NHRA Stock Eliminator '69 Nova

[Hemifever]

This is my version of a '69 Nova that would have raced in the 2025 season. I wanted the body of a plane jane car, maybe a 6 cylinder, with a 350 installed. Car will have electric water pump, Fireball carb, relocated alternator to lower left of engine. turned pulleys and various 3d printed items. Cal Tracs, tied frame as well as a roll cage. Started out with the COPO Nova, because of it's flat hood and non SS grill. I removed all the badges and side marker lights, they will be replaced with The Model Car garage detail set. Also removed the vents on the front fenders. Filled in the recessed areas for the door handles and mirror, as I will pin the door in place. The body was sanded with 2000 grit paper and primed . I'll shoot a couple light coats of MCW white primer next. Just can't decided on a color. Engine pics coming next. All comments welcomed.

[Hemifever]

Removed the transmission, going with a Turbo 350 from Competition Resin. Filled the seam down center of the block with Slow Zap, also fill the area where the stock water pump would attach to the block with some pieces of styrene. Everything was sanded smooth. Drilled holes for the electric water, as it will be pinned in place. Block is primed and will be painted Tamiya semi gloss black.

[Hemifever]

Painted timing chain cover Alcad duraluminum and added bolt heads from Pro Tech, painted matt black. Made a alternator bracket, not sure I'm going to use it, not confident it will hold the alternator in place. Made another alt bracket, going with this one. Pinned the water pump in place, glued from the inside, the installed the transmission.

[bytownshaker]

I really like what you've done so far, I'll definitely be following your build.

[R. Thorne]

You’re off to a great start, Dennis.  Color is always a head scratcher.  When I did Mike McDonald’s F/SA Nova, I didn’t think I would care for his orange color, but I really liked the color afterwards.  Of course, there’s always basic black.  Here’s one on my list (big block A/S).

[bytownshaker]

17 hours ago, R. Thorne said:

You’re off to a great start, Dennis.  Color is always a head scratcher.  When I did Mike McDonald’s F/SA Nova, I didn’t think I would care for his orange color, but I really liked the color afterwards.  Of course, there’s always basic black.  Here’s one on my list (big block A/S).

Ron It's amazing how much Stock eliminator cars have evolved since I was around any of them. I always enjoy your builds.

 

[R. Thorne]

At the risk of detracting from Dennis’s very impressive build, you are quite right Edgar.  I remember that 10 inch treaded tire rule that only lasted about a year or two.  My 53 Olds running against Gary Ellard’s 53 Hudson at Sturgis, Kentucky airport.  This was a functioning airport 6 days a week, but on Sundays the Road Knights car club would bring out the hay bales and timing truck and equipment and we would have a fun day at the races.

Edited Tuesday at 10:30 PM by R. Thorne

[Hemifever]

Fireball carb is done. Added RB Motion A/N fitting, scratch built the linkage and added RB Motion nut and stud pins to the base. 

[Hemifever]

Did a little radiator work. 

[magicmustang]

My Lord, that carb is incredible!

[Brutalform]

The engine is looking killer so far. I like what you did with the timing cover. Looks real! I’ll be following along with your build. If it turns out half as nice as your other builds, it will be a show stopper for sure. 

[Hemifever]

Awesome, a rainy day here in the desert, I'll be at my bench all day. The intake has already been painted. That hump that would have held the stock coil was drilled out and fill in, and I made a bracket for the throttle cable and return spring that will go in that area. All the parts I'm using are from RM Motion expect the thin aluminum rod, from Detail Master, .010" which I'll use for the return spring. I'll post pics later today.

[Hemifever]

The RB Motion parts are for the throttle linkage. 

[Hemifever]

Today's work. 

[R. Thorne]

Man, you take good close up pictures of tiny parts.  Way beyond my smart phone capability.  Looks like you extended the water outlet snout for a scratch built hose to slip on easily?  Water pump is sweet.  My ocd commands me:  why do the rear studs on the quadrajet look like a bolt head with another bolt head on top?  Some guys probably use just a bolt instead of a stud and nut.  Great job on that tedious work.

 

Edited 10 hours ago by R. Thorne

[Brutalform]

A very good eye for details. Fantastic work.