68-72 Nova Pro-Touring Pic Request

[NvrDun71]

I have been mulling over several wheel options for my 71' Nova buildup for some time now and have narrowed it down to two choices. But in an effort to get a better idea of what these would look like on the car I am trying to track down some installed pics on any 68-72 Nova.

First Choice: American Racing TTII (CL205)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/11/81b0eead-1.gif

Second: Vintage Wheel Works V45 Curved spoke
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/11/VIntagewheelworksV45-1.gif

I have found very few shots of 68-72 Novas running this setup. Anyone that could provide some pics of 68-72 Nova's w/ these wheels or really any pro-touring style setups w/ 17" or larger rims would be greatly appreciated......
Heres a few Ex's:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/11/PHRNova2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/11/PHRNova-1.jpg

[69Nova]

You could post a thread in the multimedia forum with pictures of your car and ask someone to photochop those wheels on your car. Some of the guys on this site a pretty good and if you give them some time I'm sure they could help you out.

Here is one Dark Budda did of my car.

[NvrDun71]

Not a bad idea... I might have to give that a shot

[MarkM66]

Here's my '70.

http://www.lateral-g.net/mutert/

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/11/new1_SHARP-1.jpg

[dhardison]

Here's a pic of my '70 with standard TTIIs. You can see some other's here: http://www.danhardison.com/nova/

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/11/DSC01452JPG-1.jpg

Dan

[dhardison]

Here's my '70.

Absolutely GORGEOUS Mark! :icon996:

Dan

[MarkM66]

Absolutely GORGEOUS Mark! :icon996:

Dan

Thanks! Yours too.

[NvrDun71]

Here's my '70.

http://www.lateral-g.net/mutert/





Thats Beautiful man..... I assume those are 18's? Also did you have to roll your rear wheelwells for clearance.

[NvrDun71]

Here's a pic of my '70 with standard TTIIs. You can see some other's here: http://www.danhardison.com/nova/



Dan



I absolutely love your car man.... I have seen several pics of yours in the past and even had one set as my desktop for a while.
Is that a goodmark 2" cowl? Also what width are the 17's and how much drop did the Hotchkis TVS give you? That combo looks perfect IMO !!!

[69Nova]

Mark's car looks like 18's and 20's. And Dan's car looks like 17's all around. Both cars look great. I plan on doing 17" wheels on my car, but not sure what wheel because I change my mind once a week.

[LowBuckX]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

18x8 all around

[MrQuick]

man I love that shade of blue. everyone has the right stance.

[Steve68]

I wish my Nova looked like those nice and shiny, Mines red, rusty, the clear is peeling, but I do have 2 new quarters, new glass hood, 2 extra doors and 4 fenders, now I need is TIME-TIME-TIME,

[dhardison]

I absolutely love your car man.... I have seen several pics of yours in the past and even had one set as my desktop for a while.
Is that a goodmark 2" cowl? Also what width are the 17's and how much drop did the Hotchkis TVS give you? That combo looks perfect IMO !!!

Thanks! Yeah, it's a standard 2" Goodmark hood. The 17s in the front are 17x7s (4"bs) and the rears are 17x8s (4.75"bs). The Hotchkis kit dropped the rear 1.5" but the front didn't drop hardly at all over factory height, that is until I whacked a full coil. :naughty: Now it's about 2" lower than factory height. :icon996:

The Hotchkis springs ruined any ride quality my Nova might've had (although it handles 1000% better). Since my car is basically a poser, in the near future I'm planning on installing some factory rate springs, and selling the Hotchkis stuff (but keep the Hotchkis sways).

Dan

[dhardison]

18x8 all around

VERY nice!!!
Dan

[MarkM66]

Mine is 18x7 and 18x8.

Fronts have 4.75" bs, with a 235/40
Rears have 5.5" bs, with a 275/40

It's tight in the rear, but it fits. Tire rubs slightly on the inner fender when articulating. But I think a small spacer would fix that.

[NvrDun71]

Thanks Guys for all the info and posts. Its tough to find a good resource of pics and info for the 68-72 Pro-Touring Style Novas. I have dreamed of making my 71' a pro-tourer for years and its great to have some great pics and helpful resources of info on the site.

[NvrDun71]

Thanks! Yeah, it's a standard 2" Goodmark hood. The 17s in the front are 17x7s (4"bs) and the rears are 17x8s (4.75"bs). The Hotchkis kit dropped the rear 1.5" but the front didn't drop hardly at all over factory height, that is until I whacked a full coil. :naughty: Now it's about 2" lower than factory height. :icon996:

The Hotchkis springs ruined any ride quality my Nova might've had (although it handles 1000% better). Since my car is basically a poser, in the near future I'm planning on installing some factory rate springs, and selling the Hotchkis stuff (but keep the Hotchkis sways).

Dan


Sorry for all the questions man but I have one more for ya. What are the specs on your tires front and rear ?

[NvrDun71]

Also anyone know what the ideal backspace for the rear on 68-72 Nova's without rubbing w/ an 17x8 rim is ? I have seen anywhere from a 4" to 5.5" backspace? Whats the advantege to more or less backspace when ur between the 4 to 5.5 range?

Same goes for the front as I have seen anywhere from 4" to 4.75". What is really the best bet for these cars?

As it stands know I think I have decided on 17x7 front 4" B.S. 235/45/17 and 17x8 w/ ??? B.S. and a 255/45/17 for the rear with the TTII'S Cl205's.

This combo sound about right for this body style?

[dhardison]

Sorry for all the questions man but I have one more for ya. What are the specs on your tires front and rear ?

No problem, ask away. Here are the specs on my tire/wheel combo:


FRONT
-------
American Racing Torq-Thrust II 505 Series Wheel
Size: 17" x 7"
Bolt Circle: 5 x 4.75"
Rear Spacing: 3.95"
BFGoodrich G-Force T/A KDWS Tires
Tire - 235/45ZR17 (fits very well - rubs a little on
inner fender well with wheel fully locked to right or
left - used button head cap screws on outer fender
to stop rubbing there)

REAR
------
American Racing Torq-Thrust II 505 Series Wheel
Size: 17" x 8"
Bolt Circle: 5 x 4.75"
Rear Spacing: 4.75"
BFGoodrich G-Force T/A KDWS Tires
Tire - 255/45ZR17 (easily could've fit 275/40s with
5"-5.25" b.s.)

Dan

[NvrDun71]

The Info is greatly appreciated Dan.......:hail:
Would u then recommend going with a 5"-5.25" over the 4.75" backspace for the rear to squeeze a little more tire than the 255 ? And is this realistic with our cars w/ out rubbing the hell out the rear quarter or inner wheelhouse and rolling inner fender lips?

[dhardison]

The Info is greatly appreciated Dan.......:hail:
Would u then recommend going with a 5"-5.25" over the 4.75" backspace for the rear to squeeze a little more tire than the 255 ? And is this realistic with our cars w/ out rubbing the hell out the rear quarter or inner wheelhouse and rolling inner fender lips?

One of the main reasons I went with the 4.75" bs was because it was an on the shelf wheel and at the time I didn't want to wait for a custom-built wheel. I recently installed a friends 17x8.5 with 5"bs and a 275 tire and it fit like a glove (I have rolled outer fender lips however). My current rear wheel/tire setup easily has 0.75" clearance to the inside fenderwell, so if you can get a wheel with 5"-5.25"bs I say go for it :icon_razz .

Dan

[NvrDun71]

One of the main reasons I went with the 4.75" bs was because it was an on the shelf wheel and at the time I didn't want to wait for a custom-built wheel. I recently installed a friends 17x8.5 with 5"bs and a 275 tire and it fit like a glove (I have rolled outer fender lips however). My current rear wheel/tire setup easily has 0.75" clearance to the inside fenderwell, so if you can get a wheel with 5"-5.25"bs I say go for it :icon_razz .

Dan

Once again Thanks for your help man this info is of great help.... Happen to have any pics of ur friends setup w/ the 275's ?

[dhardison]

Once again Thanks for your help man this info is of great help.... Happen to have any pics of ur friends setup w/ the 275's ?

No problem. My friend's Nova is a '77 (aka Disco Nova), but is VERY sweet. I'll see if I have any pics stashed.

If you haven't already, you should go to 2QuickNovas.com and check out their tire fitment guide.

Dan

[69Nova]

I have to say this thread has provided some good info. Thanks guys.

[NvrDun71]

I agree man... All the info provided is much appreciated

[dhardison]

Once again Thanks for your help man this info is of great help.... Happen to have any pics of ur friends setup w/ the 275's ?

Here's a link to my friend's '77 that runs 275s on the back (17x8.5x5"bs)

http://www.danhardison.com/G04_all/Rich.jpeg

Dan

[NvrDun71]

Thanks man.... Looks really good on his car. Is there difference in rear wheel well size between the 77' and 68-72 bodystyle?

[tbair]

NvrDun71, were did you find the pics of the nova you posted? did it give wheel and tire combos? Thanks Tim

[NvrDun71]

NvrDun71, were did you find the pics of the nova you posted? did it give wheel and tire combos? Thanks Tim


http://popularhotrodding.com/features/0508phr_nova/
Heres tha link from PHR. Not much info on rim/tire combo tho....

[69Nova]

Here's a link to my friend's '77 that runs 275s on the back (17x8.5x5"bs)

http://www.danhardison.com/G04_all/Rich.jpeg


That is the coolest Disco Nova ever. Those cars have been growing on me. Could you find out what those wheels came off of, they look like Mercury Grand Marquis wheels.

And if he is computer friendly you should get him to join this site.

[tbair]

Just incase anyone wants to know the 70 nova NvrDun71 posted has 275/60/17 rear with 17/11 wheels and 205/50/17 with 17/8 fronts.The rear end has been narrowed and a four link was added.I talked to Mike Copper the builder of the car. He was happy to help with the build info of the car.

[NvrDun71]

Dan.....
Couple more questions for ya man....You stated above that you have some rubbing on front inner fenders under full lock/ w/ tha Hotchkis. I plan on running a 2 in drop spindle in tha front w/ factory coils. In your opinion what ould be the largest tire in front I could run w/ out rubbing. My guess is a 215/50/17 in order to keep tha same amount of sidewall I would have w/ a 235/45/17. Also was it really necesaary to drop the front that much to get the car to sit right. And is there really any way to keep almost stock ride quality w/ the 17" tire size and a small drop such as spindles or blocks in rear?


Again sorry for all the questions, but you seem to really know your stuff when it comes to these issues.:icon996: Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.....

[dhardison]

Dan.....
Couple more questions for ya man....You stated above that you have some rubbing on front inner fenders under full lock/ w/ tha Hotchkis. I plan on running a 2 in drop spindle in tha front w/ factory coils. In your opinion what ould be the largest tire in front I could run w/ out rubbing. My guess is a 215/50/17 in order to keep tha same amount of sidewall I would have w/ a 235/45/17. Also was it really necesaary to drop the front that much to get the car to sit right. And is there really any way to keep almost stock ride quality w/ the 17" tire size and a small drop such as spindles or blocks in rear?

Again sorry for all the questions, but you seem to really know your stuff when it comes to these issues.:icon996: Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.....

I not sure about "knowing my stuff", but I sure have had my fair share of trial-n-error! :hammer: I cut a full coil out of the Hotchkis drop coils to get it where it sits now. Once I noticed the rubbing, I temporarily used those Mr. Gasket rubber spring isolators and raised it back up about 3/8"-1/2". This small lift completely stopped the rubbing with my 235/45ZR17 tires. So I would say go with 2" drop spindles (for some drop) and stock coils (for improved ride). If it doesn't sit low enough for your taste, then cut 1/4 coil at a time until you get her where you want her.

All these recommendations are obviously for a PT-poser (such as mine :ssst: ) and not for a auto-x/road course racing application. To be honest, I love the handling but ABSOLUTELY HATE the ride of my Hotchkis coils/leafs. Performance/handling is great, it handles like it's on rails vs. stock, but the ride is teeth-rattling at best. I plan on replacing the Hotchkis coils with aftermarket coils (using a spring rate in between stock and Hotchkis) and also replace the leafs with factory replacements. I'll have the leafs de-arched a bit or use a short block to get the rear lower. I'm going to keep the Hotchkis sways, which should still be a drastic improvement over stock and allow me to carve a few corners without scraping the door handles on the road....... :drive:

Hope that helps!
Dan

[NvrDun71]

I not sure about "knowing my stuff", but I sure have had my fair share of trial-n-error! :hammer: I cut a full coil out of the Hotchkis drop coils to get it where it sits now. Once I noticed the rubbing, I temporarily used those Mr. Gasket rubber spring isolators and raised it back up about 3/8"-1/2". This small lift completely stopped the rubbing with my 235/45ZR17 tires. So I would say go with 2" drop spindles (for some drop) and stock coils (for improved ride). If it doesn't sit low enough for your taste, then cut 1/4 coil at a time until you get her where you want her.

All these recommendations are obviously for a PT-poser (such as mine :ssst: ) and not for a auto-x/road course racing application. To be honest, I love the handling but ABSOLUTELY HATE the ride of my Hotchkis coils/leafs. Performance/handling is great, it handles like it's on rails vs. stock, but the ride is teeth-rattling at best. I plan on replacing the Hotchkis coils with aftermarket coils (using a spring rate in between stock and Hotchkis) and also replace the leafs with factory replacements. I'll have the leafs de-arched a bit or use a short block to get the rear lower. I'm going to keep the Hotchkis sways, which should still be a drastic improvement over stock and allow me to carve a few corners without scraping the door handles on the road....... :drive:

Hope that helps!
Dan


My goal is to have this setup mainly for looks and have the abilty to be driven anywhere w/out the fear of shredding a sidewall over irregular pavement or sharp turns and have a ride that is at least semi smooth or close to stock.... I really want to avoid rubbing at all cost so I would be willing to run a slightly smaller tire up front 225/45, 215/50 etc...if this would avoid the problem.

However it seems that it will be more trial and error more than anything once the spindles go on....I went ahead and ordered a set of 255/45/17 BFG's for the rear and am just trying to make an educated decision for the fronts. Would you think I would be safe in fitting 235"s in front or just make it a no doubter and run 225/45's w/ 17x7 and 4 in bs in tha front ?

BTW u still plan on keeping the 45 series tire when u raise it back up a bit ?

As stated above, Thanks again for all tha help.

[dhardison]

My goal is to have this setup mainly for looks and have the abilty to be driven anywhere w/out the fear of shredding a sidewall over irregular pavement or sharp turns and have a ride that is at least semi smooth or close to stock.... I really want to avoid rubbing at all cost so I would be willing to run a slightly smaller tire up front 225/45, 215/50 etc...if this would avoid the problem.

However it seems that it will be more trial and error more than anything once the spindles go on....I went ahead and ordered a set of 255/45/17 BFG's for the rear and am just trying to make an educated decision for the fronts. Would you think I would be safe in fitting 235"s in front or just make it a no doubter and run 225/45's w/ 17x7 and 4 in bs in tha front ?

BTW u still plan on keeping the 45 series tire when u raise it back up a bit ?

As stated above, Thanks again for all tha help.

I have the same goals. My 235/45s only rub the inner fender at FULL lock, so there's no fear of shredding the tire. If it were me I'd go with the 235/45s, but if you're one to play it safe then 225/45s would definitely clear.

I really don't plan on raising mine back up. I'm just going to replace the teeth-rattling Hotchkis coils/leafs with softer springs all around. I'll get the softer springs adjusted to the same ride height I'm running now, so yes I'm going to keep the 45 series tire.

Of course you could always go with a air suspension all around. I've considered that as well..........

Dan

[69Nova]

Here's a link to my friend's '77 that runs 275s on the back (17x8.5x5"bs)

http://www.danhardison.com/G04_all/Rich.jpeg

Any ideas what those wheels came off of.

[dhardison]

Any ideas what those wheels came off of.

Oh sorry for not replying to your original question. They're aftermarket BBS wheels, probably circa 2000. I'll see if I can find out more details from the owner.

Dan

[69Nova]

Oh sorry for not replying to your original question. They're aftermarket BBS wheels, probably circa 2000. I'll see if I can find out more details from the owner.


Thanks. I want wheels like those, but if I can't find any that are affordable I will settle for some gray torq thrust.

[JMarsa]

Those most likely are from a BMW. Search around here, there have been posts about using 5 lug BMW wheels on GMs. Just need to make sure the wheel is hub centric.

Also. if you haven't already, check out www.novaresource.com it's a great site and that 4th gen Nova shown there there as well.

--JMarsa

[dhardison]

Those most likely are from a BMW. Search around here, there have been posts about using 5 lug BMW wheels on GMs. Just need to make sure the wheel is hub centric.

Also. if you haven't already, check out www.novaresource.com it's a great site and that 4th gen Nova shown there there as well.

--JMarsa

He mentioned that he enlarged the center hole to get it to fit over his disc hub of his 4th-gen.

Dan

[JTW]

This is my first post here.:) I registered to the site today hoping to find the exact information in this thread. I have a '72 Nova with 2" drop Hotchkis springs in front and stock springs in the rear for now, and I ordered a set of Torq Thrust II's today. They're getting to be a little too popular IMO, but you just can't beat 'em for the price. I bought 17x7 w/ 4" b.s. for the front and 17x8" w/ 4.75" b.s. for the rear and really needed help choosing a tire size. Based on what Dan said I'll be going with 235/45/17 and 255/45/17, so thanks Dan! I was planning to buy them with a custom backspacing so I could run 275's in back, but the wait is 8-10 weeks and I need them sooner than that. I like the grey painted spokes available on the custom Torq Thrust II's, so I may have mine painted like that before putting them on.

Anyway, thanks everyone for all the great info!

[NvrDun71]

This is my first post here.:) I registered to the site today hoping to find the exact information in this thread. I have a '72 Nova with 2" drop Hotchkis springs in front and stock springs in the rear for now, and I ordered a set of Torq Thrust II's today. They're getting to be a little too popular IMO, but you just can't beat 'em for the price. I bought 17x7 w/ 4" b.s. for the front and 17x8" w/ 4.75" b.s. for the rear and really needed help choosing a tire size. Based on what Dan said I'll be going with 235/45/17 and 255/45/17, so thanks Dan! I was planning to buy them with a custom backspacing so I could run 275's in back, but the wait is 8-10 weeks and I need them sooner than that. I like the grey painted spokes available on the custom Torq Thrust II's, so I may have mine painted like that before putting them on.

Anyway, thanks everyone for all the great info!
Glad u got it figured out man.... Dan was of great help to me as well. I am going with the same rim size, backspace, and tire size as well. I just received my BFG 255's for the rear and they are a great size for this car, just enough sidewall and plenty wide. The hassle of fitting a 275 really isnt worth it to me on a stock wheelwell car for the rear IMO, the 255 will fill it out just fine.


BTW keep us updated w/ ur progress and post some pics once u get em in and installed.

[JTW]

BTW keep us updated w/ ur progress and post some pics once u get em in and installed.

Thanks, will do. Here's some pics of what I've done so far: http://community.webshots.com/user/jtwnova

[dhardison]

This is my first post here.:) I registered to the site today hoping to find the exact information in this thread. I have a '72 Nova with 2" drop Hotchkis springs in front and stock springs in the rear for now, and I ordered a set of Torq Thrust II's today. They're getting to be a little too popular IMO, but you just can't beat 'em for the price. I bought 17x7 w/ 4" b.s. for the front and 17x8" w/ 4.75" b.s. for the rear and really needed help choosing a tire size. Based on what Dan said I'll be going with 235/45/17 and 255/45/17, so thanks Dan! I was planning to buy them with a custom backspacing so I could run 275's in back, but the wait is 8-10 weeks and I need them sooner than that. I like the grey painted spokes available on the custom Torq Thrust II's, so I may have mine painted like that before putting them on.

Anyway, thanks everyone for all the great info!

Welcome JTW! Glad I could be of assitance. Be sure to post some pics of your Nova!

Dan

[JTW]

Thanks Dan. I have pics in my Webshots album http://community.webshots.com/user/jtwnova , but I haven't updated it in a long time. I should be driving it within a week or two.

[dhardison]

Thanks Dan. I have pics in my Webshots album http://community.webshots.com/user/jtwnova , but I haven't updated it in a long time. I should be driving it within a week or two.

Looks GREAT JTW!! The TTIIs will look sweet! :headbang:

Dan

[JTW]

Here's a few more recent pics:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[69Nova]

JTW your car looks good. Keep us updated on your progress.

[JTW]

Dan,
Sorry to get off topic, but I was reading an old post of yours tonight from March '05 (I did a search for Nova info) from when you were installing your Hotchkis rear leaf springs. You were having trouble with your traction bars, but thought that with the Hotchkis springs you may no longer have a wheel hop problem. So did the Hotchkis leafs eliminate the wheel hop and need for traction bars? I've read this about the Global West leafs, but hadn't heard this about the Hotchkis leafs. My main goal, even above the handling, is to eliminate wheel hop and no longer need a traction device. I would prefer to just have good leafs and not have to buy a set of Caltracs. Just wondering what your experience was.
Thanks!

[MrQuick]

Looks great JT, I love that shade of orange. I thought you were a neighbor of mine till I saw the small block. Keep the updates coming please.

[dhardison]

Here's a few more recent pics:

WOW what a difference from the other pics! NICE job of getting her cleaned up! :cool:

What A/C vendor did you use? How was the overall install?

Dan

[dhardison]

Dan,
Sorry to get off topic, but I was reading an old post of yours tonight from March '05 (I did a search for Nova info) from when you were installing your Hotchkis rear leaf springs. You were having trouble with your traction bars, but thought that with the Hotchkis springs you may no longer have a wheel hop problem. So did the Hotchkis leafs eliminate the wheel hop and need for traction bars? I've read this about the Global West leafs, but hadn't heard this about the Hotchkis leafs. My main goal, even above the handling, is to eliminate wheel hop and no longer need a traction device. I would prefer to just have good leafs and not have to buy a set of Caltracs. Just wondering what your experience was.
Thanks!

No, I still have wheel-hop with the Hotchkis leafs. The hop isn't as bad as stock leafs w/o a traction device, but it's still there. When I bark 2nd (or 3rd or 4th for that matter :) ), it sounds like a bird chirping (i.e. chirp-chirp-chirp-chirp-chirp) when the wheels hop. Man, I can't wait to get rid of the Hotchkis coils/leafs. For me there are just too many negatives to using them (i.e. harsh ride, wheel hop, can't use my existing traction bars, etc.).

Dan

[JTW]

WOW what a difference from the other pics! NICE job of getting her cleaned up! :cool:

What A/C vendor did you use? How was the overall install?

Dan
Thanks for the kind words Dan. I've owned this car for 19 years, but it had been stored for the past 12 years. I pulled it from storage a year ago to begin the clean-up and I'm just a week or two from having it back on the road.

The A/C system is a Vintage Air kit (Gen II Super Cooler) I bought from a local dealer. I chose to install the system myself since I had the car so far apart, plus it cuts the cost in half if you do it yourself. I used the biggest unit they make, which will be nice with the heat we get here in Houston, but it was no easy task to install due to the size. I had to sacrifice having a glovebox to install the kit, but the glovebox didn't keep me cool on those 100 deg. days!

That sucks to hear you still have wheel-hop with the Hotchkis leafs, but you must have a TON of torque with that 454. You mentioned that the leafs helped the situation but the wheel hop is still there, which makes me wonder if they would solve the problem in a car with less HP and torque such as mine. I'm going to call Global West since they claim their leafs can reduce or eliminate the need for a traction device, but I'm hoping to find some objective advice and experiences of others on this board.

[NvrDun71]

Hey man...the project really looks like its comin along well. I was about to ask about your AC setup as well until i read Dans post and your response. Was it a factory AC car originally?

Also what part of Houston are u in? Im in northwest part of town just outside of Cypress? Your house looks like its from around my neighborhood...

[JTW]

Hey man...the project really looks like its comin along well. I was about to ask about your AC setup as well until i read Dans post and your response. Was it a factory AC car originally?

Also what part of Houston are u in? Im in northwest part of town just outside of Cypress? Your house looks like its from around my neighborhood...

Thanks Dan, it's been a lot of work but it's exciting to be so close to being finished. The car was not originally an A/C car, but with the Vintage Air kit it really doesn't matter. The only advantage to putting the Vintage Air kit in a car that had factory A/C is that you can use the factory vents in the dash. I had to cut holes for two of the vents, and I don't have a vent coming through the dash pad in the center of the dash like a factory A/C car would.

I live in Pearland, which is also where I bought the A/C kit. So what stage is your car in? From your signature it looks like you got a hot motor ready to install. Got any pics?

[NvrDun71]

Unfortunately progress has been extremely slow due to school and my college budget.... however things are slowly moving along.

Here is the car several months back prior to teardown:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/12/Misccarpics044-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/12/c198c5a7-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/12/MiscPicsNovaetc-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/12/833cdcd3-1.jpg

The front subframe is now stripped and in primer as well as the firewall however i havent been able to snap any recent pics.
Motor and turbo 350 are ready to drop in I am just waiting for some decent weather in the near future and some time to topcoat the frame and firewall.

[JTW]

Wow NvrDun, that car looks nice in your 'before' pic, can't wait to see the 'after' when your finished. I love that green color, my neighbor had a 3rd-gen. Nova that same color when I was young and that car made me want a Nova.

Looks as though the worst of the hard work is behind you, cleaning my nasty subframe and prepping it for paint was a very dirty job. Once it's painted and you start re-assembly the work gets to be a lot more fun!

[NvrDun71]

Wow NvrDun, that car looks nice in your 'before' pic, can't wait to see the 'after' when your finished. I love that green color, my neighbor had a 3rd-gen. Nova that same color when I was young and that car made me want a Nova.

Looks as though the worst of the hard work is behind you, cleaning my nasty subframe and prepping it for paint was a very dirty job. Once it's painted and you start re-assembly the work gets to be a lot more fun!
Thanks for the complimets man. I get mixed opinions on the color but I like it. It is Fathom Green that was common on many 69' Camaros.

The prepping of the subframe was a royal pain.... I would have loved to just yank it out and get it sandblasted and powdercoated the way it shoud be done but just couldnt afford it.....
I am really looking forward to paint and reassembly, it looks much better now that it has seen some primer. Its been a long wait but hopefully should turn out pretty respectable for a street driven ride on a budget.