Repair or Replace: 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle II
There’s something about the look of a Chevelle… hardtop or convertible. The muscular design of these cars is instantly recognizable. Most of us have the memory of a Chevrolet Chevelle running around in our heads somewhere. When I spotted this ’68 Chevelle SS Convertible for $9k, I thought it would be a good candidate for this article. The 1968 Chevelle SS Convertibles like this are rare. Little over 2000 were produced in ’68, making this car unique. This Chevelle has a clear title and needs some attention to make it road worthy again. On the market, restored examples can quickly sail north of $50,000. That makes taking a look at this SS all the more interesting.
F.Y.I. Chevrolet redesigned the Chevelle for 1968. Adding a long hood and resculpting the rear would give the ’68-’72 Chevelle some of its most defining features.
Automotive: The 1968 Lamborghini Miura Roadster has an estimated value of more than $8 million.
In the Movies: The 1968 Chevelle has been seen in movies like “Bad Boys II” in 2003 and the hit television show “Mad Men.”
In Music: “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding was at the top of the Billboard Charts in March 1968.
Fun Fact: Elliot Handler, the co-founder of Mattel, began to produce die-cast toy cars to complete with the industry leader Matchbox made by Lesney Products. Mr. Handler called the toy cars Hot Wheels.
1968 INDY 500 Winner: Bobby Unser
1968 Daytona 500 Winner: Cale Yarborough
Repair or Replace
1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Convertible
- ’68 Convertible SS – 2,286 built
- $9,000 (needs restored)
Current Pricing: $50,000+
Quick Look Paint:
- Complete Paint=
- Fenders x2-
- Quarters x2-
- Doors x2-
- Rockers x2-
- Hood-
- Decklid-
- Add for jams on all parts-
- Undercoating-
- Misc-$$$$-
- Materials=
=(Paint) Labor and materials – 5-10K+
Quick Look Body:
- Floors(full) – $600 list
- Trunk Pan (full) – $450
- Lower Quarters x2 – $250
- Rear Tail Brace – $100
- Convertible Top plus Frame – $3k+
- Misc – $$$$
- Labor (restoration) 250+ hrs
=(Body) Labor and materials – 15k+
Quick Look Total: (Body, Paint, Parts, Materials, Etc.) – $20k+ Rebuild it!
