possible 1970 SS 396 rotting away

[k92]

I came across this possible 1970 SS 396 Chevelle at a local storage place. Looks like it has not been tagged since 1979 and has a lot of rust.The drivers door window is gone and it's been outside for awhile.It has the rear sway bar and SS dash,could not read any numbers on the engine due to crud. Sorry for poor picture of the cowl tag, it's code 78 paint,is a Leeds car and ahs the L on it.Gonna see if the pwner will let me look around it some more. Here are the pics.

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[nuch_ss396]

Pictures 6 & 7 make me want to http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif cry.

How sad to see a big block rusting away with a valve cover
missing and rust all over the engine internals. That intake
isn't stock ( looks like a '163 ) as it's too high for 1970.

Look forward to more images once you get them. Good luck!

Steve

[k92]

The intake is a weiand, I noticed that the steering shaft looks to be pressed into the coupler like small blocks. I really doubt that back in 1979 someone would go to the trouble of putting an SS dash.big block and f41 susp in a Malibu then leaving the small block shaft in???? It appears that the rear seat is in the trunk.I'll have to look up the color code of 78 to see what it is.If it's original color is black cherry with a white vinyl top and interior I think that would be neat!!!

[Mr. T]

[ QUOTE ]
If it's original color is black cherry with a white vinyl top and interior I think that would be neat!!!

[/ QUOTE ]

http://www.chevelles.com/years/70/70paint.html

[nuch_ss396]

[ QUOTE ]
... I really doubt that back in 1979 someone would go to the trouble of putting an SS dash.big block and f41 susp in a Malibu then leaving the small block shaft in???? ...

[/ QUOTE ]

Doubtful anyone back then knew there was a difference.

Steve

[chads454Ls6]

The fact that it has a later steering wheel could mean that the column got changed out for some reason. 78 is the code for black cherry.

[427TJ]

Let me guess: the owner plans to restore it someday.

[Mr70]

Look inside that Backseat for a Buildsheet..pronto!
If none found,I wouldn't place to much faith in that L just yet..
It could be a LS-3 w/rally dash option.
Noticed a 71-72 Steering wheel,so maybe the column was changed too possibly.
Is it holding front disc brakes?
Are there any signs of SS emblems on the fenders,rear bummper,grille & door panels?
I'd look for rearend boxed lower reinforcement arms,and F-41 frame ties as well as the axle tube prefix code stamped.
Whats the emission label and radiator tag identity?
Can you read that Tona block code,and the Trans. tag?


In 1979,one of our assignments in Autoshop was to drop a BB into a SB Chevelle,which we did & later added the rally dash,so I would look alot closer at this car.

[k92]

Rick, Drivers side fender has SS 396 emblems on it,none on passenger fender,it's a different color,probably a replacement.The rear bumper has the SS pad,drivers door panel is gone,maybe in the trunk,but the passenger one says SS 396.I'll look at the front today when I go back.Has SS wheels and rear sway bar,it's in a large puddle now and not sure if I can get under to see control arms etc... I'll write down the vin and trim tag info today also.Gonna take some carb cleaner to spray on the engine pad so that I can see the numbers. Will also check the water pump,alternator numbers,looks like a long style AC fuel pump on it and also noticed the TCS solenoid mounted on the firewall. Will post some more pictures after I get back today.

[Mr70]

Man that sounds fun!
This is what it's all about.
Let me know if I can help..

[SuperNovaSS]

Have you talked to the owner yet? I would be a little upset if someone was doing that much snooping around my car without even asking.


Jason

[SS427]

Rob,
I see NO indication that would make this car subject to being a clone. As you said, why would someone do that way back then when they were a dime a dozen and then let it rot. The picture that I can see of the steering shaft appears to be a BB coupler but it too small for me to really tell. The steering wheel is certainly no reason to make it suspect and as stated before, someone could simply have replaced the complete steerin column.

Unfortunately the car looks pretty rough. I am assuming it is a very early car. I also cannot make out the date on the cowl tag. The car is what it is and it would be nice to try and save it. Good luck. Hopefully you can get in touch with the owner and save the car.
Rick

[Over Anxious]

I love the original white interiors.

[k92]

Here are some more pictures. I called the storage unit place and asked if they knew who owned the car.A lady told me that the car had been there for a very long time and that the owner of the business was gone till next week and to call back then as she may know who owns it. I think that whoever owns it does not care much about it to let it sit out in the open with a broken out window. I checked the numbers on the block and is a CTW code 350 hp 396 numbers matching block. It was built 11/69 at the Leeds plant, trim tag says TR 791 78 A PNT 11A , it has the boxed lower control arms and front disc brakes.The front emblem is sitting in the center console.The glovebox was open and it's contents were soaked and laying on the floor, there on the floor I found it protecto plate which is getting crusty.Sold to a guy in a small town 15 miles west of Peoria from a dealership 5 miles from there.I could not see the transmission or rearend numbers,but suspect that they are original.Am going to try to try to get in touch with the owner next week and see what his/her plans are for the car.

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[TimG]

I think this car is worth saving, the warranty book sure looks legitimate.

[Ngtflyr]

Definitely worth saving if the eng is numbers matching and a POP. Especially if you can pick it up cheap. I would do it but glad I'm not, all that rust is going to get expensive no matter how you slice it.

[427TJ]

[ QUOTE ]
I love the original white interiors.

[/ QUOTE ]

Especilly a Black Cherry car with white v-top. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif

[MosportGreen66]

WOW! What a cool find! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[k92]

Well, I spoke with the manager of the storage unit today,she says that the car has been there since 2002 and that the owner said that he was going to fix it up some day.I gave her my name and phone number and asked that she contact the owner to see if he would consider selling it,she said that she would be more that happy to help out.Apparently the owner pulled a fast one on her because their rules state that all vehicles must be driven in,while she was gone he had it towed in and just covered it with a tarp.She said that she has not spoken with the owner since then and has only sent out rent reminders in late 2005.I'll see what happens.

[SuperNovaSS]

Sounds like a lien sale possibility. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif Good luck!