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Super Chevy Article

Hotchkis Sport Suspension ‘65 Chevelle Wagon – Gripping, Sticking Grocery Getter
From the March, 2010 issue of Super Chevy
By Patrick Hill
Photography by Team Super Chevy

When the call went out for entries to the 2009 Super Chevy Suspension & Handling Challenge, Hotchkis went with what some may consider an unusual choice for a hot-handling entry: Art Alvarez’ ‘65 Chevelle wagon was tapped to represent the Southern California-based company, and after seeing it perform we understand why.

Some particular models of cars are like good candy, once you’re hooked, you can’t stop. For Art, that irresistible automotive candy is two-door wagons. Back in 1997, Art got the taste for Chevelle two-door grocery getters when he bought his first one, a ‘64, and found several other enthusiasts with the same addiction. After that wagon proved to be a problem child with numerous electrical issues, Art passed it onto his son who worked in Michigan as a mechanic and bought a cherry ‘64 wagon with only 34,000 miles.

After having some fun with his second ‘64, Art heard that his good friend, Chevelle builder Dick Etchison, was moving to Colorado and parting ways with a ‘65 Chevelle wagon. Art quickly sold his second ‘64 wagon to buy the ‘65. Art also knew Dick had done a ground up restoration on the car and it was in pristine condition. After the deal was struck and Art had the Chevelle at home, he quickly began transforming the two-door from a bone stock hauler into a corner-carving import intimidator. First to go were the stock wheels and tires in favor of some Torque Thrust five-spokes (which later became billet 20s), and finally the Bonspeed two-piece wheels wrapped in Nitto NT05 rubber for the Super Chevy Challenge.

Because Art likes to drive his cars all the time, a Vintage Air climate system was installed, and Malibu interior trim from Original Parts Group replaced the standard Chevelle 300 trim the wagon came with. To give the wagon some extra grunt, the 350/200-4R it had between the fenders was replaced in favor of a GM Performance Parts ZZ383 pumping out 425hp backed by a 700R4 transmission built by Bowtie Overdrives.

So the car could handle all that power, Art went with a Hotchkis Sport Suspension Total Vehicle System with tubular upper and lower A-arms with the correct offset for B-body spindles for improved suspension geometry. The Hotchkis control arms feature fully TIG welded construction with 1.5-inch diameter tubing, CNC machined spring cup with stackable spring shims for adjusting ride height, polyurethane spring isolators, and laser cut steel arm gussets for extra strength. Providing some extra cushion are Bilstein/Hotchkis HPS1000 shocks.

Out back, a Hotchkis adjustable rear suspension package was installed, with adjustable upper and lower trailing arms that positively locate and control the rear axle for smooth and consistent launches with reduced wheel hop. The adjustable upper arms also allow for easy pinion angle changes to better tune the rear suspension when the car is lowered. The stock 10-bolt rear was pitched in favor of a 9-inch rear with 3.25 gears and a limited slip system to put all the 383’s power to the pavement.

Keeping the body level is Hotchkis’ Extreme Sway Bar Set, with tubular 13/8-inch diameter front bar and 15/16-inch rear bar. The rear bar has two adjustments, 75 percent and 100 percent stiffer than stock, with TIG welded end links and polyurethane bushings. Both bars feature Hotchkis’ market-first fully articulated mounting system, which improves traction, decreases body roll, and allows the handling/balance tunability to compensate for larger rear tires and front/rear weight bias.

Making sure the wagon stays under control is Hotchkis’ Performance steering rebuild kit. The kit comes with new inner and outer tie rod ends with 4140 forged ball studs and triple lip sealed boots installed in hardened steel forged housings, and center link assembly. Stopping all the action is a Baer Aluma Sport braking system, with dual piston calipers and cross drilled 12-inch rotors.

Driver’s Impression – On the Autocross Course This wagon performed exactly what we’ve come to expect from Hotchkis Sport Suspensions and was a total blast to drive. Even with OEM (read: very slow) ratio steering, navigating the autocross course was quite manageable. This nimble wagon also drove “small,” which made threading the cones much easier. As for the brakes, well … the Chevelle had the best brakes of all the cars I tested that day. These stoppers worked perfectly for the weight and balance of this car; they were confirmed, consistent, and complimented the suspension quite well.
I used the weight of this car for an advantage on corner entry and had much fun throwing it through the gates, then catching it at the apex and hammering the accelerator pedal to motor on down the course. The initial offset slalom posed no problems for the Chevelle grocery getter and I got great turn-in and smooth transfer back to power entering the crossover. After the offsets that approach the end sweeper, applying the brakes smoothly and uneventfully slowed the car allowing me to get over the hump and transition back to throttle a lot sooner than almost any other tested car. Back across the course to the power section found a light engine ping but this was momentary. Can this unassuming, tan wagon handle this job? A definite vote of “yes” from me.

What I particularly like about the Hotchkis suspensions is the predictability. I often tell people that there are no surprises; a Hotchkis car will come around on Tuesday but pre-warn you Sunday. I was able to plan and control my track line placement, and found the car very neutral and well-balanced. You’d never expect a grocery getter to get an “A” for my part of this automotive flog fest but this one sure did! Like its older sister, the Newman Car Creations 210 Wagon, I loved every minute spent behind the wheel. -Mary Pozzi

Driver’s Impression – On the Street What is it with the Suspension & Handling Challenge contestants and station wagons (Newman Car Creations brought a ‘57)? Or should I ask, what’s with the tan ‘65 Chevelles, as DSE had one too? Either way, we had a blast driving them all. Who knew a plain-Jane ‘65 wagon could be so much fun or so nice to drive?

This entry got top marks in the comfort category. Tilt wheel, power windows, and custom-stitched bucket seats got my attention at first, as they were somewhat unexpected, but it was the ride quality that left a lasting impression. Simply put, it was outstanding. Maybe it was heavier than a Chevelle hardtop or sedan, but we wrote in the test log, “BMW ride quality. It doesn’t float. It just soaks up the bumps.” It’s hard to fathom that a 45-year-old car with large 18-inch/35-series rolling stock could deliver such an impressive combination of ride/handling.

Also getting good grades were the Baer brakes, which had very reassuring pedal feel. Hit the whoa pedal and the long A-body stopped quickly and straight.

There was a big numb spot on center with the steering, but other than this it delivered good feel on the road. – Jim Campisano

Hotchkis Sport Suspension ‘65 Chevelle Wagon Specs
Engine Type: Gen I ZZ383 small-block
Block: GM
Fuel Delivery: Barry Grant Speed Demon 750 carb

Drivetrain Transmission: Bowtie Overdrives built 700R-4 Rearend: 9-inch style with 3.25 gears and limited Slip

Chassis Suspension
Steering: stock ‘65 Chevelle with Hotchkis Performance Steering Rebuild kit. Front Suspension: Hotchkis Spindles: Tall B-body Chevrolet Front Shocks: Bilstein/Hotchkis HPS 1000 Front Springs: Hotchkis Sport Springs with 1-inch drop Front Control Arms: Hotchkis TIG welded 1.5-inch diameter tubular upper and lower Front Sway bar: Hotchkis 13/8-inch diameter tubular Extreme Sway Bar with fully articulated mount Rear Suspension: Hotchkis Rear Shocks: Bilstein/Hotchkis HPS 1000 Rear Springs: Hotchkis Sport Springs with 1-inch drop Rear Sway bar: Hotchkis 15/16-inch diameter tubular Extreme Sway Bar with fully articulated mount Rear Control Arms: Hotchkis adjustable upper and lower trailing arms Front Brakes: Baer Aluma Sport twin-piston calipers with 12-inch diameter cross-drilled rotors Rear Brakes: Baer Aluma Sport twin-piston calipers with 12-inch diameter cross-drilled rotors

Wheels & Tires
Wheels: Bonspeed Crokus two-piece, 18×8 front, 18×9 rear
TRACK RESULTS ‘65 Wagon ‘10 Camaro
Skidpad: 0.88 g 0.85 g
Slalom: 41.63 mph 45.84 mph
Autocross: 47.66 sec. 46.32 sec.

Have any California based Rarewagon owners met Rick Billuni? Would be interested in seeing his car.

“I would rather be out driving in my car than just about anything else,” said Rick Billuni, general manager and part owner of Toyota of Escondido, who was on hand to show off his customized 1965 two-door Chevelle Wagon, which he has dreamed about building since high school. Billuni said that American people have always had a love affair with automobiles and that many Californians enjoy attending these events.
“It’s a great pastime,” he said. “People love to be out with their cars.”

Del Mar Article

Dennis Smith’s wagon was on the cover of Hot Rod in June 2001. Dennis took his car on a number of road trips including two Power Tours and a trip to Chevellebration in Nashville, a long road trip from his California home. Dennis and Dave Sconyers gave the wagon the nickname of the Blue Witch. This may or may not have something to do with issues during the build or the road trips. Only Dennis and Dave could say.

The Blue Witch was featured on six episodes of Hod Rod TV and appeared on an episode of Horsepower TV with it’s showing at Chevellebration. The Witch won many awards at shows and for me set the standard for a pro touring car before “pro touring” became popular.

The Blue Witch goes to auction today at Russo and Steele in Scottsdale Arizona. The car is scheduled to appear between 3:45pm and 4:15pm. The auction will be streamed LIVE to the internet via the Russo and Steele website. I’m excited to see what the car will bring at auction. Join me in watching the live stream HERE. If you are a registered member of Team Chevelle, we can chat together LIVE during the auction HERE.

LIVE AUCTION – THURSDAY JANUARY 21 – 3:45PM to 4:15PM
WATCH THE AUCTION LIVE HERE
CHAT LIVE DURING THE AUCTION HERE

RUSSO AND STEEL AUCTION INFO BELOW:

1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Custom 2-Door Wagon

Consignment # 42-6167
VIN: 136355Z154877
Lot Number: TH268
Auction Date: Thursday, January 21, 2010
Auction Time: Approx. 3:45PM – 4:15PM

This very rare 2-door station wagon variant on the 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle is one of just 1,668 of this bodystyle for the model year. A recipient of a body-off frame-up restoration with full photo history supplied and a custom rebuild, it features a 496 cubic-inch 550 horsepower engine, 6-speed Richmond Stick transmission with overdrive, 12-bolt rear with 3.73:1 gears, electronic fuel injection, Air Ride Technologies Air Bags, 18″ and 20″ intro wheels, dual air conditioning, gray leather interior and a custom sound system.

The car was a Hot Rod Magazine Cover car and featured story in June of 2001 (supplied), 6 episodes of Hot Rod TV, Hot Rod Power Tours 1999 East, 2001 California to Michigan and back and was driven to “Chevelle-abration” during May 2001 in Nashville, TN. Further, it is a multiple-award winner at Super Chevy including 2 Best of Chevelles, Las Vegas Best Paint, 3 Top Ten awards, 3 Best of Class awards and many more.

Not so RARE wagon

How “rare” can the 64-65 Chevelle 2-Door Wagon be when there are so many on the market for sale? Five years ago I couldn’t find a decent driver. As of today there are more for sale than I have seen in my last six years of tracking these rare beasts. What you don’t see are a handful of other wagons I have been wanting to buy if they ever come up for sale, and the owners have sent email asking if there is interest.

A year ago, just before I took delivery on my Challenger, the owner of a black 65 that I have wanted to buy for years contacted me asking if there was interest. The price was too rich for me but a little negotiation could have got us within my budget. That car was built by Gary Slurkanich and in the top three for nicest 2-door wagons that I have seen. I talked myself out of the car because I really want a resto-mod wagon. Something with modern drivetrain and fuel injection. This 65 was stock except for modified springs for ride height and aftermarket wheels. I couldn’t bring myself to the idea of spending $40k for a stock wagon that I would have to spend another $20k-$30k to get the perfect wagon for “Steve”. Thinking about it now, why couldn’t a stock wagon of exceptional quality be the “perfect” wagon? I fell in love with the car when I saw photos of it after Gary built the car. I’m sure the current owner still has the stock wheels that were on the car when those pics were taken. Some of you know this wagon as the black wagon that was on the market about four years ago for $40k. The price on that car forced many of us to think “how high will prices climb on these wagons”?

Last week, an email I sent in 2006 was finally replied to. I mean, I didn’t hear anything, no response of any kind until out of the blue there it was; “Do you still have interest in my wagon?”. This car was a black 64 that sold on eBay and had previously been owned by George Poteet. In my obsession to follow these cars and find owners, I put together at least four different strings of information that took history of the car all the way back to Ken Memmel around 2001 time frame. Ken performed an on-frame restoration to the car, sold it to Jack Fields, who sold it to Ken Barnhart, who sold it to Wayne Keele, who sold it to the current owner in Pennsylvania. George performed a frame off with great attention to detail including rewiring the car but left the black paint. To me that means great things for mechanicals and paint that won’t kill my pocket book. I responded to the email with interest. The price should be in my range, but I have not heard back.

Sometime around New Years I stumbled upon the auction of Dennis Smith’s wagon, the Blue Witch. I about fell off my chair when I saw the auction as I have been trying to find photos and info on this car since it was sold at Barrett Jackson in 2002. The auction is coming up next week at Russo & Steele. I would kill to be there and cover the auction. This car cemented my love for these cars. I had known about them for years prior with my brother telling me I would never find one because they were so rare. When Dennis’ car hit the cover of Hot Rod in June of 2001, I carried around the magazine for years thinking I would own one. I met Dennis in 2006 at the Huntington Beach Cruiser event. This may sound weird but for me meeting Dennis was like meeting a movie star. The neatest thing about meeting him, and other rarewagon fanatics at the show, was how quickly and easily it was to talk about our love for these wagons, how we might build one and their value, customized or otherwise. You see, it’s not about stock, resto-mod or wild custom, it’s about building the car YOU want and using it the way you will enjoy it most. Some people want the perfect example of what the car would look like rolling off the assembly line, others want something similar to what they drove in high school and still others want something to drive across the country in the comfort of ac, power seats and dvd entertainment for the kids.

So let’s go through a list of wagons that are on the market right now. I’ll call this first batch the “A-List” as these are cars I would consider to be of very high quality. Dennis Smith’s blue 65, Ed Roberts aqua green 65 (now owned by Wayne Farrandino), Darrel Nance’s tribal 65 “Bamboozled”, Pat Nance’s wild 65, Gary Slurkanich’s award winning black 65, George Poteets black 64. There is a very nice black and green, 64 resto mod in Florida that I would like to include here but it no longer has sliding rear side glass. That change puts a huge dent in value for many so I have to exclude it from the “A-List” even though the parts and build look to be of exceptional quality. There are a slew of “B-List” and lower wagons on the market. For simplicity, I’ll classify “B-List” as $25k-$30k. There are at least four of them in Arizona ( 2 silver & 2 red) , two in California (1 blue & 1 green), one in Michigan and one in Iowa. I count three driver quality cars for less than $20k on my website. I’m not sure it’s still available but Eric had a white Arizona grown 65 for sale a little while back which would bring the total for drivers at less than $20k to four. Project wagons are at an all time high. There are so many of them I can’t keep track of them on the website. Is now the right time to buy one and store it somewhere until I can build my own in a couple years when the kids get a little older?

My point is these wagons are out there and there are lots of them. So how rare are they really? How rare can they be if we consider the limited market that has interest in them? Sure, people can talk a big game about how they want one but how many are stepping up to BUY them? I am VERY interested to see what price the “Blue Witch” will pull at Russo & Steele”. One of the very first posts on this website was documenting the sale of this famous wagon for $56k in 2002. What can it pull this year? Will my bid win it?

Russo & Steele – January 20 thru 24 – Scottsdale Arizona. The Blue Witch will be there. Where will you be?

- Steve @ NewRarewagon.COM

Rod Young sent me an email tonight with some photos from GNRS 2008. He reminded me that his win was 2nd place. As a Rarewagon Fanatic, I think a win is a WIN and I want to congratulate Rod for his hard work in building an extremely nice wagon. Thanks for sending the pics Rod. We look forward to seeing more of your wagon in 2010.

Rod’s wagon was our feature car on NewRarewagon in January 2009. See the write up below and photos. After Rod sent photos of his car, the build photos looked famiar so I started digging though the hundreds of photos I have collected over the years and found something. Rod’s wagon was once owned by a gentleman named Todd Reiter. I call him “eBay Todd” in my database because Todd has sold a number of Rarewagon’s on eBay over the years.

Posted: January 1st, 2009

YEAR: 1964
OWNERS: Rod and Kathee Young
LOCATION: Upland California
COLOR: Beige Harvest Moon

This wagon has undergone a complete updating, restoration, and re-construction. It took 3 years to complete with considerable amount of help from a very good friend and mechanic Kerry Morris, I think he enjoyed this project.

The wagon was taken all the way down to a bare chassis, sand blasted and painted. The body was acid dipped; boy did I ever find out how much bodywork was now required. The floor pans looked as though someone had shot them with a shotgun. I decided at this time to build a rotisserie to which I attached the body. I could not get into the unusual positions to cut and weld the new floor pans, as in my younger days. All passenger areas received new floor pans.

I believe the biggest challenge was trying to install the original stainless steel sliding window channels. Most sliding window channels on other 2 door wagons I have observed have not shown very well. The reveal between the body and the glass tracks are not consistent. I finally overcame this issue with the use of a normal ¼” glass run window channel and a piece of rubber/steel trim molding screwed to the inter/outer quarter panel seam.

Below is a brief description of what was incorporated into the updating, restoring, and re-construction of the wagon:
• Air Ride Technologies, Con7000 RidePro e2 Controller, suspension system (I wish I could see the digital readout in the daylight)
• Power front disk brakes
• 350/290 hp. target engine, (regular gas), with Zooks adjustable aluminum accessory brackets
• 700R4 trans
• American Auto Wire Hwy, 22 modular panel system
• Ididit tilt steering column
• Hot Rod Air
• E-dead (.46”) sound proofing/insulation throughout
• 3-point front belt restraint system
• 2004 Honda Accord electric bucket seats, the rear seat is stock, contoured to match the buckets with a custom center console
• Dash is custom, polished stainless steel insert with Auto Meter gages

Posted: December 31, 2008

Going thru pics tonight trying to figure out if I had any photos of Rio Merricks car from a previous owner, I found something else. Todd Reiter sold a white 64 on eBay in 2004. Pics of that car match build photos of Rod Youngs wagon. The wheel covers sparked my memory.

I’ll post images of Todd Reiter’s wagon and some of Rod Youngs so you can see for yourself.

Todd Reiter:

Check out the wheel covers, missing drivers side trim and the tailgate below. Same wagon that Todd Reiter sold on eBay above.

Rod Young:

Posted: December 31, 2008

Wow, I must be nuts to have all this Rarewagon stuff. I found the eBay auction listing for Todd’s white 64. See below.

LINK to original posting here on NewRarewagon.

eBay Item: 4514732107
Date: 12-28-2004

Chevrolet : Chevelle two door 300
1964 chevelle TWO door wagon

Vehicle Description:
1964 Chevelle two door wagon in great shape.This wagon was found in a barn with three others and is almost perfect for 41 years old. No rust in body and only one repaint in 1984 from gold to white.After this wagon was painted it was not put back together it was left untouched (why I dont know). I bought this wagon to keep but don’t have room for it inside any more. You wont find one this clean for sale most people would not sell one this nice. So here is your chance to own a very nice driver. This wagon has a 327 V8 with 275 horse power and a four barrel carb# 4028S power guilde trans. All lights on this wagon work dome light heater defrost and even the lighter. I have sold three others this year and the add numbers are 4502912698 and 2489066133. I don’t plan to sell any more of my wagons so this is IT. If you want a good clean driver you better bid and bid big. I don’t know when I will get more of them In most are just rust buckets and not worth fixing. I WILL BE OUT OF TOWN DEC 29 (THROUGH JAN 3rd 05) If you have any questions you can call my cell phone at (714) ***-****7 ask for TODD. MY HOME PHONE IS (714) ***-**** until Dec 28 AND AFTER JAN 4 05 THANKS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TODD

Vehicle Condition
Over all very solid with a little cleaning It will be a full time driver. NEW ALT, NEW DOOR PANELS FRONT AND REAR BLACK IN COLOR, REAR PANELS NOT IN PICKS BUT WILL BE INCLUDED with new arm pads and bases with the ash tray inserts, NEW CARPET and some new floor board work, all kinds of new stuff to much to list runs good one piece of rear glass was cracked on the driver side rear fixed glass was replaced with lexan and if car sells I will be happy to include this piece of glass from some of my collections. PLEASE NO CALLS WITH PEOPLE LOOKING FOR PARTS ONLY IF YOU BUY ONE OF MY CARS AND ONLY THEN THANKS. Todd

Additional Information:
The style tag reads 64-5415 (v8), body vin reads 413 (production number), trim is 762 (interior), paint is 93-8. Door jam tag reads 45315L (made In LA California). Hope this helps some people that have asked about numbers and people who will want to know later on.

The Hub is turning out to be a wonderful place for connecting with fellow Chevelle 2-Door Wagon enthusiasts. While reading comments on Chevelle Wagon photos I followed up on a Hubhead that said he was using parts from a Chevelle 2-Door wagon to build a custom wagon. I’m very happy to see that he has posted some photos and some info on his very unique and exciting build. I’ve copied the details of his build below along with some photos. Please make sure to drop by his Hubgarage and leave comments of encouragement on his build. Can’t wait to see more of this one.

GTO 2-Door Wagon
1964 Pontiac Tempest

DETAILS

Performance
Engine: 2002 5.7 Litre LS-1
Engine Parts: Headers, Custom Air Intake
Transmission: 4L65E
Suspension: Global West Coil Overs
Brakes: C-5 Corvette
Tires: BFG G-force
Exhaust: Stainless custom made Flowmaster
Other: 12-bolt 3-55 posi

Interior
Seats: 2004 GTO
Steering Column: IDIDIT
Gauges: Classic G-Stock
Pedals: Stock
Noise & Heat Insulation: Dynamat
A/C & Heat: Vintage Air

Exterior
Body Mods: 2dr Grand Prix door handles, gas door, shaved, smoothed
Paint: PPG
Wheels: Torque Thrust

Audio & Electronics
Head Unit: Alpine
Amplifier: Infinity
Highs: Infinity
Mids: Infinity
Subs: Rockford Fosgate
Battery: Optima

Body sits on a 65 Buick GS 2dr frame which is boxed from the factory and bolted up to the body with 0 mods.

Photo Slideshow: