1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396 Restoration at V8 Speed and Resto Shop

Posted on by V8 Staff

A New Version Of An Old Friend

This cool 1966 Chevelle is the second for it’s owner Larry Frees, who might be familiar as the caretaker of the “Mr. Chevy” 1955 Chevy gasser and hauler ramp truck. He had a Marina Blue ‘66 Chevelle in his youth, and this car connects him to the car he had long ago. Larry provided us with the beginning of the restoration story as it unfolds in the V8 Speed & Resto Shop. The car turned out beautifully, after some sheet metal surgery, laser-straight bodywork, and a custom color brewed in-house… named “Tropical Frees!” It’s putting out over 400 horsepower, it rides on air, and looks fantastic!

Highlights of the Build

True SS 396: A real 138 VIN 1966 Chevelle SS, reimagined with passion and precision.
Custom Powertrain: Features a bored-out 396 to 402ci engine with a full roller valvetrain, paired with a Richmond 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive and Holley fuel injection.
Air Ride Suspension: Fully adjustable air ride system for a smooth, customizable ride.
Body and Paint: New quarter panels, trunk floor, tail pan, and deck lid, with meticulous metalwork to ensure tight, uniform gaps. Painted in a unique “Tropical Freeze” aqua-teal with pearl and metallic flair.
Custom Interior: Two-tone Fawn and Buckskin interior with a metallic cardboard-inspired dash, Dakota Digital gauges, Vintage Air AC, and a hand-painted tropical graphic.
Modern Touches: LED taillight inserts, 17″ chrome Craig SS wheels, and a smoothed rear package tray with flush 6×9 speakers.
Day Three Philosophy: Because it was not a numbers matching, all original car, it was built with a blend of classic SS 396 style with modern upgrades like fuel injection, air suspension, and enhanced power (over 400 HP!).

Why This Build Stands Out

This Chevelle isn’t just a restoration—it’s a reimagining of a classic, balancing authenticity with modern performance. Our team at V8 Speed and Resto spent months refining every detail, from TIG-welding panels for precision fitment to block-sanding the body for flawless reflections. The result is a car that looks like it’s carved from a single piece of steel, with a vibrant custom color and a roaring exhaust that demands attention.

Watch The Video:

Get in Touch

Dreaming of bringing your own classic car to life? Whether it’s a muscle car like this Chevelle, a fat-fendered beauty from the ’40s, or a gem from the ’80s or ’90s, we’re here to make it happen. Contact Us to start planning your dream build!

V8 Speed and Resto Shop

817 S. Main Street
Red Bud, IL 62278
314.783.8325
https://www.v8speedshop.com

SUBSCRIBE: https://goo.gl/RIkdDS

Links & Resources

1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396 Restoration at V8 Speed & Resto Shop

Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop with all your Classic or Muscle Car needs today!

817 S. MAIN STREET – RED BUD, IL 62278

The Build Photos

🔥 PREVIEW VIDEO: 1966 Chevelle Restoration by the V8 Speed & Resto Shop

Posted on by V8 Staff

Sneak Peek: ’66 Chevelle Tropical Blue Reveal! 💙

This sweet 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle, bathed in tasty custom-mixed “Tropical Frees Blue”, just left the V8 Speed & Resto Shop… and we’ve got the full video coming soon!

Get ready for an in-depth look at this stunning restoration, from the classic muscle car lines to the impeccable, flawless finish. It’s a build that demands attention and a video you won’t want to skip.

Don’t miss the complete feature video—subscribe now so you’re the first to see it when it drops!

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#Chevelle #MuscleCar #Shorts #V8Speed&Resto #V8Speedshop #Musclecars

Contact Us To Build Yours!

V8 Speed and Resto Shop
817 S. Main Street
Red Bud, IL 62278
314.783.8325
https://www.v8speedshop.com

1969 Chevrolet Camaro COMP Cams 40th Anniversary Restoration Video at V8 Speed & Resto Shop

Posted on by V8 Staff

The Legendary Comp Cams Camaro: A 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Reborn

The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro is a timeless icon, celebrated for its versatility and enduring appeal. Whether built stock, as a race car, pro-touring machine, or full custom, a ’69 Camaro always turns heads. At V8 Speed and Resto Shop, one particular ’69 Camaro convertible, known as the Comp Cams Camaro, holds a special place due to its rich history and remarkable revival.

A Storied Past

The Comp Cams Camaro traces its roots to the 1970s and 1980s when Scooter Brothers, founder of Comp Cams, campaigned a white ’69 Camaro convertible in NHRA drag racing. That original car was sold, but years later, Brothers sought to recreate it. The result was a white Camaro with black stripes, powered by a NASCAR-spec SB2 small-block V8. This car became a legend, featured in Hot Rod magazine, showcased on the Hot Rod Power Tour, and displayed at countless events.

One memorable tale from its travels involves the Camaro nearly escaping its trailer during a Power Tour stop, fish-tailing down the road while hanging by its header flanges. Though it was saved, years of heavy use at public events took a toll, leaving the car worn out.

A Second Life

To celebrate Comp Cams’ 40th anniversary, V8 Speed and Resto Shop was tasked with restoring this iconic car. Known for building high-performance ’69 Camaro convertibles, including one for Royal Purple Synthetic Oil, our team was ready to bring the Comp Cams Camaro back to life. Comp Cams, a leader in valve train technology with brands like RHS, FAST, and TCI, wanted the car to showcase their cutting-edge products while remaining instantly recognizable.

The Build

The restoration began with a plan to preserve the car’s identity while enhancing its performance and appearance. The car, a real RS Camaro with hideaway headlights and low-mounted reverse lights, was originally Daytona Yellow but had been painted white. We retained the white base with black stripes, adding a red pinstripe matching the Comp Cams logo’s Pantone color for a subtle branding touch.

The body required minor repairs—rust patches in the floors, trunk, and quarter panels were addressed with precision to preserve the original shell. Suspension upgrades included a Heidts front subframe, tubular control arms, Wilwood brakes, CCW wheels, and a Ford 9-inch rear axle with Heidts four-link brackets for superior handling.

1969 Camaro COMP CAMS restored by V8 Speed and Resto Shop

Under the hood, Butler Performance built a 454-cubic-inch LS engine using an RHS aluminum block, RHS cylinder heads, an LSXR intake manifold, and Comp Cams valvetrain components. A FAST XFI EFI system and EASY LS/TCU controllers manage the engine and TCI 6X six-speed automatic transmission, delivering 690 horsepower naturally aspirated, with a ZEX nitrous kit for extra punch. A custom aluminum air filter box, designed to fit the tight engine bay, ensures fresh air intake while adding a sleek look.

The interior blends classic and modern with houndstooth bucket seats, Dakota Digital gauges, a TCI shifter, and a Vintage Air Gen 4 AC system with electronic controls for a factory-like appearance. A reduced-diameter billet steering wheel and hand-bent stainless exhaust complete the package, giving the car a commanding presence.

The Result

The reborn Comp Cams Camaro is a masterpiece of performance and style, built to be driven hard and enjoyed for years. Delivered to Comp Cams, it made a flawless 4.5-hour drive to Memphis, and since then, it has racked up nearly 7,000 miles. The car has starred at SEMA, the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals (scoring 997/1,000 points), the Rev’n Rods Tour, the Car Craft Pro Builder Shootout, and the Good Guys Top 50 ’69 Camaros display.

A Legacy That Endures

The Comp Cams Camaro is more than a car—it’s a testament to passion, craftsmanship, and performance. Its journey from drag strip warrior to restored icon showcases the dedication of both Comp Cams and V8 Speed and Resto Shop. Check out the full build at v8speedshop.com or spot it at an event like the Hot Rod Power Tour. If you’re dreaming of reviving your own classic, we’d love to bring it to life!

Watch The Build Video!

Speaking Of Camaro Videos… Here’s A Few More Built at V8 Speed and Resto:

Let’s Build Yours!

Reach us anytime at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop to chat about reviving your dream car!

V8 SPEED & RESTO SHOP

817 S. MAIN STREET – RED BUD, IL 62278

All The Photos

🔶 Striking Gold: Painting Stripes, EFI, and Other Upgrades on a 1972 Chevrolet Camaro at V8 Speed and Resto

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A head-turning 1972 Chevrolet Camaro cruised into the V8 Speed and Resto Shop recently, ready for a touch of cosmetic magic and some TLC. The owner wanted to accentuate the Camaro’s gorgeous gold paint with some classic black Z/28 stripes, and let’s just say, we were chomping at the bit to show off the results!

The treatment included a fresh coat on the hood and deck lid, along with the addition of those sharp black stripes. To add a bit of extra flair, we also installed some sleek Ringbrothers hood hinges. But that’s not all – we we took care of a few other maintenance items to keep this beauty running smoothly.

At the heart of the engine upgrade was the installation of a Holley Terminator X EFI system. This modern fuel injection system replaced the original carburetor, providing precise fuel delivery and improved performance. To support the EFI system, several additional components were added, including a Holley fuel pump module, a mechanical fuel pump block-off plate, and a fuel pressure regulator. ARP fasteners were used throughout, and a Lokar transmission kick-down bracket and cable were fitted to ensure smooth gear changes.

To improve the Camaro’s handling and drivability, a new Borgeson power steering gearbox and rag joint was installed. The Borgeson steering box enhances road feel while adding a level of precision to the Camaro’s steering that had eroded over the decades.

This is just the beginning for this stunning Camaro. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to work our magic and elevate this classic muscle car to even greater heights! We can’t wait to share the final product with all of you. In the meantime, if you have a car that’s craving a makeover, drop on by V8 Speed and Resto Shop – we’d love to chat about your vision!

Click this link or call 314.783.8325 to contact us for upgrades or a complete restoration!

1966 Chevrolet Corvette Maintenance at V8 Speed and Resto Shop

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1965 Chevy C10 with FACTORY A/C?! | Rare Find Gets Maintained at V8 Speed & Resto Shop!

Posted on by V8 Staff

This ’65 C10 doesn’t just look cool… check out the factory air conditioning (more in video!)

This stunning 1965 Chevrolet C10 pickup truck isn’t your average classic! This beauty boasts a powerful 350 V8 engine, automatic transmission, AND factory-installed air conditioning – a rare option in these early C10s. Check out the unique center dash vents that kept this truck cool back in the day.

1965 Chevrolet C10 Pickup Truck Feature at V8 Speed and Resto Shop V8TV

Looking for a classic car or truck restoration shop that can handle the unique features of your vehicle? Look no further than the V8 Speed & Resto Shop in Red Bud, IL! Our team of experts is passionate about preserving the history of classic cars and trucks, with the knowledge and skills to tackle any project, from routine maintenance to full restorations.

In this video, we take a closer look at this special 1965 C10, showcasing its features and the restoration work performed by V8 Speed & Resto Shop. See how we carefully looked after this classic truck, ensuring it continues to turn heads for years to come!

Learn more about this special truck in the video!

Want your classic car or truck to be next? Contact V8 Speed & Resto Shop today!

The V8 Speed & Resto Shop is a full-service classic car and muscle car restoration service ready to perform everything from simple maintenance on vintage cars to full frame-off restorations and modifications. Whether you are seeking a stock restoration, a pro-touring muscle car, or a custom restomod, the V8 Speed & Resto Shop in Red Bud, IL, can help. Contact us today to put the V8 crew to work for you. Transport services are available.

V8 Speed & Resto Shop
817 S. Main Street
Red Bud,IL 62278
314.783.8325

https://www.v8speedshop.com
Email: resto@v8speedshop.com

#c10 #restoration #v8speedshop

1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS SS 350 4-Speed Time Capsule at V8 Speed and Resto Shop

Posted on by V8 Staff

It’s not a Delorean, but this Camaro SS survivor is a time machine.

Nostalgia is a powerful force, and for the owner of this super cool 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, it’s turned up to 11. You see, this is not only a really cool 1967 Camaro, with it’s factory-installed first year 350 V8, Rally Sport (RS) appearance package, and Super Sport (SS) performance goodies, but it’s a valued family member that has returned to the fold.

1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS SS 350 Time Capsule

The Car

When a car arrives at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, we like to verify it’s identity to see what we’re working with. This time, the VIN and cowl trim tag spell out how this car was built in the first week of November, and was originally painted Butternut Yellow with matching interior and black vinyl top. The RS SS packages are original, as appears the new for 295 horsepower 350 V8 and 4-speed manual transmission installed at the Los Angeles (Van Nuys) CA plant.

The Story

The owner was fortunate to have some great times in the car “back in the day”, as he and his brother would drive it in high school together. As you can imagine, there are many stories about those days. Unfortunately, his brother is no longer with us, and the Camaro got away from the family. However, our customer’s wife eventually located the car, purchased it, and presented it back to the owner for a very special birthday present. We can only imagine the flood of memories and emotions that day when he slid behind the wheel of this treasured Camaro once again.

Check Out The Story In The Video

1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS SS 350 4-Speed Time Machine at V8 Speed and Resto Shop

1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS SS 350 4-Speed Time Machine Restoration Part 2

Next steps for the Camaro SS

After reviewing the condition of the Camaro, the owner determined he needed a hand to get it back on the road. He contacted us at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop to evaluate it’s condition and create a plan that brings the car right back to the condition it was in back in high school… or maybe a bit nicer! Although originally yellow, the owner’s experience and memories are with it in black, so black it should stay. We’ll go over the car and propose a least-invasive restoration and preservation to make it safe, reliable, and ready to burn up the streets once again.

What’s your car’s story?

The V8 Speed and Resto Shop mission statement is to “connect people with the best times of their lives through things with wheels”, and this is a perfect example. We are honored for the opportunity to work on this prized Camaro SS, and fully understand the significance of cars like these… they all have stories, but some are never known. In the end, it’s really all about the people and good times had with the car.

How can we help write your family heirloom Classic or Muscle Car’s next chapter?

The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Team stands at the ready to assist with your classic car’s maintenance, preservation, partial restoration, modification, complete restoration, or even to build a totally custom, bespoke, one-of-a-kind automobile that reflects your desires. Contact us today to start the conversation… we love a great car story!

Fuel Injected 427 Big Block Personality Change for a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS Convertible at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop

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There’s just something about the numbers 427 to a Muscle Car fan.

This very clean 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS convertible recently came to the V8 Speed and Resto Shop in need of a heart transplant. Although it had a 396 under the hood, it was pretty anemic. Like most of us, the owner wanted more power, so the V8 Speed team upped the ante with a new Chevrolet Performance ZZ427.

1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS Convertible 427 Upgrade at V8 Speed and Resto Shop

427 Cubes of Attitude Adjustment!

This all-new ZZ427 is a 480 horsepower big block Chevy V8, just waiting to transform the Camaro’s personality. A Vintage Air Frontrunner accessory drive and A/C system keep everything cool up front and inside the car, and the V8 crew topped the 427 with a Holley Terminator Stealth EFI system and a slew of other items to make it sing.

More Sport for the Rally Sport

The Camaro is a real RS car, born in the same black exterior and parchment interior colors you see here. It has some cool options, like the rally gauge package in the console and the headrests topping the bucket seats. However, this one is not all stock, by any stretch. In addition to that thumping 427, you’ll find a 5-speed manual transmission in place of the original 4-speed, and tubular suspension and coil-over springs and shocks for better handling. The wheels look right, but they are upsized billet aluminum Chevy Rally style wheels wrapped in custom modern redline tires from Diamondback Classics. These are a great choice for any restomod Camaro.

1967 Chevrolet Camaro Intro Video at V8 Speed and Resto Shop

Hidden In Plain Sight

The Holley Terminator Stealth fuel injection system looks almost exactly like a Holley double pumper carb, but offers better starting, instant response, and modern fuel and timing control that can’t be matched by a carburetor. The 427 utilizes aluminum heads and a full roller cam valvetrain, so the risk of flattening a lobe or trashing a lifter is negated. We always like to build tasteful restomods here at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. If you’ve got a Camaro or any other Muscle Car that needs some love, we’re happy to chat about it! You can reach us at https://www.v8speedshop.com/contact-us today.

Check Out The Build Photo Gallery of this Sweet 1967 Camaro RS

1982 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Restoration at V8 Speed and Resto Shop

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The First Of The New Generation

1982 was the debut year for the all-new 3rd Generation Chevrolet Camaro, including the highest-performance offering of the day, the Z28. While the early 1980s were not the pinnacle of performance years, this 4-speed Z28 holds a very special place in the heart and mind of the owner, and we’re looking forward to lighting its fire once again.

Connecting The Past With The Future

Cars like this one transport us back to when they were new, and the owner has had this one ever since then. We’re honored to have a hand in this Z28s future, renewing the spirit of the car and the soul of the owner through the throw of the 4-speed shifter. Reach us at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop to chat about the next chapter for your classic or muscle car.