1969 L78 396 Nova [Archive] - The Supercar Registry

novaman_69

02-06-2008, 07:47 PM

I am restoring a 69 L78 396 Nova. I am still looking for some engine components for it, but I was wondering if someone could give me a complete list of part numbers (starter, brackets, pulleys, intake, distributor, etc) for a 69 L78. Also if there are any other signs of a Big Block Nova, that I may not have heard of. The car is a non-power steering, non-AC car. I have talked to a few guys on hear about this, but I just wanted a complete list of all of them. You can e-mail me at

[email protected]

or post on here. Please let me know if you can help and thanks in advanced.

Tyler

YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY

02-06-2008, 08:04 PM

If it's a real L78 Nova, it better not have a/c!!

1969l78

02-06-2008, 08:48 PM

Love that blue, good luck and love to see pics along the way

novaman_69

02-06-2008, 08:50 PM

I think GM thought better of trying to fit AC components in with a Big Block. haha
I have checked everything that points to a Big Block since I don't have the original docs, so I am 99% sure it is a true 396 car. Still trying to track down the original owner too.

Mike

02-06-2008, 09:03 PM

Have you looked for any buildsheet?

novaman_69

02-06-2008, 09:29 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Have you looked for any buildsheet?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, unfortunately there was no seats or gas tank when I bought the car. My only hope was the door panels and I found nothing.

YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY

02-06-2008, 10:14 PM

It's not really a size issue with the a/c units, as the Camaro's received a/c with the 325 & 350 HP BB's. I just think GM cut the a/c option out of the selection list for the Novas to limit the extra parts, sort of like why the 325HP version was never offered in the Nova.

Have you done a title search yet?

novaman_69

02-06-2008, 10:30 PM

[ QUOTE ]
It's not really a size issue with the a/c units, as the Camaro's received a/c with the 325 & 350 HP BB's. I just think GM cut the a/c option out of the selection list for the Novas to limit the extra parts, sort of like why the 325HP version was never offered in the Nova.

Have you done a title search yet?

[/ QUOTE ]

Interesting. I did not know that. Learn something new everyday I guess.

No I have not done a title search. How do you go about doing one?

YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY

02-06-2008, 10:51 PM

Go to www.dmv.state.pa.us-pdotforms-dl (http://www.dmv.state.pa.us-pdotforms-dl)_forms-dl-135.pdf

Fill it out, get it notorized, send in the $5 and see what you get!

Salvatore

02-06-2008, 11:38 PM

Where in Pa. do you live? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

novaman_69

02-07-2008, 12:06 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Love that blue, good luck and love to see pics along the way

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks! It is actually an original Frost Lime car. I am contemplating which way to go with the restoration The Fathom Blue with the Black top is sharp!

I have had it about 2 years, it is slowly getting there. I will post some more pics tonight.

novaman_69

02-07-2008, 12:07 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Where in Pa. do you live? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I live about 20 miles Northwest of State College. Philipsburg is the town. What about yourself?

Salvatore

02-07-2008, 12:10 AM

Souderton, Pa. 45 minutes north of Philadelphia.

Mr. Chevy

02-07-2008, 12:15 AM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Love that blue, good luck and love to see pics along the way

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks! It is actually an original Frost Lime car. I am contemplating which way to go with the restoration The Fathom Blue with the Black top is sharp!

I have had it about 2 years, it is slowly getting there. I will post some more pics tonight.

[/ QUOTE ]

REPAINT IT THE FROST LIME COLOR!! THE CAR WILL BE KILLER IN THAT COLOR AND DEFINATELY UNIQUE. I HAVE AN ORIGINAL 70 L78 NOVA WHICH IS A CODE 10 WHITE CAR. I REPAINTED IT THAT SAME COLOR AND I AM VERY HAPPY I DID! I GET MANY COMPLIMENTS ON THE COLOR BECUASE IT IS DIFFERENT. THERE ARE SO MANY BLUES AND REDS OR BLACKS OUT THERE. NOTHING AGAINST THOSE COLORS BUT IT'S COOL TO BE UNIQUE PLUS IT IS THE ORIGINAL COLOR OF THE CAR!!

RICH

novaman_69

02-07-2008, 12:15 AM

[ QUOTE ]

Go to www.dmv.state.pa.us-pdotforms-dl (http://www.dmv.state.pa.us-pdotforms-dl)_forms-dl-135.pdf

Fill it out, get it notorized, send in the $5 and see what you get!

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks Marlin,

It will go out in the mail tomorrow!

YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY

02-07-2008, 12:41 AM

You gotta go with the Frost Green, that is a killer color - check this one out:

http://www.wagnersclassiccars.com/index.html

JRSully

02-07-2008, 12:59 AM

That engine stamp on the Frost green Wagners car looks a bit funky to me. Comments.?

Mr.Nickey Nova

02-07-2008, 02:50 AM

I agree,stay with the original frost green color.It's a color you don't see on novas much.Also,check to see if you have a single 3/8's fuel line going to the engine area.

Unreal

02-07-2008, 03:03 AM

I thought the "No A/C on solid lifter cars" was due to the need to remove the upper a/c bracket on the driver side in order to remove the valve cover for valve adjustment. Passenger side is no picnic either, with the suitcase in the way.

My Yenko Tribute was an original A/C car, and and I went with hydraulic valves in my L-72 so I wouldn't have to periodically adjust them.

Schonyenko2

02-07-2008, 04:17 AM

I believe the no air in solids has more to do with the possibility of damage to the compressor at high RPMs, and some pulley issues in keeping the belt on.
Novaman, can you list the items that lead you to believe that this is a L78?
Maybe we can help you to find the answer. And Sammy, and bbbenny are right down the road. They'd give you a hand I bet. Also Sammy helped me get a frost green Z from that area a while ago. It's stayin frost green. In base clear, it looks very nice.

1969l78

02-07-2008, 04:31 AM

[ QUOTE ]
That engine stamp on the Frost green Wagners car looks a bit funky to me. Comments.?

[/ QUOTE ]

Looks a little weird thats for sure!!!! Great color,bad restamp.

WILMASBOYL78

02-07-2008, 06:46 AM

Original color is the only choice for a real L78....that green with some steel wheels and dog caps would be awesome!

Do yourself a favor, don't get tied up with Sammy...he only understands small block cars http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

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

ORIGLS6

02-07-2008, 07:13 AM

I gotta cast a vote for Frost Green too. With or without the Vinyl Roof, the color is just too cool. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Kurt S

02-07-2008, 07:19 AM

I have a better pic of that pad.
Looks reasonable, but I don't have many Nova pads to compare it to.

SuperNovaSS

02-07-2008, 07:22 AM

Me too! I vote Frost Green.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w301/super-novass/69FrostCamaro007Medium.jpg http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

novaman_69

02-07-2008, 08:40 AM

[ QUOTE ]
I agree,stay with the original frost green color.It's a color you don't see on novas much.Also,check to see if you have a single 3/8's fuel line going to the engine area.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes it did have the single 3/8" fuel line. That is one thing that I noticed before I bought the car. L78 http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

novaman_69

02-07-2008, 09:01 AM

[ QUOTE ]
I believe the no air in solids has more to do with the possibility of damage to the compressor at high RPMs, and some pulley issues in keeping the belt on.
Novaman, can you list the items that lead you to believe that this is a L78?
Maybe we can help you to find the answer. And Sammy, and bbbenny are right down the road. They'd give you a hand I bet. Also Sammy helped me get a frost green Z from that area a while ago. It's stayin frost green. In base clear, it looks very nice.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, When I first talked to the fella who had the car, he swore up and down it was an original big block car. After buying the car I have located the previous owner. He never saw it with the original drivetrain, but he too said it was a 396 car from California. His story is that it was raced off the showroom, the original drivetrain was blown to pieces and the car was put away. (basically no rust for a PA car since at least 1980) I am working on going back further on the owners.

The things that lead to an L78 are:
3/8" single fuel line (I removed it for resto, but kept for proof)
Big Block Heater Box, with dated Harrison Heater Core (68J)
Correct Big Block Engine Frame Mounts (GM)
12-bolt Posi Traction Rear End (Unfortunately chopped a bit, but with a BT stamping: 3.55 posi
Correct BB radiator support. The radiator and hold down were long gone though.
All correct and original SS emblems, with beautiful original 396 emblems up front.
Disc brake car, with power Delco stamped power booster.
Bench seat car, w/ no console. (No tach in dash)
Umm. I think that is about it.

I am going to add some pics here. I do not know how to go through webshots so I will do it one at a time. haha

novaman_69

02-07-2008, 09:06 AM

More pics, completed front subframe.

novaman_69

02-07-2008, 09:09 AM

novaman_69

02-07-2008, 09:11 AM

Thanks for all the input on the color as well. I was leaning towards the Frost Lime, but after the overwhelming support for it, I have officially made up my mind. Frost Lime http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif My pics are too big to load this way. How do you load them the other way? I will def. get more up tomorrow!

YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY

02-07-2008, 05:25 PM

Do you have the BB specific trans crossmember?

How many leafs are on the rear?

What's the full trim tag data?

Is there a proportioning valve on the subframe?

Any codes on the firewall, under the black paint?

WILMASBOYL78

02-07-2008, 05:43 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I have a better pic of that pad.
Looks reasonable, but I don't have many Nova pads to compare it to.

[/ QUOTE ]

try this....

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/317172-tn_DSCN0969.JPG

WILMASBOYL78

02-07-2008, 05:44 PM

and...

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/317173-tn_DSCN0968.JPG

deuce-less

02-07-2008, 07:15 PM

knowing some of the history on that frost lime nova, i agree with kurt. when i saw the car it was very original, with doc and some owner history. i have no reason to doubt the cars authenticity, or the originality of the pad stamp http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

deuce-less

02-07-2008, 07:16 PM

another

deuce-less

02-07-2008, 07:17 PM

final

novaman_69

02-08-2008, 02:13 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Do you have the BB specific trans crossmember?

How many leafs are on the rear?

What's the full trim tag data?

Is there a proportioning valve on the subframe?

Any codes on the firewall, under the black paint?

[/ QUOTE ]

The crossmember was not with the car. The tranny, which is not original was sitting on the floor of the car. I have since purchased a BB crossmember.

The car has 5-leaf springs with no rear sway bar. I have heard that the sway bar was a early 70 option for the F41, but that in 69 the F41 would have had 5-leafs and no sway bar?

The vin and trim tag is:

VIN: 114279WXXXXX

Cowl Tag: BODY BY FISHER
ST 69 11427 WRN378487 BDY
TR 731 59 B PNT
04B A 3

1969- Chevrolet- Nova- V8- 2 door sedan- Willow Run, MI

Black vinyl bench (standard) Frost Lime- Black vinyl top

April- Second Week- 1969

I do not think that it has the proportional valve. Were they welded on or bolted on? Where exactly would this be as well?

Unfortunately I already stripped the firewall before I heard about the codes underneath the paint. I could have stripped these off with the paint, but since I was not looking for it, I can not say one way or the other.

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

novaman_69

02-08-2008, 02:17 AM

How do you load the pics? My picture files are too big to attach? Thanks

deuce-less

02-08-2008, 02:57 AM

how about the dual exhaust bracket on the left rear frame rail and the correct measurement on the heater box opening? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

novaman_69

02-08-2008, 07:48 AM

[ QUOTE ]
how about the dual exhaust bracket on the left rear frame rail and the correct measurement on the heater box opening? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

It does has the exhaust bracket on the drivers side rear frame rail. What are the dimensions on the heater box opening? Thanks to everyone for all of their input on this one!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Schonyenko2

02-08-2008, 08:13 AM

The car has 5-leaf springs with no rear sway bar. I have heard that the sway bar was a early 70 option for the F41, but that in 69 the F41 would have had 5-leafs and no sway bar.
Actually the rear swaybar was a midyear change with the F41 package.
There's a discussion about that going on now in that perhaps some came with 4 thicker depth leaves vrs 5 thinner leaves.

Inside heaterbox 11 1/4, or 11 1/2.
Proportioning valve would be mounted on the frt frame on the drivers side, below the drivers door.

JRSully

02-08-2008, 03:33 PM

My 69 L78 has the 5 leafs and has the bottom leaf/shock mount plates that are "extended and drilled" for sway bar brackets, but of course, no bar was available for 69.Anybody else have these on a 69.? would this inidicate F41 for a 69.?

YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY

02-08-2008, 04:29 PM

Here's the discussion regarding the F41 vs. F40 & 4leaf vs. 5 leaf going on over at Steves. I'm not sure we actually concluded anything though:

http://www.stevesnovasite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84656&page=4

Your trim tag shows the base level black bench interior - they are some difficult seat covers to find. The best bet is to buy the material from SMS in Oregon, and have them made. You might want to buy it now, or at least get on the list so they will make some in the future. They produce it in batches, when it's gone, they wait for enough demand b4 they make it again.

Love the Frost Green with a black hat! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif The 'A' on the bottom row indicates that the remaining interior items are black/painted black, like the dash pad, kick panels, dash top, etc... Keep in mind that the inner portion of the door window frames will be black on a car like this as well - it's to match the interior color. '69 is the last year for this 'special touch'. If you need a pic of this, let us know. The '3' on the bottom row indicates that your car has drip rail moldings (obvious with the vinyl top), door frame moldings, and body side moldings.

Sounds like a great car!

L78steve

02-08-2008, 06:26 PM

[ QUOTE ]
My 69 L78 has the 5 leafs and has the bottom leaf/shock mount plates that are "extended and drilled" for sway bar brackets, but of course, no bar was available for 69.Anybody else have these on a 69.? would this indicate F41 for a 69.?

[/ QUOTE ] Your plates may have been replaced.When you purchase new GM that is how they come.They are still available today.

YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY

02-08-2008, 06:37 PM

The replacement ones are different than the original ones, you can see the difference from 50 feet away! If you have a pic of the ones that were on the car, we can tell ya if they are originals or not.

jasonL78

02-08-2008, 08:05 PM

Marlin,
You mentioned the inner door frames should be painted to match the interior correct! Was this just on 68-69 car's. Because I noticed on my original 68 nova doors the inner part of the door frame was gold. I didn't do this when I re-painted my car because some one before me painted the car silver and I wasn't sure where the inner color ended on the door frame. Just some detail that most peolple don't notice.
Any more info on the subject would be nice to know! Or pictures!

Jason

YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY

02-08-2008, 08:07 PM

'68-'69's only. In '70 the inner frames were the exterior color as opposed to the interior color.

jasonL78

02-08-2008, 08:12 PM

How far does the color go up to the door seal or to the edge of the frame?

Jason

novaman_69

02-09-2008, 03:47 AM

[ QUOTE ]

The car has 5-leaf springs with no rear sway bar. I have heard that the sway bar was a early 70 option for the F41, but that in 69 the F41 would have had 5-leafs and no sway bar.
Actually the rear swaybar was a midyear change with the F41 package.
There's a discussion about that going on now in that perhaps some came with 4 thicker depth leaves vrs 5 thinner leaves.

Inside heaterbox 11 1/4, or 11 1/2.
Proportioning valve would be mounted on the frt frame on the drivers side, below the drivers door.

[/ QUOTE ]

My rear end did not have the original perches on it so I do not knoe whether it had extended brackets or not.
I will have to do some measuring this weekend on the heater box.
Do you know if the proportional valves were welded on or bolted on? I do not see where one would have been cut off, but I do see some extra holes.

novaman_69

02-09-2008, 03:55 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Here's the discussion regarding the F41 vs. F40 & 4leaf vs. 5 leaf going on over at Steves. I'm not sure we actually concluded anything though:

http://www.stevesnovasite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84656&page=4

Your trim tag shows the base level black bench interior - they are some difficult seat covers to find. The best bet is to buy the material from SMS in Oregon, and have them made. You might want to buy it now, or at least get on the list so they will make some in the future. They produce it in batches, when it's gone, they wait for enough demand b4 they make it again.

Love the Frost Green with a black hat! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif The 'A' on the bottom row indicates that the remaining interior items are black/painted black, like the dash pad, kick panels, dash top, etc... Keep in mind that the inner portion of the door window frames will be black on a car like this as well - it's to match the interior color. '69 is the last year for this 'special touch'. If you need a pic of this, let us know. The '3' on the bottom row indicates that your car has drip rail moldings (obvious with the vinyl top), door frame moldings, and body side moldings.

Sounds like a great car!

[/ QUOTE ]

Marlin,

Thanks again for the great info for the trim tag, and also with the inner doors. One good thing is that it retains all of its original trim and it is exceptionally straight for a car that obviously wasn't babied.

I will check into the seat cloth this weekend. Do you know of any good shops that would make them?

I could def. use a pic of the interior door paint. Thanks again to everyone for all the help http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Nova Jed

02-09-2008, 03:58 AM

Jason, on my 69 Nova, the interior color and the exterior match almost the same. It's a 735 color with a 53 50 exterior. http://www.yenko.net/attachments/317690-69Novadash.jpg
You can just barely see the window frame. That is also the exterior color. Plus, you can see that the dash bezel is painted on the extreme lefthand side, and is painted the same color as the steering column.