Pics of my 1970 project

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/Newnova.jpg


I am going try and post pics of my Project on here for the first time.I hope it works.


http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/trunk1.jpg


This the trunk.It has a 15 gallon fuel cell.I have all the plumbing for the fuel system I believe it's -8.With a holley blue fuel pump and regulator.I also have the battery back there.A couple member might recognize the the radiator and hold down for it.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/engine1.jpg


This is the motor.It's a 2 bolt main 400 small block.It has vortecs heads on it.With a performer RPM intake and a 750 holley and hooker headers.The shortblock needs gone through again.It had a little surface rust in one of the cylinders.The heads are 906 castings.I had them gone through by a machine shop and there like new.However they have not been modified for the higher lift.I plan on taking them to a more performance oriented shop to have that work done.The motor is already bored .040.I have the motor these heads came off of.If the 400 is junk I will build it.It's a 96 vortec roller 350.It ran fine but one of the heads had a small crack in it.So I bought one from a junkyard and had them rebuilt.

The tranny is a th400.Unknown internals.Supposedly worked when pulled.I took the pan off and it was clean inside.


Hope this works!

looks good, i have a 70 that i'm doing to, but i have a 402 in mine, can't wait to get it going and go out for a drive...

Well I got this car 2 years ago now.

I got it for free.It had been sitting underatree(My name)At the end of a guy's driveway rotting.It had no motor,Trans,Front clip,Interior,rearend.The passenger side door was smashed in.Put a different one on it.It had no trunk deck or hinges and the trunk was full of leaves.The passenger rocker was cut out and some crappy metal welded in.I welded a new rocker in.No passenger side floor pan.I have replaced the entire passenger side floor pan.But not the driver side.I will though.


Basicly I got a shell with a title.But the price was right.And the rear of the car was pretty solid.Someone had put new 1/4's on and then quit.They didn't seal the metal and surface rust.The area that is painted white was nothing but surface rust.It took me a whole summer to sand that off and get it straight.(Still not perfect)

When I went to put the front clip on all the bolts that held it to the body where broke off in the body.So I had to cut everyone out and weld 3/8's nuts to little peices of metal and weld them in the car.When I went to put an ignition lock in the car so I could steer it.I found out someone had stripped the main shaft through the column.When I finnally got a column and hooked it up I found out the steering box is froze up!

I got on a kick that I wanted it to look like a whole car.So I started buying all the little stuff to put the big stuff togother.So far I have alot of it.


The rearend is acctually out of my 69 camaro.I have an 8.5 ten bolt out of a second gen camaro that I am going to have narrowed and built for the car.


So far I have bought alot of parts of people on this board.And I want to thank them for helping me out.I am sure I will be buying more parts and I hope they go as well as I all the one's before have.I drove all the way to indy to buy some parts from a member.And another member gave me a set of original nova buckets for free.(Need alot of TLC)This car has parts from all over the us and even canada thanks to this board.


I am going to buy some new fenders with my tax stimulus check.And disassemble the car again and start finishing some of the stuff that I have started.

The car was originally cortez silver.I plan on repainting it the same color.Since it is a mutt.But I believe even a mutt should keep it's original shade.

Nice looking Nova.

Nice project!!! good luck!!
Greetings
Martin:)

I like it. For me, it's more fun to work on Novas than other cars I have, Unfortunately for the 71, I had the Dart first, so it gets finished first. The Bug is my Daily, so it needs to be kept up as well.

Looks like a great project to work on. Good luck and keep us posted.

Cool project, the price was right for sure.

love resurections; waiting to start mine.

Thanks for the replies guys.

A few updates.The car now has an 8.5 ten bolt.I stripped and cleaned the leaf springs.And painted everything with gloss black implement paint.I also boought some lakewood 50/50 drag shocks for the rear.And got a shock mount I am planning on installing this weekend.

I also got a steering box and can now steer the car.And I got tail lights and the wiring for them.

Monday I bought a 454 out of a 93 suburban.Now I find out it's not the best choice for a high performance motor.I'm gonna have to figure out how to over come it's short falls.Gonna be nice when I get it in the nova though.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/4542.jpg




http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/4541.jpg



Here's the rearend and leaf springs.There in the car now.Installed with new comp engeering solid bushing front and rear.Also new comp engeering traction bars.I will have pics of it all done soon.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/rearendpics2.jpg

Don't worry even a stock BB is impressive in these cars!No such thing as a bad BB!:D

Well the next phase of the nova project involves removing the subframe and blasting/painting.Along with new bushings and drag springs/shocks and 2 inch drop spindles and disk brakes.

So I couldn't wait to see the new motor setup in the car.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/blowntrouble.jpg

This is a 396 with 781 heads and a weiand 8-71 supercharger.I am not sure if this is the motor that's going in it.Or a really nice 4 bolt 454...


Here's another pic.


http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/blownbigblock.jpg


Yeah this is sweet.As soon as I get all this stuff paid for I am going to take it to the machine shop and get it going.


I also got the disc brake setup with 2" drop spindles yesterday.


She is gonna be a killer car!

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/trunk1.jpg


This the trunk.It has a 15 gallon fuel cell.I have all the plumbing for the fuel system I believe it's -8.With a holley blue fuel pump and regulator.I also have the battery back there.A couple member might recognize the the radiator and hold down for it.


Hey thats the rad I sold you ain't it.

Yup sure is.Still looks just like it does in that pic.Not sure if i can use it now.I think the cooling system demands have been upped a little bit:D

Yup sure is.Still looks just like it does in that pic.Not sure if i can use it now.I think the cooling system demands have been upped a little bit:D

I don't have very much faith in a stock small block rad with a blown bigblock.:eek:I would go with the 454 instead of the 396.

that blown 396 looks mean though

Yeah I can't wait till the subframe and firewall are all cleaned and painted.Along with the new front suspension and brakes.


It's about time to get in the garage and go to town.The problem I am having is I am running outta space.I got 7 motors in there.And I want to grind and sand on stuff.But I can't get the dust everywhere because of the motors.

This weekend it's time to build some shelves and get some of this stuff gone.Maybe even put up some doors to divide the shop again.It was that way when we bought the place.But my dad took them out.

When that motor fires up that whole garage is gonna shake!



She does look mean don't she.....

Yeah I can't wait till the subframe and firewall are all cleaned and painted.Along with the new front suspension and brakes.


It's about time to get in the garage and go to town.The problem I am having is I am running outta space.I got 7 motors in there.And I want to grind and sand on stuff.But I can't get the dust everywhere because of the motors.

This weekend it's time to build some shelves and get some of this stuff gone.Maybe even put up some doors to divide the shop again.It was that way when we bought the place.But my dad took them out.

When that motor fires up that whole garage is gonna shake!



She does look mean don't she.....

why dont you just cover the motors with plastic or an old sheet?

Well I got some more work done on the car.

I removed the subframe and stripped it to bare metal.Applied two coats of primer and lots of gloss black paint.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/finally.jpg

This took me 4 weeks to strip just the bare subframe.Both sides of it.I also installed new big block frame stands and a new th400 crossmember.

The control arms are getting afco control arm bushings and new ball joints.Along with new paint job to match the subframe.

Moroso big block trick springs and calvert 90/10 shocks will make sure it transfers.And jegs solid subframe bushings.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/boxogoods.jpg

I was able to get 3 of the subframe bolts out pretty easily.However the front passenger side bolt was stuck.I ended up basicly tearing the cage out and using a crescent wrench on the sqaure nut and breaking the bolt in 1/2.Then I took the rest to work and used a torch to heat it up red hot.The bolt then came right out.I had to build a crate to set the body on.I used 2x4's and a whole box of 16 pennny nails.Also used 2x4's and jack stands on the rockers to make sure it doesn't fall side to side.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/finnally4.jpg


Starting to believe there may be a light at the end of the tunnel!Right now I am just glad to be done grinding on that subframe!


Planning on buying a basic disc brake spindle setup next so I can assemble this stuff.

Bought a fender of a 72 nova.Decent shape driver side.It has the usual spot on the bottom near the door.And one ding.Other than that not bad.Paid 100 bucks for it and junk passenger fender.

Well I took the day off work and got quite a bit done on the car.

I went and picked up a new bottle of 75/25.(that's welding gas)And fixed my subframe mount and then I cleaned up and did the final coat of black on the subframe.

Every nut and bolt.Every piece and the frame itself was cleaned to bare metal.Then primered and coated with gloss black implement paint.I started working on this right after thanksgiving.

It got new inner and outter tie rod ends,Idler arm,All 4 ball joints and the tie rod sleeves replaced with all moog parts.The control arms bushings are AFCO and the springs are moroso trick springs.Also calvert 90/10's.

The spindles are 2 inch drop.Which I know isn't idea for the suspension style.But there what I got.Also have calipers and rotors there just not in the pics.

Big block frame mounts and a th400 crossmember with new motor and tranny mounts.

I have over a grand into this subframe and who knows how many hours.I would like to thank JOE for the manual steering box.Which was the first used part I bought that I didn't have to scrub the crap out of.

I ordered the subframe mount bushings and hardware.(I am going to use the jegs solid mounts but the my original stuff like the rest was junk.)Along with the control arm bumpstops and the bushings that hold the radiator in.The core support and the grill brackets and bood latch are already in primer.

Hopefully by the end of summer the big block will be and able to atleast start.

Next is to clean the firewall up and then reinstall the subframe.Then driver side floor pan with a set of subframe connectors.


http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_1781.jpg



http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_1783.jpgHere's the subframe mount I fixed this morning...

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_1786.jpg

Coming along VERY nicely. Thanks for the updates and pics

man nice work it is coming along nice ! keep up da work

Gr8ride_71 requested a few pics of the afco bushings.

The deal with these upper bushings is there basicly a steel sleeve.Unlike the lowers which have an outter "shell"And then an inner plastic sleeve and another metal sleeve.And there greaseable the uppers are not.

If you use the original bolt and washer it will simply keep the cross shaft from spinning.So a stud and a couple nuts is use


However I believe they will work great.The don't have any bind hardly at all.

Anyway here's the pics.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0193.jpgHere's the upper shaft with the stud and 2 nuts install.It hasn''t been welded in yet

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0194.jpgThis is just the end of cross shaft and the bushing where the bolt would have came out.


http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0196.jpgThis is a picture of the bushing and shaft without the large washer installed.It shows the kind of stud you will need to make.


http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0197.jpgHere's just what the lower's will look like once installed.

Pay attention to grease zerc's location and make sure it will be accessable.If not it will end up like mine and probably have to be done over again.Which is a pita!

Well I got a some more work done on the car this weekend.I finished the firewall finnally.It turned out real nice.And I sprayed it with flat black yesterday.Waitted to till today to let it dry and reinstalled the frame.

Even though I bought the jegs solid bushings.I also bought a complete PST subframe bushing kit with the hardware.And I decided I like that setup better.They had a better design IMO.

Anyway here's the pics.

Needless to say so far I am happy with the way it turned out.Everything is clean and painted.No more rust and grease crud on everything.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0202.jpg


http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0203.jpg


http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0204.jpg


This week I plan on painting the radiator support.(which will be easy it's already in primer.)And start reinstalling the front clip on the car.Can't wait till it looks like a whole nova again.The front clip has been off for over 6 months....

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/nova2.jpg
Here's the only before pic I have of it.Looks 100% better.And should work well also.It's basicly the exact same front suspension novacain has.And his works great!

Killer work man.I can't wait to get started on mine.

the caris gonna be sick especially with that supercharger keep posting pics

Well I took a break from working on the car.I hit it very hard there at the end of the subframe/suspension rebuild.I needed a break.

I did spray the radiator support and install it.Along with the front fenders.Thinking about putting the rest of the front clip back on it.

Besides that I bought a cast steel crank in real nice shape for the 396 and a set of closed chamber oval port heads for it.There very nice and supposed to be off a big block 68 vette.

Right now the plan is to put a mild 396 in the car at first.I know it has changed many times.That is probably what is really going to go in it.I have 90% of the motor and it's all in really good shape.


Planning on taking it out of the garage and washing it in a couple weeks.I will post some more pics then.

Just needed a little bit of a break from the nova for a while.

Yesterday I put the rest of the front clip togother and put a steering column in the car.Took it out and washed 10 months worth of dust and grime of the car.

Next step is the floorpan and subframe connectors.I am getting laid off and don't know if I will have the funds any time soon or not.Even though I am going to try and fit the floor pan into my budget....

I know it doesn't have the right bumper but it's better than nothing.Still a long way to go.But it's also come along way.I wish I would have taken a pic of it right when I got it.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/09nova4.jpg


http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/09nova3.jpg

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/09nova2.jpg

Just a little update.I ordered the floorpan and subframe connectors friday.I also started removing the hackjob that was the driverside floorpan.

Will have more pics coming up soon.

Back to work on the nova for me....

Well I got the parts in last tuesday and have spent almost everynight out in the garage.Haven't start on the subframe connectors yet.


Here's a few pics....

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/floorpan1.jpg

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/floorpan2.jpg

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/floorpan3.jpg

Not finished yet.Need to go finish the welding inside the car and then start cleaning...Then figure out what I am going to do next....

have spent almost everynight out in the garage
Hopefully that means you have been at work during the day and didn't get laid off or found another job. Good job on the nova.

Yes I have been installing bathroom partitions.(Think stalls)Same union same money.Just WAY WAY different then what I have been doing.

This job should only last another couple weeks though.Still got me through a couple months.

I have to figure out what to do with the floors now.Should I clean/seal the metal and then put down dynamat.What have you guys done?

I left a 1 inch lap on the floorpan all the way around on the inside edge's.On the rocker side I cleaned that lip on the body off and still have to attach that side with spot welds/small beads....


This floorpan I bought from chevy 2 only and I believe it fit alot better than the one I bought from yearone.....

Just another little update.

I have the shortblock getting ready to be assembled tonight.About to go out in the garage and get to work.Hope it turns out good.Standard bore.4 bolt main early model 396.Cast crank turned .010/.010.And a set of flat top pistons.


Topping that with a set of 068 heads.And a performer RPM.Hopin 2 make 380-400hp and 450 ft pounds.....

Will have some pics tonight.This will be the first shortblock I ever assemble!

Well I am getting headache so I am done workin on the motor for tonight.

I got the crankshaft installed.All the clearances where between .0015-.0020.Most of them around the .0015 mark.Which I am told that .as long as it's between .001-.002 I am good.

Is this correct?

Hopefully tommorow I will get the pistons and rods togother.And everything goes well.

Give me some shortblock assembly tips if ya'll wouldn't mind....

Will get pics up tommorow.Going to take some aspirin and eat something!

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_2298.jpg

Here's a pic of the motor.So far so good on everything.I do have a small issue right now with the oil pump pickup.It is about 5/8 from the bottom of the pan it only needs 3/8.

Hopefully I get to start the engine in the car by the end of the year.I am starting to think nobody at steve's likes me.No replies?

]

I am starting to think nobody at steve's likes me.No replies?

Finally, you figured it out!! Can I have that BB if you're leaving! J/K:eek::devil:

What's the specs on the BB or is it already posted and I missed it?:o

It's an early model 396.Like a 65-66.Somehow or another it's has survived all this time very well.It's still standard bore.It doesn't have any heli-coil's in it.And it's a 4 bolt main.The bearings I removed from the engine where dated 1996.And there where very nice.For some reason I believe the engine was put togother and taken back apart a short time afterwards.The guy I bought this stuff from wasn't honest with me so I had to figure out what I had.


The pistons are flat top with single valve relief's.The crank is cast.That is turned .010/.010 and it has speed pro main bearings and clevite rod bearings.The heads are 063 closed chamber oval ports.And the intake it a performer RPM.I am planning on a .550 lift cam with around 230 duration @.050.Hoping for 400+hp out of it.

Still need some parts but what I do have is nice.I have a chrome fluidampner for it and a brand new SFI flexplate and an MSD starter.Planning on a set of hedman 1 3/4 headers and 2.5 inch exhaust.

Thanks for the interest taz.I am on the furom all the time.And this nova is the biggest thing I have going in my life and have alot of pride in the stuff I do to it.

It sure sound s sweet and I know where you're coming from! I have my #'s one that's taking forever to find all the correct pieces for different reasons, so I went hunting for a second one to beat on in the mean time and found another 69 L78 car in a basket. I bolted it together over the winter and was driving by summer. I didn't care what anyones opinion was on it, it was built for me to enjoy driving. I've had a few hiccups, but it was the coolest thing to fire it up and go for the maiden voyage! Now I just keep adding more and more as time and money permit. My engine is a 396 60 over with LS6 head 9.5:1 575 lift cam air gap not to far off yours and it's a blast to drive, it could do with more rear gear though 336 right now, it needs 411 or more for the cam.

Keep going, the reward is indescribable!

That is very similar to my setup.I have a set of 781 heads also.But some genius ground them out to put my weiand supercharger on them.Which had a rectangular port intake.So the heads are probably ruined.I am going to take the rocker arm studs and guideplate off them and use em on the 063 heads.

I am planning on going with a 3:90 rear gear.It will be a fun car around town.But not intended for highway use.Just some good old neck snappin sittin back in your seat fun!

I am starting to think nobody at steve's likes me.No replies?

Just because we're not talking doesn't mean we're not watching. Keep up the good work. I enjoyed your line about going in the house to take some aspirin and get something to eat. We all get so wrapped up in our projects that we're to stupid to eat.:eek::devil: My wife still has to tell me to come on in from the rain.:devil::D Looking forward to your progress.:D

That is very similar to my setup.I have a set of 781 heads also.But some genius ground them out to put my weiand supercharger on them.Which had a rectangular port intake.So the heads are probably ruined.I am going to take the rocker arm studs and guideplate off them and use em on the 063 heads.

I am planning on going with a 3:90 rear gear.It will be a fun car around town.But not intended for highway use.Just some good old neck snappin sittin back in your seat fun!

Keep updating us, do you have any pics of your 69 Camaro?

Keep updating us, do you have any pics of your 69 Camaro?

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/69camaro.jpg

Here it is.My dad passed away when I was 17 years old.This was his project.And it has sat since he passed away.That picture was taken in our basement where the car is sitting.He loved 69 camaro's.He built one for drag racing with a stroked 454 on alcohol.Sold it when the local dragstrip flooded.To say it impacted my life was an understatment.

We acctaully drove that car home.My parents paid 1200 dollars for it.It had a 307 that litterally ran on 3-4 cylinders.The cam was round when we pulled it out.I remember the kid that owned it drove it to college and it broke down there.My dad and I went and got it.It was on a sunday and we where lucky to catch a guy at the autoparts store.Even though they where closed he sold us a water pump and loaned us the tools to install it in the parking lot.You had to nuetral drop the powerglide to get going.We drove it about 70 miles up the highway.It made it an 1/8th mile from the house and died at an intersection....

Inside the car are almost all new body panels.We just needed the rear outer wheel houses and then we could redo the rear of the car.We have the tailpanel,Trunk floor both 1/4's and alot of other brand new parts down stairs.That is one good thing about the car.Alot of the most expensive parts are bought already.Both floorpans are brand new and already installed.

I am hoping to get the car into the garage and started on this winter.I had to save my nova first.It wasn't planned.But I have always loved nova's!

Same here, Novas were always my favorite, I actually disliked the 69 Camaro the most when I was younger!:eek: Now I'd love to own one, although the days of beating on them are long gone, I'd like to give an effort!:rolleyes::D

Good luck, with your projects and just post, if I can offer help I will.:yes:

Just because we're not talking doesn't mean we're not watching. Keep up the good work. I enjoyed your line about going in the house to take some aspirin and get something to eat. We all get so wrapped up in our projects that we're to stupid to eat.:eek::devil: My wife still has to tell me to come on in from the rain.:devil::D Looking forward to your progress.:D


I hear ya.Except no wife just to remind me.Just my head going boom boom boom.That night I was installing the crankshaft and had a heck of time finding the correct clearance and then learning how to measure it.That made my brain hurt 2!

Been watchin - just not a lot of talkin.....:yes:
Looks like you have a good project going there.
My son lives close to you (Bloomsdale) - if you need help with something big PM me and I'll give Ya his number. He's not a mechanic - but he can do some stuff and he is a strong kid....(20 yrs old and a commercial diver)...

Thanks for the offer racinfan.I am only 24 myself.I have 2 good buddies that live in bloomsdale.Right at DD highway and 55 there.

I worked down at that holcim plant for a year.

Well guy's it's out the garage for me.Gonna work on the floorpans more today.Finish welding the topside and maybe even get it up in the air and start on the bottom...

He's done some work there as well. Works for River Diving and Salvage.... Like I said - let me know if u need a hand. He's bored when he isn't working...not a lot to do around there...

He's bored when he isn't working...not a lot to do around there...[/COLOR]

Story of my life.Rode 4-wheelers until I was old enough to drive.Than my interest turned to cars.From the day I got my 69 c-10 till now I haven't quit working on a hot rod or 2.I acctually got that truck in bloomsdale.

Anyway tell your boy to be careful.That river is crazy.Alot of people have never dealt with or understand that kinda power.Been livin within a mile or two my whole life..


Btw it's been 1 year since I got this engine.I am just now getting close to getting it put togother.Not to bad...

http://www.stevesnovasite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=103264&highlight=underatree

Well guys I have been under the car for about 5 nights now.Getting so much crap in my eyes it's not even funny.But I did manage to get from the firewall back to where the floorpan goes up near the rear brake hose is.I got all of that stripped to bare clean metal and I sprayed undercoating on it yesterday.

Here it is before I coated it.
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_2308.jpg

Another one a little farther back.
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_2307.jpg

Here is a few after coating.
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_2315.jpg

And the last one.
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_2313.jpg

I do still have a small amount of welding to do under there.Also I need another can of undercoating.Then onto the subframe connectors.Which I already bought.There jegster brand bolt in's.Hopefully it will be a nice solid car before two long.

Also considering not using the fuel cell after all.I new stock replacement tank would be nice and look alot better.


Another couple steps forward for the old car.And next I am going to start sticking the motor and trans in.Maybe even get it started before winter's over.That would be sweet.

Decided to add a couple more pictures.

Inside the car.Just got in primer right now.Have a little work to do before I spray it black.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/insidefloor2.jpg

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/insidefloor.jpg

That's all for now.Looking alot better though.

Looking good. I'm so glad I decided to build a rotisserie :devil:

Looks good. Thanks for the pics of the floor pans. That's going to be my next project on my 68.....

Looking good. I'm so glad I decided to build a rotisserie :devil:

My original plan was to get the nova going then work on the camaro.Then take the nova and put in the rotisserie that the camaro is on.Now I am thinking there will be no need to do that.

I am sure I will enjoy working on the camaro alot more due to the rotisserie.Hopefully sometime around christmas the nova will have another GM classic next to it in the garage.

I already have enough projects to last the rest of my life!


1320quick.Good luck with your install.If you need any advice just send a pm and I will be glad to help.

how you doing. by the pics ,it must be busy. hope you have work. i worked constuction for 35yrs. sorry about your father, but he left a great legacy in you. i'm sure he's proud. keep posting, curious about what's next. how soon on paint & color?

Looking good man! :yes:

I enjoy watching your progress.awsome job! Keep the pics coming.
Greg

Hey fella's how's it going?I took a little break from the nova to visit my uncle in boston.I am still in boston and will be going back home tommorow.I have had a great time.Saw alot of neat stuff.Went to plymouth plantation and plymouth rock.That was neat.Alot of US history up here.No old cars though.Which stinks.I couldn't deal with that.I have not come across one person that was interested in cars either.

Since the pics I installed the bolt in frame connectors.They went in fairly well.I had to do a little triming to the connectors themselves but that's part of the deal.

I am still lacking the camshaft/lifters,pushrods and some gaskets for the motor.Hopefully I will have that stuff before christmas.I am also ordering a 9.5 inch redneck racing 3000 stall convertor for a christmas present.Then it will be slipping the motor and trans in the car and start hooking stuff up.Running the fuel system and redoing the rear brakes.

The paint color will be the original cortez silver.At first it will be whatever primer/sealer that the paint store recomends for the cortez silver paint.Probably will be taking it to the strip and cruising the car in the primer for a summer or so.I wanna drive my car so bad it's not funny.3 years into the project and it is definitly turning the corner of being a nice solid car.

Thanks for the kind words guys.I try to do my best everyday and so far so good.

Hopefully I will be back home tommorow safely and get to see the nova again.I have only seen one nova since I have been here.Like I said no old cars:(

Started the next little bit of work last night.Took the back window out and I am replacing the metal underneath where the trim goes under the window.Alot of cars rot here and mine is one of them.

The good thing about this is not only will it be fixed.It will be the last portion of rusted out metal that I have to replace:yes:So that is a huge step in the right direction.

Also I ordered new comp cams pushrods and some little odds and end for the motor.


Will have pics up by friday.

I have been just viewing over the past months. You are doing a great job! You give inspiration to others to get off the couch. :yes::devil:

Sounds like a great project that's coming right along. I do a lot of reading, but not a lot of posting. Need to do less reading and get my butt in the garage and get to work. :yes: Keep up the good work. :yes:

Thanks for the kind words guys.To be honest the past couple months have been frustrating.I have not been working and money is TIGHT as can be.One week a month I get a little spare money.Luckily alot of this stuff is just doing the work...

Tonight I decided to break out the die grinder and hack away.I had this planned out in my head and so far so good one everything...

Like I said I am replacing the peice of metal that not only seals the bottom of the rear window it also holds the trim in place.My car was in terrible shape there.I had a 73 ventura parts car and I cut this part out of it.One thing I noticed is that the mounting/attaching piont of the bottom trim is different between the two.On the original 70 sheetmetal there are small little "stands"That stick out the screws attach there.On the 73 there is no "stands"And the panel itself catches the screws and holds the trim.

Here are some pics of the poor girl tonight.

Here is the rotten area...
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0394.jpg

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0395.jpg

A couple pics of after cutting.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0397.jpg

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0399.jpg

And a pic of the section I am going to be installing.Notice the lack of "stands"I have the trim from the ventura and the window also.Hopefully it works out and still looks and works properly...

Well I had to take a break from the project 4 a bit.A good freind spun a rod bearing in his daily drivers motor.So we found another motor and got it changed out last night.Turns out the flexplate's bent and we have to take it back out and do it again!

What a mess...

the guards that protect the speakers in your car are the same as in my car(72)... why would anyone just hack throught them??? looks liek some one took an ax to them... really???

It's funny you mention that.When I was fixing the floor ALL the holes that where in the trans tunnel.Where made with a screwdriver and a hammer.I guess they didn't own a drill.The same thing with the holes that allow access to the bolts that hold the front leaf spring hangers.

I am just glad I got this car when I did.Some people don't deserve to work on her!Also I plan on using a piece of sheetmetal to cover the rear package tray area...

Well my buddy decided not work on his truck tonight.So I worked on the car.So far the rear panel replacement is going well.Not perfect but none of this stuff ever does.But so far I don't believe it's out of control...Don't get me wrong I am nervous though!I believe the welding is gonna be the hardest part.I am trying to get the fitup really good to make that a tad easier...



Here's a pic of how much I have cut out.
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0402.jpg

The replacement layed in place.
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0403.jpg

The area that I am worried about welding.I bought a real small clamp to cut in half and use as a half clamp.I am planning on a tack every inch.With a .023 wire and low settings on the welder.
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0404.jpg

One last pic..
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0405.jpg

Well back out to the garage.

Looks like it's coming along, keep up the good work.

Well today I got the peice tack welded in.I laid the window in place to make sure it had a good seal and all looked good.In the next few days I am going to finish the welding and strip and repaint the part.

The other big news is I ordered my cam and lifters.It took from 11am to 2pm or calling companies and waiting on hold.I ordered this http://www.compcams.com/Cam_Specs/CamDetails.aspx?csid=389&sb=2 cam.I need the groove cut in the rear journal for the oil passage.Summit racing told me I needed a custom ground cam.Jegs told me I also had to get a custom cam.After calling comp directly 4 times I got the correct cam and lifters ordered.What a pain in the butt.I couldn't believe with all these computers we have now days a simple machining operation couldn't be punched in a computer.

Oh well it's ordered and should be here next week....

Well some how or another the cam came last night.Which shocked me!I ordered it wednesday and it showed up friday about 2pm!

So I spent last night cleaning the garage and I installed the cam and timing chain.Everything went smooth and now I am just needing gaskets to put thing togother.I am not sure if I am going to spend big bucks on a set of head gaskets or just but some regular old fel pro's.

I can't wait to here the motor start.She should sound really good.I am still wondering if I should make it loud or just sound good...

Here's a pic of the cam being slid in.Hopefully by christmas the motor will be completly assembled!
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0407.jpg

How's it going fella's.Got a little more done on the car.I got to clean the garage up to do a little work to my daily driver.So the nova had to be brought to a stopping point.And all the stuff put back in the trunk...

I am not that happy with the way the welding turned out.It's decent but not the best I have done....
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0417.jpg

The area that was rusted on the old piece is perfect now.Which is what I was going for.I am happy with that.
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0414.jpg

One more pic of the other side of the car.I am pretty sure the trunk will cover this part of the car up.So unless it is open nobody will see.
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0415.jpg


One thing I am learning is that the worse off the car is to begin with.The more scars its going to have.I am going for a solid street/strip car.Just don't want a rust bucket.So I am not really that worried about the scars.I try to do my best!

Spent the day cleaning the garage and tinkerin with the toys.

I really wanted to see how much of the weld seam was going to be covered by the trunk lid.So when a couple buddies stopped by I took advantage and had them help me put the trunk lid back on.

Turns out that it covers the whole seam and it looks really good!Which is great.I than took some rust killer stuff and brushed it on the rear window frame all the way around where the glass sits.Let it do it's thing and primered that also.I now have a nice solid window frame for the window to seal to.

I cannot wait to get this car going.I am so close to turning the corner to get to the "fun stuff"This car has been steady work and money into it.I love it though!:yes:

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0421.jpg

I plan on having someone come to the house and reinstall the back window.Probably should cost around 100 bucks or so....

I also decided to take a pic while I had it outside for the day.Planning on spraying it black primer before next summer.Than hopefully take it the track next year!

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0419.jpg

hello underatree.its looking good. if things work out & you get it running, where are you going to race? gateway? what color are you going to go with?

Looks a whole lot better then it did when you got it! Nice project you have going there. Keep updating - I always check this thread out to see what's new :yes::yes:

hello underatree.its looking good. if things work out & you get it running, where are you going to race? gateway? what color are you going to go with?

I plan on taking to gateway.It takes about 35-40 minutes to get there.I want it to be able to pass tech inspection and race anywhere.Also I know sikeston and benton are another couple options.And there is another track somewhere in the ozarks and one in benton illinois.I'll be happy if I start out in the 13's!!

Like I said I plan on painting it cortez silver.That's what color it originally was.

Thanks racinfan.I wish I had a picture of it the day I got it.Talk about a pos.Believe it or not the first pic of this thread is about 100 times better than when I got it.

Hey, it's looking great under.. I'm working on a 68 and am about to start on the subframe/firewall/undercarriage. What did you use to clean up yours? Were you able to clean it up with a grinder or did you need to use a blaster?

What are you going to do for wiring? Harness? Or are you going to just clean up what you have? My wiring is a mess, but I don't want to spend $400 for a harness.

Hey bpopp how's it going.Welcome to the board.

To clean the subframe itself I used a 4 1/2 inch angle grinder.With either a wire wheel or 80 grit sand paper.If it was real bad I would use an grinding disc.I don't believe that I had to blast anywhere on the subframe.I couldn't because it was about this time last year and of course you couldn't sand blast inside.My favorite tools in the shop are my pair of die grinders.I use them just about everytime I go out there.They where also used to clean.

The control arms though I did sand blast.The firewall I used a grinder with 80 grit and my die grinders also.

Now the under carriage I scraped off with a couple different scrapers I have.I believe I did that for two nights straight.Just scraping.When I finnally got most of the crud off the grinders where again used to finish the job.


As far as the wiring harness goes I am not sure.This car has no heating or a/c system in it anymore.It's one of the things I regret about the project.When I got the car everything was missing for it.So I said oh well I just want a racecar.Now I know about those cold nights in the staging lanes when your windsheild is all fogged and your freezin!

Anyway without the heating and cooling there isn't alot of wires left.Also no radio or any creature comforts.I plan on trying to salvage what I have is what I am trying to say.My engine harness is all there and still has all the connectors and the under the dash harness is salvagable also.

Don't be afraid to spend money on these things it worth it!:D

Good luck with you 68 project.

I would think you could find the heater stuff fairly easily and for cheap. Lots of that came out of the Novas made into full race cars. Put a wanted ad up in the classifieds section - somebody might even GIVE you the stuff just to get rid of it....:yes:

Now the under carriage I scraped off with a couple different scrapers I have.I believe I did that for two nights straight.Just scraping.When I finnally got most of the crud off the grinders where again used to finish the job.

Thanks for the info. I'm planning to pull my engine/front clip, and get started on mine in the next couple of weeks. :eek:

Don't be afraid to spend money on these things it worth it!

I hear ya.. my wife is less enthusiastic, though. :) She's actually been great so far, but there's definitely a limit to her generosity and my car (http://www.bpopp.net/articles/view.php?id=953) needs a lot of work.

Thanks for keeping this journal of your progress.. it's been really helpful.. please keep it coming!

Just thought I would update a little bit.I installed the heads on the 396.Also installed the lifters and pushrods.Even adjusted the valves.I am going to port match the intake today and install it.Then the engine will be complete!:yes:

Also my hedman 68190's showed up at the girlfreinds house today.But I have to wait till christmas to get them.:eek:

I still need pulleys and altenator bracket for the short water pump bbc.Not a big deal ground up has em..

Planning on buying a shift kit some new seals and filter for the th400.Also gonna paint it black.


Nothing to major to report but progress none the less!:D

Well I got the port matchin done on the intake.I also got the intake installed.It went smoothly besides forgetting to put silicone on the intake side of water ports.I remembered right as I was torquing down the intake.Had to take it right back apart!


I know how ya'll like pics so I took a few...
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0448-1.jpgNotice the polished fluidamper I love that thing.I even found the timing tab off the motor.The marks lined up perfectly.It was really like putting a puzzle togother...

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0449.jpgThe only set of rocker arms I have right now are these harland sharps.I never had good luck keeping roller rockers tight.But I have also never got that deep into it.Well see how they work...

I also found the correct oil filter at o reilly's.Since it came with a canister style and I wanted a screw on.I had a canister on my 307 and it was mess!I found the adapter in a box full of parts and it worked.Another peice of the puzzle...

Just a little update.I ordered my redneck performance 3000 stall convertor today.Should be here next week.Still need the b&M trans pack.A th400 dipstick.

Then the motor and trans can go in the car.Wiring and plumbing the motor.I have alot of the stuff to do it already.Still shooting for my end of winter start up date!

I also painted the motor chevy orange.Can't wait to hear the beast.Also I am going to go with dynomax ultra flow mufflers.Read alot of good things about them...

Really good. You are doing a great job. I wish I could have a garage like yours. I am suscribing to your thread. Keep the good work.

Nice build, especially like the 2 ltr bottle of Dew :yes:

Lookin good, im glad to see you posting your build. Wish there were more fully documented builds on here. It surely is a piece of motivation. Check out my ride.

Well the big brown truck came today and brought me what I wanted!
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0482.jpg

Like I said it's a redneck performance 9.5 inch.Supposed to stall around 3000.


Also I made a little panel and mounted my gauges where the factory radio went.I didn't cut the part out of the dash it was already hacked.So I made it a little bigger and used a peice of aluminum.The gauges are just sunpro's.But they will work for now.
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0478.jpg


Need about 150 bucks worth of parts and then the motor and trans can go in..

Just thought I would update a little more.I installed the tci transcat valvebody kit into the th400.Everything went smooth besides one snag.So tommorow I will be getting new front and rear seals for the trans.Along with a new filter.

Then it getting bolted behind the 396 and sat in the car.A big step in the right direction.

Willl have pics up by the end of the week....

And btw I found good paint supplier and beleive the cortez silver with black strips will be here before you know it....

Really good. You are doing a great job. I wish I could have a garage like yours. I am suscribing to your thread. Keep the good work.

Thanks for the kind words.If it wasn't for steves my car wouln't be anywhere near what it is today.I love this place....:jumping::jumping:

Well I got the motor and trans in.This has been alot of trips to the hardware store...

Everything went pretty smooth.Getting both bolts that go through the mount and framestands was pita.Took all of my 45 minutes and that's with the front clip removed.The stands themselves are big block.There not GM though.Also the mounts are small block.But I figured they would work.Gonna look for some replacements.

The headers fit good.I did have to trim one of the bolts that you align the car with.I trimmed about 3/8" off.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0489.jpg

I bought some silica sand today.Plan on sandblasting the inside of the fenders tommorow.And working on the inner fender well.This is going to look really nice once I'm done!

Plan on ordering the pulleys and the altenator bracket next week...

looking good. what headers are you using? and could you get a close up of your motor mounts? and what kinda power you think your making? thanks

Nice project you have going there. I don't mind your fab and metal work at all. Better than I can do and we all gotta start somewhere. It will only get better with practice.

Anyone have any thoughts on the cam lube on that cam installation pic? Usually I see a lot more lube on there. Just curious.

The headers are hedman 68190 which is the 1 3/4 primary tube with 3 inch ball and socket style collector.The 396 should be making somewhere around 400hp and over 400ft pounds of torque.

As far as the cam lube I used a bottle of moly lube that you can get at just about any auto parts store.I The lifters and the cam got it.The motor will be started using valvoline vr1 oil which still has zinc as well as a bottle of comp cams cam break in lube.That along with some lucas oil stabilizer.I don't believe I should have any problems.Never had any before using this method on my small blocks.This is my first big block though...

Comp cams break in lube? Sounds like something i might be interested in using. My motor has been sitting a while, actually built 3 years ago. Always been wrapped and when I dropped in the lifters last fall, I could see plenty of cam lube on there. I made sure to keep the bottom of the lifters clean and dry, as no not allow any oil to potentially cause the cam lube to move.

Is cam break in lube with the oil commonly used?

When I got my cam it says that if you don't use the break in oil the warranty is voided.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CCA-159/

This is what I am referrring to.I have used it with success.Seems to be a good product.As well as the lucas stabilizer.That stuff is slick.I took a 350 apart I had used that stuff in and everything was still very slick!

I got the pulleys and the altenator bracket for the shortwater pump bbc.I ordered the stuff from ground up and was disspointed that every single part said made in taiwan.The upper altenator bracket the holes where an inch off.I had to cut some of it off and now I need to figure out how to fix it.Not a big deal.For the money I spent I figured it would be better than that.190 dollars for 2 pulleys and an altenator bracket that doesn't fit...

Anyone know where I can get a GM upper altenator bracket for a swp bbc?

I traded a set of bbc H beam rods for a brand new performer RPM nitrous kit for my car today.

Now there's gonna be a bottle in the trunk!

your car seems to be coming along quite nicely cant wait to see more pics.:yes:

Well I primed the motor with oil and it has good oil pressure.

Gonna paint the inner fenders and some other things this week.

The motor having good oil pressure has me excited.I am running custom length plug wires right now and hooking up my gauges.I ran -4 braided line for the oil pressure.That turned out nice.

Gonna order the trans cooler and lines pretty soon.

Hopefully some pics of the front clip back on and the motor all hooked up soon!

Don't know if anyone cares but I got some more work done on the car.I got the power wire from the battery in the trunk ran through the car out the firewall and hooked up to the starter.I also got a nice 2 gauge ground wire from the engine to the chassis and than another new ground from the battery to the frame.Now the motor will turn over if you jump the silonoid.

Planning on buying a flaming river disconnect switch and a painless fuel pump relay kit this week.Then the holley blue will be mounted and wired.

I also got new moroso plug wire seperators and a set of taylor spriro plug wires.They turned out pretty nice.I should have order the 135 degree boots but instead used the straights and they will work for a while.I now know what boots to buy.

The gauges are hooked up to the motor and ready to go.I installed my monster tach with the shiftlight on the a piller using the factory screw hole.I like where it is.

The water pump is on and both crank and water pump pullies installed.

I need to get the passenger side fender sandblasted tomorow and then I can remount the fenders and core support.That way I can start the wiring now that I have my 12 volts coming from the starter.Maybe get the headlights working and what not.....


I like this part of the build.Just getting the odds and end stuff done seems to be funnest part to me.

I decided to add a couple pics.

The first one is the nitrous kit.Even though I bought it second hand none of it has ever been used.It's a performer RPM.100hp-250hp adjustable.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0492.jpg

The second one is the spark plug wires and there holders.They turned out alright.I believe with the 135degree angle boots they would be perfect.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0508.jpg

The third one is the front of the engine.As you can see the upper altenator bracket is still messed up.It's supposed to bolt to the water pump.But it was a pos made in taiwan junker and it didn't fit.Looking for a NOS gm one or even a usable junk GM peice...

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/underatree/100_0506.jpg

That's all for now.Hopefully alot of changes will be happening within the next few months...

You are getting there. I am just the opposite. I like the rough in and hate the finish work. I do like the part when you fire up the motor for the first time. Here is Dad's 49. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jy3MtYvAXOQ We put the exact same crate motor in my Nova. As for proper fiting brackets I like Alan Grove http://www.alangrovecomponents.com/Catalog.htm