John A’s 1971 Chevelle

Built From The Ground Up

John A’s 1971 Chevelle

John purchased this 1971 Chevelle about 20 years ago as a rolling shell, with the intent of creating the car that he wanted to drive. He’d owned both a 1970 and a 1971 Chevelle prior but hadn’t had the opportunity to build one for himself.

Over the following years, John has been diligently restoring his project 1971 Chevelle as time would allow. Fortunately, the original floors, rocker panels, and trunk were all in good condition, but the rest of the body did not fare so well. John has had to replace much of the exterior sheet metal such as fenders, quarter panels, the taillight panel, as well as the radiator support. Unsurprisingly, the inner fenders and wheelhouses have also been replaced.

Power is supplied via a fuel-injected 406ci small-block Chevy with roller cam bearings and Dart Pro 1 heads. The fuel system is Holley Sniper X-Flow with an Aeromotive 1000 fuel pump and regulator.

This setup is paired to a Muncie M22 4-speed shifted via the factory Hurst unit, but with a hydraulic clutch conversion; a perfect combination of old school and new school build mentalities. All that power reaches the pavement by way of a 12 bolt positraction rear end with 4.10 gearing.

The brakes have had upgrades as well, with billet front spindles that accommodate C6 Corvette front discs and the rear has been converted to disc brakes.

Keeping with the theme, the entire 1971 Chevelle has a Painless rewire to eliminate the crusty original harnesses. John has also integrated Vintage Air and a Billet Specialties accessory drive was swapped in to increase the overall reliability of the Chevelle.

While there’s still much left to do before this build is finished, John says he will be working on it more now that he’s ordered many parts from Ground Up SS396.com.

"Dealing with Dave and Theresa, always a good non-trouble experience"

–John A

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!

More Articles From Ground Up SS396.com

1969 Chevelle

Dominic D’s 1969 Chevelle SS

Dominic decided to treat himself to a 1969 Chevelle SS! He is a heavy collision autobody technician by trade for 35 years. For the past 12 years, he has been

Read More »
1971 chevelle
1971 Chevelle

Shawn D’s 1971 Chevelle

Shawn D purchased this 1971 Chevelle from a man in Colorado back in 2005. It had been sitting for a few years when he purchased it so it needed some TLC

Read More »
Ricks 1967 chevelle ss
1967 Chevelle

Rick’s 1967 Chevelle SS396

This is Rick’s 1967 Chevelle SS which came over to Long Island, NY from the West Coast. The car is rust free with the original floors and trunk. Rick is

Read More »
1971 Chevelle
1971 Chevelle

Tracy H’s 1971 Chevelle

Tracy has always been passionate about muscle cars. That is how she came to own this 1971 Chevelle. Tracy was never a Barbie girl. She was happier playing with matchbox

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!