Looking for my 69 Chevelle

[hnjr]

I purchased a 1969 Black 396 Chevelle with aluminum heads new at Norwood Chevrolet in RI.
It was deliver to Norwood where Mel Perry removed the 396 block and installed a 427 with a Chevrolet experimental cam. He put a holly 3 barrel on it tuned headers, ladder bars and 488 gears. It was black, bench seat and scary fast.
I traded it to Scuncio Chevrolet in 1970 for a fairly normal low compression 454.
I believe the car may have gone to Ron's Speed Shop in RI but I may be wrong.
I have the Vin and delivery date.
It had probably been canalibised but I'm not sure.
Can anyone help me find this car. This was a Norwood Yenko type which Mel made only one other for a buyer in Worcester Ma.
Howard Neff

[Postsedan]

That is stunning car.....got any pictures of her? Love to see some early pictures.

I certainly wish you luck in finding her, hope it comes true.

Dan

[PeteLeathersac]

'
Wow, you must still dream about this car!
Was it a 2-Dr. Hardtop or Post Sedan?
To confirm, was the 427 added before or after you took delivery new?
Also, was it an M22 car and do you know the rear ratio?
Besides Vin, do you still have any original paperwork?
Love to hear more also anything you can tell us of the other car too.
Best of luck tracking it down!
:beers:
~ PETE

.

[L78M22Rag]

Hello Howard,
I believe that I own the black L89 Chevelle SS that you bought new at Norwood! Wow, was I ever glad to see your post!!! I'll send you a PM with my contact info so that we can get caught up.

[Postsedan]

What a great day.....this is Fantastic!!!!!!!!!

I wished you good Karma.....and look what happened :D

Dan

[L78M22Rag]

Howard, here is a thread I started about the Norwood dealership and my car. I managed to locate several previous owners, but I couldn't track you down.

http://www.yenko.net/forum/showthread.php?t=127327&highlight=Norwood+motors

[mockingbird812]

Well how about that. This is getting GOOD!!!!!!!

[Postsedan]

Howard will be very surprised when he logs back in......getting my popcorn ready :D

Dan

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Very exciting!!!

History is the best part!!!

Congrats Helmut!!!

Ryan

[454_Malibu]

This site continues to Amaze!!

[Postsedan]

This site continues to Amaze!!

It never ceases to Amaze :D

Dan

[69hurstSC]

That's the best part of the hobby, the history! Other than driving them of course.

I remember posting about my dads 70 Judge, complete needle in a haystack effort. Someone created a profile on here just to tell us they new the car and the original owner. Yenko.net comes through again!

[L78M22Rag]

Here is a photo of my Black L89 Chevelle SS shortly after I bought it in 2006.

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg155/helmuteckert/IMG_0054_zpsj0h5uo4b.jpg (http://s247.photobucket.com/user/helmuteckert/media/IMG_0054_zpsj0h5uo4b.jpg.html)

[bbbentley]

Helmet, you did not mention, but did you connect with Howard?

[Jonesy]

He posted about this car back in 2015 too. His email is: [email protected]

May be the only way to get ahold of him.

[Postsedan]

Outstanding :D

Dan

[hnjr]

Hey guys,
Great information and a great group.
I sent the Vin to Helmut on the 69 hoping it is
the one created by Norwood in RI
The GM official build date was 5/20/69
Norwood took about two weeks for the Yenko type of
change over.
This was a black 2-door they also created a brown one.
It was delivered to Worcester Ma and did not have all the goodies
mine had.
Mel Perry built it to race.
Went to Conn Dragway and it was a consistent 10s car.
H Neff

[Postsedan]

Perfect :D

Dan

[orig69ss]

Great hearing stories of these 69 chevelle,s with a lot of history, it was fun time back
then I still ejoy my 69 chevelleSS hope to drive it more this year..

Chuck

[L78M22Rag]

Howard,
The VIN you sent me sure is my 1969 Chevelle SS.

Thanks for confirming... this is incredible!

[Postsedan]

Chuck,

I can see that Big Smile of yours now :D

Dan

[Postsedan]

Howard,
The VIN you sent me sure is my 1969 Chevelle SS.

Thanks for confirming!

Doesn't get much better :D

Dan

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Jackpot!!!

I guess your L89 just got even cooler, if that is possible:-)

Ryan

[PeteLeathersac]

'

Before we think it couldn't get any better, let's hear the rest of the story!
Awesome car either way but if Howard took delivery new w/ 427 already installed, that'd put it over the moon!
Congrats again Helmut and welcome aboard Howard!
:beers:
~ Pete

.

[Mr. Chevy]

Wow what are the odds at that??

Very cool...

Rich

[69hurstSC]

What was the duration you didn't have the car and were looking for it?

[L78M22Rag]

I have been in contact with Howard.

He sent me a photo of the original title (dated June 27, 1969), and yes it's the same Black 1969 Chevelle SS (same VIN) that I own today. I never dreamed that I'd find the original owner of the car... or that the original owner would actually find me!

He told me "I thought I had the final invoice on the car with all the Norwood installations but can't for the life of me find it. I know it cost $6400.00 in 1969. Big $."

He also asked me "If you ever want to sell it and I'm still alive please let me know."

Rest assured Howard, if I ever decide to sell the car I will call you first! I also hope you find the original Norwood invoice and paperwork. Keep in touch!

[PeteLeathersac]

He told me "I thought I had the final invoice on the car with all the Norwood installations but can't for the life of me find it. I know it cost $6400.00 in 1969.
.

Wow and this statement sure sounds like a good possibility the car was delivered new w/ 427 already installed, not 396 and 427 later added?
Especially if true, Howard please find that Invoice!
Amazing stuff Helmut!!!
:beers:
~ Pete

.

[Geoff Smith]

Amazing , great result for you.

Its an inspiration for others who are also looking for history and previous owners.

[ACDELCO427]

I'm not sure how many Black L89 Chevelle's Norwood sold but according to David Graziano that worked for Norwood this car was a L89 4 speed they used it to tow the funny car at the track once.

[Bill Pritchard]

Anyone have a "needle in a haystack" icon?

[L78M22Rag]

I'm not sure how many Black L89 Chevelle's Norwood sold but according to David Graziano that worked for Norwood this car was a L89 4 speed they used it to tow the funny car at the track once.

What are the odds? Thank you for posting that photo, and please thank David for sharing that bit of info! I'd sure like to hear any other recollections that you or David have about the L89 Chevelle. Was the L89 still Norwood's "demo" car at the time?

Gosh, if only the photo showed a little more of the Chevelle.

Thanks!!!

[69 Post Sedan]

Holy Smokes Helmut........this is too cool. Congrats!!!!! :headbang: :beers:

Kurt

[ACDELCO427]

What are the odds? Thank you for posting that photo, and please thank David for sharing that bit of info! I'd sure like to hear any other recollections that you or David have about the L89 Chevelle. Was the L89 still Norwood's "demo" car at the time?

Gosh, if only the photo showed a little more of the Chevelle.

Thanks!!!

They would take a different car to the track every weekend. I have a photo of a Nova towing the funny car also. That's David sitting on the back of the ramp truck.

[Postsedan]

Outstanding :D

Dan

[PeteLeathersac]

'

Awesome pics also wow how it keeps getting even better!
Don't miss the other Norwood Chevrolet pics/info in the previously linked thread...
http://www.yenko.net/forum/showthread.php?t=127327&highlight=Norwood+motors

:beers:
~ Pete

.

[ZAPPER68]

Congratulations Helmut....what a feeling to finally 'connect the dots'.

[SS427]

Yet another reason why Yenko.net is the best forum on the net. Bill said it right, needle in a haystack. Awesome reunion and cannot wait to hear more about Howard and his stories with the car. Awesome discovery!

[SS427]

I'm not sure how many Black L89 Chevelle's Norwood sold but according to David Graziano that worked for Norwood this car was a L89 4 speed they used it to tow the funny car at the track once.

Can you find out what track that was at and an approximate date?

[SS427]

They would take a different car to the track every weekend. I have a photo of a Nova towing the funny car also. That's David sitting on the back of the ramp truck.

This one?

[L78M22Rag]

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg155/helmuteckert/1444879801411_zpswrn7kic6.jpg (http://s247.photobucket.com/user/helmuteckert/media/1444879801411_zpswrn7kic6.jpg.html)

Gosh, if only the photo showed a little more of the Chevelle.


Must be how Mike Wazowski felt...

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg155/helmuteckert/IMG_7163_zps9vup114d.jpg (http://s247.photobucket.com/user/helmuteckert/media/IMG_7163_zps9vup114d.jpg.html)

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

What are the odds?

So cool Helmut, hope the stories start flowing in!!

Ryan

[ACDELCO427]

Can you find out what track that was at and an approximate date? not sure about the date and the track was CT dragway.

[ACDELCO427]

Maybe this guy has an emblem for your Chevelle.

http://cranstononline.com/stories/emblem-of-his-passion-for-the-auto-industry,106670

[Damien]

What a great story. Congrats to those involved!

[Postsedan]

Maybe this guy has an emblem for your Chevelle.

http://cranstononline.com/stories/emblem-of-his-passion-for-the-auto-industry,106670

Perfect....."Norwood Motors, the dealer identified with the village rather than the municipality."

Contact him Helmut, you never know?

Dan

[ACDELCO427]

The Norwood emblem in the photo thats says Norwood RI is pre 1965 the correct one for a 1969 car would say Norwood motors Warwick RI. Before 1965 Norwood was a part of Warwick until the Norwood name was dropped by the town.

[L78M22Rag]

The Norwood emblem in the photo thats says Norwood RI is pre 1965 the correct one for a 1969 car would say Norwood motors Warwick RI. Before 1965 Norwood was a part of Warwick until the Norwood name was dropped by the town.

I saw this emblem on a survivor 1967 Camaro... notice it has the Chevrolet Bowtie.

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg155/helmuteckert/DSC_0023_zpsl7kpusld.jpg (http://s247.photobucket.com/user/helmuteckert/media/DSC_0023_zpsl7kpusld.jpg.html)

I got this similar emblem (taken off a guy's 1969 Malibu in the Rhode Island area) several years ago. The emblem is a little crusty, and won't quite clean up enough to put it back on my Chevelle.

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg155/helmuteckert/IMG_7167_zpshungdl7f.jpg (http://s247.photobucket.com/user/helmuteckert/media/IMG_7167_zpshungdl7f.jpg.html)

[SS427]

not sure about the date and the track was CT dragway.

Thanks, I was talking about this photo which I think is New England Dragway based on the railing in this photo as compared to other photos from that track. I did an extensive search yesterday on this track and could find no other shots with the Chevelle in them. I also tried CT today with similar luck.

[L78M22Rag]

I did an extensive search yesterday on this track and could find no other shots with the Chevelle in them. I also tried CD today with similar luck.

I sure appreciate everyone's efforts in trying to string this story together... you're good friends!

The official production date of the car was May 20, 1969 and it would have been delivered to Norwood around the end of May, 1969. Norwood had the car for most of the month of June, 1969.

Howard, the original owner, signed the original title on June 27, 1969 (and the commissioner of Motor Vehicles certified the title on July 10, 1969). That's 13 days later... would that have been the days when Mel Perry prepped the car for Howard?

Howard told me the other day that he raced the car at Connecticut Dragway until he traded it in to Scuncio. There's a date stamp of Jul 31 1971 on the top corner of the title... which I'm thinking may be the trade-in date? I'd sure like to find out what happened to the car after Scuncio got it.

In my conversations with previous owners going back to approximately 1982, one owner in particular remembered the car being raced in its early years at New England Dragway.

Oh yeah, for what its worth... I raced the Chevelle at Music City Raceway in Nashville, TN during Chevellabration back in 2006!

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg155/helmuteckert/Chevellabration%2006%20031_zpsvn7uepsj.jpg (http://s247.photobucket.com/user/helmuteckert/media/Chevellabration%2006%20031_zpsvn7uepsj.jpg.html)

[Mr70]

"The emblem is a little crusty, and won't quite clean up enough to put it back on my Chevelle."

I respectfully disagree. I'd put that emblem on just like it is.

[L78M22Rag]

Well, now that you mention it... it would add some nice patina which the car doesn't already have. Thanks for the nudge. I'm going to have a thorough look for any sign of the original emblem holes.

[L78M22Rag]

I just realized that there's something special about the numbers on the Rhode Island plate that I put on the Chevelle a few years ago.

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg155/helmuteckert/IMG_3632_zps3enqzrbj.jpg (http://s247.photobucket.com/user/helmuteckert/media/IMG_3632_zps3enqzrbj.jpg.html)

[ACDELCO427]

I know of a guy in RI that can reproduce that emblem if you want I'll message you his contact info.

[L78M22Rag]

Today I spoke with Dave Kenahan, he was the Service Manager at Norwood Motors back in the day. Unfortunately he doesn’t remember my L89 Chevelle at eighty years of age, but we had a few laughs. I spoke with him about five years ago and he still remembers me. He sure helped me fill in a few holes on who did what at the dealership. As he put it, they worked on a LOT of cars… many late nights from 5-1am working on the funnycars and other race cars. He recalls Mel Perry building race cars for customers, and they seemed to do a lot of that work in the late hours. Dave has been trying to locate Mel Perry for the past three years, with no luck so far.

Dave wishes he still had all the records of the cars they sold and/or worked on (so do I), but apparently when Tom Ricci took over Norwood in 1991, he got rid of all the historic records and paperwork.

[Postsedan]

Fantastic leg work Helmut.....that picture is marvelous :D

Dan

[L78M22Rag]

I know of a guy in RI that can reproduce that emblem if you want I'll message you his contact info.

That would be great. Thanks!

[ACDELCO427]

Today I spoke with Dave Kenahan, he was the Service Manager at Norwood Motors back in the day. Unfortunately he doesn’t remember my L89 Chevelle at eighty years of age, but we had a few laughs. I spoke with him about five years ago and he still remembers me. He sure helped me fill in a few holes on who did what at the dealership. As he put it, they worked on a LOT of cars… many late nights from 5-1am working on the funnycars and other race cars. He recalls Mel Perry building race cars for customers, and they seemed to do a lot of that work in the late hours. Dave has been trying to locate Mel Perry for the past three years, with no luck so far.

Dave wishes he still had all the records of the cars they sold and/or worked on (so do I), but apparently when Tom Ricci took over Norwood in 1991, he got rid of all the historic records and paperwork.
They called Tom Ricci the dream dealer mostly because he could be found sleeping at his desk. Norwood had a ton of paperwork up stairs above the parts room all of it and a huge framed ariel photo from the 70's went into a dumpster. When I worked there my bay was the old engine swap bay it had a big I beam in the celling with a chain fall on it, I wish I took some photos of the place before they tore it down.

[L78M22Rag]

Who knew at the time that you were a part of history in-the-making? Looking back, a lot of people are saying shoulda coulda woulda... thanks for sharing the mental images.

[ACDELCO427]

This is the brown car that Norwood built, its was an L89 with chambered exhaust and Mel Perry installed an L88 short block in it. The owner of this car confirmed that Howard Neff's Chevelle received the 427 short block before he took delivery of the Chevelle.

[L78M22Rag]

Thanks for posting that!

As I understand it, Mel Perry was a Motion "dealer" operating out of Norwood Motors. If that was the case, then wouldn't Joel Rosen have a record of my car being converted to an L88 by one of his dealers? If so, Joel could provide a letter of authenticity... for his usual fee, of course.

Can anyone from this site advise me on how to properly approach Joel Rosen? I've seen a few websites attempt to represent themselves as official Baldwin Motion sites, but given that there's more than one, they can't all be legit.

[Mr70]

Joel turns 77 this year.Call him on the telephone.

[L78M22Rag]

Good advice! How would I get his number?

[Mr70]

I'll PM it to you.

[the427king]

SS427, That photo you posted of NE dragway appears to be a black 69 chevelle,possibly dusk blue. My old scuncio chevelle raced quite often at that track,too bad its just far enough forward to not make out the parchment interior.

[ACDELCO427]

Bing maps has not updated in a few years, this is the original building before it was tore down in 2013. The left side of the building had 20 service bay's the center was parts and customer check in with a locker room with showers on the 2nd floor and a loft for the parts department the right side was the body shop at one time. The showroom and sales was in another building in front of this one.

[HawkX66]

Thanks, I was talking about this photo which I think is New England Dragway based on the railing in this photo as compared to other photos from that track. I did an extensive search yesterday on this track and could find no other shots with the Chevelle in them. I also tried CT today with similar luck.
There is an old track photog that is always posting old pics of NE Dragway. I'll try to grab his name if I think of it. If anyone would have more pics, he would. I've spent a lot of time at and on that track. You're right, the railing does look right. Here's one of my Dad racing at NED back in 68/69 or so.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5637/31348084846_8c137d3f71.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PL88tu)

[ACDELCO427]

Can you find out what track that was at and an approximate date?

You are correct this is at New England dragway I was told its from July of 69.

[L78M22Rag]

SS427, That photo you posted of NE dragway appears to be a black 69 chevelle,possibly dusk blue. My old scuncio chevelle raced quite often at that track,too bad its just far enough forward to not make out the parchment interior.

David Graziano said that the 1969 Chevelle towing the funnycar was a Black L89 4 speed from the Norwood dealership.

Have you found any photos of your Scuncio Chevelle at the track? Assuming it was Dusk Blue with Parchment interior. Any idea what wheels it had on it at the time?

[the427king]

Scuncio car was Black w parchment interior. It would have been aluminum heads at that time

[Mr70]

Good advice! How would I get his number?

I believe now the private # I have for him is not the best way to reach him.
I suggest contacting Joel via the email or Phone # posted on his website here. http://www.motionmodels.com/

[GenOne]

Scuncio car was Black w parchment interior. It would have been aluminum heads at that time

The car in the photo looks like there is a rear antenna which the Scuncio black/parchment car had/has --

[L78M22Rag]

I may be a little biased, but you think you can see a rear antenna in that photo?

Why would the Norwood team be promoting a Scuncio car?

[ACDELCO427]

I was thinking the same thing. Not sure why anyone would think a car from Scuncio would be towing a funny car from Norwood.

[Postsedan]

No way to see a rear antenna in that picture.....I agree 100%.....Norwood would use Norwood car to pull the team.

Dan

[GenOne]

Sorry guys was commenting about potential rear antenna in the photo of the brown car -

[the427king]

Jeff, ask Roger to verify , but the scuncio car may have been a locate car from Norwood. It was either that or the buyer went to norwood first and they didnt have the right car so he went to scuncio. Its one of the two, I just cant remmebr although i did write it down somewhere. I was looking for the antenna myself or a white back seat

[Postsedan]

Sorry guys was commenting about potential rear antenna in the photo of the brown car -

Ok, yes....I do see a rear antenna on the Burnished Brown '69 Chevelle.

Dan

[L78M22Rag]

According to Howard, the original owner of the subject Black Chevelle SS, this is how his Chevelle looked after Mel Perry converted the car... prior to Howard taking delivery of the car on June 27, 1969.

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg155/helmuteckert/IMG_7255_zpswe0ljina.png (http://s247.photobucket.com/user/helmuteckert/media/IMG_7255_zpswe0ljina.png.html)

According to Howard, Mel Perry equipped the Chevelle as follows:

- 427 short-block swapped in place of the L89 short-block, but using the factory equipped aluminum heads
- Experimental cam
- Three barrel Holley carb
- Stahl tuned headers (with factory chambered exhaust)
- Ladder bars
- Big Mickey Thompson back tires on Ansen slotted wheels
- Electronic ignition
- Hurst shifter with Linelock
- Factory gages were unchanged

According to Howard, it sat a little higher off the ground, it was all black paint (unaltered factory appearance) and retained it's original factory SS hood. Apparently Mel did not equip the car with a stinger hood like this one in the photo.

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg155/helmuteckert/IMG_7257_zpsfcus1iwa.png (http://s247.photobucket.com/user/helmuteckert/media/IMG_7257_zpsfcus1iwa.png.html)

Imagine being Howard and driving that car off the lot!

[markinnaples]

That is SICK! Day Two perfection.

Aside Q: How were those 3 bbl Holley's? Motion ran those as well, right? You never hear about them nowadays.

[Postsedan]

For the record.....the pictured Black '69 Chevelle above is not the Mel Perry restored '69 Chevelle, instead it is an example of what it would have looked like :D

Dan

[ACDELCO427]

After seaching this forum for the black parchment Scuncio Chevelle the owner of the car said it had a build sheet from Scuncio so it was not delivered to Norwood so it was not a dealer trade. I tend to believe the guy that drove the Chevelle at the track who has nothing to gain he was just sharing a memory from actually being there back in the day but there is no way to know if it was Helmuts car. plus the owner of the burnished brown car knew the original owner of Helmuts car.

[ACDELCO427]

This photo of Norwood Motors looks to be from 1965.

[ACDELCO427]

Mario Andretti in a Tasca Mustang and Frank Maratta the owner of CT dragway racing.

[cook_dw]

Great pics!! Was that 68 Rallye Green?

[ACDELCO427]

It looks like Tripoli Turquoise and it looks like the window sticker is still on the car.

[ACDELCO427]

More from Norwood.

[ACDELCO427]

Helmut wanted me to post this picture. I know there is not much to go on but can anyone make out the decals in the window or anything else. Looks like a mid 70's Caddy in the background.

[SS427]

The decal on the right looks like the early Winston racing decals. Can't make out the other one.

[ACDELCO427]

Could this be the other one?

[L78M22Rag]

You guys have keen eyes to recognize those... but I think you might be right. They sure look similar.

[ACDELCO427]

For those that are on facebook or other sites that have vintage race photo's and come across a photo of a black 69 Chevelle with Connecticut plate number KN82 that's Helmuts car.

[L78M22Rag]

Looking at this photo... actually, staring intently at this photo... I can't help but wonder if this could be a photo of my Chevelle back in the day?
Yes, there were a lot of 1969 Chevelle's out there, but here are my observations (and wishful thinking):

Tuxedo Black 1969 Chevelle - check
Super Sport - check
No Vinyl Top - check
No D96 Side Stripe - check
Manual Driver's Mirror - check
Front Antenna & AM radio - check
Appears to have a Black Bench Seat interior - check
I can't tell if this Chevelle had Front Guards, but my Chevelle did not.
Those look like Ansen Sprint wheels to me, as described by Howard the original owner - check
This Chevelle has Ladder Bars, as described by the original owner - check
Is that a Fly Eye Air Cleaner under the hood? Original L88 apparently had 3 BBL Carb - check?
I can almost see the bulge under the car from the Stahl Headers and chambered exhaust? Like I said, I've been squinting a lot!

The only difference I see, is that this Chevelle does not have wheel opening moldings... but any 1969 Chevelle SS would have had those. Evidently they were removed from this car.

Any other observations?

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg155/helmuteckert/17862721_10155103438647295_7477852274886280011_n_z ps8w17gata.jpg (http://s247.photobucket.com/user/helmuteckert/media/17862721_10155103438647295_7477852274886280011_n_z ps8w17gata.jpg.html)

Have I been looking through rose coloured glasses?

[Postsedan]

Helmut,

Good chance that is you former Chevelle.....but there also may have been one like this at every race event.....across the country on the weekends.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!

Keep digging Helmut :D

Dan

[L72Chevelle]

Helmut did your car change hands in the mid 80's out of CT? I have a clip of a black 69 L78 Chevelle out of the local want adds from that time frame.

[ACDELCO427]

Helmut did your car change hands in the mid 80's out of CT? I have a clip of a black 69 L78 Chevelle out of the local want adds from that time frame.

The car was in Westford MA in 1984 and was said to be in Littleton MA before that. Do you recall a Ron's speed shop in RI?

[L78M22Rag]

The Chevelle was traded in to Scuncio in 1971, but I have no history on what happened to it afterwards. I have traced the Chevelle back to 1982 through previous owners, but the owner in 1982 (in Littleton, MA) had bought the Chevelle off a used car lot so he didn't know the previous owner. I haven't been able to fill in the gap from 1971 to 1982.

Can you post that clip you have?

[black69]

Relative to the picture, I would not think that is the same type of badging of a 427 under the SS is the same as that restored black example presented.

[L78M22Rag]

I don't know whether my Chevelle wore 427 badges after it left Norwood Motors?
Yes, it had factory disc brakes.

[L72Chevelle]

The only speed shops that I knew of at that time where East Coast speed on Elmwood ave I think and Ciscos in Central Falls where I grew up. Here is the pic Helmut.

[black69]

I don't know whether my Chevelle wore 427 badges after it left Norwood Motors?
Yes, it had factory disc brakes.

I would think for $6400, there would be some 427 badging showing. Odds are the original owner would remember that?

[ACDELCO427]

This Chevelle sounds like Helmut's car as described by the original owner.

[Postsedan]

Helmut,

Dial and call that number :D

Dan

[ACDELCO427]

Helmut,

Dial and call that number :D

Dan

The phone number is no longer in service.

[L78M22Rag]

I would think for $6400, there would be some 427 badging showing. Odds are the original owner would remember that?

I've bombarded him with a lot of questions, including that same question... but he simply hasn't answered all my questions yet.

[L78M22Rag]

I located a vintage set of Ansen Sprint wheels and Mickey Thompson's. After I got them on the car I sent these photos to Howard, the original owner. His immediate reply was:
"That's it. The wheels are perfect. That's the look Mel and I wanted. The wheels were the key!!!"

Followed by: "Helmut, Your doing it right. When I started it, it sounded like it was going to roll over in the road. With the L88,headers, and chambered exhaust all together the monster was alive."

I've lined up an original low mileage L88 427 with aluminum heads (from a member here) along with a set of Stahl headers. I can't wait to bring this "monster" back to life.

The rear sits far too low for the minimal clearance. I'm looking for a pair of Monroe Hi-Jackers so that I can drive the car, if anyone has a set they're not using...

[mockingbird812]

SAAHMOKIN' Helmut!!! Great look! Love where you are going with this. "Hi-Jackers" were made by Gabriel. New ones are very, very close to originals but are painted black. I used new ones for my Deuce a few years back and they looked and worked real nice.

Keep us posted!

[cook_dw]

The wheels look fantastic on the Chevelle..




It looks like Tripoli Turquoise and it looks like the window sticker is still on the car.

Sorry didn't see this previously. If it were Turquoise then it would have had black stripes. Although it could have been a special paint car too.. :beers:

[NorCam]

Looks awesome Helmut. That car would look right at home with Gabriels or a pair of Hurst's on the back. You could always repaint a set in white and add the Hurst repro decal kit to them for that vintage Hurst Gabriel look?
Hoping to see you out with it this summer. Maybe old town Okotoks on August 13th.

Love how this thread has come together for you and the connection with Howard. :)

[rat tuned]

are there any sound bites of this car? I can only imagine how nasty a L-88 must sound through a chambered exhaust!!

[L78M22Rag]

Thanks for all the feedback and ideas guys! The motor won't go in the car until this winter if all goes well. You can bet I'll post a sound bite.

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

DAY-2 is taking over!!! In a good way!!

Ryan

[ACDELCO427]

Helmut how about a close up photo of the rear license plate.

[L78M22Rag]

Gladly! I had the the original plates reproduced based on the plate number from the original title...

[L78M22Rag]

And.... Thanks to my good friend Tony (scuncio) I found and managed to score this pretty cool plate frame that truly belongs on this car

[scuncio]

Awesome! That was a killer plate frame, looks great on your car.

[ACDELCO427]

I posted this photo on a CT dragway facebook page and I was contacted by Peter Regas who knew the history about Helmuts car just from seeing the licence plate. The original owner Howard Neff was dating Peters sister when the Chevelle was bought new from Norwood Motors. Peter said the Chevelle came from Norwood with an L88 engine a four speed and Ansen slotted mags and sat up high, he recalled other details like NMW traction bars Holley three barrel carb big tube headers and the chambered exhaust that could be heard a block away. Peter recalled the car running an 11.05 the first time at the track and how badly he wished the Chevelle was his.

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Somehow a car can get better than being a documented L89?

Unreal!!

Ryan

[L78M22Rag]

I keep thinking that too Ryan... That Chevelle was absolutely awesome before learning about the dealer installed L88 history.

Thank you Ed, for your continued legwork and success in finding another person that can attest to the fact that this Chevelle was converted to an L88 by Mel Perry at the dealership before being delivered to Howard.

Speaking of documentation, how is the best way of documenting the conversion now that multiple people recall it having an L88 right from the dealership?

[L78M22Rag]

Look what I found... or what kinda found me. A set of Gabriel Hi-Jackers that a fella bought for his 1969 GTO Judge, but never installed. Brand new! The missing paint was apparently stuck to the instructions... giving them just the right patina.

Here's hoping these will make my car sit just right.

[Postsedan]

Great score Helmut :D

Dan

[mockingbird812]

Score! Good looking air shocks!!

[L78M22Rag]

Finally got that ugly blue crap off the tire lettering... took a lot of elbow grease, trying not to resort to something too abrasive.

I went to test fit this pair of NMW tow tabs that I picked up on this site many years ago, only to find that the holes had already been drilled in the frame. Evidently this Chevelle has worn a set of these before. The holes don't line up perfectly, but these tabs look like there could be some slight variation from one set to another? The front bumper had been replaced back in the early 80's so I will have to get up the nerve to drill the hole in the base of the bumper to mount them properly.

[Postsedan]

Looks Great Helmut :D

Dan

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Love it!!

Ryan

[markinnaples]

Beautiful Chevelle

[L78M22Rag]

I finally had time to install these... the parts were in mint original condition. Even the air hose was soft like new.

[L78M22Rag]

I raised the ride height just a little to clear the new rubber... sure like the new stance!

[Postsedan]

CHARP :D

Dan

[ACDELCO427]

This is the other 1969 Chevelle L89/L88 conversion Mel Perry did at Norwood Motors. The copies of the window sticker and photos we're obtained from the original owner.

[Postsedan]

Burnished Brown, L89, M22, 4.10, Bench Seat, Rear Antenna, Front and Rear Bumper Guards, Deluxe Belts!
What an awesome Chevelle!

Is it alive?

Dan

[mockingbird812]

Dang, that has some serious options! Thanks for posting!

[ACDELCO427]

Burnished Brown, L89, M22, 4.10, Bench Seat, Rear Antenna, Front and Rear Bumper Guards, Deluxe Belts!
What an awesome Chevelle!

Is it alive?

Dan

No clue where the car is today it could still be out there.

[1969L89]

Great thread! Love these Chevelles as they remind me of my old 69 L89 Chevelle. Love this site.

[Postsedan]

Welcome Aboard.....Please do share.
Tell us all about your former '69 L89 Chevelle :)

What colors, options, is the Chevelle alive today?

Dan

[1969L89]

Thanks for the invite.

I bought the car around 1983 when I was just a teenager for $400. The motor was blown and was sitting in a shed behind the car. It was fathom green with black bucket seats. It had it's original M22, 12 bolt with 4:11 gears, and a perfect rosewood steering wheel. All my friends had SS Chevelle's at the time including my other car which was a 71 SS. Being young and stupid we sort of knew what we had but parted it out anyway. I remember holding the original build sheet in my hand which stated all the options including the L89. The bad part is we sent the stripped carcass to the crusher with the 12 bolt and rosewood steering wheel still attached and the build sheet wadded up laying on the floor pans!

The reason I remember this car so well is for it's rarity and also the fact that out of boredom one day I beat the windshield pillar posts with rocks and folded back the top like a convertible before we sent it to the crusher. What was I thinking? My old friend has pics of this event I need to get.

I have thought for years to go check and see if the original blown motor is still sitting in the old shed. After 35 years I'm sure it's just a memory like the car.

[L78M22Rag]

Gasp! Do you have any recollection of where or what dealership that Fathom Green L89 came from... or, at least, where you bought it? There were only 400 L89 Chevelles in 1969 so any additional info about that car would be good to document.

[Postsedan]

Yikes, what do you do these days when you get bored? :)

Thanks for sharing your story.

Dan

[Woj]

Good story but sad too. A friend from my area had a brother that bought a 69 Chevelle with a damaged big block engine. They ultimately parted the car. They had always wondered why it had an SS hood with no badging on the car. My friend kept the 4:10 rear and put it in a 69 SS that he restored back in the late 80's. About 7 or 8 years ago, he decided to check the code on the rear end... KQ was the code (COPO only). They had their hands on a COPO Chevelle and let it go. Very few knew back then what these cars were.

Even the original owner of my COPO knew it was rare (he and subsequent owners thought they made about 500 of them) and when it sold between coworkers, they did manage to sell it above average for a SS, but not by much.

An older gent that I know from Pennsylvania parted a 69 Chevelle years ago, that now looking back on is sure that it was a Yenko car.

[MosportGreen66]

I raised the ride height just a little to clear the new rubber... sure like the new stance!

Very well done Helmut... the car looks great.

[1969L89]

I bought the car in Independence, MO. I assume it was built at the old Leeds Plant which is a few miles from me. I don't know the original dealer as we were just punk teenagers and didn't really care about that stuff back then. There were several SS Chevelle's in that same area back then and I bought and parted out many more. One being a green 70 LS5, 4-spd., cowl induction, no rust, that I still have the build sheet, dealer invoice, & POP to. I remember the house and the garage well and will go back this week to see if the blown motor or the old owners are still there.

[L78M22Rag]

It’s a long shot, but worth looking in to. Good luck!