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....






More

[Xplantdad]

Some detail shots









Some factory welds!



















Had to make the shift indicator...

[Xplantdad]

[Xplantdad]

Finished product















Found in one of the vents in the dash?

[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!

[Mr70]

Nice looking Chevy II.
Love the doorjambs.

[SS427]

Beautiful restoration Jeff. I look forward to seeing the car in person.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Nice!! Love the color
See ya Friday

[PeteLeathersac]

WW!!!.
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.