Possible COPO Chevelle?

[CopoFan]

Hi all from a new user who has been really enjoying this site for the past year or so. I have spent many hours reading the many knowledgeable postings, and have found this to be the friendliest and most informative message board by far.

My interest in Chevy Supercars stems from the Chevelle in the attached picture that has been owned by my brother and now my friend for the past seven years.

We traced the car back through its second and third owners, Wally Collins (78 thru 96) and Alex (70-78). The car has spent its life in the Cleveland, Ohio area. We met with Alex and found that he bought the car from a salvage yard in early 1970. The car was there because it was stolen from the original owner and was missing the motor, trans and wheels. Alex claimed right away that this car was originally a 427 car. He bought a 396 and 4 speed tranny (out of a 67) from the same salvage yard and put them in this car. He also claims to have some paperwork and pictures from the car, but getting these items out of him isn't the easiest since there's really nothing motivating him to do so.

The rear end (12 bolt 4.10 POSI) does in fact have the KQ code stamped on it, and the build location and date seem to jive with other COPO's. Here is the info. from the trim tag...
ST69 13637 BAL 224156 BDY
TR 755 52 52 PNT
05DB11/875 B M179013
(the 1/8 above represents what seems to be the number 8 stamped a bit below the number 1).

It came with a bench seat and floor shifter... power disc and manual steering, and no other significant options. There are no signs of SS or engine markings on the body or interior (we initially thought it was a 6 cylinder car that had a 396 put in it because of the front marker lights). It does have the big block frame braces on the rear control arms as the SS's have. As you can see, it still has its wild 70's paint job, which is actually a repaint of the original scheme that Alex put on it in the early 70's.

Are they any other things to look for for COPO proof? Is there any way to trace the insurance records from the original theft? Any idea what dealer in the Cleveland area this may have been sold out of?

Also, I notice more than a few Ohioan's on this board... anyone recognize this car from back in the day?

Thank you much in advance,
Bob

[COPO PETE]

The KQ bum is a very positive sign. A lot of the COPO Chevelles have a build sheet in or under the back seat. You really nead to take it out and have a peek. There are enough clues to warrant having a look.
Peter

[micky69396]

I see the photo was taken at TDR. Other than finding a build sheet, right now ther is no for certain way to determine if its a COPO or not, but you have some signs there. If you need some help give me a call.

[68l30]

Nice car! I haven't seen it around before....Could have come from any of the following in our area: Ed Stinn,Rodenfels(Bill Doroty),Jackshaw,Prout,Central,Evans......There were a lot dealers around back then.Sounds like a possible COPO. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Steve

[copo9566aa]

Possible COPO Chevelle... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

[Stefano]

CopoFan,
The rear axle housing is a strong clue, if it is original to the car? What is the axle tube date and the casting date of the axle housing? Have you examined the internals of the rear end for Copo specific items and dates?


Many COPO Chevelles had the SS designation on the standard steering wheel as well as most other indicators of an L-78 Super Sport.

Are there any holes for SS emblems in the rear tail panel?

[CopoFan]

Thanks to everyone so far for the quick responses!

We've checked the most of the obvious places for the build sheet (back seat, door panels, under carpet) and have had no luck. We have a feeling the build sheet was found and removed during the paint work back in the 70's.

There is no sign that the rear end isn't original, especially since the paint on it matches the rest of the underneath which was all done many years ago. What internals of the rear end would point to COPO?

I attached a shot of the rear, which reminds me that everything was taken off of the tail panel for some reason.

Now that I think about it, there may be an SS emblem in the interior, but I'll defer that and the SS holes on the back panel to the current owner, Anthony, who will hopefully be catching up on this thread tomorrow.

Thanks again...
Bob

[copo9566aa]

The VIN is probably close to 9B38..... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]
What is the story about the vinyl top...

[JoeC]

Is this car for sale? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

[Chevy454]

This car is pretty close to my car and another member's car...looks like they were all built just a few days apart.

But, copo9566aa, if were taking bets on the VIN#, I've got 9B383! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] Seriously, though, I would be interested in the VIN# of this car...