Re: 1966 Nova L79 Question
 

I thought that the emblem looked as if it were chromed ...And over the years turned to that finish

Re: 1966 Nova L79 Question
 

They drive fine and as said above compare with others (Mustang, ...). Prefer the manual/standard controls over power. Cannot compare to more modern stuff. They were given bigger brakes in '64 (9.5" x 2.5" Front, 2" Rear) which was used on (A, F, X, Z-Body) for years after and the X-body is lighter than the F & A. 4, 6, & 8-cyl cars got the same brakes.

Re: 1966 Nova L79 Question
 

My '65 handled poorly when the stock front end was completely worn out. It actually bordered on scary. With all new stock bushing / ball joints / tie rods, a rebuilt steering box (manual steer), and idler arm bearing conversion kit, at stock ride height it drives great now. Not quite like a Chevelle or Camaro, but not as bad as some people claim. I also added '72 Chevelle discs which work really well on these light cars.

Re: 1966 Nova L79 Question
 

My experience is exactly as John states. All new parts: really not bad.

Problem is the upper ball joints tend to wear out in less than 10,000 miles.

Along with the midsize furds of the day, one of the worst front suspension designs ever.

Re: 1966 Nova L79 Question
 

funny all this talk about "scary" with these cars. back in the eighties I had several early Novas and did V8 conversions on all without changing a bit of the stock suspension, but for swapping to 64 and later 5 lug front clips. scary used to be the norm when hot rodding.

[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/3gears.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/burnout.gif[/img]


*currently that is NOT the plan with the vert, any mods will start with a full new modern front suspension/brake clip

(I'm getting too old for scary)

Re: 1966 Nova L79 Question
 

Fresh stock suspension with disc conversion drives just fine. I hate to see so many trashing the stock subframe on these cars and replacing with aftermarket. After rebuiling mine, I see no need to move away from the stock stuff.