Thread: ressurecting the nova

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My 76 nova is shaping up nicely. I have spent only $60 since its initial purchase ( $400 )

The 78 firebird is steadily donating parts.

Today I looked into swapping in the nose piece, but it looks like it is too narrow. I am entertaining the prospect of sculpting a 'bird' nose from steel. Could look nice if done well. I would also increase the number of headlights from four to six! That is a mod I always wanted to make to the bird. ( ok, a nova has two, so it would be from 2 to 6 )

About all I really accomplished today, was to fabricate a new body mount for the left side radiator support/crossmember. The old mount was long gone, and the front steel was just hanging on the fenders.

Also today, swapped in the fan motor from the bird, and looking into using the inner fender, pass side. Not a perfect swap, but it doesn't have to be perfect, just has to work. Tomorrow, will try to get that fender back on ( beat out some dents while it was off ) with the inner fender in place. Will also need to figure out something for the battery tray.

Would I be better off to leave the condenser in place ( not going to run AC ) or remove it as a restriction of airflow? I guess it being in place it protects the radiator?

Will also try to get some pics of the fabricated body mount. It's ugly: I cut the pieces from a sheet of 16 ga with the gas axe, and didn't clean up the edges, nor paint it. Real rat rod quality I guess. BUT.. that 16 GA will out last the rest of the radiator support to rot anyhow.

Also using the body bushings from the bird. that car was in SUCH good shape before the ol' lady wrecked it! I am considering swapping in the rear axle and front discs, if they'll go. Then I can run the snowflake wheels ( will have to get a new one. The front left is destroyed.. in fact is apparently warped so bad that it would not come off the studs! )

Does anyone know the compatability of 77 firebird brake parts to a 76 nova? The very astute of you will notice that at the front of this article, I mentioned the car to be a 78. TRUE that, but the suspension is all from a 77. And what about the shocks? They were brand new on the bird, but she might have blown the seals taking it thru that ditch.

sorry if I am boring anyone to tears, but it is just nice to get working on a car again.

Rain today, bummer.

Yesterday, i got the fender back on, and did indeed manage to stuff in the inner fender from the bird. Not a perfect fit, but it's in there.

Today pulled the fender, beat it out straight. Then fabbed the body mount for that side of the crossmember. Tomorrow to throw it back together, and figure out how to mount the headlights.