Don Lightfoot's L89 300 DeLuxe SS 396 !

Belair62 · #1 07-12-2004, 05:01 AM

THE BLUE BEAST

69 Chevelle 300 Deluxe Post Coupe SS

The Lightweight, Low Budget Performer from Chevrolet

1969 was the only year that Chevrolet made the SS-396 option available on the
bottom-of-the-line 300 Deluxe two door Hardtops and Sedans. The 300 Deluxe SS's
received the normal exterior Malibu/SS trim, but the interiors could best be described
as "Taxi Cab" style. Rubber flooring, mundane door panels (sans SS-396 Emblems)
and basic seat covers were the order of the day for these 300 Deluxe SS models.
There were a lot of other subtle differences between the 300's and
Malibus as well.

Since purchasing this car in the year 2000 I have done extensive research
on the 1969 300 Deluxe models. I guess you could say I have become
very knowledgeable on these cars. This background research
has indeed been challenging and enjoyable.

CAR HISTORY
Built at the Atlanta Assembly Plant the second week of March, 1969.
Information available to me indicates this car never left Georgia for the
first 25 years and was drag raced by the original owner for a number of years.
It was then purchased by a gentleman in Florida who completed a full
frame-off restoration during 1994-95.

BODY AND PAINT
The paint is the correct coded "71" Lemans Blue. As best I can
determine the only body panels that have been replaced are full GM quarters.
The car is equipped with the Side Window Moldings option which helps
the overall cosmetic appearance.
(300 Deluxe models got a plain black trunk mat rather than the Herringbone style)

INTERIOR
As mentioned earlier, the interior is not at all of the "plush" variety.
The major flaw inside is the chrome peeling off the horizontal door
panel moldings. I have searched for replacement panels since I bought
the car, but they are just not out there or being reproduced. This particular
Muncie Shifter Handle is not correct for 1969 bench seat cars. I have thought
about putting the correct handle on, but this one just feels right.

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN
The "CE" warranty block has a casting date of August 21, 1969. Stands to reason
the original engine was blown at the track, probably in September or October of
that year. The heads are "074" castings which are more common to L88's and ZL1's.
The 1969 L89 heads carried a "842" casting, but were not produced after
the summer of 1969 which could possibly explain the alternative style heads
being used for replacements, if in fact they were replaced at the same
time as the block, or later. The previous owner was up front with me saying
the transmission and rearend are not coded for this car. Originals could have
been scrubbed during the race years. In light of his comments, I have never checked
these codes myself as it wouldn't really mean anything. He mentioned it is
a M21 and he changed the rear gears during restoration from 4.10 to 3.73
for driving purposes.

DOCUMENTATION
There is none on hand. Original credentials would obviously be nice to have,
but I am not as fanatical about such things these days as I was with previous
Musclecars I have owned recently. There is evidence confirming the car started
life as a Super Sport and also specific dated components indicating it was
a L78 originally. Without original documentation there is no way to confirm
if it was a L89 or not.

ITEMS ON CAR THAT ARE NOT CORRECT
Engine does not have 'lift hooks' which are easy to add, but I just never
had the desire to loosen the intake bolts to install them. The distributor is
a Mallory Unilite mechanical advance unit which also explains the
ballast resistor on the firewall. Hooker Competition Headers and three inch
stainless exhaust front to back (exhaust tone is sweeeeet). Shifter is a
Hurst Competition Plus unit. No A.I.R. system due to headers. Rear control arms
are SSM units which definitely work in providing better traction. Front
sway bar upgraded to 1.25". The rear frame braces are not on the car due to
lack of space from the large exhaust.

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
Yes, this car does get driven, albeit only about 800 miles a year.
The car is by no means a "comfortable cruiser". Stiff suspension, no power
steering, uncomfortable bench seat and original style tires do not relate to a
comfortable ride. After all, it was built for one purpose - to go straight
and fast for short distances. It is the nostalgic Musclecar feel and
sound that puts a smile on your face when out cruising.

SUMMATION
Hopefully you have enjoyed my story of this rare car. It has been in my
garage for a longer period of time than the other Musclecars I have owned since 1990
and who knows how long it will stay there. It is indeed different which is
one of the reasons I bought it and have kept it. There are always numerous questions to
be answered for people when the car is on display at Cruise Nights or other events.
Each winter I enjoy improving this car somewhat, mostly in the form of detailing.
It is definitely not perfect, but I am happy with it and that's all that really matters in
the end. I don't lose any sleep over the lack of documentation, at my age I just want to have
fun and that's what happens when I slide behind the wheel and put The Blue Beast in gear.

Thanks to Bob from the SYC BOARD for inviting me to provide this overview.

Don Lightfoot
Kingston, Ontario

KENNY_PASCOE · #2 07-12-2004, 05:31 AM

SUPER LOOKING CAR... GOOD LUCK WITH IT. KP

**SS427** · #3 07-12-2004, 05:52 AM

Just as beautiful today as the first time I laid eyes on it. Enjoy!

MYSTERYCHEVELLE · #4 07-12-2004, 06:36 AM

Sheesh.. they let any car take part in this Members Ride thing don't they

Don: Nobody allows me to abuse them more than you, but that's only b/c I can't abuse that Blue Car.... it's just too damm sharp!

Mike

**Dave Rifkin** · #5 07-12-2004, 03:42 PM

What a beautiful car, I love that color with the white stripe. Isn't it amazing to think that people bought these cars when they were new and used them as daily drivers? My parents bought a 1969 Shelby GT500 new and I can still remember seeing all of the cars we drool over now just cruising around and occassionally being "exercised". Great car, thanks for sharing the story with us.