I would love to see and here about all yalls 4th generation projects. This includes Projects, Race cars/Drag cars, Finished Cars, any 4th generation pictures or storys are welcome. Im sure the rest of the members would love to read stories and/or see pictures of your car.
Thanks,
Chad
Nova76
19th-December-2004, 12:16 PM
This is a great idea for the 4th generation's to show off their cars. Well, I guess I'll start things out.
I factory ordered my Nova Concours in April 76, a 18 year old so excited that I drove past the dealership every day, checking to see if my Nova had arrived. When the big day came , there was a little problem.The driver's door had a bullet hole in it! Apparently when it was being transported on a rail car, somebody was shooting at the passing train cars and hit my Nova. The bullet hit the side beam inside the door skin and did not go all the way through, so the only damage was to the outer skin. The dealership asked if I wanted to re-order or to have the hole repaired. I had it fixed and still have the Nova today. Some unique features of my Nova :
- Nova Concours 2 door coupe
( less than 7 % of Nova's produced were Concours)
- Cabriolet roof
( less than 5% had Cabriolet roofs)
- Factory buckets
- Factory console + guages
( less than 1% had console guages)
- posi-trac, 2.73 gear ratio
Seeing as Concours was a "luxury" Nova, most cars were produced with a bench seat and column shifter.
Here's a link to some pictures of my Nova
http://community.webshots.com/album/234721307EcJIGf
Don
Nova76
20th-December-2004, 12:07 PM
Stovebolt
I re-posted a link to web-shots for my pic's. Let me know if if it is accessable now.
Don
DANNO
20th-December-2004, 02:53 PM
It probably will if you link the community version. You currently have your private one.
Dan (waiting to see your car) ;)
Ray_McAvoy
20th-December-2004, 09:39 PM
Here are some pics of my 77 --> http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ray_mcavoy/album?.dir=7124
After I finished the restoration of my 74 Nova, I started looking around for another Nova that would be suitable for a daily driver. My searching turned up quite a few rust buckets as well as a few high **** completed restorations. Then I heard about this 77 that was for sale. I actually found out about it right here on Steve's site (back when it used to be the old style format). It was right here in Maine (only a few hours away) so I went to take a look at it one weekend. While I was there I also got to see the seller's 72 Nova SS restoration project.
Anyway, the 77 turned out to be pretty solid (and 3 parts cars were included with the deal) so I decided to buy it. That was a little over 4 years ago and I've been using it as a daily driver (except in the winter) while slowly working away at fixing it up. So far I've done the following:
-rebuilt the engine (original 305).
-put in a rebuilt TH350 (car originally had a metric 200).
-rebuilt the front suspension.
-replaced the rearend (old one had some bearings starting to go bad and make noise).
-repaired the rusty trunk floor (welded in a patch panel cut from one of the parts cars).
-stripped the old paint off and primed the front fenders, hood, and doors.
-swapped the warning light instrument cluster for a gauge cluster I bought off eBay.
-had the seats re-upholstered.
It was originally silver with firethorn interior (same color combo as Don's 76). I plan on putting it back to its original silver color when I get around to painting it.
Nova76
21st-December-2004, 12:53 AM
Ray,Stovebolt, great looking cars.
It's nice to see pic's of 4th generations. I hope we can get more members cars posted so more people will see what we see in these cars. This was the last of the Nova's, lets keep them alive.
Don
Nova9C1
21st-December-2004, 08:33 AM
http://public.fotki.com/9C1Nova/nova_9c1/
Here is a link to photos of my Nova. It is an original 9C1, originally purchased new in July 1978 by Los Angeles County. The Nova's first assignment was to the District Attorneys Office, and was equipped with a red light, siren, radio, and shotgun rack. This was an undercover car, and never a marked patrol vehicle. Originally the Nova was light metallic blue, and after it's tour was completed with the D.A., it was taken in as a County pool car, repainted white, and eventually assigned to the County Library Department, where it remained in service for over 20 years! Finally, the county bean counters caught up with it and decided it was time to send the Nova to auction where I bought it. From information by my L.A. County sources, I am fairly positive it is the last known 9C1 Nova Los Angeles County owned! After I bought the Nova at auction for well under $1000, I had the rear axles replaced, tuned it up and drove home to Maine from L.A. with no problems except for having to replace a tired old battery and some wipers. The Nova will be restored to as it was when in service with the D.A.'s Office.
Yep, it sure is not working... Well let's try this link, and if that does not work, I don't know what to do!
http://public.fotki.com/9C1Nova/
Zoom
21st-December-2004, 10:02 AM
I'd like to post pitcures of my 76, but I have to borrow my brothers digital camera. Then I have to borrow someones web host. :D
Nova76
21st-December-2004, 11:23 AM
Kyle
That's great that you are going to restore your Nova. I like that they left the spotlight still on your car. All you need now is the red light for the top. I don't imagine there are many 9C1's left anymore.
Don
69gofast
21st-December-2004, 11:46 AM
I don't own one anymore, but just to say it was my first ever car. A bright yellow 76 with a 305. Loved that car. Put some big ol' 50's on the rear, a new 4 bl carb and a floor shifter and a fm radio with big house speakers in the back seat........................LOL gotta love the high school days.
1977Chad350
6th-January-2005, 02:29 PM
My Project 4th Genration (http://stevesnovasite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=68892#post68892)
Rahzelo_hx
13th-January-2005, 10:04 PM
How i got my 75 SS Nova, well it was xmas eve ever one was sleeping except my Mom and Step-Dad. They woke us up at 5:30 am to do xmas i was like wow .... well they pulled back the blinds and there it sat with all its glory http://www.cardomain.com/member_pages/show_image.pl?fg=999999&bg=000000&migration=1&image=http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/4/web/760000-760999/760837_5_full.jpg http://www.cardomain.com/member_pages/show_image.pl?fg=999999&bg=000000&migration=1&image=http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/4/web/760000-760999/760837_2_full.jpg http://www.cardomain.com/member_pages/show_image.pl?fg=999999&bg=000000&migration=1&image=http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/4/web/760000-760999/760837_1_full.jpg I was shocked and stunded.
This car was oringanly my moms before it was mine but she bought it from a guy. He had just blown up the engien so it was no use to him at the time she had another nova not a ss but a nova she traded her nova for his and he gave her some cash. Well he never paid the rest of the cash so now she had both cars ^_^!!!! The motor in my car came from a old chevy that was a race car used in the raceing style called "bump to pass" (you have to hit some one atleast once around the track ever lap) So i don't have the oringal motor but this thing is well SWEET ^_^
~Fin (The End)
75novacaine
22nd-May-2005, 12:00 AM
hi all. ive been on this site for awhile and ive wanted to post my own story for awhile but i didnt have pics. now i have pics. thanks stovebolt.
anyways, when i was 16 and just got my liscense i purchased a 75 4 door nova with a 350 that had one cracked head on one side of the engine and a blown head gasket on the other side. i bought it cuz it was cheap and all i could afford. i rebuilt it and it ran great and i was the envy of many fellow high school kids cuz my car was fast, although ugly. after being rebuilt, it had 2 diff head casting numbers, a summit 224@.050 cam, performer intake, carter afb 600 cfm carb, headers, accel supercoil and dual 2.5" glasspacks. to this day, ive still not had a car YET that provided me with the unforgettable memories that i made in that car. but time waits for nobody and eventually that car got older and worn out and i buckled to the rising gas prices and purchased a 6 cyl car to replace it. the guy who bought it did so only for the engine and i knew, while i was watching that car being loaded onto a flatbed, a chapter of my life had been completed.
years passed and although i had a couple hot rods during that time none "grabbed" me like that first nova.
then, in november of '04, out of the blue, i bidded on a 2 door LN on ebay and won the car. i went to pick it up 3 days later. i talked to the guy on the phone and since this was my first ebay purchase, i got a walk through on how the transaction would go. basically, i said id be paying with cash and driving it home. he(chuck p.)said the car would be waiting. after 6 hours of driving one way i finally arrived at the address i was given only to not see the car anywhere in sight. right away i was nervous, thinking i was about to be mugged for the money i had on me. so i rang the doorbell and chuck hit the button for his garage door opener.
this is strange to have an epiphony about a car, but thats exactly what it was. AS the garage door opened i, for the first time in person, laid eyes on the most pristine, beautifully restored nova i've ever seen. im telling you it looked like the guys at OVERHAULING had finished the car just a few minutes before. it was brown, which i am not normally a fan of. but this car "grabbed" me. although it was totally restored to almost stock, i didnt see it for what it was. i seen it for what IT WOULD BE. chuck provided me with receipts for everything he had done to it, and the only deviations from stock was the wide tires and 4 brrl carb. since that day ive been methodically building a parts pile in my dining room with visions in my head of a stock appearing car with the heart of a racer. that heart will measure 400ci, have AFR 195 heads, 1 3/4" headers into 2.5" dual flowmasters, a racey 700r4, and 4.10 posi. there isnt a day that goes by now that i dont scheme for ways to get this car to completion in the quickest amount of time possible.
but before i can do that, i have to thin the stable of hot rods ive built up over the years. anyone looking for a 383 s truck or 78 malibu rolling chassis(donating its 400, alum rad and slapshifter) or g-body perf parts?
Can't beleive I haven't posted in here yet, I have everywhere else. Been a member since last year. It was may of 2004. My dad had owned a 67SS for about 2 years. Saw it in the auto trader and flew from ONT to NB to get it. Bought it sight unseen and drove it home. Now this is a sweet car, red, 327, 4spd muncie (tight ratio) and 12 bolt posi. We were coming home from somewhere, I was pissed that day, and he took me for a boot. Driving home, saw a Blue 76SS that had been for sale in the hometown for 4 years. Never really knew what kinda muscle car I wanted, but I had crashed my truck a year before and was currently driving a 73 Super Beetle. Don't get me wrong, it was a fun car to drive, BUT, in the winter, with only a gas heater, and 165s on teh wheels, its not fun. We stopped in to look at the car. Its baby blue silver (like on corvettes, not sre of the colour). White vynl top and sat pretty nicely given its age. Seller was in the driveway and came to us right away. popped the hood, and I saw a clean 350 with headers. No leaks, etc. Said it was all original, painted once, and interior done once but too original specs. On the plus side he said they found the build sheet in the springs under the front seat and was with the car. Now I was loving this car, it sounded tight, it looked good, and was the same colour as my beetle (chicks dig it :cool: ). The key factor yet is that I had not looked inside the car. The owner got out (second owner in fact, I am the third, and the first was a woman who lived in North Carolina). I looked in the car and saw the stick shift! Unreal, an original 350 4spd novaSS to go along with the old mans 67ss. I bought the car before driving it, and got in ad loved every minute of it. Gas milage doesn't bother me, I just like to hear the whine of the gears and engine as I rocket around. Nothing beats owning one of these. PLEASE take alook at the pics and let me know your thoughts, if you need closer pics let me know :)
Pics avail soon!
Sweet76SS
6th-June-2005, 01:14 PM
Ok, she's washed and oiled... here's the pics
http://home.cogeco.ca/~woody3/Nova/
Please COmment! :D
Nova76
6th-June-2005, 07:36 PM
Sweet76SS
Your car looks great. I am glad to see that you left everything as origional and did not remove the factory console or the "Cabriolet Roof". That's what makes your car unique and one-of-a-kind. The padded roof was part of the era in the 70's,as was hood pins and rear window louvers of the muscle cars.
Don
MaitlandTron
29th-July-2005, 02:17 AM
One day I decided I needed a car and went to buy an auto trader. There I saw an ad for a 1976 2-Door Nova w/250 L6. Also came with a rebuildable 350 long block and a parts car with no motor. I went to see it the same day and bought it. It needed the transmission replaced, which I did the next day. Used the tranny from parts car. Its been along time now and I have done alot of work both inside and out, and I am barely finishing up body work. I do have a 350 sitting in it now.
My Father bought it new in 1976
I bought it in 1979
I Pro Streeted it in 1989
It has a 12 bolt narrowed rear with 4:56 gears and posi, Had,Turbo 350 trans with Shift Kit and Super Holeshot B&M convertor Now it has a Bowtie Overdrives Level 3 200 4r ,It runs a 350 Small Block for now with all the dress up goodies, All stock with Catalyistic convertors, Due to Emissions Laws in my Home State. Had a killer Big Block in it until a few years ago but had to switch for emissions reasons. Hope to put a 502 in it in Future. Paint was redone 2 winters ago and wheels updated same time Run 14x15 Torque Thrust 2s on back with same in front but 6x15 Back tires are Hoosiers Pro Street Radials 31x18.-15 Front are futuras
Add My WebShot Pics of the last 3 years of car and repaint and carshows I attended with it
My Pics (http://community.webshots.com/user/pronova76)
TheEmissary
31st-August-2005, 07:01 PM
My mom purchased a used 75 Nova coupe (3 on a tree/250) back in February 1976 as a replacement for a 65 Chevy II 4-door. The vehicle has been in the family since, and was once driven when I was in high school. Since 1997, it has been parked in the garage after a grenaded 350 totalled a $1500 powerplant.
Since then, the squirt job (done back in 1988) has been abused to the point where I have considered turning my vehicle into another art car. I have been working on the vehicle since June 2001, usually on and off, and lowered in a rebuilt 305 (from my other art vehicle) along with a THM350-C tranny (also rebuilt with new parts). As of this writing, the interior has been stripped awaiting a rewiring job, along with a tilt column salvaged from a derelict 75 Ventura.
Current status - under construction (future plans include Vortec 520s or 059s in place of the 601 cylinder heads on a rebuilt 305, along with a 700R4 swap and 30X9.50R15s on 2 derelict Chevrolet truck rallies (will consider the use of Cadillac Seville axleshafts).
Novajay
13th-September-2005, 01:40 PM
Hi everyone,
As another newbie, I'd like to say hello to all the 4th gens as well as all generation Nova folks.
My first car at 16 was a base 2 door '78 6 cylinder that had a 3 speed column shift with the rear pop-out windows. Dad ordered it in silver with a black interior and 2.73 posi rear. I still remember when he picked it up from the dealership and went directly to the gas station. (Back then, they only gave you 1/4 tank of gas. The rest was up to you!)
Dad used the car to tow a 15 foot bowrider from home to the water (about 20 miles.) He parked the car in 1985 after getting a bigger boat and realizing he needed a bigger engine. Needless to say he found a 78 305 4 door, and the 2 door was mine a year later.
First partial resto I learned the bad and ugly of bondo and not having a good place to paint. Second resto I learned the good about a partial quarter panel (other side got a full replacement thanks to some dude in a Chysler blowing a stop sign) and bad about rivets. This time paint was a little better after having it sprayed by a professional.
Sadly, I had to part with the car when I lost storage but am currently looking for a replacement.
Thanks to all who host, moderate and participate in this site. Keep up the excellent work!
NovaResource
13th-September-2005, 02:26 PM
My story (taken from the May 1997 issue of The Nova Times):
I have always been a car nut for as long as I can remember. My first encounter with Novas came from my friend Chris Wood. The first car Chris ever owned was a '73 Nova with 307 V8. First we added a 4bbl and dual exhaust. Then came a 350 and a posi rear. When I started looking for my first car, all I wanted was a Nova because I was so familiar with them. Chris and I worked at a gas station at the time and one day this old lady came in and told us that she was interested in selling her Nova. I bought it from her for $800 in 1988 with 33,000 miles on the odometer. She had gotten it in 1981 with 16,000 miles when her brother (the original owner) passed away. Except for a bad carburetor and a sagging rear, it was in good shape. The original color was silver but the lady had it painted gray a few years before. The body had no major rust but was starting to show signs in the lower quarter panels and under the back windows.
I replaced the leaf springs and the 1 bbl carburetor on the 250 straight 6 to get it running healthy and level. New quarters were welded on and other little imperfections were fixed. The car was left in multiple shades of gray primer due to the lack of funds to get a good paint job.
As a car nut and a drag race fan, I wanted to find out how quick my Nova was. In stock condition it ran a best of 17.9 at 76 mph in the quarter mile. This was too slow for my taste. At around 50,000 miles I hot rodded the 250 a little with a 390 cfm Holley 4 barrel on an Offenhauser aluminum intake, a 1965 230 cid cylinder head, a .502" lift Crane cam, Hooker headers, and a 3.42 open rear from a 73 Nova.
It ran a best 16.1 at 84 mph with all the changes I made. Not bad but still nowhere near the 14 second range I was looking for. As hard as I tried it would not break into the 15's. I drove it like this for a while until I got fed up with 5 liter Mustangs kicking my tail. With 80,000 miles now on the original block and pistons, the poor 6 was becoming tired. The last 30,000 were really hard with all the changes I had made. The time had come for a more appropriate power plant for my quarter mile desires.
In 1992 I put in a rebuilt small block from Speed Equip Engine Shop in Andalusia, PA. It's a 69 Camaro 327 with a 66 L79 cam and stock heads. I also installed a TH350 trans from a 71 El Camino (rebuilt by Jerry's transmission) with a shift kit and a 2500 B&M HoleShot converter. Later that same year I installed a 3.90 posi rear built by Wayne Jack Rearends in Johnstown, PA. The exhaust system consists of Hooker headers and a Flowmaster Force II system. The Flowmaster system is listed for 67-74 Camaro/Firebird and 68-74 Nova but it will also fit 75-79 Novas as well. It has a 2 1/2 inch aluminized H pipe, a single 2 chamber dual inlet and outlet muffler (that fits in the stock location up and behind the rear axle) and 2 1/2 inch aluminized tail pipes.
The interior needed some going over so I installed a new carpet from Auto Custom Carpets. I salvaged bucket seats from a 81 Monza and had J&J Seat Covers reupholster them and the original back seat. I installed them with a 76 Nova console and a Hurst Pro-Matic 2 shifter. To reduce the weight I replaced the hood with a fiberglass cowl induction hood from Unlimited Fiberglass. I also replaced the bumpers with fiberglass duplicates from VFN and I added Weld DragLite-II wheels. For traction I relocated the battery to the trunk and installed Lakewood traction bars. The Competition Engineering subframe connectors and Mickey Thompson Sportsman Pro tires also help the car run 13.5 at 102 mph. Now it had some power but it still needed paint.
http://www.novaresource.org/humble/humble10.jpg
From May until August of 1994 The Uni-Body Shop Inc. in Philadelphia dismantled the body, removed all glass, sanded it down to bare metal and painted it the original shade of silver (GM code 13). The parts department of Bryner Chevrolet in Jenkintown, PA found me numerous small items such as door handles, tail light lenses and bezels, weather-stripping, body bushings etc. to make the finishing touches. Although mine is not an original SS car, I learned that a 76 SS Nova was only a stripe kit and SS badges that could even be ordered with a straight six. Because of this I found a Rally Nova grill and added Nova SS emblems. Future plans for the car include better heads (aluminum, 64cc chambers with 2.02"/1.60" valves) and detailing the engine compartment more.
Hi all, guess I will take this spot to introduce my project. I was working on a '83 Caprice as kind of a cheap version of a Mercedes E55, and then a friend took me out for an open track day at Buttonwillow Raceway (road racing). I was hooked, and the Caprice was on it's way out because of it's weight. I had a pretty nice front suspension and brake setup, so what better car to put it on than a nice light 4th gen Nova?
I found my project on Craigslist- $150 for a clean shell of a 1977 hatchback. I towed it home, cleared up the title, and now I'm in the process of stripping it and prepping for paint. Here's some pics. (http://members18.clubphoto.com/brian812566/3284396/guest.phtml)
I think that I will be building this a little differently than most folks here, I hope I'm not thrown out as a heretic! Straightline performance is fun, but I'm one of those guys that enjoy getting around the corners fast too! With that said, this car will be built up to handle, with performance first and looks secondary-"plushness" is way down the list! It will be used as a street car primarily, so the build-up will be a balancing act. I'm hoping to keep the weight around 3000 pounds, I'd be curious to see if you think that is realistic.
Here's some more pics, (http://members18.clubphoto.com/brian812566/guest-1.phtml) so you can see the front brakes and some of the crazy guys I hang around with.
Looking forward to learning as much as I can here!
Brian
SSuperNOVA
25th-September-2005, 08:21 AM
Hey everybody. Just joined this forum, figured id post a little about my 4th gen.
I have a 1976 Nova 2dr. Im guessing it was one of the cheapest models you could buy because it had no emblems at all on the car, and its not because somebody shaved them because I have had the car all the way to the metal and saw no body filler or places they may have welded up. It also does not have back up lights, or wiring for them. When I first got the car it was lowered. I couldnt stand it when it was lowered, it drug on everything in sight. I pulled a reflector up out of the road once. It was dragging my mufflers and headers flat, I said to myself "this **** has got to go". For the front end I just put stock nova front springs under it (mine had been cut), and put all new bushings under the front. Then I had to set the rear up, since it looked like it was doing a wheelie going down the road. Whoever owned the car before me had welded 3" blocks on the rear end to make it sit lower. They were welded in badly and made the rear end set out of alignment making the car vibrate. Not only that, but the shocks (right where they bolt to the plate) wore the inside of the tires out. So I took the rear end out and cut the blocks off, didnt have to worry about finding new mounting plates and U-joints...the traction bars I bought took that place :) . I went ahead and added some 4.88's while I was at it, the car already had a LSD.
This is the 2nd of 3 4th Gen Nova's I have owned (btw im 19), this is the only one I still have. The first was a 1976 2dr I ended up trading to my cousin for a 77 camaro and he later trashed the nova out and ended up pulling the engine for a s10 v8 swap and the nova ended up being a dirt track car sadly. The 3rd was a 1978 2dr nova custom. My other cousin ended up with it, same story....ended up trying to fix it up but really trashed it, blew the engine and long story short ended its life as a dirt track car. I dont think im going to do any more trading to family. Im also going to hang onto this nova and make sure the same thing dont happen to it.
It has a 350 4 bolt main, with a few "goodies" such as 2.02/1.60 valves, 280 dur. .490 lift comp cam, edelbrock intake and carb....etc. Has a TH400 with a B&M shift kit backing that up, and following the transmission up is a posi trac 8.5 10 bolt with a set of richmond 4.88's. The car is painted competition orange, looks good but since I had no nice paint booth I had some overspray...im going to fine sand that off and put a few more layers of paint on soon. Here are just a couple of pics, its currently orange...so most of these other pics are older ones ill have to get some new ones up soon. I need a bigger aircleaner, but dont have much room. I put a carb spacer on but took it off because I couldnt run a air cleaner and close the hood.
Playing around (burnout)
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/389000-389999/389116_315_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/389000-389999/389116_316_full.jpg
Older pic while primed black, water can really make primer shine lol:
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/389000-389999/389116_332_full.jpg
Just a couple I took during body work and paint...good excuse for me to take a break :cool:
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/389000-389999/389116_432_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/389000-389999/389116_439_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/389000-389999/389116_459_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/389000-389999/389116_461_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/389000-389999/389116_457_full.jpg
BTW: How many Novas had metal trim around the side window's instead of "chrome"? The other 2 novas I had, had chrome, and most novas I see around have chrome. This one has metal trim though.
1975ssnova
26th-November-2005, 11:35 PM
Got mine from a buddy's brother,Worked on it for 3 year's to get it in it's current condition.A bundle of money and time and this is what she look's like today.http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y240/1975ssnova/novabefore.jpg http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y240/1975ssnova/bill%20georges%201975%20super%20sport%20nova/newnova3.jpg
75novacaine
27th-November-2005, 10:54 AM
holy crap what an improvement!
jade76
27th-November-2005, 09:56 PM
I bought the car for $200 early in 2003. I always wanted a car I could build myself, and it was a good project to get my mind off my divorce at the time.
It didn't have a motor or tranny and was only missing the headlight bezels and a headliner. The body was in great shape with only minor rusting around the passenger rocker panel, driver side floor board, and lower core support.
I immediately had a vision of my dream car, not knowing at the time how difficult that would be to achieve with original parts. I set out to rebuild my car from the ground up. Her name is Jade, because of the color scheme I had in mind for it, and now my daughters name.
I originally had some help when I started. They painted the engine compartment Red and began the body work, but when I realized they were more interested in doing their way, and parts and supplies came up missing, I decided that it was time to do it myself if I wanted it done right.
http://www.gen4novas.com/images/76nova/76 Nova Project 006.jpg
I added all new suspension including 6 leafs in the rear, fully rebuilt 350 (2nd motor- cracked the block on the 1st one) with Comp Cams Magnum Series 292 cam and valvetrain, Edelbrock RPM Airgap Intake and Holley Street Avenger 670cfm carb, Summit 50,000volt HEI distributor, Proform Electric Water Pump, and Derale 4,000cfm dual Electric fan and , Summit headers and dual 40 Series Flowmaster Mufflers through Summit X-pipes.
http://www.gen4novas.com/images/76nova/76 Nova Project 010.jpg
I also added power steering and brakes (originally had manual), and all new rotors and drums.
I still have the original 7.5" 10-bolt 2.73 rear-end which I'm hoping to swap to an 8.5" 3.42 or 3.73 gear. A Ford 9" would be nice, but don't have the knowledge or money to convert it.
For the interior, I removed the front bench seat and added racing buckets. Since I have swapped to 70 Camaro buckets. I also redid the gauge console and will probably redo it since I'm not satisfied with it:
http://www.gen4novas.com/images/76nova/76 Nova Project 012.jpg
I'm still in the process 3 years later, and still having fun building it. It still needs new paint, but I'm saving that for last. I'm living by the rule: "Take your time, and get 'er done right!"
It's definitely been an adventure so far with many ups and downs, but I know the finished product will be well worth it when it's done. I definitely have to finish it, cause I can't sell it (More in the engine alone than what I can buy a complete SS for, lol).
Green Dragon
17th-December-2005, 02:37 AM
Well, where to start..... " new to the list but not to Nova's "
there's the current car, a 1979 2 door, 355 LT1 (an original 1970 corvette LT1 block,with 11.5:1 pistons,currently running dart sportsman heads,performer RPM intake and 750 Edelbrock carb,TH350, and a 5:13 12 bolt rear, best ET 12.24 @ 118 .
Has not been out on the track all year due to other commitments,etc, maybe next summer.
My current project is a 'low-buck' G-machine based on a 'restified' 1976 Nova Medalist. more info and maybe a few pics to follow.
I've been a 4th generation Nova fan forever (15+ years), and always took some ribbing for likeing those ugly new models :-) , even from my brother who only likes 1973-4 big bumper cars ( he has 3 now).
have owned many, some beaters (75 Nova S),some other projects / race cars (75 hatchback,327,Th350 with brake,5:31's), and many parts cars,etc along the way.
I also currently have a 1977 Nova Rally that I purchased in 1990 with 54,000 miles - 305, TH200,no guages,bench seat,open rear - currently has just over 100K on it, been kept up and stored winters,etc but Ny rust is taking it's toll - doors and rear wheelhouses all rotted out, as well as the front floorpans and dash top .
being the rally package was a 'decor' option more than performance, been thinking of parting it out - save the rally equip for a possible down the road project, then use the freshly rebuilt (springs,shocks,urethane bushings,etc) front end for my 76.
Just hate to see it go, after 15 years it's sort of part of the family, so sad to see it in such bad shape.
Well, enough rambling for tonight, glad to find the board, and look forward to getting to know my felow 75-9 Nova nuts !
~ AL
SSuperNOVA
18th-December-2005, 12:24 AM
"I've been a 4th generation Nova fan forever (15+ years), and always took some ribbing for likeing those ugly new models :-)"
I know what you mean, when I first got into Nova's (I was mostly into 50's/early 60's cars) when I was 15 (only 5 years ago :cool: ) I had one of the only 4th Gen Nova's around. The only 2 door that I knew off...a few rusty 4 doors were around but that was it. Nobody around my area really fixed them up. Only cars 74+ chevys that got fixed up nice were monte's and camaros. I have see more and more around lately though. They are catching on. I like 4th gens because they look nice, have alot of potential...and are relatively cheap if you can find them because not many people fix them as compared to other cars.
BUT anyway. Thought id put up a few newer pics of my car since my last post didnt have a good pic of it currently. I also put a stock 350 4 bolt and a TH350 with a B&M shiftkit in...since my old engine got a bad case of the rattles. The rest of the specs are the same. It needs a good bath though, I just sprayed it off to get some of the pine needles off of it....oh what I would give to have a nice shop or garage to put it in.
My 76' SS Origional owner 350,4spd (orig th350)http://photobucket.com/albums/f270/NOVA-SS/?sc=1
4GOTTEN1
23rd-March-2006, 07:14 PM
Here is a before and after picture of my car. I bought it in Feb. 01 for $900 and this is what it looks like now as of Feb. 06. I am now in the process of having the sidemarker lights filled in.
I have had this car for roughly 15 years. Bought it at a party for $300.00
Had fixed it up back in 92. Got in a wreck. I will post the first picture later. Rebuilt from wreck, shortly after that the clear coat yellowed. Sold it a buddy of mine, he kept for 10 years, did nothing to it, bought it back from my buddy in pieces. Am now rebuilding.
Trying to do a frame off without actually doing a frame off. I'm not rich and I enjoy doing all the work myself. Built the motor from scratch, it is a '74 350 4bolt main. Built for 300hp, going to be a weekend cruiser. It will be silver with blackout trim and racing stripes on hood and trunk. Wheels will be 2000 SS Camaro wheels 255/45/17. Have billet wheel adapters to do the offset. They look bitchn. Custom Sir Micheal's taillights, shaved, fiberglass smoothy bumpers. Kind of a retro modern look? I think is looking good so far. Here is a link. Hope you like....
I finally finished my 78 after a year of waiting. Now all I need is some paint.http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j110/nova_cody78/Picture082.jpghttp://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j110/nova_cody78/Picture085.jpg
78cody350
30th-April-2006, 03:52 PM
Sorry the pictures are so big. Im still trying to get the hang of all this.
Stan D.
28th-June-2006, 05:23 PM
Here are some current pics of my '76.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j4/Stanley2fast/06Moparwinpic.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j4/Stanley2fast/CopyofHCFRI050618copy.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j4/Stanley2fast/Stan06.jpg
lior_baruch
30th-June-2006, 06:17 PM
Hey All,
I'm Lior from Israel, owner of a 1979 Nova Rally, currently with a 350CID engine, with a TH700 Trans.
welcome Lior.
for some reason when i think of Israel i always picture in my head people riding bikes, and NOT driving american iron.
hopefully one day ill be lucky enough to visit Israel. and if im really really lucky ill catch the eye of one of those beautiful women of Israel you got over there. id trade you an american woman for a woman from your country any day lol.
supernova76
3rd-July-2006, 03:08 AM
What's going on guys I am new to this site so forgive my mistakes. I am currently stuck in the sand box they call Iraq. Back home I have a 1976 Nova and right now it has a 355ci small block, th-350 w/ 2500 stall, and a 8.5 10 bolt with 3.73s. I am looking at getting a 454 and a th-700r4 after I get home.
Nova Bob
3rd-July-2006, 04:45 AM
Hey stan d you have a very bad a-- looking nova! you woundnt happen to have another cowl hood like that lying around would ya? that things only got a 357huh?pulling the front wheels,,cool.
Stan D.
3rd-July-2006, 12:07 PM
Yes it is only a 357 but not stock...550 hp and 460 ft lbs and 3300 lbs of car. I don't have another hood laying around but glassteck will have them, that is where I got mine. I will try to take some pics of the engine and get those posted pretty soon.
Thank you for the compliments.
aaron_warshaw
26th-July-2006, 11:32 PM
I just bought a 75 nova 2dr sedan with a 350 small block. I already own a 96 civic and I dont ever wanna drive that piece of crap again..(the honda). It has 66k original miles and no rust a california car made at a distant plant. I cant wait to get to work on it and right now im paying it off for 1250$ I got 500 down and he let me have already. this car is freaking awesome and despite the earlier a body muscle cars this one is just my style but Im 21 so I guess it skipped my generation perfectly. I will post pictures 2morrow.
Good looking nova, gotta like the color blue. I remember having that all white interior......glad to have gotten rid of it.
Stan D.
19th-September-2006, 10:48 AM
Here are some pics of my little mouse
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j4/Stanley2fast/P9170073.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j4/Stanley2fast/P9170072.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j4/Stanley2fast/P9170071.jpg
novaboy009
19th-September-2006, 01:11 PM
What's up with the water pump? It's a mechanical pump driven with an electric motor? I've never seen that set up before.
Kev
bighappy
19th-September-2006, 02:25 PM
What's up with the water pump? It's a mechanical pump driven with an electric motor? I've never seen that set up before.
Kev
Open a Jegs or Summit catalog. Theyve had em for years.
Stan D.
19th-September-2006, 03:35 PM
Kev,
It is the lower budget way to go vs. the elect. pump. That victor JR. pump will flat flow water and this set up works great for me.
DriveWFO
19th-September-2006, 03:44 PM
Open a Jegs or Summit catalog. Theyve had em for years.
He doesn't get out much :eek:
Stan D.
19th-September-2006, 03:49 PM
We can learn something every day....some just have more learning days than others.......
I tend to have a lot of them.
Stan D.
27th-September-2006, 06:45 PM
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j4/Stanley2fast/stan3MA14339630-0003.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j4/Stanley2fast/stan2MA14339630-0002.jpg
Just a couple more pics of a different variety.
Nova Bob
28th-September-2006, 05:33 AM
shes looking good,,,,stan.mines a 76,red in color,tan int,(not my favorite)centerline tel-stars all way around,and im going to get a 4"cowl hood,semi-gloss black for now.possibly putting in a speed-o-motive 383,dynoed at 486h.p.for now with a #511 400sbc on the back burner.wish i could get some pics,but no digital camera,one of these days!
bighappy
28th-September-2006, 09:57 AM
Is it wrong if I get a stiffy every time I see Stans car?:eek: :D
Stan D.
28th-September-2006, 11:18 AM
Look all you want but remember she goes home with me and sleeps at my house!
bighappy
5th-October-2006, 11:03 AM
Hot damn! I finaly stepped out of the 80s and bought a digital camera. Ill post up some pics of my "turd" as soon as I figure out how to use the thing.
Nova Bob
6th-October-2006, 03:20 AM
hey bighappy,,congrats! i must still be stuck,i still dont have one.your only 2.5hrs from me,,come take some of mine also.lol
bighappy
6th-October-2006, 08:35 PM
Cool. Next Thursday Ill be in Chicago picking up a motor and trans. Ill be half way there. :rolleyes:
Nova Bob
7th-October-2006, 04:21 AM
yer getting a chevy motor i hope! i have a 357 4-sale,,only 550.has been completely rebuilt by jasper
bighappy
7th-October-2006, 08:40 AM
235 6 cyl. w/powerglide trans. Freebie. Im picking up a 327 for the Nova on Sunday afternoon. Did some work on the guys truck in trade for the engine. I guess Im a junk collector. Ive got 3 350 blocks, one complete 350, a th350 & now Im getting 2 more engines & another trans. Some day Ill stop. Yeah, when people stop giving me stuff.
Green Dragon
13th-October-2006, 07:15 PM
Kev,
It is the lower budget way to go vs. the elect. pump. That victor JR. pump will flat flow water and this set up works great for me.
Stan,
do you street drive the car much ?
any problems with the electric pump-drive overheating / keeping up ?
been thinking about an electric pump ( or the drive you have ) myself, but been apprehensive, as my car will be a semi-daily-driver ( weekend warrior which will see mid-week street time) , so worried about overheating.
~ AL
Blue70
15th-October-2006, 12:43 PM
Hello everyone..
I just found this site and am happy to see that others are working on 4th gen Novas :D
I juat picked up this 78 Nova. A friend of mine wanted the engine I had built for a 1970 Camaro I was selling, so I swapped it out and gave it to him.. after a long period of non payment (I was in no rush :p ) I picked up this body as payment for said engine..
The current owner is taking it to the track one last time this month then pulling out the engine and transmission everything else stays with the car.
Hi guys,
Well, as promised, here are some pictures of my high school sweetheart. Well the one that didn't break my heart. :)
Plenty of good memories in this car. Sorry for the poor quality of the pictures, these are over 20 years old.
Got this car shopping with my dad 2 months before my 16th birthday 1983. $1350
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/5/4/5/3/0/webimg/16272701_o.jpg
Notice that the grille is missing. It was that way when we bought it, replaced it from the dealer, I remember so clearly that it was $150, BRAND NEW! those were the days...:) At least my dad was a mechanic, and I got it for dealer price.
After the grille replaced, same paint, not much but a good cleaning to this point.
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/5/4/5/3/0/webimg/16272690_o.jpg
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/5/4/5/3/0/webimg/16272691_o.jpg
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/5/4/5/3/0/webimg/16272692_o.jpg
Then, because I knew everything, like every other 17 year old, I decided that it would look better BLACK. summer 1984
It did a little, but now I wish i had kept it blue. hindsight 20/20
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/5/4/5/3/0/webimg/16272695_o.jpg
High School Drags, at the then Bonneville Raceway, now Rocky Mountain Raceway RMR, SLC UT. Anyone know where I could find another one of those "HiJacker" Rabbit Window stickers.
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/5/4/5/3/0/webimg/16272698_o.jpg
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/5/4/5/3/0/webimg/16272700_o.jpg
It wasn't the fastest thing out there, I think my best run was just under 14, still not bad for a 305 with a modest cam upgrade, intake, carb, headers, and exhaust. I did replace the 3spd with a rockcrusher 4spd, hurst shifter.
The only interior picture I ever took of this car. Check out the custom dash cover, and air freshener. Don't be too harsh, it was 1984 remember.
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/5/4/5/3/0/webimg/16272703_o.jpg
Then the sadest day in my life at the time. Sell day. 1987 :( Never did get around to putting the Red stripes and SS badges back on.
I forgot to mention before, that I sold this car to pay for a WEDDING RING!!!
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/5/4/5/3/0/webimg/16272704_o.jpg
Well, I got divorced 6 years ago, and I remarried a wonderful girl that helped me find my vindication.
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/5/4/5/3/0/webimg/16011690_o.jpg
Thanks Babe. :)
Footnote:
The 76 SS went through 2 owners after me, and I found it at a pawn shop a few years after, broken down and looking rather sad. My heart broke.
Still married and broke, I couldn't afford to get it from the pawn broker right then.
I kept my eye on it trying to raise the money to get her out of hock and get her right again.
Finally, when i had the money, I went back and she was gone.
Thats when the story finishes with the scrap yard.
The scrap dealer was such an ***, an extra couple of hundred wasn't worth his time to get her from where she sat, and so she ended up crushed.........:(
Stan D.
8th-November-2006, 07:29 PM
Al,
Sorry about just seeing your post but I have been without internet for a while and have been busy at work so haven't been on for a while.
I do not drive the car on the street anymore. It is still street legal, including licensed and insured but it is not very street friendly so I can't give you much in put as to how it would work on the street.
speedfreak78
21st-November-2006, 11:36 AM
love the car stovebolt hopefully myng will look as good when its done.
aaron_warshaw
28th-November-2006, 04:36 AM
reo8rally that seriously makes me sad. I hate that part at the end of a story where they jerk a tear from your eye. man.
another one bites the dust....
mazer78
7th-December-2006, 07:47 PM
here's my 78. i bought it 9 years ago when i was 15, it was my first car. when i bought it, it was a rusty brown color, but i quickly went to torch red before i turned 16. it had a stock 305/350 at the time and i got sick of that boat anchor realy fast, so i started with a 350, but being a 17 year old, i knew everything (or so i thought) and decided plasti gage was for suckers. i was wrong. the car sat for a year blown up before i finnally put my firsts 383 in it. i kept that one for a couple of years, then pulled it to make room for a bigger power 383. this engine was in for a little over a year before it was time for another change. i pulled it to paint the car silver. i looked at the engine on the stand and thought, while it's out let's make some changes, so it was time for a 406. so that is where it stands as we speak, GM ultra silver, original black bench seat interior, 4.10 10 bolt, centerline wheels, with a
th350 backing a 675hp street 406 small block. the th350 is comming out this winter to be replace with a built 700r4 with a 4200 stall, also the hood will be painted to match the rest of the car. (i couldnt wait to get to the paint store for the rest of the paint when i ran out so i just left i primered so i could drive it)
sorry about the picture quality i took them when it was getting dark, but heres a link.
http://custom.autos.yahoo.com/gallery/photos-car-18101;_ylt=AvBxUkG.r6AUzFDqWjj_95m70ckF?photo_cat= all&start=0&sel=1
TNshadetree
8th-December-2006, 04:04 PM
Hello Gentamens,
I got this 76 hatchback from one of my parents friends. They always bought new Chevy's and I'd already missed out on their garage kept 71 Chevelle when they sold it to a neighborhood kid, who of course wrecked it. Anyway, we bought the Nova for $400 and my wife and I raised the kids in it. She also used it like a truck for years while she catered weddings. About a year and a half ago she backed it into a fire hydrant guard and folded the drviers quarter in terribly. It wasn't worth enoug to pay a shop to fix it, so I dove into myself. After doing all the bodywork and patching the wheelwell rust, I decided the ugly beige car deserved a new color. I went with a 69 Camaro color Glacier Blue I always liked and figured a cowl hood and Chevelle style SS stripes would give it the flair it needed. Boy, it's sure worked! I can't hardly buy gas anymore without answering questions about it. Heh, maybe the worlds finally starting to realize that the ole 4 gen cars are pretty good platforms.
Hope you guys like it. These pictures were when I'd just rolled it out of the booth and hadn't put on the sport mirrors or even windshield trim. It looks better now, but these are the best shots I have at the present. To busy driving it!
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e240/TNshadetree/Picture008.jpg
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e240/TNshadetree/Picture007.jpg
StoveBolt
8th-December-2006, 06:52 PM
Good looking car shadetree, I'm like'n it. only thing the headlights look a little dim, I changed to these and it really brighten up the front.. who is the maker of the hood.. looks good
http://www.frontiernet.net/~irishhills/tribar.jpg
http://www.frontiernet.net/~irishhills/tribar2.jpg
Novajay
9th-December-2006, 12:37 AM
Nice job, Shadetree. Cowl hood and the badging looks cool. Have fun with it!
Nova Bob
9th-December-2006, 05:57 AM
nice ride shadetree,,,i think alot of people like 4th gens when their fixed up.i just cant understand why the aftermarket thinks nobodys interested??from what ive seen around my area these cars are somewhat rare,you just dont see many at all.
TNshadetree
9th-December-2006, 09:10 AM
The hood is from Unlimited Products in California. Could they have chosen a more generic name?
http://www.up22.com/nova75.htm
It fits well once installed, but I was really surprised when I found that the hinge mounts were like an inch different from the sides. It looked like the support rib part of the hood was misalighned when it was attached.
I thought seriously about complaining and sending it back, but this was my second attempt to get one. The first got run over by a forktruck after making it all the way to Tennessee from California and it took weeks to get it. I figured if I sent it back and went through the whole refund process and waiting to get a new built up (they make them only once ordered) it would have added at least 6 weeks to my paint schedule.
So I added fender shims behind the drivers hinge and then still had to bend the hinge arms to get it to fit. Between shipping across country and the low tension springs I think I ended up spending over $350. But I'm still glad I did it. Sure makes a difference in the whole look.
Blue70
6th-January-2007, 01:39 PM
Just some updated photos, and a couple videos
now that the car is moving under it's own power
I even put it on the road..
now I just need some headlights to get an inspection sticker :D
Sitting at idle
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y175/entrefal/Video/th_MOV01477.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y175/entrefal/Video/?action=view¤t=MOV01477.flv)
and driving away
(pissing off neighbors I am sure)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y175/entrefal/Video/th_NovaRoad.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y175/entrefal/Video/?action=view¤t=NovaRoad.flv)
ron c
18th-February-2007, 09:09 PM
hhttp://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w174/mrlatemodel78/100_0035.jpgttp://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w174/mrlatemodel78/100_0034.http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w174/mrlatemodel78/100_0034.jpgjpg pics of my 79
ron c
18th-February-2007, 11:09 PM
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w174/mrlatemodel78/my%2078/100_0036.jpg http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w174/mrlatemodel78/my%2078/100_0028.jpg http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w174/mrlatemodel78/my%2078/100_0027.jpg pics of my 78 nova, my first car,has 330hp 350ho, with 200r4, with 2.73s
KEITH'S75CUSTOM
23rd-February-2007, 07:14 PM
heres mine 75 custom, and 77. But i got to warn you i love the 4doors
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l193/kennanke/IMG017.jpg
now the 75
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l193/kennanke/IMG019.jpg
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l193/kennanke/IMG010.jpg
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l193/kennanke/IMG005.jpg
and 77
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l193/kennanke/IMG018.jpg
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l193/kennanke/IMG022.jpg
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l193/kennanke/IMG006.jpg
and finnally lets see them rears:D
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l193/kennanke/IMG015.jpg
Black_Metal
31st-March-2007, 11:19 PM
I heard about this black 4-speed nova in the wrecking yard near my place. I thought it was the same car that friend picked up a couple of years ago for parts. I decided to check it out anyway... and picked up before it got crushed! For a $100!
Just got it documented by GM and it's a real black SS 350 4speed. Its a rolling rusty shell, but still cool!
http://inlinethumb14.webshots.com/3853/1159341870036182338S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1159341870036182338VvDtxr)
I needed a parts car to complete it. I remembered being in a yard looking at some impala, that also had a 78 Nova. I drove to the house and asked if his nova was for sale. He said a kid already asked to buy it a day ago. But was going to pay him on friday. I told him to call me if the kid didn't stop by. On Saturday I got a call saying I could buy it! For $200! I was there in less than 20 min. As I was loading it he said that there was extra parts... I figured crap... out he came with buckets, rally rims, console, grills, bezels and a tach dash!
Got it home and got the 305 running!
http://inlinethumb64.webshots.com/4287/1416599367036182338S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1416599367036182338dBCZuO)
Screw using it as a parts car! Im driving it and looking for another!
Also picked up the SS grill and bezels at a swap meet for $75...wow!
Blue70
1st-April-2007, 12:10 PM
I heard about this black 4-speed nova in the wrecking yard near my place. I thought it was the same car that friend picked up a couple of years ago for parts. I decided to check it out anyway... and picked up before it got crushed! For a $100!
Just got it documented by GM and it's a real black SS 350 4speed. Its a rolling rusty shell, but still cool!
I needed a parts car to complete it. I remembered being in a yard looking at some impala, that also had a 78 Nova. I drove to the house and asked if his nova was for sale. He said a kid already asked to buy it a day ago. But was going to pay him on friday. I told him to call me if the kid didn't stop by. On Saturday I got a call saying I could buy it! For $200! I was there in less than 20 min. As I was loading it he said that there was extra parts... I figured crap... out he came with buckets, rally rims, console, grills, bezels and a tach dash!
Got it home and got the 305 running!
Screw using it as a parts car! Im driving it and looking for another!
Also picked up the SS grill and bezels at a swap meet for $75...wow!
Damn, great deals! :eek:
hangman11
2nd-April-2007, 02:02 AM
hi i have a beautiful 75 nova SS with a big block im trying to get some pictures on here with no success..any help would be appreciated..
76SSweden
6th-April-2007, 08:24 AM
Here is a picture of my 76SS from last year.
http://www.novasallskapet.com/Galleri/vartraff06_88.jpg
It's from the annual spring meet with the "swedish nova society"(???)
http://www.novasallskapet.com/
I have better pictures, but i dont know how to post them.
JasonE
17th-April-2007, 10:41 PM
Heres some pics of my 1975 nova. My first car, and favorite.
I would love to be able to post some progress pictures of my 75 Nova but I cannot figure out how to post them on this site....:o :o :o
Larry at Papas Nova
papasnova
22nd-April-2007, 08:52 AM
Hey everyone,
I would love to see and here about all yalls 4th generation projects. This includes Projects, Race cars/Drag cars, Finished Cars, any 4th generation pictures or storys are welcome. Im sure the rest of the members would love to read stories and/or see pictures of your car.
Thanks,
Chad
I would love to post some progress pictures of my 75 Nova but I cannot figure out how to post pictures on this site...:o :o :o :o
Larry at Papas Nova
JasonE
22nd-April-2007, 10:01 PM
Here are some more pics. I know its rough, but what do you guys think?
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u22/JasonE23/IMG_3064.jpg
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u22/JasonE23/IMG_3057.jpg
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u22/JasonE23/IMG_3047.jpg
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u22/JasonE23/IMG_3038.jpg
bighappy
23rd-April-2007, 01:44 PM
A little rough?! Mine has holes in the quarters you can stick your hand in. I like the color but dont like the stripes. The wheels fit the era well but the back ones are a little too far out by todays standards. Id like to get a tube grill like that for my 78. Over all that looks like a darn good driver. Any plans for it?
JasonE
23rd-April-2007, 06:58 PM
A little rough?! Mine has holes in the quarters you can stick your hand in. I like the color but dont like the stripes. The wheels fit the era well but the back ones are a little too far out by todays standards. Id like to get a tube grill like that for my 78. Over all that looks like a darn good driver. Any plans for it?
The paint is 1984 corvette yellow, the stripes actually used to fade from red to black, but its a little weathered and worn off. If I can ever save enough money, I have alot of plans for it. Everything needs redone, bodywork, engine, interior etc... I definitely want to repaint it corvette yellow, I am not for sure if I am going to paint the stripes back on. I want a 4 inch cowl induction hood. Its got a stout 350 now, but I want something with more horses. I will keep it automatic. I have not decided on wheels and tires yet. Its got a 10-bolt 1974 Z-28 rearend thats got 4:11 gears. Believe it or not, as I am shifting through the gears, those big mickey thompsons loose traction. I dont have any wild interior ideas yet. The grille is actually off of a chevy truck, the previous owner made it himself so it would fit the nova. You definitely dont see that grille very often on 4th generation novas. The current exhaust setup is: glasspacks right off of the headers. This car gets so much attention, it is a real head turner. If the exhaust sound, yellow paint, and big tires doesn't get your attention then the dixie horn will. :D I know, the big tires and dixe horn are a little out of style, but it works for me. And thats the most important thing.
kimer
3rd-June-2007, 03:34 PM
Folks,
Better late then never.
IMG]http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/kimer/PICT0037.jpg[/IMG]
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/kimer/HPIM0170.jpg
Hey all!! Got to playing with my wifes new camera today and thought I'd share some pics.Their all in the Garage because of rain.:(
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o227/Jeremy77nova/IMG_0010-1.jpg
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o227/Jeremy77nova/IMG_0015.jpg
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o227/Jeremy77nova/IMG_0011.jpg
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o227/Jeremy77nova/IMG_0002-2.jpg
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o227/Jeremy77nova/IMG_0014.jpg
StoveBolt
14th-July-2007, 10:55 AM
Nice Car !!!! Jeremy. love the stance.
Mankind
22nd-July-2007, 01:19 AM
great pics jeremy also love the stance!!
novaboy
12th-September-2007, 10:08 PM
Here's my 78. :D
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/orangenovaboy/thestart.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/orangenovaboy/Scan239.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/orangenovaboy/Scan244.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/orangenovaboy/anotherorange.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/orangenovaboy/kindafront.jpg
ratnova
20th-October-2007, 12:24 AM
I purchased my Nova in April of '77 and picked it up May 13.It was a 350 4 barrel,with a Saginaw 4-speed.It was black with a firethorn interior,bucket seats with a counsel.I drove it in 2 Wisconsin winters and started storing it after that.It recieved alot of upgrades thru the years-headers,600 holley,Edlebrock Manifold,3:73 gears,Muncie M-21,snorkel hood scoop,interior redone twice.Then I really changed it-a 454 big block with a big Lunati cam,headers,Performer intake,850 Holley,Pete Jackson gear drive,roller rockers,added a 6 point rollbar and a Glasstek 4 inch cowl hood.It won a lot of awards and was fun to drive.Now it is being redone one more time-I painted the whole undercarriage,added tubular a-arms,ladder bars,coil over shocks,Ford 9-inch(4:77 gears)fuel cell,four wheel disc brakes,Ron Davis aluminum radiator,electric fan and water pump,a built powerglide with a 3500 stall converter,aluminum racing buckets.It is in BODY SHOP HELL OR BODY SHOP JAIL should be out sometime this winter.This summer I was looking for a new hot rod and came across a '75 Pontiac Ventura...with a 388 Chevy small block.It is a very clean car from NC,it had recent paint and interior and ran 12's.My friend I were talking and thought that it would be cool to get all 4 body styles of X bodys.So as I am looking at cars on the computer I find a '75 Olds Omega,in Denver.went out and was a little disappointed but bought it anyway.I put whels and tires on it and dual exhausts with Flowmasters and buffed the paint and it now looks cool,replaced the carb and tuned it up now it runs great..it's a 260 Olds V-8.Now I have 3 of the 4 body styles.On ebay in August and what do you think...find a one owner Buick Skylark...350 4 barrel turbo 350 and an interior that is just the cleanest thing that I have ever seen,,,so I ended up going back to Denver to get the Buick.Now I have a Nova and 3 cousins.Check out the cars at: www.cardomain.com/id/ratnova
KEITH'S75CUSTOM
20th-October-2007, 12:30 AM
I purchased my Nova in April of '77 and picked it up May 13.It was a 350 4 barrel,with a Saginaw 4-speed.It was black with a firethorn interior,bucket seats with a counsel.I drove it in 2 Wisconsin winters and started storing it after that.It recieved alot of upgrades thru the years-headers,600 holley,Edlebrock Manifold,3:73 gears,Muncie M-21,snorkel hood scoop,interior redone twice.Then I really changed it-a 454 big block with a big Lunati cam,headers,Performer intake,850 Holley,Pete Jackson gear drive,roller rockers,added a 6 point rollbar and a Glasstek 4 inch cowl hood.It won a lot of awards and was fun to drive.Now it is being redone one more time-I painted the whole undercarriage,added tubular a-arms,ladder bars,coil over shocks,Ford 9-inch(4:77 gears)fuel cell,four wheel disc brakes,Ron Davis aluminum radiator,electric fan and water pump,a built powerglide with a 3500 stall converter,aluminum racing buckets.It is in BODY SHOP HELL OR BODY SHOP JAIL should be out sometime this winter.This summer I was looking for a new hot rod and came across a '75 Pontiac Ventura...with a 388 Chevy small block.It is a very clean car from NC,it had recent paint and interior and ran 12's.My friend I were talking and thought that it would be cool to get all 4 body styles of X bodys.So as I am looking at cars on the computer I find a '75 Olds Omega,in Denver.went out and was a little disappointed but bought it anyway.I put whels and tires on it and dual exhausts with Flowmasters and buffed the paint and it now looks cool,replaced the carb and tuned it up now it runs great..it's a 260 Olds V-8.Now I have 3 of the 4 body styles.On ebay in August and what do you think...find a one owner Buick Skylark...350 4 barrel turbo 350 and an interior that is just the cleanest thing that I have ever seen,,,so I ended up going back to Denver to get the Buick.Now I have a Nova and 3 cousins.Check out the cars at: www.cardomain.com/id/ratnova
thats just cool. nice rides btw. but now you need 4 doors of the same.:D:D:D
matt's77nova
29th-November-2007, 06:28 PM
i love what yall did to yalls cars they look great
Kyle844
2nd-December-2007, 07:45 PM
OK first of all i am now 16 and have owned 2 nova's. Most of you will get the impression that my dad helps me or knows about cars or we have large amounts of money. <---WRONG!! I aprentice at a local transmission shop and know more about cars then any of my family, which mkes me laugh sometimes. When i was 13 i went out and bought a 1978 nova 2dr hatchback, body was rusted out and it had a 305 that was filled with water. After tinkering on it for about a year i had a new motor in and had it running. Its a 350, rebuilt, gear driven, cam, edelbrock intake, edelbrock carb, headers, dual flowmasters that dump befor the rear axle. A week after i put the new motor in a found a 1977 nova 2dr that had a perfect body and no motor or trans. So i had my shop build me a 350 with a shiftkit pieced together by 3 different companys. Now i think i break my neck whenever it shifts!! pulled my new motor out of the 78 and stuck it in the 77. My grandpa was a body man for over 50years so i sent my car to him to have it prepped for paint, bought a 4" fiberglass cowl hood and now i'm savin for paint. Relocated the battery to the trunk. Getting a roll cage with in the next 6 months, have a sb400 waiting for forced induction.
SLOOOWWW!! 15.4 before i put msd ignition and rebuilt my hei with hotter coil and what not. Had traction bars but i bent em. In the process of fabbin up some new ones. Hopin for in the 14's once i get the traction bars on and take it back to the track in spring. By then maybe i'll swapp out my 3.08's for some 4.11's,posi, and slicks =] but then again its like a 3300 lb car? and on the street motor. Once i get my 400 done it'll do alot better at the track.
Kyle844
2nd-December-2007, 09:34 PM
I have ran under 10 sec in the 1/8th but can't find the slip hahaha so closest to that is 10.107sec in the 1/8th at 72.12mph...2.412sec in the 60'
hk76
2nd-December-2007, 09:48 PM
I Just turned 17 and on my 16 birthday my day bought me this 76 nova.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y263/Flip_Slik/oregon105.jpg
it had white walls and hubcaps before. and ill admit i hated this this thing thought it was the ugliest car ever but after a year and saving up i turned it to this
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y263/Flip_Slik/novapainted006.jpg
just want to change the motor soon i hope need more money :(
Kyle844
3rd-December-2007, 10:21 PM
Now i have added a MSD 6A box, 8.5 msd wires, and rebuilt my HEI with msd internals!
I have been working on this 76 for several years (things keep coming up). It was originally my grandmothers car and she gave it to me in 1989. so far I have done the bodywork, rebuilt the inline 6 with a few not-so-factory options (unless anyone has seen an offenhauser 4bbl intake from the factory) and worked on the brakes/suspension some. The poor thing just needs some lovin.. hopefully I can give it some much deserved attention soon.
Hey guys and gals. New to the forums here. Just wanted to post up a couple pictures of my Nova. Bought her for $200 from my girlfriends brother-in-laws brother. lol. It's a shore car so there's a little more rust/body rot then I would have liked. It's a 77 Concours, straight six. Not too much to brag about but it's growing on me. I have a lot in store for her, but for now I'm trying to get her to pass inspection and get her on the road. So without further ado.....
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c276/lacey07663/nova3.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c276/lacey07663/nova2.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c276/lacey07663/nova1.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c276/lacey07663/nova4.jpg
I pulled the chrome trim off, and the molding from the sides of the car. I have a set of black Cragars with beat up tires that belong on my S10 that are on there now. I kinda got sick of the little 14 inch rims. lol. Everyone tells me she looks like a demolition derby car.
KEITH'S75CUSTOM
10th-December-2007, 07:31 PM
Hey guys and gals. New to the forums here. Just wanted to post up a couple pictures of my Nova. Bought her for $200 from my girlfriends brother-in-laws brother. lol. It's a shore car so there's a little more rust/body rot then I would have liked. It's a 77 Concours, straight six. Not too much to brag about but it's growing on me. I have a lot in store for her, but for now I'm trying to get her to pass inspection and get her on the road. So without further ado.....
[]
I pulled the chrome trim off, and the molding from the sides of the car. I have a set of black Cragars with beat up tires that belong on my S10 that are on there now. I kinda got sick of the little 14 inch rims. lol. Everyone tells me she looks like a demolition derby car.
welcome from a fellow 4th gen 4 door owner:D
Gotta_75
10th-December-2007, 07:45 PM
Yeah...Welcome. Car looks like a smooth ride. 200 bucks - sweet! Like to see the 4th genners.:cool:
JerseyNova
10th-December-2007, 08:13 PM
Thanks guys. You know I really hated the four doors when I first bought it. But there's something about a four door sedan haulin' *** that just says, "Awesome!" Altho mine is far from haulin' ***, that's what I'm aiming towards. :cool:
77Concours
13th-December-2007, 05:21 PM
Well it all started last year with a 1985 El Camino Concours my grandfather bought me....for $250...of course a project. Well we started taking it apart but once we removed the carpet we found rusted through floors.:eek: And the gentleman we bought the car from had a Ford carberatour on a Chevrolet 305 akward? Wait it gets better his wife was also part amish so instead of not using the a/c he just decided to cut it all out. So once we found the rust and some of the prices to get the car running we decided to shop for another car. we've looked at anywhere from a 69 El Camino to a 1970 split bumper Camaro. But in the back of my mind I kept thinking a Nova, a Nova. I thought that because of the 78' Rally my dad and I restored. And that my dad also drove a 75 Hatchback in highschool. (Unfortunatley a careless driver hit the side totaling it) So we hunted down several Novas one of them happened to be a 1975 Hatchback...but it was a rustbucket finally I came across my dream car....a 1977 Nova Concours that was built in Canada. This car of course was in Canada, Oregon, Washington, Iowa, and now in PA. We bought it from a guy who was going to be shipped out to Germany because he was in the Army. The only defect on the body was minor surface rust! We bought it! It was most likely the best day in my life. Well here are the pictures. Sorry pictures are so big.
Hey everyone, i'm glad there is alot of people intrested in the 4th gens. I am the proud owner of a Oldsmobile Omega SX. Its dark blue with the white vinyl cabroliet roof. Its powered by a 305, with flowtech headers dumping into 2 1/2 inch pipes to flowtech mufflers before the back axle, and fed by a holley 600 carb and holley street dominator intake. It still has factory a/c with power steering and power brakes. The fronts are disc and drums in the rear. It has a white interior with bucket seats and the gauge package. the transmission is a th200. I plan on instaling a 383 with a th350 and 3.42 rear gears after we get taxes back!
Green Dragon
15th-December-2007, 08:01 PM
Hey everyone, i'm glad there is alot of people intrested in the 4th gens. I am the proud owner of a Oldsmobile Omega SX. Its dark blue with the white vinyl cabroliet roof. Its powered by a 305, with flowtech headers dumping into 2 1/2 inch pipes to flowtech mufflers before the back axle, and fed by a holley 600 carb and holley street dominator intake. It still has factory a/c with power steering and power brakes. The fronts are disc and drums in the rear. It has a white interior with bucket seats and the gauge package. the transmission is a th200. I plan on instaling a 383 with a th350 and 3.42 rear gears after we get taxes back!
Sounds like a nice ride.
Welcome to the forum - you'll find there's a few non-Nova 4th gen owners here, myself included. ( 78 Pontiac Phoenix hatchback ).
one thing - you MUST post pics of the SX ( drool :D)
I've seen all of one in person ever, so look forward to seeing it, interior guage package pics, too ( idiot lights in my Pontiac soon to be no more :) ) .
I have a 73 Omega, but never owned a 4th gen Olds.
~ AL
clapdout76
26th-January-2008, 02:08 AM
Thanks guys. You know I really hated the four doors when I first bought it. But there's something about a four door sedan haulin' *** that just says, "Awesome!" Altho mine is far from haulin' ***, that's what I'm aiming towards. :cool:
I second that thought, Jersey. Obviously, sedans aren't quite as sporty as coupes, but I think they get a bad wrap. That's one reason why I bought my own problem child.
Maybe both our sedans will be hauling *** soon!
(no pics yet - coming soon)
KoTToN
12th-February-2008, 05:18 PM
Hey guys,
Ive been viewing this site for quite some time trying to get some ideas on what to do with my 76 nova concourse.
Anyway the story is my grandpa had this nova for quite some time and passed away not too long ago, leaving it to my family.
So i just thought id say hi and im looking forward to being on this site.
This is a great idea for the 4th generation's to show off their cars. Well, I guess I'll start things out.
I factory ordered my Nova Concours in April 76, a 18 year old so excited that I drove past the dealership every day, checking to see if my Nova had arrived. When the big day came , there was a little problem.The driver's door had a bullet hole in it! Apparently when it was being transported on a rail car, somebody was shooting at the passing train cars and hit my Nova. The bullet hit the side beam inside the door skin and did not go all the way through, so the only damage was to the outer skin. The dealership asked if I wanted to re-order or to have the hole repaired. I had it fixed and still have the Nova today. Some unique features of my Nova :
- Nova Concours 2 door coupe
( less than 7 % of Nova's produced were Concours)
- Cabriolet roof
( less than 5% had Cabriolet roofs)
- Factory buckets
- Factory console + guages
( less than 1% had console guages)
- posi-trac, 2.73 gear ratio
Seeing as Concours was a "luxury" Nova, most cars were produced with a bench seat and column shifter.
Here's a link to some pictures of my Nova
http://community.webshots.com/album/234721307EcJIGf
Don
Very cool! I just bought a 76 concours cabriolet. I also have the orignal paper work where the guy bought it new in 76 for $4,200.
It had been kept in a barn for several years and was recently moved out of the barn for space (that's when I spotted it!). It's in absolute great condition (has some fender-bender damage on the d side rear qtr/ bumper). I stole this car for $1,000.
I had intended to do away with the cabriolet roof and convert to a SS type, but after seeing your pics (and statistics) I think I've changed my mind.
Mine does have the bench seat / column shift. Currently is all original except hurricane wheels.
I guess I'd better start looking for someone who can re-do the vinyl (hard to find in this area), because your ride looks sweet!!!!
skynyrdcat-76 concour cabriolet (second owner!).
as soon as I get an account set up where I can upload pics, I'll add them!
SS AVON 76
9th-March-2008, 10:57 PM
Hello Everyone,
I have been on the site for about a year now and this is my first post. A little about myself and my car.
I am a Greek Canadian who grew up in Montreal, Canada. 37 yrs old and always loved classic cars. Always had a thing for Challengers but yet Nova's were my crush. I was never able to find anything worth buying in Canada. A year and a half ago I ended up moving to El Paso, TX. I happened to come accross this 76 Nova Concourse (Hatchback). After some shrewed negotiating:) bought the car for 700.00. Slowly but surley putting her together. Here is the start and where we are today. Next up is putting in my 327 that i just picked up. Your honest comments are welcome !!!
This is my 75 I bought in 1980 as a junior in high school. Current engine is a 5.7 rod 400, auto, 456 gear. The hood still needs some adjustment - I hope to apply what I learned on Steve's to get it right!
ALLT4
18th-March-2008, 08:09 PM
That's a really nice looking car.
jonas
19th-March-2008, 05:25 AM
Cool car Nova1975! What kind of scoop do you have I am looking for something similar myself
Nova1975
19th-March-2008, 09:25 AM
Thanks for the compliments. The hood is Unlimited Products 2" bolt on. I had been watching for years for somebody to make one. Now there are a few that make fiberglass hoods. Mine is painted underneath but it is unfinished. I wish I would have done something to make it look better.
BrettW
30th-March-2008, 11:40 PM
well im new here, so heres my story
my nova is here, http://brettwaldon.googlepages.com/novapics
its my new baby, its a 1975 nova custom, orig 350v8 /w 92k miles it runs great, needs minor things here and there, mostly just minor cosmetic things such as a new driver side tail light lens, some upholstery, and past that its lovely, i swear this thing has the most comfortable bench seats ever.
onto the story: i am the cars 2.5th owner, i say 2.5 because the first owner was a lovely elderly lady, then my girlfriend and her family purchased it back in 2004, and now i purchased it from them, but its in mine and her name, which is why i call it 2.5, it has been treated well, is about 90% original, with the exception of the the transmission, audio system, and standard upkeep.
other then that, im a moderator over at www.sprintusers.com/forum
Scott McMullen
15th-July-2008, 10:25 AM
Hello everybody, My Name is the same as my screen name I have had three 4th gens and 1 2nd gen and 1 first gen. I will say my favorite is the 4th Currently I have a 1977 which is going through major revamp to fit my needs. My Brother has my old 77 and My Dad has a 1972. I'll see if I can post some Links or Pics :)
Mine
http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii3/DiscoNova1977/DOC1046.jpg
My Brothers (My Old One)
http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii3/DiscoNova1977/DOC1667.jpg
My Dads
http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii3/DiscoNova1977/DOC1670.jpg
StoveBolt
15th-July-2008, 10:41 AM
Nice Family of Cars Scott http://images.corvetteforum.com/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif
And welcome aboard !!
Scott McMullen
15th-July-2008, 12:28 PM
Nice Family of Cars Scott http://images.corvetteforum.com/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif
And welcome aboard !!Thanks I am Greatful to find others with the same Car as Mine. With parts and Info Hard to Find its nice having others that can Help.
nova75ss
1st-January-2009, 09:15 PM
Here are some pictures of my 75 Nova. It was pretty cobbled when I bought it back in 1999. A few of the mods include rebuilt hopped up chevy 300 HP +, serpentine belt setup, 700R4 w/2600 stall converter, 3.73 gears with posi, camaro buckets, aftermarket gauges, and I painted it couple years ago House of Kolor chrome yellow. Still working on the custom steel grill for it as i'm tired of the plastic ones that keep breaking on me.
I would love to see and here about all yalls 4th generation projects. This includes Projects, Race cars/Drag cars, Finished Cars, any 4th generation pictures or storys are welcome. Im sure the rest of the members would love to read stories and/or see pictures of your car.
Thanks,
Chad
Two years work from a beat up body with a 6 cylinder to this just out of paint booth.
Larry at Papas Nova
Nelisdepelis
18th-March-2009, 07:38 PM
http://www.cyaan.nl/pics/sundown_nova1978.jpg
Nice sundown today, just had to take a picture with the '78 in it :)
79novaSS4
19th-March-2009, 01:47 AM
Very nice cars guys. I am a owner of 79 nova 4dr. I bought my baby from mu boss 3yrs ago for$250 and drove it home. It started life as a 250 i6 th350 car. I have since done some mods to it. it now sports a 454 with some goodies added to it. she is very sedate looking but is wild to drive lol. I am in the process of install a 9"rear and a th400 to hold that power to the ground. I will post pics later as im not home right now.
way_2_wild12
19th-March-2009, 03:33 AM
Beautiful family of cars! For some reason i just like the look of our gen 4 cars better than all the rest! Heres a pic of my 75 custom im hopeing to get some new pics up soon of me destroying my bfg's! Im picking up the new 10bolt tomarrow 4.10's eaton posi good axles and some cal tracs! im pumped!:turn:
New wheels and engine swap about 2 yrs ago.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y34/95contourlx/101_3682.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y34/95contourlx/101_3680.jpg
How she currently sits with another new motor....454 BABY!!!
Also my current progress is my ford 9" as well.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y34/95contourlx/S7301203.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y34/95contourlx/S7301202.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y34/95contourlx/SSPX0117.jpg
Hopefully by the end of this summer she will have the 9" installed with disc brakes and my th400 with B&M floor shifter and a TCI street fighter 10" 3000 stall converter.
All this came about by luck. Back in 95 I had bought my first nova a 1970 that I had spent 10 yrs working on and had alot of love and memories with it. Then I ended up selling it due to financial reasons. 3yrs ago I was told by my boss about this nova and went to look at it sitting in the feild. I liked it and bought it. I poured gas into the carb put a battery in it and it started right up after sitting for 10yrs in a barn!! Good ole faithful 250 I6 right? lol Well I drove it for a year that way and installed a 350 4bolt main and had fun with that for almost 2yrs. I had a friend offer me a rebuilt 454 for $1000 and thats how I came across that setup lol. My car has come a long ways and I have grown very attached to the 4th gens because of this. My family is very much into helping me getting this car done and my GF supports me as she has a 77 camaro she is doing up herself lol. Well hope you guys like what you see so far and I must admitt that where I live I can officially state I am the fastest and loudest four door in my area lol.
Madmoose
19th-March-2009, 07:11 PM
I bought my first 4 gen for 600.00...250 with a 3 speed on the floor....put a 355 with a 4 speed in it ....I broke that one in half...Bought my 78 wrecked 6 cly, auto with 63,000 miles on it ...its had 355's, 383's,and now a 385 with a procharger setup,afr 210 heads , comp solid roller cam, 4.10's and a 350 turbo with a BTE 91/2" convertor ......its ran a best 11.29 @120 mph with the 385,performer rpm heads and a 142 mini blower......i have no times with the procharger yet....had alittle problem and destroyed 2 pistons in it....But it will live again :devil: My son also owns a 75 nova....in the process of getting it ready for summer
My sons 75 http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu276/Madmoose63/Picture098.jpg:D
poopoosxemo
31st-March-2009, 09:04 PM
ive got a 77 concours that i traded my 70 monte carlo for last year. There is just something about this era nova that just stands out. Its either the fact that its a ******* child, or that every car show i take it to its the only one like it. A few pics
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y157/xgothdude666x/loopaction002.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y157/xgothdude666x/loopaction018.jpg
Jonny_D
18th-April-2009, 08:39 AM
Sort of inherited this, passed from my wifey's grandpa to dad he offered it for giving her the title to my camry. I think I got a screamin deal since the camry was practically given to me but anyways..
It's got a 350+trans from a camaro i'm told, it sat for about 5+ years so I'm still working out the clogs. Choke sticks prolly just needs a good cleaning. Seatbelts are shot so if anyone can direct me to some oem belts i'd about kiss ya for it. Passed cali emissions with flying colors (YAY) this was the deciding factor on taking it. Seems to be mostly original as far as I can tell aside from the powerplant. I replaced the rear brake/turn lights and now I have no turn signals and the brake lights up all the turn signals. Kinda funny when the fronts light up when you hit the brake. Hoping it's a simple fix but the wiring in the car is really bad so I might end up rewiring the whole thing. Drives well enough, suspension is in pretty good shape. Drips a bit of oil but nothing more than any other car I've owned. Good start for an amateur i think. Might change the bench out for buckets don't know if the seats are body-specific or if I can take some out of another gm without to much modification advice more than welcome on that :D
body has a few minor dings and some missing trim but overall it's in great shape for having changed hands as many times as it has. I want to start with the interior and move on to the engine. I can already say I like this beast more then the 1990 mustang interceptor I had when I was in high school :devil: .
-JD
drag-u-la
12th-June-2009, 04:34 PM
here is a pic of my old drag car 1977 concours ran 7.2's in the 1/8th it had a 327 stroker and a powerglide transhttp://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/swampdonkey06/oldnova.jpg
my new one a 1977 concours x cabby roof sorry guys first time out with a 355 8.15 in the 1/8th should be in the 7's by the end of the year http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/swampdonkey06/4551_92040776879_816201879_1811736_.jpg
last year with the blower never really ran right so i sold the blower http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/swampdonkey06/1171fa1g93k83m73p28b6ddec6179c7fc16.jpg i have also owned 3 3rd gen novas one true ss , one custom and a plain jane
Nova 75
4th-August-2009, 05:32 PM
Hello,i'm from Norway and i'm new here on this forum and i like it here:)
I have owned this nova for 4 years now an loving it.
I need a new paintjob and bigger engine;) It is not easy to get parts for 4gen nova here in norway,it's very few 4gen here:(
And sorry for my bad bad english;) hehe
Hello,i'm from Norway and i'm new here on this forum and i like it here:)
I have owned this nova for 4 years now an loving it.
I need a new paintjob and bigger engine;) it's only a original 305 in it now but it is running great:) It is not easy to get parts for 4gen nova here in norway,it's very few 4gen here:( Maybe you can help me?
An sorry for my bad english spelling;) hehe
nice car:yes:
velkommen her gøy og se andre nordmen
Nova 75
7th-August-2009, 12:46 PM
Robsol: Thank you:)
hk76
7th-August-2009, 07:17 PM
you may have better luck with parts then some of us do haha very nice car though reminds me of days of thunder
JimmyChanga
14th-August-2009, 04:53 AM
Here's a picture of my first Nova. 1975. This is Pre Hurricane Katrina right before I sold it to a fella that lived in Chalmette. Never saw it again. 350,Th350,3.73 gears,solid cam,Holley 650,Flowmasters,Trick Flow heads.
http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/ww150/JimmyChanga/P1010001.jpg
77novafab
30th-September-2009, 10:34 PM
Hey all!! Got to playing with my wifes new camera today and thought I'd share some pics.Their all in the Garage because of rain.:(
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o227/Jeremy77nova/IMG_0010-1.jpg
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o227/Jeremy77nova/IMG_0015.jpg
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o227/Jeremy77nova/IMG_0011.jpg
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o227/Jeremy77nova/IMG_0002-2.jpg
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o227/Jeremy77nova/IMG_0014.jpg
Your nova look exactly like the one on the SNS banner! lol :):D
Mike1979
9th-October-2009, 11:42 AM
I just opened a photobucket account so I can post pics of my 79 Nova on this site. Too bad we can't just attach them huh? Hope this works......
Here is my 1979 Chevy Nova that I bought in March 2008 with a 10-year old restoration. Cosmetically it was a sound car when I got it. The interior needed a lot of work and it didn’t run. It has a 327 small block Chevy with a Borg Warner T-10 4 speed and a 3.73 posi rear.
I am very sentimental when it comes to the 79 Nova specifically. My parents had one when I was a kid and I loved it so much they helped me buy one of my own as my first car when I was 16 in 1991. Every year my dad would take my brother and me to the Sloan Museum Car Show in Flint, MI and not once do I ever remember seeing a 79 Nova there. I told him I would be the first to enter one and I did enter this one June 2009. The 79 Novas we had back in 91 never made it to the show since they were our daily drivers (mechanically sound bondo-mobiles, ha, ha). Back then we didn’t have the money, time, tools, or really the knowledge to properly restore a vehicle.
We lost dad to cancer June 2002 and mom to cancer March 2009. He never got to see or ride in this car, but she did before I started tearing it apart. I asked her what she thought of me rebuilding it in memory of dad and she gave me her tears of approval thus fueling my motivation to take on a project like I've never done before. Ironically the color scheme (white with black interior) matches what my wife and I picked for our wedding colors in June 2003, black & white with silver accents. With all that in mind and my two teenage sons helping me build the car, it’s sort of morphed into a family tribute vehicle.
well. im 17, ive always wanted a nova. a 3rd gen was what i always really wanted. but they are still a bit outa my price range. ive had my 1978 Nova as of october 09. i traded it for my 1991 camaro rs with a 3.1 v6. i was glad to get rid of my v6 and finaly get somthing with some power. the interior was painted with black raddle can while it was all still in the car, it was brown. its only been a month or so, so i havent gotten much done to show. but i did get the whole interior stripped and re painted, still need to get carpet and some bucket seats before i can put the interior back in. as for engine(with 200 miles on the rebuild). its got a 350 sbc bored .30 over. edelbrock carb performer intake, harland sharp roller rockers, long tube headers to purple hornys, sounds great. th350 manual valve body trany with 3.73 posi to 275/60 BFGoodrich radial T/A's. ive got lots of plans for this car and am planning on driving it 1500 miles to long haul the 2010 Hot Rod Power Tour in june. :D cant wait.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e50/nazcar8matt8/78%20nova/DSC04339.jpgare these stock mirors? i havnet seen another one with them and figure they arent. just wondering.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e50/nazcar8matt8/78%20nova/DSC04343.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e50/nazcar8matt8/78%20nova/DSC04332.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e50/nazcar8matt8/78%20nova/DSC04333.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e50/nazcar8matt8/78%20nova/DSC04345.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e50/nazcar8matt8/78%20nova/DSC04340.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e50/nazcar8matt8/78%20nova/DSC04347.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e50/nazcar8matt8/DSC04203.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e50/nazcar8matt8/78%20nova/DSC04334.jpg
let me know what you think:)
Sort of inherited this, passed from my wifey's grandpa to dad he offered it for giving her the title to my camry. I think I got a screamin deal since the camry was practically given to me but anyways..
It's got a 350+trans from a camaro i'm told, it sat for about 5+ years so I'm still working out the clogs. Choke sticks prolly just needs a good cleaning. Seatbelts are shot so if anyone can direct me to some oem belts i'd about kiss ya for it. Passed cali emissions with flying colors (YAY) this was the deciding factor on taking it. Seems to be mostly original as far as I can tell aside from the powerplant. I replaced the rear brake/turn lights and now I have no turn signals and the brake lights up all the turn signals. Kinda funny when the fronts light up when you hit the brake. Hoping it's a simple fix but the wiring in the car is really bad so I might end up rewiring the whole thing. Drives well enough, suspension is in pretty good shape. Drips a bit of oil but nothing more than any other car I've owned. Good start for an amateur i think. Might change the bench out for buckets don't know if the seats are body-specific or if I can take some out of another gm without to much modification advice more than welcome on that :D
body has a few minor dings and some missing trim but overall it's in great shape for having changed hands as many times as it has. I want to start with the interior and move on to the engine. I can already say I like this beast more then the 1990 mustang interceptor I had when I was in high school :devil: .
-JD
Hey Jonny D, I don't know if you've tackled the wiring yet, but I redid every wire and the fuse box on my 79. I bought it from Painless through the Jegs website part number 20103 and was $495 with tax and shipping. It's simple, but not easy and very much worth it. Follow the directions and you should have no problems. If you do get it and have problems then send me a PM and I can talk you through it. I've already installed a second one on a friends 4th gen Nova.
The old:
http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/michaelwalshii/79%20Nova/Fuseblock1.jpg
The new:
http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/michaelwalshii/79%20Nova/Fuseblock1a.jpg
NovaC75
2nd-December-2009, 12:13 AM
Well its actually quiet the story. I was building the 350 SB thats in my Nova now for an '88 Camaro Iroc-Z, however, the guy who was giving me guidance building the engine is an avid and proud Nova owner. See he has a '66 Nova SS, his is one of 2 in our town and the other one that is in our town is the one he had in High school. Anyway, he finally convinced me that the engine deserved to be in old iron and i couldn't argue with him there, so I sold my Iroc-Z for a good $2000(way more than it was worth lol) and searched and searched. Finally a guy at one of our local junk yards told me of this guy that had a 1975 Nova in his back yard. So i met up with the guy, I have driven past his house numerous times and never seen it because it was behind a privacy fence. This guy purely bought it for the 400 SB that was in it to put in his '74. I was worried what kind of shape it was in as well. I get there he takes me back to look at not only is it a Nova but a Nova Custom and in spectacular shape for sitting around for so long. Only rust is on the rear quarter panels, the original factory paint job is still there, just a lil faded. the factory buckets still in the car, factory gauge cluster, basically the only thing missing in the inside is the carpet and speakers. The real cool thing is when i got the car home and started going through it and opened the glove box i was amazed to find the Original owners manual and the warranty info. The car was purchased in 1975 in Nebraska, where i live, with 15 miles on it.
Fun Facts: the car was built w/ a 4 BBL 350 SB in Willow Run, MI. the this car car was number 14797 in the production line.
If i can find the VIN decoder site i used to get the above info I will post it up on here. I'll post pics of it soon too, its not in the best shape right now, but if you want to see them just let me know :)
Mike1979
2nd-December-2009, 07:19 AM
Well its actually quiet the story. I was building the 350 SB thats in my Nova now for an '88 Camaro Iroc-Z, however, the guy who was giving me guidance building the engine is an avid and proud Nova owner. . . . . . . .
Fun Facts: the car was built w/ a 4 BBL 350 SB in Willow Run, MI. the this car car was number 14797 in the production line.
If i can find the VIN decoder site i used to get the above info I will post it up on here. I'll post pics of it soon too, its not in the best shape right now, but if you want to see them just let me know :)
I'd love to see some pics. Best of shape or not, it's nice to see the before pics as well as the afters.
NovaC75
3rd-December-2009, 02:06 AM
I'd love to see some pics. Best of shape or not, it's nice to see the before pics as well as the afters.
Ahhh you twisted my arm hard enough lol. http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp173/Mindsliver1/th_pics007.jpg (http://s409.photobucket.com/albums/pp173/Mindsliver1/?action=view¤t=pics007.jpg)http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp173/Mindsliver1/th_DSCF0001-1.jpg (http://s409.photobucket.com/albums/pp173/Mindsliver1/?action=view¤t=DSCF0001-1.jpg)
http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp173/Mindsliver1/th_DSCF0004.jpg (http://s409.photobucket.com/albums/pp173/Mindsliver1/?action=view¤t=DSCF0004.jpg)
http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp173/Mindsliver1/th_DSCF0002-1.jpg (http://s409.photobucket.com/albums/pp173/Mindsliver1/?action=view¤t=DSCF0002-1.jpg)
http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp173/Mindsliver1/th_DSCF0006.jpg (http://s409.photobucket.com/albums/pp173/Mindsliver1/?action=view¤t=DSCF0006.jpg)
I dunno who did it, but those damn wal mart fog lights have been taken off lol. There are a few other mess ups that were in it as well that i have fixed all ready, but you know i don't believe the people who owned this realized what kind of car they had and how it should have been treated. Oh, this car has Hi Jacker air shocks on the rear, fully adjustable and still work!
Zeke71186
12th-December-2009, 06:42 PM
Hey guys new to the site heres a pic of the nova gettin it ready for the new motor.
Alrighty, I got the hang of posting photos now. Here's mine, I got it last February. It has a 305 with simple bolt ons and a 350 tranny.
I can't decide whether to get the goodwrench 260hp 350 or just buy a short block somewhere and put vortec heads and a mild cam on it.
Ah your car looks so kickass with the tint and all
I am hopefully putting the Buick 350 I bought for 100 bucks in my car soon, I have about a hundred and fifty bucks left and Im not sure what I should put it towards. Seems there are a bunch of teenagers with 4th gens on here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy8LA_MLQnI
Green Dragon
31st-December-2009, 04:31 PM
Ah your car looks so kickass with the tint and all
I am hopefully putting the Buick 350 I bought for 100 bucks in my car soon, I have about a hundred and fifty bucks left and Im not sure what I should put it towards. Seems there are a bunch of teenagers with 4th gens on here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy8LA_MLQnI
You putting this together now ? must be worked out the paperwork issues .
Still interested in it, if you decide to sell, never did make time to give you a holler.
Work has stopped on my own Phoenix due to not working outside in 6 degree weather, brrrr...
~ AL
Phoenix350sbc
31st-December-2009, 05:00 PM
Yeah i got in contact with the previous owner, he took me to the dmv to get a title. I decided to keep the car because I really dont think I can make back what I put into it at this point and I just really like the car, If I ever do decide to sell it I'll let you know, although, you said you needed the header panel? I dont belive mine is any good, I was taking a closer look and the holes for the driver side headlight bezel are damaged, I am probably going to try and get a ventura front end if I cant find a phoenix parts car
big dog ss
31st-December-2009, 07:11 PM
here is my last nova.. she is a 1975 ss with 42000 original miles.. had to sell several yrs back cause of divorce. but she was my favorite and i really miss her. would love to get her back.. motor in pics was a 396,w/13.1 comp, 2 holley 450 carbs. she had 660 on but a buddy wanted to try them on his motor and liked them so much made me an offer to buy that i couldnt pass up.. trans was a M22, and rear was 12 bolt w/4.56 gears.
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/bigdogss/nova10.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/bigdogss/nova1.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/bigdogss/nova5.jpg
Nova 75
15th-January-2010, 11:56 PM
what tire size did you use in the rear,Big dog SS??
big dog ss
21st-January-2010, 08:12 PM
what tire size did you use in the rear,Big dog SS??
if i remember right its a L60
weldertig
22nd-January-2010, 11:21 AM
i bought my son a 1976 nova for $700 , checked it out real good 85 thousand miles on it and it was owned buy an old woman. one fender was replaced and every thing worked and nothing was leaking . when he was driving to work someone pulled out in front of him and he hit the guy in the passenger door and spun him around . as far as the car condition both were towed but i drove the nova home from the tow yard , the other car a new toyota was un drivable . my son drove the nova for 1 year and i drove the nova for 6 months and loaned it to a friend untill they got another car (another 6 months) . when i got the nova back i decieded to restore it BUT with a another motor and that was 5 years ago . she now sits in the yard waiting for the day where i can aford to purchase parts need .. to this date i have replaced leaf springs... shocks ...break lines ...bought another front clip whole for $200 same color with sub frame and wheels ...rear light assemblies with wires ...a right rear quarter pannel minus the sail ...i recieved another motor free for the taking its a v6 out of a 89 grand national ... and the most needed part to finish this project is a radiator core support . i have 4 in the yard all rusted out in the same area all bought from ebay (beware). if anyone has a radiator core support and wants to barter i have some extra parts i am willing to trade pluss money... this is what i have to trade front and rear filler panels ,concours grill ,concours chrome hood trim with a small dent ,the vent metal between the hood and the windshield with wiper arm holes, a filler patch panel for the front right fender in front of the door and a 250 6 cyl motor still running needs to be rebuilt ... if anyone want to do a trade pluss money im open to all
Mike1979
22nd-January-2010, 08:13 PM
Sounds like a cool project you and your son have going on there. FYI, check out the classified threads on this site and see if there are any parts you can use there. Contact the sellers via PM or post on their thread and try to barter that way. You'll get faster/better results than trying to sell/trade outside of the classifieds.
wmonkemeyer
30th-January-2010, 08:29 PM
My second car, which I took to College, was an orignal 1978 Nova Rally (Pictures attached). I am in the process of having the one that got away built and built the way that GM should have (BBC, Muncie, 12-Bolt (o.k. I am using a 9 inch), rear disc brakes, adequate sound system and a speedo that exceeds 85 MPH). This link shows what the donor car looked like and how it is evolving into my replacement.
My regret, the original was crushed in 1995 when I bought a Gen 2. I have attached a copy of this car, which I still own as well.
I hope you all enjoy! Would love to hear what you think.
Thanks,
Mike1979
31st-January-2010, 07:20 PM
Man your 78 is looking good. Kinda puts my 79 to shame. Where did you get your brake system? I'm planning on swapping out my rear drums for discs.
ChevyBelly
3rd-February-2010, 08:50 AM
My second car, which I took to College, was an orignal 1978 Nova Rally (Pictures attached). I am in the process of having the one that got away built and built the way that GM should have (BBC, Muncie, 12-Bolt (o.k. I am using a 9 inch), rear disc brakes, adequate sound system and a speedo that exceeds 85 MPH). This link shows what the donor car looked like and how it is evolving into my replacement.
My regret, the original was crushed in 1995 when I bought a Gen 2. I have attached a copy of this car, which I still own as well.
I hope you all enjoy! Would love to hear what you think.
Thanks,
OMG, that is the sweetest build ive seen. (sorry everyone, you know I love your cars). But you are building my dream car. LoL, are those 14x7 rallys? I just had mine sand blasted. did you paint them or powder coat? I guess I have to change my plans for m color scheme :eek: Thats exactely how I wanted my car to look..sorta. down to the BBC. Thats so sweet man. Grats
ChevyBelly
3rd-February-2010, 11:52 AM
here is my last nova.. she is a 1975 ss with 42000 original miles.. had to sell several yrs back cause of divorce. but she was my favorite and i really miss her. would love to get her back.. motor in pics was a 396,w/13.1 comp, 2 holley 450 carbs. she had 660 on but a buddy wanted to try them on his motor and liked them so much made me an offer to buy that i couldnt pass up.. trans was a M22, and rear was 12 bolt w/4.56 gears.
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/bigdogss/nova10.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/bigdogss/nova1.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/bigdogss/nova5.jpg
Nice ride big dog. rare someone to admit a 4th Gen was their sweet heart. :rolleyes: I remember the car from novaresource.org gallery. She was a beauty
LS6rally
3rd-February-2010, 12:55 PM
Man your 78 is looking good. Kinda puts my 79 to shame. Where did you get your brake system? I'm planning on swapping out my rear drums for discs.
im not sure what he might have used for a conversion. but if you find a 77-79 Caddy Seville the Rear end bolts in and is a Disc Brake rear. i have one sitting in my garage. im not sure if im going to use it. but i do know it willl fit.
raidmagic
4th-February-2010, 03:27 PM
I joined this site awhile back when I had a 66 4 door and have owned 4th gens in the past. They have always been my Nova of choice so I sold the 2nd gen and kept my eyes and ears open for a deal. Well more than a year went by untill I found this. 1976 factory V-8 AC car. I just brought it home so I don't really know what I have yet as I haven't had a chance to go through it yet but it's cool and it's mine so I'm happy.