PDA

View Full Version : 73 Nova + Camaro = Project "Carnovore"



cnicholls
10-15-2012, 06:22 AM
73 Nova + 69 Camaro Valance

I wanted to share my current project.

This year after My life was put on hold with a Ruptured Bowel in April, I found myself laying in my bed looking out the window at my nova looking neglected and tired. I was off of work recovering from massive surgery and having to deal with a colostomy bag, for the first time in my life I felt that I had no control. My doctor wanted me to get exercise, and I needed to move about regardless of the pain. However I was to lift no more than 10 pounds. I was done being a victim to my body, and I decided to take on the nova as my Physical Therapy project. My porter cable sander weighs in at 6 pounds... Perfect! I finally decided to paint it. I changed the color to hugger orange with white racing stripes. After my first coat of paint, I was looking at the front end with those fat bumpers and thought... I can do more.... I got online and found Troy's Notorious nova and ResurreXion Nova. I personally liked the idea and style, however I knew I couldn't come close to the caliber of work that they did. I had to do it myself. So I did things a little different, using off the shelf parts that I could modify to come close to that custom look. I set Troy's Nova as my wallpaper on my laptop so every time I would get frustrated or tiered I would go inside for some R and R I would keep in mind the end goal. I didn't have allot of experience in bodywork, I have done a few other projects but not on a scale of grafting parts together that wasn't made to fit. My tools are limited, no fancy English wheels or plenishing hammers. But I had nothing but time and stubborn willpower ... I am self taught myself how to weld and fabricate in building and repairing tools for my bobcat. But this was a whole new animal. I purchased stock replacement parts from Ground Up and Amazon and fabricated from there.

Parts List:
Camaro Front Driver Side Fender Extension.........................$47.53
Camaro Front Bumper Valance.........................................$1 15.35
Camaro Front Passenger Side Fender Extension....................$47.71
1969 Camaro Bumper, Front (Chrome)...............................$124.95
Spoiler, front, Camaro............................................ ..........$25.99
Bumper Bolt Set............................................... ................$9.95
2x Bumper Bracket, Outer Corner, Front '69.........................$14.00
Bumper Corner Mount Bushing, front '69..............................$11.95
Total $397.43

The lower nova fenders were cut and the camaro extensions were cut down and welded. The camaro valance is stock width, however I cut a relief in the center and reduced the angle to match the nova hood. The camaro bumper is sliced on the bottom for relief and also reduced the angle leaving the top solid to avoid re-chroming. I fabricated a filler panel using the stock 72 metal bumper filler as my master - welding on a 3" cove made from a 3" x 24" tube ripped into thirds. Sheet metal was used to form boxes that hug tight to the headlight buckets.

When I was done with the front, I drove it for a week. I had had a lot of very nice comments, and some very confused faces. Everyone asked me, when are you going to do the rear??? Well I had another surgery in August to reverse the Colostomy and I knew I had at least another 8 weeks of recovery.... so.... This time I ordered the parts beforehand... It made my week long hospital stay so much better, I was up and walking the halls because I knew I needed the build up my strength because I had to finish that NOVA. Recovery went well and I was back cutting and grinding in less than 2 weeks. I decided to go with:

2012 Camaro Tail Lights....................................134.00
1970 Bumper and rear Valance............................97.00
1970 Camaro Lower Fender Patch Panels...............75.00


I will post more pics when I'm finished with the rear. I have new Scat Seats, dynomat, headliner and carpet waiting to go in after I'm done with the body work. I would love to do more with the wheels and tires, add disc brakes ect.. however being off of work all summer has put a damper on spending at the moment. I am finally able to lift more weight so we will see whats in store over the winter months. My goal is to be able to drive it before the Ohio Snow hits.



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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Ron.in.SoCal
10-15-2012, 06:42 AM
You get an A for creativity! Hope your health continues to improve...

cornfedbill
10-15-2012, 10:00 AM
I really like this one! Great work! I like the way you did this better than Troy Trapanier's Notorious.

I have a 74 Nova Hatchback and am looking for a creative way to discard the Kenworth size bumpers. You have done just that.

The other incentive is that the 74 bumpers, which look like the 73 bumpers, have almost 200 extra pounds worth of bumper pistons and bumper structure that the 73's don't have.

I wonder what the 74 grill would look like with the 69 Camaro bumper. It looks like time for some Photoshop.

Keep up the great work and keep getting better!

Mr.VENGEANCE
10-15-2012, 02:58 PM
I really like the frontend!

the rear id have to reserve for later inspection.

Trans
10-15-2012, 03:30 PM
I bet youre gona get alot of "nice camaro due" comments

cnicholls
10-16-2012, 05:29 AM
First, Thanks for the positive comments! I was a bit worried I was going to get some negative feedback for "cross breeding" two different style cars. My intent isnt to fool anyone into thinking its a camaro, its more to put a little more sport that I feel was lost starting in 73 with the 5 mph impact regulation. I really didn't want to "clone" a 72 SS just because its been done before...

She is getting closer... hoping to wetsand tonight. Looking at it right now, I love it. I am seriously debating if I should cut openings for the exhaust or just tuck up close to the rear. Originally I was going to go with center outlet exhaust, however I am thinking keeping to the outside would still look clean and mean. Any thoughts ? Love it? Hate it?

The last question I have is about the 68 camaro spoiler, On the camaro its made to fit higher on the trunk, I felt it stuck up too tall and drew attention away from the lines on the car. I chose to lay it back as far down as I could. This caused an issue with the trunk key location, and the mounting for the leading edge of the spoiler will need to be changed to be tapped and threaded tight thru the hatch. The key hole for the hatch is tricky, currently I cut hole to move the key barrel out to mount in the spoiler am planning on extending rotation mechanism into the latch. After cutting the hole, I had the thought to ad a linier actuator to pop the hatch via remote. The hole looks like a great location for a backlit Chevy bowtie ;)


These are the tips I am going with
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

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

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

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

cornfedbill
10-16-2012, 05:48 AM
I like the spoiler the way it is. I like it laid back more than on the Camaro.

Keep up the good work.

cnicholls
11-07-2012, 07:31 AM
More progress, I picked up some 2010 Camaro 19" rims. Here they are with no spacers, not sure on how much spacing I need, I need to bold a seat in so I can test drive it. I also am planning on lowering the rear. I currently have 5 long leaf springs with air shocks setup. I dont know if that was the stock setup, but it was like this when I bought it. I may have to go down in size in the front tire its pretty tight from the looks. The offset on the 5th gen camaro looks like 35mm. So unsure of what to do now....



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

cnicholls
11-07-2012, 07:33 AM
I also thought I would add a pic of the tail lights. The bumper is hanging down on the driver side, I was in the process of hanging it when I snapped the picture.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

srh3trinity
11-07-2012, 08:33 AM
I like the idea and the execution. Now you just have to nail the stance and you will be on to something.

NoMoneyZ
11-07-2012, 10:05 AM
Pretty cool look you have going there. Never saw it done before. Just bring the stance way down and it will bring it together. It's ready to go mudding as it sits.

ryeguy2006a
11-07-2012, 02:04 PM
Looks really good!! I really like the Camaro rims! So you are saying that they only have a 35mm offset? is that a positive or negative?

cnicholls
11-07-2012, 06:35 PM
Next its time to move on to stance and finish details and ohhh yea interior...

The tires are 245/50 19's I dont know what to go to in the front they need to go smaller for sure. 215 or 205? Any suggestions?
The lowering of the rear should be simple, it has huge shackles from its hot rod owners past. I am planning on fabricating something a bit shorter.
What is the best way (on a budget) to lower the front?


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

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

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

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

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

LUV2XLR8
11-08-2012, 04:39 AM
you got to dropp that puppy down some.. tuck those wheels up under it!!!!!

Mr.VENGEANCE
11-08-2012, 05:20 AM
quick photoshop on how this thing needs to be sittin..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/NovaroII-1.jpg?t=1352380662

















































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

AintQik
11-08-2012, 05:39 AM
Lol, someday I hope to hang out with Mr. Vengence.

I really like the rear spoiler. The front looks good, but its getting to be a bit Mad Maxish. I think its the continuation of the stripes. Visually it might be better stopping at the hood. But, to each their own! Nice job.

It does need to be slammed to work though. ;) Do it. Now! lol

keithq69
11-08-2012, 06:30 AM
Great job on the car. It's great to see that you used it to help you get through your surgery.
It's interesting that you mounted the rear spoiler backwards, it works with the shape of the back of the car.
It also amazes me at how close the early cars are that you were able to swap bumpers like that.
Huge improvement over the factory Nova bumper.
For the front I agree the stripes should stop at the hood. I would cut the front bumper up a bit for a better fit and paint it orange.
Looking forward to seeing it done.

Keith.

cornfedbill
11-08-2012, 06:52 AM
quick photoshop on how this thing needs to be sittin..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/NovaroII-1.jpg?t=1352380662

















































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

Ditto. The dropped look is nice.

Did the car always sit so high, or did it jump up when you lost the 5 mph boat anchors?

cnicholls
11-19-2012, 08:02 AM
I love the photoshop! It seemed to rise up after taking the bumpers off. Can you photoshop what it would look like with the stripes ending at the hood?


Thought I would show the latest modification... These are the leftover rear camaro tail lights with a cusutom clear lense inplace of the red lenses. I blacked out the top of the lense to give it more sinister eyes...



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

cnicholls
09-09-2013, 11:58 AM
I thought I would post a followup and show the almost finished project. Here it is minus the emblems and some buffing to finish up on.
I ditched the 2011 Camaro Wheels and went back to the classic SS wheel, I think it looks better on this car. I still need to adress the suspension and motor, however I will have to wait until time and funds are free for that, for now I just want to drive her. You should see the looks the car gets... Priceless!


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

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

Archangel47
03-09-2016, 02:14 AM
If you have any specs of bumper and front mods could you please forward them to me if you don't mind sharing

cbpldc
03-09-2016, 09:03 AM
The rear reminds me of a late 70's Dodge Monaco.

Cool car!

Poxic
01-15-2017, 10:15 PM
I know I'm bumping an old ass thread, but here's my version with my junk-rod.

1974 with a big block, M22, and hotchkis/QA-1 goodies.

Album with the details:
https://imgur.com/a/GrGyy

136089

136090

The final results

136091