December 1969 SS396 300 Deluxe photos

[Rixls6]

Showed a friend of mine my 69 SS Sedan today. He has always told me about the Fathom Blue SS396 300 Deluxe L78 he bought new. Today I was able to get the pics he took of the car the day after he brought it home in November or December 1969 in Evanston, IL.
I had always thought he meant it had been a 2Dr Sedan, but see now it was a hardtop 300 deluxe SS.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e43/Rixls6/69Chevelle300Deluxe13437011.jpg

[Rixls6]

There are 2 more after this that were taken when he was stationed in Texas. They're on slides so I'll have to scan them differently.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e43/Rixls6/69Chevelle300Deluxe13437008.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e43/Rixls6/69Chevelle300Deluxe13437009.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e43/Rixls6/69Chevelle300Deluxe13437007.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e43/Rixls6/69Chevelle300Deluxe13437012.jpg

[chevelleheart]

Great shot !! What kind of tires are those ???

[Rixls6]

[ QUOTE ]
Great shot !! What kind of tires are those ???

[/ QUOTE ]

He told me they were Generals.

[SD 396]

Great pictures. Thanks for sharing.

[Dog427435]

Great original shots!!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[firstgenaddict]

Awesome... Bench seat 4 spd... I had a 69 Chevelle SS 4spd with the bench.
what air filter element is that is it original?
I thought they had the chicken wire type?

[RPOL88]

Also looks to have rolled tip exhaust.

[Shankin]

AWESOME!!!!!!

[Rixls6]

[ QUOTE ]
Awesome... Bench seat 4 spd... I had a 69 Chevelle SS 4spd with the bench.
what air filter element is that is it original?
I thought they had the chicken wire type?

[/ QUOTE ]

He told me these pics were taken the day after he brought it home. He added the Sun tach already, but I don't think he changed the air filter that soon.

[Woj]

SPECTACULAR!!!!!!!!!!!!

There is some great info in those shots. Thanks for sharing.

Phil Woj

[Postsedan]

Rick,

No wonder I didn`t know about it....I thought it was a Post Sedan. Nevertheless....a beauty. Love the color. Nice tach. Lover that rubber mat, look how nice she shines when it was oh so new.

Rick notice anything on this car that we discussed?

I`m sure your friend loved your new Post Sedan.

Thanks for the pics.

Dan.

[Postsedan]

Wait....Sam! Could this be your car? Rick whats the VIN on this coupe?

Dan.

[Rixls6]

[ QUOTE ]
Wait....Sam! Could this be your car? Rick whats the VIN on this coupe?

Dan.

[/ QUOTE ]

We don't know the VIN. He says he threw all paperwork away years ago, but the car was traded in at a Volkswagen dealer in Texas in 1970. I know....... I couldn't believe it either.

Did Sam's come out of Texas by chance?

[CC Rider]

Great pics! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Postsedan]

Sam,

Could it be?

http://rides.webshots.com/album/529772182dllrRe

Dan.

[jeff morocco]

hey....whats with the tail panel ? i thought the 300's were supposed to be body color or am i confused with something else ?? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[Postsedan]

[ QUOTE ]
hey....whats with the tail panel ? i thought the 300's were supposed to be body color or am i confused with something else ?? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


Jeff....stick with the 68`s. Your confused http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Dan.

[chads454Ls6]

Is that a 68 wiper motor or what is the deal with it? look at how dull the radiator cap finish is.Also looks to be a kansas car as it seems to have the undercoating above the heater box

[Rixls6]

Wiper motor is supposed to be that square one on the 300's

The old pics might make the rad. cap look duller than it is.

[Postsedan]

Chad,

It a 300 Deluxe....exposed wipers, correct wiper. Stick with the LS6 stuff http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif. This camera is 1970 circa technology, do not base color.

Dan.

[jeff morocco]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
hey....whats with the tail panel ? i thought the 300's were supposed to be body color or am i confused with something else ?? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


Jeff....stick with the 68`s. Your confused http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Dan.

[/ QUOTE ]

10-4 good buddy !!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[chads454Ls6]

Thanks Rick.

[chads454Ls6]

[ QUOTE ]
Chad,

It a 300 Deluxe....exposed wipers, correct wiper. Stick with the LS6 stuff http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif. This camera is 1970 circa technology, do not base color.

Dan.

[/ QUOTE ]

Did not mean to offend Dan! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

[Postsedan]

Chad,

You know I`m pulling your leg....now get back to them diaper changing duties!

Hope you can make it to VF. Go Bears!

Dan.

[camaromb]

I never believed there was as much orange overspray on the water pump bypass hose originally as some restorers do currently. The hose clamp looks clean of overspray too. It would be great to get more of these day one photos. Great pics!
Mark

[Keith Tedford]

The '69 Baltimore car that we bought new shows about the same amount of overspray as this one in the pictures. Very little if any. No graffiti on the firewall either. Each plant had their own methods with different results. Nice 300 Deluxe car. At least 75% of these cars that I have come across with documentation have had L78 power. Looks like rolled exhaust tips too.

[chads454Ls6]

[ QUOTE ]
Chad,

You know I`m pulling your leg....now get back to them diaper changing duties!

Hope you can make it to VF. Go Bears!

Dan.

[/ QUOTE ]
Dan I know you are just kidding,I was just yanking your chain. . Just got done changing diapers. vikes suck! go bears http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[mockingbird812]

[ QUOTE ]
Wait....Sam! Could this be your car? Rick whats the VIN on this coupe?

Dan.

[/ QUOTE ]

Mine was Ewing ordered and delivered in June of '69. Did not think Fathom Blue was available in '69. Those are some very cool and informative photos. Thanks for posting Rick.

Mine is Dusk Blue. If you look at the last photo above (front medium distance shot) you can just make out yet another unique distinction of the 300 deluxe. The sun visors do not come as far to mid line as regular Malibu Chevelles and they do not have the center pivot posts that articulate with the rearview mirror. They are only suspended/supported by the outboard posts. Yet another huge dollar cost savings for the cheap 300 variant. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

[SD 396]

Sorry to hijack this thread
[ QUOTE ]

It a 300 Deluxe....exposed wipers, correct wiper.
Dan.

[/ QUOTE ]
Dan
Could you order the recessed park wipers (RPO C24) on the 300 Deluxe or have you seen one with the option? I have GM Canada docs for a Deluxe that was equipped with the option.
Brad

[Postsedan]

Darn...Sam,

Sam I was really hoping this was indeed your car....cause if it were I knew you would be on the next flight....out to Chi-Towm to meet Ricks friend. Yes....Rick and I had Fathom Blue on our minds....cause I just finished a 70 Chevelle project and cause Rick "was" a 70 guy.....right Rick http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Dan.

[Bill Pritchard]

[ QUOTE ]
Did not think Fathom Blue was available in '69. ....Mine is Dusk Blue.

[/ QUOTE ]

You are correct, Sam - Fathom blue was not available in 69. Dusk blue was the dark blue color. Fathom blue became available on the 1970 models. It's not uncommon for people to get them mixed up after this many years. Same goes for 69's Fathom green and 70's Forest green.

Just curious, Rick....what's the point of blocking out the 1969 Illinois license number in the photos http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[Postsedan]

[ QUOTE ]
Sorry to hijack this thread
[ QUOTE ]

It a 300 Deluxe....exposed wipers, correct wiper.
Dan.

[/ QUOTE ]
Dan
Could you order the recessed park wipers (RPO C24) on the 300 Deluxe or have you seen one with the option? I have GM Canada docs for a Deluxe that was equipped with the option.
Brad

[/ QUOTE ]

Brad,

I`m sure you could have order the recessed wiper arms....however you would have needed a good sales person to suggest such an option to a new customer...plus it may have been a $12.00 option http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

I have never ever seen an original survivor 300 Deluxe with recessed wipers.

Dan.

[mockingbird812]

[ QUOTE ]
Darn...Sam,

Sam I was really hoping this was indeed your car....cause if it were I knew you would be on the next flight....out to Chi-Towm to meet Ricks friend. Yes....Rick and I had Fathom Blue on our minds....cause I just finished a 70 Chevelle project and cause Rick "was" a 70 guy.....right Rick http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Dan.

[/ QUOTE ]

You bet I would have Dan http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif , 'cept I do know the original owner of my 300 Dx and talk to him from time to time. He still lives in Canton. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]


You are correct, Sam - Fathom blue was not available in 69. Dusk blue was the dark blue color.

[/ QUOTE ]

However, Fathom Blue WAS available in '68; just a darker shade than the '70 version.

[Woj]

Sam,

I had a chance to buy your car when it was for sale here in Ohio back in the 90's. I won't mention the asking price on this forum, but needless to say, I should have bought it.

I still see the owner from time to time at swap meets. Good guy. Great car and good story as well.

Phil Woj.

[Rixls6]

Yeah, I wasn't sure if it was called Dusk Blue and didn't refer to my books before posting, oops.

I'm blocking the license plate in hopes of linking the number to the VIN, if I can get something like that done these days?

I'm sure you guys already realize the pictures posted so far are said to be taken from Nov.-Dec. 1968.
These next 2 pics are from summer of 1969 in Texas where my friend was staioned in the Air Force.
The track didn't have timing lights, so all there was is the flag man.

By this time he had the whitewalls turned in at the tire shop and had done some minor tweaking (including removing the smog pump) under the hood. He also added the rocker strips and the door edge guards.
He says he ran a 14.10 @104mph.
Cool shots, Huh?

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e43/Rixls6/69ChevelleSS396300Deluxeb.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e43/Rixls6/69ChevelleSS396300Deluxea.jpg

[Postsedan]

Wow! Great pics.... keep them coming, Mr69! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Dan.

[olredalert]

------Rick,,,As for the question of "what brand tires" raised earlier; those tires look a lot like Daytons which wouldnt have been original equipment. I base that on the appearance of a checkerboard pattern from the white stripe out to the edge. Daytons are the only tire that had that checkerboard pattern, and were actually a great tire. I had a set on my 67 SS Chevelle after the first set wore out. As usual back in the day the rears wore out way faster than the fronts. I remember buying Gs to "bulk" the car up a bit, but kept the white stripes until the next set!!!........Bill S

[Rixls6]

I think the picture with the waffle pattern showing on the tire is caused by the lighting and being an old photo, but I'll ask him again if those are the original tires.
I don't think he would have changed tires right after buying the car, only to turn the whitewalls in shortly after down in Texas.

[SD 396]

In the first picture of the tail you can see the Malibu style tail light bezels. Was it only the post 300's that used the different bezel? Another thing is the smaller rear view mirror. There is really a lot of information in those pictures.

[Xplantdad]

Cool car Rick!

I have seen Sam's beauty in person...and it is awesome. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Rixls6]

The SS 300's got Malibu bezels in the rear, all other 300's had the thin bezels.

Far as the smaller mirror, I don't know.

[Nasblu]

Rick,

Your buddy wasnt station at Webb air force base Big Springs TX was he? I noticed big spring texas on front fender above SS emblems. My dad was stationed there around that time. Because Pollard chevy was in Big Springs. My dad looked at a Tuxedo Black L-71 tripower vette there

[Rixls6]

I was looking at the pics of Sam's car, it does look like a beaut.

[Rixls6]

He was stationed at Webb I think. He also said that he traded this car in at a Volkswagen dealer in Big Springs, TX in 1970, because it used so much oil.

[Xplantdad]

By the way...thanks for sharing all of the pics as well...WAY cool stuff! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[Nasblu]

Do you know where the racing picks where taken? I have to show my dad the pics maybe he remembers the car?

[Rixls6]

He said the track was an old air strip, named something like San Angels, or something like that.
I'll ask him for the actual name.

[JoeC]

nice pictures

do you mean dec 68 or dec 69?

[markinnaples]

What is the difference between Chevelle SS396 and Malibu/300 tail light bezels??

[camarojoe]

Certainly not an expert, but I believe the SS396 and Malibu taillight bezels are the same, 300 bezels are different, and are thinner, with no black painted area around the perimeter. An SS396 with 300 trim would still get the bezels with the black paint, a plain 300 would not. Right? What about the front? I'm pretty sure an SS got the same grill treatment with all the moldings, etc. regardless of if it was a 300 or not. Same goes for the wheels, wheel lip moldings, emblems, etc...

So basically, The only difference visually between a 300 hardtop (non-post sedan) SS396 would be the cheapo interior in the 300, right?

[Keith Tedford]

As you can see from the above pictures, the exterior trim is exactly the same as a Malibu SS396 except for the non-recessed wipers. I think that the recessed were an option but don't quote me on that. On the interior you get the 300 Deluxe seats, rubber mat, short sun visors, and 300 Deluxe door pads with the little Chevelle emblem. I think that the 300 Deluxe headliner may have a different pattern too. Ours has the SS396 trim above the glove box and the SS steering wheel emblem. These cars definitely stir up conversations at shows as most people don't even know that they exist. I have some shots of our 300 Deluxe car on Webshots if you do a search there. There is one picture of our car with two other 300 Deluxe SS cars. http://rides.webshots.com/album/560001407BJbiIt

[Jeff H]

Great pictures! Sure looks like the master cylinder was painted black as well. I always wondered if any of them were really painted vs natural cast.

[SD 396]

No side stripe on this car either. Forgive my ignorance on this one guys. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[mockingbird812]

I had noticed that my door plungers for the overhead light were not there and had a black putty plugging the hole. I asked the original owner and he stated that there never were any plungers there to begin with. Overhead light is manually turned on my rotating the headlight switch to its detent.

Also, the rearview mirror base is different as it does not have the recesses to receive the sun visor posts. It surprises me that they would manufacture a totally separate mirror base vs. just using the standard Malibu mirror base. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif

[chevelleheart]

Love the info !!!! Great Pics !!!!

[SS427]

Thanks for posting the shots Rick. I will never get bored looking at original photos from back in the day.

Regarding the by-pass overspray (and any other engine overspray for that matter), it is a known fact that engines received the overspray. Due to the fact that it was an assembly line process it could easily go from none to lots one engine after the other. Regardless, great shots of the car. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Z28DL]

Dan,
You must feel like you died and went to heaven with all of this 300 Deluxe stuff going on! Nice to see these cars getting some well deserved exposure.
Later Buddy,
Dave L.
SoCal

[Postsedan]

Dave,

I knew it was just a matter of time before these rare 69 Chevelles would recieve there deserving recognition

Dan.

[Bill Pritchard]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm blocking the license plate in hopes of linking the number to the VIN, if I can get something like that done these days?

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm afraid your chances of that are slim to none. In early 1997, I wrote to the IL Secretary of State's office with just the license number of a car I owned back in 1971-1972. I got back all the info on it including the VIN. In late 2002, after I bought our current Chevelle, I wrote to them and got only copies of titles back to the early 1980's....with most any pertinent info (including the VIN) blocked out. The original owner owned our car until 1978 and they had absolutely no records from when she owned it - they said everything prior to that time (early 1980's) had been destroyed http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[Rixls6]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I'm blocking the license plate in hopes of linking the number to the VIN, if I can get something like that done these days?

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm afraid your chances of that are slim to none. In early 1997, I wrote to the IL Secretary of State's office with just the license number of a car I owned back in 1971-1972. I got back all the info on it including the VIN. In late 2002, after I bought our current Chevelle, I wrote to them and got only copies of titles back to the early 1980's....with most any pertinent info (including the VIN) blocked out. The original owner owned our car until 1978 and they had absolutely no records from when she owned it - they said everything prior to that time (early 1980's) had been destroyed http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I suspected that, but still might try an end around, if someone I know has any pull.

[Rixls6]

With what I said in the previous post, obviously if there are no records anywhere, then no matter what I do, the VIN won't be linked through the license plate.

[GTO_DON]

[ QUOTE ]
I think the picture with the waffle pattern showing on the tire is caused by the lighting and being an old photo, but I'll ask him again if those are the original tires.
I don't think he would have changed tires right after buying the car, only to turn the whitewalls in shortly after down in Texas.

[/ QUOTE ]Those tires on the rear are definetly Daytons. I have a set of h70's whick look identical to me.

[Rixls6]

If you say so, I guess they are Daytons. The owner still claims he had Generals on it new, but heck, that was 39 years ago, so the memory may be off.

[Bill Pritchard]

Rick,

On second thought, what I did 6 years ago with our Chevelle was just a title search. What I did in 1997 was to ask them to link a license number to a vehicle - and that they were able to do. Not sure if applicable documents were destroyed between 1997 and 2002, or if taking the license plate search route gives them a different angle that would still be do-able http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif If so, I still have the 1973 IL license plates that were registered to our Chevelle, so I might be able to find records that way http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[Rixls6]

Bill,
Sounds like it's worth a try, hey?

[Bill Pritchard]

The worst that can happen is they say "sorry we can't help you".

[Kurt S]

[ QUOTE ]
Great pictures! Sure looks like the master cylinder was painted black as well. I always wondered if any of them were really painted vs natural cast.

[/ QUOTE ]
I've never seen an original that was natural, they were black. JohnZ also confirms this.
Look in a Corvair, the m/c is protected and most are still painted.

But it was cheap paint with bad prep on a casting - it just didn't last.

[Keith Tedford]

I have pictures of our engine compartment and a friend's when the cars were new. Both master cylinders were painted black. The old pictures are invaluable aids when restoring cars.

[69z2x4]

I worked at the old Dayton Tire plant back in the early 70s and if you bought a new car you could exchange the tires that came on it for Dayton tires. A lot of guys liked the Dayton Thorough-breds. Could be the case here.