William’s 1969 Chevelle SS396

Built From The Ground Up

William’s 1969 Chevelle SS396

In 1969, William’s parents bought their first new car. It could have been any car, but William’s parents chose something a little sportier: A 1969 Chevelle SS396 hardtop.

This 1969 Chevelle Super Sport ended up being the family car for a number of years. William can remember getting hauled around town with his brothers as kids. They even saw Jaws for the first time at the drive-in with this Chevelle!

Over the next several decades, William’s father could have sold the Chevelle SS many times over, but he instead waited until the time was right to hand the keys over to William. The Chevelle is mostly factory, save for an early ’70’s 396/325 horsepower short block, which was installed when the original engine had oiling issues.

The car still retains the original Muncie 3 speed transmission, center console, parchment bucket seats, SS wheels, 12 bolt rear end, and most of the sheet metal. A lot of people don’t believe William when he tells them it’s a Super Sport because it doesn’t have a 4 speed, but that’s the way it came right from the factory.

“Let’s just say I was a little overwhelmed, The car needed a lot of work and I’m very much on a fixed income. I ordered most of the parts from Ground Up – from sheet metal to vinyl top and carpet, etc.”

– William

So far, William has done all of the work himself including removing the original quarter panels, stripping everything to bare metal, applying three coats of primer, painting the car the original Daytona Yellow, installing the carpet and headliner, and installing the vinyl top.

William was also able to source some new original trim, which he installed himself to replace his own dented and dinged original trim. Future plans for the car include ordering a new chambered exhaust kit.

William’s folks haven’t seen the Chevelle since the restoration because they live many miles away, but they soon will. After all of the work, William is very excited for them to see it again, just the way it was when they bought it!

Ground Up Parts Featured In This Build

1968-1972 Chevelle Carpet Kit With Sill Plates Black

Part #: ACC-53131K

$211.79

You Save: 8%

1968-1972 Chevelle Vinyl Top White

Part #: VT-6872WHT

$179.99

You Save: 14%

1968-1969 Chevelle Hood Louvers

Part #: NL-100

$99.99

Best Price Available

1968-1969 Chevelle Rectangular Mirror Kit

Part #: MIR-69K

$44.85

You Save: 25%

Shop our huge selection of Chevelle Parts!

1964-1977 Chevelle & Malibu Parts

We want to see your Built From The Ground Up Ride!

Submit your car to be featured here!

Share this car with your friends!

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on email
Email

More Articles From Ground Up SS396.com

1968 Chevelle
1968 Chevelle

Les M’s 1968 Chevelle

A guy bought this 1968 Chevelle in New Mexico, in a local junkyard. Recognizing its potential, he promptly arranged for its transportation to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Les and his friend, were

Read More »
1969 Chevelle

Greg J’s 1969 Chevelle

Greg bought this 1969 Chevelle brand new from a local dealer and he’s been the original owner for over 50 years. He intended for it to be a fast family

Read More »
1970 Chevelle

David F’s 1970 Chevelle

David F. purchased this 1970 Chevelle in 2003. When David bought the Chevelle it was a complete basket case with pieces everywhere. David started his project by inventorying all the

Read More »
1966 Chevelle
1966 Chevelle

John K’s 1966 Chevelle

John’s 1966 Chevelle. Like many guys of his, uh, advanced age. He had spent the past 30 years or so thinking “if only…”. If only I’d kept that 71 Chevelle

Read More »

Follow Us On Social

Now Hiring in Florida!

Looking to get into the Automotive Industry? Here's your chance, click below to see what positions are opening soon!

Parts Catalog

Chevelle & El Camino, Camaro, & Nova
Free

We Want To See Your Car!

Submit your car to be featured today!