1966 Chevy Chevelle: An Epic Opportunity For My Dream

How Did It Begin?

In the heart of every car enthusiast is the car that started it all. If you’ve read our About Page, you’d know the first car that began my love for mods was my Acura CL. However, my passion for cars came from the Cruisin’ USA video game for the Nintendo 64. I used the Chevrolet Corvette in that game exclusively. The body lines, the speed, and the presence was enticing to my three year old self. Today, I now share my love of cars with one of my personal dream cars: A Chevy Chevelle.

Fast forward to when I was around 7 years old, my Dad had a 1981 Chevrolet El Camino. The fact that a car could be a car and a truck with a rumbling V8 was the coolest thing ever. I always wanted to be driven around in it and sit on those classic bench seats. What also influenced me was my Dad always wanting to do something to it. To this day, I remember my Dad’s look of excitement when he brought it home after a fresh paint job. Blue Water Metallic.

Where Did My Love Of Cars Take Me?

As I got older, my love for cars increased and it made me start thinking about what type of car I wanted to own. From watching drag racing events, Speed TV, and classic car build shows, the American Muscle car stood out ahead of everything. When my dad got his 1969 Chevy Chevelle, it was unreal. When no one was looking, I would go inside the garage and just sit in the Chevelle. Riding in that car with my dad will always be some of my favorite car memories. While it would be years until I owned one, I always would look upon them with admiration and desire. I enjoyed every car I owned, from my Acura CL to my Focus ST hot hatch. Despite the pleasure I got from these cars, I found myself yearning for the chance to own a classic American Muscle car.

Opportunity Arrived

This year, my opportunity came out of nowhere. See, in 2015, my brother purchased a 1966 Chevy Chevelle Malibu out here in California. He was living in Indiana at the time, so buying a clean rust-free California car was ideal. When it landed in Indiana, my brother would drive it and enjoy it, but deep down he was more of a truck guy.

My brother put the Chevelle in storage while building up a classic C10 pickup. After years of letting it sit, the Chevelle needed a new home. My dad planted the seed in my brother’s head to sell it to me despite me not knowing at all. I received a call from my brother about the Chevelle and him wanting to keep it in the family. We got the logistics sorted out and just like that, it was going to be mine. Using the awesome transportation company Airryd.com, I had the Chevelle shipped back to California and started my chapter in this car’s story.

The Chevelle’s Return Home

I took ownership of the Chevy Chevelle, had it registered, and was ready to experience the carbureted dream. This 1966 Chevelle is equipped with a 402 cubic inch Big Block Chevrolet motor and has a 700r4 overdrive transmission. From what my brother remembered, the previous owner set the car up for drag racing. It shows, since the air conditioning and windshield wipers were removed (weight reduction, bro!). The car has modern suspension through a CPP suspension kit along with disc brakes on all four corners. Almost every aspect of the car’s powertrain and suspension have been upgraded, but the good ol’ carbureted fuel system still lives on.

The first drive was something special. My fiancée and I drove it around our neighborhood, breathing in the smell of gas and hearing the roar of the V8 engine the entire time. What I didn’t expect with the car was the feeling it gives you to be driving something of this time. You notice even the small details such as the dashboard styling and the notchy feel of the headlight knobs and turn signals. We returned home and put the Chevelle in the garage for the first time. Just like that, I realized I had everything I’ve ever wanted: an amazing life partner, a house with a garage, and an an amazing automotive machine to put in it.

Unexpected Repairs Lead To Epic Results

After several months of ownership, tragedy struck. Due to 11+ year old tires and road debris, I blew out the right rear tire while under power. This caused me to spin out and I hit a small center median. The initial damage didn’t look too bad, but the extent of it was more than I thought. By luck of the draw, no body panels were damaged. Thankfully, the old original body mounts sheared during the crash, saving the body panels. The rear axle was shot and I needed new wheels. Luckily, I found the shop willing to take on the project. I was set up with Top Shop Auto and they took care of everything.

The Process

Frank and the crew at Top Shop Auto diagnosed all of the issues and got straight to work. They were quick to source a new rear axle to replace my damaged Moser 12 bolt rear end as well as new rear brakes. Additionally, new body mounts were welded in and the body panels were perfectly realigned. As the work continued, the Chevelle was getting better and better. During this time, we took the opportunity to improve the car.

Replacing the 4.10 gears in the Moser were 3.31 gears that were better matched for the 700R4 transmission. This later showed to give us a better cruising RPM while maintaining torque output. I ditched the American Racing wheels for some beautiful Weld Venturas wrapped in Nitto NT05s. Lastly, an upgraded driveshaft and replacement CPP front suspension kit was installed to complete the car.

The Return

After several months without the Chevy Chevelle, the team at Top Shop Auto finished the car and it was better than ever. I was so excited to get back behind the wheel of my car. Today, the Chevelle drives like a grand touring car. I can take it on the highway and cruise at 2500 rpm at 75 miles per hour. Also, if I want to hoon about in it, the torque is right there and sets the tires on fire on demand. This car is beyond what I ever believed I would own in my life. Now, its my goal to share it with other car enthusiasts and inspire others to keep these classic cars alive at all costs.

What’s Next for the Chevy Chevelle?

Typically, this is where car influencers, builders, and YouTubers tell you all of the plans for their car. Despite always modifying my cars, to this day I have no clear idea what I want to do with the Chevelle. Picking and choosing parts for a car like this is difficult. You have to ensure the parts will fit as well as if they will work with existing parts.

For now, my goal is to maintain the Chevy Chevelle, keep it driving on the road, and enjoy all the work that was already put into it. As I drive it, I am sure I will identify things I will want to change or upgrade. Thankfully, I won’t have to worry about smog or CARB legal parts. Regardless, this car is something special and I am ecstatic to share this journey with all of you.

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