Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

Did you get a full factory warranty 5yrs/50k miles, or 90 days? Did you get to meet Dick H. and the guys from the performance center? I've always thought that there should be way more of these cars out there than have been found. Dick had to be running quite a few through the shop to keep the doors open. Did you see any other 69's there being converted or worked on. Maybe you could shed some light on cars that havn't been found, or even known to exist. I knew of a 69 convert 427 Chevelle that ran the streets up here that came from that area. It had emblems on it similar to yours. Ever see it down there?

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

There were two other Dick Harrell cars on Bill Allens lot the day I bought my 69 Chevelle - one was a Camaro for sure but I don't recall if the other was a Chevelle or Camaro. Don't know of any other DHPC cars and have never come across a single one out in the real world. . .

A friend loaned me a "Chevrolet by the numbers" book this evening - I noticed the following in section #2, 1969 Engine Code Identification:

MODEL . . . ENGINE . . HP . . TRANS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SUFFIX
Chevelle . . 427 . . . . 425 . . COPO 9562 4 SP. . . . . . . . . . . . . MP
Chevelle . . 427 . . . . 425 . . COPO 9562 TURBOHYDRAMATIC. . . MQ

The Bill Allen Customer Invoice specifies Motor number "TO409 MP" :biggthumpup:
I suspect a typo somewhere . . .

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

Yep, I'd say so... MP or MQ. Either one would be a COPO 427 code. Proof enough for me this wasn't any SS or Malibu...Awesome! Hope you have plans for a professional resto on this car, its gonna be a killer! Congrats!!!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

The Yenko Chevelle we are working on has - - for its 76 Daytona Yellow paint. We have restored a number of DH cars, including a Fathom Green 427 COPO Camaro. So without question DH used COPO cars..BKH

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

I've been advised that the Colvin book has a typo and the correct code for the 69 COPO with auto trans is “MP” :biggthumpup: So, my car started out in life at the KAN (Leeds) plant as a COPO, was delivered to DHPC some time after the 3rd week of July, 1969 where DHPC did it's magic.

DHPC removed the AIR equipment, plugged the AIR holes in the exhaust manifolds, marked the harmonic balancer at 40 degrees, removed one of the two distributor weights, timed it at 38 deg/3,000 RPM, installed a Sun tach on the steering column via stainless steel hose clamp, installed hood locks and painted hood stripes, installed the large V8 emblems on the sides and the DHPC emblem to the deck lid, generated the "Dealer to Whom Delivered" (Bill Allen Chevrolet) MSRP "Window Sticker" that I still have (40 years later). Then, delivered to Bill Allen Chevrolet (perhaps the 2nd week or into the 3rd week of August) to be sold, I drove by Tuesday, Aug 19th, 1969 on my way to work (Whitaker Cable - about 3 or 4 blocks down the street from Bill Allen Chevrolet) and bought it (BRAND NEW) :biggthumpup:

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

Colvin's book is definitely wrong. We have the MQ code engine and ours has the M20 behind it. What a car to get back. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/smile.gif

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

Did I mention this is awesome? Not only is it indeed a COPO, tweaked by Dick Harrell, but its also documented with that Bill Allen invoice. Not too often one has to convice an owner his Malibu is really a COPO, it's usually the other way around! You should be very excited!
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

I used to have people walking away in mid conversation when I mentioned having a factory 427 Chevelle. They thought that they were being BSd. Can't blame them. These cars did indeed come with the 5-50 warranty. I don't know how GM looked at them after being modified by others. I still got warranty work done after installing headers with no problems. If everyone keeps beating the bushes, a few more might just show up. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/smile.gif

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

It's interesting that the Allen invoice is written up the way it is. Dealer invoices usually use COPO nomaclature like "special high performance unit" rather than 427/450 hp. It's written up kinda like a Yenko window sticker that wanted you to think it was a transplant. I wonder if Dick H. was doing the same thing. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif
I wonder how this Allen invoice looks compared to what Ray Morrison has from his Gibb/Harrell Nova.
Has there been new documents found from DHPC? It was my understanding that they were lost in a flood and none existed. Is Valerie H. saying she has docs on your car and maybe others? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/confused.gif

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

Being an original owner, Ray would be a good one to talk to. My bill of sale shows the 9566AA option and the price I paid. Back in '69, I was pretty sure that the Yenko Chevelles were based on COPOs but I don't believe that they were advertised as such.

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

[ QUOTE ]
It's interesting that the Allen invoice is written up the way it is. Dealer invoices usually use COPO nomaclature like "special high performance unit" rather than 427/450 hp. It's written up kinda like a Yenko window sticker that wanted you to think it was a transplant. I wonder if Dick H. was doing the same thing. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

Well, I'd say that's pretty much been confirmed by the fact the original owner believed for 40 years that it was a Malibu that was converted to a 427 by Dick Harrell. He never knew it was indeed a factory installed 427 until yesterday.

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

[ QUOTE ]
Being an original owner, Ray would be a good one to talk to. My bill of sale shows the 9566AA option and the price I paid. Back in '69, I was pretty sure that the Yenko Chevelles were based on COPOs but I don't believe that they were advertised as such.

[/ QUOTE ]

The above statement is what I'm refering to. It was listed out with COPO, and RPO codes through his dealer invoice. Yenko was a licensed mfg of sportscars. He could write his own window sticker like on the deuces. Harrell was doing transplants, and modifications. He was not a mfg like Yenko, or Shelby. I would think a Bill Allen invoice should look like Keith's, or Grady B's rather than one with no COPO, or RPO codes. I'd think somewhere there should be an invoice with factory codes, and specs. This one looks like it was typed up by Allen at the time. How did they square that with GM?
I'm not doubling the car, or Roger, or the fact that it's a COPO, but I can't see the GM factory window sticker matching the Allen invoice. Nor do I see any mention of DHPC mods prior to sale which probably would have voided the factory warranty. Ray's had 90 days.I simply find it unusual, and perhaps the only evidence of how Dick worked with Allen.

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

Around here it was common for dealers to remove the factory window sticker and type up their own. We always figured that they were hiking the option prices in the process. Why else would they go to the bother. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/tongue.gif

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

Very Chttps://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/eek.gifhttps://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/drool.gifL the MP Suffix is noted on the original sales docs!.
Note the engine build date is one day later than the loose Leeds Copo engine of the previous thread here...how's the Vin compare?.
Also are these Tonawanda dates the same or close to those of know Copos built elsewhere?.

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/show...fpart/all/vc/1

So this brings the Leeds Copo Chevelle total to at least 3 possible counting Roger's, the loose engine car also the one Rob has info on..
It'd be nice to compare Vins of all also the Cowl tags of Roger's and the one in Rob's database..

Any luck on the POP or imprints Roger?.

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif
~ Pete

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

The engine in the Convincer II was built about a week earlier. The Convincer seems to be one of the earliest built COPO´s, after the Yenko´s that is.

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

I am pretty sure that the build date of the motor in my Chevelle is 410. I will double check tonight.

Grady https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

The holes for the SS396 Emblem on the rear panel have burrs and are still bright metal from having being fairly recently drilled. Lots of factory applied Monaco Orange overspray is still present in the interior compartment.

The RF and LF fender are not pierced where an SS emblem would have been installed.
The LF fender does have drilled holes from an old body shop visit - bondo is visible from the repair (not where the piercing would be on an SS fender).

The VIN number found beneath the heater core cover is the same as the VIN plate on the LH side of the dash.

The SS grille is held in loosely with only a couple of screws - most of the clips on the grille are broken.
Remnants of the two black hood stripes are evident on the nose of the car. You will notice multiple layers of Orange and Black . . .

Multiple layers were the result of a shop accident at Bill Allen Chevrolet when they replaced the OEM engine at around 12,000 miles and repainted the hood, top, deck lid and nose piece.

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

Roger, I understand you contacted the Harrell site. What info did they help you with. Kim

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

I'm pleased to report the following (based upon a statement from copoloco) and a subsequent post by Valerie . . .

"Originally Posted by copoloco Aug 26th, 09, 12:06 PM
Valerie has apprised me that

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

And how much did that cost you? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif

Seriously, why are you messing around with those clowns (not Elaine Harrell)? You have one of most documented super cars to be discussed on the Internet in quite some time. You know its real, the majority here, as well on the Chevelle site, believe it’s legit, what else do you need?

The folks connected with the DH site cannot even agree who their “experts” are. At one time Jim Elgan AKA JE, a charter member of the DH Hall of Fame, was one, Valerie, Pulde and others posting that he was always around the shop doing odd jobs, and the best part, drove all of the ’69 ZL-1s from Gibb Chevrolet in LaHarpe to Dick’s shop in KC. Now, no one remembers him, not for sure what he did. I could go on here, but I think you see where I am going with this.

You need to understand how this whole “record” thing works. You can either do as we have done on here, sharing our information for all to see, so all can search for that elusive “barn find” or keep the information private, chasing the cars yourself. By not showing what you have, no one really knows what you have, thus you can wing it as you go, stating the records show whatever you would like for them to say. And finally, as in your case, making folks such as yourself believe that they have something, or can verify something, dragging it on like it is rocket science, when it should take all of 5 minutes to check their records, all of this scam to eventually extract a “fee”.

You see, I have a crate full of Yenko paperwork, which took about a week to sort, putting it into a workable order. Unless away from where we keep the records, Rob or I can answer a VIN question in 5 minutes or unless, do it quite often, and for FREE. Even though the paperwork was not free (paid for by the Clary family), I am proud to say myself nor the sYc has ever recieved a cent for helping verify a car, because there is more to this hobby then egos and $$$.

Ironically, this morning I verified a ’67 Yenko, found on Craig’s list. Located, and now saved from the crusher, because our information is posted for all to see.

Now, quite worring about what others think and get busy restoring the car for you and your family to enjoy. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

About $12.00 and pocket change so far. Looks like I'm caught between two warring factions here - hope I can make it through with stepping on a mine or falling into a bottomless pit . . .

I'm one of those 'show me' Missouri boys so I like to have an agreement in writing regarding 'fees'.
I'm also not one willing to pay for 'blue sky' so won't be spending any $$ in that manner.
I appreciate your comments and take due note - THANKS!

I'm willing to share what little information I have - nothing asked and nothing expected in return.
Just keep me pointed in the right direction - I'm just a novice (at best) at this stuff!

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

Man I tell you, you can just see the inner orange wanting to come out on that car...It will be something once again. All these theories passing around this car amaze me. Every DH car we have ever worked on other than some simple emblem changes to 427, nothing was done to conceal its original identity. In other words, the SS cars were never made to look like non-SS cars. And the COPO cars were left as such, not made into SS cars. We have restored BOTH versions The idea that some think this car was an SS changed to a Malibu is simply wrong. SS hood and 14X7 rallye wheels SS body trim NOT Malibu and Malibu interior trim, all add up to COPO..BKH

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

You are absolutely right, the Orange is just busting out at the seams along with the black hood stripes.
Just can't wait until it is properly dressed once more!
It turned heads in the day and it will again - eye popping Hugger (Monaco) Orange - can't wait, can't wait, can't wait . . .

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

[ QUOTE ]
You are absolutely right, the Orange is just busting out at the seams along with the black hood stripes. Just can't wait until it is properly dressed once more! It turned heads in the day and it will again - eye popping Hugger (Monaco) Orange - can't wait, can't wait, can't wait . . .

[/ QUOTE ]

"Git r dun" and come stretch her legs a little at the next SCR. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

[ QUOTE ]
I'm willing to share what little information I have - nothing asked and nothing expected in return. Just keep me pointed in the right direction - I'm just a novice (at best) at this stuff!

[/ QUOTE ]

Then you're on the right side of the fence HERE Roger. Welcome home. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/wink.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/flag.gif

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

[ QUOTE ]
Man I tell you, you can just see the inner orange wanting to come out on that car...It will be something once again. All these theories passing around this car amaze me. Every DH car we have ever worked on other than some simple emblem changes to 427, nothing was done to conceal its original identity. In other words, the SS cars were never made to look like non-SS cars. And the COPO cars were left as such, not made into SS cars. We have restored BOTH versions The idea that some think this car was an SS changed to a Malibu is simply wrong. SS hood and 14X7 rallye wheels SS body trim NOT Malibu and Malibu interior trim, all add up to COPO..BKH

[/ QUOTE ]

Agreed! Exactly what I've been saying all along. Hard to believe there are still people trying to rain on this guy's parade. (well, maybe not TOO hard to believe..) I can't wait to see this one restored and at SCR... I'd say this is one of the biggest finds of the year. Congrats Roger!

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/flag.gif

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

No holes present (where an SS fender emblem would have been) - hood lock's were installed on via Harrell's shop . . .

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

Cool, keep the pics coming! Looks like someone installed an A/C dash cluster at some point.

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

Could be - wasn't an A/C car - heater box was and still is a non A/C box . . .

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

I pulled the heater cover on the engine firewall side to determine if the VIN numbers were stamped there and found the last 8 digits of VIN were there indeed, upside down as expected!

Regarding updates (from the DHPC site) - for the most part, I'm on my own now . . .
My sincere THANKS to Valerie for her efforts to find details on my 69 Dick Harrell Chevelle. If only I could turn back the clock about 40 years to have snapped a few pictures and perhaps press Mr. Fieden for a few copies of the related documents that day at Bill Allen Chevrolet . . .

Most of the details are etched into my memory so the restoration process will not be exceedingly difficult. Fortunately, period components are readily available to replace those missing components (engine, transmission, rear end, seats) that were removed so many years ago. It won't be possible to do a matching numbers restoration but restoration with the same function, fit and form components is a 'can do' . . .

Valerie, at your convenience may I kindly ask that you return the notarized documents loaned at your request to DHPC, please?

https://www.yenko.net/forum/attachme...1&d=1489100193

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

Picking up a few parts for the resto project as I find them . . .

Item#.....Part Desc.........................Location
1 ..........NOS GM SS Grille................Chicago, IL
2 ..........NOS GM Floor Sills..............Chandler, AZ
3 ..........NOS GM LF Fender & Left Qtr panel..Charlotte, NC
4 ..........NOS GM RF Fender..............Indep, MO
5 ..........NOS Chevelle Script............Wichita, KS

Absolutely GREAT, GREAT bunch of guys to deal with on these parts
Looking forward to meeting them if/when the chance comes up!!
They all have very interesting projects of their own . . . https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

Tony Nausieda (sp)- SCUNCIO has a Monaco Orange COPO Chevelle...

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

Would be nice to chat with him - know how I could contact him or perhaps, have him contact me?

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

Roger, his email listed in his profile is [email protected]. I would try that first.
James

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

Looked up some info on Tony's (SCUNCIO) car...
it has a - - Paint code.

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

[ QUOTE ]
Looked up some info on Tony's (SCUNCIO) car...
it has a - - Paint code.

[/ QUOTE ]
Actually, the paint code portion of Tony's trim tag is blank...

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

I do not post much here anymore, so I just found and read this whole thread right now. WOW!! Definitely warrants a post! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif

Roger, I have a few questions. First why did you choose to buy a Harrell car? Had you ever heard of him before then? Did the name and the set up of the car mean anthing to fellow street racers in your town? What made you not change the wheels?

The question I would love to know the most is how did you locate the car? Did the owner who had it know anything about what the car was or that you were the original owner?

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

I was working a few blocks down the street from Bill Allen Chevrolet - passed by the dealership to and from work each day. My trusty old '66 SS396 Chevelle was getting tired (105,000 miles) and I had the itch for a new car in late July early August '69. As I drove by that Tuesday morning (Aug 19, 1969) an in your face orange "Dick Harrell" Chevelle along with two other "Dick Harrell" stickered cars had just been rolled out for display. I just couldn't resist pulling in to take a quick look before going on to work that morning. A couple of hours later, I drove away in it - on to work.

I knew of Dick Harrell and his active role in the drag racing scene of the time. When I saw the DHPC 'Dealer to whom delivered' document with the car that morning, I was floored and I was hooked - A 427CI/450HP chevelle! I had been recently contemplating replacing my tired 396/325 with a 427 but the orange DH Chevelle changed my mind on the spot that Aug 19th morning!!! My old '66 was paid for, I had a good job with Whittaker Cable as manager of their automotive cost engineering division (they made wiring harness assemblies for GM, FOMOCO, Chrysler and AMC) and my credit with GMAC was good so . . .

None of the locals in my farming community (about 50 miles NE of Kansas City) knew the pedigree of my Chevelle but quickly found out that it was unbeatable in the typical late evening 'flats' racing events that occurred on a fairly regular basis.

Can't wait until I have it up and running again!!!

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

Were the other cars Chevelles? Color? Built the same as yours? Cool story Roger.. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: RogerD's 1969 Dick Harrell Chevelle
 

Locating the car was a long series of efforts over an extended 12 year period . . .
Lots of research, lots of looking, lots of dead ends, a bit of fact here and there, help from friends, help from strangers . . .
Research via MO DMV, research via county tax records, research via Obits, research via google, research via googlemaps, research via Bing and from time to time a prayer.

In the end, I'm convinced the prayer made the difference, brought it all together :)