'70 Nova SS L78 Resto Question...
 

Hey Guys,

Earlier this Summer I purchased a car I'm sure a lot of you are familiar with (has been in quite a few topics / listed for sale over the years)... Tom Wilkinson's old 1970 Reedman Nova SS L78 in largely original condition, which believe it or not made me more interested in this car. I've only done a few things since getting her... I put the original "Reedman" emblem on the rear deck, added the steel wheels and dog dish caps (love the look, especially in the black, saw this on a Dana Nova 396 gold on black steel wheels and has good contrast), added the call out letters back on the fenders, put my old USA #1 plate, and did some mechanical maintenance of course.

With that said, I'm a fan of original cars with patina like this one, but I need some feedback on whether I should LAO &quot;Leave all Original&quot;, or repair some rust spots in the fenders/corners. I should add that the Nova is now on the West Coast, always garaged and I believe the rust shouldn't get any worse, but I could be wrong. My first thought was to fix, but I was advised by someone in the classic car world, that I may hurt the value by correcting the rust, seeing that this is original paint, and in turn also hurt the history and originality factor by painting 10%-20% of her. Another paint and body guy told me to correct immediately to ensure the rust doesn't get worse and will in turn help the value. I know there is a lot of debate on this topic, to restore or leave alone, but I'm a little torn and value your guys' opinion in this matter. Thanks! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif[/img]

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...ontsidenew.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...ovabacknew.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...ovanewback.jpg

Re: '70 Nova SS L78 Resto Question...
 

The last pic you could see the rust in the quarters, but it's a sunset pic so it's a little dim. Anyway, I can shoot more pics over but that's what I have for now...
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...enewsunset.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...acksidenew.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...ovasidenew.jpg

Re: '70 Nova SS L78 Resto Question...
 

Just for what it's worth.......With the small hub caps the rims should be painted body color......IMHO I would correct the Rust issues

Ken

Re: '70 Nova SS L78 Resto Question...
 

Its your do what you like, but when its all shinny and nice most people like to rub them then drive them. Drive the car the way it is. That's what I would do. That car has a lot of stories with the patina the way it is. Correct me if I am wrong Tom Williams but those 2 dents in the drunk lid are from snowmobile skies?

Re: '70 Nova SS L78 Resto Question...
 

I would probably leave it since it obtains its original paint.

I agree with Ken.....the rims would look better the same color as the car.

I personally would have a wide/tall tire for the rear and a skinny/tall tire up front.

Either way......it's a cool car.

Kurt

Re: '70 Nova SS L78 Resto Question...
 

My idea's [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smirk.gif[/img] rust will not get any worse as long as the car is in Heaven [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/cool.gif[/img] I would leave as is if not doing a total frame off.
And paint the wheels body color and maybe add redlines.
Drive it allot. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Mike

Re: '70 Nova SS L78 Resto Question...
 

DRIVE IT!!! ... TAZ

Re: '70 Nova SS L78 Resto Question...
 

I guess I'm entitled to chime in on this [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif[/img]

First, the rust will not get any worse, don't worry about it... and since the paint is original, I would leave it alone. As for the wheels, the car came from the factory with Rallyes...the steel wheel/dog dish setup looks great on this car...and contrary to the others, I like the black wheels, but might opt for redline radials or maybe black walls. The look of this car [patina] is very evenly aged...any cosmetic work you attempt will stand out more than the rust...keep it clean, well tuned and drive it like hell.

The driveline in this car is awesome...that motor made over 430hp on the dyno...the CW tranny has the original 6 lug converter and all the hi-perf internals...I did put a new correct GM flex plate on when we put the car together. The 3.55 rear gear/posi are original...and it has the rare F41 rear sway bar. This was a highly optioned car and one of the very last L78 Novas produced [1st week of July]...

If you feel like getting a little crazy...add a set of headers, 4.10 gears, performance tune, maybe old school or 163 hi-rise and then watch out. This car, with some good tires and a few upgrades will run 12 second times all day. Just start in &quot;D&quot; and let the TH400 do all the work [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/burnout.gif[/img]

Good luck...let me know if I can help with anything.

Tom Wilkinson [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif[/img]

**and yes...those 2 dents in the deck lid are from a snowmobile that went a little too far on the trailer...great piece of trivia.

Re: '70 Nova SS L78 Resto Question...
 

Please don't do anything to it. It is honest and real. It's cooler now than it will ever be restored.

Re: '70 Nova SS L78 Resto Question...
 

I have to agree with Tom leave it be. Put some redlines on it and drive it like you stole it.

[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/3gears.gif[/img]