Okay, it’s time to grab a big handful of “brave pills” and decide how you would tackle the restoration of this 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396. It has rust issues, and they could never be classed as insignificant. However, the owner gives the buyer a headstart on it, which makes it worth a closer look. Our ever-reliable Barn Finder Larry D has had his radar working overtime on this one, so thank you so much for that, Larry. The SS is located in Annville, Pennsylvania, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set the BIN at $8,750, and 45 people are watching the listing.

The Chevelle started its life wearing Grecian Green with a Black vinyl top. That was a long time ago, and the past 53-years haven’t been kind to this classic. It has rust problems, and they’re biggies! All of the usual places have copped a hit, including the rear quarter panels, the panel below the back window (under the parcel tray), all of the floors, and the trunk pan. That represents a lot of cutting and welding, but it isn’t all bad news. The owner has purchased a pile of replacement parts, and they should help the buyer on their way with the restoration. The stash includes new quarter panels, a new trunk pan, new outer wheel housings, a rear panel, tail panel, new front fenders, new door shells, and inner fender to floor braces. The buyer will still need to source rockers and inner wheel housings, but it is a pretty respectable starting point. The glass generally looks good, but some chrome and trim might have to go on the shopping list. I suspect that this will need to be tackled as a frame-off project, and as you will see, this is for a good reason.

Included in the sale is a decent frame that needs to be cleaned and treated. This would appear to be essential because the original frame also has some significant rust issues. It seems that the owner has planned this project carefully, but it looks like he has run out of steam. However, his loss will potentially be someone’s gain.

The Chevelle isn’t a number-matching car, but the 396 that now occupies what is left of the engine bay is said to be an exchange engine block from 1970. It is backed by the original 4-speed manual transmission and 12-bolt rear end. In its heyday, the 396 would have been producing 325hp, which was enough to propel the SS through the ¼ mile in 14.9 seconds. After all the gloom ad doom with the body, it’s nice to be able to report that the big-block runs fine. If the buyer is tackling this as a frame-off project, that will give them a chance to detail everything to the highest level. Also included in the sale are a power steering box and front disc brakes.

The original owner ordered the car complete with bucket seats and a console, and while time marches on, it has marched across the interior trim. It appears to be complete, but a full restoration is on the cards. The dash looks like it could be revived, and the seat frames are salvageable. However, I believe that an interior trim kit will be required to address the massive collection of problems that we can spot. A trim kit will cost around $1,500 but won’t include a console or dash pad. If the console is beyond help, reproduction ones can be found for $350. Add another $170 for a Black dash pad, and the interior should look factory fresh.

There is no disputing the desirability and popularity of the Chevelle SS 396, but there’s also no disputing the amount of time and effort that will be required to return this one to its best. It is possible to find nice examples for under $30,000, but pristine cars regularly top $45,000. This one could potentially head towards those sorts of figures, but it needs a brave person to tackle it. A brave person like one of our devoted Barn Finds readers. Are you that person?