Barn find 66 L34 Chevelle SS found.

[Brucebodyman]

A week ago I had the pleasure of finding and retrieving a 1966 Chevelle SS 396 360hp 4 speed numbers matching car. With factory headrest bucket seats and Transistor ignition metallic rear brake shoes among other options. One repaint very solid and complete car. They’re still out there.

[DWR]

962 block 4 bolt mains ? I believe the metallic brake option has a different master cylinder than non-metallic (bore size). Rear antenna and rear speaker also. Sweet

[MosportGreen66]

Great find! Congrats

[markinnaples]

Man, that's a sweet Chevelle. Just wash it, fix up the motor and drive it. Congrats on a great purchase.

[1967Z28]

Awesome find. Congratulations.

[Postsedan]

Love it!

Great Find!!

Congrats!!!

I would her her running, change all the fluids, do the brakes, new tires....make her safe and drive the wheels off of her....these are the best fun cars to enjoy!

Keep us posted with your progress.

Dan

[Brucebodyman]

Love it!

Great Find!!

Congrats!!!

I would her her running, change all the fluids, do the brakes, new tires....make her safe and drive the wheels off of her....these are the best fun cars to enjoy!

Keep us posted with your progress.

Dan

That’s exactly my thoughts. I’m buried with work at my shop so I’m torn between putting it in my cold storage building or passing it on to someone else. Either way it’s another one found and saved.

[Charley Lillard]

Wow...Tell us the story please. And a pic of the front straight on so we can enjoy the lights.

[67since67]

WOW, that is a great find, and very nice list of unusual options too!!

[olredalert]

----Neat find! Have you looked into finding rear brake shoes? I suspect that your find had metallic brakes on the front as well but they wore out and were replaced with normal shoes. That is the 1st 66 or 67 I have ever seen with transistor ignition. I've always wondered where the box would be mounted. It happens to be in the same basic location as my 67 W-30 442. You have a relatively rare Chevelle there, my friend!......Bill S

[PeteLeathersac]

'

W:headbang:W everything and looking forward to more!
:beers:
~ Pete

.

[60sStuff]

So, did the early Flint built cars have the aluminum data plate masked off like the Fremont built cars did ??

I see “day 2” side exhaust, cool.

Thanks, Chris

[Brucebodyman]

----Neat find! Have you looked into finding rear brake shoes? I suspect that your find had metallic brakes on the front as well but they wore out and were replaced with normal shoes. That is the 1st 66 or 67 I have ever seen with transistor ignition. I've always wondered where the box would be mounted. It happens to be in the same basic location as my 67 W-30 442. You have a relatively rare Chevelle there, my friend!......Bill S

I haven’t pulled front drums to see what shoes are there. I’ll do that today.

[Brucebodyman]

So, did the early Flint built cars have the aluminum data plate masked off like the Fremont built cars did ??

Thanks, Chris

I would say mine is original. You can see where it looks like they lay something over trim tag and spray firewall

[Brucebodyman]

Wow...Tell us the story please. And a pic of the front straight on so we can enjoy the lights.

I’ve known about car for a couple years never saw it. Got a message with pictures last Sunday morning that car was available. I was first one in. I gathered up trailer and the usual barn find extraction equipment and headed out.
Car was purchased by guys father in 1970. Parked it in 1975. It’s numbers matching complete solid car. 1 repaint. Solid floors. Original 55 year old top that is in remarkable shape.
Only thing missing is carb, fuel pump and fan “it has a flex fan on it”
It has a couple day 2 items. Thrush side pipes and dual electric fuel pumps mounted back by tank and what looks like homemade traction device
I’ve had a couple cool finds in my day but as of now this ones my “holy grail” find.

[60sStuff]

Keep it, drive it, or stick it in the corner and stare.

It’s vintage art on four wheels.

Congratulations.

Chris.

[Brucebodyman]

Bought new at Draper Chevrolet Saginaw Michigan. My home town. Found it 50 miles away.

[Brucebodyman]

Anybody ever see a decal like this. Its located on the drivers side vent window on the chevelle. A friend of mine who has a ‘69 L78 car bought new at same dealership as mine and has the same decal on his car told me the dealership owners son said they put these Bowtie decals on cars they sold so their gas attendants knew car was bought new at dealership and it entitled them to a discount on gas.

[scuncio]

Wow! What an awesome find.

[dykstra]

Great find! Congratulations

[MYSTERYCHEVELLE]

Bruce

Nice car. Good find and nice one to see and get details. Like verifying block as 962 or a 961?

The Harrison Rad. I can see the finger guard. Any Tag still present on upper tank?

Looking forward to seeing Tranny partial vin an assembly date stamp. Same for REAR?

Trunk spatter paint. So many details that help all. And let’s not forget you may very well find an interior broadcast sheet or chassis build sheet once you dig into it. :)

[Brucebodyman]

55 year old original vinyl top. In amazing shape.

[Brucebodyman]

Bruce

Nice car. Good find and nice one to see and get details. Like verifying block as 962 or a 961?

The Harrison Rad. I can see the finger guard. Any Tag still present on upper tank?

Looking forward to seeing Tranny partial vin an assembly date stamp. Same for REAR?

Trunk spatter paint. So many details that help all. And let’s not forget you may very well find an interior broadcast sheet or chassis build sheet once you dig into it. :)

I’ve had back seat out nothing there. I’ll look in doors. I’ve also heard they sometimes are tucked up under fender. I’ll post pic of rear ended numbers. Getting trans numbers today. By the looks of underneath I’m sure it original trans but I’ll verify.

[Brucebodyman]

Removed valve covers. Correct part number and same date code on both heads. Car built 4th week of October ‘65 heads date code oct 14th ‘65

[MYSTERYCHEVELLE]

Nice stamp. 3.31:1 posi with metallic brakes.

Definitely check the underside of bucket seats. Stuffing n springs. Under carpet and behind door panels. Top of gas tank.

Thanks for actively sharing

[RALLY]

Removed valve covers. Correct part number and same date code on both heads. Car built 4th week of October ‘65 heads date code oct 14th ‘65

396-360 horsepower, Oval port heads, forged crank and rods, 2 bolt main block, Holley carb cast iron intake, Hydralic cam. Nice engine.

[GrumpyJeff]

Really Neat Car ! love the 66's

[L78M22Rag]

Nice score! Any idea why the car was repainted in the original color so early on?

Didn’t take you long to remove those side pipes?

Love the front view photo!!

[Brucebodyman]

Detail from head to toe. New carpet, fix seats and clean dash, everything very good. Remove yellow headlights, replace with factory style, buff rust off bumpers, grille, wash underneath and engine and compartment. Freshen up brakes, shocks,original hubcaps, tuneup engine, oil change filter, points and condenser and cap and rotor, wires, plugs. Body work, just fix rust spots, paint those areas and blend and buff it with the whole car. You can find a good body man to go around and do this. I had this done before. The rest of the body, leave it original how it was found. Great find.
I am a paint and body tech. This car has just the right patina. I wouldn’t touch the body or paint. Light interior work mechanicals and drive it I think is right way to go with this one. At least for a little while.

[Brucebodyman]

Nice score! Any idea why the car was repainted in the original color so early on?

Didn’t take you long to remove those side pipes?

Love the front view photo!!

It is a red car originally. Paint code R 2 red black top

[MYSTERYCHEVELLE]

I think he’s asking why it may have been repainted? Accident or ?

[MYSTERYCHEVELLE]

BTW. What’s mounted under dash on left of steering column?

[Mr70]

Nice find,can we hear it?

[frankk]

Love it! Those 360HP 396's were screamers.

[kwhizz]

Don't see too many with bumper guards......

[Brucebodyman]

Nice find,can we hear it?
Haven’t attempted to roll it over. Cyls are soaking with combination of penetrating oil and marvel mystery oil not taking an6 chances on scoring cyls or breaking ring.

[Brucebodyman]

BTW. What’s mounted under dash on left of steering column?

It’s something for radio maybe an FM converter or it makes AM radio stereo

[60sStuff]

Bruce,

Your Cordova top seems to still have it's “flexible retainer” as factory equipped.

My ‘65 GTO Survivor still has it’s OEM top with the retainer.

I’ve made a folder for your unmolested early muscle car, so please keep sharing the detail photos.

[Brucebodyman]

I think he’s asking why it may have been repainted? Accident or ?

It’s had a rear tail panel put in still has nos tag on it who knows why they painted it.

[Brucebodyman]

Bruce,

Your Cordova top seems to still have it's “flexible retainer” as factory equipped.

My ‘65 GTO Survivor still has it’s OEM top with the retainer.

I’ve made a folder for your unmolested early muscle car, so keep sharing the detail photos please.

Yep that retainer is still there. First time I’ve ever seen those. Or at least noticed them. I have many pics and plan to take more detailed pics if you guys want to see them.

[Crush]

Yep that retainer is still there. First time I’ve ever seen those. Or at least noticed them. I have many pics and plan to take more detailed pics if you guys want to see them.

Keep em coming!!

[RALLY]

I am a paint and body tech. This car has just the right patina. I wouldn’t touch the body or paint. Light interior work mechanicals and drive it I think is right way to go with this one. At least for a little while.

I would agree, the patina is just right. As i mentioned before do the small things to get it running and cleaned from top to bottom, interior work and detail.

[AMANOCC]

Great score, original owner did his homework before ordering all those cool options!

[60sStuff]

Question,

I’m not familiar with this item marked with red arrow. Is it factory, or aftermarket?

Thanks.

[Brucebodyman]

Question,

I’m not familiar with this item marked with red arrow. Is it factory, or aftermarket?

Thanks.

It’s actually the heater control. Apparently something went wrong with lever in the control in dash and they relocated switch to bottom of dash. One of the cables is also mounted under the dash. Back then they did what they had to I guess.

[60sStuff]

It’s actually the heater control. Apparently something went wrong with lever in the control in dash and they relocated switch to bottom of dash. One of the cables is also mounted under the dash. Back then they did what they had to I guess.

Ha, I thought it looked familiar.

Thanks.

Any rear photos, deck lid, bumper, tail lights, trim.

[njsteve]

I think that under-dash "Stereo Magic" contraption is an aftermarket reverb unit to simulate high-fidelity, stereophonic sound. Very vintage Day 2 stuff. Find a knob for it and keep it there.

[72-SS-L48]

Very cool!

[Brucebodyman]

Ha, I thought it looked familiar.

Thanks.

Any rear photos, deck lid, bumper, tail lights, trim.

There wasn’t a bumper on car. I have the brackets. I’ve already found a used bumper that will match up to patina of car. Since it’s had a tail panel replaced they never drilled the holes and put emblems or trim back on. I’ll be on the hunt for some used ones.

[Brucebodyman]

More pictures. Pulled front drum. Metallic shoes are still on car. Also found more numbers and date codes.
Transmission is original. Vin is on side of case. Block is a 962 coil is original still has delco decal.
Rear sway bar still has decal on it. Springs have part number decal.

[Bill Pritchard]

Great stuff, Bruce, congrats and thanks for all the detail & pics!

[Brucebodyman]

More pics.

[Brucebodyman]

Floor pics.

[Brucebodyman]

This clip holds the wire harness for the transistor ignition. I’m assuming this isn’t on any other chevelles not equipped with transistor ignition.

[Brucebodyman]

Did I mention car was Ziebarted. Yellow plug in door jamb. Might help explain how it survived.

[Brucebodyman]

Some body condition photo’s

[60sStuff]

The “Powertrain” is awesome on this car.

It was mentioned that this car has a power antenna.

If so, anything left of the motor assembly and mounting brackets?

Here ya go, for parts only on wepay.

Same vintage 60’s “stereo magic” unit by the Tenna company.

[Brucebodyman]

No power antenna. It has a rear antenna though.

[luzl78]

Awesome time capsule!

[MYSTERYCHEVELLE]

does it have spiral shocks up front?? And can you show more of Radiator or tags if it’s got.

Thank you for sharing. This is what NUMBERS MATCHING means in my book.

[Brucebodyman]

does it have spiral shocks up front?? And can you show more of Radiator or tags if it’s got.

Thank you for sharing. This is what NUMBERS MATCHING means in my book.

No spiral shocks. I can’t find any tag on radiator. I’m shocked at condition of radiator. The core doesn’t have any bent fins. Remember the old trick of putting screen in front of radiator to keep bugs out. It has screen in it. I’ll post pics of radiator I took some today.

[Brucebodyman]

Radiator pics.

[Brucebodyman]

Found another radiator picture. Notice the style of plugs used to cap trans cooler. It’s a 3 core radiator by the way.

[Brucebodyman]

This is the dealership my barn find 66 chevelle came from. Notice all the new cars are ‘66 models. Wonder if mine is there somewhere.

[Crush]

How mzz as y miles does it show? Any paperwork?

[dykstra]

Found another radiator picture. Notice the style of plugs used to cap trans cooler. It’s a 3 core radiator by the way.

Holley sight plugs?

[RALLY]

Holley sight plugs?

Does look like those. But those brass plugs might be stock from the factory.

[Brucebodyman]

How mzz as y miles does it show? Any paperwork?

75k miles. No paperwork still have a couple spots to look for buildsheet/broadcast sheet

[MYSTERYCHEVELLE]

So definitely not the original Rad. A 4 speed Rad would not have the trans cooler lines. But still a CORRECT Original Harrison Radiator with Finger Guard. Very nice ��

[60sStuff]

Does look like those. But those brass plugs might be stock from the factory.

Brass plugs in the Harrison bottom tanks are Factory on some of the 65-66 GM models with manual transmissions.

I’m not sure this ‘66 SS still has it’s Factory installed radiator?

On a high horsepower such as this car, I would think it would have the wider 4 row radiator, as that is what Pontiac used on their Tri-Power 360 HP for the 65-66 GTO’s.

Many of the 1965 360 HP with manual transmission GTO’s from the factory had these slotted brass plugs in the bottom tank.

Photo below (difficult to see here) shows the plugs in the tank on a 15160 mile 1965 GTO Survivor.

The “top” tank on this ‘65 Survivor had the radiator code stenciled in white paint.

The fact that this ‘66 SS is a relatively early built 10D = 4th week of Oct ‘65 for the ‘66 model year, it could have a carry over radiator from the previous year?

There is a member on this forum which owners a 4000+ mile GTO Survivor with the 360 HP / manual trans that also has these brass plugs.

Chris.

[Woj]

Great find. Congratulations and thanks for sharing all the photos. Everyone of us here would love to find a car like this. Phil Woj.

[whitetop]

Evaporust the chrome reverse and put them back on with bias plys.

[MYSTERYCHEVELLE]

Brass plugs in the Harrison bottom tanks are Factory on some of the 65-66 GM models with manual transmissions.

I’m not sure this ‘66 SS still has it’s Factory installed radiator?

On a high horsepower such as this car, I would think it would have the wider 4 row radiator, as that is what Pontiac used on their Tri-Power 360 HP for the 65-66 GTO’s.

Many of the 1965 360 HP with manual transmission GTO’s from the factory had these slotted brass plugs in the bottom tank.

Photo below (difficult to see here) shows the plugs in the tank on a 15160 mile 1965 GTO Survivor.

The “top” tank on this ‘65 Survivor had the radiator code stenciled in white paint.

The fact that this ‘66 SS is a relatively early built 10D = 4th week of Oct ‘65 for the ‘66 model year, it could have a carry over radiator from the previous year?

There is a member on this forum which owners a 4000+ mile GTO Survivor with the 360 HP / manual trans that also has these brass plugs.

Chris.


No offense but I seriously doubt it. If we start stretching the “anything can happen” tune to comparing Pontiacs to Chevelle or a 360hp to what would be in 375hp ( 4 row wide tank ) to convince ourselves of things that we really don’t need convincing on., we open up a hornets nest for every guy who wants to claim his car is all original and God knows we have enough of that out there.

A 66 SS 360hp 4 speed car would not have a 4 row rad. Could you order one? Sure. But not something that would come standard. It would also be very unlikely to get an Automatic Trans installed in a factory 4 speed car. A carry over Rad would be from a 65. A small block. The 4th week of October was by no means EARLY in my book. I know nobody is claiming absolute here but we have plenty of heavy documentation on Radiators in 66 SS Chevelle. They aren’t interchangeable with Pontiac and not even close to what a 65 Chevelle Rad would be like.

Anyway. Sorry to get off track on your great post Bruce. Just adding my experience to the mix.

[Brucebodyman]

Brass plugs in the Harrison bottom tanks are Factory on some of the 65-66 GM models with manual transmissions.

I’m not sure this ‘66 SS still has it’s Factory installed radiator?

On a high horsepower such as this car, I would think it would have the wider 4 row radiator, as that is what Pontiac used on their Tri-Power 360 HP for the 65-66 GTO’s.

Many of the 1965 360 HP with manual transmission GTO’s from the factory had these slotted brass plugs in the bottom tank.

Photo below (difficult to see here) shows the plugs in the tank on a 15160 mile 1965 GTO Survivor.

The “top” tank on this ‘65 Survivor had the radiator code stenciled in white paint.

The fact that this ‘66 SS is a relatively early built 10D = 4th week of Oct ‘65 for the ‘66 model year, it could have a carry over radiator from the previous year?

There is a member on this forum which owners a 4000+ mile GTO Survivor with the 360 HP / manual trans that also has these brass plugs.

Chris.

Thanks for all that info. It’s hard to get across in pictures but lookin* at car it doesn’t appear that radiator has ever been out of car. It still has the original voltage regulator on it original coil etc. it just doesn’t look like it’s been messed with. But who knows.

[MYSTERYCHEVELLE]

Bruce

Note the Upper Tank code in your photo.

Letter G That’s a July rad. Probably of 67. Over counter replacement. Hence the filled/capped holes.

Side of Rad. on strap. Driver side. You will find a stamped letter code also. Likely F G or H
Example of letter A here

[Brucebodyman]

Bruce

Note the Upper Tank code in your photo.

Letter G That’s a July rad. Probably of 67. Over counter replacement. Hence the filled/capped holes.

Side of Rad. on strap. Driver side. You will find a stamped letter code also. Likely F G or H
Example of letter A here

Found letter code on side its an F

[Brucebodyman]

Looked today for build/broadcast sheet no luck but I did find this tag in springs of driver side bucket.

[MYSTERYCHEVELLE]

Awesome. Interior Broadcast Sheet!!

I’d need to see it up close to decipher the hand written codes I can barely see but no matter. It’s a Birth Certificate

[Brucebodyman]

I see 13817 in the upper left corner. You can actually make it out better in pic than in person. I’ll try to get better look and write down what it says.

[Brucebodyman]

Within that orange circle to the right it looks like 7_3 S can’t make out middle letter cuz of spring imprint. But interior code is 763 S which is black bucket with headrest code

[RALLY]

Looked today for build/broadcast sheet no luck but I did find this tag in springs of driver side bucket.

Great find. Any paperwork is huge for an original car.

[MYSTERYCHEVELLE]

Within that orange circle to the right it looks like 7_3 S can’t make out middle letter cuz of spring imprint. But interior code is 763 S which is black bucket with headrest code

Is that also 4F I see written too?

[Brucebodyman]

Is that also 4F I see written too?

Looks like it. I’ll try to figure it out or get better picture.

[60sStuff]

No offense but I seriously doubt it. If we start stretching the “anything can happen” tune to comparing Pontiacs to Chevelle or a 360hp to what would be in 375hp ( 4 row wide tank ) to convince ourselves of things that we really don’t need convincing on., we open up a hornets nest for every guy who wants to claim his car is all original and God knows we have enough of that out there.

A 66 SS 360hp 4 speed car would not have a 4 row rad. Could you order one? Sure. But not something that would come standard. It would also be very unlikely to get an Automatic Trans installed in a factory 4 speed car. A carry over Rad would be from a 65. A small block. The 4th week of October was by no means EARLY in my book. I know nobody is claiming absolute here but we have plenty of heavy documentation on Radiators in 66 SS Chevelle. They aren’t interchangeable with Pontiac and not even close to what a 65 Chevelle Rad would be like.


Anyway. Sorry to get off track on your great post Bruce. Just adding my experience to the mix.

Mr. Mysterychevelle,

I congratulate you in your dedication and the time spent researching the cars you love.

I consider myself the same, but in the “stacked headlight” 65-67 GTOs.

I’ve been buying, selling and researching these cars down to the correct Factory overspray for 43+ years now.

I’ve always dealt with the Survivors or once painted Unrestored cars such as Bruce’s 66 Chevelle in this thread.

If I were to be at a car show and saw Bruce’s patina barn find off in the distance, I would certainly walk right past all the bright shiny restored cars (dime-a-dozen) to enjoy how the Factory built it.

My enthusiasm on this “as found car” caused me to misspeak on some Chevelle facts. My Bad.

I need to stick with what I know best, so as not to be scolded in front of the class. Too old for that experience!

BTW, assuming the Chevelle automobile was built on the same time frame as other cars, I’ll stand by my statement of “Relatively Early” on Bruce’s car.

Build year - Aug, Sept, Oct = about 13 weeks
Rest of build year - Nov. - July = about 36 weeks.

Have a Safe Day, Chris.

[jeffschevelle]

Awesome find! Lots of interesting items to comment on or ask about. Flint cars are rare enough to find given they were mostly sold in the rust belt when new. But to find one that is not rotten and that is relatively unmolested now is very unusual, so worthy of study!! My thoughts and questions are:

1. Radiator – That is definitely a service replacement unit. After a certain amount of time they only carried AT rad’s for service replacement regardless of transmission. Those came with the plugs in the cooler lines so they could be used either way.

The G top tank code is July, and the F strap code is June, meaning the radiator was assembled in July. If the bottom tank letter code is DC, then it was assembled in 7/65. If it is BK, then that it was assembled in 7/66. If it is BG, then that it was assembled in 7/67. If it has no code, then it was assembled in 7/68 (or 69 or 70 or … ).

2. Heater hoses - I see the original spring clamp hanging on the water pump fitting. Do you think those are original heater hoses? If so, are they both ribbed? I see raised ribs on the big one. Is the small one ribbed or smooth? Any markings?

3. Tach – I see gauges in the dash, which means it came with a knee-knocker tach. Is the tach there? If so, that is a rare tach because it is a different unit with a different part number, made only for L34 with Transistor Ignition.

4. TI ignition wiring clip on firewall - That clip is not shown in the AIM for RPO K66. It shows the TI harness being hung in the plastic gutter along with the regular engine harness. So if that clip was factory installed it must have been a design change for the K66 option that never made it into the AIM.

Also if that clip was factory installed then it had to be done by the car assembly plant side (not the Fisher Body side), because there is no Trim Tag option code for the K66 option (which there would be if it resulted in Fisher Body having to do anything different or extra to the Body shell). So I would expect to see a spritz or a brush of black paint to cover the bare spot weld mark on the clip (since the firewall would have already been black when the body came over from the Fisher Body side). Can’t tell in the pic of there is any sign of that or not.

5. Vinyl top retainers - Those are the 63 to 66 version, made of stainless steel. Ultra rare to find them still in place, as it is almost impossible to remove them without destroying them. I have removed a couple sets and can tell you it is an all day job to get them out in any condition to reuse! The easier to work with mylar plastic version came out for 67 Camaros.

You will sometimes see restored 66’s that have used the mylar version, and I have had debates with some of those owners/restorers about the fact that they are not correct. One fellow claimed he “remembered them” from when the cars were new. But that would not explain how the part number for the mylar version is in sequence with other new Fisher Body roof components and roof trim part numbers that were first issued for 67 Camaros, so they did not even exist when 66’s were built!

6. Interesting that Flint apparently did not think seam sealer was necessary on the floor pan to toeboard seam, except up on the trans tunnel portion. Every other Chevelle plant sealed that seam from rocker to rocker

7. Does the car have a first design “5-hole” hood, or the second design “3-hole” hood? (Referring to the number of large holes underneath that got hood insulation.)

8. You mentioned the tail panel has been replaced. Have you checked the driver’s quarter closely? The crack below the quarter window and the flaking (that looks like bondo flaking) below the vinyl top trim looks just like a couple cars that I have owned that had NOS quarters put on way back in the day, where they cut the new quarter down to stay below the vinyl top and to stay out of the C-pillar structure. I would look and feel inside the quarter from inside the trunk to see if there is a weld seam or overlapped seam up in there.

9. On the left door, is that black along the bottom Zeibart that has run out of the pinch seam, or is it black primer like comes on NOS sheet metal? If you find that the quarter has been replaced, then if the door has black primer right underneath the red then I would think that the door got replaced at the same time,

10. The right door has definitely been replaced at some point because it is a 67 door. Note the little oval pre-punched hole in the inner structure in the jamb along the bottom body line at the back end of the door. That is for 67 Malibu lower trim. 66 doors don’t have that hole (but they do have one up in the middle of the door that corresponds with the location of 300-Deluxe side trim). You can also compare the size of the bulge around the lock knob hole. Early 66 doors barely have any bulge there. Late 66 (as in approx. June of 66) and all 67 doors have a large bulge there.

Again, extremely cool car, and congrats on the find!! Keep more pictures coming!

[60sStuff]

Hey Bruce,

I have a question on the RH bucket seat back in your ‘66.

When you fold the upper seat back forward is there a odd bumper with a spring steel catch device?

My ‘66 GTO Survivor has this item.
Some type of safety feature (won’t allow the seat back to fold forward when unoccupied in a panic stop) before the 67 seat back lock came out.

It seems not all the 66 GM cars have this.

LMK, thanks, Chris.

[Brucebodyman]

Awesome find! Lots of interesting items to comment on or ask about. Flint cars are rare enough to find given they were mostly sold in the rust belt when new. But to find one that is not rotten and that is relatively unmolested now is very unusual, so worthy of study!! My thoughts and questions are:

1. Radiator – That is definitely a service replacement unit. After a certain amount of time they only carried AT rad’s for service replacement regardless of transmission. Those came with the plugs in the cooler lines so they could be used either way.

The G top tank code is July, and the F strap code is June, meaning the radiator was assembled in July. If the bottom tank letter code is DC, then it was assembled in 7/65. If it is BK, then that it was assembled in 7/66. If it is BG, then that it was assembled in 7/67. If it has no code, then it was assembled in 7/68 (or 69 or 70 or … ).

2. Heater hoses - I see the original spring clamp hanging on the water pump fitting. Do you think those are original heater hoses? If so, are they both ribbed? I see raised ribs on the big one. Is the small one ribbed or smooth? Any markings?

3. Tach – I see gauges in the dash, which means it came with a knee-knocker tach. Is the tach there? If so, that is a rare tach because it is a different unit with a different part number, made only for L34 with Transistor Ignition.

4. TI ignition wiring clip on firewall - That clip is not shown in the AIM for RPO K66. It shows the TI harness being hung in the plastic gutter along with the regular engine harness. So if that clip was factory installed it must have been a design change for the K66 option that never made it into the AIM.

Also if that clip was factory installed then it had to be done by the car assembly plant side (not the Fisher Body side), because there is no Trim Tag option code for the K66 option (which there would be if it resulted in Fisher Body having to do anything different or extra to the Body shell). So I would expect to see a spritz or a brush of black paint to cover the bare spot weld mark on the clip (since the firewall would have already been black when the body came over from the Fisher Body side). Can’t tell in the pic of there is any sign of that or not.

5. Vinyl top retainers - Those are the 63 to 66 version, made of stainless steel. Ultra rare to find them still in place, as it is almost impossible to remove them without destroying them. I have removed a couple sets and can tell you it is an all day job to get them out in any condition to reuse! The easier to work with mylar plastic version came out for 67 Camaros.

You will sometimes see restored 66’s that have used the mylar version, and I have had debates with some of those owners/restorers about the fact that they are not correct. One fellow claimed he “remembered them” from when the cars were new. But that would not explain how the part number for the mylar version is in sequence with other new Fisher Body roof components and roof trim part numbers that were first issued for 67 Camaros, so they did not even exist when 66’s were built!

6. Interesting that Flint apparently did not think seam sealer was necessary on the floor pan to toeboard seam, except up on the trans tunnel portion. Every other Chevelle plant sealed that seam from rocker to rocker

7. Does the car have a first design “5-hole” hood, or the second design “3-hole” hood? (Referring to the number of large holes underneath that got hood insulation.)

8. You mentioned the tail panel has been replaced. Have you checked the driver’s quarter closely? The crack below the quarter window and the flaking (that looks like bondo flaking) below the vinyl top trim looks just like a couple cars that I have owned that had NOS quarters put on way back in the day, where they cut the new quarter down to stay below the vinyl top and to stay out of the C-pillar structure. I would look and feel inside the quarter from inside the trunk to see if there is a weld seam or overlapped seam up in there.

9. On the left door, is that black along the bottom Zeibart that has run out of the pinch seam, or is it black primer like comes on NOS sheet metal? If you find that the quarter has been replaced, then if the door has black primer right underneath the red then I would think that the door got replaced at the same time,

10. The right door has definitely been replaced at some point because it is a 67 door. Note the little oval pre-punched hole in the inner structure in the jamb along the bottom body line at the back end of the door. That is for 67 Malibu lower trim. 66 doors don’t have that hole (but they do have one up in the middle of the door that corresponds with the location of 300-Deluxe side trim). You can also compare the size of the bulge around the lock knob hole. Early 66 doors barely have any bulge there. Late 66 (as in approx. June of 66) and all 67 doors have a large bulge there.

Again, extremely cool car, and congrats on the find!! Keep more pictures coming!

Radiator does have a “BK” on bottom tank.
The 3/4 heater hose has ribs as does the bypass hose.
I have the tach with housing. The tach is a Stewart Warner and I found a small box that tach wires hook to its small probably 1”x2”
The clip on firewall that holds ign. Wires does have a spot weld and it does have black paint over weld and it’s a little shinier than firewall.
It does have the 5 hole hood
You are correct on quarter panel. It has been replaced and installed as you stated. I got up in there today and saw the GM tag part number tag is still there. The tag is on the tail panel also.
The black on bottom seam area of drivers door is the ziebart that has run out.
Granted some things have been replaced but back in the day people did what they had to to keep these cars on the road. I am still amazed at the amount of factory installed items still on the car.
I’ll post more pictures shortly.

[Brucebodyman]

Hey Bruce,

I have a question on the RH bucket seat back in your ‘66.

When you fold the upper seat back forward is there a odd bumper with a spring steel catch device?

My ‘66 GTO Survivor has this item.
Some type of safety feature (won’t allow the seat back to fold forward when unoccupied in a panic stop) before the 67 seat back lock came out.

It seems not all the 66 GM cars have this.

LMK, thanks, Chris.
Yes mine has that clip on passenger bucket seat.

[Brucebodyman]

Mr. Mysterychevelle,

I congratulate you in your dedication and the time spent researching the cars you love.

I consider myself the same, but in the “stacked headlight” 65-67 GTOs.

I’ve been buying, selling and researching these cars down to the correct Factory overspray for 43+ years now.

I’ve always dealt with the Survivors or once painted Unrestored cars such as Bruce’s 66 Chevelle in this thread.

If I were to be at a car show and saw Bruce’s patina barn find off in the distance, I would certainly walk right past all the bright shiny restored cars (dime-a-dozen) to enjoy how the Factory built it.


My enthusiasm on this “as found car” caused me to misspeak on some Chevelle facts. My Bad.

I need to stick with what I know best, so as not to be scolded in front of the class. Too old for that experience!

BTW, assuming the Chevelle automobile was built on the same time frame as other cars, I’ll stand by my statement of “Relatively Early” on Bruce’s car.

Build year - Aug, Sept, Oct = about 13 weeks
Rest of build year - Nov. - July = about 36 weeks.

Have a Safe Day, Chris.
We all learn as we go. I’ve learned a lot on this car and I’ve been around them 40 years. It’s awesome to be able to look at something that hasn’t been cut up and molested.

[Bill Pritchard]

Even though I have no dog in the fight here (so to speak), I just love all the detail and 'archeological finds' going on in this thread :)

[Brucebodyman]

More detail pictures.

[Too Many Projects]

Very cool car to find and bring home. Not at al unusual for a '66 Chevelle to be rear-ended. The tail lights are very sexy, but not very efficient. My dad bought one new and it was tagged twice in the first 5 years. It had a manual trans too and when we were sitting, waiting to make a left turn, we learned to NOT angle the car to the left at all, or the tail light wasn't visible from behind as it blinked. We also tended to keep our right foot on the brake for the right light to illuminate. Having the left side replaced seems to be the most common rear end side damaged.


I don't think I would attempt to turn the engine over in the car. If it has been sitting without a carb that long, there were probably mice in the intake/heads. I would haul it out and disassemble it to inspect and clean. If all looks good, re-assemble, as is, and fire it up.


And, when you are tired of cleaning and inspecting and don't have more time for it...:Can-I-Have-It:

[nova67]

I have never saw a 66 Chevelle with a factory rear Sway bar? Bill Wendte or Jeff comments on this? nice survivor tho.

[markinnaples]

Any updates on how your '66 is looking now?

[67since67]

I have never saw a 66 Chevelle with a factory rear Sway bar? Bill Wendte or Jeff comments on this? nice survivor tho.

'65 Z16 used a rear sway bar, then no Chevelle rear bar until '69 or '70.

[nova67]

Thx Bill thats what I remember also.