Re: Project update
 

Thanks for all the compliments, guys - I couldn't have gotten this far without a lot of help from many of you!
Eddie - The tires are 29.5x9
Ron - Understatement of the year!
Glen - That barn belongs to Dale Rice in SD....the pic is from 2002, so who knows what's left in there. At that point, he didn't want to sell anything but the Nova...we tried to get the 2-door Chevelle wagon, but he wasn't having any of it!

Re: Project update
 

Thank you for the quick reply, lot of tire!

Re: Project update
 

Paul...are you going to have it ready for the Auto Show next weekend?
We're putting both Juniors in again.

Clark

Re: Project update
 

Not quite ready for primetime, Clark.
Well, it finally came home yesterday. Big thanks to Dave and Daniel Cech for an awesome job!! And Dave's Auto Upholstery in Blair for the beautiful vinyl roof.
Now it's all up to me.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7046/6...e91f4a31_z.jpg

Re: Project update
 

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5031/7...4454b9ac_z.jpg

Time for an update...
It seems to be going painfully slow. I had to rework a lot of the stainless trim - pound out dents, file them flat, sand with 80 grit up through 400, then polish. Got all 4 windows and wings in and operational with new rubber. Polished the taillights, but the reverse lights were brown so had to get new ones. Finally yesterday I got to start with some of the fun stuff...

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/7...6618440d_z.jpg

I was pretty happy with the results so had to share! Next will be the fuel pump and filter next to the cell. I'd like to use 5/8" aluminum for the fuel line (nicely bent, of course) all the way to the front...is there a reason not to do it that way? Also wanted to show off the steering wheel:

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5457/7...5efee0f7_z.jpg

Re: Project update
 

On you fuel cell I think you have to have straps over the top to make it pass tech. I will post a pic of mine if I get time. Tom

Re: Project update
 

I think the strap kit is for the plastic fuel cells. We have an aluminum cell and it is bolted in on all 4 corners. No issues anywhere with it in tech.

Re: Project update
 

My fuel cell is mounted exactly the same as Pauls and was never questioned on it. The car looks awesome, Paul!

Re: Project update
 

Yeah, I've seen the strap issue debated on other forums, and when the rulebooks come out there's nothing in there that says you need 'em. I think it looks a lot cleaner without them, and if those tabs somehow got broken off I'd be having bigger problems than a loose fuel tank!
Another question....I about choked when I priced the 4 gauges I need from Autometer - total of around $800! Anyone have a better idea? I'm planning on oil press., water temp (starting at 60*), brake press., and volts.

Re: Project update
 

Mine is also mounted the same. Never had a tech issue.... I did get "busted" for no ground wire though.... I still don't understand that one..

Re: Project update
 

Snapped a couple more pics this weekend...

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8165/7...89691d3a_z.jpg


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7280/7...9b21a6c4_z.jpg


Got the clutch, trans, and shifter all installed, and finally the last of the stainless trim. Clutch linkage and brake plumbing are next.

Re: Project update
 

Super nice hot rod and the vinyl top sets it off,good decision ,man whata sharp chevy II . price out the deluxe model S-Warner gauges in 2 1/16" or 2 5/8" would look nice and cheaper than 8 bills.,keep posting Paul .

Re: Project update
 

I noticed the new build forum this morning and asked Ken to move this thread into it...then I saw that it's been 6 months since I added anything...so here we go:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8445/7...1643b66a81.jpg


The dash is taking shape, along with the wiring. All that's left for wiring is the line lock button, tach, and the microswitch on the clutch pedal. I cut the cost of the gauges a bit by going with the mechanical oil pressure, but I had to have the electric water temp so I splurged on that one. Got a scrap of 1/8" aluminum and made the gauge panel, then I used a scotchbrite disc on my drill to make the swirl marks.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8046/8...535e4b3918.jpg


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8183/8...fb21789cec.jpg


The work in the trunk is 99% done, I just need to finish my battery hold-down.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8083/8...23f0b51894.jpg


Under the hood is also really close, just needs radiator hoses and a few odds and ends. And the Q-Jet is under the Christmas tree!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8216/8...40449e22f7.jpg


Here's my Suzuki Samurai alternator...it's one of the few applications that have the small Nippondenso with a v-belt pulley. $80 at O'Reilly's.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8503/8...00ca1dd638.jpg


I don't have any pics, but I broke down and bought a pair of Kirkey aluminum seats. I hate the idea, but in the end, cost and weight savings won out. I think maybe next winter's projects might include having some Nova SS lookalike covers made for them.
More pics to come pretty soon.

Re: Project update
 

Very nice work! I hope my El Camino comes out at least half as good.

Re: Project update
 

Its coming along just fine, Paul. It'll be great to see it out there soon. I've got 2 questions, what gear ratio are you going to run,, and what intake are you using? I miss my '66 SS that I had in the '70s,, they're fun little cars. Take care.
Danny Durham

Re: Project 66 Nova
 

Very nice work Paul, keep the pictures coming. I love my new Kirkey, you may not like the rule, but you will love seat. I like the idea of a custom cover too.

Re: Project update
 

Thanks, Danny. I'm starting with a 5.38, mainly because I got a deal on them from another stocker guy locally. The intake is the 3875954 for the Q-Jet.

Re: Project 66 Nova
 

Paul,
Top-Shelf-Job on the car and details!

What color of Red did you go with?

It looks really great on there.

Re: Project 66 Nova
 

Thanks, Glenn. It's Viper Red.

Re: Project 66 Nova
 

Paul great job on the car. It looks great. Did you buy or make the battery hold down and tray?

Re: Project 66 Nova
 

Thanks, Ed. I made it....it's a plastic tray from O'Reilly, some 3/8" allthread, nylock nuts, and 1/4"x1-1/4" flat bar. All scrap I had laying around except the tray, which cost me 5 bucks.

Re: Project 66 Nova
 

Paul, the car is comming along very nicely. I did see one thing that I just wanted to mention in the interest of safety. The battery hold down strap appears to be very close to contacting the positive connection, it may be just this view of it. When I fabricate components, I not only want the maximum performance of each system but, try to predict what the component will do with an impact from different angles (in a crash situation). It looks like if the battery was to move to the rear only slightly, It could contact the positive terminal. This could result from starting line shock from the hit, gear change, or hopefully not an on track incident. You know the "Murphy's Law" things usually only happen at the worst times....like the final! LOL Not being critical brother, just maybe see it from another angle. I'm gonna have my stuff on here shortly, and will appreciate any comments reguarding something I may have overlooked. Once again the car looks great!

Wade Mahaffey

Re: Project 66 Nova
 

Good eye, Wade, and thanks for the compliments. You are 100% correct. That's why there's no paint on that piece yet...I need to take it back off and grind a nice big crescent out of it for clearance at the terminal.
I hope you and everyone else here will let me know if you see anything else I'm screwing up, and call me on it. This is my first racecar and though I've learned a lot from a bunch of great people, I don't pretend to know everything.

Re: Project 66 Nova
 

Paul you can also run your strap accross the battery the short way (between the posts or 90 degrees from your present location) . Also some type of border around the base of the battery to minimize movement at the bottom by providing a pocket if you will that the battery would fit into snugly! LOL

Wade Mahaffey

Re: Project 66 Nova
 

I have always run my straps across the battery as you discribe, with the studs tight enough against the sides of the battery so it would not slide around. Usually short pieces of aluminium angle riveted to the trunk floor against each end so it can't slide that way. All thread rod, fiber lock nuts and aluminium strap from Ace Hardware, Tractor Supply, etc. I use 3/8" rod & nuts myself.

Re: Project 66 Nova
 

We found some real nicealuminum square box tubing for the strap at Lowes. It is very light but strong. I agree, the strap acros the short side will eliminate interference and will be lighter and stronger.
Paul, the car is looking great! What is your target date for hitting the track? F stick?

Re: Project 66 Nova
 

Thanks, Jim. I will be at Rolling Thunder on opening day! Come hell or high water. Can't wait!

Re: Project 66 Nova
 

Paul - let me know if you need a hand with anything and I'll swing over.

Clark

Re: Project 66 Nova
 

Paul,,, many years ago, on my stick shift '66 Nova SS, it was pointed out to me by another Chevy II racer, that the firewalls have some flex in them when the clutch is pushed in. Sure enough, I had a buddy sit in the car and move the clutch pedal and the master cylinder moved back and forth a little, which could cause missed shifts. We made a brace from the shock tower to the master cylinder.
I don't know if its still a problem, nowadays with the new clutch and transmission technology, but its something to check out. Just thinking out loud,,, thanks for bringing us along on your build.
Danny Durham

Re: Project 66 Nova
 

Oh yeah my firewall flexes when you push hard on the brake pedal. I'll have to look into your suggestion

Re: Project 66 Nova
 

Ed,,, your car is a lot prettier than mine was back in the day,,, if you make a brace, you'll have to powdercoat or chrome it!
Danny Durham

Re: Project 66 Nova
 

Danny - The new Car Craft has a piece on the COPOs, and there's a photo of the factory-installed firewall brace....looks nice, too...heims on the ends and all. All these years later, and they still didn't make the firewall stiff enough!

Re: Project 66 Nova
 

Automotive engineering is different than locomotive engineering. Automotive engineering calculates the minimum thickness required for strength, then makes it that thickness. Locomotive engineering calculates the minimum thickness required, then multiplies by 4, and that's how thick they make it.

Re: Project 66 Nova
 

I really really like your project. lol moment no heims in stock ---Trevor

Re: Project 66 Nova
 

Thanks Paul,, I've got the new Car Craft,,, just hadn't got to it yet. I'll check it out.
Danny Durham

Re: Project 66 Nova
 

Been hittin' it hard the last couple of weeks...my b-day party is Friday so I want to be able to fire it up for everybody.

Waiting on a water neck from UPS, but the rest of the pieces are in place:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8357/8...2040389b_z.jpg

It pained me to use non-stock seats, but $$ and Lbs. prevailed:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8377/8...3d674b98_z.jpg


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8237/8...6b19932f_z.jpg


Last link in the drivetrain...had the shaft made locally in 3 hrs. for a very reasonable price:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8189/8...39fab86f_z.jpg

Re: Project 66 Nova
 

paul your car looks great really like black roof. like the mounts on fuel cell and seats.what size is the tubing? what master cylinder did you use? jim

Re: Project 66 Nova
 

Is that fuel line going to be legal so close to the trans tunnel?

Re: Project 66 Nova
 

Thanks, Jim...it's 2-1/2" square tube and the M/C is an older Wilwood I picked up at a swap meet along with the brakes.

GSA612...I'm going to have to shield it where it passes the bellhousing according to the rulebook. The tunnel area should be OK because of the driveshaft loop.
Maybe you guys have thoughts on my idea for the shield: since braided line is OK per the rulebook in that area, could I slide a section of braided SS line over my aluminum instead of using 1/8" steel like the book says? I only ask because there's a weird bend in that spot that would make fabbing something out of steel kind of difficult. I tried to route it away from the bell, but there just wasn't a good way to do it.

Re: Project 66 Nova
 

looks great,, there's nothing like having the sounds of the pits at a birthday party and of coarse a few beers will top it off ,,,also I am sure you know but you should have a brace between the seat and the roll bar if that's where you seat is presently mounted,,post a video when you fire it up ,,gmonde

also just noticed the subframe connectors nice!!!!!!!!!