Dan's 1969 Chevelle SS 454 Cubic Inches

AWESOME

2010-03-14T07:27:00.000-07:00

Mean BITCH!

Car Show ~~~ Bellview Winery

2009-09-13T06:21:00.000-07:00

Had a great time

Medford Car Show

2009-05-18T16:45:00.001-07:00

Medford Car Show

2009-05-03T10:59:00.000-07:00

6th Annual
"Blast from the Past"

Family Fun Car Show

JOIN US
on Saturday, May 16th, 2009 9am – 4pm
on Mainstreet Medford, NJ
(Raindate Sunday, May 17th)

Registration/Check-In: 8am to 11am /Awards at 3pm

We Need Sponsors - A Great Opportunity to Support a Great Cause

Organized by the Lakes Corvette Club
Costume Contest & Prizes - Dress Tropical

FUN - FOOD – MUSIC
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
Partial Proceeds benefit the
Union Fire Company Station 251, Medford, NJ

She is Staring at you!!

2009-05-03T10:57:00.000-07:00

The Queen staring at you ~~~ ggrrr

The Shocklee's

2009-05-03T10:49:00.000-07:00

Bob & Aileen Shocklee aka BEST FRIENDS!

Great day for a picture until that evening! We were enjoying dinner in town town Medford when a wicked storm rolled through. I had to drive the car in the rain ~~~ boy was I nervous! A few areas received hail balls ~~~ ouch!

Chevelle On The Road!!

2009-05-03T10:44:00.000-07:00

Finally ~~~~
she is finally on the road!
So far I have 450 miles on the new engine.

Soon we can see what she will do ~~~

Love IT!

The “Trailer Queen” is soon to be on the road …

2008-08-23T10:07:00.000-07:00

The “Trailer Queen” is soon to be on the road … scheduled to be on the road August 28, 2008.

Finally, after close to 3 years of restoration, she will finally hit the road. It’s a Beautiful thing!!

Engine --- FINALLY

2008-08-23T09:58:00.000-07:00

Engine ---- FINALLY

The engine finally assembled and polished.

Now the Hard Part --- Buffing the paint

2008-08-10T08:08:00.001-07:00

Fred (in the background) started the tedious task of buffing the paint to a glossy shine ... wow what a job!!

FINALLY Paint!!

2008-08-10T07:44:00.000-07:00

Great shot of the Trailer Queen fresh out of the paint booth

Intake Manifold Installation Complete

2008-08-10T07:25:00.000-07:00

Finally, the engine is complete!

Intake manifold installed and ready to make some awesome “Low end” power

Jimmy was attempting to add humor to the picture by writing “Ford” on the carburetor

Funny guy!

She looks ready to "Breath" fuel again!

Intake Manifold replaced

2008-08-10T07:10:00.000-07:00

I purchased an Edelbrock Performer intake manifold ... low-rise and dual-plane.

Need - Low-end torque to improve QUICK throttle response.

Had to replace the single plane intake manifold. Two reasons,
the manifold was too tall ... about 1/4 inch and ...

I want low end torque!!

Door Latches

2008-08-10T07:07:00.000-07:00

I removed the door latches ... WOW were they dirty!! I should have taken a picture of the before. Had to sand blast and clean clean clean .......

Perfection Collision Center - Jimmy Edlin

2008-08-10T06:58:00.000-07:00

Jimmy taking a break .... WHY!
The *Trailer Queen* needs attention!!

Drivers door

2008-08-10T06:55:00.000-07:00

As you can see, the drivers door had several "dings" that required a little filler and plenty of sanding!!

Drivers side sanding

2008-08-10T06:04:00.000-07:00

Drivers side sanding - big job!!
Had to tape off the window area to avoid having to clean the interior

Driver's side Quarter Panel diff angle

2007-12-28T14:26:00.000-08:00

Closer look at the quarter panel

Driver’s Side Quarter Panel

2007-12-28T14:14:00.000-08:00

Sometime long ago, the quarter panel was repaired.

Jimmy, being the expert in auto body repair, noticed the seam was visible. I sure didn’t see it until Jimmy pointed it out. So, we decided to grind down the area to bare metal and repair the seam.

The trailer queen looks like Frankenstein’s bride!!!

Front Fender View

2007-12-23T08:20:00.000-08:00

New Fenders!!

Installed NEW fenders to insure the lower lines matched the door panels
The right side fender!
Found an original GM fender ... so I replaced the aged bondo'd fender.

New Left Side Fender

The original fender had some damage to the lower back side. Who ever fixed the fender did a horrible job with the patch panel. The lower line did not match the door panel.

The fender line was an 1/8th larger than the door lines ... looked real bad!

In the Paint Shop

2007-12-23T08:15:00.000-08:00

Installed all the steel prior to sand & paint. The fenders were painted with a primer and installed to insure a proper fit.

Looking more like the Chevelle I use to have 26 months ago

Jimmy playing games with the Trailer Queen!

2007-11-17T07:01:00.000-08:00

While I went to my car for my camera, Jimmy thought the Trailer Queen needed to dress up with a Pizza Hut sign. Funny guy!!

….… I may need to use the sign after we reviewed the paint bill!

Finally in the Paint Shop! Front View

2007-11-17T06:53:00.000-08:00

Here is an interesting look!

Just checking to insure the new front fender fits properly … like a glove and looking good!!

Finally In the paint Shop!

2007-11-17T06:38:00.000-08:00

On October 10th, the “Trailer Queen” finally made its way out of Kurt’s shop and transported to the paint shop! Jimmy Edlin from Perfection Collision Center will apply his “magic” to repair the floor pan, fix all the door digs, scratches and pin holes the Trailer Queen received while at the Kurt’s shop.

…. Here she is being stripped of her chrome so we can begin to remove the clear coat.

The Baby is Born - part 2

2007-09-09T08:48:00.000-07:00

Adjusting the idle and mixture settings

The Baby is Born!!!

2007-09-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

After waiting for over a year, the 454 finally took her first breath of fuel!! It was a beautiful sight and the sound is AWESOME!!!

Front View

2007-07-27T03:35:00.000-07:00

Looking Better Every Day

2007-07-27T03:33:00.000-07:00

Looking GOOD!

A view of the driver’s side of the engine.

2007-07-19T18:59:00.000-07:00

A view of the driver’s side of the engine.

The looped wiring will eventually go to the headlights, parking lights, horn and instrument panel electronics

A closer view

2007-07-19T18:57:00.000-07:00

A closer view

I’m getting there!!

2007-07-19T18:51:00.000-07:00

I’m getting there!!
I figure I’m 90% complete

Installed right side wheel well
Ran the wiring harness for the twin radiator fans
Installed Carburetor linkage

The Radiator is Here!!

2007-05-28T11:32:00.001-07:00

Finally the radiator is in!!
Installed Twin BeCool radiator fans … should keep the engine nice and cool!!!

The Trailer Queen!

2007-05-28T11:28:00.000-07:00

Well … the trailer queen is still moving in the right direction!

I’m about 90% complete and hope to have the engine “Breathing” on June 2 … If all goes as planned of course!

New Auto Meter Gauge Cluster

2007-04-18T17:03:00.000-07:00

A view of the Auto Meter Phantom Gauge cluster

Gauges are installed in a custom dash bezel

Soon to be added: The Steering Column

Firewall View

2007-04-18T16:59:00.000-07:00

Had to remove the heater core and fan while we installed the MSD Ignition Control

Need to clean the firewall

Another view of the 454

2007-04-18T16:56:00.000-07:00

Need some polish …

Love the lines on the spark plug wires!! Nice and neat!

A View of the rebuilt 454

2007-04-18T16:47:00.000-07:00

Displacement: 7.4 liter (454 cubic inches) bored 0.30 over
Block: Gen 6 cast iron, four bolt main.
Compression: 10:1
Bore/Stroke: 4.250” x 4.00”
Pistons: Speed Pro Forge Dome Top
Connecting Rods: Eagle "ESP" H-beam
Horsepower: Data Coming Soon!
Camshaft: Comp Cams Hyd. Roller Magnum 280H Cam
Duration (Intake/Exhaust): 280°/280°
Valve Lift (Intake/Exhaust): 0.52/0.52
Valve Diameter (Intake/Exhaust): 2.07”/1.72”
Valve Springs: Crane Cams Dual valve springs
Push Rods: 3/8 HD, 1010 steel, 3/8 Guide Plates
Crankshaft: Eagle "ESP" Forged 4340
Intake Manifold: Aluminum Holly Eliminator
Rocker Arms: HD Long Slot 1.7 Ratio Adjustable Valve Train
Distributor: MSD
Carburetor: Barry Grant Speed Demon 750 cfm auto meter electric choke
Exhaust: Headman Headers / 3” Pypes Performance Exhaust

Just waiting!!

2006-07-23T05:50:00.000-07:00

There she is … waiting for the next phase of the restoration.

Rear left side floor pan

2006-07-23T05:39:00.000-07:00

This is a view of the rear left side floor pan … these areas of the floor pan are the lowest sections and are normally susceptible to settling moisture. If not coated correctly from the factory, they will eventually begin to rust. This area is paper-thin as well and will need to be replaced

Luck for me, my car was probably built right before quitting time and the factory workers were in a hurry.

Rear fight side floor pan

2006-07-23T05:32:00.000-07:00

WHAT A MESS

This is a view of the rear right side floor pan … The picture does not tell the whole story here. The metal is so thin in this area; I can literally push my finger through the floor pan.

The factory black tar coating is the only reason the metal is not falling away. I will need to remove and replace this whole area.

Floor Pans

2006-07-23T05:18:00.000-07:00

I removed the carpet and the original sound deadener ... WOW what a mess that was!
This is a view of the front passenger floor pan. Initially I thought there was just surface rust but upon a thorough inspection, I had several spots where the metal is very thin. There is one area where you can see the shop floor ... not good!

Firewall, heater box

2006-07-23T05:11:00.000-07:00

Removed the heater housing and the heater core.
Car is very dirty! It has been so hot, the shop doors were open and the dust was all over everything

A view of the engine ... Just waiting to breathe

2006-05-21T06:09:00.000-07:00

A view of the engine .. just waiting for the exhaust system and wire harness.

Another view of the steering column and the firewall

2006-05-21T06:04:00.000-07:00

Another view of the steering column and the firewall. I removed the damaged clutch boot and retainer ring. As you can see … a lot of work ahead! Next week I will remove the “trash” wiring harness and replace with a Painless Wire Harness especially designed for a 69 Chevelle SS

A view of the steering column

2006-05-21T05:54:00.000-07:00

A view of the steering column and the firewall. The steering column cover is the wrong type .. of course! Purchased the correct column plate on Ebay. Also ordered new sponge gasket, the clutch boot and clutch plate as well.

Whoever installed the wrong column plate created a hugh gap in the firewall. Idiot!

Great View under the front end

2006-04-29T20:44:00.000-07:00

A view of the Moroso 7 quart oil pan. At first I was a little concerned with the clearance but looks good. Slightly below the skid plate. The Hedman Long Tube Headers were recoated and waiting for the Pypes 3" Exhaust System.

View of the High Performance motor mounts

2006-04-29T20:42:00.000-07:00

Top View of Engine

2006-04-29T20:40:00.000-07:00

Another view of the Engine

2006-04-29T20:38:00.000-07:00

Anther View of the Engine!

2006-04-29T12:56:00.000-07:00

Another View of the Engine

2006-04-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

This BB 454 is almost ready for the dyno. Just a few more hours and she is ready too go!!

Engine in the BAY!

2006-04-29T12:46:00.000-07:00

The Eagle has landed ... tough time mounting the drivers side motor mounts but all is well!

Heads

2006-04-06T10:22:00.000-07:00

Two views of the heads and the top of the engine block …. While the engine is close to completion … I decided to rebuild the heads as well. Looks like most of the valves are original except for 1. Sometime ago, one of the valves needed to be replaced.

view of the engine bearings … WOW are they trashed!

2006-04-06T10:06:00.000-07:00

A view of the engine bearings … WOW are they trashed!

The engine builder should resign! Most of the internal parts are new .. pistons, rods, cam, but all the bearings were severely scared. Obviously, the engine was assembled in a dirty environment.

Waiting for the POWER to arrive!

2006-04-06T10:04:00.000-07:00

Another view - setting in the garage waiting for the engine

Waiting for the engine

2006-04-06T09:59:00.000-07:00

Finally finished with most of the body assembly except for the "dog house". Waiting for the engine ... engine was in BAD shape!

Installing New Frame

2006-03-18T07:32:00.001-08:00

Installing the new frame. We started in the rear insuring the body bushings were lining up and moving forward.

Damaged Frame

2006-03-18T07:24:00.000-08:00

This is a view of the damaged frame.
As you can see, the only piece of metal holding the frame together is the strap of steel welded to the front. Sometime in the cars life, someone was looking to get killed.

Pulling Frame from the Body

2006-03-18T07:21:00.000-08:00

03/13/2006
Finished pulling frame from the body

Frame Assembly

2006-03-18T07:14:00.000-08:00

03/13/2006
This photo shows the removal of the old damaged frame from the body. You can see the new assembled frame all nice and pretty!! Me, I'm checking the damage portion of the old frame. WOW what a mess!

Engine

2006-03-06T19:46:00.000-08:00

A view of the engine ready to be cleaned.

View parts on new frame

2006-03-06T19:42:00.000-08:00

Here we see the radiator in place along with other parts waiting their turn to be installed

Front Body lower level

2006-03-06T19:38:00.000-08:00

A view of the trans tunnel and fire wall

Front Body drivers side

2006-03-06T19:35:00.000-08:00

A look at the front drivers side ...

Front Body

2006-03-06T19:30:00.000-08:00

Finally pulled the dog house off and removed the engine.

Engine 454 cubic inches

2006-02-18T18:44:00.000-08:00

This is a view of the engine prior to removing it from the engine bay

Different view of the rear end

2006-02-18T18:28:00.000-08:00

Different view of the rear end ... brake lines attached. Waiting for the fuel tank!

Interior

2006-02-18T18:10:00.000-08:00

Interior before body is lifted off the original frame

Engine

2006-02-18T18:07:00.000-08:00

Picture of the engine before it is removed from the original frame.

Right front A frame top view

2006-02-18T18:02:00.000-08:00

Right front A frame top view - Nice and clean!

Power Stering Unit

2006-02-18T16:28:00.000-08:00

CLEAN - Power Stering Unit

Left front view of the suspension and disc brakes.

2006-02-18T16:24:00.000-08:00

Left front view of the suspension and disc brakes.
Power stering unit .. nice and clean!

Right back view of the suspension and disc brakes.

2006-02-18T16:23:00.000-08:00

Right back view of the suspension and disc brakes.

Right view of the suspension and disc brakes

2006-02-18T16:18:00.000-08:00

02/18/2006
Right view of the suspension and disc brakes. All new parts except the rotors

Frame front

2006-02-18T16:12:00.000-08:00

02/18/2006
Front end is finally finished.
New suspension ... look at the front G-Max Sway bar.
Look at the body with the tires placed in the wheel wells. Just having some fun!!

Body on old frame 3

2006-02-08T16:53:00.000-08:00

The front and rear suspension is removed and body sitting on jacks

Body on old frame 2

2006-02-08T16:52:00.000-08:00

Body on old frame

2006-02-08T16:51:00.000-08:00

Old Frame Left Front

2006-02-08T16:50:00.000-08:00

Right Front

2006-02-08T16:49:00.000-08:00

Rear End Side View

2006-02-08T16:48:00.001-08:00

Rear End Back view

2006-02-08T16:48:00.000-08:00

Rear End

2006-02-08T16:47:00.000-08:00

Engine - 454

2005-11-25T08:06:00.000-08:00

NICE Rear End!

2005-11-25T08:05:00.000-08:00

Looking good from the rear .....

The 1969 Chevelle SS

2005-11-25T08:03:00.000-08:00

There she is ... all pretty dressed in RED