1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle

[Too Many Projects]

Wow, beautiful.
If you aren't going to save the reject grille for future use, I might be interested in it. I, also need some trunk paint, if you are still making that. I'll send you a PM. I could swing by your place to pick it up on my way back from SCR on the 22nd.

[60sStuff]

Hi Rick,

This thread of your beautiful ‘66 396 Chevelle restoration is awesome, not to mention it’s being done in my old stomping grounds of central Illinois.
I was born in ‘54 in Springfield and traveled to just about every town including Washington/Peoria area in my good old days. Many corn fields.

The time, money and sourcing parts that’s required for a high end restoration like yours is exhausting. Congratulations to you for this undertaking.
This old muscle car was very fortunate to have found you!

Factory vinyl (Cordova) top.
I’m a GTO (65-67) guy and the Cordova tops on these cars always received a flexible retainer. I’m not sure if the Chevrolet models used this item?
Shown below is this retainer on my ‘65 GTO Survivor.
This retainer was also used on the 66-67 Tempest Series cars with this fabric top, but in a different translucent material opposed to the chrome retainer on my 65.

Looks like you’re on the downhill of this project and it looks fantastic!!!.

Thanks for sharing this restoration.

Chris.

[OneStopRestoration]

Hi Chris,

Really appreciate the comments. I have noticed that for those that really get into the hobby, passion and obsession become a blurred line.

So my car did have those inserts when i was in the disassembly process. I have heard/read that some others have had success in removing them for reuse. I was not one of those people so i just glued the top down and installed the drip rail moldings.

Where did you get the page from? That something produced by Body By Fisher?

[OneStopRestoration]

After the flat tappet fiasco, thankyou Comp Cams. I yanked the engine put an erson roller and started the engine on a run Stand. I have determine engine run in stands are the only way to go from now on. All worked out great. The erson cam is most to the stock specs with just .010 more lift on both intake and exhaust. Opening and Closing valve events plus duration are pretty close and it sounds Excellent! As soon as the hood is on and i square away an alignment i will post final pictures for this project.

Engine running in the car
https://youtu.be/4_kYUOM9U1Y?si=bCC3UKCk0J3PiQTM

[scuncio]

Can you share the source for your engine run stand?

[OneStopRestoration]

Originally Posted by scuncio

Can you share the source for your engine run stand?

Its a PRW branded run stand. I bought it used the summer before the pandemic. I was just noticing there up about 30% in price since I recall. Its a pretty good stand, but I rewired the entire setup and gave it a fuse block which has come in handy several times. I also got rid of the orignal 14 inch fan as it didnt have enough CFM. I also ditched the 2 core aluminum for an orignal 3 core GM 66/67 chevelle unit i had in my storage. Made a nice flat fan shroud to go along with it. The orignal didnt have a volt meter so i added that along with wiring to hook up an alternator if needed along with a voltage regulator.

To honest its easiets to just put the motor on the stand with as little as possible to run it in. Dad and I ran 3 motors through it in the course of a month. We found multiple leaks on dads 66 motor in terms of dumb stuff like a engine mount bolt being drilled out to the water jacket, and the main Hi Perf block plugs leaking. Its real hassel and peace of mind item to have. Once your all set with timing, jetting, and idle mix you drop it in the car and on first fire its running.

[OneStopRestoration]

Not in there catalogue online but they do have it if you call