1971 Nova

Here is the first pic of my 1971 Nova when I purchased it. This thread will host changes like the LS swap and other changes as they happen. Stay tuned, more to come.

The seller kept the Torque Thrust wheels and tires as I did not want the drag radials and very narrow front tires.

First things first is a good safety inspection to make sure the Nova is road worthy. All fluid changes, lubrication, check suspension components, make sure all lights function. Inspect for leaks.

This is the wheel I chose for the Nova. I went with 15X7 fronts and 15x8 on the rear in the different bolt patterns. I purchased new tires in 235/60/15 fronts and 275/60/15 rears. They are mounted and balanced and ready to install once I finish getting the 3 inch exhaust over the axle installed. The Nova had 3 inch dumps in front of the axle and I want the car to have more of a stock look.

The Nova has way too much flat black on it, and until I can afford a paint job, I decided to work with what I have. So I wire wheeled the taillight buckets and the rear panel then repainted them. Being the originals they cleaned up ok, to look acceptable, but not new. It sure made a difference. The recipe, very little money, just add time. Now let's see what we can do with the grill.

Okay boys and girls, it's been a week of remove, repair, clean, polish, paint, mend and bend and finally get it together again. The grille is done. I removed all the chrome and headlight surrounds and grill and whatever else got in my way. I polished the chrome best I could and painted the grill then polished the chrome edges. Best part was installing the SS Badge. It's a labor of love most times. Most times!

I realize the car looks pretty much the same as the first pic when I bought it but I've been putting the details back into the car, After refurbishing the rear panel and front grill, I decided to take a fun drive. I happened to like the look of the Nova coming out of the grocery store. Do we call them grocery stores anymore?? The next project is find all the rattles and squeaks. Then onto the interior. Meanwhile I hope a buyer needs the 496 BBC so the LS swap can begin.

Well it's been awhile since I posted on the Nova. I have a friend who is an expert in automotive wiring. I told him of my issues with the Nova's wiring and he said he would take a look. Well even his skills, gifts and talents were challenged. I didn't have the money to have a full new wiring kit installed. So my friend took my budget and this mess of wires are ones he removed. THIS IS JUST THE ENGINE BAY!! He's now under the dash chasing wires and fixing things.

How do you repay someone like that? He told my of ALL the issues. I claim the bad for not examining the wiring BEFORE purchase. He said he should have my car done soon. He said he's only charging me his friends rate for the work. It will be great to have confidence in my Nova.