1967 SS 396
The 1967 model year saw only a few external changes from the 1966 model year. A new grille and rear panel were incorporated but the distinctive styling was still there. While the 115-inch wheelbase remained the same, one could certainly see the subtle new body changes and not confuse it with the 1966 model year. The new upscale Concours station wagon, with any 6-cylinder or 8-cylinder engine except the 396 cubic inch engine, was added to the 137/138xx series lineup with the SS 396 sport coupe and convertible. The look of hand-rubbed walnut body panel inserts, reminiscent of the old ‘woody’ days, was truly a step up from the Malibu series. The Concours station wagon carried series designations of 13735 (6-cylinder) and 13835 (8-cylinder) and featured its own distinct center grille assembly.
The SS 396 series hood continued the faux hood scoop theme introduced in 1966 with only a styling change.
The 1967 SS 396 continued the theme of a blacked out grille with
minimal brightwork along with a blacked out rear panel. New for the
1967 SS 396 were standard stripes along the lower beltline.
The SS 396 sport coupes and convertibles featured twin faux scoops
on the hood.
The grille and grille extensions continued to receive a blacked-out
treatment. The correct finish on the grille extensions is often
overlooked since many aftermarket units known today have the 300/300
Deluxe/Malibu finish and it is up to the owner/restorer to paint
them to make them correct.
All 1967 SS 396 Chevelles have a blacked-our rear cove.
The SS 396 sport coupe and convertible have this area painted the
same black-out as the SS 396's rear tail panel.
Even though the tail panel is painted lower body color on a Malibu,
it should get the same black-out treatment between the top
horizontal trim and the truck weather-strip.
All Malibus with the exception of wagons and El Caminos share the
same tail lamps as the SS 396. The additional black-out area is to
keep a continual black line from tail lamp to tail lamp. The
assembly plants varied in how this was done and were not consistent
throughout the year. Some were cut in at a 45° angle as shown in
this example.
Sometimes the paint shop would paint inline with the weather-strip
tabs - sometimes even the tabs were blacked out as well.
Sometimes the paint shop would mask off and match the weld lines.
Radiator Grille - GM Group 1.266
The 1967 Chevelle has three different grille themes. One for the
300, 300 Deluxe, and Malibu series features two pair of three bright
horizontal bars, single bright horizontal bars at the top and
bottom. Note the cutout area of the center grille does not extend to
the headlamp bezel and the holes for mounting the grille emblem on
the top bar. The two holes in the top bar are for mounting the
grille
emblem.
The SS 396 grille theme reduces the horizontal bright bars to two
pair and the center grille cutout area extends to the headlamp
bezel. The single bright horizontal bars at the top and bottom are
also blacked out. The two holes in the top bar are not present as
the SS396 emblem is mounted in the center of the grille itself.
The Concours station wagon was a little bit of both. Note center
grille is almost identical to the SS 396 unit but has the two holes
on the top bar to mount the grille emblem.
Grille emblem for all Chevelle 300, 300 Deluxe, Malibu, and Concours
station wagon, service replacement part #3907069 is available today
in the aftermarket.