1970 Chevelle LS6......need your opinions

[rubbinisracing]

Certainly makes you wonder what other steps were taken to create a numbers matching car. Definitely an amateur move that could have been done in an attempt to deceive or by a previous owner in his own effort to keep his car "as delivered" if the original trans failed. Couple this with the trim tag issue, the lack of paperwork, and unstated owner history, leaves plenty room for doubt. Hawkeye, if your happy with the car knowing these things and what else you may learn, it's your call. But, I don't think this particular auto would pass the sniff test for most discerning buyers, and that's something you need to know if you buy this car. Until additional documentation and history this is a "created" car to me and would be valued as such. I know some will differ, but I never hope or wish for a car to be something. For me, they are only what you can "prove" them to be. We all have to determne how high the bar of proof is raised individually.

[ohhawk]

My Decision Tree for the purchase of any '70 SS (or certain others)


Question #1 - Does the car have a buildsheet/window sticker/paperwork?

If no.......no further questions thank you.

[Hawkeye]

Thank you all for the opinions. The day I looked at the car it raised too many questions for me not to commit to purchasing it. If someone went so far as to stamp a partial vin and incorrectly at that into the tranny it made me question what else was altered. But, at the same time it did have some interesting characteristics that made me wonder about the trim tag and potential special paint car. Unfortunately there is no paperwork or buildsheet. If there was, I would then have more questions on the authenticity of that too. If anyone else has an opinion on the trim tag please let me know. Thanks againg for all the comments.

Marty

[Mr70]

It does look like it's been rode hard & put away wet,but don't be so quick to dismiss it.
From the few photos you've posted,it's showing many questionable & incorrect parts like Master Cyl,Transmission,shifter,no tail pipe hangers,Blue over spray on body bushings,Ex.Manifolds etc.
Try to look past all that & at it's true heritage.
Your LS-6 tach description sounded good.
It's holding an LS-6 specific 4:10.
The correct PA radiator too.What's the part # on the fan shroud?
What's the part # and date on the fan blades,If not,look on the fans center hub for any markings.
I have a few Arlington Tx assembled 1970 Chevelles with Special order paint in my database.
Three are special order Hugger/Monaco Orange Acrylic.Their May/June buildsheets back this up.
Two have the CON VIN before the Tona date too.
It's transmission stamping was obviously added by someone later on,and looks like the wrong VIN font to me compared to the engine pad,from the pic you posted.That's not really an issue w/me,cause it's clearly not the one it was born with already,and some repair shops would stamp the vehicles digits in them when replacing,for their warranty purposes.

Get the casting number & date code off the back of the block.
Get the casting numbers & dates off the heads.
Get the casting number & date off the waterpump.
Get the casting number off the intake manifold.
Get the casting number & date off the Distributor.
Get the casting number & date off the Holley.
Get the casting number & date off the starter motor.
Get the casting number & date off the alternator.
Deep groove pulleys all around?
Is it holding an 8" dampener and correct tab timing cover?..If so,what's the date on it?
And clean the trim tag off....just to name a few.

Hunt for a buildsheet,some did get them and don't forget the sound deadner.Arlington liked to place em under the sound deadner.
Try to do a title search in AZ. to discover the past mileage.
Find out where he got the car from,contact the people he got it from.Ask what it was like when they owned it.Ask for pics too.

It's not easy to document and find a correct car,thus why they are so sought after today.

[Hawkeye]

Thank you for all the opinions, suggestions and knowledge. It has all been very helpful. If or when I get any additional information I will keep you all posted.

Thank you,
Marty

[resto4u]

Marty how much are they asking for the car? Explain to the seller that it is an undocumented car and that there are some incorrect parts and some issues with the engine and trans stamp. Offer them less than market value of a documented car, and if you can document the car later after you own it, good for you!