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Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
This is my new project for the near future. I've been looking for a nice rust free 69 Nova, to build a hot rod out of. No numbers this time, just a cool dependable fast, noisy driver.
Many of you know the car, that I got from Tom Williams. I know some may not like the idea of hot rodding an original car like this, but with a 6 cyl powerglide nova, I don't see an issue. I'll probably save the motor, trans, & rear, and stick it in a corner, so if and when the car is sold, the drive train will go with it. It will be driven around this summer, while I get parts together for a big block, 4 speed, change over. The body was a rust free survivor, with the original vinyl roof, interior, trunk spatter paint, etc. Tom did a cosmetic restoration. It was striped to bare steel, all the dings removed, and painted. I have a very long list of parts I need, but it should be a fun project. I already have the big block core, a new Auto gear M22, and some other odds and ends. The plan is to build a stock looking healthy big block/4 speed. Maybe some day 2 stuff, like a tach/gauges, cheater slicks, and who knows what else. Looking forward to some advise from the hot rodders here. I'm use to numbers and inspection marks, but not this time. I wanta go fast, make a lot of noise, and go cuuzing. I will post pictures as this project progresses. http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/...a/IMG_3459.jpg http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/...a/IMG_3027.jpg http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/...a/IMG_3036.jpg The floor were like new. The whole car is like this. http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/...a/IMG_0369.jpg Original trunk pan/spatter paint. http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/...a/IMG_3041.jpg |
Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
Here's the 1st project for the 6 banger-to- big block/m22 conversion. I found some very nice Gm clutch pedal parts, including the bell crank all the rods, switches. They look a bit rusty, but most of that is just dirt. I also found a nice floor shift steering column. It all goes in the blaster cabinet tomorrow, then paint, and will be put in storage, until they're needed.
http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps0da649ff.jpg Well, here's my 1st before & after shot. The hole in the bell-crank for the clutch fork rod was a bit warn and oval shaped. I made a little copper jig/tube to put in the hole, and Albert welded around the copper, to make the hole smaller/the correct size again, for the rod. Then some minor grinding and re-drilling the hole, and it was good as new. Then I blasted all the stuff (thanks Albert for the use of the cabinet) and painted everything. Soooooo, the fun has begun. The motor goes to the machine shop tomorrow evening. Lots of plans for that. Thanks to Bill Waters/Chris Straub for all the advise. We're looking for horsepower in the 500 range, with the combination in the plan, and some pocket porting. It should be a fun project. http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps4cbebe0c.jpg http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/e...psa468cf0a.jpg |
Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
Bill,
Congrats....looking forward to seeing this project. You are the right owner for this project [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] Dan |
Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
This should be fun to watch!
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Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
It sounds like a great plan Bill. I would also like to do 4spd conversion on the 69 Nova in the future, I'll be watching closely.
[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/3gears.gif[/img] |
Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
Looks like a good start Bill...but, I don't think 500 horsepower will be enough to get Albert's attention [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif[/img]
...of course in a light weight car like that Nova you should be able to spot him a car length or two and still catch him on the top end [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img] wilma |
Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
That car is beautiful, love the color and how clean it is.
Your plan sounds like a lot of fun, and looking forward to watching your progress. |
Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WILMASBOYL78</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looks like a good start Bill...but, I don't think 500 horsepower will be enough to get Albert's attention [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif[/img]
...of course in a light weight car like that Nova you should be able to spot him a car length or two and still catch him on the top end [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img] wilma </div></div> Someone please, video tape this grudge match [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] Dan |
Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
Can't wait to see this unfold. PLEASE keep us posted Bill! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/laugh.gif[/img]
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Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
Sounds like a great project. What engine/head combo are you using?
James |
Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
James, still not 100% sure on the engine details, but it will have the COPO/L 78 look to it, with a 163 intake, cast iron ex manifolds, smog, etc. I have an Autogear M22 sitting here with nothing to do. I'll probably stick a Moser 12 bolt in it. It should be a bullet proof drivetrain. We're looking for about 475-500 hp. No trailer queen this time. It's gonna be a fun car.
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Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
Been busy with the Nova project, although the car doesn't look any different. The machine work on the motor is done. Just need the cam and springs, so we can finish up the heads.
The floor shift steering column is done. So are the pedals, and clutch linkage. The new Moser rear came today. That thing is a work of art. I got it with 342's and an Eaton posi unit, with those strong Moser axles. Still lots to do to get ready for the drive train swap, but I'm way ahead of where I thought I'd be in early April. Here's a few shots of the progress. http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps3327ce96.jpg http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps58524824.jpg http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps5f13998b.jpg http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps41a5229e.jpg http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps236b1d20.jpg |
Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
Looking good......Keep those pic's coming
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Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
Bill,
Very Nice, does that Moser Rear End have a breather? Can you drill an original style breather into the same location, to give it that stock look. Dan |
Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
It does have a breather Dan, but not where I would have put it. It's on top of the left side tube, about 6" from the pumpkin. No one asked me where to but the hole, when they were designing the 12 bolts..lol...I'm not crazy about drilling a hole in the cast iron for a vent, but I wouldn't rule it out. They also don't have brake line clips, but I understand Inline Tube makes a repro, thats works. I'm doing this project to keep it out of the trailer, away from numbers, and paint daubs, but I seem to be drawn toward that world anyway.....
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Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bill Rose</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It does have a breather Dan, but not where I would have put it. It's on top of the left side tube, about 6" from the pumpkin. No one asked me where to but the hole, when they were designing the 12 bolts..lol...I'm not crazy about drilling a hole in the cast iron for a vent, but I wouldn't rule it out. They also don't have brake line clips, but I understand Inline Tube makes a repro, thats works. I'm doing this project to keep it out of the trailer, away from numbers, and paint daubs, but I seem to be drawn toward that world anyway..... </div></div>
Bill, I totally understand.....it`s very hard to walk away from that world of paint daubs, decals and numbers.... I trust you`ll make it "Right" and have fun! Dan |
Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
Got the rear done. Just need the brake stuff. Shoes, spring kit, cables, brake lines, etc should all be here in a day or two. Got a little more of the motor assembled, but still waiting for engine parts too.
http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/e...psd7b63029.jpg |
Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]
Dan |
Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Postsedan</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]
Dan </div></div> x2 |
Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/e...psd7b63029.jpg [/quote] art! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] |
Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
you have a nice rear end LOL
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Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
Thats a killer clean car to start out with,very nice.Will be watching for updates and pictures.
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Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
Do I get to drive it "once" when it's done? [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/3gears.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]
wilma [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/burnout.gif[/img] |
Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
will be waaay to stout for you Wilma.....old boy!
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Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
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Hey Bill,
I came by this picture from along time ago. One of the best built cars I ever owned. I sold it because I wanted a numbers cars. 20/20 hindsight, it was not one of my better moves. |
Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
Yea, 20 20 hindsight, I shouldn't have sold it. That was my 1st modern day restoration. I got that car in boxes. I had a lot of fun in that noisy hot rod. Thanks for the memories Mark...
I got into the numbers too. Built 2 numbers/trailer queens, and now I'm back to building this Nova. Lots of progress/not much that I can show with pictures. Spent the past several weeks building a motor. I have the big block all assembled, and ready for a coat of Chevy orange/maybe tomorrow... |
Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
I haven't done an update for a while. Not much to post pictures about, but I got a lot done in the past month or so. I pretty much got the whole motor built. It just needs a few external parts, like the smog system, fan, plugs/wires, etc. All easy stuff.
I have to send out a huge thanks to Bill Waters, who took me thru the whole engine build. He made the mistake of answering my 1st email about building the 454 I'd just picked up. From there Bill had great advise every step of the way, from the crank, rods, pistons, to building the heads, and everything else that went into this build. We have probably a hundred emails between us, from early morning, to late at night, every day since day 1 of this engine build. Bill also had to deal with my very stubborn demand that this engine look very "factory correct"....so no headers, aftermarket anything.....not easy to do when someone wants to go fast, but look stock!! Some engine details: Steel Scat crank, H-beam rods, forged low dome pistons, block and heads both decked, Chris Straub hyd roller, with Morel roller lifters, Cloyes true roller chain, and a Hays steel flywheel. Heads: 781 open chamber heads, were completely redone, with bigger valves 1.88/2.19...pocket ported, Scorpion rockers, custom length push rods.....long story in itself. Bill was very patient as I learned the process for correctly measuring rods. Then topped off with a 163 GM intake, and 780 Holley. Factory exhaust manifolds, but a free breathing ex system, to be determined at a later date. Here's a few shots of the almost finished engine. It should make the little Nova move a bit better than the 155hp, 6cyl thats in the car now. The M22 and rear are ready to go too. Not sure when the new drivetrain will go into the car, but it may be sooner than originally planned. http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/e...psd708a78e.jpg http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps5ebe50cf.jpg http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/e...psa7eaa97c.jpg |
Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
It won't be a "Granny" anymore [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif[/img]
wilma |
Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
This engine is going to get the smog set-up Bill?
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Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: [email protected]</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This engine is going to get the smog set-up Bill? </div></div>
Yes, it's getting the factory cast iron ex manifolds with smog. It will look like an L-78/COPO engine comp. Sort of a COPO Nova thing, with no engine size emblems on the body. Plain jane, big power plant/4 speed, 12 bolt. |
Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
Plain jane, big power plant/4 speed, 12 bolt.
_____________________________________________ Love it! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] Bill will you Dyno her? Who`s clutch and pressure plate? Hays? Dan |
Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
may have a tough time beating Albert with no tubes and the smog set-up. You never know though.
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Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
Actually, Alberts car is getting manifolds and smog too.
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Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Postsedan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Plain jane, big power plant/4 speed, 12 bolt.
_____________________________________________ Love it! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] Bill will you Dyno her? Who`s clutch and pressure plate? Hays? Dan </div></div> I'm probably not going to dyno the motor Dan. They'd probably blow it up. If anyone is gonna blow it up, it's gonna be me....lol... Not sure what clutch to go with yet. I have 2 Centerforce clutches. One is good, the other is junk. Maybe a Ram. I've heard good things about Ram. The flywheel is a Hays. |
Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
Hays has a good Street/Strip Clutch, look into Zoom too. I`m done with Centerforce.
Dan |
Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bill Rose</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Actually, Alberts car is getting manifolds and smog too. </div></div>You guys going to run that Pure Stock circuit? I have a Hays in my Z/28. No problems.
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Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
Bill...one word....Beautiful!
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Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
Bill & Dan,
Just curious, what are your issues with Centerforce? Regards, Gary Anderson |
Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: [email protected]</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bill Rose</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> </div></div>You guys going to run that Pure Stock circuit? </div></div>
I have no plans to drag race the Nova. This is just a toy to goof around with, but if I'm at a car show at a drag strip, I'd take it for a spin down the track and see what happens. I just prefer the factory correct look. |
Re: Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gary Anderson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bill & Dan,
Just curious, what are your issues with Centerforce? Regards, Gary Anderson </div></div> I have 2 cars with Centerforce clutches. One has a pretty bad chattering issue. The other one is ok. I just decided to try something different. |
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