1970 Chevelle Ls5 Ss454 Red, 4-speed, Born-with Engine, Diff, Docs, Road Ready on 2040-cars

We own and operate a Restoration Shop located in Scottsdale, Arizona. We performed the partial restoration described below. We are selling this vehicle for our customer.  We welcome any questions and inquiries you may have. This vehicle is available to interested parties for test drives. A hoist is available at our shop if you wish to examine the undercarriage of this vehicle. 

Our justification of this vehicle's price is the following:

1. Vehicle is truly "numbers matching" i.e., the engine, differential, sheet metal, VIN tag, Cowl tag are close items installed by GM when vehicle was assembled at the Atlanta Georgia Assembly Plant. 
2. This was vehicle was not a rusty or wrecked hulk prior to restoration. Digital photos we have document the condition of the inside of the original doors, quarters, floor, cowl, etc. 
3. The original Protecto-Plate is present. It documents the VIN number, engine, transmission and differential code, and also the selling dealer and date the vehicle was sold new. Sorry, we do not have a build sheet or prior owner history. 
4. The vehicle is totally restored correctly and is fully operational. This vehicle is no longer just an auction car that looks good at first glance, and nothing else. 
5. Quality and completeness of restoration is documented by over 500 high definition digital photos, and detailed billing statements describing completeness of all work done. 

Concerning the possibility that this vehicle is an SS clone because there is no build sheet with it. We believe this is not a possibility because of the following:

1. Engine block stamp area has not been altered, machined or stamped since vehicle left factory. We examined block after it had been disassembled for rebuild, hot-tanked and cleaned by our engine builder. We could not detect any alternations
2. ID code on block is correct from a 1970 LS5 360-454 engine equipped with a four speed transmission. 
3. VIN on block, “10A155972 matches VIN number of dash and cowl, "36370A155972."
4. VIN tag on dash and cowl is unaltered and attached to body with original rivets that appear to be unaltered and original to vehicle. We have high definition photos of the rivets attaching the VIN tag to cowl.
5. Protecto plate, in our opinion, is an original, not a reproduction that has been aged in a microwave, etc. The protecto-plate verifies the VIN number, engine ID code, etc. 
6. These issues and the fact that tie vehicle is not a more valuable LS6, 1967 435-427 Corvette, etc. give us a high level of confidence the vehicle is not clone.
7. If we had full owner history on the vehicle, which we do not, there would be no possibility of cloning, other monkey- business and unethical behavior as it relates to this vehicle. 

1970 Chevrolet LS5 SS454 Chevelle, VIN #136370A155972, Cranberry Red with Black Stripes Exterior, equipped with:

1. Black Bucket Seat Interior with Console
2. Cowl Induction Hood, Stripes 
3. LS5 454-360 engine, original to vehicle
4. M20 Muncie Four Speed Transmission. Vehicle should be equipped with an M-22 Muncie Four Speed Transmission. The transmission currenttly in the vehicle is not the original installed by the factory.
5. 3.31 Positraction differential, original to vehicle
6. Factory 3-Spoke cushion steering wheel,
7. Factory gauges and tach,
8. Factory original AM/FM radio
9. LS5 standard equipment such as PDB, PS, F41 Suspension, 12 Bolt Differential, Five Spoke Wheels, Firestone F70 X 14 Wide Oval Raised White Letter Tires.
10. Floor mats, front and rear

The body-off restoration was completed in late 2010; prior to the current owner purchasing it at the Mecum Kissimmee Florida auction in January 2011 for $65,000.00. . Vehicle's painted surfaces was stripped and refinished with high quality materials to a standard much better than original. We did not perform the 2010 restoration on the vehicle. It is our understanding that it was performed by the seller. 

 Since early 2011, $41,300.00 was invested in a complete mechanical rebuild, partial restoration to correct OEM standards and operations dial-in which was completed in early 2012. The original engine and transmission have been completely rebuilt. As have all other components needing attention to be 100% correct or operational. 525 digital photos have been taken of vehicle before, during and since its 2011-2012 partial restoration. All billing statements are available for serious buyers to examine.

 Vehicle has been driven 500 miles so then.

 Vehicle has all original sheet metal with exception of RR quarter, inner panel, at trunk drop-off. Digital photos are available to document condition of inside of doors, window and back window areas, quarters, top and bottom of floors, inside of fenders etc.

 Vehicle has its “Born with” engine block, cylinder heads, intake manifold, differential, cowl tag and VIN tag.

 Factory documentation is the original Protecto-Plate provided to original owner when vehicle was sold new in Greenville SC on June 28, 1970.

1. Originality:

1. This vehicle’s engine block, cylinder heads and intake manifold are the original items installed by the General Motors factory when it was assembled.

1. The block’s casting number located on the LR bell housing flange is #3963512. This the correct original block casting number for all 1970 454 CID engines
2. The block’s casting date located on the RR bell housing flange is “C 10-70” or March 10, 1970. The casting date of the block precedes the engine build date of March 30, 1970.
3. The engine block’s build date and ID Code stamped on the horizontal flange in front of the right cylinder head is “T0330CRT”. This means the engine was assembled March 30, 1970 and was installed in a 1970 LS5 Chevelle equipped with four-speed transmission.

                                                   i.     This engine’s build date and ID info are same data listed on this Vehicle’s Protecto-Plate.

4. The engine block’s VIN number stamped on the horizontal flange in front of the right cylinder head is “10A155972”.

                                                     i.     The stamping and casting number on this engine are consistent will other original, unaltered engines we have inspected and are sure are not re-stamps.

                                                    ii.     The broach marks located on pad where the engine’s build date, ID code and VIN number are original and are consistent with unaltered engines we have inspected and are sure are not re-stamps.

5. The both cylinder heads have a casting number of 3964290# stamped in the top middle surface of both heads.

                                                     i.     This is the correct original cylinder head casting number for all 1970 396-454 non-L78-LS6 CID engines

6. The both cylinder heads have a casting date of “J 21 69” (October 21, 1969) stamped in the top middle surface of both heads.

                                                     i.     The casting date of the cylinder heads precedes the engine build date of March 30, 1970.

7. The intake manifold’s casting number located on the center top of the manifold behind the carb is #39556287.

                                                     i.     This is the correct original block casting number for all 1970 454 CID engines

8. The intake manifold’s casting date located on the center top of the manifold behind the carb is “A 29-70” or January 29, 1970.

                                                     i.     The casting date on the intake manifold precedes the engine build date of March 30, 1970.

2. It is our opinion that this vehicle’s differential is the original item installed by the General Motors factory when it was assembled.

a.        The differential’s casting date located on the back of the diff housing is “C 5-70” or March 5, 1970. The casting date of the diff precedes the body assembly build date of fifth week of April 1970.

                                                     i.     The differential ID Code and Build date are consistent with the same data listed on this vehicle’s Protecto-Plate.

b.      The differential’s ID code and assembly date located on the front of the LH diff tube is “CRV0408B”. “CRV” denote this differential is a 3.31 Pos. “0408” denotes this differential was assembled on April 8, 1970.

                                                     i.     The differential ID Code and Build date are consistent with the same data listed on this vehicle’s Protecto-Plate.

                                                    ii.     Build date of differential is consistent with the body assembly date of fifth week of April 1970.

3.  It is our opinion that this vehicle’s transmission is NOT the original item installed by the General Motors factory when it was assembled.

a.      The transmission main case casting number is #39254660.

                                                     i.     This is the correct original casting number for all Muncie Four Speed Transmissions installed in 1970 Chevelles.

b.      The transmission tail shaft casting number is #3857584.

                                                     i.     This is NOT the correct original casting number for all Muncie Four Speed Transmissions installed in 1970 Chevelles equipped the LS5 454-360 Engine. The correct casting number is 3952648.

c.       The transmission side cover casting number is #3952648.

                                                     i.     This is the correct original casting number for all Muncie Four Speed Transmission installed in 1970 Chevelles.

d.      The transmission’s build date and ID Code stamped on the vertical surface of the passenger side of the main case is “P0C19A”.

                                                     i.     This means the transmission was assembled at the Muncie plant on March 19, 1970.

                                                    ii.     The “A” prefix denotes that this is a M-20 wide ratio four-speed transmission. The correct prefix is “C” for an M-22 four-speed transmission which was a mandatory option with for the LS5 Chevelle.

                                                   iii.     This transmission’s build date and ID info are same data listed on this vehicle’s Protecto-Plate

                                                   iv.     Build date of transmission is consistent with the body assembly date of fifth week of April 1970.

e.      The transmission’s VIN number stamped on the vertical surface of the passenger side of the main case is “10A155972”. This number matches the vehicles VIN number plate attached to the driver’s front corner of the windshield

                                                     i.     The VIN stamping on this transmission is not consistent will other original, unaltered transmissions. Close comparison of the VIN stamping on the engine when compared to the VIN stamping on the transmission show a slight difference in the character spacing. That is, the spacing is slightly wider on the transmission VIN than it is on the engine VIN. Unaltered stampings have the same character spacing on both the engine and transmission because both are applied at the factory with the same gang stamping.

3. The Cowl Tag located on engine side of firewall, and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Plate located in the front LH area on the dash panel behind the windshield are the original items installed by the General Motors factory when this vehicle was manufactured. Both items are attached to the vehicle with the original rivets and are unaltered.

a.      This cowl tag lists an exterior paint code of “75 75.”

                                                     i.     This code is correct for Cranberry Red top and bottom, with no vinyl top.

                                                    ii.     This data is consistent with the finish on this vehicle.

b.      This cowl tag lists an interior paint code of “756.”

                                                     i.     This code is correct for black vinyl bucket seats.

                                                    ii.     This data is consistent with the interior color and type for this vehicle.

c.      This cowl tag lists a body build date of “04E” or the fifth week of April, 1970.

                                                     i.     This data is consistent with the vehicle delivery date listed on this vehicle’s Protecto-Plate.

4. Documentation includes the original Protecto-Plate Warranty Folder.

2. Condition of vehicle now since a complete mechanical rebuild, partial restoration to correct OEM standards and operations dial-in completed in early 2012.

1.   Exterior Condition AFTER to 2011 partial restoration:

a.      Quality of paint and body work is excellent

b.      Panel fit is excellent

c.      New exact reproduction, dated coded LOF windshield has been installed

d.      Other exterior glass is in good original condition

e.      Both front and rear bumpers are original items that have been triple show chrome plated

f.       All exterior stainless steel trim around windshield and rear window has been removed, straightened and polished.

g.      All other exterior trim was in excellent condition

h.      SS wheels are good quality reproduction items

i.        Tires are exact reproduction F70 X 14 Firestone Wide Ovals

2.    Interior Condition AFTER to 2011 partial restoration:

a.      Seats, door panels, console, shifter, carpet and head liner are quality reproductions items with very little wear and no fading

b.      The shifter is a new Hurst Competition Plus shifter with correct console only handle.

c.      Foams in both front seats have been replaced. Seat covers fit correctly.

d.      Sail panels and headliner fit correctly

e.      All seat belts are original equipment in good original condition

f.       Correct original finishes have been applied to park brake and pedal assemblies

g.      Heater box has been removed, rebuilt as needed and new control cables installed.

h.      Heater defroster controls have been disassembled and cleaned and a new Delco blower switch installed.

i.        The complete dash was removed from vehicle; all gauges; speedometer and tachometer were serviced and restored as needed to make them fully operational.

j.        Replaced defective circuit board for gauges and dash lights

k.      The original AM/FM radio was serviced and repaired as needed.

l.        Original 10 ohm dash radio speaker rebuilt and re-coned as needed.

m.     Ventilation knobs replaced with correct exact reproduction parts

n.      Exact reproduction VIN and Build Date Tag from ECS has been installed on rear of drivers door

o.      All incorrect fasteners under dash have been replaced with either re-plated original fasteners or exact reproduction fasteners from AMK.

p.      Install new exact reproduction sun visor assemblies.

3.     Undercarriage Condition AFTER 2011 partial restoration:

a.      All surfaces of floor pan, differential, frame, front and rear suspension, steering, and brakes are rust-free and not pitted. Floor pans have no undercoating on them and there is no evidence of rust repair other than the RR quarter, inner quarter extension to trunk floor has been repaired.

b.      Factory type OEM, high density sound deadener has been installed in rear wheel tubs and area directly behind rear wheel tubs

c.      Exhaust system has been disassembled and redone so that it fits correctly under car.

d.      Incorrect exhaust hangers have been replaced.

e.      All incorrect fasteners have been replaced with either re-plated original fasteners or exact reproduction fasteners from AMK.

f.       All control arm bushings have been replaced.

g.      Upper ball joints, idler arm, tie rod ends, center link are new and have correct OEM finishes.

h.      Steering box has been completely resealed and rebuilt

i.        Power steering pump has been rebuilt and both hoses replaced

j.        Original drive shaft had  its front universal joint replaced and it has been balanced

k.      Differential yoke seal replaced and worn yoke repaired with redi-sleeve

l.        New correct size and height front coil springs have been installed on vehicle so that it sits at the correct curb height

m.     New complete clutch assembly installed and balanced.

n.      Correct clutch linkage installed.

o.      Original transmission completely rebuilt. All gear sets replaced with new best quality replacement parts. Transmission was damaged by input shaft alignment problem caused by the prior installation of cheap reproduction bell housing.

p.      Correct original #621 Bell housing purchased and installed.

q.      Brake components disassembled, cleaned as needed and converted to DOT 5 Silicon Brake Fluid

r.       Worn-out front brake rotors replaced with best available new replacements

s.      New correct zinc plated rotor shields have been installed.

t.       Both front brake calipers replaced with rebuilt original Delco Moraine items. New front brake pads installed.

u.      New rear brake cylinders installed, rear brake drums turned and shoes arched to correctly fit drums

v.      Replaced incorrect length park brake cables with correct new exact reproduction part

4.     Under hood Condition AFTER 2011 partial restoration:

a.      All incorrect fasteners under dash have been replaced with either re-plated original fasteners or exact reproduction fasteners from AMK.

b.      Hood hinges and catches have re-plated in the correct gray phosphate finish

c.      The cowl induction air cleaner has been powder coated in the correct gloss black finish

d.      Correct decals are installed on the core support, the engine and air cleaner assembly

e.       An exact reproduction R59 Delco Battery with Optima internals has been installed.

f.      New exact reproduction spring type battery cables are installed

g.      Master cylinder and rest of brake system has been disassembled, cleaned and converted to Silicon Brake Fluid

h.        Transmission Controlled Spark (TCS) parts have been purchased and installed on engine.

i.        All brackets on engine are either correct exact reproduction or original.

j.      The exhaust manifolds have been stripped, mating surfaces to heads have been machined so they fit correctly, Exterior of manifolds have been refinished with Hirsch paint.

k.        Engine was completely rebuilt and balanced by Greulich Machine.

l.     Fuel pump is the correct new exact reproduction item. Carburetor is a period correct quadrajet and has been completely rebuilt to factory specs.

m.      Distributor is a period correct item that has been rebuilt and re-curved for best all around performance

o.      All factory cowl induction electrical and vacuum components are correct and are fully operational.

n.      Disassembled steering column shaft, rag joint, etc. Refinished to correct OEM finishes

5.     Operations items resolved AFTER  2011 partial restoration:

a.      Cowl Induction Doors, Both Electric and Vacuum sides all restored, repaired and good correctly

b.      Both original horns rebuilt by Horn Works

c.       All lights and gauges work

d.      Clock rebuilt by Clock Works. Quartz movement installed.

e.      Heater and defroster. Cables now work. Blower motor works on all speeds

f.        Wipers rebuilt and wipers work correctly

6.     Other issues resolved AFTER 2011 partial restoration:

a.      Original engine completely rebuilt and balanced.

b.      Period correct Quadrajet carb completely rebuilt and installed.s

c.      New complete clutch assembly installed and balanced.

d.      Pinion seal for original differential replaced and yoke repaired.