Need advice/help on another Nova

[Gear_Jammer]

As I stated in my post about the Yenko clone, I've been looking for an old car for quite some time. Initially, I was only looking for a fairly turnkey hardtop 1968 GTO. Not perfect or a trailer queen, but rather a good solid driver. My requirements are that it has a His/Hers and either/both a hood tach and/or hideaways and the only colors I'm interested in are white, black, red or one of the blue colors. I found quite a few GTO's, but the vast majority of them weren’t really turnkey, had something wrong with them, weren't in a condition I felt comfortable with buying and/or were out of my price range. I want to spend somewhere in the $20K to $30K range, but may be willing to spend a little more if the right car comes about. I'm still looking for a GTO, but I've branched out my search to a 1968-1970 Nova. I've always loved them and have become more interested in them the more I search.

The reason I want a turnkey car is that I just don't have the time to devote to doing much restoring as I stay very busy with work, am married, have 3 young kids. As a result, my weekends tend to fill up, especially this time of year. It's not that I don't want to work on a car at all, as I know that isn't realistic and takes some of the fun out of having one of these cars, but I just don't have a ton of free time to devote to them. I’ve never owned an old car so my mechanical ability is somewhat limited, but my best buddy is knowledgeable and is willing and able to help out when needed.

Now that y'all know all of that, I've found this car on eBay - 1970 Nova on eBay. This compared to the Yenko clone I previously posted, is MUCH more like what I'm looking to get. I would really appreciate y'all looking this car over and letting me know the good, the bad and the ugly. Feel free to pick it apart as I don't own it or haven’t even bid on it. I've called and emailed the seller to see whether he will sell it off eBay, and if so, how much he wants for it, but I have yet to receive a response. My guess is that it might not be in my price range, but I'm really not familiar with what these things are worth as I just haven't done the research yet.

These are all the reasons I need y'all's help. Any advice, help, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

[Xplantdad]

Hood inserts (from a Camaro) are incorrect and I think the steering wheel is from a later model Camaro...looks like decent car.

I did the same as you and bought a done car...not enough time in the day to "do it all".

I am sure the more knowledgeable Nova folks will be along shortly! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]

[69Tom]

While I'm no Nova expert (actually I'm not really an expert on anything...haha) and can't comment on the eBay car, have you joined the Team Nova forum at all? I always wonder/am skeptical with completed/restored cars on eBay. Because unless you can get a documented restoration, you never know what's lurking and I've seen so many people get burned. Now, I'm not saying not to buy on there, but I'd try some other avenues first, personally. And I'd also try to buy a west/southwest car. Just my experience.

[Mr. Chevy]

I would go after a more original and unmolested car.. I just happened to be looking on e-bay this evening at Novas for sale.. I would personally go after cars like the ones for sale RE: item numbers 170616400165 &amp; 200588271923... Both of these cars look to be mostly original, REAL SS CARS, have paperwork and are not that badly priced IMO..

I don't know about that red one your looking at.. Looks to me like it has been molested some... Although it might be a nice car.. The red paint makes it pop..

Rich

[Xplantdad]

Here

and

Here!!!!

[Xplantdad]

Here's a Nova in a Harley Dealer... Not real clean...but says L78

[Mr. Chevy]

Thanks Bruce..

Rich

[Xplantdad]

Sure Rich!

[MosportGreen66]

Blue/white/ac/4speed/console/deluxe interior! Nice Nova...

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

That is a really good looking car! However, be cautious bec/ its been spiffed pretty hard.

Things to ask / look for:

1. Get a clean pic of the trim tag, we can tell you if all that fancy gingerbread belongs on that car or not.

2. Get a pic of the drivers side rear wheel well area, need to see the dual exhaust plate.

3. Ask for the paperwork, if there's only been 3 owners in 44 years there should be something floating. See if the Broadcast sheet was found in the seats.

4. Get a better look at the core support, it as the big holes for a/c.

5. The valve covers appear to have been clear coated and then turned color due to engine heat - or something...

6. Missing the fender liner dust shields.

7. Get the codes from the engine, trans and rear.

8. For the money, the carpeting should not be faded like that.

9. Steering wheel is definitely wrong.

10. The quarters have been replaced, at least the passenger side, because the full 'phone' is not there.

11. Seat belts look incorrect, they are the fancy brushed version, but are likely from another type of car as the retractors are not for a Nova bench seat car. The Novas had retractors through 06A of '70, but went sans in 06B.

12. These easy items are out of place, the side view mirrors, painted splash pan, repro rear bumper, rear speakers, no big deal on these things though.

Hope this helps.