66 Nova Custom

[Modlbldr]

Tonight I gave a go to the start of an air bag system for my long put off 66 Nova. I started this project (Like most of them) quite a while ago. I haven't done anything on it for over a year. I'll give you some details about the build in a minute. But first, the start of the air bag.

I bought a couple packs of ten #60 O-rings from Home Depot the other day for $2.27 a pack.

I cut a short length of 3/32 aluminum tubing and glued a short piece of styrene into each end. Then I cut a couple of circles from styrene sheet and drilled a 3/32 hole in them. I slid one circle on, then the O-rings and then the other circle on. Quite simple. Mine will still come apart right now for future painting (this was all just a test).

Now for the photos of the stalled Nova.

My idea was for it to be a VERY subtle custom. The 66 has always been very square and boxy to me, although still a beautiful design. My idea was to pie cut the front and rear fenders slightly along with a minor chop to the front of the top creating a gradual slope in the body from front to rear. I didn't want it to be seen unless it was next to a stock body or you knew what you were looking at.

More to come.

Later-

[Modlbldr]

The pie section was pretty simple to do. I cut above the trim line back along the front and rear fenders about an inch and a half taking more out of the leading edge and pushing it and gluing it back together. These photos show a little of what I mean.

Then i realized that I would also have to lower the trunk to keep it below the rear fender peaks. So, I scribed out the side trunk lines from the back to just in front of the trunk line parallel to the rear window. I also scribed out the rear trunk line which opened the trunk up on all sides but the back. This way it was still attatched but free to press down below the fenders.

The interior is all custom with a scratch made center console with cup holders front and rear. The seats are from a die-cast Ford Explorer (the rears have had the backs modified to recline more. The speakers are also from the Explorer and the door panels are made from styrene sheet and half round. I'm not sure that I like the door panels and I may redo them.

Plans are for a two tone paint scheme. Either red/black with silver pin stripe divider or red/silver with black divider.

I've gotten some chassis work done so far but the suspension in the rear may change.

My hope is to get this one finished by the middle of this year---after I finish the JWAC Beetle. Remember-I'm a slow mover. But, I do have dreams!!!

Later-

[ewaskew]

Its looking good.

Can't beat those o-ring air bags.

This was my first time using them on a 69 Chevelle

There not perfect but the worked for me.

Earl

[crazyjim]

Another interesting build, Tom. I like what you did to the door panels and the console.

[walt francis]

Really interested in watching this come together.

[Smart-Resins]

Looking real nice so far! Nice subtle changes on the body and looks good!

[Space Cowboy]

Tom you have done some beautiful work so far..Great job on the bags and interior..Keep us posted my friend....