By Brian Brennan – Photography by Chris Gray & Elia Daoud
In the world of automotive enthusiasts, few names resonate as strongly as the Chevrolet Chevelle, particularly the iconic 1970 model. This classic muscle car holds a special place in the hearts of many. For Brent Schieder, a passionate cabinet maker from Pleasanton, California, it represents a lifelong journey steeped in the love of car building. His automotive adventure began in high school, ignited by his father’s 1969 Nova, and has grown into a remarkable dedication to building modern-day hot rods.
Brent’s latest masterpiece is a stunning 1970 Chevelle (made from a Malibu survivor car), constructed by the talented team at Roadster Shop (RS), with contributions from Avant Garde Interiors and Goolsby Customs. With a clear vision, Brent created a comfortable yet powerful vehicle to accommodate his family while turning heads on the road. The Chevelle was a fitting choice, reflecting iconic aesthetics and nostalgic ties to his youth, where car culture thrived among he and his friends.
At the heart of this Chevelle lies a formidable Chevy LSX 454 engine, an eight-cylinder powerhouse boasting a displacement of 454 ci, meticulously housed in a robust iron block topped with aluminum heads. The motor, skillfully built by Texas Speed, ensures that this classic not only looks stunning but also performs exceptionally well. It drives like a Cadillac, effortlessly handling the twists and turns of the road.
The induction system leverages a GM carb-style manifold with a drive-by-wire throttle body, while the ignition is equipped with a faux distributor and coil from LS Classics along with an XS battery. The exhaust is based on a 3-inch stainless steel system fabricated at RS in conjunction with a pair of Borla mufflers. Working with the potent V-8 and a chromoly driveshaft, the power is moved rearward via a Bowler Performance carbon upgrade T-56 Magnum six-speed.
The underpinnings are based on an “as produced” RS SPEC chassis that houses a Strange Engineering rearend filled with a limited-slip differential, a 9-inch pumpkin with 3.70 gears, and 31-spline axles. It is positioned by an RS parallel four-link and 350-pound coil springs, working with RS 4.0 coilover shocks by Fox. The front spindles are the Wilwood Pro, paired with Fox’s RS 4.0 SV coilover shocks. Additionally, you will find a 1.25-inch RS DOM front sway bar, rack-and-pinion steering, and an Ididit steering column.
This setup features a high-performance braking system with 14-inch Baer rotors, six-piston Baer Pro calipers (branded with the “Roadster Shop” name) on the front, and 13-inch four-piston Baer Pro calipers on the rear, with the rear calipers utilizing a Kore3 C6 sealed bearing floater assembly for enhanced rotor movement. This assembly allows the rotor to move more freely, reducing heat buildup and improving brake efficiency. A Wilwood 15/16-inch tandem master cylinder with a 15/16-inch bore is paired with a set of RS billet pedals.
The wheels and tires of Brent’s Chevelle further reflect his commitment to quality and performance. They embody the spirit of modern rodding while paying homage to the classic muscle car era. The Chevelle showcases custom-made wheels crafted by Greening Auto Company (GAC). The wheels feature a three-piece construction with an additional fourth component, the outer beauty ring, which visually reduces the wheel center size to resemble a 17-inch wheel more closely. These wheels enhance the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal and provide the necessary support and stability for the high-performance tires that complement them.
The front tires, Firestone Wide Oval by Coker Tire, are sized at 265/35R18 and offer the perfect blend of grip and comfort, mounted on 18×9.5 GAC wheels. Transitioning to the rearend, the Chevelle boasts even larger, custom-crafted wheels by GAC, measuring an eye-popping 19×12. These rear wheels are designed to accommodate even wider Firestone Wide Oval tires, sized at 345/30R19. This combination enhances the car’s aggressive stance and ensures optimal traction, allowing Brent to harness the power of the vehicle’s engine confidently.
Brent’s 1970 Chevelle’s body- and paintwork are a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication involved in this effort. Preparing the body for paint involves a meticulous process to ensure a flawless finish. The RS team worked tirelessly to correct imperfections, making the body surface smooth and ready for the vibrant paint application.
The fenders and all quarters were wholly reworked to fit flush with the bumpers, which were 90 percent hand built. The wheeltubs also received a custom treatment, as both inners and outers were fabricated to accommodate the robust wheel and tire combination. The lower valance represents another piece of hand fabrication, and extensive adjustments were made to the panels and gaps to ensure everything flows and aligns flawlessly.
The paintwork and final bodywork were pivotal to the project, executed by Jonathon Goolsby of Goolsby Customs. The striking combination of Glasurit black and white was carefully selected to reflect the iconic look of the muscle car era. The factory stripes, also designed by Goolsby, added an extra layer of authenticity and flair, ensuring the Chevelle stands out in any crowd.
The interior is reminiscent of its past, but a handful of carefully placed alterations enhance and modernize its functionality. For instance, while the dashboard appears in stock, it features a custom pad from Avant-Garde Design. From here, the “almost” factory-looking instrumentation is the modernized Dakota Digital RTX gauge package, which offers an 8,000-rpm tach and a 120-mph speedometer, with digital readouts blended within the primary gauges.
Again, while appearing factory, the steering column is now an upgraded Ididit tilt with ignition and floor shifter, all topped with a Lecarra three-spoke leather-wrapped wheel that resembles the factory style, featuring the traditional “SS” horn button. Other interior upgrades include Vintage Air’s Gen IV SureFit kit along with a complete American Autowire harness, replacing the outdated 55-plus-year-old wiring and now addressing all the car’s modern electrical needs.
The 1970 Chevelle factory front bucket seats were reworked while the custom rear seating was fabricated and stitched in black leather by Avant-Garde Design’s Jeremy Carlson. The headliner, crafted from Alcantara material, was once again Carlson’s handiwork.
With an estimated annual mileage of 5,000 to 6,000 miles, Brent has taken the Chevelle on memorable journeys, including a 500-mile blast to the Goodguys event in Columbus, Ohio. In Brent’s words, “It’s about more than just the car; it’s about the experience and the community that comes with it.”
Brent’s meticulous dedication to quality is evident in the extensive modifications and attention to detail throughout the build. The vehicle has participated in numerous events, including Goodguys shows hosted nationwide, the Grand National Roadster Show, and its debut at SEMA. It has garnered accolades in the West Coast Challenge at the Boise Rod and Custom Show and received multiple Builder’s Choice awards at various Goodguys events. In addition, it has won a Top 30 award from the Triple Crown of Rodding. In a constantly evolving world, it is a beloved icon in the automotive landscape, proving that some legends never fade.
As Brent continues to enjoy this masterpiece, sharing moments with friends and family, the Chevelle is a testament to his love for the craft. It embodies the spirit of camaraderie that defines the automotive enthusiast community. Whether cruising through scenic country roads or showcasing at car shows, Brent’s 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle is not merely a vehicle; it’s a celebration of the muscle car legacy and the stories that come with it.
-MR
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