LS6 Chevelle registry (long)

[SS427]

Recently an LS-6 registry was suggested on several of the Chevrolet web sites and I was asked to head it up. I stated that I would give it another try as this is the only muscle car that does not have its own registry and is badly needed but only if the owners would take an interest. If the last few days are any indication which has been overwhelming, then now is the time. As many site members not only own them, dozens have come forward and offered their assistance both physically and financially.

The purpose of the LS-6 Chevelle Registry will be to gather and compile accurate historical information about these rare cars to include the El Camino, coupe and convertible, list many facts and hopefully dispel much of the inaccurate information that is out there. Much help is needed and several members have already offered their assistance both in knowledge, historical information and financial backing. I still need more help in the way of individual car information, photos, documents and historical information to give these cars the attention they deserve.

Once a web site has been developed, (I can use a lot of help there) much of the general information will be available to share. Since I have a full time job, a restoration business, a family and lack much of the web site knowledge needed, that is the one area I can initially use the most help on. The registry will not be intended to be used as a way to increase the value of one’s car or to belittle another. Only to list the facts as best I can. Unlike other registries, the LS-6 has no GM or dealer documented list of VIN numbers to verify a car’s originality. Because these cars are nearly impossible to prove in some cases, I hope to have some type of a rating system where a car with complete owner and documentation being rated one way while only a car having all the right equipment but no proof other than maybe original owners affidavit being rated yet another way.

I am in the very early stages of setting this all up and can use any input both positive and negative. I am new to this and will take anyone’s suggestion providing they are in the best interest of the hobbyist. I have been restoring, documenting and authenticating these cars for several years all the meanwhile compiling information from those cases in the hopes of someday being able to provide a service to owners and hobbyists. One thing I lack is much of the GM documentation which I know several of you have and hopefully will offer to add to the site and be recognized as the donor. I am by no means an expert and will open myself up to anyone who is that can offer their assistance with knowledge, information, photos, documents, etc. I am only the person who was elected and offered to head it up and spend the time to put it all together. At some time in my life, I would like to write a book on these great cars but that may likely be in another lifetime.

At some point in time, I would like to include the L-78 Chevelles and El Caminos as these were in fact the predecessor to the LS-6 and are also rarer. These high performance cars also need to have a registry and I would like to eventually include them. Obviously there are people on these sites that are much better educated on the L-78 and would hope they would like to partake in that end of it.

With all that said and done, anyone willing to share stories, photos, documents, build sheets, POP information, GM documents, original dealer information, VIN numbers, cowl tag information, etc, please send them to;

Rick Nelson
20560 Italy Ave
Lakeville, MN 55044
ls6registry@(removemefirst)hotmail.com

Any information that you supply that you want kept private, please mark as such and that will be honored. Eventually a list of VIN numbers will be listed on the site but with the last three digits shown as “xxx” to protect the privacy of the owner. I have well over 100 LS-6 and L-78 build sheets in my possession currently but would like to add to their information such as cowl tag and owner history if possible. Obviously items such as complete VIN numbers, owner information and some cowl tag information will be kept private. I would prefer to get full size color photocopies of the build sheets as opposed to actual photos.

I hope that I can get everyone’s backing and blessing on this as the hobby desperately needs a registry for these cars and hopefully some day, many of the clones out there can be disproved. In no way will this site condone misuse as a way to help someone clone these cars and some information regarding the LS-6 will be kept private for that very reason. I thank you in advance for any assistance, opinions and/or information that you can provide. Several sites have already offered their home page as a place to list this registry. Please understand this registry will not be affiliated with any one site but rather use all the resources possible to help the registry grow.
Rick Nelson