72novadriver's 1972 Nova Project!

Hi guys, Here are some shots of my project car right now. I'll try to keep them updated regularly.

Goodies List:
LS3 480hp crate motor
D&D built 6 speed
DSE quadra link rear suspension
Fikse Profil 13 wheels
DSE hydroformed front subframe
6pt roll bar
z06 6 and 4 pot brakes

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/untitled.jpg
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/nancy1.jpg
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/nancy3.jpg
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/ls3web.jpg
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/speakerringweb.jpg
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/packagetray2web.jpg
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/trunkweb.jpg
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/nancy4web.jpg


Billy

That's wild. Looks awesome.

Hey Billy, wheres your shop at?

Billy, Hey its Yenko/SS from lateral-g. Glad to see you found the premier Nova site on the web. Great place to give and recieve info. Love the pro-touring look. Will it be ready this summer? Plan on attending Goodguys, Hot Rod Power Tour? Im just south of you in Dayton, Ohio. Hope to see car soon.

Project Nova

Hey Billy, wheres your shop at?

I'm over in Ortonville.

Billy, Hey its Yenko/SS from lateral-g. Glad to see you found the premier Nova site on the web. Great place to give and recieve info. Love the pro-touring look. Will it be ready this summer? Plan on attending Goodguys, Hot Rod Power Tour? Im just south of you in Dayton, Ohio. Hope to see car soon.

Project Nova

Hey, Yeah I was just googling some nova parts, and ended up at this site. I didn't know there was an all nova forum so I had to join. I'm hoping to have the car done by the second week in May for power tour. Then I have autox and track events lined up for it during the summer. we'll have to meet up some time.

[QUOTE=72novadriver;994029]I'm over in Ortonville.

Thats not far from me is Kid Rock your neighbor:rolleyes:

Thats not far from me is Kid Rock your neighbor

He's about 7 miles down the road from me:rolleyes:

The Power Tour is coming through Dayton with a stop at The University of Dayton that night for a cruise in. Hope to see the car there. I'll be in the green Nova that i've attached.

That's gonna be a nice ride.

Very nice ride! We need more pics for sure.

looking good. i really like the cage on it.

Thanks Guys, Here are some new pics of the rear seat/trunk divider I made.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/seatbackinnerweb.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/seatbacktrunkweb.jpg

The Power Tour is coming through Dayton with a stop at The University of Dayton that night for a cruise in. Hope to see the car there. I'll be in the green Nova that i've attached.

Nice looking Nova! Do you have any more pics of it? Thanks

Car looks awesome!! Do you have alot of ride height adjustment with the DSE stuff?? I like the car to sit as low as possible and have not seen many cars look as low as yours with the DSE suspension. Can the car sit lower than it does now? I am looking to start another Nova soon and am debating between DSE and Air Ride Tech. for the suspension. Thanks for the info!!

You do some great work.

Thanks!
You do have some height adjustment with the DSE stuff + or - an 1" probably for pratical driving. You can go lower but, then your shock travel is comprimised. Let me know if you go that route, I can answer any questions that might arise.

Love the way it sits.:yes:

I got the T-56 mounted and made a whole new trans tunnel from firewall to the trunk. Now i'm working on the seats. here are a couple new pics.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/tunnelweb.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/interiorweb21.jpg

Made a little more progress. Got the seats mounted, made a shifter, made the H-bar for the main hoop, and mocked up the pedals.

Heres a couple pics.




http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/pedalweb.jpg
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/Hbarweb.jpg

very nice work i was thinking of putting a roll cage in my nova but considering the old lady's little boys loves to ride in it its kind of dangerous but with the removable cross bar like in the pic Bellow could remove it so he can ride to is that sold in some type of kit
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/Hbarweb.jpg[/QUOTE]

very nice work i was thinking of putting a roll cage in my nova but considering the old lady's little boys loves to ride in it its kind of dangerous but with the removable cross bar like in the pic Bellow could remove it so he can ride to is that sold in some type of kit

Thanks,
The removable cross bar is all one off parts, but you should be able to get something similar from any major roll cage company.

Project looks great. What kind of rack do you have under the front end?

Thanks,
The removable cross bar is all one off parts, but you should be able to get something similar from any major roll cage company.

Not to be conflicting, but will the cross bar still serve it's purpose being that it is only pinned in place like that, behind the seats. I'm asking because I have a 4 door that I need to get creative with as well, to install a cage.

The build looks real good, they're doing a great job with the fab work!:yes:

Project looks great. What kind of rack do you have under the front end?

Thanks, the whole front subframe is from Detroit Speed. They use there own Rack.

Not to be conflicting, but will the cross bar still serve it's purpose being that it is only pinned in place like that, behind the seats. I'm asking because I have a 4 door that I need to get creative with as well, to install a cage.

The build looks real good, they're doing a great job with the fab work!

Since this is a dual purpose car the main reason for the cross bar here is for the harnesses to attach to so it will work fine. If however this was a dedicated track car that bar should be welded in along with some diagonal bar(s).

I haven't updated in awhile, been busy with a bunch of small things. Here are a couple of pics of what I did this past week. Made a mount for my battery mount and modified the LS3 oil pan to clear the DSE subframe. Then I added a kickout to replace the volume I removed from the front and added a little extra capacity. I also added in a bung for an oil temp sender.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/battery1web.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/battery2web.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/oilpan1web.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/oilpan2web.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/oilpan3web.jpg

Looks really nice!! I wish I had your resources!

Nice build; keep the pics coming!

Derek

Wow that is some advanced building right there! Great work

Thanks guys, I'll keep the pics coming as much as i can.

This car is going to be amazing, keep up the good work. Love the way this car sits!

Thanks!

I got the rear brakes installed tonight and made up park brake cable brackets.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/rearbrakeweb.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/Pbrakebrktweb.jpg

Nice brakes!
What rearend do you have in it?

Thanks!
The rearend is a Strange 9 inch.

I recieved the e-brake from Lokar today. Made a mount and installed it in the tunnel.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/ebrakehandleweb.jpg

Where did you get the brakes from?
I have a 9" with C5 brakes and would love to have the parking brake.

Where did you get the brakes from?

The parking brake brackets are from Kore3

A hand pull parking brake is something I always wanted to do to the Nova one day.....

Did some work on the firewall today: removed the factory gas pedal mount, and cut out the big wrinkles and replaced with a cleaner looking piece.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/dishout1web.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/dishout2web.jpg

The parking brake brackets are from Kore3

I figured you would say that. Got to get on the phone with Tobin.

I put the engine and trans in as well as a couple other things for preassembly mock up.



http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/sideshot1web.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/engine1web.jpg

hi there, nice car! if ok to ask, can you post some pictures of the new quaters panels you hung on it? or pics of while you were hanging the quarter panels? thanks much

You've gotten more done in three months than i've done in four years.
Keep it up because it's looking nice!

That is going to be a wild ride when it is done. I like the roll bar work. I noticed you had a modern master cylinder. What did you get if off of and can your hook 3/16 brake lines to it?

That is going to be a wild ride when it is done. I like the roll bar work. I noticed you had a modern master cylinder. What did you get if off of and can your hook 3/16 brake lines to it?

The Master cylinder and booster is a combo from Detroit Speed &Engineering, and you can hook your standard brake lines to it.


Mocked up the steering shaft tonight. It ran right into one of the tubes. After some cutting and fitting we had an alternate route.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/badheaderweb.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/goodheaderweb.jpg

Here is the dash.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/dashweb.jpg

Man that is going to be one sick ride I cant wait to see it done
Nice work!!!! James

this is just rediculous, and you are getting so much done so quickly:eek:

you know it's not fair to show all the tools and fab equipment you have, and how much you get done in a couple months cause some of us are in college and can only dream about working on they're cars cause they're stuck in class all day! :bored:
looks amazing though, great work!!:yes:

Thanks, Yep I know what you mean I'm in college too when I'm not there im working my day job, and dont get to work on the car until around 7pm. I just sacrifice sleep.:sleep:

Here are some random pics of this weekends work,

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/coresupportweb.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/radtopweb1.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/radtopweb2.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/condenserweb.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/dryerweb.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/dash2web-1.jpg

Did you make that guage cluster?? Wow, that is nice. Always wished we had other sources besides the plastic one that is available aftermarket.

BTW, I've been following your build on Lat-g since you first posted. It really is an amazing build. If I had half that fab talent I'd be in good shape :yes:.

John

Better pictures of the condensor mounting would be nice. Please. :)

I'm speechless!!! :thumbsup:

Did you make that guage cluster?? Wow, that is nice. Always wished we had other sources besides the plastic one that is available aftermarket.

BTW, I've been following your build on Lat-g since you first posted. It really is an amazing build. If I had half that fab talent I'd be in good shape .

John

Thanks John, but I have to give my buddy Jay at DSE props for the dash. He did an awesome job.

What a beautiful example of how a 3rd gen should be built. Understated, elegant but with boatloads of grunt! HOOYAAA!!!

Great Job!:thumbsup:

John

Thanks John, but I have to give my buddy Jay at DSE props for the dash. He did an awesome job.

Are they going to sell the dash?

Are they going to sell the dash?

I dont think there are any plans to. It was just a collaboration between my Buddy and I. maybe if we get a long enough list of people that might persway them:jumping:

Here are a few newer update pics. Got the vintage air unit mocked up and the controls in the dash. as well as a new fabbed gas pedal bracket.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/ACBRKTWEB.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/genIIweb.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/accontrolweb.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/gaspedalweb.jpg

Curious as to why you are not use the gen 4 VA system on such a high end build. The 69 Camaro kit is a direct bolt in. Even the Camaro switch pots work on Nova controls.

Curious as to why you are not use the gen 4 VA system on such a high end build. The 69 Camaro kit is a direct bolt in. Even the Camaro switch pots work on Nova controls.


The Gen IV unit is a very nice piece, but it's dimensions wouldn't fit into the build plans.

I love it and I can't wait until I get started on mine.

Love to check your thread, very interesting to watch. keep the pictures coming.:yes:

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/gaspedalweb.jpg

You're gonna run throttle by wire? When I drove a Z06 with this I didn't like it! Not as responsive IMO!

John

You're gonna run throttle by wire? When I drove a Z06 with this I didn't like it! Not as responsive IMO!

John

Yep, throttle by wire. I totally agree though John, they definitley don't feel like a good mechanical system. They just take some adapting to. On a side note My other Nova wont have it .:yes:

Recieved My gas filler today and slapped it in the tail panel.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/gascapweb.jpg

It's probably just me but that looks like it's smiling to me. The taillights are the eyes, the filler is the nose, and the U shape behind where the plate goes is the mouth.

This is really making me want to get on the ball with my engine bay!

It's probably just me but that looks like it's smiling to me. The taillights are the eyes, the filler is the nose, and the U shape behind where the plate goes is the mouth.


Hey it does:D

Yep, throttle by wire. I totally agree though John, they definitley don't feel like a good mechanical system. They just take some adapting to. On a side note My other Nova wont have it .:yes:

Recieved My gas filler today and slapped it in the tail panel.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/gascapweb.jpg

Oh s@#! You gotta show me more pics on the filler neck. Im gonna do the same thing. How you getting the neck through the floor,or are you going with a fuel cell? PM me if possible with any info. That looks killer.Nice work.

A 73-74 would be in this position too!

Hey Taz,I didn't think of that. :o

Got rid of the front license plate mount, and picked up some Katech coil brackets.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/newbumperweb.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/katechcoilweb.jpg

Oh s@#! You gotta show me more pics on the filler neck. Im gonna do the same thing. How you getting the neck through the floor,or are you going with a fuel cell? PM me if possible with any info. That looks killer.Nice work.

It is a rock valley 69 camaro lsx tank. It will be coming up through the trunk floor just waiting on a couple pieces to finish that up.

Sounds good. I'll be looking forward to seeing detailed pics on how you go through the trunk floor and connect to the rear panel.

Is your front clip narrower then a stock one? If not what size wheels and offset are you using?

You ride looks pretty sweeeeeet, too!:yes:

Is your front clip narrower then a stock one? If not what size wheels and offset are you using?

You ride looks pretty sweeeeeet, too!:yes:

Thanks, the front clip has the same track width as the stock one. The wheel specs are 18x8.5 with 5.625" Backspacing.

Thanks, the front clip has the same track width as the stock one. The wheel specs are 18x8.5 with 5.625" Backspacing.

At full turn my 16 X 8's w/5" of bs (tires) just hit the frame, that's why I was wondering how they/did yours.

Looks like an awesome build.I am subscribing to this thread.

At full turn my 16 X 8's w/5" of bs (tires) just hit the frame, that's why I was wondering how they/did yours.


What size tires do you have? On my old car with stock subframe I ran 17x8 with 5.5" BS with a 245/45 tire, and had no rubbing issues.

245 50 16, on my rims, I should measure the actual height, to see how tall they are.

Sorry for the Hi jack.

Modified the driverside fender inner lip to match the passenger side.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/DSC02939.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/DSC02940.jpg

The UPS guy showed up today with some automotive wiring jewelry. mil-spec autosport bulkhead connectors.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/asconnectors2.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/asconnectors1.jpg

Working on getting the inner fenders to work at ride height. While it was on the ground I thought I would snap a shot.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/nancy8thweekweb.jpg

Leaving the handles and mirror?

It will still retain all the handles and mirrors. The only thing removed body wise is the emblems and marker lights.

Still looks wicked cool:yes:

Hi guys, Here are some shots of my project car right now. I'll try to keep them updated regularly.
Billy

That 67-8 Camaro in the photo has the coolest wheel well measuring tool I've ever seen! Where in the heck did you get that?

That 67-8 Camaro in the photo has the coolest wheel well measuring tool I've ever seen! Where in the heck did you get that?

Oh the pizza cutters.lol..those are actually shop wheels for easy pushing and turning inside. Ill look up the company name.

Did you mini-tub the rear?
Do you have any pictures of the work you did? / quarters too?

Did you mini-tub the rear?
Do you have any pictures of the work you did? / quarters too?

Yes the rear is mini tubbed 295/35/18 tire. Also the quarters have been replaced. I'll see if I can find some pics of that for ya.

WOOHOO!.. some updates. Sorry things have been way busy. anyways, here are some newish pics of some stuff. While replacing the dash top we decided to just go ahead and make the car have an 8pt cage. Also we decided for what the cars going to be used for we should have some rear diff and tranny coolers so we started gathering ingredients for that addition. Got the driveshaft made and our Ron Davis rad came in.


http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/dashtopweb.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/8ptweb.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/mounts2.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/DSC03004.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/pillarmount1web.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/pillarmount2web.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/baybarmountsweb.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/diffcoolerweb.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/driveshaftweb.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/radiatorweb.jpg

Those are some great looking rollers:eek: I love the way you're going with the Nova! Are the Mustang and Camaro projects of yours too?

Working with those metal front liners are fun arent they..lol they really didn't give us alot of room to put a big tire up front, especially when we put these things on the ground....and drive them that way...

Those are some great looking rollers:eek: I love the way you're going with the Nova! Are the Mustang and Camaro projects of yours too?

Thank you, The Mustang is a friends car I'm doing and the Firebird is a customers car.



Working with those metal front liners are fun arent they..lol they really didn't give us alot of room to put a big tire up front, especially when we put these things on the ground....and drive them that way

Exactly, theres no room period. By the time I'm done with them there will probably only be about a 4" mounting strip left from the original.

Just getting around to seeing this thread. Absolutely amazing work! But your shop is a mess! You should hire me, I'm good with a broom.... and can't stand sitting in this same office for the past 14 years. I'll PM you my resume.

Just getting around to seeing this thread. Absolutely amazing work! But your shop is a mess! You should hire me, I'm good with a broom.... and can't stand sitting in this same office for the past 14 years. I'll PM you my resume.


Thanks Jay, Now if you said you were good with a broom and a Shop Vac we may be on to something.....lol

I have not looked a this post for some time. Your skills and vision is unreal, great great job:clap:

Thanks Jay, Now if you said you were good with a broom and a Shop Vac we may be on to something.....lol

I'm a sweeper, not a sucker. Job is too demanding. I'm sorry this isn't going to work out. Good luck finding another qualified candidate.

Finally an update!! Been working on the inner fenders for what seems like forever. Well their all tacked together now along with the bay bars. The inner fenders were widened about 2 1/4" and the inner section was raised atleast 4". Anyways here are a couple pics.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/passinnerweb.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/billyweb.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/driveinnerweb.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/baybarsweb.jpg

Thats the only way to do it...Damn fender liners. Mine have been worked pretty good and Im not even pushing that big of a tire up front...

Atleast your doing it right, most people give up and run ..well uhm nothing...lol

I LOVE THE RIDE... THAT THING IS GOING TO BE SICK!!!!!



IVAN :cool:

Very high Quality craftsmanship .

I have to say your vision is par with Foose.

Very nice work indeed!

Am I gonna get to see this thing at SEMA this year or what :D

John

Thanks Guys,

Am I gonna get to see this thing at SEMA this year or what

I wish I had the extra time to get it done for SEMA, but its looking more like winter time it will finished.

I give you mad props on this build:notworthy: If i had the time,money, and your genius, i'd probably have one helluva ride like yours. Keep up the great work and posts:salute:

damn! this thread is great! its a shame there are no books like this, with all the stages photographed and explained.

Finally an Update!! Started working on it again. In the process of packaging everything. The engine compartment is filling up fast with coolers, reservoirs and plumbing. Here are a couple shots.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/updateweb1.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/updateweb2.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/updateweb3.jpg

That is one full engine compartment. Looks great.

That is one full engine compartment. Looks great.


Thanks, Yes real estate to put things is running out.

Function over looks any day Billy...Looking good man!

This is by far the coolest Nova I have ever seen. Great project and great job. I have huge respect for a craftsman who will take on difficult tasks to achieve a vision. There is nothing more satifying than accomplishing a task that is difficult. Far too many give up on a dream because it seems too hard to accomplish. Hopefully I am as good at translating vision into reality as you are.

speechless:eek: can't wait for more updates

Made some small progress tonight. Fabbed up the Power steering Reservoir

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/PSTank1.jpg

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/72novadriver/PSTank2.jpg

Tuck that air cleaner in that fender as much as possible, mine is currently sitting right where yours is at and in 80 degree weather my under hood temps still caused the inlet air temp to be 118 degrees, LS tuner's recommend about 100...This is with un coated stainless headers though..

Just some food for thought

Tuck that air cleaner in that fender as much as possible, mine is currently sitting right where yours is at and in 80 degree weather my under hood temps still caused the inlet air temp to be 118 degrees, LS tuner's recommend about 100...This is with un coated stainless headers though..

Just some food for thought


Thats just the mock up tube so far to check for clearances. The finished one will be up in a closeout in the fender that will have an outside air source feeding it. Thanks for the info though it's good to know.

VERY nice work! Sharp car.

Thats just the mock up tube so far to check for clearances. The finished one will be up in a closeout in the fender that will have an outside air source feeding it. Thanks for the info though it's good to know.

Why I doubt you Ill never know..lol

Should have known better

Billy, that things coming along great. Amazing work!! Do you have any pics of the Rock Valley tank you're using and how you're running it out the back. I was debating about doing something similar to mine and then getting rid of the rear license plate indent on the bumper.

Billy, that things coming along great. Amazing work!! Do you have any pics of the Rock Valley tank you're using and how you're running it out the back. I was debating about doing something similar to mine and then getting rid of the rear license plate indent on the bumper.

Thanks Mike,

I have that part of the car apart right now, but will be reassembling it probably next week for final pre fitment and will take some new pics for you. As far as the rock valley tank goes. It's is just a 69 camaro tank for mini tub app with a in tank pump for an LSX engine. it bolts right into the nova tank location. All you need to do is connect the filler neck to wherever you like it. Hope that answers that question for you.

Thanks Mike,

I have that part of the car apart right now, but will be reassembling it probably next week for final pre fitment and will take some new pics for you. As far as the rock valley tank goes. It's is just a 69 camaro tank for mini tub app with a in tank pump for an LSX engine. it bolts right into the nova tank location. All you need to do is connect the filler neck to wherever you like it. Hope that answers that question for you.

I thought as much that it would be just connecting the filler neck. I was looking at getting one of the Rick's tanks and doing something similar. I have some ideas about running the filler neck, but I'm quite curious though about how you have the cap sunk in there and it I could do it with common shop tools. Unfortunately I don't have access to any specialty tools and am interested in what it took to fab that up. The other option, although not nearly as clean looking as yours, is a speedster gas cap, something like this: http://www.viciouscycleworks.us/khxc/ccp0-prodshow/speedster_cap.html Also, what did you do with running the filler tube through the trunk latch area? Thanks Billy...I really appreciate any advice you can lend.

Im wondering the same thing about the latch...Did you just run a filler neck hole through and gusset the latch support? or just move the to a two latch setup one on each side?

This is a really good thread. I've got to get a welder