The forum seems to be on life support or nearly catatonic, so thought I'd spice it up a bit.
O.k., let the bashing begin... I'll beat you to it and call myself a Chevelle 'flipper', attention deficit disorder, wandering eye, or any other name you want to call me as we sold the vert. Yes, it happened even though we had it 4 years (the longest of any of the 6 Chevelle's in 13 years) and went through the love/hate experience of a frame off restoration.
First, I apologize to Tim H. (every nut and bolt touched by his buffer), Chris P. (engine work), and all the other club members that helped me restore the vert. I have great memories and learned a TON during that restoration and REALLY appreciate what guys go through during a frame off, but I don't think I'll ever do it again. The luster wore off the vert as well being in Kansas where it is MUCH hotter, and even if I put AC in the car, it probably wouldn't have made us keep it.
Anyway, I had a buddy in Nebraska that knew I had the wanderlust to change cars, and he knew I was going to the Good Guys show in Lincoln a few weeks ago, so he mentioned it to someone that was looking for a muscle car. Next thing I knew I was negotiating with the lady buyer for more money than I thought I'd get out of it, so we couldn't refuse.
So on to number 7 Chevelle... I found a nice driver quality '71 Chevelle in St. Louis that had just had new rear full quarters and was taken down to bare metal before a fresh paint job. The painted white top is as it was originally ordered, I believe similar to what Bryan's used to be. It's got a crate 350 and new blue upholstery, which is the original color. I swapped out the suspension springs and installed a 1.25" front anti-sway bar this weekend along with the SS rims I had 'leftover' from the vert, so the fun begins. It's an original AC car with everything there, so it's going to have the AC system fixed in a couple of weeks. FWIW, I have a pristine original build sheet, and it was built in the Leeds, KS (KC) plant.
Tina and I are driving up for the SMN's, but not in the '71 as I have a few more things to do for a 7 hour trip. If you guys park together, I'll find you. Otherwise, I'll find you as I walk the show. Hope to see you then!
Sorry for the uber large pics, as I still haven't figured out how to change the settings on my phone/Android OS to make them smaller.
Nice looking car. Back to 3 speed auto again ? Time to change the signature too... If you drive faster, the trip takes less than 7 hours...
Jon H said
Jul 10, 2016
I heard the news a while back, I was wondering how long it would take you to come clean with the club. No one really told, they just said complete this sentence, "Stan" and I replied "sold his car". Just a wild guess!
By the way, nice looking car!
-- Edited by Jon H on Sunday 10th of July 2016 09:59:05 PM
SShink said
Jul 11, 2016
Lost in the 60s wrote:
Nice looking car. Back to 3 speed auto again ? Time to change the signature too... If you drive faster, the trip takes less than 7 hours...
Mitch, I keep waiting for it to shift into 4th gear/OD on the highway, but it never happens. It's not too bad running at 2400 RPM at 70 mph, but when you are used to 1800 or so it's a big difference. You wouldn't happen to know of a 2004R sitting on a shelf somewhere that's available, would you...?
Signature changed. Thanks for the reminder. You'd think I'd remember with all the changes I've made. lol
My 'normal' drive time for the KC to MSP run is about 6.5 hours with a 15 min. pee break/refuel in Des Moines. But with the older cars I usually plan a little longer.
dashboard said
Jul 11, 2016
Very nice Stan, I like the white top. You'll enjoy the AC, it makes for a much more enjoyable driving experience; or, we're just getting older,
As for the car swapping disorder, at least the illness did stay in remission for four years.
67ss said
Jul 11, 2016
I really like the color combo with the white top and blue interior. Needs the side emblems to break it up a little though in my opinion.
Lost in the 60s said
Jul 11, 2016
SShink wrote:
Lost in the 60s wrote:
Nice looking car. Back to 3 speed auto again ? Time to change the signature too... If you drive faster, the trip takes less than 7 hours...
Mitch, I keep waiting for it to shift into 4th gear/OD on the highway, but it never happens. It's not too bad running at 2400 RPM at 70 mph, but when you are used to 1800 or so it's a big difference. You wouldn't happen to know of a 2004R sitting on a shelf somewhere that's available, would you...?
200r4's are getting very hard to find up here. I'm reading about people using the 4L60 trans now, but I think they bring a tunnel fitment issue. Chris P may have more knowledge of that.
67ss said
Jul 11, 2016
4l60/700r4 will fit without cutting the tunnel. Might have to use a hammer in a spot for a little clearance. Cross member needs to move back and drill a couple new holes in the frame and then shorter driveshaft. Bryan's 72 has a 700r4 in it. The aftermarket now sells a gear set for the 700 to bring the 1st gear ratio down closer to a 2004r but it isn't cheap last time I had checked.
Guess I will throw this out here since it is related. John at master trans has sold the business and is moving on to something else. No idea what that something else is at this point but just FYI since a lot of us have used him in the past.
SShink said
Jul 11, 2016
67ss wrote:
4l60/700r4 will fit without cutting the tunnel. Might have to use a hammer in a spot for a little clearance. Cross member needs to move back and drill a couple new holes in the frame and then shorter driveshaft. Bryan's 72 has a 700r4 in it. The aftermarket now sells a gear set for the 700 to bring the 1st gear ratio down closer to a 2004r but it isn't cheap last time I had checked.
Guess I will throw this out here since it is related. John at master trans has sold the business and is moving on to something else. No idea what that something else is at this point but just FYI since a lot of us have used him in the past.
That's why I like the 200r4 so much. They are plug and play other than moving the cross member back and using the adapter plate under the carb. And I like the trans gear ratio's better too. I found them on line for $1500-2000 (200r4 Trans Link), so the days of picking one up for a couple hundred and having it rebuilt are gone I think.
Chris, sorry to hear that about Master Trans. I doubt it's for lack of business as it was always busy and they had a great reputation. John is a great guy, so I hope it works out for the best.
Lost in the 60s said
Jul 11, 2016
Both John and Brad had been in the business long enough to want to do something else. Neither could afford to buy the other out and make a living on their own, so they sold it. Brad is gone now and John will still around for another ~6 weeks, as the transition winds down.
John is going to work for a friend in Lakeville and will still be around to advise/help if we have problems with the transmissions that he has built for us. I don't know if he will be doing any trans work on the side. As of a couple weeks ago, he didn't seem inclined, but that may change as time goes on and he is away from the daily grind for a while.
more ambition than brains said
Jul 12, 2016
This hobby is all about the "Hunt"
We are all searching for the next project.
You do a much better job of staying on task than some of us (me).
Those in glass houses!!!!!
Am on my second 2010 Camaro SS Second 2007 Trailblazer SS Each one is the same color as the first one I had.
Speaking of projects, only one mostly done is the 68 Biscayne.
Both Elky's, Blue 21 years and White about 6 years are still scattered all over the place. They are both painted though.
Still collecting stuff I "might" need.
Congratulations, keep playing!!
Karl
-- Edited by more ambition than brains on Tuesday 12th of July 2016 04:21:47 PM
Chris S said
Jul 12, 2016
Very nice Stan! I too like the white top.
Now you get to start a new To Do list.....
Derek69SS said
Jul 13, 2016
more ambition than brains wrote:
This hobby is all about the "Hunt"
We are all searching for the next project.
You do a much better job of staying on task than some of us (me).
Those in glass houses!!!!!
I don't know anyone who does this.
OscarZ said
Jul 13, 2016
Congrats on finally getting another 71!
Lost in the 60s said
Jul 13, 2016
Derek69SS wrote:
more ambition than brains wrote:
This hobby is all about the "Hunt"
We are all searching for the next project.
You do a much better job of staying on task than some of us (me).
I don't know anyone who does this.
The hunt or staying on task...
Actually, I quit hunting over a year ago but John is a bad influence and sends me links to cars. That's how I ended up with the blue '70 last winter. Not a bad trade though...
SShink said
Jul 13, 2016
Thanks everyone for the support group kind words. You know you are enabling me. lol
Mike, '71 is my favorite year as that's what I had in high school that started this addiction.
Chris S., the 'need to buy' spreadsheet has already been started and Summit and NPD have already made deliveries!
BTW, I'm really looking forward to seeing any of you that are at SMN on Friday!
Chris R said
Jul 14, 2016
Congrats on the purchase. You have bought and sold quite a few now, it feels like you have already had a blue/white 71/72 before though. Not many colors left before you can say you once owned one of every color at one time.
Did you hang onto the wheels you got from Keith or did those stay on the vert?
SShink said
Jul 14, 2016
Chris R wrote:
Congrats on the purchase. You have bought and sold quite a few now, it feels like you have already had a blue/white 71/72 before though. Not many colors left before you can say you once owned one of every color at one time.
Did you hang onto the wheels you got from Keith or did those stay on the vert?
Thanks Chris. I've had red, white, blue, light green, and copper color (my high school Malibu). I'd like a silver one some day as I think that color really shows the Chevelle lines well!
The ZR1 rims went to another Chevelle guy in St. Joseph, MO last fall. I really liked all the rubber under the car, but to be honest for street driving the car was 'twitchy' when the tires grabbed the road grooves, and it was a handful to drive. Maybe it was because my suspension was mostly stock compared to Keith's. I guess I'm getting older and ride quality trumped performance on that one. They did go to a good home as the guy was putting them on a '71 Chevelle and super psych'd about them.
BLyke said
Jul 18, 2016
hi Stan,
as i think i told you last time, "Tina seems to be a very understanding wife"
looking forward to the next round.
my 71 is still fairly deep into the CAC, if things continue as is, it may just roll into next winters project
The forum seems to be on life support or nearly catatonic, so thought I'd spice it up a bit.
O.k., let the bashing begin... I'll beat you to it and call myself a Chevelle 'flipper', attention deficit disorder, wandering eye, or any other name you want to call me as we sold the vert. Yes, it happened even though we had it 4 years (the longest of any of the 6 Chevelle's in 13 years) and went through the love/hate experience of a frame off restoration.
First, I apologize to Tim H. (every nut and bolt touched by his buffer), Chris P. (engine work), and all the other club members that helped me restore the vert. I have great memories and learned a TON during that restoration and REALLY appreciate what guys go through during a frame off, but I don't think I'll ever do it again. The luster wore off the vert as well being in Kansas where it is MUCH hotter, and even if I put AC in the car, it probably wouldn't have made us keep it.
Anyway, I had a buddy in Nebraska that knew I had the wanderlust to change cars, and he knew I was going to the Good Guys show in Lincoln a few weeks ago, so he mentioned it to someone that was looking for a muscle car. Next thing I knew I was negotiating with the lady buyer for more money than I thought I'd get out of it, so we couldn't refuse.
So on to number 7 Chevelle... I found a nice driver quality '71 Chevelle in St. Louis that had just had new rear full quarters and was taken down to bare metal before a fresh paint job. The painted white top is as it was originally ordered, I believe similar to what Bryan's used to be. It's got a crate 350 and new blue upholstery, which is the original color. I swapped out the suspension springs and installed a 1.25" front anti-sway bar this weekend along with the SS rims I had 'leftover' from the vert, so the fun begins. It's an original AC car with everything there, so it's going to have the AC system fixed in a couple of weeks. FWIW, I have a pristine original build sheet, and it was built in the Leeds, KS (KC) plant.
Tina and I are driving up for the SMN's, but not in the '71 as I have a few more things to do for a 7 hour trip. If you guys park together, I'll find you. Otherwise, I'll find you as I walk the show. Hope to see you then!
Sorry for the uber large pics, as I still haven't figured out how to change the settings on my phone/Android OS to make them smaller.
Nice looking car. Back to 3 speed auto again ?
Time to change the signature too...
If you drive faster, the trip takes less than 7 hours...
I heard the news a while back, I was wondering how long it would take you to come clean with the club. No one really told, they just said complete this sentence, "Stan" and I replied "sold his car". Just a wild guess!
By the way, nice looking car!
-- Edited by Jon H on Sunday 10th of July 2016 09:59:05 PM
Mitch, I keep waiting for it to shift into 4th gear/OD on the highway, but it never happens. It's not too bad running at 2400 RPM at 70 mph, but when you are used to 1800 or so it's a big difference. You wouldn't happen to know of a 2004R sitting on a shelf somewhere that's available, would you...?
Signature changed. Thanks for the reminder. You'd think I'd remember with all the changes I've made. lol
My 'normal' drive time for the KC to MSP run is about 6.5 hours with a 15 min. pee break/refuel in Des Moines. But with the older cars I usually plan a little longer.
As for the car swapping disorder, at least the illness did stay in remission for four years.
I really like the color combo with the white top and blue interior. Needs the side emblems to break it up a little though in my opinion.
200r4's are getting very hard to find up here. I'm reading about people using the 4L60 trans now, but I think they bring a tunnel fitment issue. Chris P may have more knowledge of that.
4l60/700r4 will fit without cutting the tunnel. Might have to use a hammer in a spot for a little clearance. Cross member needs to move back and drill a couple new holes in the frame and then shorter driveshaft. Bryan's 72 has a 700r4 in it. The aftermarket now sells a gear set for the 700 to bring the 1st gear ratio down closer to a 2004r but it isn't cheap last time I had checked.
Guess I will throw this out here since it is related. John at master trans has sold the business and is moving on to something else. No idea what that something else is at this point but just FYI since a lot of us have used him in the past.
That's why I like the 200r4 so much. They are plug and play other than moving the cross member back and using the adapter plate under the carb. And I like the trans gear ratio's better too. I found them on line for $1500-2000 (200r4 Trans Link), so the days of picking one up for a couple hundred and having it rebuilt are gone I think.
Chris, sorry to hear that about Master Trans. I doubt it's for lack of business as it was always busy and they had a great reputation. John is a great guy, so I hope it works out for the best.
Both John and Brad had been in the business long enough to want to do something else. Neither could afford to buy the other out and make a living on their own, so they sold it. Brad is gone now and John will still around for another ~6 weeks, as the transition winds down.
John is going to work for a friend in Lakeville and will still be around to advise/help if we have problems with the transmissions that he has built for us. I don't know if he will be doing any trans work on the side. As of a couple weeks ago, he didn't seem inclined, but that may change as time goes on and he is away from the daily grind for a while.
This hobby is all about the "Hunt"
We are all searching for the next project.
You do a much better job of staying on task than some of us (me).
Those in glass houses!!!!!
Am on my second 2010 Camaro SS Second 2007 Trailblazer SS Each one is the same color as the first one I had.
Speaking of projects, only one mostly done is the 68 Biscayne.
Both Elky's, Blue 21 years and White about 6 years are still scattered all over the place. They are both painted though.
Still collecting stuff I "might" need.
Congratulations, keep playing!!
Karl
-- Edited by more ambition than brains on Tuesday 12th of July 2016 04:21:47 PM
Very nice Stan! I too like the white top.
Now you get to start a new To Do list.....
I don't know anyone who does this.
The hunt or staying on task...
Actually, I quit hunting over a year ago but John is a bad influence and sends me links to cars. That's how I ended up with the blue '70 last winter. Not a bad trade though...
Thanks everyone for the support group kind words. You know you are enabling me. lol
Mike, '71 is my favorite year as that's what I had in high school that started this addiction.
Chris S., the 'need to buy' spreadsheet has already been started and Summit and NPD have already made deliveries!
BTW, I'm really looking forward to seeing any of you that are at SMN on Friday!
Congrats on the purchase. You have bought and sold quite a few now, it feels like you have already had a blue/white 71/72 before though. Not many colors left before you can say you once owned one of every color at one time.
Did you hang onto the wheels you got from Keith or did those stay on the vert?
Thanks Chris. I've had red, white, blue, light green, and copper color (my high school Malibu). I'd like a silver one some day as I think that color really shows the Chevelle lines well!
The ZR1 rims went to another Chevelle guy in St. Joseph, MO last fall. I really liked all the rubber under the car, but to be honest for street driving the car was 'twitchy' when the tires grabbed the road grooves, and it was a handful to drive. Maybe it was because my suspension was mostly stock compared to Keith's. I guess I'm getting older and ride quality trumped performance on that one. They did go to a good home as the guy was putting them on a '71 Chevelle and super psych'd about them.
as i think i told you last time, "Tina seems to be a very understanding wife"
looking forward to the next round.
my 71 is still fairly deep into the CAC, if things continue as is, it may just roll into next winters project