Future SS Clone? 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Convertible
Just recently coming out of long-term storage, this 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Convertible has several possibilities for the future owner, including transforming the Chevy into another SS clone. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but this one still seems mostly stock and unmolested, so restoring it to the factory specs isn’t a bad idea either. Whichever direction this Malibu heads in, the droptop appears to have some decent bones to work with, so if you’re looking for a Chevelle project, it’s probably worth checking out. The car is located in Placentia, California, and can be spotted here on eBay, where the high bid of $13,700 is still short of the reserve.
There’s no word on exactly how long this one remained in storage, but unfortunately, it appears as though some backyard bodywork was attempted at some point before the Chevy was taken off the streets. This is especially evident in both quarters, so it would be a good idea to just scrap both and weld on some fresh panels here for starters. We don’t get the same detailed close-ups of the fenders and doors, but with some skilled attention, perhaps the rest of the sheet metal will be salvageable. No hood is present, but a new cowl unit is available for an additional $400 if that’s the route you wish to take.
With the amount of corrosion that looks like developed around the rear section of the sides, the undercarriage appears surprisingly solid, and the seller has provided several good photos from down below. The frame rails seem OK, and check out that single exhaust pipe, which is some strong evidence that this one hasn’t been tampered with very much in the performance area.
A 307 was the smallest V8 available for the Chevelle in 1970, good for around 200 horsepower. That’s what’s in the bay here, with the owner confirming that both the engine and automatic transmission are the born-with components. The future caretaker will be faced with whether to keep this one a numbers-matching small block, or instead swap it out for something larger and more powerful.
Inside, the front seat and parts of the dash are missing, so it looks like the interior will need quite a bit of attention during the restoration. However, the back seat appears to remain in fairly decent shape, so it may be adequate as-is after a thorough cleaning. The tilt column is also a fun feature, although the steering wheel itself has seen better days. What are your thoughts on this 1970 Chevelle convertible? Would you base your restoration on the factory theme, or take a more radical approach?
Comments
No no no!!! No clones. Leave it what it is! Clones make it worth less… at least in this purist’s eyes!
I would not clone it. I would pull the motor put in a 396 -454 and just make it a daily driver… Me personally I could not drive around and meeting up with other knowledgeable chevelle owners knowing it was never born a true ss Id feel dumb
First off, I wouldn’t touch it with a 10 foot pole. Too much shoddy rust repair visible with a lot of unknowns. As for cloning it into an SS, I’ve always disliked that route. I wouldn’t leave it stock either, I’d install whatever drivetrain, interior, wheels and suspension I wanted, then remove all emblems. Then drive and enjoy it. The car owner decides what they want to do with it, nobody else. Sometimes those decisions turn out well, other times, not so much, but it’s their car to do as they choose.
Steve R
Bondo mobile!
A Chevelle doesn’t have to be an SS to be beautiful. I’d rather see “day two” mods than a clone. Leave it stock and make added performance subtle. Just save the original parts.
It looks like the worse parts are the quarter panels. The trunk and frame look ok. It is a convertible with a v8. I noticed it has no power brake booster, but it has A/C, and P/S. Another thing I noticed is the trunk is only held on with 2 bolts.
Glad to see so many brothers here not into the idea of another clone, tribute or whatever other stupid title gets hung on such cars. Personally, (I am a purist) I’d rather see a beautiful and faithful restoration of a Malibu with a 307 than a fake SS 396. Certainly to each his own, our original cars get more valuable the less that exist and cloning helps us in that regard, but unfortunately ruins the opportunity for a lot of good examples.
I don’t subscribe to the thought that every car has to have the most options, biggest engine, coolest color, etc. The rarity in our collections is originality. Anybody can have a clone, but finding original cars is a big but very rewarding challenge.
Clones to me are a no no. But not everyone’s alike. The person that has a 13000 bid needs their head examined. Don’t believe the bid is legit.it won’t sell..
Clone It, put an LS of any size in it, drive it like you stole it.
SS paint is much more attractive!
I had the real ones and now a clone, the clones are awesome and the real
Ones just a little bit better.
The clones aren’t restricted to 454 inches, and even though they cost as much to restore if you smash them up it’s not as big a deal ( sure it’s still a big deal).
But if you rack up you original paint low mileage muscle car complete with grease pen marks and original hose clamps and other squishy things, then be prepared to wake up with a cold sweat having a case of the dhoulda coulda wouldas. If you put Bach an original car, well then you’re a schmuck!( BTDT)
The 70 SsRed interior is just way to loud, I had one and it was overwhelming every time I got in it.
For me so far the only red interior that I’ve seen work is the 66 silver charger with red gut.
This is one of the most wanted Gm cars, you see the adds wanted 70-72 chevelle, just to make a clone of a 70 ss, let’s face it , it’s the most exciting to the masses.
Whatever floats your boat, if that obscure 71 6 cylinder 4 speed with matching tissue holders is what does it for you, Pipe up we all want to hear the weirdness’s. Or at least I do.
There are now Twice the number 1970 SSs than Chevrolet ever dreamed!
This is one of those ebay bids that will go up in smoke. They won’t pay.
Rare….a seller that covers up his other cars…..with Steve – that trunk repair just doesn’t seam like a Cali car….think this was more buyers remorse….and grab some parts off it while I’m at it….