1967 Nova (field car) Input needed

[Jake616]

Opportunity popped up to grab access to a 1967 Chevy Nova....

I was told its a 2 door and ran 13year ago but has sat since but waiting on pix. I can get it for some cheap bartering with the guy.



Couple questions:

What specifically should I look for on these?

Its a 2door so did these come as post cars as well? How much less desirable are the post cars?

Framed or sub framed chassis from factory?

Parts readily available? Both restoration and performance?

Expected cash price to pay on a decent non running prohect car?



Just looking for couple quick answers :) thanks!
-jakw




Just

[atotalnincompoop]

i'd pass on a post car. or maybe grab it for parts.
i had a 66 hardtop, loved it!
the wagons are cool as well.

[SRD art]

I wouldn't pass on ANY 67 Nova myself. This is not directed specifically at you atotal... To join the "I do what's popular because everyone else says that's what's cool" crowd, go find a hardtop 67 and pay through the nose for it. Otherwise, go get a great deal on a post 67 and build a car that looks cool, weighs next to nothing, and has a great deal of aftermarket support. Look at it this way, 68- on Novas all had posts and no one says they aren't cool. Early post Novas make the best sleepers too. Seems they're real popular with the gasser crowd over the hardtops. Here's a thread on the forum for a post shoebox Nova. Scroll down a bit and see one done, can you really say that doesn't look cool? Scroll even further and see a bolt in subframe. https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?66300-Another-67-chevy-II

As mentioned one of the greatest benefits of this car is it's relatively small and light weight. The platform is the same as the 1st gen 62-65. 66 brought a major facelift, while 67 brought just some mild changes to the grille and front fascia over the 66. In 68 Chevy did a total re-design on the Nova and based the platform on the 1st gen Camaro.

Many of the 62-67s were 4 lug suspension- mostly the 4 and 6 cyl cars, although some 6 cyl cars came with 5 lug. I've never seen a factory 4 lug V8 car. The factory rear is an 8.2", not the strongest tool in the shed but can handle a mild-decent small block. The 66 and 7 cars were the first Novas to have real power, the 350 hp 327, IIRC.

Factory drum brakes all around didn't help stop the car. I read some old articles about the 66/7 SS 327 350 hp, the car did great in street racing and at the track but was a hand full to slow down because of less than adequate brakes. Discs became an option for the all new re-designed 68s.

The front suspension is junk compared to today's technology. The power steering is real goofy, very similar to early Mustangs. The front subframe is bolted in and very easy to remove. If you have the coin there are several aftermarket bolt in subframes that add better suspension, from Mustang II to full pro-touring.

Rear suspension is a typical leaf spring setup. Back tire real estate is limited, these cars will typically take up to a 235 or 245 tire out back on a 7" wheel without mods. You may be able to squeeze a 255 but likely nothing more without mini tubbing it.

Resto and performance parts are plentiful. Classic industries, Chevy II Only, etc etc etc. Most of the popular frame builders have sub frames for them. 67s are awful popular so you'll expect to pay decent money to restore one.

Look for rust. I bought a 65 wagon that had some rust on the lower rear 1/4s. It also had a cross member under the floor that was rotted. All looked replaceable. I ended up selling the car when I had to move so I didn't get far on the project. I'd imagine you could get most any replacement panel for the car.

I'm more of a fan of the 68+ cars so I don't have input on pricing, but they aren't cheap compared to some cars. I've paid as low as $50 for a 73 parts car. I'd anticipate to pay up to a couple thousand for a solid 62-67 beater project car.

Hope this helps, keep us posted on what you find, and make sure to post photos.

[andrewb70]

DSE, Heidts, Schwarts Performance, Roadster Shop all makes parts for these cars.

Andrew

[shane38]

great car had a 66 post check out ebay theres some post 67 that are going for good money some of the parts like trim parts are hard to find but there fun cars thats my next build after my 67 elco

[shmoov69]

Get it..... post, hard top, even if its a more door!!

https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?76959-Project-quot-Green-Bean-quot-ecotec-66-nova&highlight=417motorsports