For years, I’ve been a silent observer in the online car community, absorbing knowledge and appreciating the passion. Now, I’m sharing my own story, one that many of you might find relatable. It revolves around the pursuit of a dream car and the inevitable quest for those elusive 67 Chevelle Parts Car For Sale.
My journey started a while back when I stumbled upon a remarkably original 1967 Chevelle SS near Seattle, Washington. This wasn’t just any Chevelle; it was a local gem, untouched and authentic. Born in Seattle, it had passed through a few caring hands before it became mine. Imagine: original paint, original interior, original engine, transmission, rear end – the works. A turquoise beauty inside and out, complemented by a black vinyl top and a 325 horsepower Powerglide engine. My joy came from preserving its history, focusing on gentle cleaning and essential maintenance. I resisted the urge to modernize or repaint, cherishing its imperfections, like the original, slightly worn carpet and the driver’s seat with a tear that told a story. My only deviation from stock was swapping the original 14×6 6A3 wheels for slightly wider 15×7 and 15×8 steel wheels – the original wheels went with the car when I eventually sold it.
During my ownership, a nagging feeling persisted: I wished it was a non-vinyl top, 4-speed model. Life changes were on the horizon – a career shift and marriage – and with a touch of regret, I sold the Chevelle. It went to The Roadster Shop in Illinois, a testament to its desirability even then.
Fast forward about two years, and the project car itch returned. My ’68 Chevelle was “finished,” and I felt a void without a restoration project. Having always been immersed in some sort of automotive revival, the desire for a full-blown restoration was strong. I took to Craigslist, posting a “wanted” ad specifically for a 1967 Chevelle SS project. My criteria were clear: it had to be an original car with a 4-speed transmission and, crucially, a non-black interior. My tastes had evolved; where once I preferred black interiors, I now gravitated towards the vibrant, funky colors of the 60s and 70s.
My search yielded a few promising leads, one emerging from the Phoenix, Arizona area. My wife and I impulsively booked flights to Phoenix in the sweltering summer heat. We drove to the seller’s house, a bit outside the airport. It was a scorching 115 degrees, and my wife wisely decided to stay in the air-conditioned car! But for me, it was love at first sight. I was astonished that cars like this still existed, untouched and waiting to be rediscovered.
The story behind this Chevelle was captivating. The gentleman I bought it from had first seen it parked outside the original owner’s house, across the street from his future wife’s home, on their very first date – they were going to see Top Gun! Intrigued, he approached the house to inquire about the Chevelle, only to be met with a barrage of expletives and told to go away. However, fate had other plans. Over the years, they became acquainted, and in 2008, the original owner, battling terminal cancer, decided to sell the car. My seller was fortunate enough to acquire not just the Chevelle, but also a collection of original paperwork, remarkably preserved despite the Arizona climate. He brought the car home and, somewhat unintentionally, stored it in the side yard of a rental property, where it remained patiently waiting until I came along.
We struck a deal, and I later returned with my father and brother, who live in Southern California, and his truck and trailer. As we drove the Chevelle away from Arizona, it felt surreal; this car had never left the Phoenix area. Eventually, it was shipped to my home in Washington State, ready for its new chapter.
This Chevelle is a fairly basic SS model. No factory gauges or tachometer. A 325 horsepower engine. It does have power steering and full wheel covers. Crucially, the engine, transmission, and rear end are all numbers-matching. It retains its original carburetor, radiator, and exhaust manifolds – complete with the smog conversion system, as it was built in Fremont and originally sold in Arizona. What I truly appreciate is that it’s a 4-speed bench seat car. For me, this configuration is far more appealing than buckets and a console. Adding to the sense of destiny, it was built in the third week of March, and I was born on March 20th – it felt meant to be.
The restoration has begun, and I’ve been steadily accumulating parts. Restored turquoise seat belts, spiral shocks, and other essential components are now in hand. Some decisions are still pending. For instance, I invested in a 4-piston 1967 GM disc brake kit from Inline Tube during a Black Friday sale. They no longer produce this kit due to caliper costs. I also acquired a complete 4-piston 1967 disc brake setup salvaged from a Chevelle back in the 80s. However, I’m now leaning towards retaining the original drum brakes, hesitant to introduce modifications that weren’t factory-installed. Similarly, while I admire dog dish caps, I intend to keep the full wheel covers, as indicated on the original sales order. Initially, I considered adding a blinker tach, tilt steering, and gauges, but I’m increasingly drawn back to the car’s original simplicity.
The next significant challenge lies in sourcing five Norris Technologies 14×6 wheels, as they are all missing. Rust is also a factor, despite the car’s Arizona history. Broken front and rear windows led to rust in the front dash area and rear window channel. The trunk and lower quarter panels have also succumbed to rust. Remarkably, the floors are immaculate – completely rust-free.
The journey of restoring this 1967 Chevelle SS is ongoing. Finding the right 67 chevelle parts car for sale to potentially source missing components like those Norris wheels, or even just individual 67 chevelle parts for sale, might become necessary as the project progresses. It’s a testament to the dedication and resourcefulness required to bring these classic muscle cars back to their former glory. Enjoy the photos of this exciting project!
