‘63 Chevy II Pro-Touring Build

[Nlped47]

Awesome! Thanks! Now, get back to that SeXy Nova.


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[bkswede]

I was originally planning on using TMI bucket seats for the Nova, but after seeing some in person, I didn’t like how tall their universal buckets were (I looked at their Pro Viper line, as well as their Pro Chicane line). TMI shared some photos of their Pro Chicane seats in a ‘63 Nova, and the headrests were so tall (almost to the roof) that I thought it looked funny. I started looking around for some shorter seats that would look better, proportionally, in the car. I really liked the look of the Recaros that Detroit Speed had installed in their ‘63 Chevy II test car, and started looking around for some.

DSE test car Recaros:



I considered some new Recaros, but found an older set that I had recovered exactly the way I wanted them. I had them covered in a really soft leather with red stitching and a diamond pattern sewn in the seat base and seat back. It took a few weeks, but I received my front seats on Friday - the guy who did them for me did really outstanding work. I had him use Recaro’s taller bolsters on the seat bottoms and deeper bolsters on the sides. They really hold you in place firmly when sitting in them - should help when playing around on the track. He also sewed a hole for a submarine belt in the seat bottom, in case I end up running a 5 point harness. I may end up using the Schroth racing 4 point harnesses with their anti-submarining technology, but haven’t completely decided. At least I have the option of running either.

My custom Recaros:





I also purchased from him an extra hyde of the same leather, which I will use to finish the rest of the interior. My plan is to have the back seat reworked to be like two little bucket seats - similar to the DSE test car in the photo below - and will have the rear seats sewn to match the front with red stitching and similar diamond pattern on the seat base and seat back.

DSE rear seat:


I’m also planning to build a console similar to that in the photo below, and will have the sides covered in the same leather. I’ll also have a shifter boot and a boot for the console mounted e-brake handle made using the same leather and red stitching.

Console idea:


I’m taking the seats to Eau Claire on Wednesday where Kurt and I will mock them up using the Wedge Engineering brackets that I found. I’ll also see on Wednesday how close we are to paint - seems like forever!


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[bkswede]

Made it over to Eau Claire last week to check out progress on the Nova. Kurt has the engine, transmission, radiator, etc. in and checking clearances all around. We’re also mocking up the path of A/C lines, oil cooler lines, heater hoses and catch can. We’re using the round II Much bulkhead for the Vintage Air EZ-clip hoses. We will use one bulkhead to route hoses from the A/C compressor and water pump through the lower inner fender near the radiator on the passenger side. We’ll route the hoses under the passenger inner fender through a second bulkhead in the firewall into the cabin to connect to the Vintage Air unit.

We’re also working on a custom air intake and intend to have a cone filter that will sit between the driver’s side inner fender and the radiator. We plan to open up the core support in that area to allow cold air to the filter through the grille.

Kurt also fabricated housings into the lower sides of the dash to mount round air vents, similar to what has been done on a number of first gen Novas built by DSE and others here on the forum. Front seats were test fit and seat brackets installed.

Once we have the air intake built and we’re finished with mock ups, the drivetrain will come out, and we’ll remove the front subframe to allow some final finishing of the firewall, and then we’ll be ready for paint. Here are some recent pictures:




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[camcojb]

Looks awesome. Kurt does very nice work.

[bkswede]

Originally Posted by camcojb

Looks awesome. Kurt does very nice work.

Thanks - Kurt is great! I really enjoy working with him!


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[Cheveezy]

Originally Posted by bkswede

Made it over to Eau Claire last week to check out progress on the Nova. Kurt has the engine, transmission, radiator, etc. in and checking clearances all around. We’re also mocking up the path of A/C lines, oil cooler lines, heater hoses and catch can. We’re using the round II Much bulkhead for the Vintage Air EZ-clip hoses. We will use one bulkhead to route hoses from the A/C compressor and water pump through the lower inner fender near the radiator on the passenger side. We’ll route the hoses under the passenger inner fender through a second bulkhead in the firewall into the cabin to connect to the Vintage Air unit.

We’re also working on a custom air intake and intend to have a cone filter that will sit between the driver’s side inner fender and the radiator. We plan to open up the core support in that area to allow cold air to the filter through the grille.

Kurt also fabricated housings into the lower sides of the dash to mount round air vents, similar to what has been done on a number of first gen Novas built by DSE and others here on the forum. Front seats were test fit and seat brackets installed.

Once we have the air intake built and we’re finished with mock ups, the drivetrain will come out, and we’ll remove the front subframe to allow some final finishing of the firewall, and then we’ll be ready for paint. Here are some recent pictures:

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What model are the Recaros? They look great!

[jarhead]

Wow that's nice!

[bkswede]

Originally Posted by jarhead

Wow that's nice!

Thanks for kind words!


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[bkswede]

Originally Posted by Cheveezy

What model are the Recaros? They look great!

Thanks! They are Recaro model LS-C seats... produced by Recaro from early 80’s to early 90’s... I bought these and had them completely rebuilt, with new foam bolsters, etc. and was then able to custom cover them in the pattern I wanted.


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[Nlped47]

Looking awesome!


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