Goodguys 2027 Grand Prize Giveaway 1966 Chevelle Part 8 – Final Assembly and Interior Bring the Grand Prize Chevelle to the Finish Line
It’s easy to think that the final stretch of a long automotive project is going to be easier. That’s not always true. Sure, it’s good to be past the welding, grinding, and other heavy-lifting stages of a build. But when you enter final assembly, you can quickly be overwhelmed with the countless small tasks that lie ahead. It can feel like a million tedious little things need to happen. On top of that, you must be especially careful not to scratch or damage any of the freshly painted or plated pieces you’re assembling.
Despite all that, it’s a thrilling feeling to begin tackling all those small things as you initiate final assembly on a hot rod project. When the paint is on, the chassis is assembled, and you start adding parts instead of removing them, you finally begin to see the big picture emerging. That vision of the finished product begins to take shape, providing a fresh round of motivation and enthusiasm to keep forging ahead.
Needless to say, all of us at Goodguys were excited when we started seeing final assembly photos of the Grand Prize Giveaway 1966 Chevelle at GAP Industries. Tim Palazzolo and his team had already invested a ton of time and energy into this Chevelle’s transformation by the time it emerged from the paint booth with its fresh red finish. And like the true professionals they are, they didn’t bat an eye when it was time to begin the final assembly on a short deadline.
The process began by reuniting the body with the Speedtech Performance frame, which had been powder coated and reassembled into a rolling chassis. It soon gained Wilwood disc brakes and its new rolling stock, consisting of 19×10- and 20×12-inch Forgeline wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport tires from Diamondback Classic. Soon, the detailed 427c.i. LT engine from Late Model Engines was also installed, along with the Tremec T-56 Magnum six-speed transmission.
Next came a whirlwind of other activities. In the rear, the Rock Valley fuel tank was installed and plumbed using Holley fuel management components, plus braided fuel lines and AN fittings from Earl’s. A pair of Optima batteries was also mounted in the trunk.
Naturally, there were a lot of things happening inside the Chevelle. HushMat insulation, new carpet, and NuRelic power windows were all installed, along with controls for the Dakota Digital instruments and Holley EFI system behind the dash, plus the Vintage Air system. The dash was modified for A/C vents, and everything was wired up using a Painless Wiring harness and wiring. An Ididit tilt column was topped with a billet steering wheel from Ironworks.
The balance of the interior came from TMI Products. This included the company’s Sport low-back bucket seats and matching Sport R door and side panels with gray leather and suede upholstery augmented with red accent stitching. TMI supplied GAP with matching upholstery to wrap the modified rear seat, along with the carpet and headliner. Final elements inside included a Pioneer stereo system paired with Kicker amps and speakers.
The GAP crew completed the Chevelle’s final assembly just in time to be unveiled at the Goodguys 28th Summit Racing Nationals presented by Grundy Insurance this summer in Columbus. And we have to tell you – the finished car looks fantastic. But don’t take our word for it – we’ll be back with a full feature next week!
If you missed the installments detailing the Goodguys 2027 Grand Prize Giveaway 1966 Chevelle, check them out: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, and Part 7.
Photos: GAP Industries
