LEMON ZEST
Authentic Chevelle SS396, 4 Speed w/22,092 original Arizona Miles
VIDEO HEAR IT!
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY
This is one of my most prized cars as it cannot be replaced. According to the owner here I bought it from, this is a Genuine Chevelle SS that was stored in Arizona for 35 years. There are three consecutive owners with Arizona titles showing the mileage as ACTUAL and is certified on the tile. The Engine Performance builder and his $7,000 highly detailed “street racing” engine build BILL are in my file and in a photo.
The vin tag is unaltered and secured with the proper rivets. The title matches the VIN tag and carries the 138XXXXX ViN number denoting a Super Sport, not a clone. The trim tag is also original, factory attached with legible codes with the first line 138 code. The tag decodes as a 4 speed with the correct exterior and interior colors on the car at present. The original bench seat was replaced with completely rebuilt buckets and console with Quartz clock by me as part of a full interior restoration.
The High Performance heads are, of course, Aluminum so head casting numbers would not be original. The block, however, carries the correct CASTING number and corresponding early date for a 1967 SS396 Chevelle of this vin number. (I was a NCRS Midyear corvette restorer for 15 years and have a Library of numbers and authenticity references.)
The builders 2015 bill notes that the block was “decked “ which is typical of a big rebuild when the builder is not given instructions otherwise. So the partial vin derivative is missing from the engine pad, meaning it cannot be proven to be the original engine. The previous owner was more interested in High Performance than preserving numbers. The build was completed in May 2015, I bought the car in 2016 putting no more than 150 miles on it basically driving it to various shops over 3 years of upgrading.
From the condition of the overall undercarriage including frame, floors, trunk and original quarter panels which are extraordinarily clean and undetailed, it’s obvious to the experienced builder/restorers that have seen the undercarriage that the mileage of 23,000 is completely believable. It was such a delight for me to finally buy a car I did not have to send to my Metal Man.
We call it Lemon Zest for a reason. It’s more than a little Zesty with a “street race” built roller 396. The seller performed a test drive demo for me. The instant it fired, that vicious lopey cammed motor had me teary-eyed nostalgic for that RAW horse power pull…… We were off…… me…. with a jacked heart rate through every gear shift. SO much more FUN than the modern LS3 muscle cars I also own.
This Chevelle was obviously professionally restored and a substantial investment in Performance and drivetrain was already recently done. Investing in upgrades and updates in the interior, the electrical system and suspension mounts, fuel tank, gauges etc was an easy decision. Of course, it kept just going with the never ending little stuff. But now, this Chevelle is ready to enjoy, not sit in my garage for another 4 years.
NOW the details
PAINT/BODY
A professional body and paint restoration sometime before 2015. May well have been a frame off, but I cannot say for sure. On a body on restoration there is usually evidence of overspray on trim from an imperfect making job. I did not see that. Paint is still lustrous, even and reflective with a two stage paint of base and clearcoats. It certainly does not need a paint job anytime soon. Just a little paint correction would take it to a 9.0 if you want to compete in local shows.
There are no suspicious bubbles under the vinyl top or anywhere in the paint suggesting moisture or rust. Not even at the lower bottom of the body where you typically find them. Also, the inside door metal at the very bottom of the door is still factory, indicating no bondo work. There is no clear coat lifting or cracking anywhere. The paint is not thinning, the panels match well. I rate it 8.5. there are 2 small chips at the door edge on both sides that could have easily been expertly blended in, but was just touched up with a good color match, however. The color underneath is primer, not another color. There are two very tiny surface paint cracks in the trunk lid that are extremely fine. It’s a $600 paint correction task to repaint the whole trunk lid though these are not very noticeable.….. IMO. The fitment is factory. Being somewhat of perfectionist, one door could be moved tighter to the jamb. Doors open and close without a problem and body appears straight with no obvious repairs or cracking/bulging bondo.
The door jambs look good and we installed new door bumpers as well. Also, the step panel area is not all chipped up or scratched as they typically are. We did replace weather stripping around the vent windows and other areas like the trunk. The desert heat is hard on rubber parts but nice to steel!
The vinyl top is the most expertly installed top I have ever seen. It almost looks original but in the AZ heat, it can’t be. Its pretty much flawless.
TRIM/BRIGHTWORK
Front and rear bumpers are new as are ALL the emblems everywhere on the car. The front grill and headlight bezels are new as well. The hood trim plates are new as are several trim pieces. The rear trim on the tail panel is new as well. All the lenses have been replaced except the tail lights and housings are original and in good condition without cracks. The door handles operate well, a few scratches on them. The narrow anondized aluminum trim around the bottom of the headliner has some shallow screwdriver scratches than can be removed with abrasives once you remove the anodizing.
The chrome trim around the vent windows/pillers is often pitted on non Arizona cars and expensive if you have to replace it. There is NO pitting at all.
ENGINE BAY
The balanced roller engine has performance accessories that can be seen in the pictures. Aluminum heads with custom tall valve covers, Aluminum radiator, polished intake, plated 950CFM double pumper (still looking for numbers to verify CFM), braided fuel lines, performance fuel pump, big dual SPAL fans, MSD 6AL, Blaster coil, belt system with all chrome pulleys, Hooker chrome headers, and more, take a look. Engine build details are in the bill that includes Roller rockers, hydraulic roller cam, Forged pistons, ARP hardware, lots spent at $7000 just on the block. The entire car was recently completely rewired with the American Autowire Update Classic package, so no micky mouse wiring.
The inner fenders and engine compartment are detailed as well the underside of the hood with new insulation installed. Nothing to do in there unless you want to add a choke for colder climates.
INTERIOR
We did a whole lot in there. Complete Dynamat even the rear trunk divider board behind the seat. New dash bezel, gauges, dash pad, Grant GT Mahogany steering wheel with SS horn button, glove box, keys, arm rests, door panels, carpeting, headliner, rebuilt to like new including sliders and new back covers and latches. (Bucket seats were $2,000, not just recoverd) Bucket seats and rear seats, courtesy lights, new emergency brake cable and pedal arm was moved 2” to allow new front kick panel Kicker speakers, complete console with Quartz clock and several shift boot pieces. Door and window handles, Correct repro sill plates, driver retractable seat belt with Gm logo buckle. Kicker speakers in rear deck. RETROsound head unit driving 4 speakers, includes BlueTooth. It sounds great.
Instruments/Electrical
Complete American Autowire package and console harness. Dash gauges, Dash panel lights, turn signals, horns, brake lights, headlights, parking lights, aftermarket gauge panel for Oil, water and Amp, door courtesy lights, clock light, all work due to new wiring including modern fuse box. Fuel gauge works due to new sending unit. Speedo cable was reading too high MPH, correct one is installed underneath but not at dashboard due to difficult access for a big guy. License plate light also works.
UNDERCARRIAGE
Dry, solid and undetailed, just like you want to see them. Remarkable. I have a lot of pictures. I included pictures of floor pans, the frame is also exceptional. Even the driveshaft and former exhaust was not surface rusted. I saw NO attempt to cover anything with undercoating or Paint Over Rust Products. . We replaced rubber bushings in the front suspension. Body mounts are OK. Trunk floor and inside of quarter panels are unrusted. Trunk is now black, not spatter painted. I am planning on doing that and have the correct Blk/Aqua if buyer wants it done. I prefer seeing it unspattered. Pictures available for anything you want.
New shocks installed, new tank and straps, new sending unit and lines. New Flowmaster 3” over the axle tail pipes.
Transmission and motor are clean and all the hardware is obviously recent. Replaced the solenoid last week. Early on, there Was a pinion leak at differential but replaced that and differential gasket.
Drivetrain
To handle the higher torque, the owner replaced the Muncie with an Aluminum cased Super T10. If you have shifted both you know the S T10 shifts so much smoother, more precisely and quieter. This became the standard choice for higher torque engines according to my research. Someone will argue for a Muncie which is better for originality but not with this engine.
Rear Axle codes to original Positraction 373 gear ratio which is a good choice. Its clearly dated a 1967 differential, I don’t know if the ratio was changed but the builders details say 373 ratio.
Apparently, when the Super T10 was installed and the new engine with the extra capacity oil pan the Bell housing had to be modified to accept the starter to flywheel configuration. So there is a larger opening at the starter which is not factory. There were no starting issues once we put in the new Solenoid.
WINDSHIELD/GLASS
Front windshield is a good tinted replacement that was installed correctly. The rear is in good condition and appears to be original. Side glass in front and rear is all quite good. A couple very shallow small surface scratches that will polish out with abrasives and polish. Except for the windshield the owner tinted all the glass with a dark tint. I usually remove that stuff with a heat gun but I think it makes sense out here and actually looks pretty good. All window cranks and handles work, the regulators are a bit dry. There is recent weather stripping and cat whiskers. All the weather stripping and rubber looks good. I think the 17’ wheels really improved the stance. I do have the original Rally wheels that are shown in the Video.
WHEELS/TIRES
I replaced the 15” Rallys, the rear rims were 10’ wide with very wide tires old Cooper tires. I chose American Legend 17” Rallys with Michelin Pilot Sports which are premium tires, These wheels and tires have about 75 miles on them and are under warranty.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Powerful but very drivable and reliable. Starts immediately, after warmed, revs instantly, sounds vicious through Hooker headers and new 3” Flowmaster exhaust system including over the axle tail pipes. The Chevelle came with Flowmaster Super 10s with dumps in the center of the undercarriage. I went with Deltas and full system which still accentuates that great lopey sound you hear in the VIDEO but is not obnoxiously loud inside and you can hear your music or Bluetooth phone calls. Power steering works well and Steers straight, no wandering or loose suspension feeling.
Stops great, yes, even without disk brakes. Suspension is very comfortable and more stable than my 1st Gen Camaros due to that great Chevelle frame. Accelerates instantly and shifts smoothly with nice smooth and responsive clutch. No noises from brakes, suspension or body noises.
The heater box and core is in place as well as the heater panel and sliders but the hose connections are capped at the firewall. Out here we go with Vintage air which includes the heating system but you could reconnect the heater system.
The Chevelle has had the oil and filter changed 50 miles ago with Valvoline Racing oil with Zinc Additive and new Spark Plugs installed. At this time there are no leaks.
WHO is Midyearqueen?
I have been a collector and restorer forever and hang out with other muscle car owners who just enjoy the hobby. I’ve sold several muscle and collector cars I have owned here on Ebay over 15 years and most all were purchased sight unseen….. which always makes me nervous. Read the reviews. This is not a car I would worry about not being loved by the new owner. As always, I attempt to describe flaws that might affect value or are hidden if I have discovered them. I like a buyer to call me to answer every question I can.
I rely on a team of highly talented, local senior auto “specialists” for every necessary repair or upgrade which has taken me a decade to establish. No single mechanic can do everything well. I personally have considerable knowledge from 30 years of partial to complete rotisserie restorations, but I am not a mechanic and have not done the work on this Chevelle. Well, I changed the plugs and troubleshot wiring problems until I went mad with frustration. Now I have a guy that rewires all my old cars and stands behind his work.
Housekeeping
The Arizona Title is in my name with no lien. A Bill of Sale can be provided with the notarized title. There is NO SALES TAX on private sales here in Arizona. Your own state may require a tax.
A $1500 non refundable deposit is required in 48 hours with full payment in 7 days. I have had very successful sales with buyers with low or no ratings. However, in fairness to other bidders, bidders with ratings under 20 must contact me first or risk having their bid cancelled.
I will cooperate with your shipper and video the loading, the driver and the truck for your protection. The LEMON ZEST plates will be removed.
Disclaimer
I have tried to illuminate the condition of this car to the best of my knowledge. I will not be held responsible for errors or omissions. I am not a mechanic, all mechanical work was done by previous owners or my technicians. I prefer to sell to someone who has seen the car so neither of us is disappointed. Inspections are encouraged prior to bidding.
AZ 1967 Chevelle SS
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Using the mobile app? Copy this link into your browser:Oh The reason I am selling is that I have a multi year rotisserie restoration on a Camaro that is 90% finished and will be released to me from the shop next week. I don’t have a garage space for it and off site storage is not an option. And this car is done and ready. The car cover I have for the Chevelle and a new in box trunk mat goes with the car.
I can provide photos by email for any part of the car requested. Email for my phone number. I monitor messages multiple times a day.On Nov-12-19 at 16:15:21 PST, seller added the following information:Zero Bidder, eapa-39 is Cleared to bid.
On Nov-12-19 at 16:50:33 PST, seller added the following information:Re: Trim Tag
Zero bidder Josie 1965 is cleared to bid.
On Nov-15-19 at 08:28:43 PST, seller added the following information:SUNDAY: SOMEONE HIT BUY IT NOW “ACCIDENTALLY” SO FORCED to start over with 3,000 views, 50 on watch hours before auction end.