Novas

[69hurstSC]

Being i have very limited knowledge on 68-70 Novas i thought i would ask some questions here. Yesterday my GF and I rented a timeshare from a couple here in MN that we found on an add online. When i got there we started chatting about cars (weird huh LOL) and after a while i was looking at his 74 Z28 Camaro and 63 409 Impala. We then proceeded to go downstairs and talk more cars and have a couple brews.
Onto the Novas... He told me about a couple Nova's he had in the very early 70's. 1st was a 68 L78 Nova, 4spd with 4.56's. He stated that this Nova came for the factory with 4.56's, any truth to this? Car was green with a black vinyl roof and black guts. 2nd car was a 69 L78 Nova which we didnt get into much because the 68 interested me so much.

The prior owner had installed a tri-power off a Vette on the Nova and headers. Both of these cars were in the Maple Grove, MN area back in late 1970-1974. He bought the Z brand new and had only 1 garage stall so the 68 L78 had to go. Like I said my knowledge is limited so if you know something about 68's and i misspoke please clear up. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Schonyenko2]

68 novas could be ordered with a 4.56 BW coded rear. Any idea where the novas went?

[JRSully]

My 69 L78 Nova has a factory installed BW 4:56 rear, supposedly had to be copo'd to get that ratio.? Don' know for sure

[69hurstSC]

Ken, from was told a young fellow bought the 68 L78 and it stayed rather local (Twin Cities) area. Not sure on the 69 L78 but i will get further details. A funny story about the 68:
The owner was letting his wife use it as a commuter car too and from work. This is when it had all the goodies (tri-power, gears). One day she was coming home at night and another Nova pulled up next to her. The other Nova revved up and she graciously accepted the challenge. According to her story they both left the light and the other Nova got a descent lead because the 68 was burning them pretty good. Eventually she got some grip at the top of 2nd and once she hit third she held it there. Apparantly the lead disappeared rather fast and she forgot to shift into 4th. Either way once she blew by the other Nova she lifted and the end result was a broken rocker arm....but a win!
I will get some more info on theres 2 L78's because I have now booked a vacation with them.
Wes

[69hurstSC]

Fresh off the phone with the fellow who owned both these 68,69 L78's.

1st the 68. Bought in 1972 with 13K miles from a guy who lived in New Hope/Crystal. Didnt know the colors name but said it was green almost silver in color. The prior owner was a mechanic at Sears who added the tri power, headers, warner gauges... The mechanic bought this car new at Merit Chevrolet. Door was dinged and the owner had it re sprayed and it didnt match so he had the whole car resprayed. Car was sold in 73 to a kid who lived in Elk River. Mileage at time of sale was 33K, sold for $1,500

The 69. Bought out of St. Paul, MN in 1971. Black paint, Black interior, buckets, 4spd.

This guy also owned a bunch of other cars including a 65 Chevelle 327/350 L79. 300 deluxe sedan. Owned it from 66-67, dark green, 4spd, bench, rubber mats, lgt brown interior. Ran 13.2's in 66.

Also owned another 68 Nova 327/325hp bench.
Bought new, 67 Camaro SS 350

Hope the info on the L78's is helpfull. I can ask any additional questions as well.

[jasonL78]

The color sounds like Sequoia green. When you get around to it can you ask if it had gold or black interior? Disk brakes? Maybe even a vinyl top.

Jason

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]
Didnt know the colors name but said it was green almost silver in color.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sounds like Seafrost Green. My '68 Chevelle was that color. Looked silver 'til you parked next to a Cortez car; then she looked like a pea. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

My buddy ordered a similar car in Sequoia Green. It's closer to the '70 Shadow Gray. (Like Jason's above.)

[WILMASBOYL78]

Just what we need http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif...another Sequoia Green L78 Nova http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif

wilma http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[69hurstSC]

Jason, in my first post i noted the 68 L78 had black guts, bench, and black vinyl roof. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[jasonL78]

Sorry my bad!

[markjohnson]

Great stories and histories. Especially about the '65 Chevelle 300 post with the L-79 327-350 HP. That's a car that's been in my Fantasy File for a long time!

[69hurstSC]

Small update. The 68 Nova SS was bought by a 17 year old kid who was going to Elk River High School in 1973.

Also, when my friend bought the L79 Chevelle he had the opportunity to buy a Z16 at that time. However, his budget was more in the $2,500 range as opposed to the 4K sticker price on the Z16.

[69hurstSC]

Long awaited update. Inserted are some pics of the cars!

http://i41.tinypic.com/14nohol.jpg

[69hurstSC]

A bit of more news. The 68 was bought new out of Merit Chevrolet and the guy was working at Sears in Brookdale when he installed the tri-power.

[69hurstSC]

I spoke with the original owner of the 68 SS and he has photo's of the car. The original color was Seafrost Green.

[69hurstSC]

Does anyone have an image of a 68 SS in Seafrost Green with a vinyl roof they could share?

[67 Nova Boy]

Some Camaro's and Nova...?

Dave
67 Nova Boy

https://www.google.com/search?q=68+Nova+...164&bih=552 (https://www.google.com/search?q=68+Nova+in+seafrost+green&rlz=1T4MXGB_enU S529US573&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=retjU _C4EJffsATGoYCACw&ved=0CCUQsAQ&biw=1164&bih=552)

[69hurstSC]

Thanks Dave. I searched through those images prior and hadn't located a 68 SS wearing a black vinyl roof.

[67 Nova Boy]

Vinyl roofs are tough to find...I'll keep looking.

Dave
67 Nova Boy

[300deluxeL79]

not an SS, don't think it's seafrost green, believe it's an L79... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2014/05/full-4800-11485-dsc00024.jpg

[PxTx]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 300deluxeL79</div><div class="ubbcode-body">not an SS, don't think it's seafrost green, believe it's an L79... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2014/05/full-4800-11485-dsc00024.jpg
</div></div>

Nice pic! That is why I regret my H pipe exhaust.

[69hurstSC]

Thanks for the attempts so far. Must be a tough car to find actual images of.

[69hurstSC]

Still looking for any pics of a 68 Nova wearing Seafrost Green w/ Vinyl roof.

[69SSZL1]

Sorry, dont have a Nova, but I have a photo of a 68 Camaro Seafrost Green, black vinyl top I used to own, if it helps

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/OAKLYSS/68%20CAMARO/68seafrost_zpsb8ef5c49.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/OAKLYSS/media/68%20CAMARO/68seafrost_zpsb8ef5c49.jpg.html)

[69hurstSC]

Thanks Greg. The car I'm helping my friend track was sold to a younger kid who lived in Elk River, MN around 1974. I've been in contact with some of the &quot;car guys&quot; from Elk River's graduating classes of 74/75 to see if anyone remembers a classmate with this car. Unfortunately a pic of a Camaro might through them off too much. The color combo is spot on, however people with limited memories on old cars may not truly remember a Camaro vs a Nova.

Just to reiterate my search, I'm looking for a friends 68 Nova SS 396/375 car that had a Corvette Tri-Power installed under the hood. It was Seafrost Green w/ a bench seat and a black vinyl top. It was sold by the owner in Big Lake to a highschool age kid who lived in Elk River, MN circa 1974ish.

The car would have been quite a formidable little weapon with the L78 and the factory 4.56 stump pullers. I'm working with the former owner on digging out some of his old photography which hopefully has shots of the Nova. I've posted some of the other cars he owned on prior pages.

[69hurstSC]

Good news. I'm meeting with the original owner tomorrow who has photos and possibly paperwork from the car.

[jasonL78]

Great have a beer with him for us and snap some pictures of his pictures.... I still have never seen a 68 78 nova in sea forest green but you can't rule any out. I have been in contact recently with a guy who claims to have 5 1968 BB novas. I have seen pictures of 3 of them and documentation for 1. One of the three is the earliest 68 BB nova I have ever seen it is an 04D car. He is supposed to have all the documentation for all the cars. His father was a 68 Nova nut. He has a tone of NOS nova parts. He has several 68 Novas a couple 4dr cars and a couple SB SS cars. His father actually tried to buy my old 68 L79 multiple times. The guy also tells me his fathers friend has multiple 68 BB novas also but I have never seen any pictures. Just talked about in conversation.

[69hurstSC]

5 68 BB' cars? Now that would be a hell of a sight. Hoping to have the photos and info today.

[69hurstSC]

I now have a copy of the Invoice and about 12 photos of the car. I won't have access to a scanner until Monday, but will post some of the shots when I can. Need to find a source to run the VIN.

[NOVAJET]

I read about a Nova like this on one of the Nova sites about 4-5 years ago that was in the Twin Cities area. If I remember correctly it still had the three deuces on it and was unrestored from when the guy bought it in the early 80's.

[jasonL78]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 69hurstSC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">5 68 BB' cars? Now that would be a hell of a sight. Hoping to have the photos and info today. </div></div>

Good for me he wants me to restore them....

Looking forward to seeing the information on the car.

[69hurstSC]

Alas.

http://i58.tinypic.com/10holfc.png

http://i61.tinypic.com/wjck5f.png

[69L78Post]

WOW!

[jasonL78]

Disk brake car.... exterior trim package... what a sharp car. I don't think there is a sea frost green 68 bb nova out there that I know of what a cool color. Any more pictures?

[brent396]

WOW IS RIGHT !!!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif

[mockingbird812]

Sweet car. Outstanding perseverance and detective work! Well done! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[PeteLeathersac]

L<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/drool.gifVE IT T<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif...your friend sure had great taste in performance!!!
Is the white Post car a '62 Pontiac also hoping the '61 Poncho behind the Camaro in the shot w/ the '63 Chev in the background is a post car too!
Can't wait for more, good luck w/ your search!!!
<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif
~ Pete

[Day2_69Z]

Great reference guide for nice Day 2 upgrades !

Bow tie script M/Ts ,,,aluminum intake Trips..970 SW tach &amp; box ? ......even a Delco battery
......aluminum slots .....!!!!

Nice !

[69hurstSC]

Now for the reveal. I've found this car. It has survived the tests of time and is currently living in Georgia.

Now for the sad news for us purists. The car is currently very heavily modified with a 502 crate Chevy, bucket seats and black cherry paint. It retains no allegiance to it's originality. I'll post a few more pictures of the vintage shots but I'm saving the best ones for my Lost Muscle Cars book project. I do have a copy of the Bill of Sale showing the color and the L78. Thanks for the interest and although it's not back to original, at least the car has survived.

[69hurstSC]

http://i61.tinypic.com/2h36knk.png

http://i61.tinypic.com/2m7ubz4.png

[L78racer]

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c2/Ls6racer/forum/toughest%20block_zps5otmblwg.jpg

[jasonL78]

Well that is some great news. Unfortunately if it is painted a different color and now has a newer motor, it wouldn't even make sense to try and buy the car and restore it back to its original condition. Way to much money to invest and most likely not get it back in the end. Unless money wasn't an issue. 1968 BB novas are very hard to document. Maybe the original paper work might have some value too the current owner? It would be cool to see the previous owner and new owner together with a before and after pictures of the car. That sounds like a very cool story.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Why would it not make sense to buy and put it back to original? Parts cost??

[Salvatore]

Why, if the motor and original parts like that are gone.
Perfect for a mild Day-2 car.

[69hurstSC]

Obviously to the two prior owners here in MN who were looking for the car price may not be an object to bring it back to how they remembered it. Though, with the current owner noting that he stopped counting at &quot;40 thousand&quot; with his investment into the machine, it would take a boatload of money to purchase the car, and another good chunk to have it painted and undo any of the upgrades to the car.

It's all in how much something means to someone.

[WILMASBOYL78]

A 1968 L78 drivetrain and all the correct parts will be expensive to put together...if the car is solid, then the Day 2 look with a strong BB is the way to go.

wilma

[jasonL78]

Marlin,

My thought was, someone has taken the time to paint it and update the driveline to a newer BB. Most likely a nice driving show car. To get it back to original an easy 20-30k added to the price of the car would be needed. There sure are a lot of 69-70 documented BB novas out there for 50-60K done and turn key. As much as I love the 68 BB novas and there limited production run from April till July. They just don't have the desire to be collectable unless you find someone that has to have one and understands there rarity. Like I tell people when I talk about them just go and try to find one for sale you won't!

[69hurstSC]

As it will appear in <span style="font-style: italic">Lost Muscle Cars</span>, here's the sales information and specs on the L78.

http://i57.tinypic.com/4hbiic.png

[RPOLS3]

How cool is that - factory 4.56!

[WILMASBOYL78]

I'll bet the trans was an M22 with those rear gears...that little car would have been a terror with those gears.

wilma

[69hurstSC]

Tom - Plus the Tri-Power was added less than a month into ownership.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

You might think I'm crazy, but after seeing that paperwork - I'd restore it back to stock....

[Salvatore]

BUT M, it still will not be original drivetrain.
1000 point novas are tough to sell in 1000 point condition for what they are worth, so a lesser one with 40-50 grand into it would be really tough to swollow IMO.
I would think a &quot;correct&quot; Day-2 version would turn heads even more than a restored original.
I would build it as an early 70's version of an NHRA B/Stocker.

[leach]

Big question is what is trying to get for the car the way it is right now with the paperwork. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif

[69hurstSC]

The car is not for sale. The current owner noted his wife would &quot;cut off his *****&quot;. He did say that he stopped counting what he has into the car at 40K. I haven't offered copies of the paperwork yet as I don't see a point to it as heavily modified as it is.

[69hurstSC]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You might think I'm crazy, but after seeing that paperwork - I'd restore it back to stock.... </div></div>

I would too, Tom. If I could afford to do it. Sure it would look great as a day 2 car, though just getting it back to Seafrost Green would put you back 10K minimum. Once you've taken that big of a bite out of the apple you might as well eat the whole thing.

Also, from what I've seen from just a 30,000 foot view I would imagine this car would be pretty close to being the only Seafrost Green L78 with 4.56's built. Sure it's not Red, Blue or Black, but we've seen examples at auction where odd colored cars sell strong.

[Tracker1]

CT-stamped M22 trans. CE stamped 1968 dated L78. That's what I would find for it.

[Salvatore]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tracker1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">CT-stamped M22 trans. CE stamped 1968 dated L78. That's what I would find for it. </div></div>

Count to 5 and then start holding your breath Des.

[69hurstSC]

The full history is just about nailed down on this car. Once I have that I'll know when the 396 was pulled. I believe the M22 is still in the car.

[L78racer]

not mine.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/pts/5038432658.html