You may only know the V8TV guys from their YouTube channel, but they also have a great shop filled with skilled individuals that work on restoring and modifying classic cars. One of their latest projects was a 1969 Chevelle that had started out as a restoration project for its owner but eventually turned into a bigger project than his limited amount of time and tools could handle. Check out what V8 Speed & Resto Shop did to make this car into the beast it is today in the video above!
Originally a base ’69 Chevelle, this classic American muscle car has been transformed into a downright performance machine thanks to the V8 Speed & Resto Shop.
While the owner, Rick Berkbuegler, had gotten a great start on the project, V8 Speed stepped in when the owner called asking if they’d like to take his car on as a project. From there, the rest is history.
To start off with, the V8 Speed team put in new floors because the original ones on the car were severely rusted from underneath. The car was then media blasted, sealed and coated with enamel to protect it against rust in the future.
Before V8 Speed got the car, the quarter panels had been replaced by GM NOS replacements. To give the car a overall clean body, V8 Speed added the new floors, in addition to new NOS doors and fenders. A bit of massaging was done on the body to get it perfectly straight with the new metal in place and then the Chevelle’s signature late-model Chevy Carbon Flash Metallic paint scheme with a Red SS-inspired stripe was sprayed in reverse order.
Final assembly of the car resulted in even more new components, including new bumpers, badges and the addition of SS badges.
The chassis underneath the car was all restored by the car’s owner and remains relatively stock but with a few upgrades, like new ball joints and bushings, a bigger front sway bar, upgraded control arms and a new 12-bolt, Posi-traction rearend with 3.42 gears. The front suspension has also been lowered by an inch to give the car a classic nose-down stance.
Okay, so it’s only kind of stock!
Powering the car in true SS-inspired style is a 462 454 ci Chevy big-block that has been over-bored and features an Edelbrock aluminum intake, chrome valve covers, all new internals, a performance camshaft, MSD electronic ignition, Hooker headers and a Holley 870-cfm carburetor.
Expelling spent fuel from the system is a three-inch Magnaflow exhaust system with trimmed tips.
While the engine may look relatively like a Chevy 396 ci, it certain doesn’t perform like one, pushing out upwards of 450 hp with a proper dyno tune.
Tied to the engine is a Turbo 400 transmission with a 2800 rpm stall converter and a shift upgrade kit for improved shift quality. Putting the car’s power to the pavement are 17-inch Rocket Racing Booster wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich rubber.
Inside, the car features a classic yet upgraded interior. New TMI leather seat covers canvas the original seats, which have been re-foamed for additional comfort. Rebuilt gauges keeps the car’s vitals easy to read while a Vintage Air A/C unit and window tinting keeps the interior of the car cool and without glare.
The interior also received new trim, new door panels, sound-deadening material, new carpet and an added center console. Of course, we can’t forget the Antique Auto Radio stereo system also added to the car.
The V8 Speed & Resto Shop did an amazing job on this classic Chevelle build. Hopefully we’ll get to see the car in person soon on the upcoming show circuit for 2015!