1969 L78 Nova - almost done

[SeattleCarGuy]

Bought this car in April 2013 from a member here. Two years and and a month later and it drove for the first time in decades. Documented with two buildsheets (broadcast copy sheets (actually)), 24,xxx original miles, born with drivetrain. 06A build date, Code 50 Dover White and 731 standard black vinyl interior. Thanks to Tom Williams for technical advice along the way, Rick Nelson for some component restoration, several others for selling me NOS parts along the way and to Tom Kusmiesz for selling the car. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26581-006.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26582-016.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26583-020.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26584-044.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26585-047.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26586-018.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26587-011.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26588-010.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26589-001.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26590-009.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26591-015.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26592-012.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26593-024.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26594-016.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26595-013.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26596-028.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26597-006.jpg

[BJCHEV396]

Looks great..congrats!

[SS427]

Turned put fantastic Paul and a credit to all those people who do these restorations in their home shops. Turned out great. Thanks for letting me be a part of it.
Rick

[68l30]

Well done, looks great! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif


BIG

[1969L78Nova]

Awesome work ! Congratulations <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/whistle.gif

[Plowman]

x2 congratulation.

[RPOLS3]

Wow!

[SeattleCarGuy]

Thanks everyone! And thanks Yenko.net for all the great advice and friendships along the way!

Paul

[L89DRMR]

Absolutely stunning.

[69 Post Sedan]

Very nice.....another good looking Nova. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

Kurt <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

[Tenney]

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[mockingbird812]

Yowzaaa, that is sharp!!!!!! Congrats! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[Xplantdad]

Looks beautiful!~

[m22mike]

Oh yea.. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/Can-I-Have-It.gif

Anymore pic's <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/drool.gif

[markinnaples]

Very nice looking. How's it drive?

[KenMaisano]

Really looks great!!!

[WILMASBOYL78]

Paul...good job! How about bringing that bad boy back east...we can have a grudge match. My 70 L78 TH400 against your 69 L78 TH400...both Plain Jane bench seat cars. No slicks...street tires only...Black vs. White Novas... Sammy will hold the flashlite <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/burnout.gif

Congrats on a great build! You will really enjoy the way those HD TH400 transmissions shift...it will adjust your neck!

Thanks for the kind words and enjoy your Nova <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

wilma

[SeattleCarGuy]

Tom - a drag race would be cool, and the photo op would be outstanding!

Markinnaples - I've only driven it around the block so far. Taking it in this week for a front end alignment.

Here are a few more build photos:

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26693-009.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26694-015.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26695-022.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26696-010.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26697-012.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26698-011.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26699-037.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26700-014.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26701-044.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26702-002.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26703-042.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26704-023.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26705-005.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26706-003.jpg

[SeattleCarGuy]

More photos:
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26707-016.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26708-004.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26709-001.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26710-028.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26711-051.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26712-033.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26713-021.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26714-007.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26716-010.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26717-009.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26718-002.jpg

[SeattleCarGuy]

more:
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26719-015.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26720-019.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26721-003.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26722-006.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26723-014.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26724-029.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26725-018.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26726-027.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26727-002.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26728-001.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26729-033.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26730-007.jpg

[SeattleCarGuy]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26745-033.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26746-023.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26747-024.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26748-053.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26749-045.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26750-035.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26751-040.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26752-020.jpg

[SeattleCarGuy]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26753-001.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26754-017.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26755-018.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26756-026.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26757-002.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26758-001.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26759-004.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26760-006.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26761-009.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26762-015.jpg

[SeattleCarGuy]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26763-001.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26764-004.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26765-006.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26766-009.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26767-005.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26768-009.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26769-011.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26770-004.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26771-013.jpg

[SeattleCarGuy]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26772-009.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26773-015.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26774-021.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26775-023.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26776-022.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26777-007.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26778-005.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26779-021.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26780-023.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26781-005.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26782-004.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26783-008.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26784-007.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26785-018.jpg

[SeattleCarGuy]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26786-019.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26787-002.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26788-003.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26789-017.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26790-001.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26791-004.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26792-005.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26793-015.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-26794-003.jpg

[WILMASBOYL78]

Paul...great photos...nice attention to detail. Fill 'er up with 110 and head East!
wilma

[brent396]

Looks great !!!!!!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/3gears.gif

[SS427]

Subframe in the house. Gotta love it. Better hang onto the woman REEEAAAALLLL tight....... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif

[mockingbird812]

Nice in-process shots AND all the little help you got. Superb!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[Mr.Nickey Nova]

Outstanding job Paul. Novas look great in white,don't they. Don't see many in white.

[scuncio]

Nice! Michigan sold car?

[earntaz]

Paul -- what paint system was used on your Nova? TAZ

[SeattleCarGuy]

Yes, car was originally sold at Les Sanford Chevrolet in Dearborn, MI.

I have to ask my painter about the paint system. I'm not sure. Will get back to you.

[ss427copo]

SWEET.......My close friend in Upland had one growing up. Rubber floors, column shift, bench seat with 88 gears. It would upshift the column lever, 1-2.........

[olredalert]

----Paul,,,Small thing, but its &quot;Les Stanford Chevrolet&quot;. Beautiful Nova by the way. Im a sucker for correctly done white cars!......Bill S

[SeattleCarGuy]

Yes, Les Stanford. mistyped it... I got the NCRS report on the car...

TAZ - The paint is a Nason single stage acrylic with clear coat. Matched to Code 50 Dover White. I don't know my paints, but that's what my painter told me.

[John]

...Great job <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif

[earntaz]

Paul -- thanks ... Nason is a product of DuPont and works well as indicated by your car.

[x77-69z28]

Spectacular resto! Gives me hope for my 70Z project. Still on the rotisserie after 2 1/2 years! Have fun driving it, I'm heading to the body shop to work on mine!
Buddy

[SeattleCarGuy]

A few pics from a local show yesterday...http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-28015-041.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-28016-042.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-28017-040.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-28018-043.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/06/full-5898-28019-044.jpg

[mockingbird812]

Looking sharp on that real street!

[WILMASBOYL78]

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif

wilma

[m22mike]

Another good one saved, awesome.

Mike

[John]

....Very Nice <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif

[Mr. Chevy]

Very, Very Nice!! I love white..

Rich

[454_Malibu]

Saw this car in person today at local car show,, words cannot describe this restoration,, AMAZING,!!. Met the owner also,, Very nice Person!!.....

[427freak]

Very nice work. Your perseverance has paid off. I like the white.

[SeattleCarGuy]

Thank you everyone. I really appreciate the positive comments. Obviously, this is a labor of love and not only is doing the work very fun and satisfying, but having the friendship, encouragement and praise from all of you is very gratifying. Thank you again.

Paul

[scuncio]

Beautiful job.

[169indy]

Looks Great. Can not wait to see it in the PNW at a show near you.

Funny now get to work on the Chevelle,,,ha hah

Good job

JIM

[69VN]

Awesome looking car! Nice attention to detail! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif

Sal

[parkbrau]

Well done!

[Zman1969]

absolutely gorgeous <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

[joesl78]

where did you get the rubber floor?

[47Hammer]

That's a great looking Nova! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/drool.gif

[tunes]

Gorgeous Nova! The restoration is outstanding, but it's the L78 that grabs my attention.

[SeattleCarGuy]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: joesl78</div><div class="ubbcode-body">where did you get the rubber floor?</div></div>

The rubber mat is original. I looked at getting a repop mat, but they are incorrect pattern, etc.

The car only has 24,XXX miles and so the mat was in great shape, except it had holes in it where they had put a floor shifter when the car was raced. I cut some of the material off the mat which would be hidden under the seat anyway and then using rubber cement and black silicone, I patched the holes. I then spray painted the entire mat using Trim Black spray paint. It came out looking great and you have to look very closely to see the patch work.

[RPOLS3]

Nice feature write up in this month's HMM! Car turned out great, congratulations. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

[SeattleCarGuy]

Thank you, Jake.

Yeah, my kid was pretty excited to see his picture in the magazine as well. They did the shoot in September 2015, so a long 14 months later it appeared in print.