I have a 10C Atlanta SS that also has a PON frame, dated 10 16 65.

As to the squared off wheel well, without going into the parts books, I have always assumed that there was inner wheel house interchangeability between the Chevelle pass. models and the El Camino and wagons, the latter needing that space for routing of the gas tank fill tube.

Good Luck with the build!

Progress
 

Some update photos of the progress.

Date correct l78 962 block from another 66 chevelle built in Atlanta, along with square port heads, off to the machine shop after cleaning and a light coat of paint to prevent rust.

The frame before and after paint. Many hours of work just getting it to the 60mins it takes to paint.

Have been lucky finding alot of original paint and chalk marks all over the car. For example drive shift stripes.

Looks real nice. thanks for the update!

Please tell us you're putting the Keystones back on!

About 5 years ago, I had the opportunity to check out a disassembled '66 SS396 in Georgia that had the words "HOT ROD" written on the far right side, wrap-around area of the firewall. No doubt in my mind it was put there when the car was being built and was totally inaccessible & unreadable on an assembled car. Wish I could've gotten a photo but my cell phone was left in the truck!

Keystones!
 

In talking to the original owner it came with the mag wheel covers. I got lucky about a year ago and found a guy with an original set from a car that had less than a few weeks of drive time on them. Basically NOS. However im going with the painted steel wheels and dog dishes. Im thinking I would need my head examined if I did those keystones

Consider me one of the mentally deranged guys voting for the Keystones.
Day II rocks.

+1

If you are going to run hubcaps, I love the factory simulated wires on a '66. IMO, dog dish caps and simulated mag caps are overdone on restored '66 SS396 cars. Would be nice to see one with wire caps, or even the homely standard full wheel covers.

The keystones would be my first choice though (or cragars, torq thrusts, etc).

Really nice work, BTW!

I vote for the mag wheel caps!! Love those type hubcaps...

Keep at it Rick. Lookin Good!!

Mike

nice attention in noticing the imperfection(s) on the frame ( as in the cracks )

also with the detail in painting

nice job and keep the update(s) coming ....

Pretty sure this car was number sequence 28
 

Rear Diff Cover, Sequence number "28" and "OK"

Pretty sure this car was number sequence 28
 

I was shocked to see both bumpers were sequenced. Only showing the rear. Body below heater box with "28"

Pretty sure this car was number sequence 28
 

The Transmission had "28" all over the place. My theory is that since the vin stamp looks to have been done while in the car that this transmission was repaired/replaced at the end of the line, and to make sure the right trans got there they marked it all over.

Pretty sure this car was number sequence 28
 

I never got the picture of before on the frame "28" but it was there very clearly while I was blasting the frame.

Good - good stuff!!!! Very nice! Keep 'em coming!!!!!

Frame and Suspension Work
 

Just curious, anyone else find the moog replacement rear springs way too tall? Talked to another respected restoration guy and he claimed his shop uses Eaton Detroit springs. I have some on order, but not cheap.

I too have witnessed MOOG springs being too tall.

----Eaton has been my go to spring guys since I have been in Michigan (20+years). they are a wealth of information as well as good business men! To me they aren't enough more than the other guys when they have springs and service like they do...….Bill S

Ditto on the EATON Springs vs Moog

So nice to be able to document our Restorations in current time. Imagine how much Polaroid Film you'd need., and the waiting !!! :) :)

The first time I used Eaton springs was back in the mid 80's for my 63 SW vette. They were the only company that made the correct front springs, and I used Eaton springs ever since then. They do cost more and worth every penny.

Nice work and attention to detail.Bob

Rick, beautiful work as always... years ago we battled the same with a 66 L36 Vette that had AC, power brakes and power steering. Car sat like a 4x4 when we got it due to generic replacement springs. We paid up for Eaton and never had an issue. Nice product.

Keep up 9n the good work here... your work is stunning. Happy New Year!

Dan

Original M20 Trans
 

Finally got this put together and tested/adjusted to make sure it shifts smoothly. Made sure to put back an original 3890534 tag. Im most surprised how good the early muncie shifters feel. Very solid. I had to rework a few items to tighten things up but still impressed.

Axle Markings
 

First restoration that the axles were still good to use. Only had to change one stud. I think the car was taken pretty good care of over the years.

Tach Harness and housing assembly part number
 

On other 66s I have seen GM included an assembly part number that relates to the tach being a 5000, 5500 or even 6000rpm redline tach. The number shown here on my original tach corresponds to l78 required 6000 redline.

66 only oil pan and larger hex drain bolt
 

Another one year only piece, the oil pan was different in 67. Also the drain plug bolt head is larger.

Great progress and enjoying the restoration.

Great attention to detail. Can't wait to see it completed especially in that color.

Hi , nice work, did you sand blast the drive shaft & cast blast paint it ?

Thanks Rick, if all goes well should be as nice as the 71 SS 454 I had at Mcacn. I was really happy with how the paint went down on that car.

Hey thanks. It was blasted, and painted with a "bare steel" color from duplicolor.

Metal Work
 

Im almost through all metal work. Its been a long journey. Been using original sheetmetal. Just one example of an area I had to repair

Gardner Exhaust
 

I opted for a Gardner Exhaust. Very happy with fitment and ease of install.

Fuel Line Setup
 

I was gonna throw out there that I can offer a correct functional fuel pump, elbow and line setup if anyone is interested. I had to take the fuel pump and properly machine it to accept the 90 deg brass elbow. I made a custom line from several original 66l78 pictures I had been given. I then had a company cnc bend my template. Turned out very nice. Please PM if your interested in a setup, or just the line.

Before I get caught, yes I took the Towanda sticker off as 66 didnt get them!

That is some very nice work!:headbang: Keep the update photos acomin’!

Looks awesome!

Very nice work , what paint did you use on the frame?

Both dad and I use the DAR 9000 for the chassis black

UNLESS there was a SW ratio adapter on the different transmissions wouldn't the trans more closely relate to the rear end ratio's given the different driven gears in the trans for the speedo? Or were the driven gears changed according to the rear gears in the car?