74 NovaMan’s … Novas

[74NovaMan]

It all started in 1973 when mom and dad bought a brand new 1973 Nova. Rubber floor mats, clear plastic seat covers, power steering, 250 straight 6, 2 speed powerglide, hatchback, and 4 wheel drum brakes. That’s me standing next to the bumper.

[74NovaMan]

Fast forward to 1986. This is the car I learned to drive in and was for all intents and purposes my first car. These pics are from a few years later before the car was retired from terminal rust issues. When I got it the rust was about this bad but the seats were in perfect shape because of the plastic covers.

[74NovaMan]

For my sixteenth birthday in the summer of 86’ I was given $700 with the intent that I use it to buy my first car. I found this gem just down the road from our place for $350. 350, TH350, no hatchback but otherwise identical to the 73 for options, or lack thereof. The car came with steel rims and rusty dog dish hubcaps. This pic is with the rims I scored from a neighbor with some new rear tires and homemade shackles installed.

[74NovaMan]

It stared fairly innocently with some minor body work and paint. The neighbor (major car guy) at the end of the block had just taken in a 72 Nova that had been smacked hard in the rear. He sold me the front fenders and doors and slot rims for $150. The door panels did not match style wise but were the right color and in good shape and I also got wing windows so it was all good.

[SuperBuickGuy]

cool.... next pictures pls.

[Monk]

Novas make great projects..........yep, more pics.

[74NovaMan]

Thanks Guys!

[74NovaMan]

The hood on the 73 was better than the 74 so that was swapped for the cause. We ordered a set of “Custom fit fender flares” for the rear from JC Whitney to address the quarter panel rust. Apparently custom fit means add 4 gallons of bondo for proper fitment. They were returned and we picked up a quarter panel replacement for the driver’s side. After some metal work (thanks Dad) and a reasonable amount of bondo we had this:

[74NovaMan]

A quick trip to the local Maaco (local quick turn cheap paint place) we were pretty pleased with the results. I do remember the water pump letting go on the way home and wondering if anti-freeze was good for fresh paint. This is how it looked with maybe $1,200 all in:

[JOES66FURY]

good stuff!

[Bamfster]

Nice .... right outta high school ('85ish) I scored a '76 w/250 & th350 combo for $250. Loved that car, but the girlfriend hated it. She still my bride but the car is gone. That Nova was the only car I ever made money on ....

NEXT!

[Turbo Regal]

My folks bought a Pontiac Ventura hatch new in 73. My first car was a 74 Olds Omega. Your pics bring back a lot of memories!

[1badmonkey]

My first car was a 73 Omega, shackles and air shocks baby, yeah! bought it in 86, still have it at my Dads house.

neat car, thanks for the trip down memory lane!

[pintoboy77]

Man I loved all my Nova's and still miss them all my wife loves them to and says someday I am going to have to build her another one. Cool pics.

[74NovaMan]

Thanks for all the kind words everyone. I'm just getting started on the story. I've got at least 3 more Novas to go!