"All In" - '63 Nova SS

[SoCal_ 63 SS]

Here's the start of my next build, named "All in"

I came to the name as I evolved to my final Build Plan (at least as final as these things get...). Being an SS, I started with the idea that I might just leave it alone, put a V8 in it and set it up as just a nice solid street car. Then I started considering a Pro Street or Pro Touring build. Obviously, PT is where my heart is and so once I dropped a bunch of cash on a C5 drivetrain I decided I was prety much "All In."


Build Plan:
1963 Chevy Nova SS
Scott's Hotrod IFS
Full tube chassis from front clip back
2004 C5 Corvette drivetrain (Bellhousing, Torque tube, rear mounted T-56, and IRS)
LS2 - L92 Heads, STS twin turbo setup?

As you can see from my starting point, I've got my work cut out for me. But afterall, the journey is the fun part!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/63SSNova_1-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/63SSNova_4-1.jpg

Scott's Hotrods front clip:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/012sm-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/017sm-1.jpg

Lightly used LS2:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/LS2_6sm-1.jpg

[Draginutz]

welcome. i too have a 63 ss.

[CruizinKev]

nice project man :twothumbs welcome aboard!

[rat_rod_russell]

Rock on James, Are you going AWD?

[MCMLXIX]

Rock on James, Are you going AWD?

I vote for All Wheed Drive....:1st:

[railin93]

3x....i saw the same and got a little giddy for the idea...man that little box would SCOOT!!!!...pushin close to a grand in hp and awd...can you say 4 wheel burnouts...mmmmm...

[novanutcase]

Cool Build! Check mine out. It's a '66 Nova with more or less the same goals!!

John

[John Wright]

I vote for All Wheed Drive....:1st:
Me too!

[rat_rod_russell]

3 bumps and Now you've gota do it.

-Russell

[bonecrrusher]

I spy a Trailblazer SS driveline.....

Wouldnt it been cheaper just to buy that engine? LOL....

C5 chassis or TBSS chassis...... damn thats a toss up.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/tumblr_kt44ftwyE11qzmxn0o1_250-1.gif

[SoCal_ 63 SS]

I was seriously considering the AWD option, but then thought that I better not bite off more than I could chew (if I haven't already...!)

[SoCal_ 63 SS]

John,
I've been keeping an eye on your build for a while now. We actually swapped a few PM's on Steve's Nova Site (I think...).

Good to hear from you!

James


Cool Build! Check mine out. It's a '66 Nova with more or less the same goals!!

John

[novanutcase]

Oh Yeah!!! How's it going?

John

[LSfan70s]

AWD! AWD! AWD! AWD! AWD! :cheers:
Update too!

[SoCal_ 63 SS]

Alrighty guys... sorry for the lack of updates. Been making some slow but steady progress.

Got the car up on on the Chassis table:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/20100212135417-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/20100212135453-1.jpg

Began prepping for my chassis install, starting with the perimeter rail which will be tacked to the table:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/20100218133511-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/20100218133553-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/20100218133605-1.jpg

Cut a section out, but left the middle of the floors to keep the car square until it was welded to the table...

Perimeter rails installed:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/20100418143845-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/20100418143859-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/20100418143917-1.jpg

And then got the Scott's set up on the table for mockup...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/20100418152019-1.jpg

Next on the list, finsh some weld clean up on the P-Rails and then finish the IFS mockup. After I bolt the IFS to the frame horns, we'll tack it to the table, then remove the bolts so we can remove the sections of the frame horns and firewall that we need to, then move on to the chassis sub-floor and tunnel area.

My wife and kids will be out of town for a couple weeks coming up, so I'm hoping to get some good time in...