I have included the detailed inspection that was performed by Write Angle Productions, from Greenbrier, TN. on July, 27th, 2014.
1969 Chevelle SS396 Two-Door Sedan
Built for one year only, the 1969 SS396 two-door sedan is a very rare and desirable Chevelle for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Based on the Chevelle 300 Deluxe platform, the sedan version of this popular musclecar is currently coveted because of its unique appearance and rarity, while “back in the day” it was sought after by racing enthusiasts because of the additional rigidity provided by the sedan configuration as well as the lighter weight of the “stripped down” 300 Deluxe body.
This particular Chevelle SS396 sedan presents itself as a fresh, current state-of-the-art restoration, completed by a very respected member of the musclecar restoration community. With these credentials, one should expect a restoration of a very high caliber, and this Chevelle will meet or exceed most expectations. Not surprisingly, the original, matching numbers block was destroyed early in the Chevelle’s life, and has been replaced during restoration with an engine featuring correct date castings and stampings. The unusual heavy-duty three-speed transmission has also been replaced at the time of restoration, although the rearend (3.31 posi) appears to be original.
It’s the type of car that will easily achieve high awards at local/regional car shows and will certainly garner plenty of attention at any cruise-in; the red paint, seldom-seen body style, and high degree of restoration assure that. Showing at a national level – even marque specific - will also result in very high scoring and garnering of a multitude of prestigious awards. In fact, it has quite a resume already. Avid Chevelle cognoscenti will be able to find small incorrect details that may detract from the national level scoring, but most are very easy fixes, and in doing so will ensure that this Chevelle earns top honors at whatever level it is shown.
The critique sheet I have prepared is divided into five categories: overall, chassis, body, drivetrain, and interior. Photos in each section are numbered and will match to the similarly numbered captions. The information is intended to provide information and insight regarding the item(s) being discussed. They should not be misconstrued as “must do” mandates, and may be employed instead to help attain whichever level of restoration you decide to pursue. If you have any questions, David, please contact me by phone or email, whichever is easiest.
OVERALL – EVALUATION
This 1969 Chevelle SS396 sedan presents itself very well upon initial and in-depth visual inspection. It has been the recipient of a recent. The frame-off restoration makes it appear even better than the day it rolled off the assembly line; this is how GM should have/would have hand-built cars given sufficient time and inclination . The old, original exterior sheetmetal that was damaged or rusted has been replaced with all new replacement panels using a mix of reproduction and original GM sheetmetal. The body panels are in excellent alignment, reflecting the considerable time spent on getting the fit and finish as good as possible. The exterior brightwork and trim are also reflective of the care and consideration that has been lavished on this Chevelle during its restoration.
There are reproduction pieces that were used during the restoration, generally of good to very good quality. Obviously, NOS or good quality original parts that have been correctly restored would have been more desirable, and also would help garner more points during the judging process at national shows. Many of the reproduction parts, however, are easy to access/replace once suitable NOS or restored original parts are located. Nevertheless, this is one of the best Chevelle restorations to be inspected recently.
BODY – EVALUATION
After seeing the “before” pictures of this Chevelle, it’s apparent that a lot of work, parts, and effort have gone into bringing it back to its former glory. The bodywork is first-class with straight-as-a-string body panels and excellent panel fitment. Door gaps, fender gaps and deck lid gaps are all very consistent and well within factory specs. The paint used is a base coat/clear coat in the original hue of Garnet red. This color appears to have been very closely matched to the original, and applied expertly with the result being waaaaay beyond what the factory ever offered. This car was constructed to take home the gold at most any outing, and was given all the attention it needed to meet or exceed those expectations.
1. Overall shot of Chevelle; high front drivers side.
2. Overall shot of Chevelle; high rear passenger side.
3. Overall shot of Chevelle; eye-level front drivers side.
4. Overall shot of Chevelle; eye-level rear drivers side.
5. Factory trunk spatter is difficult to replicate; this is one of the best jobs I’ve seen. Correct colors and “big” spatters….
6. Yellow limited slip warning label is endemic only to Canadian-built cars; very nice touch, and often overlooked when attempting to achieve correct appearance.
7. Lower rear of replacement quarter panel shows that it was mig-welded in place and body-worked to a smooth finish. Original quarter showed “dimpled” spotwelds here. Not critical, but might cost a point or two in judging IF the judge knows what he’s looking for.
8. Lower rocker flange shows proper “dimpled” pinch welds. Nice, straight flanges that are often bent or damaged from improper placing of floor jacks, jack stands, or plain ol’ curb-jumpin’ carelessness.
9. Same rocker flange, looking from rear.
10. Nice stencil detail on new gas tank.
11. Correct “white” seam sealer used to retain body plugs.
12. Headlights are reproduction T3s, with correct vertical lines; passenger side.
13. Ditto, driver side.
14. Front passenger door gap and panel alignment.
15. Rear passenger door gap and panel alignment.
16. Quarter panel end cap fit and finish, passenger side.
17. Quarter panel end cap fit and finish, driver side.
18. Very nice fit on reproduction t/l bezel and lens, driver side.
19. Ditto, Passenger side.
20. Overall rear view shows great panel alignment and straight bumper installation.
21. Coveted “Berger” dealer emblem has been faithfully restored and reinstalled.
22. This is a tough bodyline to get right. This is as good as I’ve seen on any ’69; passenger side.
23. Ditto, driver side.
24. Front driver door gap and panel alignment.
25. Reproduction mirror. Missing “parting” line in base casting. NOS parts are out there, but a bit pricy. Still, I’d replace it because of its high visibility.
26. Duplicate: Ignore
27. Rear driver door gap and panel alignment.
28. Correct ’69 antennae base and “oval” telescoping mast.
29. Based on the “300 Deluxe” model, the SS396’s windshield wipers are correctly visible, not concealed behind hood.
30. NOS plastic inner fenders are hard to find (and expensive!); they are installed on both sides.
31. See above. Also, correct ribbed heater hoses, without the goofy “GM” stamps all over them.
32. Proper dark gray phosphate finish on hood striker assembly. Also notice nice overspray on leading edge of hood underside.
33. Hood latch is also properly plated with gray phosphate, and the proper bolts used with correct markings.
34. Close-up of fitment and installation of driver side grill extension and moldings.
35. Header fit and hood gap, driver side.
36. Header fit and hood gap, passenger side.
37. Close-up of fitment and installation of passenger side grill extension and moldings.
38. You have love it when the backup lights work. That’s attention to the “small” stuff!
Dan
|