Jeff Latondress' 1968 SS396 Nova!

[Xplantdad]

Bruce

Here is my info for the 68 SS 396 nova.



1968 SS 396 Nova, 1of 48 made with 350hp/400turbo

731 Custom interior

3:55 Posi rear end

No exterior trim or power strg

Sold new at Don Marshall Chevrolet, Upland IN



I purchased my Nova in the spring of 2002. I have always been a Chevelle person and thought I would try a Nova. I drove 700 miles from Nashville TN to Fife Lake MI in Lower Michigan to get the car. It was a project car, all there but the original motor and trans gone and replaced with a 396 4 speed out of a 69 Chevelle. I took it to my friend George Steele of GS Restorations in Joelton TN and we started the long process of trying to restore a 68 nova. After taking it apart we found out the nova was originally a 400 turbo, column shift car. Being such a rare nova(only 48 made) I thought I would go back as original as possible.

I have traced the car back to the second owner and have talked to several people that knew about the car. I was told that it was bought new by a returning Vietnam vet. It was street raced thru the 70's and had several owners. The guy I bought it from, bought it while at a bar in Indy on a business trip. Apparently the guy he bought it from lost his license after getting too many tickets and had to park it in the garage, where it sat for several years, and he let it sit a couple of more years. It was to my benefit because the body was amazingly rust free foe a northern car.

It took about 4 years to restore.It was a very difficult restoration because of the availability of one year only 68 parts. There is not many unrestored big block novas floating around to get any info from or parts.With several people doing the 68 Gibb novas any rare parts are quickly scarfed up.The body was taken off and put on a rotisserie.I found a “440” 396 , dated correctly engine for it and a 68 400 turbo for the drivetrain. It had the original 3:55 posi in it. It also came with power front disc brakes(4 piston calipers). It didn’t come with any exterior trim, just the cool looking super sport emblems at the bottom of the fenders.

Jeff L.



As found....

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_SSCN0192.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_SSCN0314.jpg


More

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_03-14-04Nova01.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_01-19-0468Nova1.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_01-19-0468Nova1.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_06-25-05196839661.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_06-25-05196839662.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_06-25-05196839663.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_06-25-05196839664.jpg

[Xplantdad]

Some detail shots


http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_07-09-053.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_SSCN2297.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_SSCN3300.jpg


Some factory welds!



http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_SSCN3730.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_SSCN3738.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_SSCN3739.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_SSCN3781.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_SSCN3782.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_SSCN4076.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_SSCN4263.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_SSCN4807.jpg

Had to make the shift indicator...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_SSCN4981.jpg

[Xplantdad]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_P9030029.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_P9030026.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_P9030030.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_SSCN5992.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_SSCN5992.JPG

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_SSCN5993.jpg

[Xplantdad]

Finished product

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_SSCN5869.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_SSCN5866.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_PA210068.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_PA210067.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_PA180002.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_PA180009.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_PA180008.jpg

Found in one of the vents in the dash?

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_SSCN1292.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_SSCN5874.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Jeff%20L%2068%20Nova/tn_SSCN6010.jpg

[mockingbird812]

Beautiful job Jeff. Great perseverance in the face of a daunting task. You must be very proud to have brought such a rare car back from the brink.

Well done!

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

[Mr70]

Nice looking Chevy II.
Love the http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/cc/site051117/icons/smiley_phone.gif doorjambs.

[SS427]

Beautiful restoration Jeff. I look forward to seeing the car in person. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Nice!! Love the color http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif
See ya Friday http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[PeteLeathersac]

Whttp://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gifW!!!.
That color w/ black top, steelies and redlines is sure a sinister looking combination!.

~ Pete

[Postsedan]

I have known Jeff and George for quite some time....and have seen many of there cars. They are both real car guys with a real passion for preserving the American Muscle Car.

Jeff...I hope you jump start and push up the Garnet Red SS 300 Deluxe Post Sedan Chevelle ahead of some of your other projects....but have the heart to let George start and finish some of his own very special cars....such as that rare Buick GS and the LS5 El Camino.

Dan.

[Schonyenko2]

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

[Kim_Howie]

Love 68 Novas Very nice !!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Rainer]

Beautiful car!

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

What color is that? Looks great with the steel wheels - I think we just found out the #1 car in the '68-'72 Stock-Restored class at the NNN show!

[9566 BA]

Marlin
The color is Cordovan Maroon, Code N. The color kind of grows on you.Looking foward to the NNN show! Thanks for all the nice comments. My friend George Steele of GS Restorations did the resto on the car, I wish I had the talent. I spent most of the time trying to find parts and info !
Dan
We are very excited about the Chevelle and plan on starting on it soon!

[Donnie]

Nice job Jeff,
was the second owner from the Indy area?
did you ever find out who the selling dealer was?

Donnie

[9566 BA]

Donnie
Selling dealer was Don Marshall Chevy, Upland IN. The early owners were from Fairmount, Gas City area.

[47Hammer]

I think Big Block Nova's are terrific and yours is magnificent, thanks for the pictures and story. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Z-11 396]

+++ Jeff +++ Fantastic looking car, you did a great job, really enjoyed all the pic's... Kasey .. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Tommy]

Looks great Jeff, looking forward to seeing it again this weekend. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Tommy http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[ORIGLS6]

Fantastic Jeff! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

I've met and talked with Jeff a number of times myself, and have seen quite a few of his restorations. This guy knows what he's doing! '68s are a tough year because of all the one-year-only pieces but you've done a Great Job. Bench seat, column shift, low trim options, sinister color combo.................. WOW!

As Rob once said,................ http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif
and I'd give it three if I had 'em.

[Tenney]

Nicely done.

[Mr. Chevy]

AWESOME!!!!

RICH

[1967Z28]

Great looking car, Jeff. I love the color!

-Jon

[169indy]

What a beautiful restoration.
Love the Color & Blk top!

68's are GREAT!

Jim

[kwhizz]

Wow!!!...........Great Job.........Love the Red lines

Ken

[x Baldwin Motion]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif "sinister" is absolutely the word here. great job http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

I really appreciate seeing the before photos and the progress also!! Good Luck! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

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

[1970Bluel78]

Stunning.....

[jasonL78]

Another 68 saved!! Looks great and I can't wait to see it some day.

Jason

[Belair62]

Neat car Jeff !

[Nova Research Project]

Wow, Another great car to add to my must see list.

Great Job.

[9566 BA]

Thanks for all the nice comments, I really enjoyed doing this car!

[bkhpah]

Man I just love 68-70 Novas. The car looks fantastic in that rich/deep color..BKH http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Jeff, this car won a few awards in '07 at Belterra - what all were they?

[brent396]

I wonder who bought it .It ended early

['69Novajoe]

<span style="color: #3333FF"><span style="font-weight: bold">Just awesome!! I've got to stop looking at cars like this 'cause it makes me want to &quot;restore&quot; mine. But then I keep hearing everyone saying &quot;it's only original once!!&quot; Yeah, but they look so, well, perfect when they're done like this!! Good job Jeff!!</span></span>

[al8apex]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: brent396</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wonder who bought it .It ended early </div></div>

???

oh, I get it

Here is the listing, ended in 2 days &quot;without reaching reserve&quot; ...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Rare-Nova...#ht_2214wt_1167 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Rare-Nova-SS-396-350-COPO-order-restored-perfection-/200594527578?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&amp;hash=item2eb45d955a #ht_2214wt_1167)

[Charley Lillard]

In 2007 in this thread it does not have it's orig. engine but in the Ebay ad it is #'s matching.

[9566 BA]

I sold the nova shortly after it was in the members ride section thru someone else and didnt know who bought it. I was told it was someone in FLA. It does not have the original motor or trans and when I sold it it had a chevelle 396 engine still stamped from a 69 chevelle. I have been thru this before with another car. Just sell the damn car and tell the truth it really is a nice car. With the internet and all the crazy 68/70 nova people out there you arent going to BS anyone anyway.

[Xplantdad]

Thanks for setting that straight Jeff! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

[WILMASBOYL78]

How did he know 68-70 Nova guys are crazy.. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif


wilma

[brent396]

I like crazy <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif

[68COPO]

I is Crazy and that is a beautiful 68 Nova.
Rick Thayer

[markinnaples]

I LOVE the Chevy II and the Super Sport script emblems; car looks great. '68 is definitely my favorite year Nova.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

68-70 crazy Nova guys? Pot meet Kettle! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif

[Nova Jed]

I'm with you on that one M!