Reconstruction!!

Well I began reconstructing my Nova. It is a 74 which I am converting to a 72. Why....because I want to.:p I hate the front /rear74 bumpers, grill and the rear quarter windows / panels. Thats going to be fun. Completely reframing the quarter windows. Im going to remove the drip rails and smoothing everything out....
I plan on making it a pro touring /G-machine.....
I have been selling some parts if you guys need them. I will be posting some more the next few weeks. Here is a pic I drew...
I will be posting new pics shortly!!!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/photopost/direct_data/1121/medium/Picture_024.jpg

Are those the twin towers in the back ground?bm

not intended, but I am from NY

Are those the twin towers in the back ground?bm

sweeeeeeeet

Update!!!
converted the window frames from 74 to 72...
72 quarters and 20x11 wheel
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_12_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_11_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_14_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_13_full.jpg

Well I began reconstructing my Nova. It is a 74 which I am converting to a 72. Why....because I want to.:p I hate the front /rear74 bumpers, grill and the rear quarter windows / panels. Thats going to be fun. Completely reframing the quarter windows. Im going to remove the drip rails and smoothing everything out....
I plan on making it a pro touring /G-machine.....
I have been selling some parts if you guys need them. I will be posting some more the next few weeks. Here is a pic I drew...
I will be posting new pics shortly!!!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/photopost/direct_data/1121/medium/Picture_024.jpg

Nice! I like how you converted the window frames from 74 to 72 style. They look 100x better IMO.

Keep up the Good Work! :D


__________________

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p183/car_087/bottom6.jpg

Aaaaaaandddddddddddd Tttheeeeennnn???

Nice work.One question.Wouldn't it be easy to do this to a 72 instead making a 74 look like a 72.Just thought I would ask.

of course!! However the car was given to me for free, and it was a 74 hatch which then was converted to a trunk lid.... So I felt, why not cut it up more...make it what I want and have fun doing it.

Nice work.One question.Wouldn't it be easy to do this to a 72 instead making a 74 look like a 72.Just thought I would ask.

AND THEN WHAT??????




Aaaaaaandddddddddddd Tttheeeeennnn???

Nice job converting it. Looks sweet with the wheels.

thank you!!

Nice job converting it. Looks sweet with the wheels.

yes nice wheels,

are you going to stick with the one piece window or the vent style windows for the doors?

Aaaaaaandddddddddddd Tttheeeeennnn???

NO AND THEN>>>>> AND THEN....... NO AND THEN




Cool project Do it to it


I would stick with the No vent window doors.... I will be converting my 72 to the 73-74 doors at some point to eliminate the vent windows

sticking to my 74 doors. dont need the vent windows. going to run A/C an d heat.....planning to put an LS2 with 4l60e trans



NO AND THEN>>>>> AND THEN....... NO AND THEN




Cool project Do it to it


I would stick with the No vent window doors.... I will be converting my 72 to the 73-74 doors at some point to eliminate the vent windows

if i could take the best of the 68-72's and the 73/74's, i would have a car with the 68-72 front end, rear and windows, but with a hatchback and no vent windows:D

Update ...Pass side quarter / frame

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_18_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_16_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_17_full.jpg

Driver side!!!
[IMG]http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_15_full.jpg

Looks like it's time to stop right there, get your decklid back on and dialed in to verify quarter alignment before you start welding them on. Also if you're putting an older rear panel on the car the trunk floor will need some modifications. Fit it all really well before you do any welding!

NO... im not stopping!!!!!
All the pics you see are mock-ups..I still need to work on the mini tub with the quarters off. A lot easier to do....

I have on order a new decklid, trunk pan, and a new tail panel...
Im going to mock everything up with trunk lid on with clamps then weld!!!! I want everything to be straight...

Looks like it's time to stop right there, get your decklid back on and dialed in to verify quarter alignment before you start welding them on. Also if you're putting an older rear panel on the car the trunk floor will need some modifications. Fit it all really well before you do any welding!

Elctron, Where in NY are you?? I am down in the Bronx. Good job, keep up the good work!! Billy.


http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2447606

Im right over the throgs neck br. in Bayside!!! where in the Bx are u?

Elctron, Where in NY are you?? I am down in the Bronx. Good job, keep up the good work!! Billy.


http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2447606

i go to school in manhasset, alot of my friends are from bayside

Hey!, We're friggin neighbors!!! I am about 5 minutes from the T-neck toll boothes. What a small world.


http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2447606

thats cool... you guys need any parts?

Hey!, We're friggin neighbors!!! I am about 5 minutes from the T-neck toll boothes. What a small world.


http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2447606

Here is a quick side profile drawing I did of the Nova in Atomic Orange and Flat black hood...
So I think Im going to go with 19x11 and 18x8 ZEforged Friction Deep in Dark Grey...
What do you guys think?
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_27_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_26_full.jpg

nice work !!!1:beer:

Nice work there fellow new yorker! ;)

Here is a quick side profile drawing I did of the Nova in Atomic Orange and Flat black hood...
So I think Im going to go with 19x11 and 18x8 ZEforged Friction Deep in Dark Grey...
What do you guys think?
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_27_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_26_full.jpg

You're kidding, you're doing Atomic Orange? I decided on that because I've never seen one around here like that, now there will be 2:D

That's okay, my car is FAR from Pro Touring....Cut a turn faster than 25 an into a tree you go:eek:

I tihnk that's cool. I love it when people do things like this, there are easier ways but this is cool! Make sure you document it well and make a scrap book for if you ever sell it.

Nice work.I can't wait till the day it is done.

wow thats so DIRRRRRRTTYYY!!!! very nice.!

I agree, the 73s+ are so damn ugly, dont even look like hot rods IMO. I guess chopping it and modding it would be very fun, but time consuming, great expierence.

P.S
KILLLER RIMS!

Love my 73 :)

I started the mini tub today. Cut everything out and knocked in the frame rail..... Got a summit mini tub sheet metal and began cutting paper!!! Came out OK,,,, need to trim and add in some areas!!! here are the px..
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_31_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_32_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_30_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_33_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_34_full.jpg

Great job
can't wait to see more pictures

im very impressed and eager to see more progress/pics.
looks like youre probably pretty good with that welder.
wish i was, then i wouldnt have to pay someone to put in a couple patch panels! :D

keep us up to speed.

steve

Hey Tron, Whats going on? Nice progress! I just wanted to ask if your using shielding gas with your welder?? Keep on sending the pics. Are you going to Englishtown Swap Meet this Spring? It's just around the corner. Take care. Billy (Da Bronx).


http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2447606

I use argon and co2 I think. its a mix. its on the bottle I need to double check. Never thought about NJ!!!! maybe I will!!!!!!
when in the spring


Hey Tron, Whats going on? Nice progress! I just wanted to ask if your using shielding gas with your welder?? Keep on sending the pics. Are you going to Englishtown Swap Meet this Spring? It's just around the corner. Take care. Billy (Da Bronx).


http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2447606

So... Im done with the mini tub. installed deck lid, tail panel, trunk floor. Need to mock up and line up everything before welding.
Starting to look like a 72!!!!! Im waiting on trunk floor braces!!
Going to need a lot of bondo in the trunk to make it look like its 1 pc!!!
here are some pics
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_35_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_36_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_37_full.jpg

Hey Tron, Hows it going? Your making great progress bud! I like what I'm seeing. The Spring swap meet at Englishtown is April 18th, 19th, and 20th. Thats Friday,Sat, and Sunday.

With the chilly weather, I havent gotten much done on the 72'. I am probably going to wait a little while before resuming work. I did get some more of the undercarraige done as well as finally cutting up and disposing of the rusty gas tank. Thats about it though. I hope everythings going well with you.

Have you thought about going to the Nova Nationals in Gettysburg PA this July. I went last year down to Atlantic City and had a great time. This year its in PA. Not too far of a ride for us. Think about it. I'll talk to you soon. Billy.

I would like to go to the Nova Nationals in Gettysburg PA this July. I have never been to a Nova show. I think it would be a good experience and I can get ideas too. Keep in touch


Hey Tron, Hows it going? Your making great progress bud! I like what I'm seeing. The Spring swap meet at Englishtown is April 18th, 19th, and 20th. Thats Friday,Sat, and Sunday.

With the chilly weather, I havent gotten much done on the 72'. I am probably going to wait a little while before resuming work. I did get some more of the undercarraige done as well as finally cutting up and disposing of the rusty gas tank. Thats about it though. I hope everythings going well with you.

Have you thought about going to the Nova Nationals in Gettysburg PA this July. I went last year down to Atlantic City and had a great time. This year its in PA. Not too far of a ride for us. Think about it. I'll talk to you soon. Billy.

wow thats so DIRRRRRRTTYYY!!!! very nice.!

I agree, the 73s+ are so damn ugly, dont even look like hot rods IMO. I guess chopping it and modding it would be very fun, but time consuming, great expierence.

P.S
KILLLER RIMS!

Yeah but when I go to a cruise in or a show, im the only guy there with a 73'. You sir have a cool hotrod but youre part of the same old 1st gen camaro, and 64-72 A-body crowd, everyone has one and its all been done......

Nice work.One question.Wouldn't it be easy to do this to a 72 instead making a 74 look like a 72.Just thought I would ask.

when someone asks if it is a 72, when he says no, it is a 74 they wont believe him:D(if he is making the tail-lights 71-72:D:D:D)

Tron, keep us updated on your progress. I just found a solid 74 Apollo and I bought a 69 Nova parts car so I might be doing the same. Where did you get your quarters from? Bob

They are goodmark from Ray out in Long island, farmingdale. (Muscle car headquarters)
Have you ever used him? You need to pick up. he doesnt ship. It is cheaper if u pick up anyway! His prices are good!!!

Tron, keep us updated on your progress. I just found a solid 74 Apollo and I bought a 69 Nova parts car so I might be doing the same. Where did you get your quarters from? Bob

Hey Tron, Does that guy in L.I. have a website? I'd rather drive to Farmingdale to get my sheet metal, than 2-1/2 hours into CT. Let me know. If you don't have a website, maybe you have a phone number or address. Thanks, Billy.

Hey Tron, Does that guy in L.I. have a website? I'd rather drive to Farmingdale to get my sheet metal, than 2-1/2 hours into CT. Let me know. If you don't have a website, maybe you have a phone number or address. Thanks, Billy.

No, he doesn't have a website. I don't have the number handy right now, but I'll get it for you. He operates at weird hours.

516 753 0720 John will answer the phone and will just say hello.
He is a weird guy? the hours are like 5pm to 9 or 10pm. I think closed on sun and monday. sat he is open I think in the afternoon. Ray is the owner. the place is run down. Parts come in and he wants you to pick up asap.... take LIE east to 135 seaford oyster bay expressway south. get off at Hempstead turnpike east. stay on the left for about 3 miles. white building on left....


No, he doesn't have a website. I don't have the number handy right now, but I'll get it for you. He operates at weird hours.

Now Im thinking about changing the idea of Atomic O to a pearl white with a flat black hood and black rims
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_40_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_39_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_38_full.jpg

Well.....a lot is going on now days. I just got done welding in the trunk and adding filler inside to make it smooth.... now I need to sand... Then I will once again install the quarters and weld them on....

I just purchased a Detroit S E 3" drop leafs with all but no tubs since I made my own. I also just sold my 10bolt 8.5 rear and purchased from Diff works a new 10 bolt 8.5 narrowed to 54" with 3:73 easton 28 spline ,disc brakes and drilled rotors. Built to handle 500 hp......So im starting to drop money into this car now. $1400 for DSE and another $2700 for rear and brakes shipped from CA to NY..... Next will be wheels....

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_42_full.jpg

looking good!!!
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_43_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_44_full.jpg

Looks good dude! So are you dead set on pearl white with a black hood and black whees and not Atomic Orange? That model car you posted looks badass.

Im still far from paint, but I will be getting wheels hopefully in the next several months. However, wheels and paint combo is important. Im still torn. I may go with pearl white!!!

Looks good dude! So are you dead set on pearl white with a black hood and black whees and not Atomic Orange? That model car you posted looks badass.

Im still far from paint, but I will be getting wheels hopefully in the next several months. However, wheels and paint combo is important. Im still torn. I may go with pearl white!!!

Go with pearl white! ...No reason;)

Looks really good. I like how you did the body work in the trunk.

wow.... look at that thumbnail pic.... have anymore!!!


Go with pearl white! ...No reason;)

Looks really good. I like how you did the body work in the trunk.

So i got the rear 2 weeks ago.
10 bolt w/ 3:73's
30 spline
12" rotors w/ New Impala brakes
TA cover
Narrowed to 54.5 " from rotor to rotor
Able to handle 500hp
sitting on 3" drop DSE's leafs

Need to weld the quarters now!!
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_47_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_46_full.jpg

update.
July 18, 2008
Havent done much b/c of the heat.... but I did buy front adjustable coilover conversions and rear shocks....I cut the rear seat to fit around mini tub. I think im going to add foam later on!!!! I made some support bars in the trunk....After seeing Radrides Troy nova, im thinking about a color and wheel change. Thats what happens when you see sick Novasssssss. Here are some pics
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_49_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_48_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_50_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_51_full.jpg

Wow, great work so far!

thank you.... i am learning as I go!!!

Holy crap, you do great work dude.. Hats off to you!! :thumbsup:

thank you!!!
Thanks to all of these great forums, im learning a lot!!!!!

How do you like your 3:73's on the highway?

Holy crap, you do great work dude.. Hats off to you!! :thumbsup:

Simply amazing. I'm really impressed by the amount of work you've done. it really looks great and i can't wait to see how it turns out. btw, what rear shocks are you using for lowered leafs, i put 2 1/2 inch drop leafs on mine but i haven't bought correct shocks for them yet(stock style shocks don't last too long with a lowered suspension).

the rear shocks are from DSE for a 3" drop. I havent mounted yet. I need to calculate the max lowered load and spring height when wheels are furthest from the car. Then I will weld the mounts for the shocks... DSE gave me a cross member for the shock mounts, but I think I may make my own....
thank you for the compilment!!! I hope to get more pics soon!!!

Simply amazing. I'm really impressed by the amount of work you've done. it really looks great and i can't wait to see how it turns out. btw, what rear shocks are you using for lowered leafs, i put 2 1/2 inch drop leafs on mine but i haven't bought correct shocks for them yet(stock style shocks don't last too long with a lowered suspension).

Im still mocking the quarters. Trying to get everything square. Ran into a few problems. 1. rear window wasnt sitting right. The drside quarter doesnt have the right bend up top. So I made my own. 2.The passside quarter had a 3/4 gap. So I added a metal square bar. then will add sheet metal and box it inside. 3. New door skin. Took out the old, treated door and added new. Would like to weld the qtrs soon!!! What do you guys think???
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_54_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_55_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_53_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_56_full.jpg

the cars looking better ans better everytime i look at this thread:yes:

Do yourself a favor and fit your door lock cylinders before you get paint on her. All of these repro parts need major tuning to get them right and the lock cylinders rarely fit. Good to test fit the doorhandles also because the skins pucker some the first time their bolted on. Fit, tune, fit, tune and repeat untill you know for sure all is well then move on to welding and filling as needed. Also the front clip needs to be installed and squared to the car and expect some tuning at the fender to door gaps. New body bushings are a must because you'll need that radiator support to be at the proper height for fender alignment. If all is right there shouldn't be any stress on the fenders. Keep at it, looks good. Bob

That's a hell of a job most of us wouldn't even want or try to tackle. It looks very good and I can't wait to see the end. Man will you have a great before and after book!

thanks guys. all of these repo parts need tlc. but thats the fun of it all. as i said, im learning as i go and all of you have been helping me. so thanks. i will keep you all posted. john

hi
where did you buy the sheet metal from? what brand is it? how do they fit? did you put a door skin to? thanks

The quarters and door skin are from goodmark. I think the reason why im having problems with alignment is 1, its a 74 and Im putting 72 parts (door is alittle smaller compared to the 74 door...., 2, after measureing the car its off by 1/8-1/4 inch passide and drside.....
It was not hit. Factory!!!!!!!!
Its ok. I will do my best!!

hi
where did you buy the sheet metal from? what brand is it? how do they fit? did you put a door skin to? thanks

Here I am with my LT-1 1972 Vette. Some Vette lovers dont like it b/c I changed the head lights, lowered, sidepipes, etc. Its a match #'s car. It was Steel cities grey, but as you can see not anymore. I like it and I drive it like I stole it!!!!!!
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_57_full.jpg

Here is my other Vette 2002 LS-1 in front of my house with my bros Z06
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/2/web/2930000-2930999/2930520_58_full.jpg

Nice cars however driving something that low can be stressful! I have been there. Over everything sideways one wheel at a time and scrapping just makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up!

Yeap. I hear ya. Cant go many places in either car. Plus I live in NY queens. The roads are real bad!!!!!.... I dont drive them much.... I need to know where I am going before I go. But I love the way they look!

Nice cars however driving something that low can be stressful! I have been there. Over everything sideways one wheel at a time and scrapping just makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up!

Nice cars there.. i bought goodmark RH and LH door skins for my car and they had 3 big waves just under the lower body line plus the lower front corn was to short and came up instead of going striaght. i did buy these in 2004 but they could have re-tooled since then but im not sure. they also came like in flat black too like yours. do your have waves on the bottom? and a lower front corner that needs a slice and re-weld to be striaght and to fit right ? i thought all 68 thru 74 nova doors were the same except for welded or bolt on door hinges and the interior lock place is further up? i haven't played with the quarters yet....

Yup, the C5's are very nice cars and fast. Had a few vettes, here my 98 I had a few years back.
http://w2ner.net/images/corvette/1998/forum3.jpg

Nice cars there.. i bought goodmark RH and LH door skins for my car and they had 3 big waves just under the lower body line plus the lower front corn was to short and came up instead of going striaght. i did buy these in 2004 but they could have re-tooled since then but im not sure. they also came like in flat black too like yours. do your have waves on the bottom? and a lower front corner that needs a slice and re-weld to be striaght and to fit right ? i thought all 68 thru 74 nova doors were the same except for welded or bolt on door hinges and the interior lock place is further up? i haven't played with the quarters yet....


We put 68-72 skins on some 73 doors without any problems and the only modification being were the belt moulding holes. You'll find the aftermarket skins can vary 1/8" in length. The differences between the doors on the 68-72 doors compared to the 73/74 is the vent window, window regulator mounting position and the trim panel holes. Doors made through to mid year 1970 had bolt on hinges after that they were all weld on. The hinges are located the same and you can split them at the pin and use half bolt on and half weld on with no problems. I like the bolt on hinges for the adjustability. After you fold the new skins on remount the door and adjust the fit before welding. Also make sure the pin/bushing fit is tight so your alignment will stay, any slop in the pin/bushing will allow movement and wear. Bob

Well its been awhile. I finally welded the qrtrs on. at the door jams, roof, rear window and the tail panel. I spot welded the areas. I didnt do the lower area behind the tires yet. Came out good. the tail panel is a pain. i need to adjust the trunk but I think after some metal filler it will look great. I plan on doing more welding, then I will move onto the front firewall and make it smooth. also shave the door handles and fill in the side markers. I hate the winter but its fun when you in the garage with some tunes and a heater welding away!!!!
be back soon with updates....http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/1723/401/29305200067_medium.jpg?494118-325
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/1723/401/29305200068_medium.jpg?494118-325
here is a c6 zo6 tire 325/25/19
It could work but i rather not. I think a may go with a 315/45/18 nittohttp://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/1723/401/29305200065_medium.jpg?494118-325

So I was walking past my neighbors house yesterday, who is a gear head too, and I came across a pair of nitto555 tires, 305/40/18.... they are brand new, never used...He was going to sell them. I was thinking about going larger but I decided that it would be less hassel with rubbering. So for $400 I got them. not bad. I have seen them for 250-300 plus shipping each. So I saved some money. I just mocked them up. looks great. good room. I will send pics soon.........now I need rims!!!!!!!
Havent done much to the car.
Business suckkkkkkkkkkkkkkksssssssssssssssss!!
here u go!!
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/1723/401/29305200071_medium.jpg
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