Emerald SS396: 1969 Chevelle SS 396 in Meander Green, side profile

1969 Chevelle · LS3 restomod

Emerald SS396

The story

A barn-find dream, three years in the making

As a teenager in Tennessee, I used to dream about finding a Chevelle tucked away in some old barn. I never thought it would actually happen.

That was 2023. What followed was a three-year build, 2023 to 2026: down to the frame and back, an LS3 swap for a new heart, and finally a coat of medium Meander Green borrowed from an early-2000s Chevy Equinox. Now she's out at car shows.

“Last year, a dream of mine came true when my friend found my '69 Chevelle. It had been in a garage for almost 30 years!”

Build timeline

2023–2026

  1. The find (2023)
    2023

    The find

    Almost 30 years in a garage, and she was finally mine. Faded green, stock everything: Malibu interior, original gauges, good bones.

  2. Change of plans (Feb 2024)
    Feb 2024

    Change of plans

    A chrome-dressed LS3 shows up in a crate. The heart of the build is decided.

  3. Body off (Mar 2024)
    Mar 2024

    Body off

    The body comes off the frame. No going back now.

  4. Rolling chassis (Apr 2024)
    Apr 2024

    Rolling chassis

    Fresh frame, new suspension, chrome wheels and red calipers.

  5. Drivetrain (Oct 2024)
    Oct 2024

    Drivetrain

    The Hurst-shifted manual goes in and the body work continues.

  6. Systems & interior (2025)
    2025

    Systems & interior

    Headers, exhaust cutouts, wiring, green interior. Wood wheel and Dakota Digital gauges: best seat in the house.

  7. Prep for paint (Spring 2026)
    Spring 2026

    Prep for paint

    Quarter panel work, primer and masking, getting ready for color.

  8. Meander Green (Jul 2026)
    Jul 2026

    Meander Green

    Clearcoat Meander Green goes on, a medium green borrowed from an early-2000s Chevy Equinox.

  9. Done & out (Fall 2026)
    Fall 2026

    Done & out

    Three years later: Emerald SS396. No stripes needed.

Specs

By the numbers

Base
1969 Chevelle SS 396
Engine
LS3 swap
Transmission
Hurst-shifted manual
Paint
Medium Meander Green
From an early-2000s Chevy Equinox
Built
2023–2026

Shows

See her in person

Catch Emerald SS396 at local car shows. Follow for the schedule.

Show info