1969 69 Chevelle 300 Deluxe Post Coupe SS

Description

69 CHEVELLE 300 DELUXE POST COUPE SS
HISTORY
This Chevelle was sold new at Dunlap Chevrolet in Macon, Georgia (taken over by
Youmans Chevrolet in the early 1980’s) and spent most of its life in Perry, Georgia
where it was used as a weekend drag racer for a period of time.
I spent a considerable amount of time and effort trying to track down the previous owners
and history. This included finding out the name of the second owner in Georgia,
but unfortunately he passed away before I got a chance to talk to him in an effort
to get the name of the original owner.
I made a telephone call to Youmans Chevrolet in Macon, Georgia. As it turns out,
one of the original Dunlap family is still employed by this dealership. Although there are
no remnants of any kind of documentation from the 60’s, they were kind enough
to send me some Dunlap Memorabilia.
I was fortunate to have a lengthy discussion with the third owner of this car. In his
younger years he remembers seeing this “SS Sedan” on the odd occasion out cruising
around in 1969-70. His recollections were “How great the car sounded and how
different it looked being a sedan”. He remembers saying to himself “That is one cool car”.
As fate would have it, he ended up purchasing the car in 1988. By that time the original
block was gone and what is in it now was in it when he bought it. Over the next several
years he completed a frame-off restoration using NOS parts as needed. He had the
engine completely redone and put a lot of effort into the heads. As mentioned, the engine
block is not original to the car and is marked “CE” with a casting date of August, 1969.
I was communicating with a fellow enthusiast from South Carolina in June of 2012 who
brought this to my attention. “His brother worked at Youmans Chevrolet in the 1980’s
and remembers your car from the local scene in Macon although he never ran
against it with his 302 Camaro. He also recalls later seeing it under a Carport and a
couple of his friends tried to buy it, but owner would not sell. Then it disappeared
from the Macon area. The Dunlap-Youmans deal is a family affair as Youmans
married the Dunlap’s daughter.”
In the mid 1990’s the car was sold to a gentleman in Florida. This Chevelle aficionado
did a few things to the car including swapping out the 4.10 gears that were in it for
the more drivable 3.73. Even though the engine was redone a few years earlier,
this new owner had the engine internals checked and the assembly was balanced
and blueprinted. I purchased it from him in 2000 and am the fifth owner. During the
time it has been in my possession I have enjoyed improving, detailing and maintaining
this car. It has indeed been a labor of love.
There are a few performance modifications including aftermarket distributor (including
ballast resistor on firewall), roller valve train, rear SSM bars, Hurst Competition Plus
shifter and stiffer than normal springs which give the car a slightly higher stance than stock.
Given the early drag heritage of this car, it can probably be assumed the drivetrain
components might have been broken/changed/updated during those early years.
Knowledgeable people realize that 1969 was the only year Chevrolet made the
SS-396 option available on the bottom of the line 300 Deluxe Post Coupe V8 model.
Mileage is 72,200.
TRIM PLATE
ST 69 13427 (1969 300 Deluxe Post Coupe V8)
BDY ATL 230188 (Atlanta Assembly Plant)
TR 752 (Black vinyl bench seat)
PNT 71 71 (Lemans Blue, no vinyl top)
03B (Build date – March, 1969, second week)
SERIAL NUMBER
134279A333264
"CE" FOUR BOLT BLOCK
Casting 3969854
Casting Date H 21 9
I have not had the engine apart myself. The pad stamping on the block is not your
normal CE stamping as you will see in the attached picture. This stamping was there
when the third owner purchased it. A replacement block is what it is, and I have
never been concerned about whatever might be stamped on them as they are not
original to the car anyway. Just as I did in 2000 before buying this car, you will need
to decide for yourself if it means anything to you.
CYLINDER HEADS
Casting 3946074
Date ????
Have not been removed during my ownership
INTAKE MANIFOLD
Casting 3933163
Date ????
Has not been removed during my ownership.
CARBURETOR
GM part #3959164-GE
List 4346
Date 924
EXHAUST
LH manifold part number 3909879 dated B 23 9
RH manifold part number 3916178 dated B 8 9
Concours Chambered System from Gardner Exhaust installed in September, 2010
to replace headers and custom exhaust that were on the car since the early 1990’s.
A.I.R. SMOG SETUP
This is not the smog system that would have come on this car originally. It probably
got scrapped the first week like most of us did with them back then. The pump itself
and other components are GM originals and appropriately dated for the car
(pump date 03191S), while other parts are reproduction pieces. This system was
restored and provided by Jerry MacNeish.
ALTERNATOR
GM Part #1100837
Date 9 B 19
BRAKE BOOSTER
Number - 9391
Date - 48
STARTER
Part #1108418
Date 9 B 26
TRANSMISSION
Main case – 3851325
Tail case – 3857584
Only code shown is – P0831
I posted these numbers on a few “on-line bulletin boards” in an effort to source
its origin. The most knowledgeable responses seemed to indicate it is likely an
M21 from a 1965 Corvette.
FRAME
Part number – 3943331
Date – 3 4
Code – XK
Manufacturer – A.O. Smith
12 BOLT POSI REAREND
Casting date – B 20 9
Code as best I can read it – CW 0306 B
After talking to previous owners I do know the gears have been changed a
number of times over the years. The “manual” turn test of axle/driveshaft
confirms 3.73 ratio. No question it is a posi. I have not done anything to the
rearend myself in the time I have owned the car.
BODY AND PAINT
The paint on this car is stunning to say the least. My understanding from talking
to the third owner who restored the car is new GM quarters were put on as well
as a few other odd items including floorpans and trunkpans. There are three small
imperfections in the paint – one in the header panel, one on the hood, and the
forward facing lip of the deck lid (see pictures). The windshield has obviously been
replaced. The remainder of the glass sections have a number of minor scratches.
There is one small hole at the bottom of the rad support, it was obviously cleaned
and blasted when restored, but a small piece should have been welded in. A couple
of sections on the floor pans were not butt welded in the true sense of the word
(see pictures). Panels align fairly good, but not perfect.
CHROME & TRIM
All exterior emblems and minor trim are in excellent shape. This car does have the side
window moldings option which is not seen that often on sedans and they enhance the
side appearance tremendously. Bumpers have a few minor scratches, but nothing
serious and they look sharp. One corner of the rear bumper was not smoothed out
perfectly whenever it was last replated (see picture).
INTERIOR
Seatcovers and dash are in very good condition. The rubber flooring has one crack in it
under the front seat which is not readily visible, and a small area around the high beam
button is a little rough. The door panels were professionally restored in 2006 by
SMS Auto Fabrics in Oregon (important to note that 300 Deluxe models with the
SS option did not get the SS396 emblems on the door panels). Be forewarned that the
seat covers and door panels are not being reproduced at this point. Replacement
rubber flooring is available, but that reproduction is not totally correct which is why
I have not replaced it (EG – note the heel pads molded into the flooring which the repro
does not have). The rubber flooring is obviously original as the correct “part number”
and “69” are embossed into the rubber (see picture). There are four full sets of seat belts
and shoulder straps, the car should have another two front belts for the shoulder straps.
Equipped with gauge package and AM pushbutton radio. You will note I have included
numerous pictures of the interior because that area is the most difficult part of a 300 Deluxe
Model to restore as items are just not available for them.
UNDERCARRIAGE
In nice condition and well finished. Several years of research was done before I completed
a lot of the details underneath. This included the factory paint markings and making my
own detail decals. These are as accurate as I could confirm, but who knows if they are
100% correct for the plant involved.
DOCUMENTATION
No dealership paperwork in place. NCRS paperwork on hand confirming the assembly
date of March 14, 1969 (Friday) which coincides with the Trim Tag build Date of 03B.
The NCRS documentation also confirms my previous research about the original dealership
being Dunlap Chevrolet of Macon, Georgia. Copy of this NCRS paperwork is shown below.
The car can be confirmed as starting life as an SS, but to verify what the original drivetrain
might have been would require some form of dealer paperwork. There are only a select few
people (including myself) who have done extensive research on these Post Coupe SS models.
One of them is Dan Vasic (Illinois) who has a Registry and Certification Program for them.
There are only about 60 known to exist today of which this car is one and is Certified
accordingly. This “Certificate of Authenticity” is shown below.
ITEMS ON CAR THAT ARE NOT CORRECT
This particular Muncie shifter handle is not correct for a 69 bench seat car (I never put
an original style handle in as this one just feels right in relation to my seating position).
Backup lights are activated by Hurst switch on shifter. Choke is tied off as I only start car
in summer thus it was never really needed. 1969 Chevelles did not come with the three grills
in the cowl area (they were there when I bought the car and I prefer the look – just pop them
out if you want the correct appearance).
WHY YOU SHOULD “NOT” BUY THIS CAR
1) - If you are looking for a perfect car. My personal opinion is if a car is driven then
it cannot be considered perfect. This car does get driven, albeit just a couple hundred
miles a year. It is indeed stunning, but not perfect.
2) - Gas mileage - if you have to ask then consider something else.
3) - If you are looking for a comfortable cruiser. Stiff suspension, no power steering,
uncomfortable bench seat and original style tires do not relate to a comfortable ride.
After all, this car was built for one purpose – to go straight and fast for short distances.
However, it does provide a nice ride on smooth pavement. Radials could easily be added
to improve the ride quality if that is your preference.
4) – If you are a hobbyist or collector who prefers dealer documentation or original
block with your muscle cars.
WHY YOU “SHOULD” CONSIDER THIS CAR
1) - If you are looking for something that is a reflection of what a true Muscle Car should
be – that special feel, looks, lightweight model, awesome sound and plenty of power.
2) - A car that was impeccably restored and has been well maintained and detailed
throughout the years.
3) - If you are looking for something extremely rare.
4) - If you want an attention getter at your cruise spots or car shows.
WHEELS & TIRES
You will note from the pictures the car is shown with both correct SS Wheels and
also Torque Thrusts. Some pictures will also show Polyglas tires which were replaced
in the mid 2000’s with the correct Wide Tread F70-14’s which are on the car at
present as well as the SS wheels.
WHAT THE CAR NEEDS
Some of the front suspension components could use some re-detailing as well as
the rear drum backing plates. I had the 4346 carb fully restored in 2002 and it could
probably use some mild detailing again.
PUBLICATIONS
CHEVELLE WORLD - Feature article and cover photo.
MUSCLECAR REVIEW - Four page feature article and cover photo.
SUPER CHEVY - Five page feature article.
OLD CARS PRICE GUIDE AND FEATURES
CHEVELLE SS MUSCLECAR SOURCE BOOK (1st edition).
CHEVELLE SS MUSCLECAR SOURCE BOOK (3rd edition).
CONCLUSION
I have tried to be very honest with information and description. However, there is always
something that is overlooked I suppose. So, if you are seriously considering this car feel
free to EMAIL ME with any questions you might have and I will do my best to answer them.
The bottom line here is you are looking at a beautiful, finely restored, well maintained and
rare Muscle Car. It has been highlighted in a number of publications and musclecar magazines
over the years. I would not anticipate any “true enthusiast” being disappointed in owning it.
Vehicle is located in Kingston, Ontario and there is no duty or major hassle on a car this age
if taken across the U.S. border. You are more than welcome to come for a personal inspection.
Myself and this car are well known in certain circles of the Chevelle Community. If you make
some enquiries in the right place you should get some appropriate feedback about the quality of
this car and my integrity. As mentioned previously, I would not consider this car to be perfect,
nor absolutely concours correct in all areas, but it is of very high quality and is a real attention
getter wherever it goes.
Following pictures have been taken at various times and locations over the last few years and
provide an overview of the different wheel and tire combinations utilized during my ownership.
I have owned this car for a lot of years and it saddens me to put it up for sale. Unfortunately
my health and age are telling me it is time for somebody else to enjoy it.
Shipping arrangements are the responsibility of the purchaser. I would be happy to assist
with these arrangements and/or can gladly help with my trailer within a reasonable distance
if requested.
Winning bidder will need to make a non refundable deposit of $2,000 within three days, so please
make your arrangements in advance of auction closing. This can be handled through my PayPal or
overnight delivery of International U.S. Dollar Bank Draft or wire transfer to my Bank. Balance
will be due within 10 days via International U.S. Dollar Bank Draft or wire transfer to my Bank.
Car and title will not be released until my Bank has confirmed payment. Purchaser will receive
signed-off title and formal Bill of Sale. Remember, as per any auction, if you are the high bidder
“you are buying the car” and agree to the above terms and conditions.
I have only sold one other classic car on Ebay, that was a 69 RS/SS Camaro in 2000. Feel free
to check out the feedback on this which is the first item (#427240860) in my feedback list.
It seems to be the normal part of an Ebay listing to say “I have the right to end the auction early if the
car sells locally”.
Good luck to all interested parties.