1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

Its not often that I ever post on forums, but over the years reading storys from others and hearing about there good fortune in finding increasingly rare and powerful muscles cars is a real treat to me. For this reason I hope some of you can find my story as entertaining as I have found many of yours.

4th Owner(Me aka Rick Berlage)
In July of this past year(2016) I happened to be on craigslist one late Sunday night after having a rather disappointing experience in looking at a blue 69 Chevelle SS south of Indianapolis that day. I was thumbing thru adds and came across a rather subtle 1966 SS for sale, once again around the Indianapolis area. I quickly blew through the pictures and the two things that caught my eye were what appeared to be an original 4 core radiator with finger guard and 6200rpm redline knee knocker tach. The car in the pictures didn’t present itself very well with a lot of visible rust, no trunk floor and complete interior. At work the next day my interest intensified and a phone call to the owner had me trying to figure out when I would be able to come look at the car. Low and behold I was upset to know that another buying was driving to see the car. I told the owner thankyou and to please call if the guy backed out knowing I had probably just lost an L78 Chevelle. That night after agonizing over losing the car I called the owner and found that the other guy never showed. I indicated that I would be up early and out to see the car around 8am not wanting to waste anytime. As I indicated between the tach and radiator I felt certain the car was an L78 and bought it on the spot. Here are some pictures of the car

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

After getting the car I wanted to know for sure it was a real L78 so the documentation and owner search started.

3rd Owner (Dennis ..)
Got ahold of Dennis and was told that he had never messed with the radiator or tach and that they were original to the car when he bought it in the 70s. Dennis got the car pretty much as you saw above with everything with the car except the original big block. He rebuilt a small block that he got with the car in the trunk and his wife drove the car for many years taking it on long trips in the winter to florida. The car was repainted soon after Dennis took ownership but he kept it as close to the original silver as he could. He did change the bearings in the transmssion as well as the syncros but left the gears and everything else as is(this will be important later). Dennis actually found the car becuase of his cousin who was an insurance agent and one of his customers owned the car and wanted to get rid of it. Dennis owned the car for almost 40 years with no knowledge of what the car original was.

2nd Owner (Bill ...)
I was lucky and taked to Dennis and is cousin and was able to find Bills phone number who was the 2nd owner of the car. In talking to Bill he bought the car from the original owners who were two brothers as he put it. When we bought the car in the early 70s it was all original with solid lifter motor. From memory Bill could remember the 375hp crest that adorned the air cleaner. Bill carted his family around it for a few years before encountering an engine miss. Ultimately he did not want to tackle the rebuild and ultimately sold the car. Sadly at this point in the story I have two guys with stories that dont match. Bill claims the car was sold as is with the original motor, but Dennis claims the car never came with the motor. I plan to revisit this part of the story with each owner but I think its safe to say the original motor is gone. One other thing Bill taked about was racing the car on slicks up at the Terrea Haute drag strip int he 70s. Said the car ran from 9.05 down to 8.00 in the eight mile which I think even by todays standards is a pretty stought car.

1st Owner(Ron and Don ...)
I was actually able to track Ron down via some internet searches. I actually at first found his brothers wife. In getting ahold of her I found that Don had passed away in the early 2000s but Ron his twin brother could help me verify the car. I was a nervous person making that phone call to Ron. Ultimately it came down to asking what motor did the car come with. Ron didnt miss beat and explained that he and his brother bought the car off the showroom floor of a chevy dealer in Riley Indiana. Both the brothers were farmers and had worked hard to save enough money to buy a car. At first they had eyed up a 65 vette but the insurance for them would have been 1000/year. They ended up going with the Chevelle because of the insurance. Ron remembered the car being silver with a 4 speed and vinyl top. Ron also commented the car sounded and ran really good.

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

Cool story...so, what happens next??

-wilma [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

I was able to document many unique things that helps verify the car such as:

Frame Stamped Twice with Vin Seq
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...14-56282-1.jpg


Rear End Date Code, and Stamping from May of 66
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...4-56285-23.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...4-56286-22.jpg


Harrison Radiator with Date code on the upper tank of D(sorry no picture) and code UN and Lower Tank BP. Side Straps are Dated C(March)
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...4-56288-34.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...4-56289-35.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...14-56290-3.jpg


Seems little has been known why GM had a separate tag for the M20 with L78. I think I found why. 2 things that made the L78 muncie M20 different than the regular M20

Stiffer side cover dentent spring, muck like you would see in an M21 or M22
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...56293-5555.jpg

In the following 2 pictures notice the gears are painted differently from the factory(when I cracked the side cover I was like why!?)
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...14-56294-5.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...4-56295-55.jpg

I got the slider out and found out why. GM put an M21 slider with the locking groves for 4th gear in the M20 with High performance engine
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...-56296-556.jpg

Trans vin Stamp. Appears to be stamped off line after the car was assembled
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...-333333333.jpg


Well I hope everyone can enjoy my story and learn as I have. Full Restoration to start later this year! Already have another NOM and plan to have this car back to better than new with a High End restoration

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

Wow nice find I love the 66 SS chevelle.

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

Great story! Did all 1966 &amp; 1967 High Horse SS-396 Chevelles come with the finger guard on the top tank? My original 1967 SS-396 / M-20 Coupe had the guard on it when I bought it but I thought someone put a GTO or 442 radiator in it prior to me buying it. Keep us posted on your progress.

Bill

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

Bill,

There are others that can chime in whos expertise goes deeper than mine, but its my understanding that a 4 core radiator with finger guard was only reserved for L78 in 1966. An exception would be a car ordered with HD cooling that meant dropping the finger guard for a fan shroud. There are also many 3 core radiators with finger guards. It might be easier to read the 66/67 research report over on the Team Chevelle Website. Just google 67 Chevelle Radiator and that should help get you there.

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

When it comes to these cars Mike Crown knows his stuff.

http://www.mysterychevelle.com/

-wilma

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/drool.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/drool.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/Can-I-Have-It.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/Can-I-Have-It.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/Can-I-Have-It.gif[/img]


L34 car I am searching for; granted its not a high horse but it does have the guard.

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...4_img_3458.jpg

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...7_img_3461.jpg

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

While we are on the subject of 66 SS396 cars....this beauty belonged to my neighbor back in the day. I think he bought it new...396/360hp, 4 spd, yellow with black top.

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...3-img_0158.jpg

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

Congratulations on a fantastic find. Another member here owns a Chateau Slate 66 L78. Not a very common color for sure.

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...w_2015_008.jpg
My 67 Rag... Clone BB

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SS427</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Congratulations on a fantastic find. Another member here owns a Chateau Slate 66 L78. Not a very common color for sure. </div></div>



Are you referring to the one found last year where the engine came up for sale then the car was found on a dealer lot and a doc bought them both.. That was a cool find... Im lovin' me some 66 Chevelle.. http://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smi...ch/leghump.gif

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

No, this car is well documented and with original drive train and owner history and he has owned it for several years. However, the &quot;Doc&quot; you are referring to could in fact be the same guy as he is a Doctor and buys a lot of L78 cars.

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

Has to be the same guy..

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

Correct...and he's a member here!

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

Back to original car.. MORE PICS!!!!

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cook_dw</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SS427</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Congratulations on a fantastic find. Another member here owns a Chateau Slate 66 L78. Not a very common color for sure. </div></div>



Are you referring to the one found last year where the engine came up for sale then the car was found on a dealer lot and a doc bought them both.. That was a cool find... Im lovin' me some 66 Chevelle.. http://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smi...ch/leghump.gif </div></div>

I believe Doc O owns two Chateau Slate '66 L78s.

Great find!! CS is one of my favorite '66 colors.

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

Cool story &amp; car.You don't see many in that color.
Redlines really pop on it.

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

Mr70/Rick, Is not the Chevelle above painted CORTEZ SILVER ????

Is it difficult to find NICE examples of above with NOM, for lower $$$$

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CamarosRus</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mr70/Rick, Is not the Chevelle above painted CORTEZ SILVER ????
</div></div>

Cortez Silver was not an available color in 66 from what I know but Chateau Slate was, color code &quot;W&quot;.

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

Looks like the same wheel covers that were on our 67 SS ... TAZ

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

It looks like it Chuck,but it's really Chateau Slate.
2nd row,last on the right.
This has always been one of my favorite colors on a '66.Incredible find Rick B. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/burnout.gif[/img]

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: earntaz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looks like the same wheel covers that were on our 67 SS ... TAZ </div></div>

Good eye! The mag wheel covers on that car are in fact the '67/'68 style, easily forgivable on such a beautiful car!

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

I appreciate the congrats and thanks from all. For those asking about next steps and keeping up with progress. I didnt plan to tear into the car till mid to late this year as im finishin up a 71 SS LS5 car and its a rule to finish one before starting another. I will do my best to keep this updated but you may not see updates until the car is fully restored. One last picture....floors after the carpet came up. I was actually really happy with condition and already have a donor 66 floor/trunk to replace the bad spots. I like to treat the word reproduction part as a foreign concept.

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...0-picture1.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...1-picture2.jpg

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

I was looking a W-2 4A Atlanta car at a local show and noticed it had the high red line tach and the original VM radiator. The owner only wanted to talk about the 850 hp stroker motor and M22 in it. The owner said he had the original motor with a factory aluminum intake and transmission at home. He did not have a clue what he had, I left it at that. So here is another chateau slate BVT L78. This car was also built within 150 cars of another L78 I know of.

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

Such and amazing find and story! Cant wait to follow this build!

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: OneStopRestoration</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I got the slider out and found out why. GM put an M21 slider with the locking groves for 4th gear in the M20 with High performance engine
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...-56296-556.jpg

</div></div>

Are you saying this slider was normally only used with hi-perf close ratio M21/M22 transmissions? I thought the locking feature was relatively common on ALL Muncies from the era.

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

I'd have been trying to buy the original drivetrain from &quot;Stroker Man&quot;.

Re: 1966 Chateau Slate L78 Chevelle
 

Novadude, My dad is restoring a low miles 67 Chevelle SS that came with an M21. In taking that trans apart we found the same torque locking slider for the 3/4 gear set. We know that cars history back through 2 previous owners, neither of which touched the transmission since new. It had been a mystery to me why GM pulled a speacial part number M20 separate from the 325 or 360hp cars. It became clear in finding the same torque locking slider in my 66 L78 M20. I cant speak to the M22s of the era. Its funny so many people probably never have checked or just toss the originals in the trash during a rebuild. Like i stated this is my theory but I believe its good evidence to represent an additional distinguishing difference.

Restoration Started
 

Had some restoration progress. Car has been gapped, taken apart, and in the following shots the right rear quarter was removed and an original taken apart and fitted. When I took the quarter off the car I did indeed find that the car had been tagged as the original owner had stated. The body shop never did a great job and to save the vinyl top cut the quarter in just above the vinyl top trim. Even the out wheels house(which was original had crinkles in it from the accident). I was lucky and found a full original quarter plus inner and outer wheel house to fix all the damage and rust.

Restoration of Trunk
 

I also found an original trunk floor from a 66, cut it in two and re assembled it into the trunk. There are not enough words to describe the beauty of using original GM metal, it just FITS! Funny thing I still had some rust to contend with in this beautifully preserved trunk, and even replaced one of the floor braces underneath because it filled with dirt and just destroyed it.

Body and Frame Separation
 

Once the major rust repair was contended with I was able to separate body from frame. One interesting thing to note, frame on this car was made by Pontiac. Stamped on the left rear rail is PON followed by 5 4 66 2.

Nice progress.. Keep the photos coming.

There's nothing like original Rust!! :) it's just different than today's rust LOL

Get ER done Rick!!

Frame Blasted and Primed
 

My favorite step, getting rid of all the old crud and things down to clean metal

Looking good!

Nice! Be sure to check that frame for cracks around the right front lower control arm mount.

Can anyone tell me why these cars had that large squared off corner in the left rear wheel well? I've never been able to figure out why that is there.

Frame Cracks
 

Big Gear Head,

I have wondered the same about the squared off wheel well. Maybe someone with a deeper understanding can chime in? In reply to frame cracks, appears the car was used as intended. I found cracks in the front cross member engine mount holes, 2 bolt hole locations, one for each left and right motor mounts. Also found cracks in the SS frame supports in the rear. I wanted to show everyone the unique A arm pockets in the front cross member. Like I stated before car has a PON frame under it.

L78 and M20 Firewall Marks
 

This was really hard to capture, but after lightly blasting the firewall I found the following "13817 / 78 / M20" It is very hard to capture with the camera but its there. Made me smile. Im curious on input. It appears this was chalked under the black paint..........that what other experts have found?