Member Project
Nova Restoration
A frame-off restoration documented from the first wrench turn to the final detail — the way it should be done.
Phase 1
The Find
Every great restoration starts with the hunt. This Nova was sourced locally on Long Island — a solid shell with good bones, original drivetrain intact, and enough patina to tell a story.
Phase 2
Strip & Assess
Full teardown to bare metal. Every nut, bolt, and panel catalogued. Rust mapping, floor pan inspection, and firewall evaluation before a single dollar goes into parts.
Phase 3
Metal & Paint
Patch panels, lead work, and block sanding. The goal: factory-straight body lines with a finish that holds up to Long Island winters. No bondo shortcuts here.
Phase 4
Engine & Mechanicals
The heart of the build. Block bored and balanced, heads freshened, correct-date-code components sourced. Transmission rebuilt to match. Everything documented for judging.
Phase 5
Coming Together
Reassembly with every detail dialed in — correct fasteners, correct finishes, correct decals. The kind of work that takes three times as long as the teardown but makes all the difference at a show.
Questions About This Build?
Reach out to the club — we're always happy to talk shop, share sourcing tips, or point you toward the right parts.