Chevelle full restoration

[newmech]

Well I just turned 17 and was hoping to have a '69 chevelle before the end of my senior year in high school. I was hoping to get a average of how much money I would need to save to do a full restoration from painting it, interior work, and even with 454. I dont have it yet because I have to show about how much it will cost to restore it and I need to get about half of the total before I can even start.

[MrPbody]

Welcome to the old car "world"! The term "restoration" means something different to many people. By strict definition, it means the entire car is rebuilt to original specs, including mistakes at the factory. To "do" a 100-point (perfect) restoration on a '69 SS396, you're looking at about $40K (for a GOOD job). A GREAT job would probably be another $10K.

So, is that what you are driving at? Or are you more interested in a slightly modified and updated car? We (guys "in the biz") call those "restifications". You don't need to worry about date codes, block codes, head casting numbers, rear axle codes, etc. A good friend has a '70 SS454 (clone) with a 468, headers, Edelbrock Performer RPM, Comp cam, 9.5:1 compression (pump gas "friendly"), TH400 with a mild converter and a 3.73 rear axle ratio. The thing is an animal! Reasonable to drive, as long as you ignore the gas guage...

Lots of options here. Lay out a plan, and once you begin, STICK TO THE PLAN!

Jim

[newmech]

hey thx I think I might just stick to slightly modifing it and not a full restoration.

[MrPbody]

Okay. So, what kind of performance are you after? Do you already have a big block? (gonna need one...)

Jim

[newmech]

Im looking for power and I dont have a big block yet

[MrPbody]

Okay. Get the CAR first. That way, you know for sure what will and will not "fit".

Then, put a plan together, including a budget. Once you've made the plan, STICK TO IT!

Let us know when you have a body to work with!

Jim