TomM - 66 Nova Wagon - LS1....

[TomM]

About Jan of 2010, I picked up an extremely clean 66 original wagon. It needed the usual floorpans, but the spare tire well was there, and not rotted. The previous owner had sanded the car, so the surface rust you see, is purely cosmetic. The more I tore in to the car, the more I found out it really was a solid as I suspected, so I have a pretty good canvas to start with....

Fast forward to Oct/Nov 2010. Finally got the old floor pans cut out, and the new ones fitted. It took me a while, as body work is definitely not my calling. In the meantime, I was slowly stripping the car, to get it ready for body work. I also built a rotisserie during that time. I finally got the car on the rotisserie today, and low and behold, it didn't break, and I was able to rotate the car easily....

The plan is of course the venerable LS1 from a 2004 GTO, 4L60E, 8.2 10 bolt, 3:55 posi, and without a doubt the full Church Boy's Racing "massage"... upper and lower arms, rack and crossmember, steering arms, sway bar, 2" dropped rear leaf springs,and the CBR/Stainlessworks headers. I am also doing the LS brake swap, front and rear 12" crossdrilled and slotted rotors, using the CBR front caliper brackets.

It's going to be a slow and steady build, as I already have a running hotrod, so no need to kill mysef on this one. Here are a few pictures of the car, and progress to date....I'll be updating as I have something to add.....


The wagon, as she arrived.....

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/053-1.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/052.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/025-1.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/022-1.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/042-1.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/036-1.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011207-1.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011203-1.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011202-1.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011201-1.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011200-1.jpg

And last but not least...the bullet..... :D

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011205-1.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011204-1.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_0045.jpg


T,

[TomM]

Got the car off to the sandblaster. He called me the next day to say it was done...... ......Used a local guy here named Ron Nash with Knight Industrial Services. Complete sandblast with #5 sand, and two part Sherwin Williams epoxy primer for 500 bucks, including the fenders and hood (not shown). Not too bad IMO, and he got every nook and cranny.......

Picking up material to build sub frame connectors tomorrow, then a few more holes to weld up, and the bottom gets painted. Enjoy...



http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011155.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011156.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011161.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011160.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011164.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011158.jpg

T,

[TomM]

The front clip assembled and ready for install...............

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011175.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011174.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011176.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011173.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011179.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011178.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011177.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011182.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011181.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011180.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011183.jpg

T,

[TomM]

All sealed up, ready for paint.......

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011185.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011184.jpg

Bottom done. Finally found some satin black like I wanted, that could be reduced and hardened as required. Rustoleum believe it or not.......8 bucks a quart...took about 1.5 quarts......



http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011169-1.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011170-1.jpg


T,

[TomM]

Got her back on the tires. The CBR rear springs are a breeze to install, and I already like the way it's sittin, with no real weight on it............
Gonna mock up the engine and tranny next, to build the crossmember, then body work..........


http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/12320111692.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/12320111702.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/12320111712.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011172.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/12320111732.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/12320111752.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/12320111742.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/12320111762.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/12320111693.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/12320111703.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/12320111713.jpg

T,

[TomM]

Got the motor and tranny mocked up. Modified the stock crossmember by cutting a section out and sliding it back, and then welding in a plate on each side. I am setting my motor forward 1" this time, to gain more clearance at the rear. The motor mount interefered with the driver's side header so I had to relieve it a little bit, but no problems other wise.....


http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/12320111694.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/12320111704.jpg

Relieved motor mount, just had to notch it slightly......

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/12320111743.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/12320111773.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/12320111764.jpg

Rack clearance...

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/12320111722.jpg

Console and shifter, unknown what car it came out of, got it with the wagon...

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/12320111772.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/12320111763.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/12320111753.jpg

T,

[TomM]

Finally got the materials to build the subframe connectors. Got them fabbed up and installed...

Sub frame connector roughed in....


http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/12320111672.jpg

E-brake cable hole, this is a piece of 1/2" tubing, cut at an angle and welded on each end......

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/12320111715.jpg

Installed, welded and painted.....

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/1232011168.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/12320111723-1.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/12320111734.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/12320111695.jpg

T,

[TomM]

So, right now the car is off to the painters, should be about 3 months. There is quite a bit of bodywork to do to it, but I have seen the painters work and am more than happy with him taking whatever time he needs. Below is a rendering of the final concept I am shooting for. Shawn has some tweaks to do to the drawing, but you get the idea.........



http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/66_Nova_Wagon_Render_Mascoll_D2-Copy.jpg


T,

[strtcar]

Great build

[coolwelder62]

Very,very cool.:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[65 347]

Sweet wagon!

[kwhizz]

"Another" TomM Masterpiece..........

[DIGI-TAILS]

woow!!! amazing!!! :thumbsup:

[78 type-lt]

killer build..that console/shifter is from a gmc envoy..

[waynieZ]

Beautiful work. That was in awesome shape, you don't see many in my area like that. I can't wait to see it painted. Keep us posted.

[Coursey]

Looks good:thumbsup:
Keep the updates coming

[Sinco]

Very Nice!

[coolwelder62]

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[KSBRKTRACER]

Looks like a nice shell to begin with .....sure makes things easier. nice progress. What do you think of the Church boys stuff ...Quality, fit etc....?

[syborg tt]

Awesome Car - makes me want one

[68vert]

Awesome wagon. More plzzzzz

[TomM]

Looks like a nice shell to begin with .....sure makes things easier. nice progress. What do you think of the Church boys stuff ...Quality, fit etc....?

Church Boy's stuff is top notch, on par with DSE or any other manufacturer. Fit and finish are perfect, Not near the hassle as installing a clip.....second or third full set I have used......... good people to boot.....I would highly recommend them to anyone.....

A little update. Seems Miguel (painter) has been busy. Hopefully we'll be ready for assembly by the end of March......

Also the color I have chosen, Alpine Mist metallic, 86-87 Jaguar color....

Thanks for all the compliments.....

T,

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/66WagonGreenNoLogos-Copy-Copy.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/100_0352.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/100_0353.jpg

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http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/100_0355.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/100_0356.jpg

[TomM]

Got some color on the jambs, I like the way it changes shades, although it wasn't supposed to.... :D

T,

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/100_0361.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/100_0360.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/100_0359.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/100_0358.jpg

[thehead]

i must say I like this build. I have been looking for a 62-65 wagon for a long time to do a similar build, but fell into a 66 wagon last week that i couldn't pass up. It is is worse shape then yours is but I plan to cut it up more so starting with bad floor pans and stuff isn't a real big deal. Keep up the good work.

[novanutcase]

Looking good Tom!!:thumbsup:

John

[TomM]

Well, we have color....painter says it will be ready mid next week...

T,

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/100_0374.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/100_0373.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/100_0372.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/100_0371.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/100_0370.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/100_0369.jpg

[jh99]

Looking good. Awesome color choice. What is it called?

[waynieZ]

It looks real nice... Bet you can't wait for next week!!

[TomM]

Looking good. Awesome color choice. What is it called?

Alpine Mist Metallic. It's a 86-87 Jaguar color......

It looks real nice... Bet you can't wait for next week!!

You aren't kidding, gotta finish my brothers Chevelle this weekend to free up some room....

T,

[TomM]

Well, got the car back from the painter, been busy getting it put together. Finally got the Chevelle done and running, so I can concentrate on the wagon.

Just got it off the trailer...

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_2981.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_2982.jpg

Got the new wheels and tires on...

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_2988.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_2997.jpg

LS1 in it's final resting place...unless I blow it ip...LOL

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_2993.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_2994.jpg

Detroit Speed hidden wiper motor....yes I'm going to paint the rod..

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_2990.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_2989.jpg

Street and Performance block hugger A/C bracket...

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_2992.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_2991.jpg


That's all for now. Have the radiator mounted, will update more as I progress. Enjoy the pictures...

T,

[dug]

Looks great. You're moving along quicly too. Do you plan on daily driving this? I would love to have a daily driver wagon with LS1 power, I imagine it would get decent mileage too....

[waynieZ]

Looking good !

[TomM]

Looks great. You're moving along quicly too. Do you plan on daily driving this? I would love to have a daily driver wagon with LS1 power, I imagine it would get decent mileage too....

Thanks for the good words guys..

I plan on driving it every day it doesn't rain......I got 24 mpg out of my Blue car....

T,

[ssx]

Awesome! With the kids getting bigger, makes me want to build a wagon!!!

[TomM]

Awesome! With the kids getting bigger, makes me want to build a wagon!!!

How's the LS6 swap coming, I haven't seen you post any progress pictures anywhere, did you get it running?

T,

[dug]

Thanks for the good words guys..

I plan on driving it every day it doesn't rain......I got 24 mpg out of my Blue car....

T,

awesome :thumbsup: . I really need an older car with new technology as a daily driver.

[kwhizz]

Look'in Good ............Great job Tom!!

[TomM]

Wow, how time flies....much to update....I actually fired the car off yesterday, and it runs fine. Had a couple of minor snafu's, but nothing spectacular......won't be long now, she'll be on the road....

Got the fuel system plumbed up....

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3004.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3005.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3010.jpg

Battery cables and wiring.....

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3048.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3050.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3049.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3056.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3058.jpg

Steam vent and overflow....

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3063.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3064.jpg

A/C system plumbing, missing one fitting....

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3068.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3069.jpg

3" Mandrel bent stainless headers and exhaust from Church Boy's Racing/Stainless Works...

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3071.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3072.jpg

Miscellaneous shots....

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3070.jpg

T,

[coolwelder62]

This is going to be a outstanding ride when you get it finished up soon.:thumbsup:

[kwhizz]

Great Job Tom............Look'in Good!!!


Ken

[Rick D]

Looks great Tom, you'll be drivin it in know time :thumbsup:

[glassman]

Looks great!!!

Tinting the windows?

Get even better mileage with those other rims...lol...

[TomM]

A couple of videos from the weelkend. Got the brakes bled, now I don't have to push it around anymore.... :D

Forgive the squeeky pulley, it was chrome plated, I'm sure it will quit once I wear the chrome off.....

T,

7ucCP1qKjBs


Zg5fHSvrf64

[WILWAXU]

Great looking car! :thumbsup:

[TomM]

Got a little more done. Slow and steady but progress none the less. The devils in the details...

Got the front and rear just about buttoned up, still waiting on a hood lip molding..

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3184.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3181.jpg

Interior mostly done...

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3190.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3189.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3183.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3182.jpg

Battery tray fabbed and bolted in....

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3192.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3191.jpg

Coil relocation brackets, this will get a cover....

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3187.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3188.jpg

Repop headlight bezels from Trim Parts, decent fit, one will need some tweaking...

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3186.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3185.jpg

That's about it for now, waiting on some more interior pieces, and some exhaust pieces to finish out exhaust....she's getting close....

T,

[WILWAXU]

Beautiful car!:thumbsup:

[waynieZ]

Nice job!

[kwhizz]

Drool!!!!:hail: :hail: :hail: :cheers:

[bonecrrusher]

Clean build.

[TomM]

Beautiful car!:thumbsup:

Nice job!

Drool!!!!:hail: :hail: :hail: :cheers:

Clean build.


Thanks for the good words guys....

Ken, congrats on the ink on the Impala......bitchen car.... :yes:

T,

[TomM]

Went from this....

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/052.jpg


To this.....

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3195.jpg


Got the alignment done, so she's on rails now. Going to outsource the interior, but it is mechanically done....been driving around a little, slowly getting things broken in...back glass is on order....

Have some general clean up and detailing to do also....

Enjoy,

T,

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3196.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3199.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3198.jpg

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http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3202.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3200.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3201.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3203.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn59/tmtuma/Wagon%20Build/IMG_3205.jpg

[Ron in SoCal]

Definitely the coolest car in your neighborhood :thumbsup:

[gearheads78]

Nice work on a sweet build.

[jarhead]

Cool wagon!

What were your front buckets out of originally, they look comfortable.

Thanks, Joe

[TomM]

Cool wagon!

What were your front buckets out of originally, they look comfortable.

Thanks, Joe

They are 2002 Trans Am seats. Driver is 6 way electric, passenger is electric lumbar only. They are a good fit for the early Novas, not too tall at all...

T.

[kwhizz]

Great Job Tom.................:excited:

[TomM]

Thanks Ken.... :cheers:

T,

[tubbed69]

thats a cool car Tom,good job on it,engine looks good under the hood also.:thumbsup:

[TomM]

Thanks......

T,