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





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.




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.

[dlove63]

Trying the TCI subframe on for size







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.

[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

[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.








The new Ididit column gets hooked up to the rack and new Lokar brake and throttle pedals installed.



Its starting to look like a car again!







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.





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.

[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.