Blue Light Special - '78 Chevy Nova [Archive]

novaboy009

11-06-2013, 10:57 AM

I'm aware that 4th generation (75-79) Disco Novas are not particularly popular, but this one holds a soft spot in my heart. I purchased the car for $150 on ebay way back in about 1999, when I was 15 years old. I got my drivers license with this car, went to prom, went to my wedding, drove it daily in high school and in college, won a points championship at an eighth mile track in South Carolina, and drove over half of the continental united states in this car. So.... we go back a little bit. I captured pieces of this build thread over the last year on Steve's Nova Site, but this board is way more active and I love the creativity and ideas here.

Now for some pics.

Here we are in 1999:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/originalnova_zps2e0777c4-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/originalnova_zps2e0777c4.jpg.html)

Circa 2004 or so:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/allisonkevhc-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/allisonkevhc.jpg.html)

Circa 2010ish:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/IMG_1299-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/IMG_1299.jpg.html)

The car has largely been a street car with drag racing roots. I've had 90/10's, trick springs and all the drag race stuff on the car for a lot of the time. In about 2008, I got the bug to make the car more street friendly and handle a little better, so the last picture gives you that more dignified look. Now I am out to create a car that does the following:

1) Can carry my family around comfortably - I've got a wife and a toddler now, gotta have a back seat and functioning heat
2) Can run a decent number at the drag strip - something in the mid 12's is okie dookie.
3) Can provide above average steering and braking, and be reasonably entertaining on an autocross course
4) Won't break or leave me stranded
5) Has a stick - fun factor

So it's a do everything car. Oh - and I'm not a rich man, and I don't like to spend what I do have on a play toy, so nothing exotic here.

On to the project pics!

novaboy009

11-06-2013, 11:04 AM

Disassembly and some closer looks revealed a good amount of damage - this car lived hard:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/002_zpsac982e18-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/002_zpsac982e18.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/006_zpse08398de-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/006_zpse08398de.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/004_zps7a936aa3-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/004_zps7a936aa3.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/006_zps7f5f1615-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/006_zps7f5f1615.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/006_zpsc0736daa-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/006_zpsc0736daa.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/rust_zps4bb8514d-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/rust_zps4bb8514d.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/026_zps95d8b351-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/026_zps95d8b351.jpg.html)

srh3trinity

11-06-2013, 06:53 PM

I may be in the minority, but I like the later gen Nova lines. I think they have loads of potential.

novaboy009

11-07-2013, 11:03 AM

Started with the floor:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/floorpan1_zps137c0fee-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/floorpan1_zps137c0fee.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/011_zps9fe9c406-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/011_zps9fe9c406.jpg.html)

A million hours of wire wheel, putty knife and pressure washing, then some Por 15 and chassis coat on the bottom.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/underside1_zpsa2773224-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/underside1_zpsa2773224.jpg.html)

novaboy009

11-12-2013, 09:40 AM

New trunk drop offs:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/dropoff_zps77865a73-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/dropoff_zps77865a73.jpg.html)

Lots of wheel well work:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/007_zpse0c888c4-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/007_zpse0c888c4.jpg.html)

Rust repair and clean up in the trunk:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/trunkclean_zps3d1c9d0a-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/trunkclean_zps3d1c9d0a.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/trunkdone_zpsff63b37f-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/trunkdone_zpsff63b37f.jpg.html)

novaboy009

11-18-2013, 11:35 AM

8.5 rear end was rebuilt with Moser axles, 3.73 Richmond gears and Eaton posi.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/bottomassembly1_zpscaeff33a-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/bottomassembly1_zpscaeff33a.jpg.html)

I replaced the springs about 5 years ago. They are extremely stiff and left the rear end a little high for my taste. I pulled the #5 helper leaf out, hopefully it will correct some of the snap oversteer I was getting before tearing the car down. After much deliberation, I settled on a combo of:

1) Bilstein Shocks
2) Afco Rear Sway Bar
3) South Side Machine Lift Bars
4) Del-A-Lum Bushings

For brakes, I settled on Porterfield racing shoes. The swap to big drums didn't make much sense to me - heavier, more rotating mass and not much better braking. I also want to retain the use of 15" wheels (GASP), so no go on the big disc brake swaps.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/delalum_zps9b13fe2e-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/delalum_zps9b13fe2e.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/086_zps0a6dd5c6-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/086_zps0a6dd5c6.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/087_zpsc4e7e05c-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/087_zpsc4e7e05c.jpg.html)

Remember the goals of the car - this is more like a resto-mod then a full blown pro-touring G-machine.

novaboy009

11-18-2013, 11:45 AM

Next up - the front end:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/024_zps0fc48e00-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/024_zps0fc48e00.jpg.html)

Pulled out the old crate 350 and nitrous kit. A consistent, deadly reliable combo that made about 7,000,000 12.65 passes at 103 mph. Currently debating my desire to change the combo to something Vortec or AFR based. We'll see.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/022_zps8a34e414-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/022_zps8a34e414.jpg.html)

Cleaned up firewall and made a really large hole in the firewall to correct a past mildly botched A/C to non-A/C conversion.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/firewall_zps857e83a6-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/firewall_zps857e83a6.jpg.html)

Fixing holes:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/036_zpsaab0cbe5-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/036_zpsaab0cbe5.jpg.html)

Frame clean up:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/frame_zpsa6c88861-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/frame_zpsa6c88861.jpg.html)

Firewall finishing:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/fiberglass_zpsb8d7f66f-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/fiberglass_zpsb8d7f66f.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/chassiscoatframe_zps771e8edf-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/chassiscoatframe_zps771e8edf.jpg.html)

Front end painting:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/partspainted_zpsaaafc896-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/partspainted_zpsaaafc896.jpg.html)

And that's pretty much where we are today. Getting ready to get it rolling again in the next week or so.

Plans are:
1) Del A Lum control arm bushings
2) Tall Ball Joints
3) Eibach springs
4) Bilstein shocks
5) 1 1/8" front bar (Trans Am)
6) All new Moog steering parts
7) B-body spindle swap with 1LE rotors and Hawk pads

To be continued!

Nova1978

11-18-2013, 12:20 PM

Glad to see you posted your build on here too Kev! Now i have two places to follow your progress. Hopefully more 4th gens will show up here. I know of a few more that sbould be on this site as well....

SRD art

11-18-2013, 12:23 PM

Finally, someone else that appreciates the Disco Novas. :) I've owned several Novas over the years and have settled in with the also less popular 73/74 cars. When I was in high school I had a 73 that I lowered 3" and put performance tires on. It handled better than stock and I was excited to drive it. When I went through a major drive train change I bought a cheap 77 Nova from a friend for temporary transportation. Bone stock with whitewall 195-75-14s it handled better than the dropped 73. I eventually re-sold it but have since wanted to build a pro-touring edition Disco. These cars have similar geometry to a 2nd gen Camaro and there's some decent aftermarket support for them. I know Speedtech Performance (http://www.speedtechperformance.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=results/category_id=16/mode=cat/cat16.htm) offers control arms, a coilover conversion, and a bunch of other parts for disco Novas. Too many projects for me right now but maybe one day I'll be able to build one...

Yours looks like it's coming right along, good on ya. Just curious, why the B spindle swap? Was it mostly to get the bigger 12" brakes? Will you see a handling advantage with those?

I've heard that 68-74 Novas lean towards not having a rear away bar to keep over steer to a minimum. Might be the same for your car as they use the same rear suspension IIRC. Maybe get it together and see how it handles before buying the rear bar?

Again, just wondering, why are you sticking with 15s? On my wagon I went from a 225-60-15 Z rated tire on 15x7 Z28 wheels to a 245-50-16 V rated tire on 16x8 GTA wheels and felt a huge increase in response, handling and braking. There are plenty of larger inexpensive wheel and tire options out there, and with the drum brakes you can keep a set of 15" drag tires on cheap old steelies for the track. That's what I do for the wagon, best of both worlds.

Keep up the good work, subscribed.

novaboy009

11-18-2013, 12:33 PM

Yours looks like it's coming right along, good on ya. Just curious, why the B spindle swap? Was it mostly to get the bigger 12" brakes? Will you see a handling advantage with those?

I've heard that 68-74 Novas lean towards not having a rear away bar to keep over steer to a minimum. Might be the same for your car as they use the same rear suspension IIRC. Maybe get it together and see how it handles before buying the rear bar?

Again, just wondering, why are you sticking with 15s? On my wagon I went from a 225-60-15 Z rated tire on 15x7 Z28 wheels to a 245-50-16 V rated tire on 16x8 GTA wheels and felt a huge increase in response, handling and braking. There are plenty of larger inexpensive wheel and tire options out there, and with the drum brakes you can keep a set of 15" drag tires on cheap old steelies for the track. That's what I do for the wagon, best of both worlds.

1) No handling advantage on the B-body spindles. I just want the 12" rotors for more surface area clamping.
2) I drove the car quite a bit with just the big front bar and it understeered like a plowing FWD car. The rear bar balanced it out nicely. Now it has a mild understeer that controls perfectly with throttle input.
3) I like 15's, I have 15's and they look good to me. I may consider a 16" wheel, but anything bigger than that looks stupid on a muscle car. I'm an old school guy at heart I guess.

SRD art

11-19-2013, 06:09 PM

3) I like 15's, I have 15's and they look good to me. I may consider a 16" wheel, but anything bigger than that looks stupid on a muscle car. I'm an old school guy at heart I guess.

You're a brave man saying that on this forum, lol!

Keep the pics coming as you make progress.

montessaj

11-19-2013, 06:17 PM

Looks great! Keep at it!

brownz

11-20-2013, 05:14 PM

Cool build. I also bought my camaro in 99 when I was 15.

novaboy009

12-02-2013, 07:50 AM

A few more recent shots:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/null_zpsa7fc6095-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/null_zpsa7fc6095.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/B076E0FD2A56449BB04BC5D47268E829_zpscimu-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/B076E0FD-2A56-449B-B04B-C5D47268E829_zpscimul3or.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/null_zpsabca7db2-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/null_zpsabca7db2.jpg.html)

I'm sticking with the old engine combo for now, so I could invest in suspension and interior pieces and get started on the body work. I'll build something a little more ambitious after the project is driving again. I have the Chevy NP440 (A833) cleaned up with fresh gaskets and fitted for a blow proof bell housing.

Moog steering components, Pro forged tie rod sleeves, Del a Lum bushings, Pro forged tall upper ball joints, 1 1/4" sway bar, Eibach springs, Bilstein shocks and B-body spindles are installed.

Next steps are getting the 1LE brakes together, running the roll control/brake line kit and dropping the motor and transmission in. I'll be interested to see if I can get the truck shifter to work with my bench seat. We'll see.

Kev

craigs73

12-02-2013, 10:09 AM

looking good kevin....glad to see you make it over here!! looks like it will be ready to go come spring?

novaboy009

12-02-2013, 12:21 PM

Craig,

No time line - I work when I can between work, family and budget. I think I'll have the body ready to shoot over the summer. I'm missing mint condition doors and bumpers, along with a lot of difficult to locate interior pieces, so that may set me back some. If I want to shop out of a catalog I could be many thousands of dollars into interior parts in a hurry, and my money tree isn't as lush as some on this site lol.

Kev

craigs73

12-02-2013, 11:06 PM

novaboy009

01-13-2014, 05:51 AM

Update time!

Engine is in the car:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/DE695BBA82DF44E5ADEAF5293DB926C0_zpsjlno-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/DE695BBA-82DF-44E5-ADEA-F5293DB926C0_zpsjlnovuqj.jpg.html)

B-Body 12" spindles, 1LE rotors, Impala SS hawk brake pads:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/4FE719045C4C4626B254BA37A4847D1D_zpsi03d-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/4FE71904-5C4C-4626-B254-BA37A4847D1D_zpsi03doohx.jpg.html)

Battery in the trunk:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/55FED7CE284D40A9BF5AC4DB3DBD4C07_zpsmqj4-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/55FED7CE-284D-40A9-BF5A-C4DB3DBD4C07_zpsmqj4thjn.jpg.html)

Inside of hood, cowl, fenders, bumper shells, and bumper supports are por 15ed.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/49AEC8AF99BD4B429869071A429693D8_zpslf6e-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/49AEC8AF-99BD-4B42-9869-071A429693D8_zpslf6eglj7.jpg.html)

NP440 is in the car with shifter, linkage, etc ready to go:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/31A7B4369BC64929889B94F95FB06E3D_zpst9ab-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/31A7B436-9BC6-4929-889B-94F95FB06E3D_zpst9abm4ly.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/B43FC82492ED495DA62E060DD39377C8_zpstul1-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/B43FC824-92ED-495D-A62E-060DD39377C8_zpstul1d8rh.jpg.html)

Body work has commenced as I wait for the money tree to grow some additional limbs:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/CC4E9C5D992742AF9C1C9764FECA251E_zpsjj1m-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/CC4E9C5D-9927-42AF-9C1C-9764FECA251E_zpsjj1mffia.jpg.html)

novaboy009

02-05-2014, 11:52 AM

New core support came in from Arkansas (mine was pretty much hopeless):

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/8B540E3A66A8464984305349D7763F79_zpsh8dz-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/8B540E3A-66A8-4649-8430-5349D7763F79_zpsh8dzodsg.jpg.html)

Griffin radiator, black magic fan and new custom radiator brackets:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/45357F08431746949B9C20B34142F78F_zps3dtp-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/45357F08-4317-4694-9B9C-20B34142F78F_zps3dtpjil5.jpg.html)

New aftermarket Summit heater installed and wiring routed:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/2513F314E37F415C976EFC0D485ED4C1_zpsqa1l-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/2513F314-E37F-415C-976E-FC0D485ED4C1_zpsqa1l8wca.jpg.html)

We are now up and running. Sounds good, just need to throw a timing light on it, but it idles and thumps along just fine.

I also drummed up a N.O.S. driver side fender for $50, installed the clutch linkage (it works!) and finished the nitrous installation/wiring (also works)!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/C45BAF8F8D0D47869F2A69E2BF6B78DD_zpsuhwr-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/C45BAF8F-8D0D-4786-9F2A-69E2BF6B78DD_zpsuhwrvycm.jpg.html)

Coming along nicely - trying to get everything done prior to July so I can make Run Thru the Hills in TN and finish up prior to my second child arriving!

Kev

SRD art

02-05-2014, 03:43 PM

Check into this- I'm pretty sure 68-79 use the same door shells. The vent window is bolted in so you should be able to find aftermarket doors that will bolt in. I once saw a disco Nova front clip bolted to a 68-74 body. Door to fender lines were perfect.

The other parts like bumpers, what about fiberglass?

novaboy009

02-06-2014, 11:56 AM

Glasstek makes fiberglass bumpers at about $200 each. I imagine the quality is as iffy as most fiberglass parts. I'm considering painting the chrome OEM bumpers though, as mine are pretty rough. I don't think I want to use the older doors - I'll pass on the frankenstein look, but thanks for the thoughts.

SRD art

02-06-2014, 05:29 PM

Not suggesting to Frankenstein, that would be dumb. I own both a 73 and a 74 Nova. It bugs me when folks slap 68-72 front clips on them. If you want an earlier Nova go buy one, don't scrap a decent 73/4 front clip, right?

What I was trying to illustrate was parts interchangeability that might be easier than finding complete disco doors for your car. I spent a few minutes looking on the net and found it suggested that 68-79 used the same door skins. Apparently the B pillar on the discos are more upright and so the window frame on the 68-74 doors won't fit exactly, unless you swap window frames which really shouldn't be that difficult. If the problem with your doors is the outer skins buying new 68-74 skins could be a viable option to look into. Even if the doors aren't exactly the same dimensions on body lines, with your skills you could probably do some slight modifying and make it work.

When I fixed my 74's doors I used these lower patch panels listed as 68-79. Click here- Classic Ind Patch Panels (http://www.classicindustries.com/1978/nova/parts/775220r.html)

If your doors are all rotted out you may search junkyards in states where snow is minimal and the weather is dry for replacements. Sometimes paying a little extra shipping for a decent door is worth it rather than trying to fix a basket case. You probably have already thought of this but I thought I'd mention it just in case.

Although not the same situation as yours, this Nova is our test car at work. It's a 72 with 74 doors on it to remove the vent windows. It was a direct bolt in, despite the aftermarket restoration companies always sticking to 68-72 on everything. Sometimes car manufacturers were cheap and if they could reuse parts between years, or maybe only change something like how the door panel looks and mounts, it meant many $'s saved. Apparently Novas fit this description.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/web_zps128067b5-1.jpg

novaboy009

02-08-2014, 06:30 AM

I see what you're saying now. The outer door skins would be a viable option, except the entire inner structure of the driver side door is rotted out too. It's very rough. I've been searching for some viable doors pretty much anywhere within 500 miles of me. Shipping will get out of hand, but I travel a lot for work and might be able to swing by and retrieve them.

novaboy009

03-21-2014, 04:53 AM

Time for the boring body work update. I really hate this part.

NOS fenders stripped:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/03/9FD6B9C5A30A455B98C842DA2E2829F0_zpslfsi-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/9FD6B9C5-A30A-455B-98C8-42DA2E2829F0_zpslfsiim1k.jpg.html)

Car stripped:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/03/0B728A6C45A945738A56ECF69907DCCC_zps47jj-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/0B728A6C-45A9-4573-8A56-ECF69907DCCC_zps47jjxdvk.jpg.html)

Hood, cowl, deck lid:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/03/F96492215AD342CDA21227E6DC8ACFB1_zpsuvzw-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/F9649221-5AD3-42CD-A212-27E6DC8ACFB1_zpsuvzweu7i.jpg.html)

Obtained a pair of doors from Lancaster, PA a few weekends ago.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/03/4592C400D21E492E8B43597627B37505_zpsw8jw-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/4592C400-D21E-492E-8B43-597627B37505_zpsw8jwz5in.jpg.html)

Rocker Replacement:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/03/80211785D7734D83BBC10997BA95866D_zpskjtt-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/80211785-D773-4D83-BBC1-0997BA95866D_zpskjttajq2.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/03/7EFEBF55FCA345D49549E166384FD94A_zpswqk2-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/7EFEBF55-FCA3-45D4-9549-E166384FD94A_zpswqk2rzxa.jpg.html)

Door jam repair:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/03/2D69202A007F471282CACD1362A404E2_zpspyf2-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/2D69202A-007F-4712-82CA-CD1362A404E2_zpspyf2czth.jpg.html)

Today:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/03/6975B24A01A64770825B0E705A3365DF_zpstly6-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/6975B24A-01A6-4770-825B-0E705A3365DF_zpstly6ihlg.jpg.html)

It's getting there.... slow and steady. Getting closer to primer everyday.

Kev

renegade6

03-21-2014, 06:59 AM

I've always liked these years too. Great build.

nitroracer

03-24-2014, 04:14 PM

Keep up the good work.

I went right past a bunch of camaro and chevelle builds to look for the more interesting ones like yours.

novaboy009

05-20-2014, 05:22 AM

Update time:

Shell is ready for primer. I'm going SPI epoxy, 2k high build, and clear, with Valspar base coat.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/1061172E9E914E1BB4F4933D0ADB3EAB_zpsflr3-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/1061172E-9E91-4E1B-B4F4-933D0ADB3EAB_zpsflr3o25b.jpg.html)

Here's the color - Code 42 Corvette Bright Green Metallic:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/LFView640topdown-1.jpg

Finished Por-15ing all remaining parts:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/C4D2E681E1F746E19FA773C69E9EA747_zpscp5n-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/C4D2E681-E1F7-46E1-9FA7-73C69E9EA747_zpscp5ndjmg.jpg.html)

Bumpers are self etched, need some filler work before paint. Probably going with a steel gray type color.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/7590FD48050A459DB2278978CC050745_zps3xys-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/7590FD48-050A-459D-B227-8978CC050745_zps3xysjffd.jpg.html)

Fabricated a custom shifter mount to use an old school Hurst Super Shifter (w/ reverse lock out) and Ford top loader straight linkage with my bench seat and goofy NP440 transmission:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/3D9664BDC5D44057A08214DB9BDD13A3_zps4rln-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/3D9664BD-C5D4-4057-A082-14DB9BDD13A3_zps4rlngrrf.jpg.html)

Prepped, seam sealed and painted the interior:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/3FB76D02-ABAF-46BE-B2EE-EC296683727D_zpsdkc9ppee.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/27298C2E8760498BB9BE3D17F66E57AD_zpswnzp-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/27298C2E-8760-498B-B9BE-3D17F66E57AD_zpswnzpujje.jpg.html)

Plumbed the line lock and brakes:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/12B6DA0EE0E644B29E901623AC90282F_zpsfejw-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/12B6DA0E-E0E6-44B2-9E90-1623AC90282F_zpsfejwsbi2.jpg.html)

SRD art

05-20-2014, 02:59 PM

Progress is a good thing. Keep it going!

novaboy009

07-08-2014, 11:40 AM

A few updates:

Reupholstered the dash pad with foam and vinyl from Jo-Ann Fabrics. Added a tach to the gauge cluster. Installed little under dash gauges. Restored the factory instrument cluster. Finalized the installation of all electrical items in the passenger compartment, including nitrous, purge, fan, heater, line lock, etc.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/07/260F7E108F0340C68023FDEB2DBF9F87_zpsnvfb-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/260F7E10-8F03-40C6-8023-FDEB2DBF9F87_zpsnvfbdcev.jpg.html)

Got my paint booth and compressor set up working:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/07/AFC4140150BF40F8BFD415BD2EE24E74_zpsrl2p-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-06/AFC41401-50BF-40F8-BFD4-15BD2EE24E74_zpsrl2phrfk.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/07/6732D8A09FDA43D9B1BD6FFCBC647855_zpsckm9-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/2014-06/6732D8A0-9FDA-43D9-B1BD-6FFCBC647855_zpsckm9fxev.jpg.html)

Did some painting:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/07/3356D70C63204586A3462319095F34E0_zpsz4xv-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/2014-06/3356D70C-6320-4586-A346-2319095F34E0_zpsz4xv8mcd.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/07/DB2E90B09A0F45219C4ED94043047DE0_zps4wqd-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/DB2E90B0-9A0F-4521-9C4E-D94043047DE0_zps4wqdnbdl.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/07/5557D45D21D84F0991629E9E68D28B0A_zps5nlx-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/5557D45D-21D8-4F09-9162-9E9E68D28B0A_zps5nlxzwa0.jpg.html)

Did some final clean up mud work on the shell. I'm hoping to be able to lay the last high build primer tonight, then it's time for (temporary) reassembly of major body parts for a full blown block sanding party!

Kev

bonecrrusher

07-09-2014, 09:25 AM

Are those fans pushing air into - or blowing out of your make shift booth?

novaboy009

08-01-2014, 07:15 AM

Fans are blowing out. I also have a filtered window on the other side of the garage to create a positive pressure push.

Exciting times:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/08/C47E3F2AEEBD4114AF395EA5F98BEE58_zpsmyd5-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/C47E3F2A-EEBD-4114-AF39-5EA5F98BEE58_zpsmyd5msxl.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/08/7D9F6E20A1674E6DA6F340ABBBE5A5BF_zpsmhnw-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/7D9F6E20-A167-4E6D-A6F3-40ABBBE5A5BF_zpsmhnwxiil.jpg.html)

Reassembly and cut and buff - here we come.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/08/000B03CF95654DB59D357A8E8E3389AC_zpsxbix-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/000B03CF-9565-4DB5-9D35-7A8E8E3389AC_zpsxbixlhep.jpg.html)

bonecrrusher

08-07-2014, 08:25 AM

Now thats badass - love the home paint booth!

novaboy009

08-11-2014, 09:54 AM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/08/496711193E65449AB71432027C37B7CE_zpsgjbt-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/49671119-3E65-449A-B714-32027C37B7CE_zpsgjbted48.jpg.html)

It's getting there.....

boneheadzz

08-11-2014, 05:08 PM

Awesome. Looks good!

novaboy009

08-28-2014, 09:08 AM

Pretty much finished up at this point - just running down some simple things:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/08/BFE70C4A88CF4F84981A5181E394EFAA_zps2cdq-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/BFE70C4A-88CF-4F84-981A-5181E394EFAA_zps2cdqk4ns.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/08/637417D54DCF4C6F87DA618FA7CB91BD_zpspoju-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/637417D5-4DCF-4C6F-87DA-618FA7CB91BD_zpspojuaagd.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/08/BE0D494B6AAD4767A1A63191CC53894C_zpsf1h8-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/novaboy009/media/78%20Nova/BE0D494B-6AAD-4767-A1A6-3191CC53894C_zpsf1h8t2yd.jpg.html)

Next steps are to install the back seat and cut/buff. Over the winter I'll need to pull the transmission to deal with an input bearing retainer leak. I'm also planning to upgrade the wheel/tire package and the top end of the engine (aftermarket vortec heads and voodoo camshaft).

I got it aligned with the Mary Pozzi 2nd gen Camaro specs - ended up about 1/16" toe in, -1/2" camber and +4 degrees caster. Couldn't get to 5 degrees with my factory control arms and offset cross shafts. Car is a great handler for a late 70's box, currently limited by bench seat, tires and driver. I'll get a Sroth harness and some bigger wheels and it should be a lot of fun beating on it.