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