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This car started out as a total basket case. I bought it in Feb of 1998. The restoration began by tearing down the entire car until no nut, bolt, or screw was left. I then removed the body from the frame. The frame was fitted on to a rotisserie lift so that I could tear down the front end, clean, rustproof, and repaint the frame. After that, all new steering linkage and high performance suspension were installed, along with a fresh GM 12 bolt posi rear with 4.10 gears.
When the frame was completed, all attention turned to the body. It received a new trunk floor, new 1/4 panel skins, new outer wheelhouses and some minor patches on the floor. The car was sanded down to bare metal, all undercoating underneath was removed, and the bottom of the body was rustproofed and painted black. The firewall was refinished to the factory original black. The body was then reseated on the frame and sent out for paint.
When i brought her back home, I then proceeded to reinstall the interior. All seats have been recovered, dash was cleaned, all wiring was taken apart, checked for shorts, and rewrapped. The fresh 454, TH400 were then dropped into place, exhaust installed and then came time to fire it up for the first time. After that the car received a few minor adjustments (timing, fuel mixture), an alignment and then hit the pavement.
This restoration was completed on April 2000, 2 years and 2 months well spent. It can be seen at most local car shows in the Gloucester & Camden County areas even as far as Maryland at times.
This car has turned a best 1/4 mile time of 12.72 @ 109 mph thus far. Since that run, I have swapped cylinder heads and did a little fine tuning. I am yet to run this setup at the track, but the time is coming.
Some more pics of the 70 SS 454
