1970 L-78 Nova Restoration; Saga of The Green Bastard

[L78_Nova]

Originally Posted by Pro Stock John

Really enjoyed reading the back story and then following your rebuild.

So you found the original transmission and have it back?

That was sort of an adventure in itself but yes. I was provided the contact information of the "suspected" owner of the transmission. Ken who owned the car prior, at some point had traded the M-20 for a BW Super T-10 with 3.10 low gear. The M-20 was then used in a nice street rodded 55 Chevy for a time and later replaced by (I believe) a Richmond 5 speed.

The 55 chevy was pointed out to me in the local Winnipeg World of Wheels car show one year (was not able to catch up with the owner then). When I contacted the owner later he told me he had the Richmond out for repair and was currently running the M20 as a spare. I offered to trade for an M-20 or M-21 which I had on hand plus cash and he wanted no part at that time. He said to wait until the Richmond was back in and he would then check the #'s.

I probably tried him five times over a period of three years before he finally admitted to having the #'s transmission. We did come to an arrangement to swap plus cash which worked out (wasn't cheap but it was a pretty integral piece to the car).

[L78_Nova]

Unfortunately the "I think the old radiator might still be out at the farm" story did not have the same happy ending (quite possibly along with the fan, smog set-up etc).

[L78_Nova]

Rear lower corner of the inner RH tub required a small patch



You can also see some of the finish welding on the trunk drop flange



And a couple faux spot weld dimples

[L78_Nova]

The rear flange at the bumper has not survived the previous repair and all of that brazing... so it will be replaced



This ones a little tricky with all the curves







Tacked in

[L78_Nova]

Mid-winter trip to a Fargo wrecker with fingers crossed to retrieve a replacement inner rear door panel. I knew there was Novas there, I didn't know if they would be good. As it turned out we found a good candidate and a cut out a good size chunk of the forward rear quarter along with the rocker.

When I began cutting this thing apart at home I could not believe how solid it was. I could have actually harvested the rocker repair piece from this. This car has been sitting in the yard forever. I was shocked at the condition.











This last photo, though not finish welded, represents an enormous amount of work towards the repair of the car.

[scuncio]

Excellent job splicing all that together. Looks factory!

[Chuck_Burg]

VERY impressive work indeed! This is WAY over my head. Glad you're bringing this L78 back

[Too Many Projects]

Very nice work and very fortunate to find those super clean donor pieces for the inner structure.

[67since67]

Originally Posted by L78_Nova

Mid-winter trip to a Fargo wrecker

A wrecking yard in Fargo in January??

I've been to Fargo in January, not wanting to do it again!

Great craftsmanship going on here, I'm sure it will turn out as nice as your Chevelle convert!! - Bill W

[L78_Nova]

Originally Posted by 67since67

A wrecking yard in Fargo in January??

I've been to Fargo in January, not wanting to do it again!

Great craftsmanship going on here, I'm sure it will turn out as nice as your Chevelle convert!! - Bill W

Thanks Bill !

It was a necessary trip but we did luck out with an unseasonably warm, mostly sunny day with little wind. It's amazing how WARM it is trudging through heavy snow with winter gear on !! It was a workout !!