Project "Darla" 1974 Chevrolet Nova SS

[Kmelander]

Official start of my build project here on Lateral G. Started in 2011. Lots of interruptions and side projects but have stayed on it relatively consistent. Won't kill this thread with overly detailed posts but will try to keep the progress up to date.

$1,800 out of Oakboro, NC - on our way home. No engine, 4-speed car with driveline. Some of the tear-down pictures included.

[Kmelander]

Cut a bunch of rusty metal out so I could get to more rusty metal. Removed the rear diff/axles. Sectioned the frame rails and moved them inward. Fabricated a cross-member and 4-link suspension.

[Kmelander]

DSE Sub-frame connectors. Fabricated bolt on connection to front sub-frame.

[214Chevy]

Looking good. I'm tuned in...

[Kmelander]

Inner (DSE) and outer wheel houses + trunk extensions so I could get the quarter skins mocked-up to figure out my axle/housing length. Then I bought 80' of 1.75" x 0.120" DOM tube, nice bender and cheap notcher. Started making bars.

[Kmelander]

FYI...I’ll be posting many historical photos. I started this project in 2011. Currently the car is on a rotisserie in my garage. I’ve been replacing rusty floor pans etc. Next project, I think, is sheet metal fab for rear seat area. That and/or getting the fuel cell roughed-in. I’ll try to get this thread current this week.


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[dug]

Nice work so far. I really like the tubing in the trunk area, it looks good and I've never seen something like it. What was the idea behind adding it?

[Kmelander]

Originally Posted by dug

Nice work so far. I really like the tubing in the trunk area, it looks good and I've never seen something like it. What was the idea behind adding it?

Thanks. It’s structural. I moved the factory frame rails inward and felt like I needed to reinforce/tie them to the rest of the cage/chassis structure. I’ve essentially adopted the practice of “ladder” bracing the entire factory chassis. Maybe overkill but I guess I’d rather over build it than under build it. You may find the mid-frame upper crossmember interesting as well. Haven’t posted that part of the build yet but I’ll throw one in this post so you can see it. I have a lot of work in the cage for this car.




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[dug]

Got it. Yeah seeing that photo makes it all come together now. Nice work!

[77LT]

I have had 2 1974 Nova Customs one being a hatchback. The hatchback was optioned like an SS with buckets and mini console, but had very little else original (i.e. motor/trans) always wondered if it was an SS.

Do you plan to tuck bumpers tighter to body?

Todd