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View Full Version : Jeff-San's Awesome 1969 L78 Nova!


Xplantdad
05-26-2008, 07:43 PM
Sometimes when you stop looking, good things tend to find you. As a case in point, I have recently purchased a 69 Nova SS L-78. How it found me is another story. I received a call from one of my good car buddies, he was at a show in Half Moon Bay, Ca. standing in front of what he was describing as a lo-mileage original L-78 Nova that was for sale, and whatever happened , he needed me to see it for myself. The car was driven in by a guy in his late 50's and he told my buddy that he was into Hot Rods and modern muscle and if this car was a 4 spd he wouldn't even think of selling it. He also said he bought the car from a 20+ year owner in his 70's that restored planes but had the early onset of Dimensia and his wife just needed to start selling off his toys. When I get a lead like this, the normal course is that the car disappears quickly or turns out to be a turd when you looked a little closer.

The car went unsold on Sunday as no one was drawn to it by it's burnished brown, " Plane Jane " appearance. I made the call Sunday night as I promised and made arrangements to come see the car on Tuesday. I was subconsciously hoping the car would be sold out from under me to aleviate a wasted trip for a car that I really didnt want. On the other hand, the car sounded too good and deserved a look. On the hour and a half drive up to see the car on Tuesday I was thinking about all the reasons I shouldnt be attracted to this car. When I pulled up to his driveway, the garage door was open and I immediately knew I was in some serious trouble. He had a lift in his garage and it was ready for my inspection. I had mental notes from Tom Williams who had given me tips on another L-78 that I had chased down and passed on 2 Summers ago ...kinda funny as I can memorize #'s and codes from 2 years ago but I cant seem to remember what I had for lunch the day before.

this is what I found as I crawled under and around the car:

- 69 Nova SS 19,101 miles
- mostly original paint
- Burnished brown/ blk vinyl top
- deluxe blk bucket seats
- console automatic
- L78 396/375 #'s match motor ( JL )
- automatic tranny...C X code ( Yellow Tag )
- big Harrison radiator
- orig core support
- ZE code on the rad tag
- 4346 Holley carb with idle stop and tranny solenoids and brackets still intact
- BT 3:55 12 bolt
- no tach or gauges
- mint floor pans, trunk, orig weather stripping
- original carpets
- SS wheels
- a partial build sheet showing the L-78 option on line 2 that the current owner had stuffed into the owners manual
- full tinted windshield
- blk/gold plates



I may have forgotten a bunch so I've included a few pictures to share my find. I know it's not perfect but I think it's as close to an original no excuse, survivor car that I've seen in a long time. I'm pretty sure the car was Hot Rodded back in the day as I can see a spot in the trunk where and electric fuel pump was probably mounted. The car is also running a set of headers and the intermediate pipes appear to be factory originals. When I bought it, the owner had a sliver of an L-78 build sheet which showed L-78 under the second line but in noway did it tie it to a body sequence number or vin that was on this car. I took the leap of faith and bought the Nova feeling comfortable that the car was a tue L-78. The seller answered all of my questions and bent over backwards to shed light on all that I questioned. As soon as I got the car home I spent the next 2 lunches at home in the garage looking under the seats, under the dash and eventually I started looking at the back seat. My daughter wanted to go for a ride but the car had the seatbelts stuffed down the crack. When I took the back seat out, I could tell that they had been stashed there for quite awhile as the tags looked like new with the exception of picking up some of the stickiness from the sound deadener. As I looked closer, I could tell the outer tabs holding the seat had never been messed with so I decided to carefully pull them back and then unscrewed the last 2 screws and guess what? I took a few pictures to document what I found, as I found it. It was hog ringed in the upper passenger side, mint but slightly brittle. I scanned it when I got back to work. Tom W helped me decode what was on the doc.

here is what he told me:


Car built 3/18/69

Willow Run plant

288100….. is body sequence #....this should match the cowl tag

733…..deluxe black vinyl buckets

61B…burnished brown black vinyl top



A01…tinted glass all windows

A02...tinted windshield

A39…Deluxe frt and rear seat belts

A51…front strato buckets

A85…Deluxe shoulder harness

B80…roof drip moldings

CRD…???

C08…vinyl roof

C50….rear window defroster

D33….outside remote control mirror

D55…floor console

L78…396/375hp SHP

N10...dual exhaust

ZJ1…custom interior package


I hope you enjoy the pictures and I welcome any and all constructive criticism. My goal is to keep this car as original as possible and enjoy it as it was inteneded. if anyone knows of this car or it's past history, I would love to hear from you. I have a past registration from 1989 registered to an R. Henderson in Vallejo, Ca. As clean as the car is, I believe it's always been a Ca. car or a least a Western states car

thanks for looking,

Jeff


http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/JeffSan%20L78%20Nova/tn_L-78toXPLANT045.jpg

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Xplantdad
05-26-2008, 07:43 PM
Engine pad

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/JeffSan%20L78%20Nova/tn_L-78toXPLANT039.jpg

Cowl tag

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/JeffSan%20L78%20Nova/tn_L-78toXPLANT040.jpg

Build sheet

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/JeffSan%20L78%20Nova/tn_sheet.jpg

Radiator tag

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/JeffSan%20L78%20Nova/tn_L-78toXPLANT001.jpg

Detail shots!

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Xplantdad
05-26-2008, 07:43 PM
The last of the shots...for now! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

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Charley Lillard
05-26-2008, 08:01 PM
Damn...Roger cut loose the L78. I bought his red red 69 Z28 from him a couple years ago and at the time he was never going to sell that Nova. Yes he was getting dimensia. You got a great car.

92646
05-26-2008, 08:12 PM
As far as I am concerned this is about as neat as it gets. Jeff told me about the car awhile back and boy did it sound like a great find. Every time I see pictures of this car it just keeps getting better.
Mark Sheppard

1969l78
05-26-2008, 08:18 PM
Great find- I can only dream to find one likle that. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

jeff-san
05-26-2008, 09:02 PM
[ QUOTE ]
Damn...Roger cut loose the L78. I bought his red red 69 Z28 from him a couple years ago and at the time he was never going to sell that Nova. Yes he was getting dimensia. You got a great car.

[/ QUOTE ]

Charley,

Is that the R Henderson from Vallejo? If you know anything about the cars past, I would sure like to hear about it.

jeff

Mr70
05-26-2008, 09:17 PM
You should bring it to Chevy-VetteFest this coming November for the Nova display,per BKH.
Was it originally ordered with the Magnum 500 Super Sport wheels known as RPO N66,or were they added on after delivery?
Very nice color & options! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

mockingbird812
05-26-2008, 09:56 PM
Terrific Nova. B Brown, L78, low miles, documented http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif !!!!!! Thanks for sharing!


http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

47Hammer
05-26-2008, 10:06 PM
Congratulations on your Nova find. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif Thank you for sharing that original beauty with us. Now, let's not waste any time and get right down to business!.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/Can-I-Have-It.gif

1969grb
05-26-2008, 10:25 PM
Wow!!! What a nice original car. Congratulations on a great find. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Grady

Mr. Chevy
05-27-2008, 12:07 AM
AWESOME CAR JEFF!!!! Love the color.. very cool!!

Rich

Charley Lillard
05-27-2008, 12:58 AM
Jeff...Contact Jim Dyer at Chevy Classics. 209-941-2112. Jim is friends with Roger and knows more about the car than I do.

Mr.Nickey Nova
05-27-2008, 04:59 AM
Congrats on your find Jeff,nice original untouched cars are getting hard to find.Enjoy and have fun with your new toy.Like Mr70 said,bring it to Vette fest this fall so we all can enjoy.

Salvatore
05-27-2008, 05:17 AM
Oh brother not ANOTHER California SS survivor nova?? This time a brown L78 car! Man-o-man what a find. Half Moon Bay area to boot. My weekend is now complete. Don't do anything to it but just keep cleaning things. That car may have seen some track time at Half Moon Bay and/or at least Fremont. Two historic tracks! Love it! Sam http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

jeff-san
05-27-2008, 06:19 AM
[ QUOTE ]
You should bring it to Chevy-VetteFest this coming November for the Nova display,per BKH.
Was it originally ordered with the Magnum 500 Super Sport wheels known as RPO N66,or were they added on after delivery?
Very nice color & options! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I would love to bring it back home to Chicago...maybe I'll keep cleaning it and see how she cleans up. I'd love to
cruise it to Sooper Dawg on a Friday night too...maybe I'll need to wait until Springtime?

as far as the wheels go..unless I find some dealer paperwork I wont know about the wheels. in the trunk there's an XT wheel painted black with an orig Tiger Paw redline. could it have come with the SS wheels and a steelie as a spare? I'll probably look under the carpet next to see if I can find another build sheet that may call out the wheels. Until then I'll just keep enjoying it as is, I was truly lucky to find it and owe my buddy J.D. bigtime for turning me on to it. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Salvatore
05-27-2008, 06:54 AM
Doesn't the spare tire/wheel match the cars wheels?

jeff-san
05-27-2008, 07:01 AM
the spare tire is painted XT w/a redline...maybe someone just liked the SS wheels and added them later or the guy had them swapped at the dealership...anyones guess.

Nova Jed
05-27-2008, 07:02 AM
Send that car out here to Sammy! He will clean that bad boy up for ya! It's great to see that the Novas are starting to pop up all over! Bring them out!

PeteLeathersac
05-27-2008, 07:08 AM
Whttp://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gifW, what a deadly find...really great color too!!!

Congrats to yourself for getting your eyeballs on it and making it happen Jeff!.

Anyone know more on what planes the same guy that had the car had...warbirds maybe? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif.

~ Pete
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

ORIGLS6
05-27-2008, 07:28 PM
Whttp://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gifW is right!!! Just a few weeks ago I asked if Burnished Brown was available on a Nova because I had never seen one. And I swear that last night I walked out the back door with my dog and looked up at the sky. The moon was at 'half' and, being car minded, all I could see was 'Half Moon Bay'! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Super find! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif Glad you snapped it up. And YES, PLEASE strongly consider bringing it to VetteFest this Fall! More than WORTHY. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

CONGRATS!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

jeff-san
05-27-2008, 09:56 PM
I'd like to thank everyone for their kind words about my new toy. I would love to bring it to the Fall show but transport there, storage and finding transport back might be a little tough for me now. I saw an online flyer for the NNN West Coast Mini Nats in Pleasanton Aug 30-31st that may be a little closer to reality for now.

As nice as the Nova is, I have alot of work to do before I'd consider putting it within 100 feet of the club cars I've seen. YOU GUYS ROCK!!!!

thanks again and I'll work hard to clean her up for a few shows. Alot can happen between now and then. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/youguysrock.gif

Jeff

ORIGLS6
05-27-2008, 10:28 PM
Jeff,
The logistics are understandable but I think you're drastically underestimatng how this car would be accepted. Survivor status cars are getting much more attention and respect every day.
It's a great example just as it sits! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Novadiecast
05-28-2008, 04:49 AM
All I can say is "The Nova Gods have blessed you". Great car.

bkhpah
05-28-2008, 03:56 PM
That is the RIGHT car for the Fall Vette-Fest show. We would love to see it there....BKH http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

69hurstSC
05-29-2008, 03:25 AM
Wow, stock Nova's are rare and this one sweet machine!

WILMASBOYL78
05-29-2008, 06:31 AM
Jeff made a great find with this time capsule...the little details like the kickdown switch and idle solenoid are very unique...these cars very seldom make it this many years without a lot of changes. The car is also equipped pretty nicely for an L78....my guess on the wheels is it was a steel wheel car and someone upgraded to the SS magnums...but you never know...looking forward to seeing it in person someday...congratualtions http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

wilma

chevelleheart
05-29-2008, 05:17 PM
Beautiful Find Jeff ,....Congrats!! What a car, as previously stated it's a time capsule!!!

Xplantdad
06-02-2008, 02:31 AM
Jeff, thanks so much for sharing your wonderful unrestored L78 with us. Also, thanks for being so patient (and understanding) with me...wanting to share it in the Members Rides section.

A Nova was my first car...and they are still one of my favorite Chevies!

Awesome car...'nuff said! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

Salvatore
07-03-2008, 02:51 PM
Jeff, Hows the nova doing? Any new pictures or news on your car? Have you been driving it? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif Sam

jeff-san
07-03-2008, 05:38 PM
Sam...I've been driving the car and having a blast with it. I took the tranny out and had it rebuilt. I also did a little scrubbing and cleaning during the down time. Now it screams without slipping between gears.

The car was shot and supposedly slated to be in an upcoming Musclecar book....who knows if it'll make the final cut. What I thought would be an simple process turned out to be a 5 hour shoot. I was the guys B***H but I had a blast helping him. No new pictures of it yet but if what I saw on my laptop makes it into the book, it'll really do the car justice. I was very pleased.

396-375Hp
02-06-2009, 02:31 AM
In all my years I have never seen this color combo and its a bucket seat auto car to boot. What a killer survivor car. That is the nicest L78 nova I have ever seen. You are one lucky guy to own it. Wish I could have it. Is it for sale? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/Can-I-Have-It.gif

Charley Lillard
02-06-2009, 09:13 AM
He sold it.

nova bob
06-17-2009, 06:20 PM
DOES YOUR CARE HAVE 4 OR 5 LEAF SPRINGS IN IT. I HAVE THE SAME CAR 375HP TURBO 400 BUCKET SEATS VINAL TOP BUT THE ORIGINAL LEAFS ARE GONE . iM TRYING TO FIGURE OUT IF THEY WERE 4 OR 5 LEAF.

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP

BOB

Xplantdad
06-17-2009, 07:03 PM
Sam answered your question in the other post you asked it in... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

nova bob
09-04-2009, 10:46 AM
did your nova have 4-5 leaf springs in it. i have the same car without the original springs
thanks
bob

x Baldwin Motion
09-04-2009, 03:37 PM
[ QUOTE ]
did your nova have 4-5 leaf springs in it. i have the same car without the original springs
thanks
bob

[/ QUOTE ]

the answer is (http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=rides&Number=407235&Searc hpage=1&Main=327277&Words=+nova+bob&topic=&Search= true#Post407235) 5

mockingbird812
11-28-2009, 02:17 AM
Rob,
Looks great. Love the B&W photos. Very retro!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

MosportGreen66
11-28-2009, 02:26 AM
Looks great Jeff. How is the Z coming along?

nova bob
03-06-2014, 02:36 AM
was hoping to see if Jeff could measure the lower trans rod that goes from the selector shaft to the lockout. After extended research and talking to the most knowable nova guys in the country no one knows what the rod is. the 805 rod doesn't fit and according to all assembly manuals both camaro and nova that's what it calls for. I have seen 805 rods different lengths . Could Jeff measure the lower rod for me please and even send pict if possible. 708-990-4069

thanks
Bob