Project 66 Nova

[Paul Merolla]

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...



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:

[Tom Meyer]

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

[james schaechter]

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.

[Joe Martens]

Originally Posted by Tom Meyer

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

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

[Paul Merolla]

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.

[rallye bob]

Originally Posted by Joe Martens

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

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..

[Paul Merolla]

Snapped a couple more pics this weekend...







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

[larrylomascolo]

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 .

[Paul Merolla]

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:




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.







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




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!




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.




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.