Project: Hot rodding a 69 Nova

[Bill Rose]

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.







The floor were like new. The whole car is like this.



Original trunk pan/spatter paint.

[Bill Rose]

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.



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.

[Postsedan]

Bill,

Congrats....looking forward to seeing this project. You are the right owner for this project [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Dan

[Xplantdad]

This should be fun to watch!

[x Baldwin Motion]

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.


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[WILMASBOYL78]

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

[markinnaples]

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.

[Postsedan]

<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

[mockingbird812]

Can't wait to see this unfold. PLEASE keep us posted Bill! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/laugh.gif[/img]

[427.060]

Sounds like a great project. What engine/head combo are you using?
James