1970 Nova factory front shocks

[NOCOPO]

I have a 29k original 1970 Nova with the factory installed shocks still in the front. Is it worth removing these with care for someone's resto project, or are these easily found ? They are in need of rebuild.

[Unreal]

Good spiral shocks (NOS or good original) are hard to find, and bring 150 or more per pair. Worn shocks are still in demand for show-only cars, and will bring 50-100 per pair. I am told they are not rebuildable. If you want to sell, advertise in this, forum, Camaros.net, or ebay. Ebay will probably bring the highest dollar, you pay ebay, and either place a high reserve (costs extra, sell or not) or take a chance

[Nova Research Project]

Hello,

I am reseaching Nova facts from original low milage Novas. Do you mind answering a few questions about your shocks and you car?

First do you have pictures of the shocks? Can you tell me the part number and date code of each? Do the shocks still have the two letter stickers on them? What is the color of the paint on the shocks? What is the date code on the trim tag.

Thank you,
Greg Roberts

[NOCOPO]

Greg, I haven't been able to get them out of the car just yet. ( I have refused to damage them ) The top mounts are a little rusty and I soak them daily. I hope with a little heat, they will come loose. As soon as I get them out,I will post all the info that I can on them. Thanks ! /ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif

[Nova Research Project]

Thanks,

I am in no rush. Have you tried PB buster? It works better than anything else I have tried.

I tried to reply and might have closed the window before posting. Sorry if this is a duplicate.

[NOCOPO]

114270, I have a lot of patience, It has taken me six years after buying a house to have the funds to have a "toy" car again. /ubbthreads/images/icons/laugh.gif I drove my car around the block on Sunday, not yet finished. /ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif It was worth the wait! PB works awesome, it's all I use. /ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif

[Nova Research Project]

Well,

I started my car the year my 15 YO son was born. Either I had time and not money, Time and no garage, Money and not time, etc. I am in the put together stage, but my children are at the age I should spend time with them. I do what I can when I can.

BTW, I am gathering facts and details from original cars. You my if i ask some questions on details of you car? Do you have pictures of your car? Did you find a one of the three types of build sheet? I am planning on starting a Nova registry for the non super car owners. I would like to do something like the Camaro Research Group www.camaros.org (http://www.camaros.org) really picky facts and details over a large sample of cars.

Let me know, Thanks



1970 Nova undergoing restoration......Still

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Have you joined the National Nostalgic Nova club? They have a large collection of data, have performed many restorations of all types of Novas, and have a show circuit that brings out the best restored Novas around. The 20year anniversary NNN Nationals will be in Harrisburg, PA on July 31-Aug. 3.
/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif

[NOCOPO]

114270, Sounds like we are in the same boat. My boys are 15 and 17. Dad is cool and we do some things together, But girls and friends are begining to be more the choise. /ubbthreads/images/icons/frown.gif
I finaly got those shocks out this weekend. Numbers are as follows:
# 3192826 147-70 Paper tags were unreadable.
Keep on pluggin, My boys both prefer to be dropped off anywhere they go with the Nova. All their buddies think it KOOL........... /ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif

[Nova Research Project]

Marlin,

I joined the National Nostalgic Nova club in around 1986 or so. I would love to go the 20th. Work has me really tied up. I have not made it to many shows, much less the nationals. The Nova has been in parts for many years. I am trying to find the time to put it together. I am going to work on it this weekend. Redoing the underside rear. I will post another thread about the under carriage paint color, maybe you could help me out.

BTW my 1970 Nova (not a supercar, next one will be) is Gobi Gobi Beige!

[Nova Research Project]

Great and Thanks! 3192826, So you had standard suspension not "F40 Special Front and Rear Suspension" Correct? That means you paper tags should read "TG" at least that is what I am trying to prove.

147 is May 27, 1970. So you should have a really late build date on you trim tag? Do you mind checking when you get a chance?

What color are the shocks? Gray or Black? You did not see any tape tags on you springs?

Thanks again,

[NOCOPO]

The answer is yes in most cases. My car was an original 6cyl PG stripper. It has 29K original miles on it. The shocks were grey/blue. My build code is 06A or June 8,1970 to be specific (partial build sheet from rear seat back)The paper tags were not readable as the spring tags are there but not readable either. New England is really tough on cars, even though this lived in a heated garage most of its life. Any more questions, please ask, this is the best part of the hobby, using you secret squirrel decoder ring to figure all this stuff out ! /ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif

[Nova Research Project]

Which build sheet? Body, Chassis, or Fisher Body? How much is there? I have blank Excel spreadsheet for the Body Broadcast and Chassis Bradcast. Might be able to recreate most of it you want to work together on it.

Greg

[NOCOPO]

Greg, So far , the only "sheet" I have is a partial "tractor feed" type of paper.(small holes down the side) It has numbered boxes with, I think, option codes in the boxes. The build date matches the trim tag as well as the VIN prefix. It appears to have been smaller than the build sheets I have seen in the past. I have not removed the fuel tank yet. I think I will just to see if there is a build sheet there. These small pieces I have were behind the upper of rear seat, which in my opinion, had never been removed. Any other places I could look ?? /ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif If that spread sheet is emailable (new word)....... [email protected] Thanks !!!!

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

NOCOPO;
I believe what you have is a 'Body Broadcast' sheet, not a Chassis sheet. The Body sheet is commonly found in the springs of the top and bottoms of both the front and back seats. The back seat sections are easier to get the sheets out of. Sometimes there is a thick card with similiar info on it, stuck on top of the glove box. I have never found anything above the gas tank (must be a Corvette and VanNuys Camaro thing), or in fender liners (Chevelle thing) or behind door panels (?).

The body sheet for the Novas is limited in it's info. It will usually show N10 if the car has dual exhausts, ZJ1, ZJ2 or ZJ3 for body or interior upgrades, Z27 for Super Sports, things like B80, B84 or B90 for body side moldings or window frame moldings, M20 for Muncie 4speeds, etc...etc... It doesn't show engine codes, rear codes, or that kind of stuff like the Chevelle sheets show. The Chevelle sheets seem to be the best, if it's a COPO car they have the COPO numbers at the bottom, and if it's a Yenko they say YENKO COPO at the bottom!!

[NOCOPO]

Thanks Marlin. I have learned more about Novas since I joined this site. Never to late to learn something. I will check the glove box idea. The last car I had was a Chevelle
and I had the entire sheet showing everything including the delivered dealer. Should have never let that one get away.

[Nova Research Project]

NOCOPO,

I could email the sheet, but that would spoil my fun and research. /ubbthreads/images/icons/wink.gif Since you have a Fisher Body Sheet (White 8.5 x 4 inches with 1st CARD, 2nd CARD, etc down the side) the spreadsheet would not help you unless you knew the codes. I do not know all of them, but if you let me ask the questions then we might be able to get close. Once we get as far as we can I will send you the finished BODY BROADCAST COPY and CHASSIS BRAODCAST COPY file.

What do you think?
Greg

[Kurt S]

What's the goal for recreating a broadcast sheet?
I think that there is little benefit and large downside (esp 2-3 owners later when it's believed to be a copy of the real one).

[Nova Research Project]

Kurt,

My goal is to collect enough data to help when restoring a car. See my post above dated 06/27/02 about the Camaro Research Group. The spreadsheet is NOT a repoduction. I made no attempt at getting it to print like the original. There is already someone on the net who will sell you a Window Sticker. I think there is one who does buildsheets, too. I am not trying to sell anything or create false documents. /ubbthreads/images/icons/cool.gif

What I am trying to do is collect enough information about how Novas were built. Then use that information to help restorers. It could answer the quesions like "If a have a 350SS Yenko what tag goes on the master cylinder bail?" Information collected from original cars is valuable for the restorer. I think the buildsheets covers the majority of the items or is at least a start. If I can provide a spreadsheet as payment for the information collected does that hurt?

NNN had an information survey in every issue for a year (granted it was 10 years ago). Only a handfull of people bothered to fill it out and send it in. The Corvette, Camaro, and Chevelle guys have tons of books and information available. Why not us Nova guys? I understand your question. I am I missing something? Other than NNN, a few web sites, or this site there is limited documented facts available to us.

Greg (hopfully not sounding defensive:D )

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Hey Greg;
I think your motives are pure, and it sounds like you would be providing a similar service for the Nova guys that the Camaro, Vette and Chevelle guys already have. I'm sure you realize that trying to cover '62-'79 Novas would be a huge undertaking!! I know that us Yenko Nova guys have traveled far and wide to see cars that are in original condition in order to determine the stickers, markings, routings etc.... of the little details. I have kept a list of those types of things for the COPO Novas, but obviously only distribute it to the guys with real cars - otherwise it's perfect info for a scam-clone! Most of the codes that I have seen on the Nova broadcast sheets were decipherable using the Nova option list (s), but it's the items that are not on the broadcast sheets that are difficult.

Don't look too hard for the proper code on the bail sticker on a '350SS Yenko Nova' - there wasn't any since Yenko's aren't Super Sports /ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif

[Nova Research Project]

Marlin,

Right now I am only focusing on 1970 (or 69-72 since they are similar) since that is what I have. This started because I could not find the information and I like this hobby. Maybe I am too picky about the way I am restoring my Nova. I agree that option codes can help, what the do not do is help with how they looked. and if the part number is right. COPO's are special and I am in agreement about not letting everything out of the bag. I am collecting information. I have not got to the point of debating what to publish. Buildsheets was a way to start.

350SS Yenlo Boy your good /ubbthreads/images/icons/wink.gif , I was trying to lighten the tone of my note and wanted to see if anyone noticed. It was also to prove a point.

Lastly my point is not recreating buildsheets, but cataloging facts in a uniform manner. This may not be the perfect example but here goes.... Like what was the code for a speedo adapter for a muncie? Were the letters stamped on it? Was it a paint daub? We know the part#, but how did the assembly line worker know what one to use? It was on buildsheet so did it makes a difference, right? These are easier to track than was the bell housing painted or not. Both important one is easier to track and prove that others.

Greg

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

G;
I understand what you are trying to do, and I think it's a good idea. There are many in the Nova community with nicely restored cars that lack that level of detail - mainly because they don't have the info.

So, what are the details on the speedo adapter? Do you happen to have an assy drawing? (I could use one, since mine is still not working properly), what are the inspection markings? etc....

Inquiring minds! /ubbthreads/images/icons/confused.gif

[Nova Research Project]

Marlin,

I was looking at the pics of Dave Belk's 1970 Yenko. I was looking for applicable facts to my car when I read your reply. I know there is a code box on the buildsheet for it, yet Dave's does not have a letter code and I did not see any paint dabs (BW pic make it hard to tell) so..... How did the line know what was what? I used it for an example since Daves car looks so well done. I know they did not use adapters on auto cars. ........

Well, now that I am digging deeper, maybe this was not the best example. Close ratio used one part number the non close ratio use another part number. Do you want the numbers? The AM is too generic. I do have speedo gear charts from the P&A book if that helps. Greg

[Kurt S]

Greg,
No problem. I just wanted to know where you were coming from.
Most of the info on broadcast sheets is oblique, to say the least. Not much use for restoring (IMO), most of it is good for documenting a car.
Except it did show that Z's didn't get a special driveshaft like everyone thought.

On the adaptor, it only shows up on some 4.xx ratio cars. Depended on which trans they received.

I may be able to help you out. If you can send me a good broadcast sheet, I'll see how much is common to a 1st gen.

[NOCOPO]

Greg, I have found that all the info on the broadcast sheet I have is already simple documented info. There is, however some numbers on the sheet that I don't know to include a black crayon circle in the middle of the sheet for no apparent reason. The car I have is a 6cyl PG. I hope it's helpful to backup this type of information, especially from low mileage cars. Someday I hope to have a Supercar, but for now I just want to learn all I can and help others to learn as well. /ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif

[Nova Research Project]

Kurt;

It is a new day. I realized that I should state my goals a little more focused. I am using the Weatherford Chassis copy from Nova times as one of my starting points as well as other information gathered here and there. I want to know what the codes should be for my car so I can restore it correctly. Some of the questions I want answered are:

What is the code that was stamped on the fan clutch? Is mine original or not?
What is the code of my master cylinder. Was is coded on a tag or the pad?
What does the code for my leaf springs, where was it placed.
There are many more.

I do not expect this post to resolve these questions. I want to catalog this information by asking questions about original cars, filling out the information on a buildsheet, include notes and sources, and then making this available to others who might ask the same questions in a concise format.

I do not have any of the three build sheets for my car. Many of the codes are well documented. Some I can pull off original parts. The codes that are missing are what I need. I want to do it in such a way that I do not have to worry about some guy telling me at a show it is wrong. The Camaro Research Group is an excellent resource for Camaros. Is there a Nova Research Group? Is anyone doing this with the intent of making it available? I have seen a few duplicate posts on this board. Is anyone taking the common questions and posting them to a FAQ. The 293 vs. 429 coil is a good example.

I am willing to start to catalog facts based on examples. Then once there is a significant amount of proof, publish it on the web.

That said, there are many issues with this. Once I finish my practice Nova, I want to do a Supercar. When I do, I do not want to have cloners using these facts to perfect a clone that can not be detected. A group of experts should agree what to publish. BUT the biggest problem is the willingness of owners to part with the information.

Sorry to be long winded, I appreciate your feedback. This forum is the closest I have seen to providing correct information. I am willing to put time into something I enjoy and share it with others. Should I continue? I am I wasting my time? Greg

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Greg;
I know you addressed your prior post to Kurt, but if I may offer my $.02 - by all means proceed with the project if you are willing to devote the time to it.

The Nova group needs something like this. I have done this very thing for the COPO Novas, and the rewards have been well worth the effort expended.

Furthermore, if you proceed, I think we should combine our efforts. I have documented things like; driveshaft stripes, acc. cable labels, speedo cables, power brake hose tags, weatherstripping codes in the trunk, even the masking tape that held the broadcast sheet to the firewall! I think it would be useful for those people restoring their cars to have access to this type of info, and if more people offer their data, the better it will be for everyone.

Just my opinion!
/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif

[Chevy454]

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr>
I have seen a few duplicate posts on this board. Is anyone taking the common questions and posting them to a FAQ. The 293 vs. 429 coil is a good example.

<hr></blockquote>

I was wondering if anyone else noticed this! When I set up the new board, I had a "tech archives" section, which I felt would be a good place for such threads. But, people were wanting the # of forums cut back a little, so I combined a few here and there. It's interesting you mention placing them in the FAQ, though. On the LS1.com site, that is exactly how they set theirs up, which seems to work well.

[Nova Research Project]

Marlin,

Thanks, I did not see a post from Kurt so I will continue. I will be away from the computer for a week. I will start a new thread when I return re: Nova Research Group. We can hash out the short term goals then. This is bigger than one person can handle. I agree the we should combine our efforts. First lets set the goals. I am also pulling together a list of published facts. We can focus on what is not known, once we agree on what is known. Thanks for you support.

Greg

[Nova Research Project]

NOCOPO;

I still would like to work with you to discover more about your car. You can be a test case for the research if that is OK with you. We can either do it on the board or off line until we establish the facts. We can step through your car and see how the process might work and how difficult it maybe. I will provide you with the results and file the rest. I will get back to you after the 22nd.

Thanks!
Greg

[Kurt S]

I think starting a Nova Research Group is a great idea. Your group will have to figure out how to dovetail with the NNN, since they also a bunch of data.
If you want a copy of the CRG database format, let me know.

[Nova Research Project]

Kurt,

I hope to make it to the Nova nats coming up. I will try to hook up with NNN (Wayne I guess) there. If not I will call them. The database format would help. Thanks!

Greg