Our 69 Yenko Chevelle restoration

[SS427]

As said earlier, all of the suspension was original to the car so rebuilding and restoring them was paramount rather than to just replacing them. Great care was taken to preserve and document everything. Note the orange markings on the calipers.

The rotors were original and were within tolerances so we brought them in and turned them ourselves. This was we were able to put the correct cut on them as well as turn the outer edges. We also blasted and then dressed up and/or remachined all the machined surfaces on the rotor hubs.


The backing plates were original and in remarkable condition. Unlike what most people think, they are not zinc plated but rather are stamped from a sheet of galvanized steel. Normally we have to replicate this using several different paint methods which is very labor intensive but were able to save these. The backing plate decals were custom made and not store bought.

[Woj]

Wow Rick. These are some excellent details. Thanks for sharing. I was going to ask if the calipers had an orange mark on them. You just answered that question.

You've got some great momentum going on this project, keep up the good work. She's going to be a beauty!

Phil Woj.

[RPOLS3]

Thanks for sharing the progress, looking forward to seeing more.

[SS427]

While Jamie, Joe and crew focused on the body, we focused on locating parts, researching what we had and how it was originally and then restoring those parts to the finest of details. While I did much of the restoration work with a little help from my tech (doesn’t work nights or weekends), Annie helped with locating parts, tracking orders, keeping a log of all things in a nicely laid out binder and working hands on in the shop whenever possible. She was adamant about taking part in the restoration so I am seeing to it that she gets her wish. Many times she has brought me dinner to the shop and after eating we both go back to work.

The drum brakes still had part of the part code decal though not enough left to read what it was so hopefully someone here can help out. The car had its original wheel cylinders still on it and were 15/16" NOT 7/8" which really confused me as 1970 used the smaller wheel cylinders so I assumed the 69's did as well. It has a BA master cylinder on it. Note the black paint on the face of the drum and two separate places where there was a decal.

I was able to retain all the brake hardware other than the rear shoes. All springs, wheel cylinders, e-brake hardware, drums, rotors, backing plates, etc so very happy to have all the original hardware still remaining on the car.

[mockingbird812]

Hey Rick. 15/16 vs 7/8 must be cuz you mostly restore them '70 'velles. 15/16" wheel cylinder bore is correct for a '69 Chevelle!!!

[SS427]

Originally Posted by mockingbird812

Hey Rick. 15/16 vs 7/8 must be cuz you mostly restore them '70 'velles. 15/16" wheel cylinder bore is correct for a '69 Chevelle!!!

Thanks for that information. I have torn a few apart and do not remember seeing that before. Well than I am very glad these were good enough to restore and I did not replace them with the wrong ones.

[SS427]

Finished front suspension and ready to install. Original brake lines were not good enough to save. Interesting with blue markings as I have only encountered orange in the past. I am now in the process of having new stamps made as my 70 stuff is different. Darn! Annie doing her part helping with the restoration.

Note the orange paint on the rear differential brake lines I spoke of earlier. This was located just at the t-block above the diff.

The pinion snubber bracket was natural on this car. I have seen that before but more often than not they are dipped in black lacquer. I restored this in its original natural finish. Thanks to some members here I was able to procure a few NOS pinion snubbers, one of which was used on this car.

All of the original body mounts were reusable and were restored and will be reinstalled.

[SS427]

The next phase was to install all the front suspension back onto the car. The front suspension was restored exactly how GM built it. No paint on ANY of the pieces except for the ends of the center link to try and imitate the process done at Chevrolet. All springs, calipers, tie rods, sleeves, backing plates, spindles, etc are all in their natural state.

I really hated using the reproduction brake and fuel lines as they have gone to a coated brake line from all of the suppliers I am aware of (China) and do not resemble the originals anymore. If you try and get rid of the coated all is does is polish them which is also incorrect.

All painted inspection marks were replicated exactly how they were found regardless of how ugly. None were added for fun.

[SS427]

By the way and I should add, if anyone who knows these cars sees something missing or done incorrectly, PLEASE speak up. I am treading on new area and though similar, they are not the same as the 70 so I am looking for any and all input.

[Xplantdad]

Great stuff Rick and Annie!