Thread: At Last - 1963 Nova

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Update on progress:

As is often the case, I'm finding a couple of bugs here and there with wiring, a rattle or two and some fitment issues with putting new door panels and such on. I fought with the linkage (Hurst) until i just stopped and went back to the beginning, i.e., take all the rods off, insert the alignment pin and put them on - starting with reverse and working out. Viola! shifts perfectly.

Fired up perfectly (well a little rough, but engine has only been run in with about an hour of time). Found the front brake calipers were frozen and rather than mess with the old ones (canabalized from a '95 Camaro) I visited my local NAPA and replaced them with nice rebuilds for $25 a piece (very reasonable for all new parts and peace of mind).

Fired up again and warmed up - still rough and found #8 plug wire off. Once all eight were popping, took her out for a little spin. After warming up gave it some gas and all sounded really good. Decided to open secondaries and oh my goodness! Rear end squats like a fat duck, tires report and the front end looks like an old gasser! Very fun. Picked my neighbor up and we were both teenagers again although his comments was, "I NEVER had anything with this kind of power!"

All in all - I'm pleased with progress. Few rattles to chase down and I have an appointment on November 4th an an upholstery shop for the headliner as it's a bit beyond my comfort zone and I want it to look good. After that the back seat can go in and we're pretty much ready for a cruise.

Long time coming, but worth the wait. I'm glad I come from a generation that not only understands but can appreciate "delayed gratification".

Regards All,
Glenn