How did all of this happen? That was my first thought when I spied this ’72 Chevrolet Chevelle SS on our tip line. I was initially turned off by it but I kept looking it over and shaking my head. While a ’72, big block Chevelle SS convertible lacks the punch of its 1970 predecessor, it’s still a very nice ride, one that is highly coveted today. This one has its challenges, so let’s detail them. This convertible is located in Manahawkin, New Jersey and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $7,700 with 31 bids so far tendered.
So what happened? RUST – everywhere. Sure, this vintage GM A-Body is commonly afflicted by it. A convertible increases the interior/trunk corrosion likelihood, and Pennsylvania (’78-’79 registration sticker)/New Jersey residency with their salt-covered winter roads can be the knock-out punch. Throw in a smattering of dents, one in particular with some size, and things are looking shaky.
For starts, this is a big block-equipped car, harboring a 240 net HP, 402 CI V8 – a great start in a convertible body style. It’s a non-runner that looks mostly complete save for the cooling fan, fan shroud, radiator hoses, and belts. There is a small non-OEM air cleaner present – this is not a cowl-induction fed setup though it was an option in ’72 on 402 and 454 CI engine equipped SS cars. Whether the engine is salvageable as it sits is not disclosed. A Turbo-Hydramatic 400, three-speed automatic transmission backs up the big block.
So, how do you know with certainty that the transmission is a T-400? Simple, carefully step in and look to your right, you can’t miss it – it’s easy to identify when there is no floor in the way. It almost appears as if the damaged floors have been removed, as opposed to just having fallen out, and maybe that’s the case. The seller describes the situation as, “FLOORS ARE NOT REALLY EVEN THERE ANYMORE SO NEEDS THOSE ALSO“. And then adds, “ALL THESE PROJECT PRETTY MUCH END UP NEEDING FLOORS” to which I would say is debatable to this extent – this is extreme. Of course, the deteriorated convertible top probably hasn’t helped matters. The trunk pan is, unfortunately, pretty much the same story. The interior is described as having been a bucket seat-equipped environment but that’s really irrelevant at this point. Oh, yeah, I almost forgot, the seller also suggests that the frame should probably be replaced too.
Outside, there is serious rust in the lower passenger side door, rocker panel, and fender while the driver’s side fender and quarter panel are so afflicted. The passenger side quarter has some rust, but more significant is the outsized dent behind the wheel opening. Even the trunk lid and the tops of the quarters are rotted through. The only non-rusted/damaged, notable aspect of this Chevelle is its lack of SS stripes. The hood/deck stripe option, known as RPO D88, was generally founded on most, but not all, SS-equipped cars. Then again, based on the hood and its peeling paint, this Chevelle looks like a repaint so it’s hard to know with certainty how it was originally equipped.
I hate to pronounce sentence on what was, at one time, a very nice early ’70s, top-down muscle car. It’s sad that someone let it devolve into such a deleterious condition. The hood, powertrain, and VIN are about all of value, that still remains, and the powertrain’s vitals are completely unknown. Fixable? Everything is fixable at a price. A worthwhile endeavor? I say doubtful, what says you?
Conditions like these are easily understandable. As in, once Hurricane Sandy sucked the car out Cedar Creek, it bounced around the bottom of the bay for years until the car was washed ashore at Mud City.
Rust in piece.
I make a comment on the ’60 2 door wagon, and I’ll make the same comment here. Art Morrison makes a frame for this. Get one of those. Then KEEP the drive train. Any big block, factory a/c convertible is rare. Keep it stock up top, new frame and suspension down below. They make ALL the sheet metal for this. Make it new, and then *drive* it!
I’ve done enough cars in this condition to tell you that the hours of labor alone will be a lot more than this car will ever be worth.
Agreed. Spend the money and look for one the has at least a few salvageable body panels; this one is roached. I don’t know what the big block drivetrain is worth but $7k seems like a lot of money considering the unknown condition. The seller lists the mileage as 68k but has it been around once, twice maybe even thrice? This is barely a parts car; good luck to whoever wins this heap.
Especially once you get the car done a few years later. I don’t know if the market’s gonna hold up on these with electric cars and a car-disinterested generation coming up. But you can’t take it with you I guess.
I wonder if we can find a build sheet in that back seat??
What a pile of crap
D88 Hood and Deck Stripes had nothing to do with any 72 Super Sport. They were an option that could come on any flat hood 2 door Malibu Sport Coupe, Malibu El Camino, Convertibles, and GMC SPRINTS….and Yes even on a Super Sport optioned vehicle. People always calling them “SS Stripes”….they are wrong. They were even an option on Camaro’s thru 73.
All I see here is an engine and transmission that I would consider cores. Seems like the high bid should have a decimal point there somewhere.
Such a deflated state of condition even the air filter desintegrated leaving only the base and lid, ha ha.
This Was a nice machine years ago, save it only if you love her.
Fixable? I would have titled this “Flexible!”
I’d call it “Effedupable”.
Seller states:
“NEEDS FULL RESTO PARKED IN 79”
Now there is Truth In Advertising if there ever was!
I’ve seen queen size bed frames with more structural integrity than the underside of this thing.
Can’t imagine winching it up on a flatbed, you’d leave half of it behind.
Another insult to the intelligence of the common man.
Frame appears to be broken in half directly below the right side seat belt base. Best to use 4″ wide ratchet straps to keep it together during any attempt to move it.
I see the VIN and Trim tags magically ending up on a decent donor car…
40 mins left on auction. $8600. Stay tuned
OMG! 10,400. Is this a joke? Or, are there more crooks out there than I thought. I suspect the vin and trim tag will be relocated shortly.
Sold $10,400.wow,just wow
Most amazing of all is the dash pad looks to be in excellent condition.
I would love to find a customer with something like this and very deep pockets. I love restorations like this, would chew this up and spit out perfection. Will someone please document this restoration if it happens and YouTube it!!! Gentlemen, we all know it’s a mess, but we also know in concourses condition it a beauty.