70 L78 Nova?

[LIBoomer]

Hello Members,
Relatively new to the site. Long time musclecar addict. Can't seem to shake the habit. Grew up in Massapequa Park, on Long Island during the 60's/70's. Just off of Sunrise Hyway. Never owned a Motion Car, but knew many people who did and spent time at the shop snooping. S&K Speed shop was another great place to hang out at. Have owned many cars over the years. Including a Yenko Chevelle. But, I have never owned a Muscle Car era Nova. So I bought two. One is a 70 L48 Stick car. It has its original drivetrain. I have the POP and other paper work. The other, is a car that was originally purchased to build a Long Island style, Day 2 car. I have no documentation for this car. And that is the reason I am posting now. I am hoping someone might recognize this car, and shed some light on its past. I had it shipped from Aurora Ill. It has an Elmhurst Ill. Tax sticker on the windshield. After getting it off the truck, I started looking at it closely, and I think it may have been born an L78. In storage since 1987. Mice have gotten into the back seat and destroyed it. Most of the cotton and burlap were at the bottom of frame. I went through it all careful, but no paper. Attached are some pictures. How would anyone, suggest I procede in documenting this car. http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2701-t2ec16vhjgwe9nytekubq305sdmcw60_12.jpg

[mockingbird812]

Hi Todd,
Welcome aboard shipmate! Some shots under the hood might help. If original rear axle, what is the stamping code/axle ratio? Posting shots here is a good start. If it is an original Illinois car, we have a bunch of folks on this site from that area.

[LIBoomer]

Hi Sam,
I am having to compress my pics so I can attach them. They'll be up soon.

Todd

[LIBoomer]

Here are some pics. More coming.

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2703-dsc04516.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2704-dsc04447.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2705-dsc04449.jpg

[LIBoomer]

A few more. http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2706-dsc04408.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2707-dsc04413.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2708-dsc04417.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2709-dsc04419.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2710-dsc04432.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2711-dsc04471.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2712-dsc04478.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2713-dsc04488.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2714-dsc04502.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2715-dsc04506.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2716-dsc04527.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2717-dsc04554.jpg

[Salvatore]

The single fuel line is a good indication of a Holley carb.

[WILMASBOYL78]

IL code indicates a BB radiator....3/8 line, exhaust hanger and heater hose outlets are other good clues...a few more photos including core support and axle stamp would help.

wilma

[LIBoomer]

Wilma,
What pics. do I need of the core support. Rear is not original. Has a BW code 12 Bolt dated 68. Factory 4:56 gears. Trans is 68 Corvette. Engine is 350.

[x Baldwin Motion]

[quote=LIBoomer]Here are some pics.....

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2703-dsc04516.jpg


wow, interesting paint detail, anything more on hood or deck lid?

[LIBoomer]

Yep. http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2720-dsc04535.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2721-dsc04536.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2722-dsc04562.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2723-dsc04564.jpg

[x Baldwin Motion]

I'd wash that up and try to save the paint. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif

[LIBoomer]

There is a lot of paint on the car from the panel job. Then clear on top of that. The prep work between coats was lousy and the panels are coming up in places. Some places have chipped off. And of course you can see the crazing. Whats your thoughts on a year applied?

Todd

[Mr70]

I think that's Ron Hecks old car.

[LIBoomer]

Mr70,

Any chance Mr. Heck can be contacted? I can do the leg work.

[StriperSS]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LIBoomer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There is a lot of paint on the car from the panel job. Then clear on top of that. The prep work between coats was lousy and the panels are coming up in places. Some places have chipped off. And of course you can see the crazing. Whats your thoughts on a year applied?

Todd </div></div>

Based on the spider-webbing, and the paneling, I would say paint was done in 72-73

[WILMASBOYL78]

Front opening on driver's side is larger on BB cars...look for welded nuts for rad attachment, small holes on top for rubber flap. Underside of hood should have factory brackets for the SS hood louvers. On some vehicles you can find paperwork stuffed up under the dash...near radio or headlite switch...it is &quot;rare&quot;..but, worth a look. SS car should have welded bracket for dual exhaust on driver's side frame rail. If front shocks or springs are original look for labels with letter codes/part numbers.

Good luck..wilma

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Sure looks like a BB to me!

Look at the center of the heater hose bracket on the heater box cover, there should be 2 very small letter between the 2 holes.

[olredalert]

----The big-block part is a certainty as that heater core really looks like it hasnt been screwed with, ever! The experts have got you almost there. You take great pics so Ill bet you will get this figured out quick........Bill S

[LIBoomer]

Took some additional pics. I'm feeling good about the positive feedback. This was certainly a raced car at a point in it's life. And most clues point towards a low option, 375 horse car. Any Chicago guys recognize this car? The paint job is one you would probably not forget. Any one recognize the dealership on the key fob? Its from the same town the car was registered in. http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2727-dsc04568.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2728-dsc04567.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2729-dsc04569.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2730-dsc04571.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2731-dsc04573.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2732-dsc04574.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2733-dsc04415.jpg

[WILMASBOYL78]

Definitely BB rad and support...and those are SS hood louver brackets...good photos.

That metal rad cover is a small block unit...commonly used when the rubber flap is missing...all those small holes are for the plastic push in fasteners that held the rad. flap in place.

wilma

***where is the key fob pic..I must have missed it?

[LIBoomer]

No Wilma you didn't miss it. I negleted to load it. Here it is. http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2734-dsc04460.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2735-dsc04461.jpg

[Mr70]

Ron says that is not his nova.
C&amp;E,owned by Nick Celozzi &amp; Maury Ettleson,used to be known as Zepalack Chevrolet in it's early days &amp; was at 155 E. Roosevelt rd..
C&amp;E has alot of history here.I bought 2 cars from them in the late 70's &amp; early 80's,as did my family during the 1960's.
Nick &amp; Maury parted ways &amp; sold it in 2000,when it was renamed Elmhurst Chevrolet by it's new owner.
Years later the land was sold to the township of Elmhurst to make way for a new Hospital.
They relocated Elmhurst Chevrolet,further up Roosevelt Rd. into my hometown of Villa Park,and called it Villa Park Chevrolet.
Later it changed names again to Castle Chevrolet,which is still there today.
The son of one of the owners,Nick Cellozi Jr. has a small hollywood acting career today.

I have many vintage trinkets from C&amp;E...&quot;Hard to Find,Tough To Beat&quot;..&quot;Where you always save more money&quot;.

YOUTUBE COMMERCIALS..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mum3rUxBHH4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBZYL3AOnDA

[RPOLS3]

Wow about C &amp; E! I had heard the hospital bought a bunch of property in that area but did not know it included C &amp; E.

Our family bought at least 2 cars there that I remember. I also remember their TV commercials as a kid. Neat key chain.

Rick - Is Ettelson Cadillac related?

Sorry for the thread hi-jack.

Jake

[Mr70]

Yes,Maury Ettleson &amp; son are the Cadillac/Buick/GMC dealership here in Hodgkins,Il.

[LIBoomer]

Brake Booster etc. Is the Master Cylinder correct. Its got a chrome cover on it, and I'm thinking it should be a 309 casting. http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2736-dsc04423.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2737-dsc04425.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2738-dsc04424.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2739-dsc04428.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2740-dsc04412.jpg

[jasonL78]

Pull the back seat and look for a build sheet. It should be rolled up and hog ringed to the seat frame. Top left hand side of the back seat up right.

Jason

[LIBoomer]

Jason,
Thanks. First place I looked. Mice had breakfast,lunch and dinner in the back seat for quite awhile. The bottom of the seat frame looked like a multiple family apartment complex. Went through it carefully. Nothing.

Todd

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

The 'AS' on the bracket is a home run! That thing has BB all over it.

[WILMASBOYL78]

9204 booster is correct for that car..date code is 239th day of 1969..that would make it late August...this must be an early car. What is trim tag date..??**just noticed it looks like 11B..? 2nd week nov.

Check under the driver's side(frame rail) and see if the brake valve is located there...that got moved mid-year.

Keep it like it is...clean it up..install a BB and drive it!

Very cool <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[Salvatore]

obviously the car is self identifying. Don't look like anything has been changed or replaced in 40 years. unrestored!! Definetly a good find IMO. No zip lock sleeping bags like Wilma's stuff either. Do what he says and drive it!

[jasonL78]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LIBoomer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Jason,
Thanks. First place I looked. Mice had breakfast,lunch and dinner in the back seat for quite awhile. The bottom of the seat frame looked like a multiple family apartment complex. Went through it carefully. Nothing.

Todd </div></div>

Bucket seat car, check behind the hard plastic rear cover on each seat. It's a long shot maybe you will get lucky...

[LIBoomer]

Wilma,
Here's the trim tag. And brake valve.http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2742-dsc04404.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2743-dsc04575.jpg

[LIBoomer]

Jason,
Yes, bucket seats are installed. But, it was born a bench seat car. You are correct about paper work found behind the plastic back on drivers side seat. I found a partial build sheet for my Yenko Chevelle there.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

That's a standard black bench interior, I think Legendary is now making the correct seat covers. Make sure you check the upper section of the rear seat for the broadcast sheet - it won't tell you the engine code though, that was only through '69.

[WILMASBOYL78]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LIBoomer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Wilma,
Here's the trim tag. And brake valve.http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2742-dsc04404.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2743-dsc04575.jpg
</div></div>

So the car was an October build...that brake valve is correct for that period...there were a number of changes mid year (approx jan/70)..your car would have the mechanical throttle arm...instead of cable. It appears there is little doubt this was a real BB car from the factory...that's the great thing about intact survivor type cars...hard to fake that kind of patina.

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

[LIBoomer]

Wilma,
You are correct. This 10B car has the solid throttle arm. My 02B L48 car, has a cable. What knowledge do you have of this door panel? Is this standard 70 with the white horizontal? The L48 has wood grain.

[WILMASBOYL78]

The standard vinyl interior would have a vertical white stripe on the door panel...the deluxe interior has the &quot;faux&quot; wood grain horizontal stripe. The standard interior would not have rear armrests and would have come with a rubber floor mat...no carpet. The attached photo shows the correct #731 interior, rubber mat and std. door panels.

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-1121-2745-img_3452.jpg

[LIBoomer]

Wilma,

What do you think of this? http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2747-dsc04459.jpg

[LIBoomer]

Wilma,
Looked at the interior again. The rear panels match the above style. There are arm rests in the back. I found remnants of carpet pile under the sill plates. Mid year change or different year?

[LIBoomer]

Ok. Just looked at a Nova catalog. That is the Deluxe Interior style. I suppose the interior could have been swapped which may explain the addition of buckets. Must have been done early in its life. http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2748-dsc04458.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2749-dsc04455.jpg
That roll bars been in there for a while.

[Postsedan]

Todd,

Welcome aboard.....I have not read this thread until about an hour ago....while talking with John Platania on the phone this evening about some Chevelle stuff, John asked me If I had read this thread and if I knew this Nova. I was blown away when I saw the pictures.

I have lived in Elmhurst, IL. since 1977. I know your car. It is just as it was in the 80`s, when I last saw this Nova. As soon as I hung up with John, I immediately called my &quot;Best Man&quot; Mark to tell him this news....Mark almost bought this Nova in 1985.

Here is the story....

Your Nova was owned by Bob Moore from Franklin Park, IL. Bob owned the car for many years and drag raced the Nova heavily. While Bob owned it.....the only original drive train that was still in the car was the rear end housing, which at the time had 5.13 gears.
After my &quot;Best Man&quot; Mark passed on buying the Nova, Bob sold the Nova to Dan Schnieder (No sure of spelling).
Dan purchased the Nova in 1985 for approx. $2400

Dan Sold the car to Lou Mandrella, Lou blew up the 5.13 rear end. That`s where your original rear end went, the entire rear end was replaced drum to drum with what is currently in the Nova. Lou also blew out 4th gear in the trans. We also knew at the time, that the trans was not the original trans to the car. Needless to say Lou beat the crap out of this Nova, I guess we all would have done the same <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

The P019 decal is the parking permit sticker of York High School in Elmhurst, IL. Where I graduated from in 1983. Dan and Lou also both attended York High School.

Todd, I bet the dash in this Nova is a custom brushed aluminum dash with Stewart Warner gauges. Please post some pictures.
Todd, I bet there is a dent in the rear bumper.....call me, I have to tell you this story in private. (630)699-5578.

All the rest of the real answers to this Nova are in the hands of Bob Moore. Not sure if Bob is still alive. I will call another good friend tomorrow to see what he knows about Bob Moore.

Todd, I agree 100% with Tom Williams, keep this Nova as is....This is a True Time Capsule.... put a Big Block back in her and enjoy it, just like us teenagers once did back in the 80`s from Elmhurst, IL.

Dan

[LIBoomer]

Dan,
You up?

[Postsedan]

Call me!

Dan

[ORIGLS6]

DAN VASIC! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Wow, history in the making.

Ryan

[WILMASBOYL78]

Those door panels are from a 1969 Nova with custom interior...the bucket seats probably were part of the swap. This car is certainly interesting...

wilma

[69 Post Sedan]

Yes.......Dan comes through again. Great story Mr. Vasic. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

Kurt <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

[69hurstSC]

I love watching a story come together! Nice work SYC members!

[day2killa]

great story on a very cool machine

[Postsedan]

Todd,

More good news, I have confirmed that Bob Moore is still with us <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif
and that my friend just recently spoke with Lou Mandrella....so it`s just a matter of time.... I have instructed my friend to contact them, I`ll keep you posted <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

Dan

[LIBoomer]

Dan,
Thanks for all you've done and are doing. Its members like you, that are the reason for the success of these sites. I am available for the rest of the day, so call me.

Thanks again,
Todd

[1970ChevelleSS]

This is amazing.

[elonblock]

It's great to see the story come together so quickly. Outstanding teamwork!

[bergy]

How great is that?! Ownership history with the help from the folks on this site - you guys (and girls)are really cool.

[Fast67VelleN2O]

Awesome that the history could come together on here!

on another note.... what does the windshield say?

[Postsedan]

The writing on the windshield says....&quot;Not our car, Not for sale&quot;

Dan

[Bill Pritchard]

Unbelievably <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/cool.gif

[Xplantdad]

Really neat! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

[Tenney]

Too cool! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[LIBoomer]

Guys,
Started digging into this car further. The roll bar in this car has had me wondering about its origin. Does'nt look like a hacked together bar. Somebody had done there homework. Then I get a call from a member, saying his car has what looks like the same mounting positions, http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2897-dsc04455.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2898-dsc04457.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2899-dsc04604.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2900-dsc04609.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2901-dsc04601.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2902-dsc04603.jpg
and bolt patterns. This is a one piece bar. It does not bolt together from sections like most after market bars. Notice how it was designed to retain the upper rear seat section. Could there have been someone up around Chicago area that produced these? Does anyone recognise the design?
Thanks, Todd

[leach]

I called Todd the other day after finally getting ahold of Dan who posted a phone number on here on this tread so that I could talk to him about this 1970 L78 Nova and the pictures of the 4 point roll bar. I told him that my Nickey Converted 427 Nova had the holes for the roll bar in mine in the same position as his after seeing where his was positioned. Here is pictures of the holes that we documented when we started taking things out of the car after getting out of 25 years of storage when I picked the car up in Dec. 2004. When I talked to all the 2nd, 3rd and 4th owners of my car they all confirmed that theroll bar was in there from day one only problem was the guy that had it in storage that was only part that got missing when he sold the 1969 Camaro at same time went with that car it had a 427 in it also. I really think that Todd needs everyones help on this site to help him figure out the owners of his car it might be a super converted car also. There might be guys up there that acually remember his car from back in 1970.

[LIBoomer]

Barry has the 70 Nova with the witness marks from the roll bar as seen in the pictures. Very similar to the way mine is installed. His car has the same style &quot;long tail&quot; traction bars as mine. He is checking to see how/where his drive shaft loop is attached/located. His car also a 5.13 geared car. http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/02/full-13178-2904-tn.jpg

[Postsedan]

Barry,

Glad to put you in touch with Todd...this Nova from Elmhurst, IL. is back in good hands and is getting the right treatment.

Well done.

Dan

[Steven J]

Sticker

[Postsedan]

Todd,

I`m hoping to have a previous contact phone number this week, keeping fingers crossed <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

Dan

[Postsedan]

Todd,

Bingo <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif I have a contact name and number for you...check your pm.

Dan

[LIBoomer]

All,
Back in Houston and have some catching-up to do.

Steve,
That sticker was nicely designed. If this Nova is proven to have been sold out of that dealership, I'll have to find one of those. Thanks.

Well Dan has gone and done it again.
He has gone above and beyond for someone he hardly knows, and continues to push this hobby forward, and foster comradery among real enthusists. I appreciate his efforts. Dan has past along Bob Moores phone number and I will be calling him soon. I am putting a list of questions together concerning the Nova before I call. Hoping for an enthusiastic tone at the other end of the line. Stories, pictures and additional leads? You'll know soon after I do.

Thanks again Dan

Todd