Some of you may have read my thread up in Roadside about a terrible experience trying to buy a 1969 Nova that was not to be. I am happy that experience worked out in the end, but I still wanted a project Nova. I bought a Fox mustang in March to try and build into a Big BLock Chevy powered grudge car. After looking it over, its a great start for one but if I have to put the same effort into it as a classic muscle car (possibly more), Id rather have the classic. Decided on a Nova for size, available parts (~2 million made from 68-74), power to weigh ratio.
1968-1972 Nova's are the premium for 3rd gen Nova's. Most dont like the 73-74 even though that are nearly 95% identical. I was on the fence but saw this pic and it helped me choose a 73-74 comfortably:
To me that looks like a mini 71-72 Chevelle which I absolutely love that look!
I found my 1973 Nova on Offerup, which I had never really looked through for a Nova. It had been listed for over 3 months. When I saw the ad, I though "Nah, theres no way this thing is still there for this long". Well, she was and has a clean title too. I checked it out and looks to be a rust free AZ car. Made an offer, came to terms and picked her up the next day!
Originally a 6 cylinder 3 speed car built in Van Nuys, CA. Currently not running, but has an SBC 350 and Turbo 350 trans with the bigger 8.5" 10 bolt out back. Power 4 wheel drums but going to convert to front disc ASAP. I eventually want to go with a Ford 9" out back with 4th gen F Body rear discs, but the 8.5 and rear drums will work for now.
Interior is trash, but both rear quarter interior door panels are in the car. Of all the Nova interior trim for 73-74, those appear to be the hardest to find due to the unique 1/4 window. She needs a complete redo inside, but nothing some elbow grease can fix. Seller bought and was beginning to mock up some cloth 5th gen Camaro seats and gave them to me as part of the sale. He also gave me parts to convert the front of the car to the 68-72 look. I may keep the 73 look, but Ill need to shave the turn signals out of the grill. There are some write ups Ive found on how to do it. Shaving the safety bumpers down to normal Nova bumpers will be a point for me. Front is easy, rear isnt as its different layout. I may try to modify a 68-72 rear bumper to work with the 73-74 tail panel. If I can find a custom bumper/ sheetmetal shop to improve the factory style rear bumper Im down for that too.
Ive got a 454 Mark IV block and forged GM 454 crank that will be built into her next engine. Ill back it with a 4L80E (Turbo 400 trans with factory overdrive). I envision this car built to be a Drag Week style car. Not going for crazy power, but enough to be fast, consistent and reliable. Ultimately, I do want to do a West Coast Drag Week.
Im super excited for this build. I know there is a LOT of work to be done to get the car to look like my vision for it. In the mean time, Im going to focus on getting the current powertrain running and go and enjoy it for a little.
In honor of her many colors when I bought her, the car's name is Skittles.
More pics as I get them later.
1968-1972 Nova's are the premium for 3rd gen Nova's. Most dont like the 73-74 even though that are nearly 95% identical. I was on the fence but saw this pic and it helped me choose a 73-74 comfortably:
To me that looks like a mini 71-72 Chevelle which I absolutely love that look!
I found my 1973 Nova on Offerup, which I had never really looked through for a Nova. It had been listed for over 3 months. When I saw the ad, I though "Nah, theres no way this thing is still there for this long". Well, she was and has a clean title too. I checked it out and looks to be a rust free AZ car. Made an offer, came to terms and picked her up the next day!
Originally a 6 cylinder 3 speed car built in Van Nuys, CA. Currently not running, but has an SBC 350 and Turbo 350 trans with the bigger 8.5" 10 bolt out back. Power 4 wheel drums but going to convert to front disc ASAP. I eventually want to go with a Ford 9" out back with 4th gen F Body rear discs, but the 8.5 and rear drums will work for now.
Interior is trash, but both rear quarter interior door panels are in the car. Of all the Nova interior trim for 73-74, those appear to be the hardest to find due to the unique 1/4 window. She needs a complete redo inside, but nothing some elbow grease can fix. Seller bought and was beginning to mock up some cloth 5th gen Camaro seats and gave them to me as part of the sale. He also gave me parts to convert the front of the car to the 68-72 look. I may keep the 73 look, but Ill need to shave the turn signals out of the grill. There are some write ups Ive found on how to do it. Shaving the safety bumpers down to normal Nova bumpers will be a point for me. Front is easy, rear isnt as its different layout. I may try to modify a 68-72 rear bumper to work with the 73-74 tail panel. If I can find a custom bumper/ sheetmetal shop to improve the factory style rear bumper Im down for that too.
Ive got a 454 Mark IV block and forged GM 454 crank that will be built into her next engine. Ill back it with a 4L80E (Turbo 400 trans with factory overdrive). I envision this car built to be a Drag Week style car. Not going for crazy power, but enough to be fast, consistent and reliable. Ultimately, I do want to do a West Coast Drag Week.
Im super excited for this build. I know there is a LOT of work to be done to get the car to look like my vision for it. In the mean time, Im going to focus on getting the current powertrain running and go and enjoy it for a little.
In honor of her many colors when I bought her, the car's name is Skittles.
More pics as I get them later.
