Chevelle Technical Features

One of the most common questions in classic Chevy car circles is: “Why don’t they make this part for my car?” As a supplier and manufacturer to the aftermarket for many years, we will attempt to answer this question and shed some light on manufacturing parts for the aftermarket and classic car market.

Making cut-to-fit spark plug wires

Time: Approximately 2 hours

Tools: wire cutters, crimping pliers, razor blade, Sharpie marker

What you’ll need: set of quality spark plug wires (boots and terminals included), white dielectric grease, wire socks (recommended), wire looms

Tip: When cutting and installing a new set of wires, mark each end at the boots with its designated cylinder number. This will serve as a great quick reference in the future.

Here’s what you’ll net: more reliable spark delivery to the plugs and a cleaner looking engine compartment: set of quality spark plug wires (boots and terminals included), white dielectric grease, wire socks (recommended), wire looms.

arburetor: Quick-Change Vacuum Springs

Time: approximately 30 minutes

Tools: small Phillips screwdriver

Here’s what you’ll need: Holley quick-change spring housing, vacuum secondary spring kit

Tip: During the test and tune process, keep track of which springs help or hinder your carburetor’s performance. They make it easy by color-coding the top of each spring.

nstalling Valve Cover Gaskets and Studs

Time: approximately 1 hour

Tools: a pair of 3/8” boxed wrenches, putty knife, deep-sockets and socket wrench

Tinware: valve cover gaskets, gasket placement glue, valve cover studs,

Tip: When replacing your valve cover gaskets, it’s a good time to think about other similar upgrades such as valve covers, breathers, or plug wire retainers.

Tools: standard socket set, standard wrenches, crankshaft socket, breaker bar

Tinware: new timing chain, new timing cover (optional), timing cover gasket, gasket sealer, oil pan gasket (optional)

Tip: Before getting started, check out the clearance between the oil pan and the crossmember to see if there’s enough room to remove the pan.

Performance gains: A new timing chain and sprockets will deliver consistent performance and reliability.

Text and Photography by Jeff Ford

Time: 3-4 hours (approximately)

Cost: Approximately $45 for Eastwood’s Steering Wheel Restoration Kit (available at Eckler's)

Tinware: Dremel tool kit, or similar brand. Steering wheel puller, selection of putty knives, various sandpaper grits ranging from 80 through 600-800 grit

Tip: Thoroughly degrease the wheel before applying paint!

Time: 3 hours approximately (per pair)

Tools: lug-wrench, flat-blade screwdriver, rubber mallet, needle-nose pliers, various specialty brake tools (recommended)

Cost: rebuild kits approximately $250 for 4 wheel drum brakes

Tinware: brake shoes, drum brake hardware kit, other items may be necessary depending on the condition of your existing parts

Tip: When rebuilding your brakes, only disassemble one side at a time. The other side will serve as an accurate point of reference when putting all of the pieces back together.

Performance gains: Better brakes! Periodically replacing your shoes and rebuilding the brake assemblies will drastically increase your chances of ever seeing old age.

Time: 2 hours

Tools: standard socket set, crankshaft socket, breaker bar, feeler gauge

Cost: approximately $50 for bearings and supplies

Tinware: quality set of replacement main bearings, Plastigage

Tip: If you plan to remove the crankshaft while leaving the rod and piston assemblies in the bores, attach a rubber band to a bolt on each rod and to a reinstalled oil pan bolt. This will keep the rods off to the side and from banging into the block when pulling the crank out.

Performance gains: a stronger, longer-lasting bottom end

Note - our project car here is a 1969 Chevelle. For your convenience, we've listed the part numbers. You can easily look up your specific year Chevelle's part numbers at http://www.ecklerschevelle.com/

Bodywork: Filling And Sanding

Time: varies depending on the size and extent of the damaged area or area that needs modification

Tools: block sander, grinder, air compressor (recommended) ball peen hammer (optional)

Cost: supplies typically run about $100 for filler, sandpaper, and miscellaneous items listed in “Tinware”

Tinware: filler and hardener, sandpaper (36, 80, 150, 240, 320 and 400 grits), grinding discs, towels, mixing sticks, primer/sealer, dust mask, masking tape and paper

Tip: Always wear a ventilated dust mask or respirator when performing bodywork. The airborne debris and toxic chemicals found in many products are extremely hazardous to your health.

Performance gains: Bodywork is all about looking good, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Adding bodywork to your set of skills is huge, and can save you thousands of dollars over time.