When we ran the first Local Heroes in last November's issue, we got a waterfall of response. It made so much sense that we've added more and the file box is still pretty full. If your ride isn't in this selection, look for it again next year, and as always, thanks for your support. -Henry D
Get your car in CHP!
E-mail:Send photos and info to chevyhi@sourceinterlink.com.
Digital photos must be 300 dpi at 5x7 inches.
Mail: CHP Rides, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048
'81 Camaro Berlinetta
Glen Johnson
Manchester, MD
Legacy
Glen's grandmother bought the Berlinetta as her daily driver. When she passed on in '87, it had 42K on the clock. The 267ci V-8 expired, so Glen plugged in a carbureted 383 stroker that dyno-proofed at 460 hp and 490 lb-ft of torque. He replaced the shredded transmission with a TCI Super Street Fighter TH350 and 3,000-stall converter and kept the 10-bolt but beefed it with 3.73 gears and an Eaton Posi. Wheels are 16-inch American Racing Torque Thrust IIs wrapped with BFG g-Force Sport tires. There was no rust. Glen retained the interior exactly as it was in 1981. He takes it out and "toasts" grandma regularly.
'69 Camaro
Russ Himes
Keller, TX
Sweet Sight Unseen
Did I just spend what I consider a large sum of cash on something that I had not driven, yet alone laid eyes on?" asks Russ. "Yes, I did, but I got a body-off restoration beautifully finished in Hugger Orange with Z28 stripes, correct Z28 badging, and Rally Sport options. The ZZ4 crate engine has a GM Hot Cam, GMPP Fast Burn cylinder heads and intake manifold, and 750-cfm Holley/cowl induction system. I hooked its 430 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque to a Richmond five-speed and a 12-bolt Posi-Traction rearend with 3.08:1 gears. Control comes from power-assisted Baer discs all around, power steering, and Competition Engineering Slide-A-Link traction bars. The interior is all new, including a rosewood steering wheel with a tilt column and a carbon fiber dash insert with Auto Meter Pro Comp Ultra-Lite gauges. Rolling stock includes 17-inch Torq-Thrust II wheels and BFG g-Force KDWS tires. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!"
'69 Camaro Z28
Robert Byng
Cayucos, CA
Make Mine Rare
This 27,000-mile, '69 Olympic Gold Z28 was purchased new specifically as a dedicated road racer and, according to the original owner, was very successful. Then it languished for 22 years prior to its subsequent restoration. The Z utilizes the original sheetmetal and interior, even the carpet. The infamous DZ 302 remains modified as per the early Chevrolet Power Book, including a first design off-road cam and special headers with a 3-inch exhaust system. The Muncie M-21 four-speed is backed by a heavy-duty 12-bolt with 3.73:1 gears and Posi-Traction. Besides a little fun at Laguna Seca, "Goldie" has been shown twice at the prestigious Quail Motorsports Gathering during Monterey Speed Week, and it trophied at the Palos Verdes Concours.
'66 EL Camino
Fred Albright
Altadena, CA
Believe It Or Not
My father purchased this car for me as a graduation gift in 1969," Fred recalls. "A few weeks later, I owned three speeding citations ... and one small accident. Needless to say, the El Camino was on its way to a new home. About 14 years ago, I was driving in Southern California when I found this '66 El Camino in dire need of attention. A week later, I found the original sales slip for the one that my father had bought for me. Believe it or not, the car I bought was the same one I'd been given in 1969. Sylvester Carter at Monrovia Body Shop restored its beauty. The motor is a 383ci ZZ4 block with the Fast Burn heads, 10.1:1 compression ratio, and an Edelbrock manifold and 850-cfm carb. It has a Turbo 350 transmission with a 2,500-stall converter. I replaced the steering gear with quick gears. The front end bushings are new and so are the brakes. I enjoy the El Camino because you don't see many restored ones around here."