanted it to look like some sort of nasty weapon like piece, and match the copes in the valve covers. I am not a huge fan of the fabricated valve cover, so this is what I came up with!?

It will look different once coated, with the firewall flange machined out of aluminum. It is something different, I could not bring myself to put a round air cleaner on the car.

Thanks for the compliments

[badmatt]

I saw yours too, I was half way into this one when I came across it. Looking good BTW!

Matt, Split which way, parallel to ground? Didnt want to put a shorter air cleaner element in, as it is a drop base and would contact the top of the carbs choke airhorn if it was shorter. We wanted it to look like some sort of nasty weapon like piece, and match the copes in the valve covers. I am not a huge fan of the fabricated valve cover, so this is what I came up with!?

It will look different once coated, with the firewall flange machined out of aluminum. It is something different, I could not bring myself to put a round air cleaner on the car.

Thanks for the compliments

I'm not running anything special my self. but just what jumps out at me are the depth of the copes. but definitely nice work for sure.

Matt

[64pontiac]

Thats cool, I was just wondering if you had an idea to make it better! Hope you can pull some sort of insperation from it.

[214Chevy]

.... Just a bit of a spoiler, which I havent seen alot of on Chevelles

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_8252.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_8430.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_8426.jpg

I always wondered what my Chevell would look like with a spoiler. Especiall with how our cars round off in the bake. Very nice, i like it. :hail: :hail:

[64pontiac]

214 - Wait until I get a good shot of it away from the wall with everything mocked up, then I think we will both like it even better!

[Ricochet]

Looks great! :thumbsup: Nice to see some "BIG" valvecovers in a sea of LS motors! Not knocking LS motors, you really can't beat them, just nice to see something different!

[64pontiac]

Thanks! They can't all be LS motors right? I just fired up a 502 that we put in a 67 Chevelle, and man you sometimes can't beat that sound!

[Radlark]

Subscribed!!!!

[64pontiac]

Finally some updates for everyone on Lat-G! Been a busy last two months, hopefully everyone has had a great holiday season!

Got the Roadwarrior Chevelle out to paint before the break at the beginning of December. Should look good in a month! Here are some updates before it left....

March Ultra black powdered serpentine kit (entry level but a nice kit!)

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_9288_zps82eccb90.jpg

Rear suspension, diff, brakes all buttoned up. Full Speedtech Package w/sway bar, modified Dynatech exhaust, Ricks tank.
http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_9099_zps4a6019c5.jpg

And the lower valance modifications. Couldnt justify a custom panel, and we have a stock rear frame behind it, so we snazzed up the factory panel to match the spoiler!

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_9301_zpsfe168da3.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_9308_zps6b388636.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_9318_zps9a6d5d92.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_9330_zps63306f99.jpg

[syborg tt]

Looks very nice !!!:thumbsup:

[WSSix]

I like that lower valance. Keep up the good work.

[64pontiac]

Thanks guys, I will keep you posted with bodyshop updates.

So quick poll, on the lower valance should be just keep it all body color or have two matte black panels where the "mini difusers" are? The car is going to be Calypso green with matte black racing stripes.

[WSSix]

I could see some accenting of the panel working out well. However, I'd need to see a rendering. I can't picture it in my head properly. Color combination sounds good though. I think green needs to be used more often.

[HEEP]

Tyler,
Can you give me an idea on the size wheel and tire on the rear?

Thanks

HEEP

[64pontiac]

The rear wheel is an 18x10. Backspacing is 4 (custom rear end width) and it is a Strange S60 with torino ends.

The tire in the rear is a 295. Fits no problem and we left the unneccessarily large wheel well lip that the 70 chevelles have.

I don't have a rendering, we are flying without one on this car. I will photoshop something!

[HEEP]

Thanks Tyler.

I'm still in the process of deciding what I am doing on the rear for tire size. I installed your frame kit, and am looking at doing something to the rear frame rails to get wider than 10" on the wheels.

HEEP

[64pontiac]

I will find you a picture of what we did to notch a stock frame. Just did some 1/8 plate in the shape of the frame arch, and cut in half way. We also reinforced/gusseted the coil mounts ahead and behind to help stiffen with all the metal gone.... Got us an extra 1 3/8 per side.

If you trim back the wheel lip you can gain another 1/4 to 1/2 depending on if they are stock or repop quarters. I have found the repops to have an even larger lip.

[strtcar]

looking great

[HEEP]

Tyler,
I'm wondering what the spoiler would look like if you brought it over to the top of the quarters and let it disappear into them. Basically where it breaks and goes to the trunk, extend it over.

Just a thought.

HEEP

[waynieZ]

It looks great Tyler. I look forward to seeing it in paint.

[214Chevy]

Looks good and that big block is menacing!!:yes: :yes:

[64pontiac]

So our body shop has put it into paint now! We are going to be laying out the matte graphics this weekend, so you guys will like to see it after that. Got some neat ideas going on it.

Here ya go

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/photo3_zps58492b00.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/photo12_zpsc568e4a8.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/photo22_zpse517f248.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/photo33_zpsde0385be.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/photo44_zpsc909e659.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/photo54_zpscfd22957.jpg

[64pontiac]

Just in case anyone was wondering, the entire car is reproduction panels (Dynacorn) and we were able to get the gaps in great shape with minor work. Everything worked great and we didnt have to cut any edges etc, no major surgery for gaps!

[WSSix]

mmmm minty :lol: Looks great!

[64pontiac]

Got some more pics, we are going to stripe it tomorrow. Came out really nice! If your wondering why its cleared before the stripes, they are being shot in satin.

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_3520_zps77c66beb.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_3519_zps3583f765.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_3521_zps57150899.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_3522_zps6d24c90a.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/IMG_3523_zps31b9be5d.jpg

[village idiot]

That's a great color. Car is looking great:D

[Che70velle]

:thumbsup: show me more! Very nice job so far!

[64pontiac]

I just layed out the stripes today with our painter, so I will update you later this week. I am so pleased with this one......it looks sick!

[tubbed69]

paint and body really look nice,great work

[64pontiac]

Ok I wanted to wait till everything was done to show you, but this is looking too good to keep a secret!

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/photo255_zps17532a88.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/photo366_zps27b04cf6.jpg

[64pontiac]

It carries onto the trunk, and there are some accents that finish it off. We were contemplating doing some sort of pinstripe outline, but wanted to keep it simple. Wait until we see the whole thing together, then we can spitball on that!

[66fury]

Less is more, looks good

[Spiffav8]

I like it!

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[tones2SS]

Very nice. What color green is that?

[64pontiac]

Ford Calypso Gree, early nineties mustang, escort, truck etc!

Its funny how colors that look horrible on the car they came on can transform on a different canvas!

Thanks for the compliments

[214Chevy]

Tyler, those strips are sick. Sorry, I may have to borrow those from you for my 72. Just forewarning you. LOL!! :peepwall: :peepwall:

[Painter D]

Very nice

[G-Body]

Couldnt of picked a better car to do and awesome fab work....... but wow just not sold on that wheel or color choice!
Best of luck going to be a sweet ride.

[rtwind]

Look forward to seeing the progress through this built!!

[64pontiac]

Tyler, those strips are sick. Sorry, I may have to borrow those from you for my 72. Just forewarning you. LOL!!

If anyone has to use it for inspiration on their car, it should be you! You have an awesome build!

but wow just not sold on that wheel or color choice!

We can only do our best to guide the customer's choices right! He wanted a factory turqoise, but we found this and went with it for some more pop. Outside it looks amazing! The wheels are matte black, just like the billet door handles, stripes, hinges, accessory drive, etc so It will look cool. The rear tail pipes are now matte black as well, a bit of the bad ass aggressive look I think.

Wait till you see it all together, I think it works well. Its not the highest budget car we have had the pleasure of doing, but damn it its on the top as my favorite right now! Ya its not EFI, 6 speed etc but it has been so much fun! Can't wait to shake it down and put some seat time in it!

[214Chevy]

If anyone has to use it for inspiration on their car, it should be you! You have an awesome build!



We can only do our best to guide the customer's choices right! He wanted a factory turqoise, but we found this and went with it for some more pop. Outside it looks amazing! The wheels are matte black, just like the billet door handles, stripes, hinges, accessory drive, etc so It will look cool. The rear tail pipes are now matte black as well, a bit of the bad ass aggressive look I think.

Wait till you see it all together, I think it works well. Its not the highest budget car we have had the pleasure of doing, but damn it its on the top as my favorite right now! Ya its not EFI, 6 speed etc but it has been so much fun! Can't wait to shake it down and put some seat time in it!

Thanks Tyler!! I now have your permission, so it's all legit. :G-Dub:
It looks damn good to me Tyler. Even with a $400k-$550k build, somebody can pick out something they wouldn't like.

[64pontiac]

You don't need my permission! We all take inspiration off other great ideas on this forum, and I think its partly why we post our ideas on here as well!

Imitation is flatery right??? I mean, I have seen similar ideas to this as well. Roadster Shops first version of their chevelle was green with matte stripes. I did my own take on the hood stripe. My trunk is totally different, but you could say i got some inspiration from them on it!

[64pontiac]

Now for a post-baby birth update! Got the car back from our painter, going to start assembly. Got one more thing left to do on the stripe, but other than that the paint is done. Ralph did an amazing job!

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/null_zpsb1e60579.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/null_zps6c0ad950.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/null_zps3d907a78.jpg

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/null_zps979c82c2.jpg

[syborg tt]

Tyler the car looks awesome !!!:trophy-1302:

[64pontiac]

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/HPIcustoms/Roadwarrior%201970%20Chevelle/null_zpscfb1623e.jpg

[214Chevy]

Looking good Tyler. Are you gonna outline the stripes with anything/color?? :popcorn2:

[64pontiac]

I think we are going to leave it. Keep it simple? We couldn't go insane on extra spending over the straight up paint job on graphics, and being a satin stripe we would have eaten up a ton of dough to go more complicated. Not to take away from it, Ralph did a 100% a plus job!

[tones2SS]

She's looking good Tyler. Love the stripe idea on the hood.

[214Chevy]

She's looking good Tyler. Love the stripe idea on the hood.

Yeah Tone, those hood stripes are sick. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: I've already told Tone I'm stealing the stripe idea for my hood. :innocent: :innocent:

[64pontiac]

Thanks for all the compliments guys!

[67autocross]

Thanks for all the compliments guys!

Very very nice! I'll have to stop in and check it out.

[WSSix]

I really like the paint selection. The color really pops in the sun. Good luck getting it completed.

[onefast70elco]

I like the break up in the stripes.. Awesome idea