UPDATE AUG 23rd, 2009

Well after nearly 3 years of no updates on the car, and coincidentally the 6 year aniversary of me getting the car, I was brought back to this cardomain page (after googling my name). What I'm seeing here really makes me sad to announce that I sold the car back in February to a guy in Southern MN, who has since sold it to a guy in Iowa. It was a bittersweet ending, but I was glad to see it transferred into the hands of someone who will be able to finish it.

Looking back at the pictures makes me feel nostalgic - the engine swap, the door panels, the wheels, the excitement of having a Muscle Car, and most importantly, the goals that I set and never suceeded. I failed the car. Now all I have to show for it is the old license plates.

But all is not lost. I have a complete 1964 Bel Air sitting in my garage, awaiting the day I can finally resotore her into a beautiful car.

Progress August 5, 2006

Well, nothing too important to note on this progress report. Just a little more body work, sanding, and painting of the engine compartment. I'm doing the engine bay in black primer, and it'll stay that way. I've been thinking about those Chrome front shock mounts and buying those to give the engine bay a little more pazazz. I love the look of Chrome on primer. But that miles down the road. New floorpans are one their way, $210 off of ebay for repopped ones. They were the cheapest I could find, and shipping is free. I'm waiting to get the floor put in before I continue the rebuild of the 327sb. I've gotten it torn down and now it's sitting in pieces on a shop table in the garage. $95 for a hot tank and bearing install. Reasonable. I'm trying to think of anything else that I've forgotten about, but I think I've covered everything.

Updated list

-63 Headlight buckets
-62/63 grille and support.
-V8 Radiator
-Trunk pan
-Rear d/s quarter panel, whole section.

Progress April 19, 2006

Well, after a long winter of sitting around bored, completely broke, I finally got back to work, and got to make money. I've finally compiled enought money to get back on track and hopefull have the Nova on the street by October '06. I owe $500 on the engine still, and another $200 for some important parts will be going to Jonesy (nightshade66) soon.

Since the weather has been absolutely beautiful the past week (mid 70's - low 80's), I've gotten out into the garage to refresh my memory as to why I love this hobby. After a few busted up knuckles and sweaty evening's in the garage, I managed to get the lowering blocks put in.

The overall installation of the blocks was smooth. After getting the old nut's loosened (I actually ended up breaking all 8 with the help of a 3 foot lever bar) it was smooth sailing. The only problem I endured was that the U-Bolts had too thick of a diameter to get through the shock mounts, nothing a dewalt drill and 1/2 inch bit couldn't take care of.

I am impressed with the outcome, although I am worried about one thing. the Passenger side is lower than the drivers side by a little. Nothing too important, something the guys at the shop should be able to fix come Alignment time.

I also purchased a set of 15 inch Chrome Smoothie rims from a friend of a friend for only $75. And no, they were not stolen. They are shown in pics.

Passenger side.

Drivers side.

Progress October 3, 2005

Long time no progress eh? Well actually I havent been sitting on my arse the whole time. FINALLY got those annoying rear air shocks on, and it looks mighty fine. Then I moved onto the front section, and got the grill frame, bumper to grill filler panel, with the grill mounting brackets all taken off. I also got the extremely annoying (and aggravating) drivers side front fender that has been giving me hell for the past month. Basically all the front end stuff that needs to be removed and replaced to make a 63, has been taken off. Now Jonesy needs to get his garage built so I can owe him money and be officially broke.

Heres my updated list:

-63 Headlight buckets
-63 parking lamp assembly, essentially the works
-62/63 grille and support.
-63 headlamp rings
-V8 Radiator
-Floor pans
-Trunk pan
-Front d/s fender
-Rear d/s quarter panel, whole section.

I also added a very expensive piece of machinery, also known as a 327 small block Chevy to my collection of clutter. Que annoying radio advertisers voice .With just 2 easy payments of $500 this big baby can be yours. Call now!End announcers voice .

Here are some pics of the new, used 327.

The carb is supposed to be worth $300 and 4 months old.

The valve covers and air cleaner. Almost makes this purchase look nicer.
Here she is after the long haul home. Owatanna Minnesota, nice long 45 minute drive.

Valve covers and Air cleaner posing in the sunlight. Purdy.
And now she sits on the stand, awaiting a rebiuld and some TLC.

Thanks to my dad for driving down there with me, thanks to Dick for the great engine, and thanks Uncle Roy for the hoist. We would be SOL without it.

Progress August 6, 2005

Stayed up too late last night, woke up around noon. I didnt feel like sweating too much, althought its not too hot out, but i didnt have much patience to begin with so i stayed indoors, relaxed and made a simple design for my door panels. Like i've said, i plan on doing all custom interior done by myself. I also got the guage cluster reassembled after being repainted. I took the guages and outer cluster I got from Jonesy because they were in better shape, repainted the main cluster, and the old guage housing things from my car because i liked the rippled look. Did that confuse you too much?

I'm impressed with the outcome, and I hope you are too. The paint is cheapo model metallic silver, but looks good. Will repaint the dash this week and get the air shocks mounted.

Progress August 3, 2005

I started installation of the new air shocks today. Took me a whole 5 hours in blistering 90* weather and humidity, but i finally got the old ones off. I will finish Saturday and get some pics of the new height.

I also prepped the dash for painting. Washed, sanded, and primered it. Im going a darker red than what it is.

Progress July 31, 2005

This weekend I traveled up to St. Joseph to get some parts--trunk lid, gas tank, guages, and dash knobs. I also repainted the new guages to match my interior. Silver and black.

What I plan on doing to my car --

Wheel Vintique Rally Rims and BF Goodrich Radial T/A. Classic but nice.
327 Small block
Custom Interior done by me
Frenched Tail lights
Shaved Antenna, and roof trim things

Pictures

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