V8TV's 1969 Chevelle "SS496" SEMA car

[Kevin O]

Sorry for being a little behind on the updates... we've been doing this from the road with no time and no sleep.    Here's the road trip highlights...

[Kevin O]

It's been a long process, but here's the result... the SS496 at SEMA!

[monsterflake]

well, what's going on? i'm waiting for fresh video! any interesting pontiacs out there? steve

[Kevin O]

We'll be getting back into the shop this week to finish the final details on the SS496, so there is much more to come on this car.   We still have to install the cooling fans, Nitrous system, a bunch of little odds & ends, the convertible top... you get the idea.   In the mean time, here's a shot from CarDomain at SEMA...

[Farmgirl]

Thanks to all of you and your positive comments on the look of the Chevelle.  We couldn't have done it without the crew at the shop.  This makes me remind all of you to be kind to your friends, you never know when you might need their skills at 4 in the morning to get the job done. 

[Kevin O]

We've finally gotten back into the groove after the hectic SEMA show, so now we're finishig detials left undone before SEMA.    Tonight, we installed the SPAL dual 12" electric fans (PN 30102130) and their 185 Fan Relay Harness.  The fans pull huge amounts of air, and the innovative shroud has little flappers to allow natrually occuring high-pressure air to flow thorough the radiator core at highway speeds.  At low speeds, they close and let the fans do their job.    The 185 Fan Harness incorporates a thermal switch to sense the coolant temp and turn the fans on at 185 degrees farenheit, and off again at 165.  The power runs through a pair of relays to keep the fans happy.   We break away in this video to chat with a SPAL rep at SEMA to learn about what sets SPAL apart from the competition. 

www.spalusa.com

[Kevin O]

Everyone uses ARP fasteners, but to they ever tell you WHY?  We realized that the first 30 pages of the ARP catalog are loaded with tech and info on everything you could want to know about fasteners and how they're measured, rated, and tested.

www.arp-bolts.com

[Kevin O]

We're still working on the 1969 Chevelle SS496 project, and we're at the part of the project where you keep finding little details to take care of.    Like a small power steering leak, and a funky dash ground that allowed us to dim the high beams by turning the headlight switch knob!    That was a weird one.    Anyway, the last major project is the convertible top install and then we should be ready to road test the car.   

[Kevin O]

OK, we're aware it's been several months on the SS496, but we're getting ready to post the wrap-up shortly.    The car has been going through final tuning and detail sorting-out... you know, the kinds of things you fix only after driving it around a while.   Here's a snapshot of what's to come!

[Kevin O]

http://www.v8tvshow.com/ss496 - We completely restored this 1969 Chevelle, taking it from "bass boat" green to the original color, replacing much of the original sheet metal and adding some key upgrades.   We installed a Global West front suspension, Baer brakes, Hydratech Hydroboost unit, OPGI lowering springs, Vintage Wheel Works wheels, and a 550 HP Fast Times built 496 big block Chevy engine.   It's loaded with Royal Purple synthetic fluids, and breathes through MagnaFlow exhaust.  The car debuted at the SEMA show, and has been logging miles ever since.   Follow the build of this car at www.v8tvshow.com/ss496 today!