A classic "what's it worth" : SS396 Chevelle

[StealthBird]

Wondering if you guys could help out on this, since I'm not a Chevelle expert.

I ran across a guy that has a 70 SS396 Chevelle, auto trans, red with black stripes, no cowl induction. Car appears very nice from 20 feet. Has the rally wheels and Goodyear Polyglas F70's all around, two of them are nearly flat. Car is dirty, but obviously was nice at one time. He claims he's had the car for over 10 years, and he's not a car guy, just loved this one year Chevelle. He says it's a real SS396, engine is correct. The engine needs total detailing, it still has exhaust manifolds and a steel intake (and I noticed a glob of JB weld up front), and a Holley. It had a/c at one time.

It appears to have been a good restoration at one time, perhaps 10-15 years ago, and has now deteriorated, probably a daily driver at some point. It has a rear sway bar, and the chassis looks like it was detailed at one time, now needs to be detailed again.

Body looks straight, I noticed a couple dings on the front fender. He says it starts and runs. The interior was locked, and he claims the keys are inside, so I could not get into the interior. He has no idea how many miles are on it, and I couldn't see past the speedo needle.

Weird situation, he says he needs to get rid of it, possibly financial trouble with the house.

Questions:

What numbers do I look for, what should be on the trim tag to identify it as an SS396 car? What codes should the engine/intake be?

Thanks!

[mockingbird812]

Mike, poke around at Chevelle Stuff. Nothing on TT that will ID as an SS.

[Mr70]

Block should be coded CTW.
Transmission CF.
Rear CF/3:31 posi....CW/3:31 open.
Never came w/a Holley...should be Rochester 4bbl.on cast iron intake.
Check the cowltag for 75 75 if it left the factory in Cranberry Red originally.
Check for interior code #755 if Blk Bench...#756 if Blk Buckets.
Is there a Buildsheet?..Check to see if it was extra ordered w/D88 stripes,cause a std. bulge hood wouldn't have.
..hmmmm sounds like Barry's old car,is it near N/Western Il?
Give me a shout if you need more in depth.

[StealthBird]

Thanks guys, and thanks Rick. When I hear back from him, I will update this post, or PM you.

[musclecarjohn]

[ QUOTE ]
It had a/c at one time....

[/ QUOTE ]

That doesn't sound good...

[StealthBird]

Here's a couple cell phone pics. Still haven't heard from the guy. Like I said, he was very vague about everything.

[StealthBird]

[StealthBird]

[al8apex]

its got bias plys on it too

looks like a good oppy for you

the a/c does not look too hacked, surely a desirable option ... IMHO

[musclecarjohn]

That is a very early 1970,I can tell by the lower headlight trim...what is the build date?