1971 Nova Build ??

[Kiquee71]

I received my front spoiler from Randy's Spoilers earlier this week. Had to fit it up and take a look at it fit, I like it. Thanks Randy. Also picked up finished oil/vent, intake tube and radiator recovery tank from powder coating. These came out so cool, had to post lol. Have one last major task left, buying new cowl hood and installing hood vents. Once I'm done with this it about buying the remaining parts, so I can hand this project over to a shop to finish it. I'm in south CA and if you guys know of any good reputable all in one shops please pass info so I can start making calls. Thanks.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/CEF0B60E9D4F4381A32A59FB8F421684_zpsyhec-1.jpg (http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/savvykiquee/media/CEF0B60E-9D4F-4381-A32A-59FB8F421684_zpsyhecwknk.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/DF89208C5B6649CCAA49081996BB4D46_zpscgvo-1.jpg (http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/savvykiquee/media/DF89208C-5B66-49CC-AA49-081996BB4D46_zpscgvotw4b.jpg.html)

[Kiquee71]

Well I'm not sure if any one else is having issues with the app for pro touring, but mine will not allow for me to log in. Hope an update will come soon. Anyways I've finished up the hood vents for my Nova. Will be installing on the car tomorrow. That was my final thing to do on my list. Have a trunk full of parts. Ready to hand this project over to a shop so they can do their thing to it. Will see how the shop hunting goes in the next few weeks.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/BC74DCCDAFA74F42AE22CBCD69DF20AF_zpsm8yo-1.jpg (http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/savvykiquee/media/BC74DCCD-AFA7-4F42-AE22-CBCD69DF20AF_zpsm8yonbhh.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/5933AC40BF57470C914A0B08635C6125_zpsgozj-1.jpg (http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/savvykiquee/media/5933AC40-BF57-470C-914A-0B08635C6125_zpsgozj5qey.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/29E582507C7F4014A174870029AC58AB_zpspbx1-1.jpg (http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/savvykiquee/media/29E58250-7C7F-4014-A174-870029AC58AB_zpspbx1ztrj.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/975EE6C6A37B40AD983F8D2360C462A3_zpsam5p-1.jpg (http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/savvykiquee/media/975EE6C6-A37B-40AD-983F-8D2360C462A3_zpsam5pmhi1.jpg.html)

[OregonianNova]

The hood looks good! I don’t use the app but I know about a month ago I couldn’t really log in to the forum on my phone for some reason. It lasted like a week.

[Motown 454]

The hood looks great, did you have to rework the inner structure? Any pictures of underneath.

[Kiquee71]

The hood looks great, did you have to rework the inner structure? Any pictures of underneath.

Motown 454 I did have to cut some of the structure. There is still some hammering to do, but I'm going to leave that alone. My inner self was telling me not to mess with it and leave to the body guys.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/26AAAACB72534CE7A6766982E14C65D2_zpsfc80-1.jpg (http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/savvykiquee/media/26AAAACB-7253-4CE7-A676-6982E14C65D2_zpsfc80qduc.jpg.html)

[Zspoiler]

Very nice work >It reminds me of my very first car .A 1973 Nova SS Hatchback 4 speed car..When there wasn`t such a term as pro-touring And I started "playing cars" When I was stationed at Camp Pendleton .California.

[Kiquee71]

Here is a shot with hood on the car. Tried uploading a short vid, but was unsuccessful. Anyways waiting for parts to arrive and storing them in the trunk. If anyone knows or recommends a shop that does body & paint, wiring, upholstery and final assembly send info my way. Thanks

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/58EBF4C69DA948A1BF505097DD6E5D79_zpsw2dh-1.png (http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/savvykiquee/media/58EBF4C6-9DA9-48A1-BF50-5097DD6E5D79_zpsw2dhbbdf.png.html)

[craigs73]

are you planning on painting the bumpers?? i want to modify mine but i cant decide what i want to do

[Kiquee71]

are you planning on painting the bumpers?? i want to modify mine but i cant decide what i want to do

Hey Craig73. I'm not sure what direction I'm going with on the bumpers and for the paint scheme of the car either. lol. Hopefully when I speak with some body shops we can figure out something. Hope you figure yours out.

[medbali76]

are you planning on painting the bumpers?? i want to modify mine but i cant decide what i want to do

Pretty hard decision on a Nova and especially on a Nova. Because it is a huge piece and it is pretty much separated from the body. For example GM made a nice job on the Chevelle with the bumpers but did not pay attention on the Nova. Basically that is the ugliest part on the Nova (at least for me) that is very hard to deal with. I will get mine rechromed for sure. Painting on these bumpers make it worse unless you modify it somehow.

[craigs73]

yeah and mines a 73 with even bigger bumpers:hah:

[Kiquee71]

yeah and mines a 73 with even bigger bumpers:hah:


:hah::hah::hah: A little nip and tuck won't hurt. lol Tuff choices

[craigs73]

yeah that the plan lol.. but if i do im leaning towards painted bumpers.. mostly because of budget... im sure getting bumpers redone isnt cheap

[hookemdevils22]

That hood looks great, but if you want any functionality you'll need to seal up the opening at the cowl. Right now, there's setup to be a fight between low pressure from the hood vents and high pressure at the cowl, which the cowl would win. The net effect is high pressure in the engine compartment and decreased cooling effectiveness at speed.

It might be a moot point if you're in a temperate climate, but trying to keep cool in 115° heat makes you think about more than just the size of your radiator.

[Kiquee71]

That hood looks great, but if you want any functionality you'll need to seal up the opening at the cowl. Right now, there's setup to be a fight between low pressure from the hood vents and high pressure at the cowl, which the cowl would win. The net effect is high pressure in the engine compartment and decreased cooling effectiveness at speed.

It might be a moot point if you're in a temperate climate, but trying to keep cool in 115° heat makes you think about more than just the size of your radiator.

Thanks for the tip, never thought about that. Yes I will address that area. The open end of the cowl hood has a bunch of 1/2 holes in that area, will look to fill them in.

[Kiquee71]

Here's a clip that I took of the car as it sits now. Been talking to several shops now and will see where it ends up for the next stages of its life.

https://youtu.be/FSitXGqnkQk

[OregonianNova]

Here's a clip that I took of the car as it sits now. Been talking to several shops now and will see where it ends up for the next stages of its life.

https://youtu.be/FSitXGqnkQk


So much of this car is a blueprint for what I am doing with my nova. Love it. Also I subscribed to your YouTube channel and can’t wait for more content

[Kiquee71]

Well this day has finally arrived, she is off to a new home for at least the next 6 months. Can’t wait till I get her back super excited. Been a long 5 years working on her and now letting Chimera Motors in HB. take over from here. [emoji41] will be posting updates as the progress goes on at the shop. More to come. Have a good weekend peeps.

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[tom091074]

I am digging the hood!!!

[OregonianNova]

The stance on that looks great! Are you going to re chrome the bumpers?

[Kiquee71]

The stance on that looks great! Are you going to re chrome the bumpers?

OregonianNova I’m not sure which direction I’m going with the bumpers, chrome or even black chrome that’s out there. I’m thinking going with turquoise paint job, but not sure sure what shade to go with dark or light and black stripes up the hood and trunk lid. Will know for sure when that time gets here. Will keep updates coming as they come along.

[OregonianNova]

OregonianNova I’m not sure which direction I’m going with the bumpers, chrome or even black chrome that’s out there. I’m thinking going with turquoise paint job, but not sure sure what shade to go with dark or light and black stripes up the hood and trunk lid. Will know for sure when that time gets here. Will keep updates coming as they come along.


I think Turquoise would look good with regular chrome, but the black chrome would certainly look great with darker colors or possibly a really bright color like red or yellow.

[ryeguy2006a]

What a great build! Your fab skills are top notch. I see so many builds out there with amazing TIG skills, one of these days I'll be picking one up.

[Kiquee71]

What a great build! Your fab skills are top notch. I see so many builds out there with amazing TIG skills, one of these days I'll be picking one up.

Ryeguy2006a. thanks for the compliment. I’m not new to welding, but was new to welding on body panels etc. Started out with a MIG, but wasn’t happy with the end results. So went to TIG and was very happy with the results. When you do pick one up you’ll love it and want to weld everything up lol. Good luck.

[OregonianNova]

Any progress so far at the shop? Its been a little over 3 months so I would hope they have made some.

[Kiquee71]

Any progress so far at the shop? Its been a little over 3 months so I would hope they have made some.

Hey OregonianNova. No updates as of now. I’ve been swamped with work for the last 48 days and just finishing up 21 days straight. Looking for some time off soon, then I’ll shoot over to the shop to see what’s been done. I know when I dropped it off there was 3 cars ahead of mine. We did talk about the deadline being June, so still some time to go. Gives me time to get my other toy ready for summer lol. I’ll update as soon as I get some news. How’s your project coming along?

[OregonianNova]

I think you need a vacation lol. My project is coming along pretty well, I just started working on it again after about 2 months off because I was busy with work. Currently placing the hard lines on the front subframe and getting my suspension mocked up so I can test fit brake and wheel fitment.

[ssmike]

Awesome job - and great fab skills.

I am local (Irvine) and run a 72 Nova that is set up similarly. Hit me up sometime.

[Kiquee71]

I think you need a vacation lol. My project is coming along pretty well, I just started working on it again after about 2 months off because I was busy with work. Currently placing the hard lines on the front subframe and getting my suspension mocked up so I can test fit brake and wheel fitment.

Most defiantly need a vacation, but taking a mini vaca to Mammoth Mtn. at the end of the month. Don’t you hate when work always gets in the way lol Good to hear your back on it. Keep at it.

[Kiquee71]

Awesome job - and great fab skills.

I am local (Irvine) and run a 72 Nova that is set up similarly. Hit me up sometime.

Hey ssmike, thanks bro. Good to know cause when it’s done I’d like to go and hang out with others. Looking to drive the hell out of it. Have any photos of your ride, need to come up with a color for paint in the near future.

[Kiquee71]

Update:

Well received a call a few weeks ago saying that my car was next in line. So they started by stripping it all down and putting it on the rotisserie so they can send it to the sand blaster guy. Bumpers went out for chrome, suspension parts, subframe and anything that was bare metal or painted with can spray was sent out for powder coating. I dropped by today to see how things are going and they just finished spraying the underneath with epoxy. Then they are going to seal it and then coating with be sprayed.
Here are some pics and man oh man can’t wait.

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[OregonianNova]

Update:

Well received a call a few weeks ago saying that my car was next in line. So they started by stripping it all down and putting it on the rotisserie so they can send it to the sand blaster guy. Bumpers went out for chrome, suspension parts, subframe and anything that was bare metal or painted with can spray was sent out for powder coating. I dropped by today to see how things are going and they just finished spraying the underneath with epoxy. Then they are going to seal it and then coating with be sprayed.
Here are some pics and man oh man can’t wait.

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Thats has to be exciting to see the body on the rotisserie!

[Kiquee71]

Thats has to be exciting to see the body on the rotisserie!

When they called me and said that it was my cars turn to get worked on he started to explain what was going to be done. When he mentioned that they where just going to pull the engine to do the body work, I was like hell no. I mentioned to him that I wanted it all torn apart cause everything underneath was bare metal and the underneath needed to be resealed. He said well it wasn’t on the estimate he gave me. I said I don’t care, sandblast the car and let’s do it right. So it’s on the rotisserie :) more updates to come when I get some time off from work [emoji35] to go down there.

[OregonianNova]

If you have the means to do it well then there is no excuse to not do it right. It probably would have been okay since you are in so cal but if you were up here it would start to rust immediately. I’m not looking forward to getting my floor pans replaced stripped and sealed because I will have to do it myself. I am probably going to build a tip jig once I have room in my shop again. The nova is currently stuck behind a couple motorcycles I’m storing for some friends while they move :/

[Kiquee71]

If you have the means to do it well then there is no excuse to not do it right. It probably would have been okay since you are in so cal but if you were up here it would start to rust immediately. I’m not looking forward to getting my floor pans replaced stripped and sealed because I will have to do it myself. I am probably going to build a tip jig once I have room in my shop again. The nova is currently stuck behind a couple motorcycles I’m storing for some friends while they move :/

I agree with you about if I’m able to do it, then why not. If I were able do it myself in my garage I would, but with summer around the corner can’t have this car holding me up from taking out the boat to the river :). Hope to hear from you when you finally get back to working on the Nova.

[Kiquee71]

Update :

Stop by the shop today and man these guys are slamming this together. I’m really pleased how this is coming along. Took some photos of progress and will stop by the shop again next week for some more. Enjoy.

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[OregonianNova]

They work fast! Is that a sneak peak of the final color or are we just looking at primer.

[Kiquee71]

They work fast! Is that a sneak peak of the final color or are we just looking at primer.

You are looking at an epoxy primer over the bare metal. The color I’m going with is a silver/blue with matte black stripes or glossy stripes. Not sure which route I’ll be going, but will be deciding soon.

[Kiquee71]

Update:

The guys from the shop sent me this link of the progress that’s going on the Nova. Also the bumpers have came back from being chromed, can’t wait to see how they came out this Friday. I’ll post more photos soon.

https://www.chimeramotors.com/71-nova-ls

[Kiquee71]

Went by the shop to see what has been getting done this week. They finished body work on the dash that’s visible, pillars and any other metal pieces, back speaker panel metal area that’s right at the window have all been painted. The front fenders have primer, inner fenders body work has been done and painted and undercoated also. They say maybe next week they will be ready to start her up, man I’ve been ready for this. So here are some more shots of her at the shop.

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[BlackHD]

Car is looking good bro! Are those custom made brake lines or is a kit?

[Kiquee71]

Car is looking good bro! Are those custom made brake lines or is a kit?

Thanks BlackHD. Those are all custom made, I provided the hydro boost, MC, proportioning valve, braided lines for each wheel and they ran with it with the lines.

[BlackHD]

thanks! They turned out nice!

[Kiquee71]

A little update on progress. There has been wiring, plumbing and routing lines done to the car while going back and forth to body shop. Power windows have been installed, seats had the power reclining wired too. Novas body has been worked, hood, fenders also been getting there massage. Drivers door skin is being removed for a new one. Getting close to paint and firing her up. Will have more updates when I get them.

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[Kiquee71]

Went by the shop today to get an update on how things are going with the Nova. Well she is alive lol it’s been a long 5+ years to her her run. As with all projects hit some snags along the way that sidelined progress for a while, but all that is behind and ready to move forward. Body work is just about done, final block sanding will be soon. When she gets some color on her I’ll post it when I can.

https://youtu.be/BW63NQZ9FOQ

[BlackHD]

looking great Kiquee!

is that a custom exhaust?

[Kiquee71]

looking great Kiquee!

is that a custom exhaust?

Thanks bud. Yes [emoji4] had fun building & routing that SS exhaust.

[Kiquee71]

A little update. Well it has been several months since I’ve posted any progress on the car. So things like work, family have been quite hectic so the car had been put on hold for a bit. Ok so that’s out of the way. The Nova has been getting ready for some paint for a couple of months and now the fun begins. They started painting door jams, hood and deck lid with some color. Looking to have paint on the whole car next week. Then later the stripes will be added. Can’t wait, it’s been a long road. Anyways here are some pics.


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[BlackHD]

Nice, can't wait to see it painted!

[Merritt5]

Digging this car. Motivating me to get to work on mine!

What size wheel and tires do you have on the front?

[Kiquee71]

Digging this car. Motivating me to get to work on mine!

What size wheel and tires do you have on the front?

They are Rugotti Forged Wheels 19x11.5 rears, 19x9 fronts wrapped with Michelin PSS 325/30ZR-19 - 265/35ZR-19 tires.

[Kiquee71]

She’s has a fresh coat of paint on her :) went with a 1963 Corvette Silver Blue. A little bit more drying time before cut and buff, painting stripes before starting to put the rest of her back together. Really digging the color, wish tho I was able to see it outside in the sun. Patience patience lol

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[thumper877]

I like the color. Car looks great

[Kiquee71]

I like the color. Car looks great

Thanks thumper877.

[Kiquee71]

Back in my high school days I’ve always been a big fan of the super sport stripes on all of Chevy cars. Today she is getting hers :)

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[aidanfancystang]

wow beauty for sure

[Gmc427]

did you have any problems with impurities when welding?

[Kiquee71]

did you have any problems with impurities when welding?

Hey Gmc427, what are you referring to what welding? I’ve had no issues with any of the welding that I performed on the car. Other than making some mistakes and learning from them.

[Moabdude]

Nice project. Looking forward to the updates!


Back in my high school days I’ve always been a big fan of the super sport stripes on all of Chevy cars. Today she is getting hers :)

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[Kiquee71]

Stripes are looking good. Clear coat and first stages of color sanding coming next. My vision is coming along nicely. Will post more soon.

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[Gmc427]

sorry should have quoted post,when you tiged up subframe?regards

[Kiquee71]

sorry should have quoted post,when you tiged up subframe?regards

Oh ok. Had the frame sandblasted, to clean up grease and oils off then cleaned up subframe with grinder with wire wheel. The seems welded up very easily. Whatever impurity’s that did come up i would stop and grind it down and start over again with the impurity’s cleaned up. Welded 4-6” beads while moving around on the subframe. A wire feeder/mig would also work well. Hope this helps.

[Kiquee71]

An update on the progress on the Nova. With times being crazy with this virus stuff going on I’ve made a decision to stop further work on the Nova. Who knows it may be coming home early. Work has come to a stop and no update to when we will resume. Anyways the paint job came out awesome and some of the assembly has been started. Enjoy and be safe out there peeps.

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[70CougarXr7]

pretty cool result with the stripes and the paint looks very well done

[sunandfun09]

She’s has a fresh coat of paint on her :) went with a 1963 Corvette Silver Blue. A little bit more drying time before cut and buff, painting stripes before starting to put the rest of her back together. Really digging the color, wish tho I was able to see it outside in the sun. Patience patience lol

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Nice job with your car. I'm building a 69 Nova and I'm a trailing your progress a bit. I'm at the point where I need to make a decision about rear suspension. I like what you've done with the Ridetech torque arm. I wanted to know in these pics, is the rear adjusted as low as it can go or is there more room to lower it? I also have the DSE mini tubs and want to make sure the tires don't hit the top of the tubs.

[nova69]

WOW!! this car looks fantastic. i like that color combo. im also thinking about running a ridetech rear suspension is your 9 inch stock width?

[Kiquee71]

Nice job with your car. I'm building a 69 Nova and I'm a trailing your progress a bit. I'm at the point where I need to make a decision about rear suspension. I like what you've done with the Ridetech torque arm. I wanted to know in these pics, is the rear adjusted as low as it can go or is there more room to lower it? I also have the DSE mini tubs and want to make sure the tires don't hit the top of the tubs.

Thanks sunandfun09. The Speedtech rear suspension can go one more adjustment lower, but didn’t want it sitting that low.

[Kiquee71]

WOW!! this car looks fantastic. i like that color combo. im also thinking about running a ridetech rear suspension is your 9 inch stock width?

Thanks nova69. The rear end is not stock length, had it shorten to my specs. Also the rear suspension is from Speedtech Performance.

[TheBandit]

Great looking car. Did you manage to get it back together?

[Motown 454]

I’d like to know too. It sure looks sweet!

[Zspoiler]

Every step closer until you reach your goal.

[Kiquee71]

Hey guys, it’s been awhile since I’ve updated my project. The progress was coming alone very well, but it has had it hiccups. Story short, I pulled the car out and brought her home. All work has been done so far except interior work. Going to spend this time to go over everything front to back up and down to make sure all was good like when I dropped it off with them. Front wheels will to be addressed with rubbing issues inside & outside. Have plenty to keep me busy for a bit before I can do some road testing and head it out for upholstery. Will keep this updated as soon as I have some more.

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[Kiquee71]

Well it’s been a long road to get to this point. This back and forth with the shop for fixing many errors mechanical, paint and electrical is finally over. I don’t wish this on anyone with their projects, didn’t think it would happen to me. Anyways she is home now and on the waiting list for the upholstery shop for final phase before it’s time to start driving this thing. Here’s a clip I took when I brought her home at 6:30am and cold ass weather.

https://youtube.com/shorts/txkohyAZDr8?feature=share

[Kiquee71]

Went to a car show/cruise last weekend and had a good time. It was also a good shake down run to see how things are running mechanically and engine wise. The tune needs some more tweaking, trans seem to slip when in manual 1st not sure if it’s can be tuned out or have to pull tranny [emoji20]. Also noticed a diff leak when arrived home and parked it in the garage. Good news I’m about a few weeks away to take it to get interior done, can’t wait. Other than that had a good outing and she made it home lol.

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[Kiquee71]

Update : Interior is getting done now and so far looking great. Getting closer to getting this Nova done lol well it’s never done always something else to do to it. Anyways here are some photos.



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[Kiquee71]

Picked up my Nova from the upholstery shop and I’m am totally happy on the work that Alfredo did to my car, simple and clean. Already booked a tune & dyno appointment to get her running smoother, some ## and see if I have a mechanical or computer tranny issue. Will keep posting with updates soon.

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[jaybee]

Beautiful. I sure wish I had understood what these cars could offer back when they were cheap and plentiful used.

[Kiquee71]

Beautiful. I sure wish I had understood what these cars could offer back when they were cheap and plentiful used.

Right. I had a 69 Camaro in my garage along side my 71 Chevelle back in 2000. Sold the Camaro and kept the Chevelle. Don’t regret keeping the Chevelle but do regret selling the Camaro 🥺.

[Kiquee71]

Took her out for a Sunday drive while we had some sunshine for a little bit. Running a little rough but tune & dyno session coming up this weekend [emoji106][emoji41]

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[Kiquee71]

Well today was a good day. Had the car tuned, tuned the tranny as well. Did some pulls and I’m pleased how this cam only stock LY6 is running. The 4L80E compared to other smaller trans in size does rob power. Anyways it runs & sounds like a beast lol. The numbers were 398 rwhp & 376 ftlbs torque at 6500 rpms. I’m calling this 400 rwhp [emoji23][emoji23] not bad for this 6.0 [emoji41] will post a video of one of the pulls in a few.

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[Kiquee71]

Here is a short clip of one of the pulls.

https://youtube.com/shorts/OZd9yg-Mapc?si=DWdGuqXk7M9Dj0CG