When Frank Stevens first found this '70 Chevelle, it was a fairly typical old car. It had been sitting for about six years and had been through a long list of previous owners. A deal was struck, and the hulk was dragged home.
It didn't take much to get it running, and the mild 350/350 combo underhood ran quite well, considering the life it had led. The original plan was to lower it, bolt some Rally wheels on it, give it a quick bit of bodywork, and drive it in primer. As Frank was sanding the car, the idea of a simple two-tone paint scheme crept into his head and wouldn't go away. Wanting to avoid the overdone SS stripe paint scheme, he saw the bodyside Malibu trim as the perfect line to split two complementary colors. The car once destined to be a primered driver gained a new lease on life, and the 350 got yanked so the firewall could be painted along with the rest of the car. Besides, Frank had a mild 396 ready for installation. Then Frank got motivated and shaved the door handles, lock cylinders, trunk lock, front fender extensions, molded in the rear valance and customized the marker lights for a unique look.
With the new Viper red-and-black two-toning completed (by World Class Auto Body in Simi Valley, California), the original idea of Rally wheels wouldn't fit the bill anymore. Frank went to Budnik Wheels in Huntington Beach, California, and worked directly with Dave Wagner to nail the look he was after. The resulting 17x11-inch (rear) and 17x8-inch (front) Famosa rollers show what happens when you do the homework and dimple the inner wheelwells a little! The car is not tubbed, yet the 315/35-17 BFG T/As tuck under it quite nicely. A matching pair of BFGs lives up front, checking in at 255/40-17. This whole process took about six months.
With the fresh paint and rolling stock attended to, Frank began enjoying the car even more, but now it sat too high. A set of airbags was ordered from Air Ride Technologies, and the car assumed a much lower stance, but Frank didn't think it was low enough. The rear spring perches were relocated under the axle to lower it further. The front suspension was further reworked to match the stance and correct alignment. The oil pan was now the lowest point on the car, so a skidplate was fabricated to make sure no tragedies occurred from Frank's desire to ride low. This only happened after road bumps tore the oil pan drain plug out--not once, but twice!
As time passed and Frank began driving the car even more, the need for an overdrive trans resulted in a 700-R4 being built and installed. While the trans was out of the car, Hotchkis tubular A-arms and rear trailing arms were bolted in. A Baer brake kit was also added to all four corners, finishing the intense visual appeal the wheels, tires, and brakes now carry. After the new trans was in and functioning, the car hit the road again.
More months passed and it was time for the interior. Cerillo bucket seats and custom upholstery work was done by Unida Upholstery, also in Simi Valley. A few Auto Meter gauges, a nice Lecarra steering wheel, and the interior was complete. The switches for the airbags, door solenoids, and electric trunk motor are nicely hidden in the center console. A custom stereo system was designed and installed by Jose Herrera of Audio Concepts, again in Frank's hometown of Simi Valley.
So, after five years and plenty of planning, time, and money, Frank Stevens had a unique ride he could call his own. He did as much of the work as he could on his own and was able to use his skills to develop a derelict eyesore into the feature-quality beauty you see here. And yes, he really drives it. A lot. It was always meant to be a driver, and the mild nature of the 396 lends itself to plenty of road miles. The pieces all came together, but we have to wonder-how much cooler can this car can get? Only time will tell.