Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

This is a car that I've taken with me from San Francisco to Dayton to Austin over the last 20 years, and probably next year back to San Francisco when our son goes off to college. It truly is part of the family.


I bought it from the fourth owner in Ripon, CA in the late 80's. He also had a '65 425 hp Corvette with less than 20,000 miles, but the Chevelle had about 12,000 miles, and when I saw it I had to have it The car was meticulously cared for by all it's owners.


It was built late in the model year at the Fremont plant and sold new in Roseville, CA. It still has 3 of the 4 original tires in the trunk, plus the spare that's never been used, as well as the original black CA plates with the dealership license plate holder.


The car was delivered with Aztec Bronze Metallic paint, red line tires with mag style wheel covers, and Aztec Bronze bucket seat interior. Other factory options included L78, M21, 3.55 rear, gauges, am radio, rear speaker and tinted windshield (see picture of window sticker copy). The engine, transmission, and rear end are numbers matching, born with the car components.


The only changes from new are a partial repaint by the 3rd owner, hood insulation, hoses, belts, plugs, battery, exhaust and minor engine compartment detailing. The idler pulley still show factory orange over spray, and the interior and trunk look like it was just driven off the show room floor. Although the chassis has been cleaned a little, it shows a large dose of 40 year old patina.


The original owner in Roseville was an older guy who occasionally drove the car to Reno for a little poker action. When he'd get home he would turn on his lawn sprinkler and pull it under the car to make sure there was no dirt or dust on the undercarriage. Most of the miles were put on by the first owner.


The second owner in Woodland, CA was just out of high school when he bought it in 1970, and put less than 500 miles on the car, mainly cruising and car shows. Luckily he was a waxer, not a street racer. The third owner, also in Woodland convinced the young man to sell after a few years. He also admired it as a very unique car, but did some minor damage to the left side which required some paint work.
Around 1980 he sold the car to the 4th owner in Ripon, CA, and it truly became a trailer queen with occasional car shows and short drives. I bought the car in the late 80's, and drive it just enough to keep the juices flowing (the cars and mine ).


Paul Dehnert (PaulD)

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...velle_0327.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...velle_0328.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...velle_0331.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...velle_0392.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...velle_0397.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...velle_0318.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...velle_0319.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...velle_0320.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...velle_0341.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...velle_0390.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...velle_0338.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...velle_0350.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...velle_0391.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...velle_0411.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...velle_0401.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...velle_0420.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...velle_0346.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...velle_0382.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...velle_0386.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...velle_0355.jpg

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

Awesome Car Paul!! Thank you for sharing it with us~ https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/smile.gif

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...-I-Have-It.gif

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

Hmmm...why did I know that you'd be the first to respond to this feature? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Did I make you stay up past your bedtime, Mike? (Sorry, I had to work all weekend)


All kidding aside...Paul thanks for sharing a wonderful car with everyone! It's truly amazing what is still out there.

BTW, if you get a call from Mike asking if he can sleep in your garage...it's okay...Mike's a great guy! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

Thanks guys, yea, Mike can "bond" with this car anytime he wants!

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

Very nice car Paul. About the plates in the trunk...can I have one of em?

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

Beautiful car Paul. Great seeing them like this once in awhile as opposed to fully restored. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif
Rick

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

[ QUOTE ]
Very nice car Paul. About the plates in the trunk...can I have one of em?

[/ QUOTE ]

Tony...what's funny is that I thought of you right when I saw the pictures of the plates! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

God what an awesome car! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

I can only think of one word, so please forgive me in advance....

DAMN! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/drool.gif

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

Wow what a great car, in awesome original condition. Thanks for sharing it with us. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

Truly beautiful. What a stunning color. Wow! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

I could not imagine any owner of such a rare and documented car even considering parting out with the original Black Plates https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/eek.gif

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

[ QUOTE ]
I could not imagine any owner of such a rare and documented car even considering parting out with the original Black Plates https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/eek.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Hey...I was making an attempt at a joke. I wouldn't part with them either if they were mine. Sorry.

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

That's an awesome car that anyone would be very proud to have in their collection! I know I would!!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/smile.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

66 SS https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif 375 H.P. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif 4 Speed https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif w/ Papers https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif Doesn't get any better...... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

Ken https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/flag.gif

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

Please bring it to VetteFest...VetteFest...VetteFest... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif
------------------
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...sbearslogo.gif
They're On The Move..

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I could not imagine any owner of such a rare and documented car even considering parting out with the original Black Plates https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/eek.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Hey...I was making an attempt at a joke. I wouldn't part with them either if they were mine. Sorry.

[/ QUOTE ]

I got the joke...and I think Mike did too! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

[ QUOTE ]
Please bring it to VetteFest...VetteFest...VetteFest... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif
------------------
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...sbearslogo.gif
They're On The Move..

[/ QUOTE ]



Da Bears.......Da Bears......Da Bears...... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

Ken https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/flag.gif

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

What a beauty!! ...though I am partial to 66 Chevelles! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif

Mike or Paul, I don't see positraction on the window sticker. Normally, I'd just assume it's a peg leg but didn't know if the L-78 was different. Is it?

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

[ QUOTE ]
I could not imagine any owner of such a rare and documented car even considering parting out with the original Black Plates https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/eek.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I think they'd be cool for Tony..... notice the initials "TDW" and his user name "TDW...". https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

I'm also sure he was saying that to make a joke and see if anyone actually caught it.

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

I think the original owner just didn't check the box for a posi rear end. It doesn't appear on the Window Sticker or Build Sheet and there's no sticker on the trunk lid. The code stamped on the axle housing is KJ 0209 B which I believe is for an open 3.55.

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

Those light '66 SS Chevelles were terrors with that L-78 option .......
Beautiful Car and Color...............

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

KJ.. Open Rear.. can see it coded on the BUILD SHEET too!!

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

Question Paul? Do you know if anyone, yourself included, ever had the Rear Bumper Guards off the car? I ask, only b/c they are not mounted corerctly... The guard on the passenger side should be attached/mounted directly below the "SS" emblem. Just curious what you may know about that.

Lots to learn here.. the blueprints to guys like me... No Spark plug heat shields, Yes, French Locks, No SMOG, , Grill filler panel painted Argent Silver on top.. and the not often seen "Picture Frame" Style Shifter boot ( I have one too!! )

Mike

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

OK, I've somewhat recovered! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/tongue.gif

My first experience behind the wheel of a BBC was in a '66 Chevelle. I've had a soft spot for them ever since. This car is incredible. PLEASE DON'T RESTORE IT! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

(And BTW..... DON'T let Mike sleep with the car. He drools! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/wink.gif)

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

Hey.. I resemble that remark!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif Imagine if my fully restored Danube Blue 66 SS slept with this original Aztec 66 SS.. the offspring could be amazing!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/shocked.gif I have been thinking about putting her out to stud!!

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif Can I have the 'Pick-o-the-Litter'? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

( https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/hmmm.gif 367½ HP? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif)

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

Hey Dennis...I'd like one too! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

Mike,
I think if they slept together it would be a bit dangerous.....two studs in the same corral!

I've never removed the rear bumper guards, but it's possible that one of the previous owners fiddled with them. The car was a late build, 07A, if that means anything. For example, I've heard that the late cars had .940 inch front sway bars.

I think all L78's and L72's were excempt from smog in California in 1966 only. I also have a '66 Impala SS L72 with no smog....also, that one has spark plug shields.

Thanks for the observations.... any other originality "catches" would be appreciated.

Paul

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

Back in April of 66, one of my friends bought a L78 Chevelle from Nickey.......It was Marina Blue, Black Vinyl Top, Black Interior w/ Bench Seat, 4 Speed,Posi Car.......He added Headers, Crane Cam, and slicks.......Car ran 12.20's all day long.........You could tell the cars that had in car cam changes back then as they would notch out part of the Grill to allow for the cam swap.......
I had just gotten my L-79 Nova at the same time, when both of our cars were stock, they were perfectly matched as he couldn't pull me and vice versa....Dead Even
Great Time to have lived thru....... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Ken https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/flag.gif

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

Simply amazing!!! .
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/drool.gif
~ Pete

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

[ QUOTE ]
Back in April of 66, one of my friends bought a L78 Chevelle from Nickey.......It was Marina Blue, Black Vinyl Top, Black Interior w/ Bench Seat, 4 Speed,Posi Car.......He added Headers, Crane Cam, and slicks.......Car ran 12.20's all day long.........You could tell the cars that had in car cam changes back then as they would notch out part of the Grill to allow for the cam swap.......
I had just gotten my L-79 Nova at the same time, when both of our cars were stock, they were perfectly matched as he couldn't pull me and vice versa....Dead Even
Great Time to have lived thru....... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Ken https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/flag.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


Now THAT'S way cool! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/burnout.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

------Beautiful 66, absolutely outstanding!!! Aztec Bronze with matching interior was my favorite color combo in 66, and still is.
------Paul, if I missed the birthday of your car, I apologize but somewhere I heard that 66 L78s and L72s got smog after January 1,1966 in California. Government rules were year specific, not model-year specific??? Im not sure though. Maybe some of the other left-coasties know the answer???.......Bill S

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

Bill, it was a first week of July car, 1966, so was quite late in the model year.

Paul

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

Here are a few shots of the undercarriage. The transmission is date stamped P0511 and the tag shown in the pic is 3877459.

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

Front suspension. Spring tag is 3895817 GK.

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

Rear. Spring tag is 3895825 OT. Shock has a small sticker LU.

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

Engine bottom. Lower radiator hose is 3881814 UN. Sway bar is .940 inches. Block casting date is E86.

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

Paul

Thanks for sharing the additional pics, they are a gold mine/treasure chest.. I notice the Original and correct OIL PAN by virtue of the small HOLE at the top of the pan.. corrrect for 66 SS. Does the Radiator have a TAG attached to the Top Tank.. like VK or the like? Lots of original to 66 items here I see.. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/scholar.gif

Re: Paul Dehnert's Killer 1966 396/375 Chevelle!
 

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/drool.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif