Roanoke’s Forgotten Legend: The 1966 Chevelle Saga

Who would have thought we'd come across a '66 Chevelle in the middle of Roanoke, Virginia ?! AND, Caroline had no IDEA!! What an epic surprise... now the real question is, what do we do next?
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All footage used in this video is owned & produced by HHWheels Productions (unless stated otherwise)

[@robertkolb228]

The extension on that spark plug is called an anti fouler. It is used to help keep from fouling the spark plug on cylinders that are burning oil.

[@johnnypaul5979]

I've run 8 on a Pontiac.

[@midsouth2strokes185]

​@@johnnypaul5979 yep I used them way back in 03 on a 455 olds in my 79 trans am that had blown out valve guides.

[@BillySBC]

@@johnnypaul5979 Haha! I'm sure everyone can see you coming from a mile away with all that smoke. lol

[@charliehill6914]

Those were common back in the day. As far as oil goes, a quart per 100 miles was considered acceptable. Believe it or not.

[@RabidSnot]

I had 8 at one time on my '72 Chevelle 350/350. It ran good, sometimes.

[@jasonlinkenhoker6961]

I’ve tried to buy that car a couple of times about twenty years ago. I must say, it’s not in as bad of condition as I figured it would be having seen a couple of the places it’s sat over the years. I’m glad someone is finally going to do something with it. 👍

[@VicSwanby]

A 66 Chevelle Malibu was my first car so these episodes are definitely going to take me back to my childhood. Grapevine and glad you were able to get her. Too cool.

[@07glide5]

Ricky Moon is from my neck of the woods! Great to hear he got his original Chevelle back !! That was a BAD Car !!

[@HHWheels]

He’s a good dude!👍

[@danduval9311]

Love it. Have kept mine since I got it in 91. Chevelles are life!

[@michaelguinn5736]

Dude... you're so lucky to have that woman in your family!

[@dff19707]

My great uncle, who was like a grandfather to me, owned a 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle that he bought new. He owned it into the mid-1980s, so I remember that car well. Seeing this very similar 1966 model brings back a lot of fond memories from my youth. I look forward to seeing this ‘66 get a new life.

[@lollipop84858]

What relevance to the story is your great uncle being like a grandfather to you? Seems your story could've done without that part

[@DaSoulmann]

It deserves a BB... I was always impressed with the 396 Chevelle, back in the day... you could hear the pushrods screaming for mercy, as the lifters rode over those mountainous cam lobes... used to call em ground-pounders.

[@brettjavier1778]

My dad used to have a 66 Chevelle and lived the next county over from Roanoke (Franklin County). He wrecked his in 1983. As I grew up I grew up on stories about that car. As a young adult I looked everywhere I could think of to try and find one for my dad to bring back to life. So I could see what he drove outside of 1 surviving picture. Dad passed away two years ago. I still never gave up the search. Then, a friend of mine shows me this video and I watch you guys pass right by my house (behind the LJS in Vinton) to go get that car. I'm both happy that you saved it and crushed that I never found it. Treat it good, treat it well, and don't go nuts on it.

[@HHWheels]

That’s a great story! Sorry for your loss. I hope you find one someday. If not, we may be selling this one!

[@bradthomas-g7t]

I love this channel father daughter working and having fun doing it

[@williesweetjr8713]

If I had never clicked, your channel would have never appeared again in my feed. Oh the randomness of life! This was my coming of age era and this car was a dream of mine. Staying true to the era, BBC or SBC, can't go wrong. No budget limit, restomod. Whatever your choice, the love between you guys comes through even before the cars and it will be fun to see what happens. That said, I'm subscribing

[@HHWheels]

well thank you! We are so glad you enjoyed watching :)

[@jeffjankiewicz5100]

I learned how to drive in my Dad`s 66 in 1973, I was 16. It was a base model, 6 cylinder, powerglide, no power steering or brakes. Good and bad memories, bad being I put a lot of work into it when Mom gave it to me, only to have my Dad trade it to get Mom a smaller car. I was so mad I broke everything I fixed. 6 months later, Dad bought his Dad`s 70 Nova and gave it to me. I waited a month so I could transfer it into my name. Then I started going over that car. 1st purchase was a set of Cragar SS mags and tires. Pulled the sludged out 307 for a 350 and headers.

[@LouisCapps-p3z]

When I started driving in 74 these cool cars were all around along with Mopars and Ford's. I was a Ford tech in 78. Great era for the coolest car. Good luck. Looking forward to what you guys do with the old girl.

[@HHWheels]

Thanks for sharing

[@sand450rstar]

Hell yeah! Just wish my daughter and I could do the same!

[@scottlindner4203]

I like the relationship they have. What a lucky guy he is that she is so into cars. Smart too, she hasn't made any comments that didn't make sense. Good job man.

[@HHWheels]

Thank you🙏

[@kevinkepley4714]

You 2 are having to much fun😊

[@ferdinandsanjuan4955]

HHWheels❤ Nice to restored Chevelle 66👍. Beautiful Caroline❤❤❤

[@In_memory_of_Dad]

You guys are the best father daughter team out there, keep up the good work guys 👍

[@HHWheels]

Thank you! 🙏

[@In_memory_of_Dad]

​@HHWheels you are more than welcome 🙏

[@7MPower]

I started watching your channel because of the Viper video. I love the vibe between you and your dad. I think that's a dream of any stepdad, daughter and mom. And a true blessing. Now I have a lot of watching and liking to do I guess 😄

[@shamusdiecastkustoms8363]

Chevelle was 30 minutes from my backdoor. Caroline These memories your making with your Dad will be with you Forever. Lost my Dad in 1988 when I was 14 never got the chance to make Car memories with mine. Keep making memories with each other. Great Channel New subscriber

[@stevemaniaci4750]

ay love your channel , boy. Did you 2 find a gem. I have a little story I'd like to share with you. I'm 54 yrs old, and back in 1988, I was a senior in high school .my best friend Mark for graduation was gifted a car just like this one . 350 mild build 4 speed wide 50 tires back skinny on front. I'm not sure what paint code blue ,but it had a metallic flake. We had so much fun in that car cruising, and a burn- out here and there. Funny Mark had so many offers that summer he couldn't resist selling. He needed money for classes. Wow, does this bring back memories. Caint, wait to see what you do with this one . Have fun, enjoy . Thank you both for posting .

[@HHWheels]

Thx for the watch✌️

[@matthewcarello9280]

I am so glad you guys are doing longer videos now!!! I love your shows. I look forward to the longer ones. Mostly as I love your channel but also I am almost exclusively watching KZbin now as TV just lacks luster and no originality. Great job guys keep it up. I long for the day I get my dodge ram charger❤ ❤❤❤

[@ProfessionalClownWrangler]

My family is from there. Roanoke had a lot of cool cars cruising Williamson Rd. back in the 60’s and 70’s. My grandfather had a pretty fast ‘69 RAIV GTO Judge back then that he special ordered from the local dealer Woodson Pontiac with a lot of delete options.

[@TopNotchFox]

People don't realize how many classics cars are in virginia which is a lot

[@wes11bravo]

My first car was a '66 Malibu. Originally it was a 6 cylinder car. When I got it, it had a 327 4 speed. After I sold it, it went through 2 more owners until a coworker at my next job bought it and dropped a 454 in it. They raced it, sold it, now it's in my part of town again. My dream is to buy it again someday! Absolutely love the '66 body Chevelle!!

[@MrRobster55]

Just love them , and from the UK we don't see many , so nice to see this one saved 👍👍

[@mikebrown8065]

Nice find! 1966 Malibu. 38 years ago, my first car! In this day and age, everybody's got bucket seats, lol. Back when I had my '66 Malibu, it was hard to find bucket seats, they were almost all bench seats. Another thing that I can tell you is that front bench seat is out of a newer Chevelle; headrests were not mandatory until 1969, so my guess is that bench seat is 1969-1972. Love the video, and looking forward to seeing more of the '66 Chevelle Malibu!!😎🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@HHWheels]

Very cool!

[@davidgough1161]

I think I have talked to Ricky when I lived there! I am pretty sure I saw that car at his shop! That is a nice project! I can't believe you got it, I can't wait to see what you guys do with it!

[@snagmaster1]

😂 you 2 are great family fun , keep it up , we need more of this these days

[@HHWheels]

Yes we do! Thank you!

[@danielfoster2339]

New subscriber here, you guys rock! My late brother had a '66 post Chevelle with a 427,4 speed, slotted mags, and 4 mufflers! It was loud a kept breaking rocker arms, good times😊

[@HHWheels]

hahah that's the best and the worst. Thanks for watching :)

[@buckster2575]

Roanoke VA that's near me 👍🏻.wish i knew about it and had the funds.

[@Mr70stagetwo]

Wonderful color combo, I bought a similar car in 1998, a rust free 1966 Lemans 326 2 door hardtop, dark teal for $600. I put a new dark teal carpet set in it and it was beautiful; that color looks great when redone. Someone put a 60,000 mile 1971 Pontiac 350 with TH350 and it ran great. I installed an Edelbrock dual plane intake with a qjet and it would lay rubber for a 100 feet. Always ran great. I sold it to buy a near mint 1970 Cougar Eliminator 351, 4 speed from California for $5000.

[@ronaldesler686]

Just started following your channel in the last week and I love your stuff! One thing I really like is the choice of music in different situations. Keep on chugging.😂

[@bowman1455]

Fantastic vid, car and people, i absolutely love that car and look forward to more on it, to bad about the motor, nothing like the sound of a big block brotha, the father daughter relationship in your vids gotta say chokes me up like in this one when Caroline was talking about dad, then the horsing around with each other adds extra goodness to it all

[@HHWheels]

Couldn't agree more!

[@wesleypulkka7447]

HHWs, that oil is GM rust prevention! The spark plug extension is to keep that plug from fouling out on excessive oil! It's a leftover trick from the 50s!

[@HHWheels]

Thx

[@jonnieters2306]

Thats a nice car a complete car its really cool you get to fix it with your daughter to make memories with she will never forget

[@HHWheels]

I will most certainly cherish these memories :)

[@johnmilner7603]

My favourite Chevelle is the 70 SS396 with the ZL2 Cowl Induction Hood. Others I like is the 66, 67, 69. I’ve only owned 1 in my life. A 64 with a 283 which I purchased back in 1973 for $500 from a lady down the street from me. While in HS I always wanted a 66 or 67.

[@davidgough1161]

I wish you were my younger brother, you have excellent choice in music and like all kinds of fun cars!

[@sgtyork9330]

I own my grandmother's 66 Chevelle 2 door sedan. I've upgraded from 6 cylinder to 427 Rat 390 hp and Muncie 4 speed. It still needs brakes and front suspension rebuild. I have a custom 9 inch posi rear to add strength so I don't blow up the rear.

[@HHWheels]

NICE!! We'd love to have a cool setup in this bad boy soon! Thanks for watching :)

[@ACURACLTYPESLOW]

Not trying to be “that guy” but, coming from a guy that’s chosen automotive as a means of making a living and enjoys it both as a job and as a hobby, Caroline, PLEASE remember to use your knees when picking stuff up and setting it down. Have a very close friend my age (26) that RUINED his back because he never picked stuff up with his legs. I know you don’t feel it in the moment but it WILL come back to haunt you if you don’t take care of yourself! Much love! Excited to see how this one turns out, Chevelle guy through and through and while I love a big block you can’t beat the sound of a built small block turning high rpm’s! However big block power is what made the Chevelle the legend is! Either way whatever y’all settle on it will be sweet!

[@seaneigenmann2330]

My Dad had this year, but an SS, when I was a kid. Man I miss that car, Melvin was its name.

[@DanOrcutt723]

So excited for you two to have this project to do together! 🥰 🚙

[@yonnyjimenez4723]

Yo, that’s teamwork. I like you guys that’s teamwork man. God bless.

[@HHWheels]

Team work makes the Dream work! ✊

[@petersalter4269]

I can't wait to see the progress, I started watching you guys because of the vw stuff, I've never been into American stuff really but that blue one was stunning!

[@HHWheels]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@richardlong8014]

New subscriber here. I love the video and cast of characters. In days of old I assembled daily drivers from wrecked or junked cars. Had a yard full of Novas pre internet.

[@haroldrogers6083]

In the mid 80s i had a 66 ElcCamino i built it had a 327 with a 2 speed power glide headers and a 2 barrel with thrush mufflers hanging off the collectors but that sucker would fly . It was gold with low back buckets from who knows what but it just worked !

[@Arlie-nk2nt]

New sub just found your channel i thought i was the only young person that had a passion for the late 60s muscle cars

[@haroldstrickland1513]

For future reference, the old timers told me years ago that it's not a bench seat. It is an "SOB" seat...Slide Over Baby! I love mine as me and the wife can ride around like teenagers with her tucked tight beside me and my right arm atop the seat stretched around her. Good luck with your build.

[@HHWheels]

That’s great info! Love it!

[@BillySBC]

I never had a Chevelle but I did have a '66 Skylark which was somewhat similar. The extension on the spark plug is a "Non-Fouling Adapter", it moves the spark plug up out of the cylinder so it won't be fouled by the oil blow-by. The cylinder(s) that have non-foulers have enough blow-by that the plugs are oil fouling. Translation: bad rings or cylinder worn beyond limits, sometimes could be the valve seals and/or guides.

[@alanpaulick7815]

Keep on wrenching and thanks for sharing your awesome content

[@HHWheels]

Thanks, will do!

[@hotroddevils5031]

Looking good! Nice and tight. Looking forward to seeing the dash installed. Keep up the good work!

[@tiyukitv6508]

your videos are always an inspiration to find and save another car. Be well always guys🙏❤️

[@Mrchopitup986]

Choooo!,yall have some hard punchers and heavy hitters around there Big Gee!,Don King gone be poking his head around trying to get some lol

[@BudFranks-fu9ye]

Awesome car. Great video. Want to see way more of it 👍💯

[@HHWheels]

Coming soon!

[@In_memory_of_Dad]

Im really looking forward to seeing what you guys do with this car? You had old blue maybe this time you should build an old red? That car would look beautiful in a dark metallic red colour!!! 🤔

[@LawsonLyons-j9b]

Cherish your dad is much as you can I lost my dad when I was nine and I still miss him today

[@Mrchopitup986]

Nice phone holster James!,i purchased a new Samsung S22 Ultra a few months ago and a Gorilla phone case for it,and to my disappointment they do not offer any holsters for it,well i have one now,after some engineering i put one together that works very well and as for the gorilla case,i have the only one ive seen that is high polished aluminum and is wrapped with clear vinyl to protect it from the elements and keeps from having to polish it.

[@geebopbaluba1591]

That 66 is one of the best looking cars of all time in my opinion but I own a 64 Dodge 440 2 door hardtop and it too is also an amazing car as well and so many people always have to give a thumbs up.

[@paddyfitz71]

Great video, guys, as per usual. For me, the answer to the question to go big or small well if the frame is that good and I have a choice I'd go big all the way whoop whoop Looking forward to the next video

[@HHWheels]

We are figuring it out!

[@barrystoy8222]

Windsor Ontario Canada 🇨🇦 WATCHING great video Father & Daughter

[@HHWheels]

Hello Canada!! So glad you enjoy watching :)

[@SavingClassicCars]

Awesome find! Great videos!

[@christiandulaney1638]

My DREAM CAR is a manual 66-67 Chevelle SS. Preferably in black or powder blue. They are just perfection! I just need to get my boys through college, and then hopefully I can buy one This was a great find.

[@jimthomas1989]

My dream car too , I got 3 in 1966 ,2 are SS and one is a 66 Malibu all are 4 speed

[@Nomah1979]

Damn, that car is pretty straight for it being outside buried in the leaves....It's very rare that you find a 58-year-old car out in the elements, that doesn't have a ton of whiskey dents or a crinkled fender or 2....Is there anything prettier than a 66/67 Chevelle?

[@antoniohosino145]

A 69 PLYMOUTH HEMI ROADRUNNER CONVERTIBLE , BUT WE TALKIN ‘ ABOUT CHEVELLE’S FELLAS……….

[@alletsorodsb2197]

My first car I owned that I bought in 1991 when I was 23 was my 66 chevelle with 3 on the tree ❤

[@ronaldolweiler7745]

I have a 65 ragtop . I put a lift a brand 3.5 inch lift kit on it disc brakes , the top ,brakes and steering are power . I put 66 rear wheel openings on to allow 15 x 10 om the back and 15 x 7 on the front. Its fact automatic on the floor with the bucket seat interior. Cool cars . Owned it since 1978

[@geraldhoopes8515]

I had a friend in high school that had a 66 Chevelle, and that there were twins in high school that had 2 matching chavelle's. Their father bottom for a graduation present. They were both big block square tubed. Headers, nice as sounding car. I've ever heard both from 4 speech. Never forget that.

[@HHWheels]

Sweet!

[@tandyderreberry]

Chevelle and BIG BLOCK go together. Just started watching you guys and I really enjoyed your videos. Great job on your video and I appreciate your hard work on them. Love yaaaaa mean it.

[@davidgough1161]

Good choice in beer, too!

[@thomasbackenstoe849]

My first car 283 power glide. Convertible, How I wish I had that car today. Great Video!!!!

[@HHWheels]

Thanks! 👍

[@josegrajeda4028]

Great video like always

[@HHWheels]

thanks for watching :)

[@jeffhill2089]

The extensions on the plugs are anti-fowlers. You run those to try to keep driving a oil burning engine. Usually a sign it is worn out. Looked like you guys are having fun.

[@jayw4567]

Smith Mountain Lake VA/ Roanoke VA I used to live there from 1998 to 2017

[@HHWheels]

That’s were I was vacationing with the wife. She was cool with the purchase after I showed her the car😁

[@speedtrapp219d2]

Carolyn Baby is right those glasses are dorky

[@Boozehero]

If you remove the torque converter cover, you can access the flywheel teeth with a pry bar. This will give you the advantage of leverage well over the harmonic balancer. Since the bad piston is almost at the top of it's travel, you may be lucky and crack it loose. The cylinder bore might even be ok.... Just a suggestion.

[@richroeder2541]

GREAT CAR!!! Hope to see alot more on this

[@SteveJohnson-uu9ew]

0:29 sold lol

[@coreyk1168]

Awesome episode !!! Love the look on both your faces and the prank on Caroline 😂 classic, will be a great project to see you both take pride in what you love doing best. ❤

[@jonathanfreedom1st]

Im in Toledo ohio but I have Family in Roanoke. Went there as a 9 year old kid a couple times in 1990.. And couple times as an adult to take my grandma to see her sister. My family tree spans 300 years in Virginia. Cheers

[@HHWheels]

wow! That's quite the family tree! Well it is a beautiful area, cool people, and lots of cool cars :)

[@jonathanfreedom1st]

Appalachia is gorgeous ❤

[@crosswits1]

My dad had 66' chevelle that he bought new just like this one James, I sure missed

[@charlesenyeart5421]

66 Chevelle was my first car! would love another one day.

[@davidsimmons586]

WOW! I had both of thought car back in the 80's

[@frankie15oct]

Man!! I know this area and have driven past this place a thousand times! WHO knew?🤦‍♂️

[@retirednavychief6983]

That motor doesn't look bad at all. Acid dip it, hone the cylinders, pop in new rings and bearings. Don't "boat anchor" it. Short of a crack in the block that thing is easily rebuildable.

[@ni_wink84]

Why save a 283? I’m pretty sure their overall goal and view isn’t numbers matching. I’ll be surprised if this thing isn’t LS swapped in the next couple months

[@retirednavychief6983]

@@ni_wink84 You're probably right. I would consider that ruining the car. I know that most car-enthusiasts feel that modernizing is the way to go, and I respect their right to believe that. I believe it strips the soul of the car away. But at the same time I don't have tens of thousands of dollars to throw at old cars, so I also respect that they're saving car-bodies.

[@ni_wink84]

@@retirednavychief6983 I agree to a point, but these cars even when new people modified them, that’s what made muscle cars so cool and popular. If it were my build, I would ditch the 283 for a year correct 327, make the car look factory inside and out with the exception of a nice set of wheels, I bought a 68 el Camino a couple years ago that someone had swapped a 455 Buick into, so I felt no shame in ripping it out and doing an LS swap update for the reliability and it was fairly inexpensive. Now my 70 chevelle that I have was a factory AC car, Malibu, so low trim level, 307 car with auto, I built a 383 for it for some power but it looks stock, kept the 307 because it was factory, I’m all for some mods, but try to hang on to the original stuff as much as possible as well especially if that’s what it had from the factory floor

[@Ngarepairercar1990]

Very hard working keep it up 🎉🎉

[@donniehammond2777]

I'm shocked you haven't poked a hole on the top of that piston yet

[@awaicul]

Y’all brought back a spider cricket with ya!

[@DavidEmerson-w7c]

The BLOCK of Bigs!!!

[@rickykeaton9236]

The greatest Dad in the world has gotten himself the greatest Daughter in the world❤ All of that built up dirt stopping the oil leaking is from the dirt road era😂 The 66 and 68 Chevelles are my two favorites🥰 Any 68 Hot Rod models are the prettiest of all😎 I can’t wait to see that one finished as a Hot Rod or a Stock unmolested Survivor🔥

[@randalltufts3321]

High rev Smallblock with turbo and a powerglide. Magic!

[@scottleininger6201]

That looks like an Awesome car and can't wait to see what you guys do with it 🤠🤠🤠

[@silverback8183]

I guess when you are a youtubber, old cars just magically appear. I couldn't find an old anything to save my life

[@marctorigiani4558]

That spark plug extension you pulled out of their is called a spark plug anti fouler. People would put those in there to shield the plug from oil burning in that cylinder so that motor is probably an oil consumer

[@HHWheels]

👍thx

[@Waylien77]

If you want to fuss with it, some phosphoric acid rust remover and a brush might loosen those pistons. Nice Chevelle Id love to tackle one like yours.

[@ocktavian66]

I wonder if a little heat would have made difference? Great vid!

[@HHWheels]

Maybe🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️

[@mlogan9929]

Great father daughter work project

[@mikeyoung5823]

I have a 66 conv just got a couple of months ago

[@zackmabry7903]

Pro street that thing. Need more of this chevelle

[@HHWheels]

You sound like you have it too??? CHEVELLIZUM!!!!!

[@mariohughes2289]

Awesome video thanks for sharing 👍 sending love ❤and prayers 🙏 from 🇮🇪 IRELAND 🇮🇪 ❤

[@alanwilliamson9350]

I've lived in Roanoke all my life. I think Ricky worked for Pepsi way back and he had if I remember a black 69 Chevelle that was nice.

[@HHWheels]

haha yes! he did mention that! :)

[@richardtaylor2449]

Thanks Caroline and James 😍💪🏎👩‍🔧👨‍🔧💙

[@andhotrodshop]

You stayed up on the hill right above Texas Roadhouse 👊🏼🙌🏼👍🏻

[@HHWheels]

Yes, but checked in at 1am so we didn’t get to enjoy those tasty sweet rolls☹️

[@andhotrodshop]

@@HHWheels that place is always packed, we judged the high school auto body competition with the guy you bought the car from, he runs a local body shop 😂😂 small world