New here - sad ending :(

Hi guys, I signed up here about a week ago looking for help on something, but the account was just activated today.

The info I was looking for I've since found, and it unfortunately isn't good. I was trying to track down my first car, a 1974 Nova Custom 350 2D. It was 16 years ago I was 16, and finally had my own freedom in life! That freedom, was my old Nova. It wasn't a real beauty by most of you guys standards....it had some mud in it, and some paint flaws (bubbles on the rear quarters due to the painter deciding to have a smoke to admire his work....POOF!). But, I loved that freaking car. It was a little too much car, and being an ******* teenager with a lead foot, it didn't last me too awful long. My first ticket, two weeks after I got my license was in this car....via a 97' burnout in a private parking lot. Shortly after, I was in a minor accident with a tree by a much shorter burnout :beat: It was sold shortly thereafter.

Gladly, I have since grown up and have learned to appreciate things, and drive safely. But, man how I miss my old car! Flaws and all, she was a beauty to me. Rasberry red, with silver (old style) SS stripes on the hood and deck lid, old school aluminum slot wheels, and the "rumble your nuts" cherry bomb mufflers that bolt directly to the headers, with no further exhaust.

I went on a VERY extensive search to track down info on the car, calling the friend my dad sold it to, and the subsequent buyer after him. This owner gave it to his kid, whod restored it, painted it, and from what I've been told had it looking very nice! But, he did not remember who he sold it to, but claims he still sees it around town occassionally. After digging through TONS of my dads old records looking for a VIN, calling insurance companies searching their archives, pretty much all hope was lost on ever finding the info leading to it.

Just for the heck of it, I called our local title office and told them what I was doing, and within 2 minutes the nice lady on the phone said would it be a 1974 Chevy NCU? Here's the VIN. Holy crap! At last!

I looked it up online, and not good news. The current title information says that it is classified as "salvage replacement" and was sold for the amount of $50 back in 1998. For good measure, I have a good friend in low places who was able to run the VIN to find out who it is registered to, which is no one. :(

This likely means she is either rotten and wrecked in a junkyard, or long crushed since it had been there for close to a decade according to the title information. Man how I miss that car. I suppose I will just buy another when I can afford to, but it sure would have been cool to have my old one back.

I learned a little about tracking down old cars though, if anyone is trying to do the same, I'd be glad to help. Helping someone else get reunited with theirs would help make up for my sense of loss.

Too bad for that, but welcome to the site. Just start looking for another one:cool:

Hi guys, I signed up here about a week ago looking for help on something, but the account was just activated today.

The info I was looking for I've since found, and it unfortunately isn't good. I was trying to track down my first car, a 1974 Nova Custom 350 2D. It was 16 years ago I was 16, and finally had my own freedom in life! That freedom, was my old Nova. It wasn't a real beauty by most of you guys standards....it had some mud in it, and some paint flaws (bubbles on the rear quarters due to the painter deciding to have a smoke to admire his work....POOF!). But, I loved that freaking car. It was a little too much car, and being an ******* teenager with a lead foot, it didn't last me too awful long. My first ticket, two weeks after I got my license was in this car....via a 97' burnout in a private parking lot. Shortly after, I was in a minor accident with a tree by a much shorter burnout :beat: It was sold shortly thereafter.

Gladly, I have since grown up and have learned to appreciate things, and drive safely. But, man how I miss my old car! Flaws and all, she was a beauty to me. Rasberry red, with silver (old style) SS stripes on the hood and deck lid, old school aluminum slot wheels, and the "rumble your nuts" cherry bomb mufflers that bolt directly to the headers, with no further exhaust.

I went on a VERY extensive search to track down info on the car, calling the friend my dad sold it to, and the subsequent buyer after him. This owner gave it to his kid, whod restored it, painted it, and from what I've been told had it looking very nice! But, he did not remember who he sold it to, but claims he still sees it around town occassionally. After digging through TONS of my dads old records looking for a VIN, calling insurance companies searching their archives, pretty much all hope was lost on ever finding the info leading to it.

Just for the heck of it, I called our local title office and told them what I was doing, and within 2 minutes the nice lady on the phone said would it be a 1974 Chevy NCU? Here's the VIN. Holy crap! At last!

I looked it up online, and not good news. The current title information says that it is classified as "salvage replacement" and was sold for the amount of $50 back in 1998. For good measure, I have a good friend in low places who was able to run the VIN to find out who it is registered to, which is no one. :(

This likely means she is either rotten and wrecked in a junkyard, or long crushed since it had been there for close to a decade according to the title information. Man how I miss that car. I suppose I will just buy another when I can afford to, but it sure would have been cool to have my old one back.

I learned a little about tracking down old cars though, if anyone is trying to do the same, I'd be glad to help. Helping someone else get reunited with theirs would help make up for my sense of loss.Well its time to make some new memories:D You never to old to start loving a new nova!Go out and get yourself a new nova!!!Good luck!!bm

I hear alot about people who wish they never had gotten rid of their first car. It seems they always regret it, no matter the circumstance.

I hope I never have to sell my nova, or my '77 beetle for that matter as it was my first true car after I had gotten my license. We got the nova running again few months later and garaged the beetle.

That sucks to hear, best of luck.

Too bad for that, but welcome to the site. Just start looking for another one:cool:

I second that. Time to find another Nova!

I feel your pain. I recently went looking for the 1977 Z/28 my dad special ordered new. I have alot of memories in the car despite how young I was. I was prepared for the worst since the car had not been seen in over 25 years. I did find the car and brought it home in December. It is pretty well trashed and I'll sink more into it than it will ever be worth in cash. I was prepared to find another 77 identical to dads, I just got lucky. Find another Nova and build a twin. It won't be the same but it will be close enough.
Lewis
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/notstock71/scan0002.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/notstock71/scan0005.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/notstock71/P1011047.jpg

My Postman just did the same thing....

He had an 1965 Olds F-85 back in HS some 30 or so years ago. He couldn't find a two door (or his original for that matter) so he settled for a 4-door Deluxe. He drove it over to my house and I drooled over it. It was a real nice car, in great shape, a definate survivor.

He's a really happy guy and loves his 'new' F-85.

DeuceWagon

I feel your pain. I recently went looking for the 1977 Z/28 my dad special ordered new. I have alot of memories in the car despite how young I was. I was prepared for the worst since the car had not been seen in over 25 years. I did find the car and brought it home in December. It is pretty well trashed and I'll sink more into it than it will ever be worth in cash. I was prepared to find another 77 identical to dads, I just got lucky. Find another Nova and build a twin. It won't be the same but it will be close enough.
Lewis
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/notstock71/scan0002.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/notstock71/scan0005.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/notstock71/P1011047.jpg

Im sorry I havnt gotten to my friends yard to see what parts he as for your camaro. I also lost the list of things you needed could you resend the list to me and Ill go visit him this weekend.

I'll PM you so I don't hijack this thread.
Lewis

Second that thought to find the car's twin and build it.

My first brand new car was a 74 hatchback with odd options. I found a 73 that was real close to it and am happy to find that.

thats why i dont ever plan on getting rid of my first car (75nova 4 door) cause i love it and im lucky it has zero rust cause im only 17 so it will probably be around longer than it ever thought it would be cause when i get ready to park it to work on it im gonna completely rust proof it so it will stay rust free
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l193/kennanke/mygoodole752.jpg

I also suggest you keep your eyes open for a replacement...make 'er look just like your first!

The sooner the better, too...as prices for these buggers just keep going up!

I know EXACTLY what you mean.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m170/GregWarnecke/68%20File%20Photos/greg001.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m170/GregWarnecke/132_0384.jpg

And for some reason, I can't sell that damn thing!

Ya know Johnnynogood, everytime I see a pic of that car I just have to pause, look again, and give it the nod :cool:

I wanted a nova since my very first car show, and almost bought a '70 more-door....but decided to hold off for a 2-door. I really "fell" into a great deal on my '72 2-door a few years later (free!) and I've enjoyed it ever since...but I still think back and wish I woulda bought that 4-door.

You really made that 4-door look tough as nails, and I love the satin black look.

Kudos to you, Sir!

Ya know Johnnynogood, everytime I see a pic of that car I just have to pause, look again, and give it the nod :cool:

I wanted a nova since my very first car show, and almost bought a '70 more-door....but decided to hold off for a 2-door. I really "fell" into a great deal on my '72 2-door a few years later (free!) and I've enjoyed it ever since...but I still think back and wish I woulda bought that 4-door.

You really made that 4-door look tough as nails, and I love the satin black look.

Kudos to you, Sir!

Wow, thanks for the kind words! I've been on this site for a while, but recently have been able to share pics for Photobucket. I definitely appreciate the compliments.

Back to the topic, timcole421, I think we'd all like to imagine that we'll keep these cars for the rest of our lives and drive into the Grand Canyon and plumet to our deaths (atleast that's MY fantasy). But with as many terrible drivers and increasingly "easy-to-drive" SUVs out there on the road, it's unrealistic to drive a car everyday and go unnoticed to danger. And when they wreck or aren't treated right, it pains. But then think about all the cars that WERE neglected and have since been restored. Circle of Life, man.

:beer:

Thanks guys...for some reason, my email notification wasn't working. I DO plan to get another, but one thing at a time. Not going to go into debt for it. I am $800 from being credit card debt free, and at that point my nova savings start. Will be on the lookout soon.

Now to just find a complete (roller would be fine) one that isn't a rust bucket for a reasonable price. I'm quite partial to 74, being my birth year.

That was a truely sad story.