1970 L-78 Nova Restoration; Saga of The Green Bastard
 

Funny story... How long does it take an Aviation Field Service Technician and a Mechanical Engineering Technologist to install a Nova front sway bar.

All my years of playing with Novas and a few Camaros and I didn't know you have to put the bar in place BEFORE putting in the coils.

Had to split the lower ball joint on one side and remove the caliper rotor and backing plate on the other side.

Now I know !!

Attachment 236802

Attachment 236803

Just Awesome! Plus the lower control arm bolts are installed correctly too! I often see them facing the wrong way.

Looks great - enjoying this thread....and the car.

Question for the group (not being picky - just trying to learn) about the water pump bolts not being painted orange. I always assumed the water pump was on the block when painted, I've seen several instances now on restorations where the pump bolts are not painted. Is there a reason for them not being painted engine color? TIA

Beautiful restoration for sure. Your attention to detail is amazing! This is about where I am with my 70 Z/28 restoration. It’s been a 10 year process, but I’m getting down to the end. Wish I was smart enough to post pics! I dropped the engine and trans back in, then went to Florida for the winter!
Buddy

Yes, probably should be painted. I didn't have the correct bolts until after the engine was in... Part of the added stress of getting parts to Canada (add a week for shipping and a Saturday to run to the border) :burnout:

I can show you how to post pics...or do them for you :)

Should have installed the sway bar before you dropped the engine in place. I'm sure it would have gone right in. Doing a great job!! Can't wait to see it done.

Curious if you had the car sitting on those risers when you attempted to install the bar. I have swapped bars in first gen Camaro's with the suspension hanging free and they are tight, but do go in.

My favorite part of Big Block Novas has always been
the radiator position, shroud mounting and the fan, makes them really
unique compared to other Chevys of the same vintage.
Their short nose makes them look good but made packaging a little tricky.

You are the best Bruce! I’m down in Florida for the winter. I will reach out when I get home in April!
Buddy

You are the best Bruce! I am down in Florida for the winter. I will reach out when I get back in April!
Buddy:BruceRocks:

That works! :beers:

We did try it with the suspension hanging but there was still not quite enough space between the coils to get the end of the bar through (didn't want to try a pry bar or forcing it through). Once we split the ball joint and opened it up more there was room.

The Nova subframe may be a tad shorter in the front than the Camaro and probably accounted for the inability to sneak that bar in.

1970 L-78 Nova Restoration; Saga of The Green Bastard
 

Details, Details, Details,

Marker lights... unfortunately no longer able to procure the correct re-plating.
Best I can tell after cleaning, these were silver zinc. Sprayed them with a steel color paint.

Attachment 237092

Put the Eyes in... and detailed the SS emblem. My old eyes don't like those fine masking jobs under LED lighting !!

Attachment 237093

You do amazing work!
Ive powered thru all of this thread and I was surprised that you didn’t paint the car yourself.
I’m sure you have that skill set.

Really incredible job!

1970 L-78 Nova Restoration; Saga of The Green Bastard
 

Teaser photos of the Car at the local World of Wheels show last weekend.
I will post more detail photos but waaaay behind at work right now so may be a little while.

First Place 1968-1972 restored class

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Congrats on the awards! Your Nova looks great :worship:

Big thumbs up !Car looks amazing!

Congrats!!

And well deserved. I doubt most people would have a clue as too the amount of time and passion you put into this car.

Just Stellar! Congrats!

Congratulations - well done.

----Really enjoyed this resto come together!....Bill S

Are you a professional auto restoration guru?

Yes

Ryan W31

L78 Nova...
 

Car looks great. Congrats.

Congratulations Gary! Looking forward to seeing it when we are in Winnipeg.

Thanks for all the Cudos Guys!
If all goes well Dereck and I will drag it to MCACN 2023 !
Gary

You could bring it to SCR in July and have a little fun with it.

There ya go...:biggthumpup:

Mcacn 2023
 

It was really nice to make your acquaintance.

The Nova is spectacular

Ryan W31

I was looking at it Sunday morning, but no one was around. After following his OCD thread, I knew it would be spectacular and it is. I like his Green Bastard Caricature too, very cute...:biggthumpup:

I didn't put it together that this car is the Green Bastard. One of my favorite cars at the MCACN.

I came by a few times trying to find someone with the car, but never could find anyone. I don't like to look at anything up close without permission. I love the car.

Sorry I missed some of you guys. Saturday was overwhelming with interest in the car. It was awesome to connect with people from the site !! Thanks to everyone for all the compliments.

Sunday I spent most of the time walking the show so I am sorry if I missed catching up.
It was a great trip and show as always, this year with particularly good weather !

Gibsons and Giardano's were also outstanding.
Gary

Try Lou Malnati's Pizza next time and end up moving here.

I enjoyed seeing the car as well - nice restoration.

Yes, the car is looking terrific. Amazing work on the resto-you have much more talent than I do! I remember seeing it at World of Wheels in Winnipeg a few years ago and it has undergone quite the transformation. It was great to visit with you folks as well.

The car looked fantastic!!