The 69 Chevelle Project...Gearjammer

[GEARBOXGARAGE]

The goal of our 1969 Chevelle is to take a base model Malibu and add in an alchemic blend of carefully selected components to create a well packaged Pro Touring G-Machine with a slight hint of toxicity. Current plans are to utilize a Speed Tech Extreme Chassis, LS power, Tremec 5 or 6 speed, Forgeline Wheels and a square 315 BF Goodrich Rival tire setup. This will be a personal fill-in project that we work on in-between customer vehicles. The coming months should allow us to hammer out all of the final details and start the wheels turning.

Or '71 C10, Project G-TR, gained quite a bit of attention over the last couple of years, and now we are going to build off of that and take the Chevelle to a completely different level. Stay tuned as we dig in.

[HEEP]

Woo Hoo, another Chevelle. This one will be fun to watch.

[GEARBOXGARAGE]

Here's another Chevelle we are working on for a customer. A '64 with an Art Morrison chassis and LS3. It's off to paint at the moment so we are starting in on a '38 Chevy Pickup for the same customer.

[GEARBOXGARAGE]

We've been nailing down some details to get the rendering done on the Chevelle. Wheel choice has been narrowed down to either Forgeline RB3C or CF3C. Looking at the Matte Bronze finish, but having a hard time deciding which style to go with. Here's a few pics that I "barrowed" from the Forgeline website for reference.

[WSSix]

Tough choice, Mike. I like the finish so that's one area that can be checked off. For design, I'm partial to open patterns like a 5 or 6 spoke rim. I'd get the rendering done with both rims styles so you can stare at them for some time. Good luck!

[214Chevy]

I agree on color choice of bronze. I love both wheels...those 2 models are my favorite. But, I'm partial to the RB3C. Actually thinking about ordering me a set myself with the center lock conversion.

[Haulnaz]

Good luck. Im working on my 69 chevelle and I'm always glad to see other 69's.

[GEARBOXGARAGE]

Quick update... We are getting close to posting up the rendering of the Chevelle project. Just a few very minor details left to make it complete.

A few weeks ago I made it out to MotorState Challenge and hung out with some of the RideTech guys and hitched a ride with Chris Smith in the 48 Camaro for the Dinner Cruise. I was also able to get a mostly used up set of 315 Rivals for mock up. (Thanks again Chris!)

We're hoping for some time this fall for an official start date and then we will be post regularly with progress updates.

[slimjim]

looking forward to seeing the rendering!

[JON Q]

Quick update... We are getting close to posting up the rendering of Alchemy. Just a few very minor details left to make it complete.

A few weeks ago I made it out to MotorState Challenge and hung out with some of the RideTech guys and hitched a ride with Chris Smith in the 48 Camaro for the Dinner Cruise. I was also able to get a mostly used up set of 315 Rivals for mock up. (Thanks again Chris!)

We're hoping for some time this fall for an official start date and then we will be post regularly with progress updates.
That looks like Mark Stielow's car GUNNER up front??

[GEARBOXGARAGE]

That looks like Mark Stielow's car GUNNER up front??

Yes it is! His LT4 set up under the hood was amazing, very clean.

[waynieZ]

Nice project. I'll be watching for your rendering.

[Bryan O]

:thumbsup:

[GEARBOXGARAGE]

So it has been some time since our last posting, finishing up some other projects and getting the shop ready to pull our Chevelle out of storage to begin its transformation.

As it just so happens that it is Veteran's Day, this weekend is going to be the perfect time to share our rendering. But first I would like to give a little background as to where the name comes from. I had thought of using GEARJAMMER at different times but wasn't sure if I could do the name justice so I shied away from it and leaned towards other ideas. After some discussion and brainstorming with some fellow forum members and bouncing around some ideas, it helped convince me to use "GEARJAMMER".

So here is the story of the original GEARJAMMER:

It was March 17th, 1970, my Father's 21st birthday. Casually walking out to get the mail, he was unaware of what was going to happen next. A U.S. Army draft notice had found its way into his mailbox. Having just been newly wed to my Mom in August of 1969, it was the last thing he was expecting to see. He completed his basic at Fort Knox, KY and followed up with AIT at Fort Sill, OK doing Field Artillery training. The time came for his orders and he was flown to his station in Chu Lai, Vietnam where he was assigned to Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 14th Artillery in the 23rd Infantry Division. He would become a Logistics Troop, running with the supply convoys up and down Highway 1. If there was a vital delivery that needed made, these guys were the best at what they did. They drove through some of the toughest conditions imaginable, but he was one they always knew to be counted on. He was known as Gearjammer, driving his Deuce-and-a-half rig from base to base, making sure everyone had what they needed to not only perform their duties and keep fighting, but sometimes coming out against what seemed to be impossible odds. Trust me when I say I heard a few of the stories... stories that bring tears to your eyes. But his job was simply this: DRIVE. And he was damn good at it! He finished his tour and came home a decorated hero, earning a Bronze Star and Oak Leaf Cluster for his valiant efforts.

So this is why I say I wasn't sure if I could do the name justice, but I'm glad this is the direction that I chose to go. So this build will be dedicated not only to him, but to all of those who are or were GEARJAMMERS in our Military Services. Thank you for being a vital role in keeping America safe and defending freedom!

HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY EVERYBODY!

The Gearjammer rendering will be unveiled this weekend. See it here first!

[GEARBOXGARAGE]

Here it is! The GEARJAMMER

[214Chevy]

Nice!! I like the front valance. Gonna be sweet for sure.

[waynieZ]

It looks great I like the paint scheme.

[grendel]

As a vet, I understand. I'll follow along.

[gofastwclass]

Nice tribute to your dad.

...Tremec 5 or 6 speed...

With a name like that it I'm so glad the car will have three pedals. :)

[Che70velle]

Cool build! The tribute part makes this even better!

[Haulnaz]

Great to see another 69 Velle on here. Ill be following along. If and when you make that front bumper you will be getting a request for one more for mine!!

[GEARBOXGARAGE]

It's been a slow winter here, so I thought I would add a little filler until we get back into things for the project. I was able to make it to Indy for PRI and met with several of the vendors for components that I had an interest in. First stop was at the StopTech booth to meet up with Ron Sutton to make a few final decisions on the front end. Through-out the later part of 2017 we had been bouncing ideas back and forth and came to the decision to change from the original plan and build my own chassis vs. buying the SpeedTech one. My brother-in-law is a certified welder and between the 2 of us, we can fabricate the chassis at a much lower cost with Ron's TA2 components and end up with a great foundation. This will allow me to build in stages and keep the C10 on reserve for financing the drivetrain when we get to that point as that will be the biggest hit on the wallet. I do have to admit, seeing how well Aaron Oberle's G-Velle 2.0 came out was a big influence to go this direction on the chassis. Ron and I also discussed a couple of his engine packages and I think we have it narrowed down to the Level 3 625 HP package that he offers. This should be a good all-around motor that is still street-able yet plenty of power for autocross and occasional track days.
Ron and I also went over the StopTech brake package and discussed the new RideTech R-Joints. The little details are getting clearer...
While at PRI, I also wanted to check out the HAYS Dragon Claw clutch. One of the engineers that helped develop this unit was on hand and he was able to share some great info. I also stopped by the Forgeline booth to look at the RB3C wheel a little closer. Definitely like the design of this wheel.

As the build thread progresses, I also thought I would share some of the stories of the original Gear Jammer. Here's a quick one to get started:
During Christmas, our family gathers at my parents for the annual dinner and presents. My Dad had showed me his ZIPPO from when he served. It was a gift from the Captain of his unit. On the front is the the War Bonnet crest of the 14th Field Artillery unit he was with, along with his CB handle GEARJAMMER engraved on it. On the back, his unit designation, along with these words are engraved: "FOR THOSE WHO FIGHT FOR IT FREEDOM HAS A FLAVOR THE PROTECTED NEVER TASTE".

[GEARBOXGARAGE]

Great to see another 69 Velle on here. Ill be following along. If and when you make that front bumper you will be getting a request for one more for mine!!

Looks like you are making great progress on yours! I love the lines of the 68-69.

[GEARBOXGARAGE]

While finishing up the 64, some interesting events happened around the PT world. Sat back for a while waiting for the smoke to clear and decided to make a call to Roger at SpeedTech. While I would love to put their full ExtReme chassis under this car, it's just not in the budget if I want to maintain all of the other mods and features I want to incorporate into this build. But with Roger's help, I think we'll able to get 80-90% of the performance for 60-70% of the cost. We'll be seeing some large boxes showing up from them in the next few weeks. In the mean time, I've also been collecting parts. Should be an interesting winter as we finally get to see some real progress take shape.

[GEARBOXGARAGE]

Doing some more parts collecting on the Chevelle. Speedtech Torque Arm, Full Floater Rear End and a Strange center section loaded with 3.89 gears and an Eaton Trutrac. Have some of the chassis details nailed down and starting to cut the tubing for that. Also picked up a set of RideTech R-Joints to build the custom length trailing arms for the back.

[GEARBOXGARAGE]

Slllooowww but steady progress on the Chevelle project. Been a busy winter working on house projects and chasing my daughter around on her travel volleyball team, but I'm finding more time recently to get back in the garage. Playing around with a new Millermatic 211 welder and built a frame table. I have all of the chassis parts rough cut and quite a few have been final machined for the rear rails so we should be able to start some preassembly there soon. Picked up a Prototype set of RideTech Control Arms from Chris & Lynda Jacobs. These will allow for additional caster and camber over their of-the-shelf part numbers. Also picked up a Turn One 12:1 box and all new ProForged Steering components along with a Tilton pedal assembly and a QuickTime bellhousing. Next up on the list will be the SpeedTech ATS spindles and bump steer kit.

[GEARBOXGARAGE]

Painted the Strange center section last night so I can now finish up the SpeedTech rear-end and Torque-arm assembly. It's loaded with an Eaton TrueTrac and 3.89 gears.

[GEARBOXGARAGE]

First mock up of the rear end assembly today. SpeedTech torque arm and custom lower links with RideTech R-Joints will make the necessary connections.

[rixtrix1]

Great name and a great story to go along with it! Looks like you've decided on a selection of parts to make this a really cool build. And the rendering, WOW! Ben did a great job on that. Thanks for sharing!

[GEARBOXGARAGE]

Great name and a great story to go along with it! Looks like you've decided on a selection of parts to make this a really cool build. And the rendering, WOW! Ben did a great job on that. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you! There are a lot of inspiring moments when listening to my Father tell of his stories in the Army, some good, some down right scary.... I think he was fortunate to be in during the time that he was and not a year or 2 sooner or being stationed at the fire base he was at. The outcome could have been a lot worse if it was different.

Yeah, Ben is great to work with on renderings. I've thought about having him compare a couple of other Forgeline wheel styles, like the GA3R or GZ3R. Still the same color scheme, but just ant to see a few variations of the multi-spoke designs.

[GEARBOXGARAGE]

A little progress between house projects. The honey-do list seems to get longer than the car to-do list all the time, but I manage to sneak out to the shop once in a while. I have most of the chassis pieces machined up so starting to tack them together for mock up and checking against floor pan fitment. The back-half is 43" wide so it will work nicely with the ABC Performance Mini-tubs. The 68-69 Chevelles had a narrower sheet metal package than the 70-72 and should allow at least a 315 in the back. I've got to add a short piece at the back of each rail to mount the rear crossmember, but the pic shows the idea of how it will tie together.

I'm starting on the main rails now and you can see how I'm overlaying them on a 1:1 blue print to ensure dimensioning and position.

[GEARBOXGARAGE]

A little more mock up of the back half section of the chassis with the RideTech Coilovers & R-Joint links and The Dutchman full floater rear with A SpeedTech Torque Arm.

[GEARBOXGARAGE]

Time to resurrect this build. Too many distractions happened with other projects but finally getting some steady progress made. Most of the large components have been machined and getting tacked together. Had a chance to test fit the new floor pan and found a few minor areas that we will have to massage but getting really close. Still have some leveling and squaring to do before doing a final burn-in on it all but at least it is starting to look like a chassis!

[WSSix]

Looking good, Mike. Glad you're making progress again.

[214Chevy]

Any updates?

[GEARBOXGARAGE]

Any updates?

Not as much as I'd like. Been busy putting a SpeedTech setup and an LS9/T56 in a '70 Camaro. A lot of fun, but also some headaches. Since GM doesn't support the LS9 anymore you have to rely on the aftermarket and everything is expensive for them.

I have been still collecting parts for the Chevelle. I bought a set of Mini-Tubs from Tony at ABC Performance, this will give me almost a 15" deep wheel tub in the back for plenty of tire clearance. I also bought the SpeedTech ATS Spindles and bump steer/ackerman kit. Those are very nice pieces. I've also started collecting pieces the dry sump setup on the engine. I really wanted to do a Dailey, but by keeping the stock front crossmember and steering linkage, their pump is mounted too low and would interfere. So I'm going with an Aviaid system with their Series 2 pump. I decided to upgrade my 12:1 Turn One box to a 10:1 and have a few more pieces tacked on the the chassis. I have some ideas floating in my head about the intake system on the engine. Since LS intakes are symmetrical and can run them backwards, I'm thinking of blocking off the kick vents since I'll have Vintage Air and then use the air box in the cowl area as a cowl/cold air intake area. Just have to figure out how to work around the wiper linkage...

I have also picked up a new tor for the shop, an old Lagun, should make a nice little mill for making custom pieces on the fly. I just ordered a VFD for it this weekend so it should be up and running soon.

Any how, here are some picks of random things going on in The Garage.

[214Chevy]

Nice...

[ScotI]

Chassis looks very nice. There are many of us in that same boat whom can't afford the coin-drop for an aftermarket full chassis. Kudos for DIY.

I like the tribute concept as well :flag2: