63 Nova build in progress

[dlove63]

This is my 63 hardtop Nova. I bought it a while back, drove it a couple times, then I took it apart to upgrade the suspension and drivetrain. Its been a long process. I can only work on it on days off and they are few and far between lately. My options for the car were to rebuild the original suspension, Install some aftermarket components that utilized the original subframe, or put on a completly new front subframe with all new suspension components and geometry. I went with the last choice. I only wanted to build this car once and I dont want any regrets. I enjoy working on the car and I look farward to getting it on the road where it belongs
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/passengerside3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/frontview-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/DSCN0950-1.jpg

Ill post up some more recent pictures when i get them off the other computer. These are the from the beginning of breaking it down.

[craigs73]

hey don nice to see you making a build thread...... what other plans is in the works???

[dlove63]

Hey Craig, Im a little further along than the pictures show. I have to get some recent ones posted. Ill put some up tonight

[GRNOVA]

Looks like a good build gotta love those 1 gens!

[BulldawgMusclecars]

Memories! My first, complete car build was a '63 Nova SS that I paid a whopping $60 for...yes, it was a long time ago (fall of '90), and it was that bad!

[dlove63]

Memories! My first, complete car build was a '63 Nova SS that I paid a whopping $60 for...yes, it was a long time ago (fall of '90), and it was that bad!

Yeah, this is my first build too. Must be somthing with these Novas

[dlove63]

Heres some more after the firewall was cleaned up. One of the first parts I ordered was a dual chamber master cylinder. This was a must have.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/FireWall006-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/Mastercylinderandbracket002-1.jpg

The car originally had manual brakes and the booster that was on there was added at some point. I had to fill the unused holes and add one for the 3 stud booster designed for the car. I also bent a piece of 1/8" flat steel and bolted it to the 3rd hole and the dash support to stop the firewall from flexing.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/Mastercylinderandbracket005-1.jpg

[dlove63]

Trying the TCI subframe on for size

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/0041-2.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/0051-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/TCImockup004-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/TCImockup002-1.jpg

Looks like everthing is good except the wheels, Theyre way too small for the disc brakes and rack and pinion. Well fix that later.

[Martin71RS]

Hey Don, welcome on Pro-Touring!!

Martin

[dlove63]

Hey Don, welcome on Pro-Touring!!

Martin

Good to hear from you Martin, Hows the sleeper coming along?

[dlove63]

Before I went much further with the suspension I wanted to patch up the manhole a former owner hacked into the trans tunnel.
Under the rug I found a piece of roof flashing riveted down to cover the opening.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/floor006-1.jpg
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[Martin71RS]

babysteps Don...but still moving forward! By the looks of it you will be driving it way before I am :-)

[dlove63]

After mock up was complete on the subframe, It got broke down and prepped for paint. I used Eastwood ceramic chassis coat and epoxy primer. After plenty of dry time it all got reassembled

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/motor006-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/almostdone002-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/almostdone007-1.jpg

[dlove63]

Here is a few more. New wheels and tires and reinstallation of most of the sheetmetal. The fenders and original core support lined up pretty well with the TCI inner fender panels. It took a bit of wrestling but but the gaps look pretty good.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/SheetMetal003-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/wheels005-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/wheels003-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/SheetMetal010-1.jpg
The new Ididit column gets hooked up to the rack and new Lokar brake and throttle pedals installed.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/SheetMetal012-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/SheetMetal011-1.jpg

Its starting to look like a car again!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/SheetMetal007-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/sheetmetal2003-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/sheetmetal2004-1.jpg

The original plan was to put the motor and trans in before putting the panels on but I got tired of waiting on other people and put it together anyway. At least I can bend up all the brake lines and fasten them to the panels and frame out of the way. This will not be a fun job because I cant get prebent lines with the new subframe and brakes.

[craigs73]

the car is looking good.... i like the wheels they look good on there

[dlove63]

Thanks Craig, The wheels were the hardest decision I had to make so far. It was hard to find something that fit and was in my $ range.

[dlove63]

Got some new gauges and mocked up in the dash. This is an original bezel modified with a center piece to fit the Auto Meter gauges.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/007-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/006-1.jpg

I will take it back apart and do some sanding and paint it. It should turn out nice when finished

[dlove63]

I ended up finding a rear from a 65 for cheap and went and picked it up. My intentions were to leave the rear that came with the car in it and build this one later. The one in the car was an open carrier but it had a nice set of 3:55 Richmond gears in it. But after talking some sense into myself I ordered a new posi unit, 3:73 gears, Moser axels, and install kit. I also started to look into the trans and wasnt real happy with what I found. It was trashed, so I went down to Trans Specialties and got everything I needed to make it right. After cleaning and painting the rear I took it to work and a friend took it home and set up the gears and installed the posi. Another friend took the trans home and built that. Im trying to do as much as I can myself, but I know my limits and I want the car done eventually.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/Trans006-1.jpg

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[LUV2XLR8]

Car is coming together nicely! how did you fair off with the "super-storm?"

[dlove63]

Thanks, I was very lucky with the storm. There are many people in this area that still dont have power and sustained damage to their homes. Closer to the shore is a different story. they really got hammered.

[twosaturns]

nice build, I like the subframe. a friend of my Dad's has a '63 post model, black with red interior. last I heard it runs 10's, but I haven't seen it in awhile.

[dlove63]

nice build, I like the subframe. a friend of my Dad's has a '63 post model, black with red interior. last I heard it runs 10's, but I haven't seen it in awhile.

Thanks, These cars are very light and when set up right they are like rocket ships. Unfortunatly the original suspension and steering were terrible even by 1963 standards. Thats why its nice to have so many upgrade options. If you come across a picture of the sedan post it up, I always enjoy checkin out other rides.

[twosaturns]

Thanks, These cars are very light and when set up right they are like rocket ships. Unfortunatly the original suspension and steering were terrible even by 1963 standards. Thats why its nice to have so many upgrade options. If you come across a picture of the sedan post it up, I always enjoy checkin out other rides.

he started building it with his son like 20 something years ago, before there were any subframe options, I don't know the current state of it, but if I see it I'll get a pic!

[dlove63]

The motor work has been off and on for a while. The bottom end went together pretty well. There were no clearance issues and all the new parts seemed to want to be there. The heads and the intake didnt match so they were hit with a grinder to match the ports closer. Right now there at a friends shop and they just need to be bolted on and then my drivetrain is complete!


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/motor014-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/motor011-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/motor009-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/motor001-1.jpg

It took a good bit of time to get the hang of these spiral locks
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/floor005-1.jpg

[AusMarty]

Shiny!!!!

[dlove63]

I was checking out under the dash to get a better look at the wiring and decided it was too far gone to save. Every wire was cut and spliced at some point with other wires added in, some of which went to nothing. So I made the decision to redo the whole car while it was still apart. I ordered an AAW classic update wiring harness made specific to my car. The kit is set up well and the instuctions make it easy to wire everything the right way.

After opening up the hole in the firewall to fit the larger bulkhead, I got that mounted along with the fuse box.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/067-1.jpg

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After getting them mounted it was just a matter of following along the harness and plugging everything in. The kit came with a new headlight switch and new ignition switch and they were installed along the way. So far the dash harness is in and the rear harness is routed to the trunk. It shouldnt take too much longer to get all the lights hooked up.

[Glenn]

Great to see another Chevy II getting some love. Good job!

[dlove63]

Thanks Glenn, I finished wiring the rear harness today and got the gauges all wired up and ready to go. But I couldnt install the speedometer because when I pulled it out of the box I had it stored in I found the lens was busted. I sent it back to Autometer and they are gonna fix it up.

[bwkelley76]

Car is lookin good!!! Gotta love American Auto Wire :)

[dlove63]

Car is lookin good!!! Gotta love American Auto Wire :)

Thanks, I was surprised at how well the harness was put together. The speedo did get returned and the back lighting is all wired. If I ever get the motor back together Ill run the front harness.

[dlove63]

The engine and trans are finally back where they belong. We hoisted the motor into the engine bay and noticed the motor mounts were not lining up. I realized I had the wrong ones and back to the computer to order new ones. After the mounts arrived the engine dropped right in but I couldnt fit the valve cover on because it hit the brake booster. So back to the computer again to hunt down a small dual diaphram with the proper stud pattern. After looking around I finally found one and now i have some more extra parts.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/motorcomplete065-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/Motorinstall003-1.jpg

Still a tight fit
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/Motorinstall008-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/Motorinstall007-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/Motorinstall009-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/Motorinstall013-1.jpg

[craigs73]

looking good don.....

[dlove63]

looking good don.....

Thanks CHAMP!

[craigs73]

lol

[scherp69]

Looking good Don. That motor looks sweet in there. Nice and clean!! Keep the pics coming.

[GBNL]

nice build ,wish i would of kept my 63 nova it was my first car back in highschool.

[dlove63]

Looking good Don. That motor looks sweet in there. Nice and clean!! Keep the pics coming.

Where ya been Mike? Did ya get that back seat figured out yet? Thanks for the encouragement, I still have a ways to go.

[dlove63]

nice build ,wish i would of kept my 63 nova it was my first car back in highschool.

Thanks! Sometimes it feels like Ive been working on it since highschool.

[dlove63]

Quick update
The fuel lines are plumbed and the radiator modified to fit the electric fan. Mounted new grille and added some exhaust tubing to fit the exhaust to the new headers.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/GrillePlumbing008-1.jpg
[Ihttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/GrillePlumbing005-1.jpg
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[scherp69]

Where ya been Mike? Did ya get that back seat figured out yet? Thanks for the encouragement, I still have a ways to go.

No haven't gotten it figured out yet. I think I'm closer though. Spent a couple ours in the shop yesterday and I think I figured it out finally. It's been too cold lately to head out. Now that I've been out though, hope to head out again soon. Nice job on the fuel lines. That's going to look sweet when you're done.

[dlove63]

Got the front lights installed along with the filler panel. The streeering is all hooked up and the shaft clears the headers with no problem. I wanted yo get the wheels back on to check the ride height with the motor in.The pictures are with coilovers almost all the way down.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/frontlightsandgrille003-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/frontlightsandgrille005-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/frontlightsandgrille008-1.jpg