From No Prep to Drag-and-Drive, This ’69 Chevelle is Ready to Make an Impression
Since the dawn of the automobile, there have been several that stand out in people’s minds. Whether the car completely changed the way we look at things, or the vehicle gained just as much notoriety as the actors in a TV show or movie, some vehicles are just instantly identifiable to the masses at large.
Sick the Magazine’s Sick Summer swag is in, including this brand new tracks shirt! No need to wait; get your Sick Summer gear by clicking here!
In the 1970s and 1980s, several TV shows had cars (or a van in the case of the A-Team) that became just as important as the plot or the acting.
The Dukes of Hazzard has enjoyed a cult-like following for over four decades, and the 1969 Dodge Charger nicknamed ‘General Lee’ has proved to be popular enough to have several hundred replicas around the country. Sporting the eye-catching orange paint, the ‘01’ numbers on the doors, and the dixie rebel flag on the roof.
On a high powered 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle, John Maher took a page from the Duke boys, painting the Chevelle orange, but changing the features a little bit to make the Chevelle unique. The doors wear the ‘02’ numbers, and John opted for the American flag on the roof and the nickname ‘General Motors’ instead of ‘General Lee.’
The Chevelle has seen plenty of no-prep action, participating in Roadkill Nights, as well as War in the Woods at Brown County. But after spectating at Hot Rod Drag Week and this year’s Sick Week Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive, John is making the switch to a drag-and-drive format.
“Spending more time enjoying the car, the challenge and hanging out with like-minded folks,” John quoted as his reasons why the drag-and-drive format appeals to him.
The Chevelle was powered by a big block Chevrolet with multiple stages of nitrous and a carburetor, but will get some big changes for its drag-and-drive debut.
A 556 cubic inch big block Chevrolet engine will sport a twin 84-millimeter Torqstorm supercharger system, while John will also make the jump to EFI with a Holley Dominator system.
A Rossler Turbo 400 transmission with a 2.10 gear set will pass the power to a Tin Soldiers 9-inch rear end, featuring Merrilat Racing 4-link brackets for stock style suspension.
“I was wanting to do Hot Rod Drag Week (with the car),” said John. “I missed sign up due to a broken leg. But I am helping with ‘Drop the Hammer’, and planning for Sick Week in February 2025. I need to complete the car first, but I have the will to finish what I start; Positive attitude.”
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of John Maher and Hard Target Images.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com