Nova Research Project

[Nova Research Project]

Based on notes in other threads I am going to start a Nova Research Project. It will be modeled after the research compiled by the Camaro Research Group (CRG). My goal is to pull together facts that will assist enthusiasts to restore their cars to an acceptable standard based on how the factory normally assembled them. CRG calls this normative practice. It is also know as the 90/10 rule.

Now, one person does not make a group, so to start, I am seeking ideas and opinions on the topics to research. This can not be done over night or even in a year. I can find a place to start once a list of topics is developed. Novas were produced over a long time frame. The first focus will be on the 1968-1972 production years. The first focus is NOT to duplicate what is already published at other sites.

That being said, what do you think the first topics should be? What information is not well know? What do you need to know to restore your Nova to the level you want?

Thanks, Greg

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Greg;
I think that's a great idea to start the NRG, and I feel that the Nova community will benefit from it.

In order to not duplicate other's efforts, a quick call to Wayne Bushey at NNN might be wise in order to find out what has been done already. I think the 1st and 2nd gen. Novas have had some research done already by Wayne, Joe Grom, Eddie Lesley etc... so starting with the 3rd gen. would be a good idea.

I guess a good area to start collecting info is from the trim tags. It is useful to know the relationship between car build date - sequential body number - sequential VIN number. We already know that they are backwards in certain build weeks, but it would be helpful to collect the data to try determine why. Also, there are codes at the bottom of the trim tag that we believe relate to interior colors (other than seats, which is spec'd on the TR code) and exterior trim requiring body piercings. RowdyRat and I have discussed this a couple of times, but we have already found a possible exception so more data collection would be helpful.

I have a good amount of data from 05D, 06A and 06B cars [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif[/img] , and should have collected a whole bunch more this past weekend at Super Chevy Maple Grove had I thought about it - my brain was baking in the sun!

What do you have in mind for the first Area Of Investigation?

[Kurt S]

One of the first assumptions of the CRG is that we would not use non-GM source material due to issues of accuracy. So a lot of our data comes from assembly and parts manuals and any other GM source. And from actual cars, of course.
A lot of our initial work was duplicating what was out there, so that we could correct it. Always lots of misinformation out there......

[Nova Research Project]

Marlin,

I had a long conversation with Wanye today since I am not going to make the NNN Nats. He agreed that we need a catalog of information pulled from original cars to define the way they were built. There is no information cataloged at NNN, but we discussed a way to correct that. In the mean time, He agreed with the collection of data from original cars.

On trim tags: Jack Gourley at http://www.novashop.net/ is collecting Trim tag information and targeting the codes at the bottom of the tag. I do not think he is collecting VIN information at this time.

I am still open to open to ideas for topics. One thing I discussed with Wayne is the color of the under carriage and interior floor. He would like to know what color cars had what color undercarriage. I would also like to catalog pictures of original decals. I know some of the ones I need are not being repro'd. I am also intrigued with the codes stamped and painted on the various parts.

What would you like to know better?
Greg

[Nova Research Project]

Kurt,

You know you are right about incorrect information. I have been using original GM info and pictures of original cars. It would be great to take pitcures of original cars and file them away. That way you could refer back to them everytime a new question came up. My original focus was on backending the build sheets to organize the information, but there is so much more to record. You database is a big help.

Thanks, Greg

[Mike]

Greg,

You may want to contact the National Corvette Restorers Society, www.ncrs.org. They've done a great job at documenting each year Corvette.They've generated Judging Manuals for the 1953 up to 1982 Corvettes which provide detailed description of each part of the car, the correct casting numbers for parts, date codes, etc. They even go as far as descibing paint overspray areas. If nothing else I think it would be worth the effort to obtain one of their judging manuals for reference.

Just a thought.

Good luck
Mike

[Nova Research Project]

Mike,

Thats is a good idea. Not that I want to have to go to the depths the Corvette owners do with detail. I have to keep in mind that anything published may become fact and referenced as "the only way it was done". I have no illusions about the facts leading to only one conclusion. It may turn out to showing many different results based on year and build date. Thanks!

[lowmile]

Greg, I've owned about 30 68-72 novas and and about ten have been original paint with few miles I have an 5000 mile 6 cyl 70 that is hugger orange and untouched still has the original tires. I just love the survivor cars.none have been Yenkos but i do have a daytona yellow clone. If I can be of any service to you let me know. Mark NeSmitn

[hvychev]

Mark,
Looks like you have a nice Nova. I did'nt know you could get Hugger Orange on a plain 6 cyl. Do you know how many were made?

[lowmile]

I don't know how many were made. My guess is not many. Huggger orange was added to regular production cars during the summer. Mark