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70 L78 Nova?
Hello Members,
Relatively new to the site. Long time musclecar addict. Can't seem to shake the habit. Grew up in Massapequa Park, on Long Island during the 60's/70's. Just off of Sunrise Hyway. Never owned a Motion Car, but knew many people who did and spent time at the shop snooping. S&K Speed shop was another great place to hang out at. Have owned many cars over the years. Including a Yenko Chevelle. But, I have never owned a Muscle Car era Nova. So I bought two. One is a 70 L48 Stick car. It has its original drivetrain. I have the POP and other paper work. The other, is a car that was originally purchased to build a Long Island style, Day 2 car. I have no documentation for this car. And that is the reason I am posting now. I am hoping someone might recognize this car, and shed some light on its past. I had it shipped from Aurora Ill. It has an Elmhurst Ill. Tax sticker on the windshield. After getting it off the truck, I started looking at it closely, and I think it may have been born an L78. In storage since 1987. Mice have gotten into the back seat and destroyed it. Most of the cotton and burlap were at the bottom of frame. I went through it all careful, but no paper. Attached are some pictures. How would anyone, suggest I procede in documenting this car. https://www.yenko.net/attachments/use...sdmcw60_12.jpg |
Re: 70 L78 Nova?
Hi Todd,
Welcome aboard shipmate! Some shots under the hood might help. If original rear axle, what is the stamping code/axle ratio? Posting shots here is a good start. If it is an original Illinois car, we have a bunch of folks on this site from that area. |
Re: 70 L78 Nova?
Hi Sam,
I am having to compress my pics so I can attach them. They'll be up soon. Todd |
Re: 70 L78 Nova?
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Re: 70 L78 Nova?
The single fuel line is a good indication of a Holley carb.
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Re: 70 L78 Nova?
IL code indicates a BB radiator....3/8 line, exhaust hanger and heater hose outlets are other good clues...a few more photos including core support and axle stamp would help.
wilma |
Re: 70 L78 Nova?
Wilma,
What pics. do I need of the core support. Rear is not original. Has a BW code 12 Bolt dated 68. Factory 4:56 gears. Trans is 68 Corvette. Engine is 350. |
Re: 70 L78 Nova?
[quote=LIBoomer]Here are some pics.....
https://www.yenko.net/attachments/use...3-dsc04516.jpg wow, interesting paint detail, anything more on hood or deck lid? |
Re: 70 L78 Nova?
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Re: 70 L78 Nova?
I'd wash that up and try to save the paint. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif[/img]
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Re: 70 L78 Nova?
There is a lot of paint on the car from the panel job. Then clear on top of that. The prep work between coats was lousy and the panels are coming up in places. Some places have chipped off. And of course you can see the crazing. Whats your thoughts on a year applied?
Todd |
Re: 70 L78 Nova?
I think that's Ron Hecks old car.
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Re: 70 L78 Nova?
Mr70,
Any chance Mr. Heck can be contacted? I can do the leg work. |
Re: 70 L78 Nova?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LIBoomer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There is a lot of paint on the car from the panel job. Then clear on top of that. The prep work between coats was lousy and the panels are coming up in places. Some places have chipped off. And of course you can see the crazing. Whats your thoughts on a year applied?
Todd </div></div> Based on the spider-webbing, and the paneling, I would say paint was done in 72-73 |
Re: 70 L78 Nova?
Front opening on driver's side is larger on BB cars...look for welded nuts for rad attachment, small holes on top for rubber flap. Underside of hood should have factory brackets for the SS hood louvers. On some vehicles you can find paperwork stuffed up under the dash...near radio or headlite switch...it is "rare"..but, worth a look. SS car should have welded bracket for dual exhaust on driver's side frame rail. If front shocks or springs are original look for labels with letter codes/part numbers.
Good luck..wilma |
Re: 70 L78 Nova?
Sure looks like a BB to me!
Look at the center of the heater hose bracket on the heater box cover, there should be 2 very small letter between the 2 holes. |
Re: 70 L78 Nova?
----The big-block part is a certainty as that heater core really looks like it hasnt been screwed with, ever! The experts have got you almost there. You take great pics so Ill bet you will get this figured out quick........Bill S
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Re: 70 L78 Nova?
Took some additional pics. I'm feeling good about the positive feedback. This was certainly a raced car at a point in it's life. And most clues point towards a low option, 375 horse car. Any Chicago guys recognize this car? The paint job is one you would probably not forget. Any one recognize the dealership on the key fob? Its from the same town the car was registered in. https://www.yenko.net/attachments/use...7-dsc04568.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/attachments/use...8-dsc04567.jpg https://www.yenko.net/attachments/use...9-dsc04569.jpg https://www.yenko.net/attachments/use...0-dsc04571.jpg https://www.yenko.net/attachments/use...1-dsc04573.jpg https://www.yenko.net/attachments/use...2-dsc04574.jpg https://www.yenko.net/attachments/use...3-dsc04415.jpg |
Re: 70 L78 Nova?
Definitely BB rad and support...and those are SS hood louver brackets...good photos.
That metal rad cover is a small block unit...commonly used when the rubber flap is missing...all those small holes are for the plastic push in fasteners that held the rad. flap in place. wilma ***where is the key fob pic..I must have missed it? |
Re: 70 L78 Nova?
No Wilma you didn't miss it. I negleted to load it. Here it is. https://www.yenko.net/attachments/use...4-dsc04460.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/attachments/use...5-dsc04461.jpg |
Re: 70 L78 Nova?
Ron says that is not his nova.
C&E,owned by Nick Celozzi & Maury Ettleson,used to be known as Zepalack Chevrolet in it's early days & was at 155 E. Roosevelt rd.. C&E has alot of history here.I bought 2 cars from them in the late 70's & early 80's,as did my family during the 1960's. Nick & Maury parted ways & sold it in 2000,when it was renamed Elmhurst Chevrolet by it's new owner. Years later the land was sold to the township of Elmhurst to make way for a new Hospital. They relocated Elmhurst Chevrolet,further up Roosevelt Rd. into my hometown of Villa Park,and called it Villa Park Chevrolet. Later it changed names again to Castle Chevrolet,which is still there today. The son of one of the owners,Nick Cellozi Jr. has a small hollywood acting career today. I have many vintage trinkets from C&E..."Hard to Find,Tough To Beat".."Where you always save more money". YOUTUBE COMMERCIALS.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mum3rUxBHH4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBZYL3AOnDA |
Re: 70 L78 Nova?
Wow about C & E! I had heard the hospital bought a bunch of property in that area but did not know it included C & E.
Our family bought at least 2 cars there that I remember. I also remember their TV commercials as a kid. Neat key chain. Rick - Is Ettelson Cadillac related? Sorry for the thread hi-jack. Jake |
Re: 70 L78 Nova?
Yes,Maury Ettleson & son are the Cadillac/Buick/GMC dealership here in Hodgkins,Il.
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Re: 70 L78 Nova?
Brake Booster etc. Is the Master Cylinder correct. Its got a chrome cover on it, and I'm thinking it should be a 309 casting. https://www.yenko.net/attachments/use...6-dsc04423.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/attachments/use...7-dsc04425.jpg https://www.yenko.net/attachments/use...8-dsc04424.jpg https://www.yenko.net/attachments/use...9-dsc04428.jpg https://www.yenko.net/attachments/use...0-dsc04412.jpg |
Re: 70 L78 Nova?
Pull the back seat and look for a build sheet. It should be rolled up and hog ringed to the seat frame. Top left hand side of the back seat up right.
Jason |
Re: 70 L78 Nova?
Jason,
Thanks. First place I looked. Mice had breakfast,lunch and dinner in the back seat for quite awhile. The bottom of the seat frame looked like a multiple family apartment complex. Went through it carefully. Nothing. Todd |
Re: 70 L78 Nova?
The 'AS' on the bracket is a home run! That thing has BB all over it.
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Re: 70 L78 Nova?
9204 booster is correct for that car..date code is 239th day of 1969..that would make it late August...this must be an early car. What is trim tag date..??**just noticed it looks like 11B..? 2nd week nov.
Check under the driver's side(frame rail) and see if the brake valve is located there...that got moved mid-year. Keep it like it is...clean it up..install a BB and drive it! Very cool [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] |
Re: 70 L78 Nova?
obviously the car is self identifying. Don't look like anything has been changed or replaced in 40 years. unrestored!! Definetly a good find IMO. No zip lock sleeping bags like Wilma's stuff either. Do what he says and drive it!
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Re: 70 L78 Nova?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LIBoomer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Jason,
Thanks. First place I looked. Mice had breakfast,lunch and dinner in the back seat for quite awhile. The bottom of the seat frame looked like a multiple family apartment complex. Went through it carefully. Nothing. Todd </div></div> Bucket seat car, check behind the hard plastic rear cover on each seat. It's a long shot maybe you will get lucky... |
Re: 70 L78 Nova?
Wilma,
Here's the trim tag. And brake valve.https://www.yenko.net/attachments/use...2-dsc04404.jpg https://www.yenko.net/attachments/use...3-dsc04575.jpg |
Re: 70 L78 Nova?
Jason,
Yes, bucket seats are installed. But, it was born a bench seat car. You are correct about paper work found behind the plastic back on drivers side seat. I found a partial build sheet for my Yenko Chevelle there. |
Re: 70 L78 Nova?
That's a standard black bench interior, I think Legendary is now making the correct seat covers. Make sure you check the upper section of the rear seat for the broadcast sheet - it won't tell you the engine code though, that was only through '69.
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Re: 70 L78 Nova?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LIBoomer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Wilma,
Here's the trim tag. And brake valve.https://www.yenko.net/attachments/use...2-dsc04404.jpg https://www.yenko.net/attachments/use...3-dsc04575.jpg </div></div> So the car was an October build...that brake valve is correct for that period...there were a number of changes mid year (approx jan/70)..your car would have the mechanical throttle arm...instead of cable. It appears there is little doubt this was a real BB car from the factory...that's the great thing about intact survivor type cars...hard to fake that kind of patina. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img] |
Re: 70 L78 Nova?
Wilma,
You are correct. This 10B car has the solid throttle arm. My 02B L48 car, has a cable. What knowledge do you have of this door panel? Is this standard 70 with the white horizontal? The L48 has wood grain. |
Re: 70 L78 Nova?
The standard vinyl interior would have a vertical white stripe on the door panel...the deluxe interior has the "faux" wood grain horizontal stripe. The standard interior would not have rear armrests and would have come with a rubber floor mat...no carpet. The attached photo shows the correct #731 interior, rubber mat and std. door panels.
https://www.yenko.net/attachments/use...5-img_3452.jpg |
Re: 70 L78 Nova?
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Re: 70 L78 Nova?
Wilma,
Looked at the interior again. The rear panels match the above style. There are arm rests in the back. I found remnants of carpet pile under the sill plates. Mid year change or different year? |
Re: 70 L78 Nova?
Ok. Just looked at a Nova catalog. That is the Deluxe Interior style. I suppose the interior could have been swapped which may explain the addition of buckets. Must have been done early in its life. https://www.yenko.net/attachments/use...8-dsc04458.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/attachments/use...9-dsc04455.jpg That roll bars been in there for a while. |
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