1970 Nova SS 427 Converted at Nickey

[leach]

Bought this car after numerous people turned it down in Mar. 2005 and in the mail came packet of about 300 pieces of paperwork from speed shops dealers and change of hands from the guy who took the car to Nickey Chevrolet to have the 396 removed and 427 and speed equipment installed. Sent all the paperwork to Don Swaitek and it took him over 5 months to get it back to me with verification that they installed the 427 there. It is having a frame off right now. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Hotrodpaul]

Pics???

Paul

[leach]

I sent pictures to club because I could not figure out how to make small enough I hope they get them on for me.

[nuch_ss396]

Send me the images. I'll post them. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[COPO]

Sounds like an interesting find. When did the car get the 427 engine from Nickey installed and how about some more details about the Nickey mods.

[leach]

The Nova has Lakewood drag package including bell housing,special Hurst V-gate 4 speed racing shifter, Hurst Gabriele dual/duty drag shocks, Mallory mag, Holley racing 3 barrel carb 1030 CFM, 513 posi gears, the disc brakes were changed to drum brakes, caps on windshield wiper posts, Eldebrock Torker 2-R intake plus more that Nickey did. You can see holes where the roll bar was mounted in the pictures after it came out of storage. The original 427 engine that Nickey put in to replace 396 on Feb. 1970 was replaced when 2nd owner sold the car Jan. 29th, 1974 and kept engine and transmission to race in a Camaro. Have notarized letter from 2nd owner to document that. The 3rd owner bought a 427 to put back in to race thinking he bought a 1969 one with serial no. T06141D which is still in the car turns out to be a 1966 427/425 HP engine out of a Impala. Have signed paper where he bought it on 6-15-74 and raced back and forth with 2 fours and tunnel ram and then 4 barrel have all the speed shop papers to document this. Then he sold it on Dec. 1st, 1976 have bills of sale notarized to prove this. The 4th owner raced it until 1980 then put it in storage until 1995 started to rebuild the motor then decided to sell the car had his friend moving to Hawaii to broker the car for him that is when I got to buy the Nova. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

What Nickey conversion paperwork does the car have?

[nuch_ss396]

Here are Barry's images:

http://www.freewebs.com/nuch_ss396/misc/scan1.jpg

http://www.freewebs.com/nuch_ss396/misc/DSC00561.jpg

http://www.freewebs.com/nuch_ss396/misc/Nickey%20Conversion%20Documentation.jpg

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Neat pics. Did Nickey have 'Phases' to their modification packages, sort of like Motion?

[SS4Real]

Hey, that's a picture of my '70 Chevelle used as the background for that Certificate of Excellence (copied from Genat's book). First time I've seen or heard of one of those certificates.

[leach]

This is the first time that Don Swaitek has made a certification up like this he usually only writes a letter to the people he said. He told me that he hade to do something different beacuse of what I found and I was thrilled when it came in the mail and I saw how nice it was done makes me proud. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[nuch_ss396]

More images of the Nova in question:

http://www.freewebs.com/nuch_ss396/misc/scan5.jpg

http://www.freewebs.com/nuch_ss396/misc/newscan2.jpg

http://www.freewebs.com/nuch_ss396/misc/DSC00566.jpg

[nuch_ss396]

Still more images......

http://www.freewebs.com/nuch_ss396/misc/DSC00585.jpg

http://www.freewebs.com/nuch_ss396/misc/DSC00587.jpg

http://www.freewebs.com/nuch_ss396/misc/DSC00584.jpg

[Rick H]

WOW, neat car. Needs to be restored to it's glory days. Day 2 all the way. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Rick H.

[Belair62]

Did you have paperwork from Nickey too ???

[leach]

I have service papers from Nickey Chevrolet, Z Frank Chevrolet, numerous speed shops, Car parts centers, Auto Meter, Mallory and more just to name some of them. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif

[Mr70]

By chance,does it have any paperwork from Grand Automotive in Broadview Ill.?

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Do the Nickey papers list the conversion to a 427? Does the paperwork have a 'phase' listed for the type of 427? The reason I'm harping on this is because I have a for sale ad for a used '69 Nickey Nova 'Phase III', and I'm curious if Nickey actually had phases or if it was just additional description added by the seller.

[shor]

i have that exact tach and rev controler!

[Stefano]

http://www.nickeychicago.net/images/Nickey_high_res_page_2.jpg

[COPO]

Previously I had heard the car was sold new in Canada and then the 396 was swapped for a 427 at Nickey during the first year. Is that correct? Also, was the engine replacement the result of a warranty claim?

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Thanks Stefano http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif Looks like it was Stage instead of Phase, but same concept.

[leach]

Yes I have service orders from Grand Automotive, Hurst Performance, Speed Service Inc., Belfast Auto Parts, Mallory Ignition, Auto Meter Products Elgin Ill., Andrew Johnson Auto Parts, North End Auto Supply, Auto-Marine Performace Specialists, Davies Auto Services Naperville Ill., Glenview Radiator Service, Standard Spring, The Performace Shop Elgin, Ill., GEM Aircraft Supply Fuel Lines, Ericson Speed Service, I can keep going on and on. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[Mr70]

I would very much enjoy looking at the Grand Auto & Davies Auto paperwork.
Can you post links to them?
NICE FIND! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Stefano]

No Problem. I have some Vintage Nickey Advertisements scanned and under Vintage Advs at www.nickeychicago.net (http://www.nickeychicago.net)

If the car had been sold NEW in Canada then GM of Canada should have a record of the car and its factory equipment, selling dealership, ect.

[leach]

The engine swap was not because of waranty work the 2nd owner bought the car off of guy that died while building the Sears Tower with only 500 miles on car then took it to Nickey to have engine changed out to start racing the car. When he sold the car to 3rd owner he kept 427 and transmission and other stuff to put in a Camaro to race at the tracks and 3rd owner put another 427 back in to race which I have paper on also along with notarized letters and old bill of sales notarized also registrations. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[leach]

I keep trying to send you an e-mail but it will not go send me an e-maill so I can add you then I can send you copies. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

[Mr70]

You have to delete the "removemefirst" text in my email addy.
This is added to avoid spam.
I sent you an email.

[Steven J]

[ QUOTE ]
Davies Auto Services Naperville Ill I can keep going on and on. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

If you mean Davis Automotive, it still is in business at 915 E. Ogden Ave.

http://www.rotary6450.org/pages/districtgovernorelect.asp

[leach]

Davis Automotive Services Naperville, Ill. I just hit a extra letter by mistake which the person I sent it to should have seen the correct thing on the paperwork. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

[leach]

Thank you Steve for posting the site about Mr. Davis I did not know that he was the one who owned and started the Davis Automotive Services where one of the owners took the 1970 427 Nova to get worked on. Davis Automotive Services 915 E. Ogden Ave. Maperville, Ill 60540 sorry about the misunderstanding you guys really helped and I am glad to send you stuff. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Mr70]

Naperville.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
I'll post your pics soon Barry. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[leach]

Thanks again I punched wrong letter again Naperville, Ill. where the 4th owner lived and Automotive service was it don't pay to get old. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[Steven J]

I've lived in Naperville since 1980, and in the local area since 1959. Who was the fourth owner, maybe I know him ?

[leach]

The 4th owner was Paul Burde http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Steven J]

I'm not familiar with Paul.

[leach]

The 3rd owner was Richard Chuk http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[Belair62]

I seem to remember several guys died in a flash fire in an elevator shaft while the John Hancock or Sears tower was under construction ! Hancock was completed in 1970, Sears in 1970...do you know what city the 1st and 2nd owners were from ? Car looks familiar for some reason.

[Fhakya]

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks Stefano http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif Looks like it was Stage instead of Phase, but same concept.

[/ QUOTE ]

Remember Marlin that Motion didn't, in fact, have other 'phases'...just Phase III. It was either "Motion Modified" or the "Phase III". I've never seen specifics as to what denotes Phase III badging other than the 1/4 mile promise but JoeG may have some input on that.

This is the 1st time I've seen 'stage' packages advertised for Nickey cars. That's interesting news to me.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

-Mark H.

[leach]

The one guy was from Chicago, the other Granville and the first I don't know because he is the one who died in the elevator shaft fire building the Sears tower and sold to the 2nd owner. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Belair62]

If you find that name out I would be interested to hear it...I think some guys from my circle new one of the guys who lost their lives...I think they worked for Otis Elevator...who was the Chicago guy ????

[leach]

Sorry the guy lived in Roselle, Ill. the strret was Granville I have sent an e-mail to 2nd owner because he said he went to the funeral for the first owner but the last time I talked to him he said that it was 35 years ago and all he remembers about that friend of his at that time was that his nickname was either banana or wrecker could not remember his last name but I will ask again sure would like to find out. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[leach]

The Chicago guy was Richard Chuk. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[leach]

Just got done talking to Chief Engineer of the Sears Tower and he said that the name of the Elevator company where the people who died building it was Westinghouse and he thought there was a guy still working with him who might have more info and will get back to me. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

[Belair62]

Who is the Chief now ? PM me

[leach]

His name is Tom Crowin Chief Engineer started working there in 1979 and if I am spelling his name correct or not. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Mr70]

Courtesy of leach.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/Rick_Peters/Grand20Automotive4.jpg

[Mr70]

Courtesy of leach.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/Rick_Peters/Nickeypaperwork1.jpg

[Mr70]

Courtesy of leach.
He would like to find out which decal might have left this 3 foot long impression.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/Rick_Peters/Nickeypaper.jpg

[Belair62]

How could anyone guess that...he needs to find some old pics

[Salvatore]

DITTO Gags.http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif

[leach]

I wish someone had some pictures at one of the tracks in the Chicago area of this car racing would really help. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[Mr70]

Another,courtesy of leach.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/Rick_Peters/Nckeypaperwork5.jpg

[Bill Pritchard]

[ QUOTE ]
Courtesy of leach.
He would like to find out which decal might have left this 3 foot long impression.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/Rick_Peters/Nickeypaper.jpg

[/ QUOTE ]

Wild guess here....Motor Sport Research http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[Mr70]

I was think'n the same thing Bill. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif

[Belair62]

Didn't MSR just use their logo ???

[CTChevelle]

There was a picture in an old magazine or racing paper that had a Nova in it with MSR on the front fender in this area. I don't remember what mag. or year, but think it was the early 70's.

Steve

[Bill Pritchard]

As I remember the MSR decals, they had their logo (which I think looked like three black squiggly lines) followed by the words "motor sport research" all in lower case letters.

[leach]

It would be nice if someone has a copy of that picture in the racing book or magazine.

[hvychev]

leach,

Cool Car but with all of the postings on it I am still confused as to EXACTLY what paperwork does this car have to support the fact that it is a Nickey conversion in the sense that would make it a supercar. Don't take this the wrong way but because a car had engine work at Nickey does not consitute it as a supercar. IN MY OPINION a car that was prepared as a 427 street racer and sold new that way would make it a true supercar. There could maybe some exceptions like a guy buys a Nova at some other dealer and imediately takes it to Nickey and has it converted within the first couple of months, but even that borders a grey area IMO. Other than that to consider a car a supercar because it had an engine added to it some time later in it's life by Nickey would just make it a cool day 2 Nova.

I don't mean any disrespect, just trying to find out what you are considering this car or have docs to back it up as.

[leach]

It was not done some time late in it's life it was taken to Nickey Chevrolet in Feb. 1970
when car had only 500 miles on the car to have it converted and add racing equipment by notarized letter from 2nd owner and verification of 5 months Don Swaitek checking on everything was not done 5 years later like some of the Motion cars that were brought back to Joel to convert and they became super cars..

[COPO]

My understanding is the car had a 427 installed by Nickey during its first year of life, but was not modified as a new car prior to the initial sale. While not as desireable as a new Nickey Supercar, it is still valuable. This would be similar to a Motion modified car. They are still quite desireable, but not in the same class as a new Baldwin Motion car.

[leach]

I keep getting people sending me e-mails about buying the car I do not want to sell this car I just trying to get more info on a car that needs to get restored correctly and sooner or later will get it back traced to original owner and dealership. The NCIB check that someone said it sold new in Ontario is not correct according to the Canada people where you can check cars from it must been a dealer trade back to the U.S.A. since they could not trace it through them.

[Stefano]

Nickey had dedicated employees to handle New and after the fact Conversions at the Dealership until 1973. Nickey Chicago/The speed shop, converted cars until they closed in 1977.

All these varying types of Nickey Cars are desirable and collectable. The value in a situation like this would be determined between the buyer and the seller.

Leaches car, from what has been presented seems to be a Nova Converted by Nickey, not a vehicle sold new as a "Nickey Nova".

[hvychev]

leach, is there any paperwork from Nickey showing the engine instalation of the 427 in Feb of 1970?

[hvychev]

Stefano, is there any known cars that HAVE PAPERWORK or some other indesputable form of documentation that would prove they were delivered as NEW Nickey Novas, Camaro's, or Chevelles? Just curious as to the number of documented cars sold as new Nickey supercars.

I still dream of finding one someday tucked in some ancient garage in Chicago. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[leach]

No I don't have the paperwork from when they did the conversions in Feb. 1970 just the certifications from owners that it was taken there to get converted and whatever Don Swaitek got from his investigation to determine that it was done there and different times when it was serviced at different dealers and speed shops. I am not trying to say that it is a Nickey sold new car but that it was converted there for racing back then I just thought everbody would enjoy learning about this racing Nova that came out of a time vault.

[hvychev]

leach, I appreciate you posting the car here because maybe besides Stefano & sixtiesmuscle, I bet I am Nickey Chevrolets biggest fan! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

The reason I am asking such detailed questions is because I want so badly for a REAL documented Nickey car to surface since they are so rare. It seems like every Nickey car that is unveiled always has afidavids or some other paperwork other than real dealership paperwork to back them up.

One more question, did Don S from Nickey have this car for a whole 5 months? That must have been tough..... (I am assuming that he could not have varified this car just by all of the speed shop paperwork and afidavids that you have because IMO it would be impossible to determine this was a Nickey conversion just by that?????) By the way it seems weird that with all of the recipts that this car came with the most importiant one happens to be missing..... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif

[leach]

The original Bill of sales where e-mailed to Mr70 this morning between 2nd owner and 3rd owner so that he could post them if he wanted to just don't want to infringe on privacy laws. The 3rd owner kept every service or parts paper due to his dad being a accountant and the rest I got from the other owners after writing to them. The big packet of paperwork came in the mail after buying the car from the guy who was selling the car for 4th owner.

[leach]

I sent Don Swaitek every angle picture of the car and it's components from when it came out of storage and when the parts were unbolted off the car for inventory even before they were unbolted and gave him access to the restoration shop where the car was and made copies of everything else I had and turned it all over to him since he is the authority since he was the manager of engine building department.

[Belair62]

The thread is named 1970 Nova SS 427 Converted at Nickey ...tracking down the details is the fun part Frank...this car was near Peterson and Sacramento for a while too which is pretty close to Z Frank...bet it stopped by there too at some point !!

[Stefano]

Frank,
If you are looking for a comprehensive Vin list, such as the Yenko Inventory Sheets, no, it does not exist.

Yes, there are Nickey cars which have some, most or a majority of the documents, listed below; Protecto Plates, Warranty Booklets, Build Sheets, Nickey Work Orders, Original owner affidavits/Stories, Master Technician Affidavits, Vintage pictures, NICB reports and Chain of ownership/title history.

Lets not forget the cars themselves. They also tell a big part of the story.

[leach]

I had a couple of people e-mail me asking what does Don charge to do a organized certification investigation. He charges $1500 fee for that just in case you find a car from Nickey Chevrolet sold new there or taken there to be converted back then. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[hvychev]

Steve, I know very well that there is no list of vins for Nickey cars. I was just curious as to the number of cars in the registry or where ever that were sold as BRAND NEW Nickey Camaros, Chevelles, and Novas that have Dealer paperwork or docs. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[leach]

mr70 has the Bill of sales from 2nd owner to 3rd owner and the 3rd owner to the 4th owner along with checks that were given as deposit and final payment check when car was sold to 4th owner will not be put on here due to privacy laws but you can ask him questions he also has more. I have lots of papers you would not expect people to hold and keep but they are real and old school. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif

[resto4u]

Why not just block peoples names and then post them on here. I am sure lots would like to see and learn what you have. Roger

[leach]

Update Chicago Tribune is going to do a story on the car in hope of locating the original owners wife since he died building the Sears Tower or one of the other Towers during that time she might be still in the area.

[leach]

Here are pictures of sand blasting

[leach]

Pictures quarter panels attached

[leach]

Dash taken out to restore

[leach]

N.O.S. Ram Rod inline Hurst Shifter found for restoration

[leach]

Rare Holley 3 barrel 1030 CFM sent out for restoration.

[Salvatore]

Great pictures Barry. Keep them coming! Sam http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[leach]

Valve covers restored

[leach]

Will let you know when the man doing the article on the car for the Chicago Tribune gives me a date when it will run for the paper hopefully in April. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Salvatore]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[leach]

Got question about the Hurst Test Gabrielle Dual Duty Drag/Street shocks that were on the car back then 600-9991 on the front and 600-9978 on the back. What was the real color since these were on the car so long you can't tell the true color? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[427TJ]

[ QUOTE ]
Valve covers restored

[/ QUOTE ]

Hey Barry, show us a better photo of the restored M/T valve covers! Did you just polish them or was there more to the job? I have a set I need to clean up.

[leach]

The valve covers were sent to a guy who tumbles them and does what ever else he has to do will get you a name and phone number will get better photo when engine is set in the powder coated frame with mags and everthing on frame from Mike Hepler doing the restoration. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[leach]

If anyone out there has a NOS Auto-Meter Rev limiter like in the early pictures of this post where it is in with the magnito and the tach I would be interested for putting it on this car let me know. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[Schonyenko2]

Oh man. That's gonna make a big hole in the tunnel. Very cool though. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[leach]

Hurst Dual Duty Shocks Info

[leach]

More Hurst Dual Duty Shock Info

[mbxlesney]

Barry.......I would try to remove or peal up a corner or the Hurst decal on the shock with a heat gun and I bet you could tell the color. Just an idea. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[leach]

Anyone have any of the correct NOS Hurst Gabrielle Dual Duty white shocks for the front of the car I think that 600 9991 is the correct number because the backs are 600 9978 Picture of front shock still on car included. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[leach]

Thanks for the tip on taking decal off shock with heat gun it was white under the decal. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

[Bill Pritchard]

Glad you found that, Barry. I was going to make an educated guess at white since Gabriel shocks in that era were white.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Interesting car! No Radio option, but has the rear defroster - and front drums, should be fun to stop at the big end!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[leach]

Disc brakes were changed out when car was bought for drag racing. Here is picture of the work that they did. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Cool! I see the hose attached to the A-arm http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[leach]

[ QUOTE ]
Anyone have any of the correct NOS Hurst Gabrielle Dual Duty white shocks for the front and rear of the car I think that 600 9991 is the correct number for the front and the backs are 600 9978 Picture of front shock still on car included plus picture now of back shock. Thought I found a pair for the back but they turned out to be wrong ones. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

[leach]

Here is pictures of the original headers with dents that were put in from coming down hard from wheel stands years ago and also clearances to make adjustments left them in when they were jet hot coated to maintain originality thought that would be the right thing to do. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

[leach]

Pictures of Dan Blocker Tickets at Nickey Chevrolet 1966 originals. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[leach]

The guy who restored the valve covers and the intake charges $95 each and his name is Chuck Smith phone number 760-749-5755 if you are interested. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[leach]

The story on the car is going to run for sure either this Sunday or next Sunday in the Chicago Tribune is what the writer told me this morning if I hear anything else will let you know. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Mr70]

I'll watch for it.

[leach]

Just got email from Chicago Tribune story will be in tomorrow's Sunday paper I am just waiting to see what the write up is like. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/youguysrock.gif

[leach]

Link to story. http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/chi-0704260519apr29,1,1123374.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

[leach]

If you are not in the Chicago area and want to read the story in todays Chicago Tribune go to www.chicagotribune.com (http://www.chicagotribune.com) home page and type in the search section of that page and type in 1970 Nickey converted 427 Nova and you should get the only story link on that to punch in so that you can read it that is how I found it today.

[Xplantdad]

Let's see if this link works Barry...

click here (http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/chi-0704260519apr29,1,1123374.story?ctrack=1&cset=true )

[mockingbird812]

"regitstered members only"

[Xplantdad]

Sam...my link works for me???? I'm not a registered member??? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[JChlupsa]

go to the Tribune link and in their search block type in Nickey. hit search and the article should open up, at least it did when i did it.

[sixtiesmuscle]

What's the deal with giving the wrong website address for Nickey Chicago Leach? Also, I thought you had already confirmed that the car wasn't sold new at Nickey.

[leach]

I gave the writer this web site for Nickey Chicago and Bimbi's phone number http://www.nickeychicago.net/continuation_cars.php and I never said I did not know the car did not sell for sure at Nickey Chevrolet I just could not prove that without info from first owner. The story already has turned up someone with 3 old pictures of the car with tunnel ram and 2 four barrels with no hood on the car which they are going to send to me as soon they make copies.

[Mr70]

I showed your article to a few at Jefferson this weekend,with a few locals saying they think they remember the car,but nothing more then that.
I'll ask around here more this week.
The article wording,page placement and picture of your Nova were done very well.
Good Luck Barry.

[Stefano]

Wow, talk about twisting words around! While I did speak to the writer on several occasions, I also offered to proof his article, which didn't happen. I had also expressed my concern about them getting the facts wrong.

I have never personally inspected or certified this car. I have looked over copies of the docs and pics sent to me by Barry.

I do think Barry has a Nova, which at the very least spent some time at Nickey getting work done, after it was sold new.

Don Swiatek, who was responsible for building/converting these cars back in the day, certified that Nickey did work on this Nova, at some point in its life, but did not certify the car as a "Nickey Nova".

The Nickey Registry, Inc. Will not certify a car which the collective team has not personlly inspected, preferably prior to it's restoration.

I hope the article helps obtain more information on the original selling dealer and the early history of the Nova.

[leach]

Got to talk to Bill Skarpinski who worked at Nickey Chevrolet building the converted cars because of the story that ran in the Tribune. What a great man to talk to with some great stories about building the 427 and 454 cars. He said it was like a production line and that he did not remember any names but he thought that they built around 3 Cortez Silver Nova's with black vinyl tops as far as he recall. Will talk with him again when he has more time. He also had some great stories about Dan Blocker http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[leach]

Here are pictures of the restored Ansen Wheels with the Mickey Thompson tires on.

[leach]

Frame part pictures

[leach]

Frame part 2 pictures

[leach]

Frame part 3 pictures

[leach]

Pictures of body getting it ready

[leach]

More

[leach]

More pictires

[leach]

More picture 2

[leach]

More pictures 3

[leach]

More pictures 4

[Schonyenko2]

Nice progress. And thank you for your service to your country on this veterans day.

[leach]

Thanks for giving all us veterans the thanks for doing what we thought was right to help keep our world a safer place to live in I was glad to serve during Viet Nam for my 3 tours of duty. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[AutoInsane]

How is the restoration of the car coming along?? Did you ever find more information about the original owner?

[leach]

Restoration is coming along slow hope to get more pictures soon and still have not figured out or located first owner would be great to find that out. Mike is working on the engine getting that ready.

[leach]

Here are Nascar tires I bought to use for exibition runs down the track should work ok got the one signed by the guy who ran the one car it was car #29 forgot his name in different race circuit then Nascar it is on the one paper he signed of his car also sent them and the paper to Mike in Ky. he is going to make a table out of that signed table with glass top other 2 tires never run as test tires yet

[leach]

Here is 2nd picture of tires

[leach]

Here is the Brian Kaltreider signed card I think he drove #39 #29 on and off

[67rscoupe]

nice car!
if that car can only talk i bet it would have plenty of stories to say.

[bashton]

Leach;

How about bringing the car in to Chicago for Chevy Vettefest November 22-23? We would love to see it whether completed or not.

As Stefano can surely attest, the show brings in plenty of Nickey Enthusiasts and with some luck, more information on your car. I am sure that there will be some people who remember this car if it spent any time at all roaming the streets of Chicago!

This would also put you in direct contact with Don Swiatek, as he will be spending some quality time in the Nickey Chicago display.

BA

[leach]

The car is still in Mikes shop in Ky. hopefully this year it will be done get more pictures from him as he sends them to me.