Some basic questions

RetchedOne

6th-May-2008, 01:53 PM

I've got some questiosn that could probably be answered fairly easy, if someone would be so kind... :D

I'm on the hunt for a Nova...
I like the look of the 68-72 years...
One of my fav's - http://www.stevesnovasite.com/forums/showpost.php?p=366245&postcount=12

So some questions... (If I missed some 'read this post newb' please tell me)
Well let me start with my end goals...

Mild 350 with 700r4 12 bolt rear with 4.10's
Disc brake front
I'll paint it, and do most body work.
Really just want a fun cruiser, that can move when told to do so.
i've got a huge off road truck now, that, as fun as it is, cant be driven onthe road, so it gets really old really fast.

So what am I looking for besides a clean car to start with?
I got about 3500 to get it bought and/or started...
Doesnt have to run, but being able to drive it home would be a huge benefit.

I'm more concerned about a clean cancer free car than a running car

-Where are the troublesom areas for rust?
-Was the small block 350 an option in the 68-72?
-Disc brakes didnt come factory in these years from what i've read correct But can be easily swapped on from other stock years
-What am i looking at to drop in a 350 small block if it has the straight 6?

Thanks Guy's, I know there basic questions, I'll be searchin posts and readin up in the mean time. :cool:

-Aaron in Seattle

VooDooII

6th-May-2008, 02:04 PM

Disc brakes and V8's were available in those years,

Pwrtrip75

6th-May-2008, 02:27 PM

A lot of people ask insane prices for what your looking for. dropping a 350 in a 6cyl car is an easy swap.

Depending on your capabilities the best cruiser combo for the buck would be a late model LSX engine, like a 5.3 or 6.0,, pick them up complete for $500-$1k and have awesome power and MPG.
Its actually no harder than any engine swap, you just need to read into it and understand it.

I always have to push the LSX stuff :D :yes:

underatree

6th-May-2008, 02:27 PM

RetchedOne

6th-May-2008, 04:07 PM

These cars are relactively cheap compared to camaro's and chevelle's so I think you making the right choice.And of course they look better to.

So far I have found they like to rott at the bottom of the front fenders near the doo.There is a brace there where it bolts to the body and water and dirt sit back there and rust.It wouldn't seem like a big deal except fenders are over 300 a side.And findin nice used one's has not happened for me.

The rockers also seem to go.And the floorboards of course.I have only been around a few nova's so other people can help you more with this.I would also look on the body where the front subframe mounts.As well as the rear frame rails.And trunk.The underside of the doors also seem to be a problem.

Disk brakes where available.I would try and find a car with them already.It cose around 500-600 to ad front disk brakes.

Also a 12 bolt is gonna be kinda hard to find.Sure there lots of them out there.But in 71-up nova's came with an 8.5 inch ten bolt.Plenty strong enough for a 350.Some people on here are running big blocks with them.

As far as the 6-cylinder to v8.Not to hard I believe just change the frame mounts as well as the motor mounts.The correct holes are already in the subframe.You can get crossmember's to put any kind of tranny in these cars.Same with motors.From 4 cylinders-big blocks.

Good luck with your hunt and I hope you find a nice car to start with.I got a junker and so far I have still have a junker.Just a nicer junker!

So i need to look out for the frot fenders.
If I look for a 71-72, it'll have disc brakes for sure, or was it just an option?
I'm more than capable of swapping in a small block, so i guess straight metal and discs is what i'm after...

A lot of people ask insane prices for what your looking for. dropping a 350 in a 6cyl car is an easy swap.

Depending on your capabilities the best cruiser combo for the buck would be a late model LSX engine, like a 5.3 or 6.0,, pick them up complete for $500-$1k and have awesome power and MPG.
Its actually no harder than any engine swap, you just need to read into it and understand it.

I always have to push the LSX stuff :D :yes:

What year and what would i be looking for a LSx out of? Would it be easy to to TBI/YPI or just carbed?

Disc brakes and V8's were available in those years,

You say available, (discs) so they were an option?

DriveWFO

6th-May-2008, 04:45 PM

Look at the rear frame rails and behind the tail panel. Lots of rust usually found there.

RetchedOne

6th-May-2008, 05:21 PM

Look at the rear frame rails and behind the tail panel. Lots of rust usually found there.

Are most of these area's repairable with replacement panels, or weld in patches?

Jason628

6th-May-2008, 09:40 PM

Greetings,

Yes most of these things can be fixed with panels and steel. Just keep in mind not to buy the first thing you look at! Browse eBay and other places and try to get as much car as you can for your budget. If you're looking for one all done, not needing anything I know of a sharp blue '73 that could be available! LMAO

Jason

WILMASBOYL78

6th-May-2008, 09:45 PM

Aaron, your budget is fairly modest for the goal...but I will share this advice...BUY THE BEST BODY and INTERIOR YOU CAN AFFORD...!!! stretch to make the purchase if you have to...it will pay big dividends in the long wrong. You should look for a Grandma type survivor...preferably a western or southern car...you want a car that has driver quality paint and a nice interior. Engines, trannys and rears can always be found/purchased...but rust free sheet metal is hard to come by. If you find this type of car you can always drive it and enjoy it while you plan the project. It will also give you a chance to look it over and study the chassis and details of the car. Then you can start adding to it...maybe just a set of wheels and tires will do the trick...if you get lucky and find a 307 V-8 car then a set of duals will give it "the sound" we all like to hear. The 307 can also handle a mild cam, 4 barrel, engine dressup...etc. Again, buy the best platform and build from there....driving a rusty hulk is no fun....and repro sheet metal is marginal at best...nothing beats the assembly line stuff.

If you need more help....there are many guys here to call on. Good luck.

wilma:yes:

taz3

6th-May-2008, 09:59 PM

I agree with the above statement,the bolt ons are much easier to deal with and won't tie the car up as long.Buy the best rolling chassis you can afford.

ddoyel

6th-May-2008, 10:03 PM

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/car/669333696.html

ddoyel

6th-May-2008, 10:05 PM

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/car/667919210.html

batman09

6th-May-2008, 10:11 PM

craigslist.com is a good place to start.To be honest $3500 will not buy you alot...it'll need work...probably alot.I will do a search for you...
look here

http://www.oldride.com/classic_cars/chevrolet_nova.html
http://www.memorylanemotors.net/showroom.html
http://www.motorcityusa.net/

ddoyel

6th-May-2008, 10:13 PM

http://pullman.craigslist.org/car/643876269.html

ddoyel

6th-May-2008, 10:17 PM

http://spokane.craigslist.org/car/647814951.html

Your gonna have to sacrafice something with your budget! Seems your market is about the same as mine for those year cars. 73 or newer, 4 door or needs more work than you wanted.

batman09

6th-May-2008, 10:25 PM

Look here...lots of cars...2k-7k

http://www.oldride.com/classic_cars/703235.html
http://www.oldride.com/classic_cars/884380.html
http://www.oldride.com/classic_cars/803149.html in washington
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/car/668223034.html in vancouver
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/car/667766831.html
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/car/663841085.html
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/car/657747709.html
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/car/650820878.html
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/car/630846223.html
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/car/619217793.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/car/668135584.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/car/667919210.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/car/666870259.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/car/664411542.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/car/661284844.html
http://spokane.craigslist.org/car/668914504.html
http://spokane.craigslist.org/car/649867451.html
http://spokane.craigslist.org/car/647814951.html

taz3

6th-May-2008, 10:55 PM

kagibbs

11th-June-2008, 12:33 AM

good luck finding one at resonable cost