73 Nova Hatchback - Camaro Nose Job

[chadn]

73 Nova Nose Job - 69 Camaro Valance

I wanted to share my current project. I have a 73 Nova Hatchback that I have had for about 10 years. I started overhauling the car about 3-4 years ago and have continued to drive it during the warmer seasons in Ohio. I wanted to get rid of the huge bumpers that were introduced in 73 to make it more sporty and aggressive. I did the grill and bumper swap last year to a 72 style and went with old school rims. This year I finally decided to paint it. I changed the color to hugger orange with white racing stripes. After my first coat of paint, I was looking at the front end and thought... Its time I did something about it. I got online and found Notorious nova, ResurreXion and another car from this site. And I personally liked them. I know a few of you purest nova guy say, no way... But I personally like it.

So I went online and ordered a 69 camaro valence, Fender extensions, spoiler, with a matching chrome bumper. for around $300. I made some measurements and stared at it for hours trying to get the nerve to take out my cutting wheel and buzz of the bottoms of my fenders. Finally I did it! No turning back now.... Please no haters... I never intend on selling it, I am building this as a father son project and a driver, not a show car.

Any comments?
Would you paint the spoiler the same as the car or black?
Should the stripes go down onto the valance? or stop at the hood.



Anyway here are a few pics of the current status...

Before

[sevenzeronova]

It looks great! I think black on the spoiler

[Lemonhead]

Paint everything body color and run the stripes all the way down thruogh the spoiler

[Ryan74]

All or nothing. Would look more complete all the way down. And more sinister!!!

[taz3]

First off welcome to the site, as for the look, just make sure you enjoy it first. I love original cars, but I see nothing wrong with folks like yourself going outside the box getting creative. I've been debating doing the same with one of my Novas. Keep us posted as you go.

[sevenzeronova]

We need someone with some photoshop skillz to see it !

[base1969]

do it striped all the way. if you don't like it , you can always go black.

[WOWilly]

That is exactly what I was thinking on my 73, but with the stock grill and headlight bezels to see if the 69 Camaro Bumper lined up with the 73/74 Nova Fender Extensions. I also wanted to convert the Rear of my 73 Nova with a 70-73 Camaro Bumper (looks like it would follow the lines), lower tail panel and valance.

[chadn]

Well I've made some more progress. Have been hung up on how I am going to fill the gap between the 72 nova grill and the 69 camaro vallance/bumper. Attached is a photo with some PVC moldings that I had laying around.





I actually liked the look of the cove profile but couldnt bring myself to using PVC Trim on detroit iron, so...

I took a 3" x 30" piece of 16 gauge aluminized steel tubing and ripped it into thirds. This gave me 3 coved J peices. I mitered them at 7 degrees the same as the original angle on the bumper.


I'm not the best welder so please be gentle on the welding job.


Here is what I ended up with, I cut and welded 20 ga sheet steel to make the profile for the headlight bezels, they lean forward to match the angle on the bezel and corner trim. Btw, the orange paint is there as a guide coat when I sand it smooth....

[sevenzeronova]

Looking good! Keep up the good work. Can't wait to see it finished!

[kmart72]

Lookin good! Someone needs to come up with a conversion "kit" that includes everything for the swap. Keep up the good work

[63LSWagon]

While I can appreciate the forward thinking, it is unique...I'd go with a stock 68-72 nova bumper and save the 69 camaro bumper and valance for a 69 camaro.

[chadn]

Well I spent some time on the project again over the 4th holiday. The temp was close to 100 so I didnt work to fast.... I have all the welding / fabricating finished. I put on a coat of Evercoat Featherfill G2, for those that havnt used it, its a sprayable polyester filler. It saves alot of time when block sanding. Anyway I hope to finish sanding and finally get some color on her this weekend.

[Ryan74]

Looks great. Your making me want to do this to my 74

[chadn]

Check it out! I put the first coat of orange last night. Still need to wet sand and then recoat the entire car. I am hoping to do the racing stripes tonight. I am very happy with the results considering its my second paint job.

I put together a list of all the camaro parts needed to do the convesion from amazon.com, however I am not sure if its against the rules to post?