ExtReme 70 Nova by Speedtech...

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Hey All, Here's another project we've got going on in the shop, Charles' '70 Nova. Charles bought this as an already upgraded car with a healthy small block and an aftermarket pro touring suspension. After AutoXing a few times and some cruising around town, Charles decided he wanted to get serious about performance. In his search for parts that could help him achieve his goals, he talked to us and the car soon showed up for a complete ground up rebuild. Included in the transformation will be an LS mill nestled between our new ExtReme Nova subframe and that wicked front suspension will be backed by our famous torque arm system. Along with some subtle body mods and a fresh layer of paint it'll also get a complete custom interior.

When I sit down with a client to start the design process, usually they're interested in a big change and excited to see where I can visually take the design. Thinking he'd want that classic black and white look jazzed up quite a bit I asked Charles what look he might be after and he simply said, "White... with a black hood." As the design and rendering process unfolded, we met in the middle and now he's stoked to have it done as you see it below. With that said, let's get this party started!

http://i.imgur.com/UMQ4jtI.jpg

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Here's our starting point pics...

http://i.imgur.com/c3MQfyL.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/b0n8Ayu.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/sy4bDnI.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/iJ1IFF6.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/5MIcXcX.jpg

More coming soon!

[momsnova]

Ben, will this project get Speedtech subframe connectors? I'm considering installing them when I add the torque-arm to my car. I'd love to see some additional photos of what's required.

[rchaskin]

Cant wait to see how much tire can be stuffed in front.....

[Ben@SpeedTech]

This car is under a tight time constraint and budget to have it done for an event. As such we had to nix the frame connector/ cross brace from the list of wants.

The ExtReme frames are set up for 315's, however Charles wanted a staggered look and won't be as hard core racing so at this point we're opting for 295s up front /315s out back.

[67XR7]

Ben is the owner of this car from Northern Ca? I ask because there was an identical nova to this down to the tsw wheels, that I seen run goodguys Autox a few times.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Yep he's up that way. The plan is to continue racing the car when it's done so follow along with the build and then keep an eye out for it at events.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Things have been progressing with this build so we'll get caught up on pics. First off, we had the body blasted to bare metal and then sprayed on a base of epoxy primer. Although the car appeared "ok" when it came in, you never know and as usual there were some uglies lurking under bondo that will be getting addressed. Starting with the easy stuff, besides some dents and damage typical Nova rot did some damage to the fenders so we decided to just go ahead and get a new pair. More coming soon...

http://i.imgur.com/yXdFnRe.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/6JwYZah.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/W9FNM6l.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ytZqXwd.jpg

[vdrivinmike]

Blake:

Love the white! Very cool rendering.

Mike

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Thanks Mike!

Luckily on this car the trunk and trunk lid were in good shape, as was the floor and the previously installed Dynomat. After a coat of epoxy primer the work on the rear minitubs began.

http://i.imgur.com/patiSfz.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/O6ZPoq6.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/4Jhu118.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/IKG6reU.jpg

[kbclamper]

cant wait to see this done

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Me too! :) I've got two way back burner Nova projects at home that I'm coming to grips with that I'll need to sell them to continue upgrades to the wagon project. At least I get to see this one go through the entire build process.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Continuing with the wheel tubs... Typically Novas can squeeze a 275 under the rear with the right wheel. In our case the ExtReme suspension products are designed around running a 315 tire tucked under factory fenders and 1/4 panels, but of course some massaging to the inner fenders and rear frame rails helps make this possible. Although labor intensive the swap to the pre-formed wheel tubs is pretty straight forward.

http://i.imgur.com/dxkT57g.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/BtZpkQK.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/vttZIPR.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/39A8Xka.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/vic8EiR.jpg

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Back to Charles' Nova, here are some pics of the firewall getting cleaned up.

http://i.imgur.com/jJBrIpU.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/gNKM3As.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/s09cnAK.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/GU64arG.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/2HCfOru.jpg

More coming...

[LanceL]

Looks great!! Any pics of the sheetmetal pieces you guys used before they were put on? Like when they were tacked on the firewall so I can see how you did the pieces.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Hey Lance- Thanks for asking. This is actually a new part we're manufacturing, it's new enough that it's not on our website or officially launched yet, but it is available. It basically follows the factory spot weld line and covers all the firewall holes. On the back side we have a contoured tunnel transition. This part lines up best with our ExtReme T-56 Tunnel cover, which is sold separately. With a little fab work it can be made to line up with a factory tunnel too. Part number is 10509, and if you're interested in a kit you can contact Roger our sales manager at 435.628.4300 or at [email protected]. I'm the media/photo guy, so I don't know much more info about the sales end of it, best to contact Roger for further info.

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag70/SpeedTechPerformance/CamNova%20Firewall%20Front_zpsbkk0a4tq.jpg

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag70/SpeedTechPerformance/CamNova%20Firewall%20Back_zpsj5flx3hr.jpg

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag70/SpeedTechPerformance/70%20Charles%20Nova/70%20Nova%20027_zps4e1e4apz.jpg

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag70/SpeedTechPerformance/70%20Charles%20Nova/70%20Nova%20026_zpsjuro6ycq.jpg

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Next up on the body was dealing with the doors. Charles wanted a little bit of a modern visual upgrade so he chose a vent window delete. On 68-72 Novas, this is actually pretty easy, you simply round up a pair of 73-74 doors. These were a little rough on the outer skins but the rest of the doors were solid, so we ordered new skins. Unfortunately the aftermarket only produces skins for the 68-72 doors, but after some slight massaging in the vent window area we were good to go.

http://i.imgur.com/1kfLgXk.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/24NhK2n.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/sqnUfwg.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/5sWo9lv.jpg

[NOVA]

Couldnt you also just change the inner workings & glass from a 73-74 door to your current door and change the felt strip etc ? I had heard somewhere that a person could if they chose that route over the whole door deal but I am not certain if that is for sure fact or not.
Nice work BTW.

Next up on the body was dealing with the doors. Charles wanted a little bit of a modern visual upgrade so he chose a vent window delete. On 68-72 Novas, this is actually pretty easy, you simply round up a pair of 73-74 doors. These were a little rough on the outer skins but the rest of the doors were solid, so we ordered new skins. Unfortunately the aftermarket only produces skins for the 68-72 doors, but after some slight massaging in the vent window area we were good to go.

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag70/SpeedTechPerformance/70%20Charles%20Nova/70%20Nova%20022_zpsuvdtcqc7.jpg

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag70/SpeedTechPerformance/70%20Charles%20Nova/70%20Nova%20023_zpsgswey4q0.jpg

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag70/SpeedTechPerformance/70%20Charles%20Nova/70%20Nova%20024_zps8pvch4xh.jpg

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag70/SpeedTechPerformance/70%20Charles%20Nova/70%20Nova%20025_zpsq9krcbjn.jpg

[Ben@SpeedTech]

You could, but consider the vent window contains the guide channel for the front of the glass in the earlier door. On the 73/4 doors the front window channel is welded into the front area of the door shell. If you were to convert the 68-72 door shell you'd need donor 73/4 doors for the guts that you could weld into the earlier shell. It's possible but a little counter productive when essentially all you need to do is pull two hinge pins, switch doors and you're good to go.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Updates- Jeremy modded the bumpers for a cleaner look. Both were narrowed and the front bumper openings were filled.

http://i.imgur.com/O416Gkl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/rrg9Zro.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/GFi5LdO.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/dFzvLmq.jpg


More to come...

[Ben@SpeedTech]

With the taller T56 trans and the ExtReme subframe being designed to give you optimum low ride height to help be sure to have the correct driveline angle with plenty of room for suspension compression we have available a pre bent full length tunnel cover kit. This kit comes in 3 pieces and is easy to install. As with other builds truck bed liner is sprayed on the underside of the floor pan. More progress coming...

http://i.imgur.com/90kHMXP.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/oOz5BiC.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/0wwmxIh.jpg

[1965_SS]

Looks great Ben!

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Thanks Todd!

Continuing with the body work, Like the door skins it was easier and faster to replace sheetmetal rather than dealing with rust removal and panel repair so the front clip was also replaced new. In the process the front marker lights wre deleted. After everything was smoothed and blocked out a fresh coat of white epoxy primer was laid down.

http://i.imgur.com/S14PeS3.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/5i8pFMe.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/jxgtFOb.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/3JoQURI.jpg

[Ben@SpeedTech]

With the black portions such as the firewall painted, the front suspension and drivetrain install got under way. Nestled between our ExtReme subframe's rails is a 525 hp LS3 GM crate engine. Smooth power with plug and play and a warranty, works out great for us and the customer.

http://i.imgur.com/ib1XlmN.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/UHiLOiw.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/U6TmaQv.jpg

[cpd004]

Are the brake line tabs already on the subframe as it ships or are these customer added?

Also, what kind of clips do you use to retain the line to the frame?

[Build-It-Break-it]

Are the brake line tabs already on the subframe as it ships or are these customer added?

Also, what kind of clips do you use to retain the line to the frame?

I'm pretty sure they're added Cuz my subframe doesn't have them:EmoteClueless:

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Yes the tabs come prewelded in place now.

With the subframe and engine in place we turned attention to installing our rear Torque Arm (http://www.speedtechperformance.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=77/category_id=56/mode=prod/prd77.htm) system. Dutchman preps our 9" axles with a Tru-Trac center, gears of the customer's choice and our brackets all welded in place. In this case Charles wanted 4 piston Wilwoods out back and he opted for Viking Crusader autoX valved shocks.

http://i.imgur.com/FNTWs1h.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ts6bok2.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/2QzEHK2.jpg

[Ben@SpeedTech]

More suspension and exhaust pics...

http://i.imgur.com/l1xTGMa.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/yBGHpk9.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/rfIvsbs.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/zRjGSFQ.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/GeRZTvy.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/DvayyPm.jpg

[LanceL]

What transmission bracket is that? Is that a speedtech piece?

[Blake Foster]

What transmission bracket is that? Is that a speedtech piece?

yes that is the NEW now OLD Extreme X member already been updated and replaced

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Interior work- You can see our ExtReme tunnel kit installed and the beginnings of a custom center console with floor mount e-brake.

http://i.imgur.com/5LXp4jH.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/nnqwx1t.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ef3CeTv.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/BwZSVaJ.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/IET4YYv.jpg

[SSLance]

Love seeing the tailpipes going up and over the rear axle...nice work.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Thanks Lance!

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Continuing with the interior... And yes that steering wheel will be getting get changed out.

http://i.imgur.com/JNYaJIr.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/q3quRBF.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/8zIa9hz.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/SCZoMjK.jpg

More coming soon!!

[ScotI]

Very nice.

[98ssnova]

What dash insert did you use?

[GEARBOXGARAGE]

http://i.imgur.com/SCZoMjK.jpg

More coming soon!!

I'm not usually a fan of consoles but that one looks pretty clean and simple. I don't like over done interiors, these are still muscle cars. Nice touch!

[WSSix]

I dig the airplane style gauges. :thumbsup:

[waynieZ]

Very Nice! It's looking great.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Thanks fellas.

Agreed, ornate interiors have their place but this is a driver so it will be more simplified, good looking and functional.

The dash insert is custom made from sheet metal.

[31069ss]

Is that an AC vent in the back of the center console ?

[cpd004]

Can you give some info on the front tire/wheel? Are they the same wheel that was on the car with different tires?

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Yep, A/C to the back seat. :)

Nope, far from what was on there before. The old wheels were TSW 18x9.5"s with 255 35 and 235 40 tires. Now it's Forgeline 18x10.5" GA1R with 315-30s all around. Woohoo! Charles liked the more flush offset and the wheels are such that you can rotate the tires for longer life.

http://i.imgur.com/nt4Jcox.jpg

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Here's what we did with the trunk, engine bay, and a shot of the car pre-stripes. Simple, functional, and let's get down to business styling.

http://i.imgur.com/Rh5qH8c.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/nfrgkHf.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/EdZPmgY.jpg

[rchaskin]

Yep, A/C to the back seat. :)

Nope, far from what was on there before. The old wheels were TSW 18x9.5"s with 255 35 and 235 40 tires. Now it's Forgeline 18x10.5" GA1R with 315-30s all around. Woohoo! Charles liked the more flush offset and the wheels are such that you can rotate the tires for longer life.

What about the backspace??
Did you guys make fiberglass inner fenders?
Any fender mods?

Thanks...Looks awesome!!

[Blake Foster]

What about the backspace??
Did you guys make fiberglass inner fenders?
Any fender mods?

Thanks...Looks awesome!!

i think they are a 10.5 with 8.5 bs yes we make the inner fenders not specifically for the nova so the 69 Camaro inner fenders were used and modified to fit,
only mod to the outer fender was to roll the lip a bit.

[scherp69]

Is that a custom cold air that you guys built or is there a specific part number you used? Will be looking for one for my 68. Car looks great!!!

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Thanks! We buy the bends from Vibrant and then custom build the CA Intake for each car.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Here's the stripes getting applied. They really break up the white and give it a little pizazz!

http://i.imgur.com/KYxlZ1L.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/aTINR69.jpg

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Charles showed up Friday morning to pick the car up and drove it 12+ hours back home to northern Cali. He told me that he chose a Nova to build for a couple reasons- it brought him back to high school days and riding in a Nova like this one and he also really likes the rough boy muscle sedan look of the Novas over the pony cars. We agree, it looks great, runs great and he was happier than a kid at Christmas. It's always a great time for us too, building a car from the ground up and have it be exactly what the owner has dreamed of.

Besides putting plenty of street miles on it Charles plans to put all that ExtReme suspension to the test so keep an eye out for it at future events around the Sacramento area!

http://i.imgur.com/SxcB0qE.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ixtd9R8.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/3n8cEpQ.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/hIUmahc.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/XSEQ2S8.jpg

[Ben@SpeedTech]

525 hp GM crate motor and T56 make for a cool cruiser with a lethal bite when you want it. Custom smooth leather and suede wrapped interior is the perfect match to the subdued yet aggressive exterior. After Charles decides which steering wheel to use it'll be pretty much perfect. Overall this car really turned out awesome!

http://i.imgur.com/cyADPjZ.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/OlF3ugG.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/o7u9hQB.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/zN9kV2K.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/uLRJKSz.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/QaLOAVz.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/X9H1MWV.jpg

[ScotI]

Very clean & functional appearing. I really love the understated approach & theme. Well done....

[vdrivinmike]

Blake and the crew:

Congrats - it looks awesome!

[SSLance]

This car turned out SWEET! Thanks for sharing the build with us...

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Thanks fellas!

[1965_SS]

That came out real nice!!!!!!!!!! Love the interior:thumbsup:
I've got the LS3 525 and T56 here, now I just need that 65' frame:poke:
Tell Roger I'm still waiting for my banner from LS Fest:D

[sanddan]

Yes the tabs come prewelded in place now.

With the subframe and engine in place we turned attention to installing our rear Torque Arm (http://www.speedtechperformance.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=77/category_id=56/mode=prod/prd77.htm) system. Dutchman preps our 9" axles with a Tru-Trac center, gears of the customer's choice and our brackets all welded in place. In this case Charles wanted 4 piston Wilwoods out back and he opted for Viking Crusader autoX valved shocks.

http://i.imgur.com/FNTWs1h.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ts6bok2.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/2QzEHK2.jpg

Do you have a build thread posted on the black and white C10 in the background?

[Blake Foster]

Do you have a build thread posted on the black and white C10 in the background?

yes on our web site is the best one