My neighbors 'new' 70 SS convertible.

[Hank70SS]

I mentioned in the Frankenmuth thread that my neighbor was having a SS clone built. It was originally supposed to be done in May, just arrived Friday. I feel so bad for this guy, there are so many things wrong with this car. He went to see it last Monday, out of state and okayed the deal and they delivered it Friday.

Car was idling at 1,200 RPM, guy claimed the engine was still tight, ZZ454 crate engine, and the idle needed to be up so when the AC was kicked on it wouldn't kill the engine, Vintage Air system. He played with the idle a little but it would stall if he tried to bring the rpms down at all. Bogged in neutral if you hit the gas. I adjusted the carb a little today and brought the idle down to 750 and no bog. RPMs drop a little with AC on but still idles nice. I'll check the timing and throw a vacuum gauge on later to adjust the carb better, it still runs hot at idle.

All the bolts under the hood are silver, not chrome, looks like they're plated. You know, all the bolts that should be black oxide. They jump right out and not in a nice way.

Steering shaft, front sway bar, hood latch, rear control arms are all painted a silver/gray color. Just looks all wrong.

Rear taillight lens look to be original with half the silver striping worn off.

Convertible top doesn't come down properly, side rails are not in a straight line when the top is down so the windows won't seal up. The door windows overlap the chrome strip at the top of the quarter windows and barely touch the rubber seal at the bottom. Better not get caught in the rain. Guy claimed it was due to the after market power window stuff, tough, make it right or don't offer it as an option.

The dash pad must be missing the spring clips that hold it down to the metal frame below, You can see right under the pad when looking through the windshield.

I could go on but I'll stop now. I just wish he had asked me to go check this car out before he got it. I know he paid a fortune and I know these guys saw him coming. I won't mention any names but if anyone is thinking of having a car restored, PM me so you don't get hooked up with these guys.

BTW, my neighbor talked to Chuck Hanson and he claimed these guys do nice work. Maybe they do nice work if you really know Chevelles, my neighbor doesn't. Worst part, all my neighbor can say about the owner is 'What a nice guy.'