Re: smith and gainer chevelle
 

It's a cool car with Truppi-Kling history. I've talked to Dave Ellis a number of times about the car and the possible restoration. Glad to see it's finally happening.

Please keep us posted as this progresses,........ and give Dave our best wishes. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/flag.gif

Re: smith and gainer chevelle
 

Dave didn't really say. Mentioned that he was looking for someone to put the motor/trans in and get it running and wondered if we could do it. I told him probably in the spring, but if he needed the motor built, he could drop it off anytime. He sounded pretty happy that it was moving along well. Been a long time comin for him.

Re: smith and gainer chevelle
 

it is being restored as the drag car, not sure about the lettering or decals. it will have the 454 emblems and a ls6 engine.

Re: smith and gainer chevelle
 

[ QUOTE ]
it is being restored as the drag car...

[/ QUOTE ]
Excellent....

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: smith and gainer chevelle
 

http://macomb.com/~ellis172/images/S...mp;_Gainer.jpg

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I took this photo at the US Nationals.

Re: smith and gainer chevelle
 

My best friend Dale Sheeks was the original owner of this car. His name is on the front fenders. He bought this car from Carl Schmidt Chevrolet in Perrysburg, Oh on 11/11/69. Carl Schmidt's son Bob used this car as a demo for his wife to drive. It was originally a 402/375hp car and had power windows. I have the original protect-o-plate or new vehicle warranty card. In 1980 I purchased from Dale the original engine, transmission, wheels & tires for a restoration I was working on. Dale first raced for Schmidt Chevrolet under the Sheeks & Smith Racing Team. I also raced my 1969 Chevelle SS396/375hp in B/S with the Sheeks & Smith Racing Team. If you follow the link and view the pictures you will notice the front bumper was from either a Monte Carlo or El Camino I'm not sure which now, but the car came that way from Chevrolet. So you so called experts out there what do you think of that! I'm glad Dave is restoring this car back as a race car, after all it was a national champion car. I just wished I could have talked Dave into restoring it in my shop, Dale & I would have had a blast doing it, but I think we were too far away. Good luck on the restoration and if you would like to pick our brains, we do specialize in LS6 Chevelles. Steve Wolfe - Maumee Valley Classics & Muscle Cars. Follow the link below for pictures

http://www.fototime.com/inv/773CC65A050E95A

Re: smith and gainer chevelle
 

great story thanks for the info. the car is in unbelivable shape for being a race car all those years.

Re: smith and gainer chevelle
 

Steve W,

Like those old pics. I have the Truppi-Kling Chevelle web page. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif

Re: smith and gainer chevelle
 

I'm in LOVE !!!!

Re: smith and gainer chevelle
 

does anyone know how many l78 converts were made and how many are left?