1972 Chevelle, 454, 5 speed

1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Description

VIN decoded is Malibu 2dr sport coupe RPO L65 350 cu in, 2bbl, 350TH transmission, bench seat, built in Baltimore, MD. (no way to confirm RPO Z15 SS option), late production run of June 1972.

The original color was blue

The Chevelle was purchased in April 2008 at Carlisle 45,001 miles (exempt tmu), 350 cu in (modified), 4 bbl and newly installed Tremec TKO 5 speed transmission and upgraded driveshaft, rebuilt 12 bolt, 3.73 rear, new performance manifold and carburetor, new radiator, super sport dash, 15 in rally wheels, SS trim, power steering and front disk brakes. It was painted 1993 Mustang Performance Red, M6729 by the previous owner about 1 ½ years prior to the purchase. It was purchased with the intent of converting to a big block. The following is a chronology of the major upgrade work:

2009 - Purchased/installed original NK4 steering wheel (to replace the custom Grant steering wheel); purchased/refurbished/installed bucket seat frames, seat foam, legendary seat covers (front), kick panels and carpet; purchased/installed Custom Autosound retro stereo.

2011 - Purchased/installed set of original Chevelle AU code Super Sport wheels (not Camaro or aftermarket), mounted to new P245 60R15 BF Goodrich tires; installed new tie rods and performed front-end alignment

2012 – After a long search for an original LS5 purchased a professionally and newly rebuilt 454 LS5 engine (see pictures); engine rebuild performed by RAD Auto Machine, Ludlow, MA using Federal Mogul parts and built to stock specs.

Block 3963512 – June 71 build date

Heads 3993820 – May 71 – Oval Port

Intake Manifold 3955287T - 1970-71 with original heat shield

Carb – Rochester Q jet 4MV 7040505 Original Carb

Distributor – 1111999 9M29 (comes with purchase as well as starter, alternator – a new Mallory Distributor and new starter and alternator were installed for reliability)

Exhaust Manifold – 3989310 T – R, 3989348 T – L 1971-72

Refurbishments:

Carb professionally restored by Custom Rebuilt Carburetors,

Middlesex, NJ; exhaust manifolds restored; refurbished/purchased all mounting brackets and hardware

The completed engine was bench run and dyno tested

2013 - Purchased/installed all new polyurethane front-end bushings, big block springs, motor mounts, and new rear sway bar.

2014 - Purchased/installed new Centerforce clutch, pressure plate, throwout bearing and new GM flywheel; engine professionally installed.

It has been continuously registered, inspected insured and driven since purchase. Any maintenance issue was resolved (examples - new rear brakes, new axle seal, new front wheel bearing, new rear brake wheel cylinder and in August 2017 a new battery). Current mileage is approximately 47,900.

Have seen many attempts by sellers to describe the condition of their vehicle to others. I will say the overall condition is very good, it is very reliable, runs very well, shows well and is reasonably priced!

Other items included:

Original distributor and starter and alternator with the engine when rebuilt

Original clock for dashboard

Service and assembly manuals

Extra radiator with transmission cooler and small block shroud

Engine stand

Disclosure:

Fuel gauge - not responding (when tested from rear harness gauge responds so problem is likely with sending unit or ground – I have driven it since purchase like this)

Horn – when the Grant steering wheel was installed by previous owner an aftermarket horn was installed along with a dash button. The horn needs to be wired to original wiring from the NK4 horn button.

One body spot that has bubbled - see pic – just rear of driver’s side door

Back up lights – the car was originally an automatic; the Tremec has a built-in switch for back up lights which needs to be wired to the existing back-up light circuit.

Clearance between hood trim and stock driver’s side wiper needs to be increased

Heater core – when brought out in the spring the heater core was leaking – by passed the core as it is not driven in cold weather.

Brake pedal return – noticed the pedal return may be weak