1969 L78 396 Nova
 

I am restoring a 69 L78 396 Nova. I am still looking for some engine components for it, but I was wondering if someone could give me a complete list of part numbers (starter, brackets, pulleys, intake, distributor, etc) for a 69 L78. Also if there are any other signs of a Big Block Nova, that I may not have heard of. The car is a non-power steering, non-AC car. I have talked to a few guys on hear about this, but I just wanted a complete list of all of them. You can e-mail me at

[email protected]

or post on here. Please let me know if you can help and thanks in advanced.


Tyler

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

If it's a real L78 Nova, it better not have a/c!!

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

Love that blue, good luck and love to see pics along the way

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

I think GM thought better of trying to fit AC components in with a Big Block. haha
I have checked everything that points to a Big Block since I don't have the original docs, so I am 99% sure it is a true 396 car. Still trying to track down the original owner too.

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

Have you looked for any buildsheet?

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

[ QUOTE ]
Have you looked for any buildsheet?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, unfortunately there was no seats or gas tank when I bought the car. My only hope was the door panels and I found nothing.

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

It's not really a size issue with the a/c units, as the Camaro's received a/c with the 325 & 350 HP BB's. I just think GM cut the a/c option out of the selection list for the Novas to limit the extra parts, sort of like why the 325HP version was never offered in the Nova.

Have you done a title search yet?

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

[ QUOTE ]
It's not really a size issue with the a/c units, as the Camaro's received a/c with the 325 & 350 HP BB's. I just think GM cut the a/c option out of the selection list for the Novas to limit the extra parts, sort of like why the 325HP version was never offered in the Nova.

Have you done a title search yet?

[/ QUOTE ]

Interesting. I did not know that. Learn something new everyday I guess.

No I have not done a title search. How do you go about doing one?

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

Go to www.dmv.state.pa.us-pdotforms-dl_forms-dl-135.pdf

Fill it out, get it notorized, send in the $5 and see what you get!

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

Where in Pa. do you live? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

[ QUOTE ]
Love that blue, good luck and love to see pics along the way

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks! It is actually an original Frost Lime car. I am contemplating which way to go with the restoration The Fathom Blue with the Black top is sharp!

I have had it about 2 years, it is slowly getting there. I will post some more pics tonight.

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

[ QUOTE ]
Where in Pa. do you live? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I live about 20 miles Northwest of State College. Philipsburg is the town. What about yourself?

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

Souderton, Pa. 45 minutes north of Philadelphia.

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Love that blue, good luck and love to see pics along the way

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks! It is actually an original Frost Lime car. I am contemplating which way to go with the restoration The Fathom Blue with the Black top is sharp!

I have had it about 2 years, it is slowly getting there. I will post some more pics tonight.

[/ QUOTE ]

REPAINT IT THE FROST LIME COLOR!! THE CAR WILL BE KILLER IN THAT COLOR AND DEFINATELY UNIQUE. I HAVE AN ORIGINAL 70 L78 NOVA WHICH IS A CODE 10 WHITE CAR. I REPAINTED IT THAT SAME COLOR AND I AM VERY HAPPY I DID! I GET MANY COMPLIMENTS ON THE COLOR BECUASE IT IS DIFFERENT. THERE ARE SO MANY BLUES AND REDS OR BLACKS OUT THERE. NOTHING AGAINST THOSE COLORS BUT IT'S COOL TO BE UNIQUE PLUS IT IS THE ORIGINAL COLOR OF THE CAR!!

RICH

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

[ QUOTE ]

Go to www.dmv.state.pa.us-pdotforms-dl_forms-dl-135.pdf

Fill it out, get it notorized, send in the $5 and see what you get!

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks Marlin,

It will go out in the mail tomorrow!

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

You gotta go with the Frost Green, that is a killer color - check this one out:

http://www.wagnersclassiccars.com/index.html

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

That engine stamp on the Frost green Wagners car looks a bit funky to me. Comments.?

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

I agree,stay with the original frost green color.It's a color you don't see on novas much.Also,check to see if you have a single 3/8's fuel line going to the engine area.

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

I thought the "No A/C on solid lifter cars" was due to the need to remove the upper a/c bracket on the driver side in order to remove the valve cover for valve adjustment. Passenger side is no picnic either, with the suitcase in the way.

My Yenko Tribute was an original A/C car, and and I went with hydraulic valves in my L-72 so I wouldn't have to periodically adjust them.

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

I believe the no air in solids has more to do with the possibility of damage to the compressor at high RPMs, and some pulley issues in keeping the belt on.
Novaman, can you list the items that lead you to believe that this is a L78?
Maybe we can help you to find the answer. And Sammy, and bbbenny are right down the road. They'd give you a hand I bet. Also Sammy helped me get a frost green Z from that area a while ago. It's stayin frost green. In base clear, it looks very nice.

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

[ QUOTE ]
That engine stamp on the Frost green Wagners car looks a bit funky to me. Comments.?

[/ QUOTE ]

Looks a little weird thats for sure!!!! Great color,bad restamp.

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

Original color is the only choice for a real L78....that green with some steel wheels and dog caps would be awesome!

Do yourself a favor, don't get tied up with Sammy...he only understands small block cars https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif


wilma https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

I gotta cast a vote for Frost Green too. With or without the Vinyl Roof, the color is just too cool. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

I have a better pic of that pad.
Looks reasonable, but I don't have many Nova pads to compare it to.

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

Me too! I vote Frost Green.


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...o007Medium.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

[ QUOTE ]
I agree,stay with the original frost green color.It's a color you don't see on novas much.Also,check to see if you have a single 3/8's fuel line going to the engine area.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes it did have the single 3/8" fuel line. That is one thing that I noticed before I bought the car. L78 https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/headbang.gif

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

[ QUOTE ]
I believe the no air in solids has more to do with the possibility of damage to the compressor at high RPMs, and some pulley issues in keeping the belt on.
Novaman, can you list the items that lead you to believe that this is a L78?
Maybe we can help you to find the answer. And Sammy, and bbbenny are right down the road. They'd give you a hand I bet. Also Sammy helped me get a frost green Z from that area a while ago. It's stayin frost green. In base clear, it looks very nice.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, When I first talked to the fella who had the car, he swore up and down it was an original big block car. After buying the car I have located the previous owner. He never saw it with the original drivetrain, but he too said it was a 396 car from California. His story is that it was raced off the showroom, the original drivetrain was blown to pieces and the car was put away. (basically no rust for a PA car since at least 1980) I am working on going back further on the owners.

The things that lead to an L78 are:
3/8" single fuel line (I removed it for resto, but kept for proof)
Big Block Heater Box, with dated Harrison Heater Core (68J)
Correct Big Block Engine Frame Mounts (GM)
12-bolt Posi Traction Rear End (Unfortunately chopped a bit, but with a BT stamping: 3.55 posi
Correct BB radiator support. The radiator and hold down were long gone though.
All correct and original SS emblems, with beautiful original 396 emblems up front.
Disc brake car, with power Delco stamped power booster.
Bench seat car, w/ no console. (No tach in dash)
Umm. I think that is about it.

I am going to add some pics here. I do not know how to go through webshots so I will do it one at a time. haha

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

More pics, completed front subframe.

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

Thanks for all the input on the color as well. I was leaning towards the Frost Lime, but after the overwhelming support for it, I have officially made up my mind. Frost Lime https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/headbang.gif

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

Thanks for all the input on the color as well. I was leaning towards the Frost Lime, but after the overwhelming support for it, I have officially made up my mind. Frost Lime https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/headbang.gif My pics are too big to load this way. How do you load them the other way? I will def. get more up tomorrow!

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

Do you have the BB specific trans crossmember?

How many leafs are on the rear?

What's the full trim tag data?

Is there a proportioning valve on the subframe?

Any codes on the firewall, under the black paint?

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

[ QUOTE ]
I have a better pic of that pad.
Looks reasonable, but I don't have many Nova pads to compare it to.

[/ QUOTE ]

try this....

https://www.yenko.net/attachments/317172-tn_DSCN0969.JPG

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

and...

https://www.yenko.net/attachments/317173-tn_DSCN0968.JPG

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

knowing some of the history on that frost lime nova, i agree with kurt. when i saw the car it was very original, with doc and some owner history. i have no reason to doubt the cars authenticity, or the originality of the pad stamp https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/smile.gif

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

another

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

final

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

[ QUOTE ]
Do you have the BB specific trans crossmember?

How many leafs are on the rear?

What's the full trim tag data?

Is there a proportioning valve on the subframe?

Any codes on the firewall, under the black paint?

[/ QUOTE ]

The crossmember was not with the car. The tranny, which is not original was sitting on the floor of the car. I have since purchased a BB crossmember.

The car has 5-leaf springs with no rear sway bar. I have heard that the sway bar was a early 70 option for the F41, but that in 69 the F41 would have had 5-leafs and no sway bar?

The vin and trim tag is:

VIN: 114279WXXXXX

Cowl Tag: BODY BY FISHER
ST 69 11427 WRN378487 BDY
TR 731 59 B PNT
04B A 3


1969- Chevrolet- Nova- V8- 2 door sedan- Willow Run, MI

Black vinyl bench (standard) Frost Lime- Black vinyl top

April- Second Week- 1969

I do not think that it has the proportional valve. Were they welded on or bolted on? Where exactly would this be as well?

Unfortunately I already stripped the firewall before I heard about the codes underneath the paint. I could have stripped these off with the paint, but since I was not looking for it, I can not say one way or the other.



https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/frown.gif

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

How do you load the pics? My picture files are too big to attach? Thanks

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

how about the dual exhaust bracket on the left rear frame rail and the correct measurement on the heater box opening? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Re: 1969 L78 396 Nova
 

[ QUOTE ]
how about the dual exhaust bracket on the left rear frame rail and the correct measurement on the heater box opening? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

It does has the exhaust bracket on the drivers side rear frame rail. What are the dimensions on the heater box opening? Thanks to everyone for all of their input on this one!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/laugh.gif