sickening end to a COOL car.... (warning, this may hurt)
 

I came across the Fesler Built 72 Nova at an Auction in NJ back in May. Being sold with salvage title, as is. From the floor of SEMA to the pages of Super Chevy here it lies. Chris and crew built a bad ass car. I know it was recently for sale but it looks like the new owner couldnt handle such a nice ride.
As a builder, I can tell you alot of sweat and tears go into each and every build. I had no part in the car and it still hurts to see it like this.

I apologize to Chris and the previous owner if this is the first they are hearing of it. Maybe Jodi can shed light on who bought it last and what happened. Note the impact was so severe the driver bent the billet steering wheel.

That hurts, That hurts bad :(

The car is in Reno now. It has our front subframe which is apparently still square and straight. The shop it's at now ordered some new suspension components. We were sad to hear that it had been in an accident but happy to hear it was being rebuilt.

Photos of the original build and finished car are on our Facebook page HERE.

Damn that sucks..

There is nothing wrong with the subframe? Holy Crap I would love to see pictures that's amazing!!!

That's what they told me, I would like to see pics too. It seems unlikely after looking at these pictures. It should be sticking out in front of the tires. They ordered new a-arms, ARB, and a couple other pieces; I don't remember exactly what.

Bummer!

Amazing that the frame is straight.

Any idea what it hit?

Yikes. Sucks to see that.

If the shop doing the repair thinks that frame is straight I have serious doubts about the shop.

The more I look at these pictures the more I'm in agreement with you. I can't wait for someone to call me asking why they can't get it to align six months to a year from now.

Although, I'm also wondering if it really IS the same car they're working on. It seems strange that it would go from New Jersey all the way to Reno.

:secret:

Ahhhhh should not have opened.... I'm gonna have bad dreams now.

X2... Worste nightmare

Sad sight. Was a great looking Nova. Looks like it took a SOLID hit.

ya, looks like he hit a wall head on....if that frame is good why can I see the steering rack and sway bar? The bumper horns are wayyyy up there. Rockers are buckled and doors are drooped.

They must have a great frame machine.

:y0!:
Relax, all right? My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it.

"Spicoli:"

"those guys are faaaauuuugs".... just quoting....not directed to anyone in particular.

Hopefully no one was hurt.

Do you know what it sold for?

If I was Chassisworks, I would probably send them a new sub frame so I could use that one for a selling point for future business. I am amazed that they are saying it's not damaged.
My worst fear while building mine is the possibility of wrecking it.

HEEP

I dont.... didnt stick around.

I agree with the others. That frame has to be compromised. As a Chassisworks dealer I can attest to the quality of their frames. But this looks like a solid head on impact. I can only assume that the drivetrain pushed all the way to the rear perhaps damaging the driveshaft etc. The frame mounts for the motor as well as body mounts to the floor had to buckle under impact. Looks like the impact bowed the frame upwards which would tend to pull downwards at the floor mounts.

Boy, ain't that the truth? :knokwood:

Alright, the wrecked car is bad enough, but am I the only one that noticed there is snow on that Nova's windshield YIKES!!! It's only September!!!

*****edit**** pics from May........carry on now, nothing to see here.

lol scott

As one who is nearly finished with their build and has essentially no road race / auto-X experience (not counting 10 laps at the Heidts PCC before the tranny broke), it is a sobering reminder to start out slow (literally & figuratively) and take as many instructor-led courses/sessions as you can before you try to find the handling limits of your car. Have to remind myself when I sit in and buckle up that the car's performance capabilities far exceed my performance driving ability at this time.

These kinds of pics are a good reminder of knowing what your limitations are...

VERY well said.

true, but even the pro's can smash stuff up. It happens when you push man and machine to the edge of its ability.

That damage looks like a bad Dukes of Hazard landing , the front bumper is scrapped like it slid along the pavement. Maybe, Drive it like you stole it , is the owners motto.

Funny thing about that gen Nova. No matter what else is wrong with those cars, the grilles always appear mint. Even this car. The grille is folded under but it almost appears undamaged.

What are those grilles made out of?