Author Topic: Muscle car to pagoda  (Read 4857 times)

70chevelle

  • Guest
Muscle car to pagoda
« on: June 17, 2003, 09:13:44 »
I finished an 8 year frame off rebuild of my 70 Chevelle last year and am enjoying the H### out of it.  A gentleman that works for me brought in a 1970 280 SL a month or two ago and informed me that he is considering selling it.  I figured that it was a non-collectable car and just another headache.  I then found this website, and a few others, with info on the car and decided to purchase it and start another project.  It has a fair body, nice interior and dash.  The wood needs refinished,and the clock needs repaired. It has A/T, Air, Becker Mexico (works), needs linkage adjustment, exhaust, oil change, tranny fluid/filter change, power steering hose, and a good cleaning.  The body has had work done.  I originally intended on stripping the body and repainting it immediately since the undercarriage appeared to be in "ok" shape.  I removed the existing exhaust, started digging in the rocker panels and removed about 15-20# of rust that was just laying in there.  And so it began.  Cut out all the rust and weld in new metal.  I have about 50 hours in it, but at least it is safe to drive now.  I've put off the painting until next year due to the additional cost of the body panels that I am pretty sure I'll need to complete it correctly. I'm going to concentrate on getting the engine to run properly, clean up the leaks and enjoy driving it with the top down.  This board has been great, and I have a ton of information from it that is going to make this project more enjoyable.  It's going to be a nice looking driver, not a restoration.  I know how much time and money I invested in the frame off, replace every part restoration of my Chevelle.  Part prices are 2-3 times what I paid.  So it will be safe and nice looking.  The best part of all is, I paid $3k for the car and have invested under $500 to get it safe and inspected.  I figure on spending another $2-3K in body parts, paint, and misc plus a number of hours that I don't want to speak of.  It will be fun and rewarding. Thanks to everyone.

70 Chevelle 13.8 @ 98.4
70 280 SL Silver/Black top
99 C230 Kompressor
93 Dodge Dakota
99 Yamaha V-Star

Cees Klumper

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, CA, Fallbrook
  • Posts: 5700
    • http://SL113.org
Re: Muscle car to pagoda
« Reply #1 on: June 17, 2003, 16:22:29 »
Congratulations on what sounds like a great purchase! The chrome alone on your car is probably worth what you paid ... keep improving the car, drive it when you can (they do improve with usage) and let us know whenever you run into an issue - we can help you resolve it. How about posting a picture or two on the photos forum?
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

70chevelle

  • Guest
Re: Muscle car to pagoda
« Reply #2 on: June 18, 2003, 07:03:30 »
Cees - posted pic in the photo gallery.  Let me know what you think.

Thom

70 Chevelle 13.8 @ 98.4
70 280 SL Silver/Black top
99 C230 Kompressor
93 Dodge Dakota
99 Yamaha V-Star