1970 Chevelle LS5 SS454 Red, 4-Speed, Born-with engine, diff, docs, road ready

The body-off restoration was completed in late 2010; prior to the current owner purchasing it at the Mecum Kissimmee Florida auction in January 2011 for $65. 00. 00. . Vehicle's painted surfaces was stripped and refinished with high quality materials to a standard much better than original. To the best our knowledge all sheet metal components on vehicle are original GM. not reproduction.  We did not perform the 2010 restoration on the vehicle. It is our understanding that it was performed by the seller.  

 Since early 2011. $41. 00. 00 was invested in a complete mechanical rebuild. partial restoration to correct OEM standards and operations dial-in which was completed in early 2012. The original engine and transmission have been completely rebuilt. As have all other components needing attention to be 100% correct or operational. 525 digital photos have been taken of vehicle before. during and since its 2011-2012 partial restoration. All billing statements are available for serious buyers to examine.

 Vehicle has been driven 500 miles so then.

 Vehicle has all original sheet metal with exception of RR quarter. inner panel. at trunk drop-off. Digital photos are available to document condition of inside of doors. window and back window areas. quarters. top and bottom of floors. inside of fenders etc.

 Vehicle has its “Born with” engine block. cylinder heads. intake manifold. transmission. differential. cowl tag and VIN tag.

 Factory documentation is the original Protecto-Plate provided to original owner when vehicle was sold new in Greenville SC on June 28. 1970.

                                                   i.      This engine's build date and ID info are same data listed on this Vehicle's Protecto-Plate.

                                                     i.      The stamping and casting number on this engine are consistent will other original. unaltered engines we have inspected and are sure are not re-stamps.

                                                    ii.      The broach marks located on pad where the engine's build date. ID code and VIN number are original and are consistent with unaltered engines we have inspected and are sure are not re-stamps.

                                                     i.      This is the correct original cylinder head casting number for all 1970 396-454 non-L78-LS6 CID engines

                                                     i.      The casting date of the cylinder heads precedes the engine build date of March 30. 1970.

                                                     i.      This is the correct original block casting number for all 1970 454 CID engines

                                                     i.      The casting date on the intake manifold precedes the engine build date of March 30. 1970.

a.         The differential's casting date located on the back of the diff housing is “C 5-70” or March 5. 1970. The casting date of the diff precedes the body assembly build date of fifth week of April 1970.

                                                     i.      The differential ID Code and Build date are consistent with the same data listed on this vehicle's Protecto-Plate.

b.       The differential's ID code and assembly date located on the front of the LH diff tube is “CRV0408B”. “CRV” denote this differential is a 3. 31 Pos. “0408” denotes this differential was assembled on April 8. 1970.

                                                     i.      The differential ID Code and Build date are consistent with the same data listed on this vehicle's Protecto-Plate.

                                                    ii.      Build date of differential is consistent with the body assembly date of fifth week of April 1970.

a.       The transmission main case casting number is #39254660.

                                                     i.      This is the correct original casting number for all Muncie Four Speed Transmissions installed in 1970 Chevelles.

b.       The transmission tail shaft casting number is #3857584.

                                                     i.      This is NOT the correct original casting number for all Muncie Four Speed Transmissions installed in 1970 Chevelles equipped the LS5 454-360 Engine. The correct casting number is 3952648.

c.        The transmission side cover casting number is #3952648.

                                                     i.      This is the correct original casting number for all Muncie Four Speed Transmission installed in 1970 Chevelles.

d.       The transmission's build date and ID Code stamped on the vertical surface of the passenger side of the main case is “P0C19A”.

                                                     i.      This means the transmission was assembled at the Muncie plant on March 19. 1970.

                                                    ii.      The “A” prefix denotes that this is a M-20 wide ratio four-speed transmission. The correct prefix is “C” for an M-22 four-speed transmission which was a mandatory option with for the LS5 Chevelle.

                                                   iii.      This transmission's build date and ID info are same data listed on this vehicle's Protecto-Plate

                                                   iv.      Build date of transmission is consistent with the body assembly date of fifth week of April 1970.

e.       The transmission's VIN number stamped on the vertical surface of the passenger side of the main case is “10A155972”. This number matches the vehicles VIN number plate attached to the driver's front corner of the windshield

                                                     i.      The VIN stamping on this transmission is not consistent will other original. unaltered transmissions. Close comparison of the VIN stamping on the engine when compared to the VIN stamping on the transmission show a slight difference in the character spacing. That is. the spacing is slightly wider on the transmission VIN than it is on the engine VIN. Unaltered stampings have the same character spacing on both the engine and transmission because both are applied at the factory with the same gang stamping.

a.       This cowl tag lists an exterior paint code of “75 75. ”

                                                     i.      This code is correct for Cranberry Red top and bottom. with no vinyl top.

                                                    ii.      This data is consistent with the finish on this vehicle.

b.       This cowl tag lists an interior paint code of “756. ”

                                                     i.      This code is correct for black vinyl bucket seats.

                                                    ii.      This data is consistent with the interior color and type for this vehicle.

c.       This cowl tag lists a body build date of “04E” or the fifth week of April. 1970.

                                                     i.      This data is consistent with the vehicle delivery date listed on this vehicle's Protecto-Plate.

1.                           Exterior Condition AFTER to 2011 partial restoration:

a.       Quality of paint and body work is excellent

b.       Panel fit is excellent

c.       New exact reproduction. dated coded LOF windshield has been installed

d.       Other exterior glass is in good original condition

e.       Both front and rear bumpers are original items that have been triple show chrome plated

f.        All exterior stainless steel trim around windshield and rear window has been removed. straightened and polished.

g.       All other exterior trim was in excellent condition

h.       SS wheels are good quality reproduction items

i.         Tires are exact reproduction F70 X 14 Firestone Wide Ovals

2.                                               Interior Condition AFTER to 2011 partial restoration:

a.       Seats. door panels. console. shifter. carpet and head liner are quality reproductions items with very little wear and no fading

b.       The shifter is a new Hurst Competition Plus shifter with correct console only handle.

c.       Foams in both front seats have been replaced. Seat covers fit correctly.

d.       Sail panels and headliner fit correctly

e.       All seat belts are original equipment in good original condition

f.        Correct original finishes have been applied to park brake and pedal assemblies

g.       Heater box has been removed. rebuilt as needed and new control cables installed.

h.       Heater defroster controls have been disassembled and cleaned and a new Delco blower switch installed.

i.         The complete dash was removed from vehicle; all gauges; speedometer and tachometer were serviced and restored as needed to make them fully operational.

j.         Replaced defective circuit board for gauges and dash lights

k.       The original AM/FM radio was serviced and repaired as needed.

l.         Original 10 ohm dash radio speaker rebuilt and re-coned as needed.

m.      Ventilation knobs replaced with correct exact reproduction parts

n.       Exact reproduction VIN and Build Date Tag from ECS has been installed on rear of drivers door

o.       All incorrect fasteners under dash have been replaced with either re-plated original fasteners or exact reproduction fasteners from AMK.

p.       Install new exact reproduction sun visor assemblies.

3.                                               Undercarriage Condition AFTER 2011 partial restoration:

a.       All surfaces of floor pan. differential. frame. front and rear suspension. steering. and brakes are rust-free and not pitted. Floor pans have no undercoating on them and there is no evidence of rust repair other than the RR quarter. inner quarter extension to trunk floor has been repaired.

b.       Factory type OEM. high density sound deadener has been installed in rear wheel tubs and area directly behind rear wheel tubs

c.       Exhaust system has been disassembled and redone so that it fits correctly under car.

d.       Incorrect exhaust hangers have been replaced.

e.       All incorrect fasteners have been replaced with either re-plated original fasteners or exact reproduction fasteners from AMK.

f.        All control arm bushings have been replaced.

g.       Upper ball joints. idler arm. tie rod ends. center link are new and have correct OEM finishes.

h.       Steering box has been completely resealed and rebuilt

i.         Power steering pump has been rebuilt and both hoses replaced

j.         Original drive shaft had  its front universal joint replaced and it has been balanced

k.       Differential yoke seal replaced and worn yoke repaired with redi-sleeve

l.         New correct size and height front coil springs have been installed on vehicle so that it sits at the correct curb height

m.      New complete clutch assembly installed and balanced.

n.       Correct clutch linkage installed.

o.       Original transmission completely rebuilt. All gear sets replaced with new best quality replacement parts. Transmission was damaged by input shaft alignment problem caused by the prior installation of cheap reproduction bell housing.

p.       Correct original #621 Bell housing purchased and installed.

q.       Brake components disassembled. cleaned as needed and converted to DOT 5 Silicon Brake Fluid

r.        Worn-out front brake rotors replaced with best available new replacements

s.       New correct zinc plated rotor shields have been installed.

t.        Both front brake calipers replaced with rebuilt original Delco Moraine items. New front brake pads installed.

u.       New rear brake cylinders installed. rear brake drums turned and shoes arched to correctly fit drums

v.       Replaced incorrect length park brake cables with correct new exact reproduction part

4.                                               Under hood Condition AFTER 2011 partial restoration:

a.       All incorrect fasteners under dash have been replaced with either re-plated original fasteners or exact reproduction fasteners from AMK.

b.       Hood hinges and catches have re-plated in the correct gray phosphate finish

c.       The cowl induction air cleaner has been powder coated in the correct gloss black finish

d.       Correct decals are installed on the core support. the engine and air cleaner assembly

e.        An exact reproduction R59 Delco Battery with Optima internals has been installed.

f.       New exact reproduction spring type battery cables are installed

g.       Master cylinder and rest of brake system has been disassembled. cleaned and converted to Silicon Brake Fluid

h.         Transmission Controlled Spark (TCS) parts have been purchased and installed on engine.

i.         All brackets on engine are either correct exact reproduction or original.

j.       The exhaust manifolds have been stripped. mating surfaces to heads have been machined so they fit correctly. Exterior of manifolds have been refinished with Hirsch paint.

k.         Engine was completely rebuilt and balanced by Greulich Machine.

l.      Fuel pump is the correct new exact reproduction item. Carburetor is a period correct quadrajet and has been completely rebuilt to factory specs.

m.       Distributor is a period correct item that has been rebuilt and re-curved for best all around performance

o.       All factory cowl induction electrical and vacuum components are correct and are fully operational.

n.       Disassembled steering column shaft. rag joint. etc. Refinished to correct OEM finishes

5.                                               Operations items resolved AFTER  2011 partial restoration:

a.       Cowl Induction Doors. Both Electric and Vacuum sides all restored. repaired and good correctly

b.       Both original horns rebuilt by Horn Works

c.        All lights and gauges work

d.       Clock rebuilt by Clock Works. Quartz movement installed.

e.       Heater and defroster. Cables now work. Blower motor works on all speeds

f.         Wipers rebuilt and wipers work correctly

6.                                               Other issues resolved AFTER 2011 partial restoration:

a.       Original engine completely rebuilt and balanced.

b.       Period correct Quadrajet carb completely rebuilt and installed. s

c.       New complete clutch assembly installed and balanced.

d.       Pinion seal for original differential replaced and yoke repaired.

e.         All steering components rebuilt. refinished to OEM as needed.

f.       Vehicle sits at the correct OEM curb height. front and rear

g.       Brake components disassembled. replaced. rebuilt. cleaned as needed and converted to DOT 5 Silicon Brake Fluid

h.         Transmission completely rebuilt

i.         Radiator is new and has been refinished in the correct gloss black finish.

1.                                               Exterior Condition PRIOR to 2011 partial restoration:

a.          Quality of paint and body work is excellent

b.          We believe the vehicle was never rusty or if it was. the rust was minor

c.          Panel fit is excellent

d.          Windshield is a generic non-date-coded replacement

e.          Other exterior glass is in good original condition

f.           Front bumper was poor quality. wavy imported reproduction piece

g.          All exterior stainless steel trim around windshield and rear window needed to be removed. straightened and polished.

h.          All other exterior trim was in excellent condition

i.           SS wheels are good quality reproduction items

2.                                               Interior Condition PRIOR to 2011 partial restoration:

a.       Seats. door panels. console. shifter. carpet and head liner are reproductions items with very little wear and no fading

b.       Foams in both front seats are shot and need to be replaced

c.       Sail panels in headliner fit poorly.

d.       All seat belts are original equipment in fair to good original condition

e.       Wrong finishes have been applied to under-dash components including the pedal assembly and park brake assembly

f.        The dash pad and gauge cluster are reproduction items in new condition

g.       Ventilation knobs have been painted silver. Look cheap

h.       VIN and Build Date Tag missing from rear of drivers door

3.                                               Undercarriage Condition PRIOR to 2011 partial restoration:

a.       All surfaces of floor pan. differential. frame. front and rear suspension. steering. and brakes are rust-free and not pitted. Floor pans have no undercoating on them and there is no evidence of rust repair other than the RR quarter. inner quarter extension to trunk floor has been repaired.

b.       Factory type sound deadener is missing from the rear wheel tubs

c.       Exhaust system is a good replacement system in good condition. Does not fit as correctly as it should

4.                                               Under hood Condition PRIOR to 2011 partial restoration:

a.       Many of the fasteners under the hood have the incorrect finishes

b.       Hood hinges and catches are painted. and are not plated in the correct gray phosphate finish

c.       Cowl Induction air cleaner seal is installed upside down

d.       Reproduction Cowl Induction air cleaner assembly is wrong satin black finish

e.        Correct decals are missing from core support and air cleaner assembly

f.       Vehicle has a cheapo generic battery installed with wrong hold down

g.       Master cylinder has wrong finish

h.         Transmission Controlled Spark (TCS) parts are missing under hood

i.         Correct alternator upper bracket is missing

h.       The exhaust manifolds are rusty and need to be blasted and refinished

i.         The engine is painted the wrong color and finish

5.                                               Items not working PRIOR to 2011 partial restoration:

a.       Cowl Induction Doors. Both Electric and Vacuum sides

b.       Both horns

c.       Passenger side turn indicator in dash

d.       Park brake light in dash

e.       Oil Pressure light in dash

f.        Clock

g.       Heater and defroster. Cables don't move. Blower does not work.

h.       Wipers

6.                                               Other issues PRIOR to 2011 partial restoration::

a.       The dash rattles. Radio is loose in dash

b.       Engine power is not what it should be for an LS5 Chevelle

c.       Engine is hard starting warm. Has aftermarket carb

d.       Oval key opens doors. Should be ignition key

e.       Clutch has noticeable shatter and vibration.

f.        Steering alignment appears to good. but steering is loose

g.       Front curb height of vehicle is at least one inch too low

h.       Brakes work good but the system is filled with DOT3 brake fluid 

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