'69 Yenko Novas - SS?

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Would like to know if anyone has additional facts or old pics regarding the '69 Yenko Novas, and if they retained their SS emblems on the grill and tail panel?

[69hurstSC]

didnt reggie jacksons retain the SS?

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

At one time it had some of the SS stuff, but didn't have the Yenko stuff. It has since been changed. I was hoping somebody might be able to locate some original pictures that might confirm these vintage pics, (note the rally wheels ?):

[camarojoe]

Original "Day 1" photos of 69 Yenko Novas are very scarce. I have about 2 photos in my entire collection that show a 69 Yenko Nova in them, both are of the same car, (loaded on the top row of the Span Inc. transporter truck) and you can't see much detail in either one. With all the detailed photos Yenko took of his converted cars, race cars, etc. I can't imagine he didn't take some good in-progress pics of the 69 Novas, as these required more work to convert than anything else they were doing in 69... Maybe someday some good photos will surface. Original owner photos like the ones above always have to be taken with a grain of salt as many times changes were made by the owner on day 2, literally.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

I agree with Joe, many times things were changed on 'day 2'. One interesting note, the '69 Yenko Nova that SCW is restoring right now came with rally wheels per the GM paperwork - that was a first for me! Based on that car, I thought it might be possible that this rally green car could have come with the rally wheels as well. Previously, we thought that they were changed, or had trim rings added to the XT wheels.

Another interesting point on this rally green car is the prescence of the SS on the tail panel, and the lack of 427 or YENKO emblems. I realize that each of the '69 Y-Novas could be different, but this pic actually makes the most sense. Why would Yenko spend the time to drop the bumper, remove the SS panel, drill out the SS emblem, reinstall the panel and the bumper, and attach the 427 & YENKO emblems? I beginning to think that the rear panel was left alone, the SS emblem was retained, and no additional emblems were attached. If a YENKO emblem were to be attached, I would think it would be a stick-on version placed on the decklid just like the Deuces - but could be on either side of the lid. IMO, the reason we see the Y-Novas with 427 & YENKO emblems on the tail panels is because the first car restored was simply duplicating the '69 Y-Camaros - ie; remove the existing emblem and put the 427 & YENKO ones in the existing holes. Opinions welcome!

[camarojoe]

Try doing a search, as I know we hashed this topic out not that long ago. Take a closer look at the last pic you posted. If that's an SS emblem on the tailpanel its definitely not in the original location. Its off to the left quite a bit when compared to the location of trunk lock and license plate. Personally, i can see why Yenko would do an emblem placement on the rear of a nova similar to the camaro and chevelle... it kept all 3 versions of the sYc cars looking somewhat uniform, plus eliminated the factory rear emblem. Yenko didn't like his cars being confused with "run of the mill" SS cars, and was noted to remove SS badging whenever he could. Do I think Yenko dropped the bumper and removed the rear trim panel to get the SS off? No, more like they took a cold chisel or screwdriver to it and popped it off in 2 seconds, drilled 2 more holes (like on the camaro and chevelle), then put on the Yenko badging. I don't believe Yenko used any type of "stick on" emblems at all until 1970.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Hmmm... I guess he could have popped off the SS emblem with a putty knife, not sure how stout those pins are that hold it to the panel. I noticed the SS is off-center in that pic too, but so are the back wheels to the front wheels and figured it could just be the crappy pic. Does your pic on the hauler show the back of the Y-Nova to see if there is/was an SS emblem?

[camarojoe]

Ironically, in the pic I have there is snow piled on the rear bumper just high enough that you can't tell what the rear emblem treatment was. I doubt you'd much trouble removing a flimsy potmetal SS emblem from a tailpanel with any type of prying tool. Especially if you weren't concerned about damaging it.

[68l30]

If the chisel distorted the panel too much he may have drilled out the SS .......

My vote is the chisel...


Steve

[Mike]

Joe,

Can you post a photo of that transporter? I'd love to see it.

Thanks,
Mike