69 Nova opening can of worms

[chris slawski]

Hello
Question so I have a all numbers match 69 Nova 350 2 barrel th350..10 bolt 3.08 posi. The rear was replaced before I got it. So the question. ..does upgrading to a 12 bolt huert the value any more than not having the original rear would ?

[big gear head]

If I was looking at it to buy I would be more interested if it had the 12 bolt. If someone replaced the 8.2 10 bolt with a '72 or later 8.5 10 bolt then that is an upgrade, all though the 350 with the TH350 probably never would have broke the 8.2 rear end.

[cam69aro]

I would say no, if anything I would think it`s a big plus. JMO

[tom406]

I don't think so. It's not significant to the value of a 350/2bbl car, unless it's some kind of incredible survivor with that as its only deviation. I'd call it a push value wise-I wouldn't add or subtract for a factory style 12 Bolt installation if I was appraising it.

[Schonyenko2]

I know your question was on value, but what is the code on the rear?With the "right" code, the rear might be worth a good penny.

[NorCam]

I think a 12 bolts helps its value somewhat...especially when a guy comes looking for something to hot rod. :)

[PeteB]

My 69 has a “BM” coded 12 bolt. 3.31 open carrier. I’m pretty sure it’s original to the car. I have bought a set of used GM 4.30 gears. Also buying a 4 series carrier from a friend. I was disappointed to find out it was a non posi but that’s how they came.

[novadude]

Seems like a waste of a good 12-bolt for a 350 2-bbl L65 / TH350 combo. That engine will never, ever hurt a 8.2 10-bolt unless you are planning in SEVERE abuse.

[Jim Ferron]

Seems crazy to 'upgrade ' to a rearend that would be visibly 'wrong' for the application when you ain't never gonna actually need the additional beef. Save your $$.

[big gear head]

You said that the rear end was swapped before you got it, but you didn't say what was swapped into it. What rear end is in it now?

[chris slawski]

Right now it is a 71 3.08 open. ..switching to 4 speed and building up to 350 to lt1 specs

[Tommy]

I would definitely install the 12 bolt. it'll be there when you add more power later. I think it will add value too. I pulled the 10 bolt in my matching numbers Nova in favor of a 12 bolt too.


Tommy

[L78_Nova]

Any Nova is cooler with a 12 bolt !!

[earntaz]

I couldn't afford a 12 bolt for my Nova. So I unstalled a 8.5" 10 bolt w/12 bolt 30 spline axles. Used a truck posi unit (30 spline axles) with appropriate bearings/races. Sort of a "poor mans" 12 bolt. Ya' gotta do what ya' gotta do ... TAZ

[Salvatore]

Its an upgrade to the car.

[big gear head]

Right now it is a 71 3.08 open. ..switching to 4 speed and building up to 350 to lt1 specs

If you are going to modify the car in this way then a numbers matching rear end isn't going to make any difference anyway. With more power and a 4 speed you are going to need a better rear end. Put the 12 bolt in it so you can have more fun with the car and not worry about breaking the rear end.

[novadude]

An 8.5 10-bolt would work just as well and be more economical.