Re: possible 1970 SS 396 rotting away
 

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If it's original color is black cherry with a white vinyl top and interior I think that would be neat!!!

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http://www.chevelles.com/years/70/70paint.html

Re: possible 1970 SS 396 rotting away
 

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... I really doubt that back in 1979 someone would go to the trouble of putting an SS dash.big block and f41 susp in a Malibu then leaving the small block shaft in???? ...

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Doubtful anyone back then knew there was a difference.

Steve

Re: possible 1970 SS 396 rotting away
 

The fact that it has a later steering wheel could mean that the column got changed out for some reason. 78 is the code for black cherry.

Re: possible 1970 SS 396 rotting away
 

Let me guess: the owner plans to restore it someday.

Re: possible 1970 SS 396 rotting away
 

Look inside that Backseat for a Buildsheet..pronto!
If none found,I wouldn't place to much faith in that L just yet..
It could be a LS-3 w/rally dash option.
Noticed a 71-72 Steering wheel,so maybe the column was changed too possibly.
Is it holding front disc brakes?
Are there any signs of SS emblems on the fenders,rear bummper,grille & door panels?
I'd look for rearend boxed lower reinforcement arms,and F-41 frame ties as well as the axle tube prefix code stamped.
Whats the emission label and radiator tag identity?
Can you read that Tona block code,and the Trans. tag?


In 1979,one of our assignments in Autoshop was to drop a BB into a SB Chevelle,which we did & later added the rally dash,so I would look alot closer at this car.

Re: possible 1970 SS 396 rotting away
 

Rick, Drivers side fender has SS 396 emblems on it,none on passenger fender,it's a different color,probably a replacement.The rear bumper has the SS pad,drivers door panel is gone,maybe in the trunk,but the passenger one says SS 396.I'll look at the front today when I go back.Has SS wheels and rear sway bar,it's in a large puddle now and not sure if I can get under to see control arms etc... I'll write down the vin and trim tag info today also.Gonna take some carb cleaner to spray on the engine pad so that I can see the numbers. Will also check the water pump,alternator numbers,looks like a long style AC fuel pump on it and also noticed the TCS solenoid mounted on the firewall. Will post some more pictures after I get back today.

Re: possible 1970 SS 396 rotting away
 

Man that sounds fun!
This is what it's all about.
Let me know if I can help..

Re: possible 1970 SS 396 rotting away
 

Have you talked to the owner yet? I would be a little upset if someone was doing that much snooping around my car without even asking.


Jason

Re: possible 1970 SS 396 rotting away
 

Rob,
I see NO indication that would make this car subject to being a clone. As you said, why would someone do that way back then when they were a dime a dozen and then let it rot. The picture that I can see of the steering shaft appears to be a BB coupler but it too small for me to really tell. The steering wheel is certainly no reason to make it suspect and as stated before, someone could simply have replaced the complete steerin column.

Unfortunately the car looks pretty rough. I am assuming it is a very early car. I also cannot make out the date on the cowl tag. The car is what it is and it would be nice to try and save it. Good luck. Hopefully you can get in touch with the owner and save the car.
Rick

Re: possible 1970 SS 396 rotting away
 

I love the original white interiors.