1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Ep. 001 - Test Car VLOG

Keep it simple. We figured it would be a good idea to get the '65 Chevelle out of the shop and discuss what went into this project. This Chevelle is all about having fun, staying comfortable, and flying under the radar. This entire vehicle was built with bolt-on products in 2008 and has remained that way ever since. Form follows function.
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[@mr.2cents.846]

When it comes to sweet muscle cars or older cars like this, I'd prefer manual stickshift. This one looks like a comfy cruiser. I'd probably change nothing.

[@ricbonnici4878]

Great car love that it’s still simple and original looking just the way it should be👍👍

[@stephendukes]

Nothing would change! Love what you at Detroit Speed have done. I have my Grandfather 1965 wagon that he bought new and I’d like to bring it along with Detroit Speed. For now it’s a dream. I have had it for seventeen years now and I have been waiting for the right moment. I have been following Detroit Speed for years and I love your products. Thanks for putting in the R and D.

[@detroitspeed]

Thank you and you're welcome!

[@fuelbasti]

Have a 65 El Camino and love this build year

[@steve-anthony]

This Chevelle was the inspiration for my 65! Keep the vlogs coming Alex

[@Blitz0065]

It has been one of 3 or 4 for me too!!

[@detroitspeed]

Steve, your '65 is beautiful! Hopefully I can see it in person one day.

[@edwardtisinger914]

I would most definitely add the third pedal everything else is perfect...

[@detroitspeed]

Great choice.

[@hangfire6368]

Sniper EFI, Christmas tree air freshener. I like seeing these more approachable builds. I also like that you don't have to worry so much about the paint while driving.

[@detroitspeed]

Absolutely!

[@carloslira5065]

I have a 65 Malibu and I like your way of keeping it simple... I've watched too many TV shows that overbuild and the cost is way too high for the average guy...

[@detroitspeed]

Thank you.

[@richardortiz5198]

Simplicity is perfection! A real pleasure hearing about and seeing a great car. The 283, is an old favorite. I drove my '65 in high school in the garage now, I am headed in the similar direction with my car, as your example.

[@detroitspeed]

Right on!

[@Pragmatist1st]

I'm planning to go test drive a few 64 Chevelle Malibu and researching lowering it. Being able to fit a 275 in the rear after lowering it is definitely additional incentive for me to bring it home.

[@Bigskyguy56]

You have a perfect vehicle there. I would turn the key & drive it. The old adage - K.I.S.S. Keep it simple silly. totally applies here. You guys nailed it. I for 1 , enjoy cars built in this fashion. Cars that average guys can build. Anyone can write a big check & have someone build you a car, I do the way you did this car. Thanks for posting this sweet ride.

[@detroitspeed]

Thank you!

[@remingtonride]

Love that car - mostly factory surfaces, keeping it understated and true, w modern performance updates.

[@martinp1544]

I've NEVER been a Chevelle fan but I REALLY like this car! Sweet car!

[@detroitspeed]

Thank you!

[@RussPanneton]

This is EXACTLY the philosophy I followed on my '66 Malibu! Except that since I live at over 8,000' elevation where there is no air, I built a LS9-clone for power. And since I like to row my own gears, a T56 Magnum lets me do that. But she's a driver so I have the same 245 front and 275 rear tire sizes, full Speed Kit 3, I think cars like this '65 and my '66 epitomize modern sleepers! And they are GREAT fun to just get in and drive! The only think I'd change in your '65 is a more comfortable front seat :-)

[@issacortiz]

I have a 64 Chevelle wagon with a mild 350. Just swapped in an Edelbrock Pro-Flo4 with a Tanks, Inc EFI fuel tank. Startup is much improved and throttle response as well. I would definitely make that the next mod; especially since you guys occasionally burn a few hot laps with this. Love it.

[@markharrison5059]

Loved the Video. My first car was a 65 Malibu Conv. See Super Chevy Mag, Nov 2013 (back in the day). Also I thought this car looked familiar. I have the mag Chevelle dated Aug 18, 2010. Would put this car in my garage any day!

[@scottnefzger6930]

I just bought a ‘65 SS and this gives me a lot of hope! There are so many aspects to take into account it’s overwhelming.

[@detroitspeed]

There sure are, but keeping things simple is the best way to enjoy your car.

[@magazinestbarbershop]

Awesome walk around video...hope to see video of 81-82 C10 test truck soon, thanks for sharing

[@detroitspeed]

We'll be walking around both of our trucks soon!

[@BobT-fc4ye]

I happen to have one like yours, even the same color. I plan to convert to a 4 speed and retain the stock interior look with the bench seat and a Muncie shifter.

[@noemoreno2635]

NICE ride, I like that u didn't go crazy with ALOT of Mod. U kept it basically simple to Enjoy, THAT'S WHAT I BELIEVE IN.

[@newalex1970]

great great car !!! I wouldn't change a thing !!! Keep up the great work !!! Alex from NYC

[@detroitspeed]

Thanks! Will do!

[@55cleon]

It's A Very Nice Ride 👌🏿!

[@bradfordschwartz9317]

I love it. I would tint the windows top it off with and drive it everywhere. I hav a 65 el camino 5.7 crate engine. It's my daily driver.love the all bolt on part of the build.

[@allantaylor3288]

I like like the way you think🤔,probably wouldn’t change a thing, just drive it 👍

[@detroitspeed]

We'll continue to do that.

[@robsanchez6245]

You said it perfectly!

[@Blitz0065]

Of all your builds, THIS is my favorite. I'm always very excited to see the Detroit Speed 65 Chevelle get some love. It's been a benchmark car for me personally for many years, since I own one very similar to it, minus the upgrades (currently). 327, TH350, bench seat, red vinyl interior/white exterior, same trim level. So essentially when you ask what would I do to yours, I almost feel like it's asking what I'd do to mine LOL 6.0 LS with very mild cam, TMI buckets but with cloth to keep the look low key and daily friendly aspect and other than that...cruise. You guys have pretty much done the big part. Shooting for 2021 to be the year mine gets the Detroit Speed treatment.

[@detroitspeed]

Give us a call when you're ready and let's make it happen!

[@ignatiusduggan9831]

Great looking car, wouldn’t change a thing!

[@calvincooley1074]

Maybe go factory buckets in leather as well as the rest of the guts. Black out the panel inside the stainless trim around the tailights but keep the letters chrome? Also correctly black out the grill? Love that it has a sb Chevy in it! LS's may make great power etc. but the small block isn't going anywhere soon. And it looks waaaay better in that one doesn't have buy a bunch of plastic to make it LOOK classic. Detroit Speed and Pioneering! As far as FI goes, the old 80's GM TPI is the best looking system ever produced but I've heard that they either work or they don't. The 87 to 93 Ford system is great but it's ugly. I'd like to see a all aluminum small block with TPI, that is, if you can get it to work.

[@danielweinbaum]

Muncie M22 Rock Crusher built by " PAUL CANGIALOSI " DUH ! NOW THE CAR IS COMPLETE !!!!!!!!! I wish it was a 65 GTO though, but I'll take it ! That my friends is the perfect car !

[@goyeabuddy]

i have a '65 Chevelle coupe exactly like this one. i bought it brand new & it is still my daily driver & i kept it stock.. the coupes came with the 283 eng & the supersports came with the 327 eng.. the price difference was $300 between the two, doesn't sound like much but in '65 it was quite a bit. i found a extra set of the side moulding & the side mouldings are extremely rare, wont find those anywhere on the internet. i was think about advertising it... anyway, nice car you have! in my opinion, i think the 14" stock wheels w/ stock hub caps is what this car needs, that's just my opinion.

[@detroitspeed]

Unfortunately factory wheels will not fit with our brakes. Larger replica wheels are most likely in store for this one.

[@goyeabuddy]

@@detroitspeed --- your right, the 14" wheels are too small for disc brakes, sorry about that.

[@JNAMOTORSPORTS]

I’m coming to you guys when I get a classic muscle car 👍 I would do a six speed manual along how it’s setup like that. Maybe fuel injection if that added any improved fuel mileage since I’d drive the wheels off something like that. I put miles on my cars and enjoy driving them. Maybe I would do a sunroof conversion for nice summer days or cool days/rag top roof.

[@detroitspeed]

Give us a ring when you're ready!

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Very cool car!!!! 👍👍👍

[@ronnieyoung7510]

Keep it just the way it is it's a nice car buddy

[@davidwiner8571]

Wow a beautiful sleeper

[@myoneblackfriend3151]

Basically, if I factor in R&D costs it would be the most expensive 1965 Chevelle ever. I love it. This is still a $35K minimally on my estimate.

[@gojoe2833]

I'd put the stock wheels and wheel covers back on, and put a quiet smooth exhaust on. Also narrow band white wall tires. I'd want it looking showroom stock but wirh lots of upgrades on the chassis for better handling and braking

[@StellarGale]

I really like an attitude of this car, for me I'd prolly get more bucket'ish seats up front with headrests and a manual swap, but other than that it's already perfectly fine.

[@detroitspeed]

Good plan!

[@michaelmaher4328]

I’d go with a stick. 5-6 speed with overdrive and better seats. Great 👍 build and simplicity rules bruh!!

[@mikekutzner7416]

I like it the way it is

[@CTemple82]

Yes manual swap and mini tubs, just to get a wider tire out back and that’s it.👌

[@detroitspeed]

A T-56 would be so much fin in this car!

[@cordellyounge3943]

Keep it as is 😍

[@garrywright1801]

Beautifully straight solid body. The only thing I might consider, would be fuel injection, for even better drive ability.

[@corylynch315]

That car is beautiful. I'm planning on doing 18x8s all the way around. I would love to put a 275 on the back, did you have any issues or did it require any special modification?

[@steveseifer6784]

I would add air conditioning and passenger harnesses. ( Ticket for sure without seat belts etc.) It's surprising that they put gauges in the glove compartment. The car used in the 1965 "Bewitched' Program was a 1965 Chevelle. I'd buy it if Samantha came with it.

[@goomibear6900]

Personally the only thing I'd do is put a manual in it. For me my fun car needs the 3rd pedal, so much more fun and involved. But I agree, keeping it simple and reliable is ultimately the best way to actually enjoy a car

[@detroitspeed]

A T-56 would be fun!

[@duane9707]

After watching the vid again, i revised my list of changes. Holley fuel injection. Front seat change to include head rest....whiplash scary. Note: I just picked up an 89 Mustang GT convertable. My plan is to get it reliable, upgrade tires, cooling and chassis/suspension. It will be a simple reliable daily car.

[@detroitspeed]

This car has Vintage Air A/C so you'd be all set! Stay tuned for Foxbody suspension coming soon.

[@chucktaylor7227]

whole heartedly agree with, K.I.S.S.!!! (*keep it simple stupid) if y'all don't mind. I'd like to adapt (what you have done) to my '65, manual, 327 Malibu...

[@mrshifter5007]

Manual gearbox maybe, other than that I would change nothing, I love this car 😉👍

[@steveaycock4853]

I'm in the process of building my 66 Chevelle with the same setup I purchased a couple of years ago. Only uodate I would do would be Holley sniper efi throttle body .

[@detroitspeed]

Not a bad idea!

[@scottapp4993]

Love it and the message. Too many get too deep. What would i change? The gauges. Too many better options out there to have some in the glove box

[@detroitspeed]

When the car was originally built, we wanted to leave the "sleeper" look and hide the gauges. A Classic Instruments update wouldn't be too bad!

[@oofchanneltv6813]

Nice car

[@detroitspeed]

Thank you!

[@xboomxsoulessgingsk1ll602]

I’m dying to find the Chrome trim that splits the top from side window to rear window

[@neilmedrano6665]

I can’t wait to get your guys suspension setup. I have the same car. I’ve been trying to figure out what size wheels would fit without having to mini tub. What size wheels and offset did you put on this Chevelle? I heard you say 245/275 for tires

[@detroitspeed]

I do not recall the wheels specs off the top of my head, but please contact our sales and technical associates at 704-662-3272 or [e-mail] and they can help you out!

[@cartracer64]

i like your approach, keep it simple. what was gear ratio before 200r4 trans ? did you add a posi and change the gear ratio? what car is the master cylinder and booster in the car from? i really like your chevelle. i would just freshen up the interior maybe with a 2 tone approach. new seat upholstery, carpet, headliner, door panels. brakes work good with the booster setup?

[@notallthere9058]

The better half loved the trip around the autocross course at CB 12. Like she said it was perfect but I would just put a floor shifter in for easier gear changes. Realistically I would just drive it

[@detroitspeed]

Good point!

[@Apachefog]

Was there something photoshopped out on the rear quarters, they look weird every time I see them?

[@elpollo4586]

If this car were my daily driver I would leave everything that it has and I would simply tint the windows and a nice quality component system. That’s about it.

[@detroitspeed]

Not a bad idea!

[@cartracer64]

can you tell me about the wheel sizes and backspacing used.

[@letmevibe8318]

Is there much difference between the 65 300 deluxe coupe and the Malibu coupe? Is the deluxe a lot fatter?

[@in4theaction]

I would have to say a manual but keep the bench and then maybe some AC just for more creature comforts. Do like the idea of a car that can handle but the wheels don't give it away so maybe some big diameter steelies and caps to make it look more subdued.

[@detroitspeed]

This car does have Vintage Air A/C so it's comfy! We have tossed around the idea of new wheels recently.

[@johncappadona5962]

Nice ride. I am working on a 64 ss, what size rims are you running, thank you !!

[@ricbonnici4878]

What exhaust system do you have on the car

[@theDaddyj1]

Tint the windows that’s it bruh😊

[@rhull3939]

Manual for sure. Otherwise, that car is perfect.

[@detroitspeed]

Not a bad upgrade.

[@shanebartlett9063]

DRIVE IT.

[@detroitspeed]

Oh we will!

[@CamaroRick]

throw some fuzzy dice in the rear view and put some miles on it😎

[@detroitspeed]

Nice!

[@kevinbarnett3967]

I would leave the car as it sits, it's perfect, but a stick would make it that much cooler that is if u were to change anything

[@robertsorenson9192]

I would add edelbrock efi..that's the only change i'd make

[@shawnmcdougal5649]

What Carb are you running ?

[@jeffreyjohnson94]

Manual and mini tubs

[@detroitspeed]

Sounds like a good plan!

[@jerrynappi7075]

I would paint it dark blue or black and put in a 4 speed and original rims It is a great car my favorite year I would prefer a Z16 but that will never happen lol

[@peterjanka2921]

3 pedal ... 6 speed... Oh... paint it Black... i see a red door and i want to paint it black!🍻

[@tommonson6288]

The only thing I'd change, is the owner , I'll take it....lol....Tom

[@detroitspeed]

Not bad!

[@dmanotas74]

Less is MORE!!!!!

[@detroitspeed]

Exactly.

[@zTheBigFishz]

Manual and buckets

[@newalex1970]

Will it ever be for sale ?

[@detroitspeed]

Not likely.

[@cal2696]

Ditch the carb for a throttle body style FI.

[@detroitspeed]

Not a bad idea, Holley Sniper EFI should do the trick.

[@dennissanborn3159]

i had a 64 ss 283

[@noemoreno2635]

I'M sorry, what is the Horse....

[@rickss69]

I would change nothing but the transmission.

[@joellupian6997]

I have a 65 just add third pedal and leave it alone, bitching ride👍

[@detroitspeed]

That sounds like a plan!

[@MrTurk6988]

Chevy Vega????

[@JaredR1996]

I’d put a third pedal in it. Make it a 4 speed manual 👍

[@detroitspeed]

That would be cool!

[@mainfram2003]

Mini tub bigger rear tires

[@rogjackson]

What wheel diameter/width is that in the rear? You make the point these fit without tubbing then don't say the wheel size other than 275? Dude. Uncool. As for what change? Mark IV big block and 6 speed Tremec with the 0.5 6th for cruising.

[@evanyunk9433]

If it were my 65 I would put a tremic 6 spd and a.c.

[@detroitspeed]

Tremec would be fun, but this car sports some A/C from Vintage Air.

[@willieanderson9661]

I would put it in another driveway!!! Let me know when you need the address

[@ryanharte528]

Manual trans swap. EFI ITB's!

[@detroitspeed]

ITB's would be cool!

[@Chevyssboy138]

He says that but spent 20k 😂 for new parts my 65 ss has 100% all original parts all I did was put new shoes and cleanned the gas tank myself and I go 100+ and drive it 24\7 and my car has a 61 year old 2 speed wipers and they work perfectly 😂 paid 250$ for the car in 91 and I painted it for 500$

[@mrharden11]

Now that’s something I can afford

[@detroitspeed]

Nothing over the top.

[@noemoreno2635]

I have a relative that has a 63 Impala, and HE WENT CRAZY with the Mods. and to Me, That Jus RUINED The car.

[@culloutoltec9111]

fuel injection..

[@detroitspeed]

Holley Sniper EFI would be cool!

[@stevend.3508]

I had a 65 chevelle ss v8 automatic, really not that great but okay for a 17 year old.

[@paulgoree5206]

Leave it just the same

[@carpentrybypaul]

leave it............

[@noemoreno2635]

If u think about selling it send Me a message, thnxs 1..5.2021

[@detroitspeed]

This car is not for sale.

[@PatF-y3b]

Nothing, maybe manual.