Found a new project at Pomona

[WILWAXU]

I've been lurking here for a while and "shopping" for my first Pro-Touring project car for about a year now. Sunday I found a car at the Pomona Swap Meet that I couldn't pass up.

It's a rust free 1970 Nova with ~86,000 miles on the chassis.
http://www.wilwaxu.com/images/nova/dsc03357s.jpg

Looks like the car has the original paint, exception being the areas that have been sanded off. The guy I bought it from had taken the paint off "to show that it was rust free car".
http://www.wilwaxu.com/images/nova/dsc03362s.jpg
38 years old and no rust. Gotta love west coast cars!

http://www.wilwaxu.com/images/nova/dsc03363s.jpg

The car was originally 6 cylinder 3 speed column shift car. Still has the dead pedal which should come in handy with my future plans.
http://www.wilwaxu.com/images/nova/dsc03361s.jpg

Somewhere down the road a previous owner installed a fuel injected 4.3ltr V6 w/4L60. Not my choice for a swap, but certainly different.
http://www.wilwaxu.com/images/nova/dsc03358s.jpg

I was told that the car had been sitting "for a while" but it ran good. So, to get it home I decided to "test" out how good it was. We loaded and drove the Nova 105+ miles to a friends house in San Diego. Even though the 4.3 wasn't singing to full song the car made the trip without issue.

Haven't laid out the exact plan yet, but the main idea centers around motivation from a LS motor w/T56 and a host of Pro Touring gear (brakes, suspension, etc).

For the short term. My buddy is going to throw some primer over the bald spots. Once that's done I will get the car home and start tinkering with it. Plan is to drive it while I collect parts. Should be fun!

[WILWAXU]

Donations and sponsors welcome ;)

[ProdigyCustoms]

Man, what a sweetheart of a project start! Your thousands ahead on the body shop cost already!

[XcYZ]

Man, what a sweetheart of a project start! Your thousands ahead on the body shop cost already!

So true, Frank!

Looks like the perfect victim. :cheers:

[melman109]

Nice find! I'm jealous :thumbsup: Can't wait to follow this thread. Have fun :woot:

[cmraman]

i'm totally jealous. That is pretty much what I want to get.

[Hdesign]

Very cool! Great buy, these Novas are already taking off. Reminds me of the condition of mine when I bought it....nothing like a straight, unmolested car to start with. Keep us posted!:thumbsup:

[Steve1968LS2]

I saw that car out there but was looking for a second gen Camaro. How much did you get it for?

I seems like there's at least on sweet "grandma" Nova out there every month.

Nice score! :thumbsup:

[7TSS]

Congrats on the new project!
I have a soft spot for those Novas since I had a '68 & '74 back in the day.
Have fun with it.

[nvr2fst]

Great find
Nova, the next camaro?

[WILWAXU]

Pays to have a friend that is a retired paint & body guy. He checked the car out with me. He refuses to paint cars any more, but his knowledge is invaluable when shopping for cars like these.

Got the car pretty cheap. Funny enough, I still paid about $300 more than the sticker price in 1970 (it was on the title). :rofl:

The build will go in spurts. Basically as time and $$$ permit.

[WILWAXU]

Found a surprise under the Nova.
http://www.wilwaxu.com/images/nova/dsc03395s.jpg

Someone has installed a power rack. Don't recognize the kit.. might be something someone cooked up.
http://www.wilwaxu.com/images/nova/dsc03412s.jpg

The "new" look
http://www.wilwaxu.com/images/nova/dsc03420s.jpg

Black etch coat primer was sprayed to cover all the bald spots from previous owner. Not pretty, but MUCH better than bare metal.
http://www.wilwaxu.com/images/nova/dsc03421s.jpg

3 point retractable seat belts install.
http://www.wilwaxu.com/images/nova/dsc03423s.jpg

Got the car back from San Diego last weekend. Had the windshield replaced and got all the DMV stuff done this past week. This weekend I installed the 3 point seat belts, cleaned it up, did a tune up, and tinkered around with some of the small wiring gremlins.

The waiting parts list is growing. Picked up a subframe with DSE coil over conversion already done, along with the arms and Koni's.

Have the rest of the small engine parts on there way, just need to finalize my plans for the front accessories.

[Devil Dog]

Looks like a great find.
Keep us posted on all mods.

I'm interested in the Rack & Pinion steering set-up. Where did it come from and how can use it on my 69 Camaro (?).
Marco (Polo):thumbsup:

[WILWAXU]

Picked up some "new" shoes for the Nova today at the Long Beach swap meet. Got an killer deal on a set of Camaro SS wheels/tires & 2" adapters.

Threw them on the car for mock up. Tires are 245/45/17's.
http://www.wilwaxu.com/images/nova/zr1side.jpg

http://www.wilwaxu.com/images/nova/zr1qtr.jpg

http://www.wilwaxu.com/images/nova/zr1rqtr.jpg

2 of the rims came with 275/40 17 BFG drag radials. They fit in the back by a hair. With a lip roll they would have worked, but more than likely I'll just pick up another set of 245's and just run those on all the way around for now.

[awr68]

Nice progress! Wheels sure change a car!! :thumbsup:

[COYBILT]

the wheels made quite a difference

[syborg tt]

2 of the rims came with 275/40 17 BFG drag radials. They fit in the back by a hair. With a lip roll they would have worked, but more than likely I'll just pick up another set of 245's and just run those on all the way around for now.


John if you need a Fender Roller I have one - just shoot me an e-mail ( [email protected] ) and I'll send it off to you.

?? Since there is a 4.3 in there - I say Turbo it using Syclone parts

[WILWAXU]

John if you need a Fender Roller I have one - just shoot me an e-mail ( [email protected] ) and I'll send it off to you.

?? Since there is a 4.3 in there - I say Turbo it using Syclone partsThat would be fun, But I already have the LS2 on it's way.

Thanks for the offer on the fender roller!

[syborg tt]

That would be fun, But I already have the LS2 on it's way.

Thanks for the offer on the fender roller!


LS2 is good

and your welcome on the roller

[WILWAXU]

After allot of tinkering with adapter/spacers I was able to cram the 275/40 17's in the back.

Since these cars were built to such tight tolerances, I ended up with a 1.5" spacer on the drivers side and a 1" spacer on the passenger side. :lol:

Here's the pictures:

http://www.wilwaxu.com/images/nova/drqtr.jpg

http://www.wilwaxu.com/images/nova/side.jpg

http://www.wilwaxu.com/images/nova/sundrqtr.jpg

http://www.wilwaxu.com/images/nova/sunpasqtr.jpg

[syborg tt]

John,

the car looks good really good :thumbsup:

[chevyIIpost]

Could spent an hour and cut a coil off the front springs and drop the nose>>>>>>>>>:thumbsup:

[WILWAXU]

Could spent an hour and cut a coil off the front springs and drop the nose>>>>>>>>>:thumbsup:Yeah, thought about it, but I have a full DSE coilover kit getting ready to go in.

Plan to start the suspension mods tomorrow with the rear. Have a set of DSE 3" lower springs going in.

[WILWAXU]

Believe it or not, this car is finally getting some love :lol:

Shortly after the last post here, I went on a 6 month deployment, which turned into 8+ years living overseas :wacko: The Nova went into storage, along with all the parts. Now.. 10 years later, we are moving forward. :lmao:

I've decided not to blow the car completely apart at this time. Cleaning, repainting as I go. I've found the years this car spent in the desert has caked everything in a almost powercoat like layer of dirt/grime. This layer has serve the car well.. almost like a preservative. But, it also is a PITA to clean off :D

Here's the progress over the past week.

Installed:
- Detroit Speed - Speed Kit 1, front and rear
- ATS - AFX Spindles
- ABS Power - Brake booster & master cylinder

Coming soon:
- C5 ZO6 front brakes

Future:
- Global West Interloc body mounts
- CPP 7/8" Rear swaybar

The LS2 that was destine for this car was used on a different project, so I'm in search of a new heart. Still plan for a LS/LT family engine, but what that will be remains to be seen.

[syborg tt]

John,

How awesome is this and it is so cool that you put it and storage and now that your back you are on it. So freaking cool.

Progress looks great and I can't wait to see you driving this beast.

As always thank you so much for your service :flag2:

[SSLance]

Nice 10 year old thread resurrection!!

Good on you for starting this project back up again...

[BigBronco]

I got to do the same, John. Glad to see more stuff going on the Nova as well.

[WILWAXU]

I got to do the same, John. Glad to see more stuff going on the Nova as well.
Dualing Nova's :D

[nickcornilsen]

You certainly have a nice starting place for your project!

[WILWAXU]

Got Brakes? ;)

[GregWeld]

Looking good John!!!


And good choice on not blowing the car up..... Smart. So many people get so far ahead of themselves and end up with boxes of junk years later.

[USAZR1]

Got Brakes? ;)

Great start to the build. I like your choice of components,too.

[WILWAXU]

Front end is back together, and just put it on the ground. Still dirty, but had to get some shots.

[WILWAXU]

Anyone need some old stuff? :D

[WILWAXU]

After building a truck (https://lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php?t=56894) and a couple fox body mustangs. I'm back on the Nova again.

In between other projects I sold the old 4.3l V6 / 4L60 combo, and started working on the engine compartment.

[WILWAXU]

Digging into the fenders to get the old heater unit out.

[WILWAXU]

Mocking up a Detroit Speed cover plate and started working on the subframe and firewall.

[WILWAXU]

After a fair debate, I decided to use Holley/Hooker swap system for the LS2 install. Starting with the engine frame mounts.

[WILWAXU]

LS2 mock up begins..

[WILWAXU]

More LS2 mock up. Also using the Holley high mount accessory drive, and of course.. a Rick's Tank's RestoMod tank with a ZL1 pump :) Carl C's VaporWorx controller and harness will drive the pump.

That brings the post up to date, hopefully more updates will follow, in closer intervals :D

[colorado80439]

Awesome, i think 70 Nova's look best in Hugger Orange!

[WILWAXU]

Awesome, i think 70 Nova's look best in Hugger Orange!No plans yet on a color, but I do love Hugger Orange.

Funny story on this car.. it's actually a 1971 model car. It was first titled in November 1970, so DMV says it's a 1970.

[WSSix]

Nice progress, John. Engine looks great in there.

[WILWAXU]

Mock up continues. I'm lucky to be able to work from home. So, when the work day is done, it's garage time :)

I'm impressed with the Holley/Hooker LS swap mounts and transmission cross member. My car has stock height Global West solid body mounts. If you look close at the pictures, transmission fits, without major surgery, just a couple places to "massage" :D

[syborg tt]

John I love this car and love the build.

Keep posting pictures please.

[WILWAXU]

Mock up continues..

1) For those interested in where the motor sits with the Holley/Hooker mounts, here's a shot of the engine/firewall clearance.

2) Quick shot of the interior before I started digging further. Getting an idea on the seat/shifter placement. 2002 Camaro seats, Pro 5.0 T56 shifter.

3 & 4) A little interior bling :D Lokar shifter boot picked up from PT.com member.

5 - 7) Shots of the ATS clutch master cylinder and the DSE brake booster setup. If you close, you can see the Lee power steering box.

Note that I elongated the hole for the clutch master cylinder pass through. I noticed that you couldn't remove the master cylinder without unbolting the brake master cylinder... so did a little more clearancing. I'll make it look better when I clean up the firewall.

[WILWAXU]

So, after reading back through the thread, I noticed that I haven't updated on the mods to the LS2.

I had the guys at Texas Speed & Performance do their CNC porting to the stock LS2 heads and went with a TSP 228R (112) cam/matching springs. Added roller trunnion upgraded rockers, and a Romac crank pulley/dampener.

The plan for the weekend is cleaning up the interior floors and firewall. There is a Vintage Air order inbound :)

[billohio]

John
Is there a trick to welding the Detroit Speed firewall plate on in the top seam? I am going to do a Camaro and wondering how to weld the top in the seam. Not sure how you grind the weld in there
Thanks
Bill

Car looks good

[WILWAXU]

John
Is there a trick to welding the Detroit Speed firewall plate on in the top seam? I am going to do a Camaro and wondering how to weld the top in the seam. Not sure how you grind the weld in there
Thanks
Bill

Car looks good

Bill,
Thanks!

Although it sits on there pretty good, the plate isn't welded on yet. I just have it covering the heater hole during mock up. I don't want to weld it in place until I have all the Vintage Air and wiring figured out.

[billohio]

Maybe I better do that too! Good idea

[WILWAXU]

Over the weekend I got the floor cleaned up. The great thing about working on a car that lived its entire life in the desert, very little rust. Worst thing... the dust that is caked on almost as hard as paint :D

I used a paint stripping disc and chased anything that looked like rust (most was dust :D) then scrubbed everything, and lastly wiped it down with solvent. Once cleaned up, I used POR-15 primer and Top Coat to ensure the floor is sealed.

[WILWAXU]

I'm really impressed how well the Holley/Hooker setup works. Here's another example, the clearance to the wiper motor.

[rchaskin]

This is a great build!

I am looking at the Holley mounts as well.

With the motor trans mounts, do think the trans can be removed by its self?
Is there enough room to rotate the motor down and get to the trans bolts?
In other words, can you do a clutch change without pulling the motor?

Thanks!

[WILWAXU]

This is a great build!

I am looking at the Holley mounts as well.

With the motor trans mounts, do think the trans can be removed by its self?
Is there enough room to rotate the motor down and get to the trans bolts?
In other words, can you do a clutch change without pulling the motor?

Thanks!
Randy,
I haven't tried, but if you look at post #39, you'll see a picture showing the firewall clearance. There looks to be enough room, and even with the poly mounts, the motor does swing down with the weight of the transmission.

[BigBronco]

Looking great!

I just first started mine up this past weekend. Been a long time coming.

I used a lot of Dirty Dingo stuff and over time, I think I am going to switch to Holley/Hooker everything on my car as the fit and finish looks fantastic.

I went ahead and did the speedtech tunnel though on the car. I have a ton of interior work left and right now looking over what I can do to retrofit the 2015 z28 recaro's into my car.

[WILWAXU]

Looking great!

I just first started mine up this past weekend. Been a long time coming.

I used a lot of Dirty Dingo stuff and over time, I think I am going to switch to Holley/Hooker everything on my car as the fit and finish looks fantastic.

I went ahead and did the speedtech tunnel though on the car. I have a ton of interior work left and right now looking over what I can do to retrofit the 2015 z28 recaro's into my car.

Good deal, I wondered how far you had gotten. The DD stuff works. I figured I would have to do major surgery to the tunnel, but it looks good so far. You'll get a kick out of shifter/tunnel closeout I'm using. I'll post a picture.

[WILWAXU]

:superhack: So.. about the shift bump, does it look familiar to anyone? :D

This is what happens when a foxbody guy works on a Nova :knokwood:

[syborg tt]

Okay, that was funny.

:superhack: So.. about the shift bump, does it look familiar to anyone? :D

This is what happens when a foxbody guy works on a Nova :knokwood:

[Nlped47]

Hahaha. I knew what it was immediately! My old ‘93 Feature Car that went from auto to T56 (& mod motor and ‘03 IRS).

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200423/2cac9f81c7dea103790fed449be1d8fe.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WILWAXU]

Hahaha. I knew what it was immediately! My old ‘93 Feature Car that went from auto to T56 (& mod motor and ‘03 IRS).

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200423/2cac9f81c7dea103790fed449be1d8fe.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Funny :D I bought a Yellow/White 5 speed car brand new in 1993.

[WILWAXU]

Got the pedal house and parking brake release cleaned up and rebuilt. New bushings, pedal pads, and switches.

[WILWAXU]

The column came in today, bolted it up to get measurements for the steering wheel and adapter.

Mocked up the Speedtech Performance/ATS clutch master cylinder setup.

[WILWAXU]

Knocked out cleaning up the drivers side of the firewall. Followed by some rattle can resto :D

Turned the Holley accessory brackets black. I have a black alternator and plan to use a black a/c compressor.

Cool things you find when pulling old cars apart. This was on the back side of the dash panel.

[WILWAXU]

Installed factory replacement brake lines over the weekend and started making close out panels for holes that are no longer going to be used.

Today I started figuring out how to get the brake lines connected to the master cylinder. Which included bending and flaring some new lines. Waiting on a couple fittings before tackling the rear brake connection. Small steps forward :)

[WILWAXU]

Started test fitting the Vintage Air unit today. This car is being built as a driver (Power Tour, etc) so A/C wasn't an option.

[WILWAXU]

More mock up of the Vintage Air. Installed a stop for the clutch pedal.

[WILWAXU]

Got the steering column hub adapter in, had to see the Momo on the car. Seems to work well.

My DSE bling for this week :D

Did the "Stielow" (LT5) :D plate mechanism. It's from a '90's Caprice. Basically it allows the plate to flip down and stay down while refueling.

[raustinss]

Nice project , where did you source the plate frame from , that I also see is sporting a made in canada sticker lol

[WILWAXU]

Nice project , where did you source the plate frame from , that I also see is sporting a made in canada sticker lol

It's a new GM part (14083879). I ordered it through Tasca Parts.

[syborg tt]

Great updates and that is the steering wheel that I want for my car.

Got the steering column hub adapter in, had to see the Momo on the car. Seems to work well.

https://lateral-g.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=72054&stc=1&d=1588477010

My DSE bling for this week :D

Did the "Stielow" (LT5) :D plate mechanism. It's from a '90's Caprice. Basically it allows the plate to flip down and stay down while refueling.

[WILWAXU]

Great updates and that is the steering wheel that I want for my car.Thanks! I was actually looking for a montecarlo and liked the feel of this one.

[WILWAXU]

Spent Sunday morning on my back :D Routing the (Hot Rod Fuel Hose) fuel line, looking at it.. adjusting, looking, adjusting, repeat, etc. Once I had the layout, I put the ends on and hung it in place. Finally got the fittings to finish up the brake lines.

Today after work (from home) I mocked up the ac compressor and alternator. Liking the blacked out look. Then got to work and knocked out the power steering high pressure hose (Earls) and buttoned up a few hold downs for the brake lines.

After doing PTFE and then high pressure AN lines.. my hands are very sore :D

All in all, I feel I've made good use of my "quarantine" time so far :)

[WILWAXU]

The current Nova Vintage Air kit calls for the mounting plate to be bolted on the outside of the firewall... which if it covered all the sins would be good.. but not the case on this car. Plus, I'd rather use the DSE cover I already have. Solution, move the mount plate inside :)

Still tinkering with the shifter hump. Really waiting on my welder (electrical) connection to be finished to move forward with this and a few other small projects.

[WILWAXU]

Spent the day cleaning up the A/C mount plate and permanently making it part of the car. The firewall side will get some work later when I weld the cover plate on. Hung the A/C unit and drilled the final mounting holes. Closed out the day laying down sound deadener.

[fleetus macmullitz]

Nice progress John...

I just followed you on IG...I hope that’s wise.
:D

Seriously though, enjoying your pics.:thumbsup:

[WILWAXU]

Nice progress John...

I just followed you on IG...I hope that’s wise.
:D

Seriously though, enjoying your pics.:thumbsup:

Thanks for the follow! Only wise if you like a wide range of cars :D

[fleetus macmullitz]

Thanks for the follow! Only wise if you like a wide range of cars :D

I do!

Btw-I may have missed it earlier in your thread John...how do you plan to use the Nova?

[WILWAXU]

I do!

Btw-I may have missed it earlier in your thread John...how do you plan to use the Nova?
Skip,
The Nova will be my car for local vintage car events, Goodguys, GNRS, etc..., and if things go as planned, my ride on the Hot Rod Power Tour in 2021 and beyond. I usually drive my cars out from California to the Tour (7k+miles).. so I need a solid, reliable, and comfortable car.

[BigBronco]

Skip,
The Nova will be my car for local vintage car events, Goodguys, GNRS, etc..., and if things go as planned, my ride on the Hot Rod Power Tour in 2021 and beyond. I usually drive my cars out from California to the Tour (7k+miles).. so I need a solid, reliable, and comfortable car.


I will have to get a copy of what all you did with the A/C as I am basically going to be doing the same exact thing. Probably the one item I have not touched with the car.

Setup is looking great! I have been busy doing a suspension changeout on my Wife's Firebird, otherwise, I would have been tidying up everything on the Nova currently.

[WILWAXU]

Not much for pictures over the past week, mostly fitting things, planning out the engine wiring harness, etc..

Today I did a very scary thing.. I cut a near 50 y/o dash :confused59:

[syborg tt]

Not much for pictures over the past week, mostly fitting things, planning out the engine wiring harness, etc..

Today I did a very scary thing.. I cut a near 50 y/o dash :confused59:

Okay I know how you feel when I drill holes into freshly painted parts & body panels.

[WILWAXU]

Okay I know how you feel when I drill holes into freshly painted parts & body panels.

What's paint? :headspin: :D

[syborg tt]

What's paint? :headspin: :D

okay that made me laugh.

[WILWAXU]

And now.. I have a "factory" AC Nova dash.

[syborg tt]

And now.. I have a "factory" AC Nova dash.

Is that a new dash as it looks really nice.

[WILWAXU]

Is that a new dash as it looks really nice.

It's the original dash, and a new dash pad (just sitting on there). Nova's have the center vent cutout already in the dash, you just have to swap to the AC dash pad.. only cutting is for the passengers side vent. The drivers side vent is in the gauge surround.

[WILWAXU]

So.. apparently 2 of my jack-stands for the Nova wanted to kill me... :confused59:

I had 2 of the recalled Harbor Freight jack-stands. I dropped the Nova on the ground, and went to HF for replacements. Other than waiting in two lines, it wasn't a painful exchange.

Took to a few shots of the car on the ground.

[syborg tt]

The car looks great on the ground and I am happy to here that the return was easy and that the car didn't fall on you prior to the return.


So.. apparently 2 of my jack-stands for the Nova wanted to kill me... :confused59:

I had 2 of the recalled Harbor Freight jack-stands. I dropped the Nova on the ground, and went to HF for replacements. Other than waiting in two lines, it wasn't a painful exchange.

Took to a few shots of the car on the ground.

[WILWAXU]

The car looks great on the ground and I am happy to here that the return was easy and that the car didn't fall on you prior to the return.

Ha! Yeah, wasn't a problem for me anyway. I got the 6 ton stands for the extra height, with my truck. For the Nova, I don't even extend them, so I probably would have never seen the issue.. with the Nova at least.

[syborg tt]

Ha! Yeah, wasn't a problem for me anyway. I got the 6 ton stands for the extra height, with my truck. For the Nova, I don't even extend them, so I probably would have never seen the issue.. with the Nova at least.

I have a set of old Jack stands that are very tall and that is what I use them for also and I own a truck.

[shelteredV]

Somehow the thought of trusting my life to Harbor Fright jackstands just doesn't seem very appealing...

[WILWAXU]

Some shiny stuff showed up today :)

Hooker 1" 7/8 Mid-Length headers

[python]

what a nice transformation over the years

[syborg tt]

Love the headers and maybe on version 3.0 of my car I am going to do a 3" Stainless steel exhaust after seeing your headers.

[WILWAXU]

Although I got side tracked by a couple other projects, still pushing forward with the Nova.

After a bunch of research, I ended up with a Be Cool radiator. I like that they moved the cap to the drivers side. That will make routing the catch can and LS steam line easier.

For fans I went with a Ford Contour setup. I like the oem fan setups for reliability and noise level. This also calls back to my foxbody mustang experience :D

[fleetus macmullitz]

John-what factors led you to choose a Be Cool radiator?

[Nlped47]

That Ford Contour fan setup is a great unit. I’ve used it before on several Fox Body toys in the past.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WILWAXU]

John-what factors led you to choose a Be Cool radiator?

Like I mentioned above, it's actual made for a Nova. I returned another name brand radiator that was labeled to fit "x-body". It was really a camaro radiator... I would have had to adapt the nova to flange mount :wacko:

I like the radiator cap on the passenger side. I'm planning to keep the battery up front and the AC components are over there too... so not a lot of room for the catch can. Lastly, I like the LS vent tube on the drivers side, although that's not as big a deal.

Last part was the fan setup. This radiator provides a core area big enough for the dual fans. Most "Nova" spec LS radiators are narrower cores. I would have ran a mark VIII singe fan in that case.

I seriously considered a "Summit" branded radiator, but they were back ordered.

*forgot to add.. the Be-Cool radiator is a beautiful piece! Very impressed with it.