First order of business is to make this thing a complete, solid body once again. Since I didn't have another car to take measurements from, I opted to go for the full floor/trunk pan assembly. It's a nice piece and already has the rear frame rails and bracing in place. I also ordered up some complete rocker panels. Pretty much everything on this car is gonna have to replaced!:violin:
67 Nova - Project "Re-Deuce"
Wanted to start a build thread on my 67 Nova. I had a 66 for my first car and traded it for a 68 Camaro. I still have the Camaro but I've wanted another 66-67 Chevy II for a while. I found this beauty and the plan is to build it up right with upgraded suspension, steering , brakes, etc. and make a nice driver. Here's what it looks like now. It came with new rear quarters, tail panel, inner outer side cowl panels, firewall and upper/lower cowl panels and some original doors and deck lid. The crappy frame and Dana 60 rear will be sold off and some Detroit Speed hardware will be taking its place.
Attachments
1 - 20 of 308 Posts
So I got the floor pan raised and leveled up so I could begin swapping some sheet metal. Got the new rocker panels installed and the DSE mini tubs and subframe connectors showed up. My plan is to brace the body up, cut the old rockers off and set the body down on the new floor. From there I can get everything squared up, tacked together and then get the firewall mocked up and start replacing the side cowl panels, top cowl panels, etc.
Here, I've just got the mini tubs laying in place to get an idea. Just have the firewall clamped up to check fitment.
Here, I've just got the mini tubs laying in place to get an idea. Just have the firewall clamped up to check fitment.
Attachments
Here's another shot from a different angle...before the rockers were welded on.
Attachments
Reminds me of building model cars as a kid!...
Attachments
Thanks to SNOLAN, I scored some great doors this weekend. Worked out great logistically and always good to meet the people behind the messages on the forum, thanks Again Steve! These will be a huge check off the to-get list...
Attachments
Thank you, some might disagree and to a point may be correct but with the availability of parts for these and other cars nowadays, it takes a fair amount of the work out of it. If I was having to pay a shop to do the work, no question that buying a new body would be cheaper. Stay tuned, we'll see if my opinion changes!
Sounds good, I'll take you up on that! I can assure you the doors are in good hands. Thanks again for reaching out!Cant wait to see this project completed ..
Love seeing my extra parts go to a good home.
Next time your in the area we can go out for a Nova Ride
![]()
Alrighty, so I brought the Nova shell home this weekend so I'd have it here to mess with. Finally got a chance today to put in some hours. Here's a few pics of the progress...started by nixing that ugly chassis, removing the rear quarters and tail panel and getting it braced up and ready to cut the rocker panels off.
Attachments
Then, with some help from the audience, I got the body set down on the new floor pan assembly. Nothing is tacked down at this point, just seeing what I've got to work with and where any problem areas might be. Found a lot of little areas I'm gonna have to fabricate patch panels for but nothing too terrible. Still have to dolly out the flanges and reshape some areas where I was fighting spot welds. At this point, I'm very happy with how things are lining up and rough fitment.
Attachments
Here's a different view...
Attachments
Along the way, I've decided to go ahead and replace the package tray sheet metal. If I don't, I'll never forgive myself. Besides, with it I'll get the much needed seat back support braces, new trunk hinges and torsion springs in addition to good solid metal to attach the new filler panel to. Classic Industries is running a sale so I got the outer wheel tubs and deck lid as well. This will give me everything needed to get the body and rough panel alignment done. At this point, my Dad and I hung the quarters back on to check fitment with the new rockers, etc. and I just had to see those sweet doors I got hanging there as well. For kicks, I also slapped the firewall and upper cowl panel up there although the it's not even close to being lined up. At this point, still nothing is tacked down and everything will need to be tweaked but no major malfunctions. Besides, what better way to store your new sheet metal then on the car!
Attachments
Here's a shot of the inside. Once I get the body frame where I want it and tacked down I'll begin replacing the other panels, doing the DSE mini tubs, patching the areas that need attention and dialing in the panel fitment but I was excited to see it looking like a respectable Nova again!
Attachments
Another gratuitous interior shot...thanks for tuning in!
Attachments
Finally got the remainder of the necessary parts to fully assemble the body shell. Now hopefully I can carve some time out this weekend to get some things permanently attached.
Attachments
The new package tray sheet metal seems to be a nice piece. It'll make a huge improvement to what's currently on the car as mine was pretty rough in one corner, had been butchered for speakers at some point and had also fallen victim to some clown with a torch who cut the seat support braces off short...surprisingly, those seem impossible to buy, new or used!
Attachments
1 - 20 of 308 Posts
