RogerD’s 1969 COPO/HPC Chevelle
It is one of only a very few KAN built ’69 COPO Chevelles. I saved the original circa ’69 HPC “MSRP sticker” and ’69 Bill Allen “Customer Invoice” the day I bought the car new Aug 19, 1969 – these documents are 100% authentic. To my knowledge, this is the only KAN built 1969 COPO 427CI /450HP HPC Chevelle ever produced and I now own it again.
Update or replace my trusty ’66 SS 396 Chevelle . . .
My aging ’66 SS396 Chevelle, problem solved . . .
Aug 19, 1969 – on my way to work around 8AM, a bright orange Chevelle with black hood stripes rolling onto the ‘showcase’ section of Bill Allen’s lot caught my eye. The salesman, Mr. Fieden, didn’t waste any time – he hit key points about performance mods at the HPC shop and shortly afterwards, I drove on to work in a brand new HOT 1969 COPO 427CI / DH 450HP Chevelle!
I enjoyed the car briefly and then, my first “race” . . .
I was never left behind at a streetlight and on the few occasions I raced “in the flats” locally, was unbeaten. The first “race” with PHS classmate John Carter was in early Dec 1969 out on Highway 33 near Plattsburg – he had a hot 396CI/350HP Chevy Nova. John smoked his tires while I screamed to the turnaround. It was a hollow victory – my motor scuffed a cylinder wall – it was replaced under GM warranty at Bill Allen’s shop days later. While there, they damaged the hood, top and deck lid – just patched it up without telling me. I discovered their botched repair a few weeks later – the fresh paint started cracking – another shop visit for a repaint on the hood, top and deck lid followed.
Summer of 1970, another memorable “race” . . .
This race was just outside Karen’s hometown of Gallatin, MO in the summer of 1970 shortly after we were engaged. She and lifelong friend Janel Reynolds, were riding around with me that summer evening when we were “invited” to race Karen & Janel’s underclassman, Ben Houghton in his strong running Challenger 440 six pack. Junior Burke set it up on Highway 13 between Gallatin and Hamilton. Ben smoked his tires – I eased off the line and then hammered the gas pedal through the quarter. Flashing red lights in the distance heading our way halted a rematch . . .
That’s exactly how it happened back in 1969 and 1970 – then, in the fall of 2008 . . .
My wife and I often talk about our chance meeting at Fansher’s, our “summer romance” and the Monaco Orange ’69 Chevelle which was so much a part of that summer. We were having one of those conversations in October ’08 talking about times past. I embarked on an “all out, do or die” effort to either find the car or chase it to ground. In Dec ’08, I tracked down and talked to the mid ‘80s owner of the car. During our conversation, he talked about a subsequent owner who contacted him in 2005 about the car. The 80’s owner knew all about the car’s heritage and told me the DH emblem on the trunk lid had been removed the day he sold the car at auction.
What are the chances – I searched (unsuccessfully) . . .
Many offers of help . . .My enthusiasm hit the floor – I was about ready to give up (again) but . . .
Over the past 12 years, I had “given up” several times only to pick it up and start again. That’s exactly what happened in late Feb 2009 – something inside me just wouldn’t let go – I just couldn’t quit. So, I started again – went back to the farm contact (where it sat for years) and continued to ask questions. Tracked down and talked to the tow company that hauled it – couldn’t locate any scrap yard in the area that could verify it had been crushed. Loose ends remained – it just wasn’t finished . . .
On May 2, 2009, I received an intriguing email . .
It was from an individual on the East coast totally unknown by me – a riveting one liner – “Roger, by chance was your cars VIN 136397K470099? Dan”. Was it a scam or perhaps was my car really out there? Dan’s email rekindled my fire – it was the spark I needed! I regained my focus – up every morning at 4:30AM – going back over clues – looking for anything I may have missed. I responded to Dan a couple of times and then, in late July I emailed him one last time – no response. I began tracking Dan via old posts and emails hopeful that I could locate his phone number to call him. . .
I expanded my search – “You can see the original orange under the crappy white paint” . . .
I added several major metro’s into the mix, hopeful I might find anything. Good move – I found an expired Craigslist, Illinois ad with the VIN just a few days after I spoke to Dan. It was inactive but I kept on, hopeful the seller might relist. He did and on Aug 12th shortly after 6AM, I found his (Aug 11th) relist. Several emails to the seller later, he responded and by mid afternoon, I connected with JonW via phone. We agreed to meet the next morning at 7:30AM at the storage rental where the car was stored.
August 12, 2009, 10:00PM – on to Ottawa via rent car . . .
Arrived Chicago about 10PM, picked up the rent car and headed for Ottawa. It was about a 2 hour drive and I was fortunate to find a room for the remainder of the night. I was up at 5:00AM the next morning, pacing the floor and trying to stay calm. I needed a place to store the car (if it was authentic) so I started searching via the internet (love motel wireless access about now). First call I made had space available but politely said “no” to space for a nonrunning vehicle. Next call, I explained my urgent need for a space to store the car in which my wife and I had our first date over 40 years ago and that it wasn’t running right now. The agent just couldn’t say no and they were running a special on the first month’s rent for just $1.00 – that’s right one buck. At 7:15AM sharp (Thursday Aug 13, 2009), I was waiting for the seller at the storage unit in Ottawa. I noticed as I drove in, the phone number was the same as my space reservation – everything was falling into place. Jon arrived at 7:30AM right on the dot – we exchanged pleasantries and a few minutes later he was opening the door to the storage unit.
As the door opened, a yellow inspection sticker on the driver side of the windshield caught my eye. As I moved in to examine, my heart raced – it was a mid 80’s Missouri inspection sticker. I asked Jon if he had any documentation to go with the car and he pulled out a clear Illinois title along with a Missouri DMV marked envelope. Inside the envelope was an old (owner copy) title application – it was the same mid ’80’s Missouri owner to whom I had tracked the car in December 2008. It all matched – it was the same as the VIN tag on the car. Money changed hands, papers were signed and I took ownership (again) of my old ’69 Chevelle. My rental space was in the same unit, just two spaces down from the Jon’s – he helped me push it from his space to mine. During the flight home, memories came flooding back from ’69 and ’70 – difficult to stay calm – I looked at the pictures I took while there over and over – my ‘Orange” Chevelle had been painted white . . .
August 14, 2009, 12 Noon – 1,900 mile Road trip – whew . . .
I was at work early Friday morning, met with my boss and explained the situation. Called an old friend Ken Hull from work to see if could accompany me on a road trip and together, we headed for Ottawa, IL soon afterwards. We drove straight through, spending a very short night (from 3AM to about 7AM) about 60 miles South of Ottawa. After coffee and a light breakfast on Aug 15th, we headed to Ottawa and the storage unit. 
After loading the car, I settled up at the front office ($1.00 total cost) and we started for home. Every time we stopped for gas, someone would walk up and ask about the “old SS Chevelle”. We spent the night in Springfield MO, just too tired to go any further that day. Aug 16, 2009, arrived back home in Texas – whew – over 1,900 miles up and back – sure good to be home and with our old Chevelle in the rear view mirror! I started another post on yenko.net announcing my ‘miracle find’ – lots of activity on this post . . .
March, 2010 – It’s been over a year since I tracked down and bought back our old Chevelle . . .
May, 2010 – We immediately took a liking to the boys at Premier Body and Paint . . .
Jeff and Darren – we were comfortable right away, same as with Todd. We talked a bit – it was as if we had always known them and then they showed us a pristine looking ‘70 Chevelle LS6. It was in the final stages of a frame off restoration and it looked absolutely breath taking! They later turned it over to Todd (Platinum Muscle Cars) for his final touch on detailing and the end result is nothing short of spectacular! Needless to say, we finalized our decision on where our “special” Chevelle would go for frame, body and paint that same day. Jeff and Darren couldn’t start until late August but we were OK with that . . .
August 31, 2010 – let’s get the project started . . .
Jeff, Darren and Tim – doing what they love to do . . .
Over the next 3 months, the boys did their part of the project – tearing my Chevelle right down to the frame. 
They took it completely apart – sandblasted the frame, body and related components, cut out the rusted body panels and replaced them with the NOS GM parts. I spent countless hours tracking down and buying those parts during the past year. Then, reconstruction – taking great pains to “get it right” and boy, did they get the job done! Next came the primer coats and lots of block sanding, base coats, clear coats – again, their goal was to get it right and their efforts clearly paid off.
December 1, 2010, progress – lookin’ GOOD . . .
Frame, body and paint work are complete – thanks to the boys at Premier Body and Paint LC in Buffalo, Missouri! It’s now almost years end (Dec 21, 2010), just over 16 months since we brought the car home. There are now more “spectacular results” from the boys in Buffalo Missouri of which, Karen and I are very well pleased. We started the detailing portion of project back in Texas during December 2010 – piece by piece – everything going back together just as it was when it rolled off the line at GM’s Kansas City plant and a subsequent visit to Dick Harrell’s® shop thereafter for his magic touch back in 1969 . . .
My first “race” back in the winter of 1969 – Highway 33, Plattsburg MO. . .
Another memorable “race” back in the summer of 1970 – Highway 13, Gallatin MO . . .
Jan 6, 2011 – A Mega millions Lotto Winner in North Idaho . . .
April 8, 2011 – 2 hours driving time Southeast from my place . . .
I met JamesL back in 2009 while searching for parts. Turns out, the orange 69 Chevelle I photo shopped back in Dec ‘08 was a car James restored. Didn’t connect with him at the time but did when I later contacted him about his CraigsList add for parts. James has been very helpful on my project – coming up with hard to find original GM parts – tips on “how to” each time I’ve called –he’s one of the “good guys” I’ve met on my quest. Arrived early Saturday morning at James’s place – he lined up a good glass man (LonnieD) to set the glass. Lonnie arrived around 8AM and 12 hours later (after 5 trips for parts & tools) $$$ changed hands – we were done.
April 30, 2011 – Circa ‘69 Missouri plates back on the bumper . . .
During June of 2010, a “Cousin’s reunion” near Hot Springs Arkansas and what a GREAT time! I bored Karen’s family with details about our project and mentioned my hopes to find a vintage ’69 MO Plate for the car. Dennis Filley, husband of Karen’s cousin took up the challenge – turns out, he wasn’t bored. Dennis grew up and was graduated from HS at Cameron, MO where his folks owned and operated Filley’s Antiques for many years. He recently delivered on his offer to help when he came down for the annual ‘Pate Swap meet’ at Texas Motor Speedway. His favorite ride is a beautiful ’34 Ford Roadster – he brought along a really nice Aug ’69 MO plate. SPECIAL THANKS to Mr. Filley . . .
The source of a persistent oil leak at the back of the block is finally isolated – a galley plug that was very tight but didn’t seal. A bit of Teflon tape did the trick – had it buttoned up by lunch and back together. Finally, it’s time for a test run and then a ‘day 2’ trip around the block with Karen . . . It was 41 years ago this weekend that I took her home in this very same car – our ‘first date’. It’s only a few days until we leave for Chevell-Abration 2011 and not a day too soon to finally have the car back on the road.
I was speechless – a rush of memories from the ‘70’s came flooding back mixed in with more recent memories from my long search, find and restore mission. I fumbled with the mic and failed miserably to convey my appreciation. Since December 2008, I have received encouragement from 100’s of ACES members and others – always positive and always pushing me to keep going. Without their encouragement, I simply would not have made it. A sincere and heartfelt THANKS goes out to them all and especially to that beautiful young woman I met on Memorial Day, 1970 and my beautiful wife for over 40 years. Answered prayer, absolutely – simply a miracle that I found my old Chevelle and was able to bring it back again – the truth, nothing more and nothing less . .
Next stop, going to Kansas City for the ACES Regional, Sept 23 ~ 24, 2011 . . ..
Friday evening, several participated in the arranged cruise. Had a GREAT time – Frank & Kay Woodruff, Karen’s childhood friends from Gallatin rode along. Saturday morning, up early for a fuel and then parked in my assigned spot. 
A steady stream of visitors and participants started looking over the field. Many were familiar with DH Performance Center from back in the day – several commented about visiting his shop. Friends and family came up for the show 
Friday and Saturday – the clock turned back for over 40 years. Things wrapped up mid afternoon, the awards were handed out & we were honored to receive one of the three “TOP THREE ‘69” awards!! The event was more than just the award for Karen & me – “homecoming” for the old Chevelle, a special time with family & friends sharing memories from days gone by. They were as excited as we were, having witnessed races, ridden in by my niece Shirley Parsons, Karen’s friend Janel Culver & my Whitaker Cable boss (and old friend) Ken Praiswater or for HS buddy Jim Fansher, head under the hood just like old times. . .
This would be our first ever ‘Muscle Car’ event and we were more than a little unsure of the outcome. Made it past Saint Louis the first day and then finished the trip early the next afternoon. Lots of cars were already unloading and moving into the Donald E. Stephens Convention center when we arrived. We settled into our hotel room right across the street and started checking things out. Met Grady Burch at the staging location and together with three other attendees, walked across the street to check in. We were in luck – after a brief conversation with Bob Ashton, were given the green light to move in. Just couldn’t believe how many GREAT muscle cars were there. We were in the “COPO Invitational” section with Grady Burch’s un-restored COPO Chevelle and Albert Galdi’s restored Fathom Green COPO Chevelle. How could it get any better? Our car was entered for the “Concours Day 2” judging event – we were a bit apprehensive but held out hope that our Chevelle would do OK.
We did better than OK – the judges spent what seem like hours looking over, under, inside and outside our car. They asked questions, consulted together, went back to the car for more inspection, shined their ‘special’ flashlights on various parts and then tallied the results. Then they came over to review the results with us pointing out specific items for which points were deducted. I simply couldn’t believe the final tally, 994 out of 1,000 possible points – it was FANTASTIC – we made it – GOLD! We met many friends and made several new ones during the weekend event. Our trip back home went by quickly as we recounted the weekend happenings – what a GREAT time we had in Rosemont!
Mar 16, 2012 – I headed for the Good Guys Lonestar Nationals event at the Forth Worth/Alliance Airport . . .
My next door neighbor, Gary Garrett, called midweek and encouraged me to make plans for the event. After just a few minutes checking online, we decided it was a ‘must attend’ event . . . There were over 2,000 cars at this event – rods, customs, muscle cars, newer cars and older cars. Friday was a ‘park anywhere’ day and I really enjoyed just checking many of the cars out.
Saturday, we had to pick a classification and the “Mighty Muscle Car” seemed like a good fit. There were several Mopars, Fords and GM cars in the mix. What a treat to see so many beautiful 60’s muscle cars together in one place. We simply could not have been more pleased when our Chevelle was selected as a Goodguys “2012 Terrific 12, Regional Finalist” and as a Hemmings “Muscle Car of the Year, Finalist”!
We can only hope . . .
2012 October issue, Super Chevy
Article Reproduced from a PDF file
