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Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
Bruce,
I have to explain that I bought and built this car before I found and got involved in the BEST car site on the net...The Yenko Site...So there are some things that I would do differently today. With that said, here's the story on the Gold Nova. After reading an article about the L-78 Novas in a magazine, I sorta got the itch to have or build one(Spoiled Brat Syndrome). So I started looking for a decent Big Block base car to work with on the Internet. After following a few on Ebay I decided to focus and gamble on West Coast cars only. During the Ebay Auction, this car did not meet the reserve of the seller and was a no sale. I wasn't particularly fond of the color (Gold) as I really wanted a Silver or Black car. Anyhow, I emailed the seller and asked if the car was still for sale and he said it was. After talking to him, he seemed to be honest and to have taken good care of the car and said it was rust free and never wrecked, it was an original Big Block car with a Bench Seat, Column Shift Turbo 400, Power Steering, Power Disc Brake , Rubber Floor Mat car. So I made him an offer and he accepted. The Planets must have been in Proper alignment cause everything flowed very smoothly from that point. I UPS Next Day Air'd a Cashiers Check on Wednesday, he received it at 11:00am on Thursday and the Auto Transport people picked it up at 12:30 pm. The car showed up 7 days later at Midnight and after checking the car out it seems that it was just as described from the seller, except for a CE 396-350h.p. engine and a non matching trans. The car was a totally rust free un molested survivor that spent it's entire life in the L.A. area. I'm familiar with the early Novas and Chevelle but had a lot to learn about the 70 models. After getting involved in some Nova sites and asking questions about my new car, it seems that there was some evidence of being an original 375 H.P. car, single 3/8 fuel line, Power Disc brakes, but what really got me going was the CBT rear axle assy (375 H.P. only).So I started collecting the parts to put the car back to as delivered condition.I found a dated correct block and built it with all new correct L-78 GM parts. I found a perfect set of #842 Aluminum Heads, manifold and carb. I thought it would be neat to have an L89 Engine in the car...even though GM never built this combo, as I found out later. While the car was out for paint, all the engine parts were detailed and assembled so when it came back all I had to do was put it together (5 months start to finish). I detailed the dash and interior, too. About this time as the car was just about finished, I found the Yenko Site and met the members in the Chicago area and took on a new appreciation for the Muscle Cars that are so important to the sport. To do it all over again I would not have put the Aluminum heads on the car as I now understand the Importance of correct cars. But, we all live and learn! There's nothing like starting that puppy up, hearing the solid lifters, clicking it into gear, and feeling pure American Muscle...I am living my Dream!! Ken (Kwhizz) https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/flag.gif http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSC00955.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSC00960.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSC00961.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSC00959.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSC00867.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSC00871.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSC00866.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSC00956.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSC00957.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSC00870.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSC00958.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSC00954.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_DSC00979.jpg |
Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
VERY NICE! I don't think it looks bad at all in that color.
Lon OO====OO |
Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
Ken, nice job on the Nova!! Don't get too upset about the originality thing..you have a unique car that makes you happy. That's what counts the most!! Seeing those photos makes me want to get my 70 gold car done(L78 th400, bench seat). Enjoy your Nova and thanks for sharing it with us. Good Luck.
wilma https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif |
Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
I could stare at those engine shots all day long. Leave the alloy heads on there, they look COOL.
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Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
This car looks even better in person.
Not bad for a guy over 50. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif |
Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
I totally love this car! My first car was a Nova...so I immediately fell in love with Ken's Nova. I agree with 427TJ...leave it the way it is. Just because Chevrolet never made an L89 Nova, doesn't mean that you can't have one. You just did what Chevrolet didn't dare to do!
By the way...I already asked if I could have it. Seems that Charley beat me to the punch. So...can I have the other Nova that's in the garage? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif |
Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
What shade of gold is that? Autumn Gold?
I totally dig the overspray on the bottom of the heads... Ken, that is one super Nova! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif |
Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
That color and redlines ------------ https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif
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Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
Beautiful car! Love the bench seat and column shifted Turbo 400.
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Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
Very beautiful car and an excellent restoration Ken. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif
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Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
very nice.!!
ALbert |
Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
That is a nasty looking ride. Well done Ken... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif
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Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
Great car, and a excellent job on the resto! A friend of mine has a Fathom Green 70-L78,T400,12-bolt w/4.10, and that car is super quick. Very nice car! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif
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Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
I have been lucky enough to see this car in person. It (like the owner) is very cool!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif
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Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
I to have seen this car in person. Unbelievable!! Who would have thought you could find such a nice car in Kenosha. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif
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Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
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Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
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Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
President's Pick for best of show at the Cedar Rapids Nova Nationals 2005 https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif
Well done! |
Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
Seen it in person and it is fantastic! Question; how many miles is it from Kenosha to Lombard?
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Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
[ QUOTE ]
President's Pick for best of show at the Cedar Rapids Nova Nationals 2005 https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif Well done! [/ QUOTE ] That was probably a tough choice, based on the pictures I saw from the Nova Nationals. I love everything about this car. Obscure color combo, bench seat, interior color, .............. Exactly what I like; the ultimate sleeper. Great job on a Great car! |
Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
That thing sets PERFECT...the whole thing does it for me...gold guts, auto on the column, AND a bench seat?! Perfect...the L78/89 is just gravy! Two thumbs up...and I'd give it three if I had 'em! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif
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Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
Those Novas have got it going on! Very nice ride. Your resto is terrific. Thanks for the pix and story. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif
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Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
[ QUOTE ]
What shade of gold is that? Autumn Gold? I totally dig the overspray on the bottom of the heads... Ken, that is one super Nova! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif [/ QUOTE ] Yes.......Autumn Gold......Code 55 Ken https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/flag.gif |
Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
http://www.acez.com/screen_savers/autumn.gif Autumn Gold is Code 58
http://www.vintages.com/media_common/drinkhold.gif Champagne Gold is Code 55 Both outstanding colors. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif |
Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
[ QUOTE ]
http://www.acez.com/screen_savers/autumn.gif Autumn Gold is Code 58 http://www.vintages.com/media_common/drinkhold.gif Champagne Gold is Code 55 Both outstanding colors. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif [/ QUOTE ] You are right.....code #58.....Rick you know more about my car than me..........LOL Ken |
Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
I saw this car in person at Nova Nats. and was extremely impressed with not only the car but also Ken's generous display of knowledge of all types of systems and components on everybody elses cars.
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Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
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Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
I cannot believe my eyes looking at this car and especially the engine compartment. It is immaculate. I sold him the 842 heads and am glad they went to such great use. It is truly a work of art
Mike |
Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
What coating did you use on the exhaust manifold?
They look great! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif |
Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
I glass beaded them and coated them with Calyx.....it's like a graphite paste that you rub on heavy and then wipe off with a rag......to touch them up just smear on some more and wipe it off and they look like new.....other than that I would use the Jet-Hot cast iron colored coating like MR 70 has on his car, there seems to be a little less maintainance that way..........we learn every day......Except for my wife cause she knows everything
Ken |
Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
[ QUOTE ]
I glass beaded them and coated them with Calyx....... [/ QUOTE ] https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif Good stuff. [ QUOTE ] ........we learn every day......Except for my wife cause she knows everything. [/ QUOTE ] OOOOOOH, dangerous territory there Ken. Cut her some slack; she picked a GOOD MAN, didn't she? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/hmmm.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/wink.gif |
Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ] I glass beaded them and coated them with Calyx....... [/ QUOTE ] https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif Good stuff. [ QUOTE ] ........we learn every day......Except for my wife cause she knows everything. [/ QUOTE ] OOOOOOH, dangerous territory there Ken. Cut her some slack; she picked a GOOD MAN, didn't she? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/hmmm.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/wink.gif [/ QUOTE ] Yeah .....I guess your right......she tells me everyday how "Lucky" I am to have her around...LOL Ken https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/flag.gif |
Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
I agree with 427TJ...I could stare at your engine compartment for hours...it's just awesome... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif
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Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
Thanks guy's.........The fun is in the assembly and detailing......once its done, the fun is in cleaning the Rubber off the quarters..........
Ken https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif |
Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] I glass beaded them and coated them with Calyx....... [/ QUOTE ] https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif Good stuff. [ QUOTE ] ........we learn every day......Except for my wife cause she knows everything. [/ QUOTE ] OOOOOOH, dangerous territory there Ken. Cut her some slack; she picked a GOOD MAN, didn't she? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/hmmm.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/wink.gif [/ QUOTE ] Yeah .....I guess your right......she tells me everyday how "Lucky" I am to have her around...LOL Ken https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/flag.gif [/ QUOTE ] And I bet you're told thats how you feel... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif Thanks for the note on the manifolds! |
Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
I spent quite a bit of time checking out Ken's car at the Nova Nats. One cool ride... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif
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Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
Love the car. That engine compartment has to be one of the nicest I've ever seen. I dare to say breathtaking. If the rest of the car is as detailed as that, then all I can say is WOW! You know what you are doing and you do it very well.
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Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
Very nice car..Love the heads...BKH https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif
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Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
I too have seen this car and it looks as good in real life as the pics! Neat sleeper combo! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif
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Re: Kwhizz (Ken's) So Cool L89 Nova!
I got to park behind Helen and Nancy at VetteFest and got a "Thumbs up" from them as I pulled in..........How Cool is that.........Helen is one of those "Must Meet" people...........Wonderful person..........
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...z/DSC01891.jpg http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...z/DSC01896.jpg Ken https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ouguysrock.gif |
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