69 Nova ID

[67z28]

What can I look for to help a friend ID his 69 Nova. It is supposedly a 396 column shift auto. It has a black interior with bench seat. The engine and trans are gone, but it does have a 12 bolt. It had power brakes, I believe they were drum but not sure. It does have all the SS emblems, which I know really doesn't mean anything. The cowl tag is off the car, but he does have it. I can get more pictures if it would help. I believe these cars are like 68 Camaro's in that if you do not have paperwork or engine\trans they can't be verified...correct?

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

You are correct in that without the original engine or paperwork it is difficult to determine what engine / options came with the car. What I can tell from the trim tag is that this car has a standard grade, black, bench seat interior (code 731), was originally Lemans Blue top & bottom (code 71 71), was scheduled to be built during the first week in July (code 07A), has interior components that are also painted black (code A), and it does not have any exterior moldings, ie; drip rail, door frame, body side or rocker (code 'blank' after the A).

Items to look for that could indicate an SS or a BB would be the unique radiator core support, fuel line, dual exhaust plate on the drivers side frame rail, engine mounts, heater box cover, if it has a power brake booster but drums on the front - look for the disc brake hose holes on the upper A arms, if it has the original hood look for the hood grille support brackets under the hood...

I'm sure others will chime in with more items to look for.

[Salvatore]

wasn't it mandatory to have power disc brakes in 1969 on an SS car? Also BB frame mounts are different to I believe? Don't have the numbers for them.

[Unreal]

And the TH400 crossmember is unique.

[WILMASBOYL78]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: [email protected]</div><div class="ubbcode-body">wasn't it mandatory to have power disc brakes in 1969 on an SS car? Also BB frame mounts are different to I believe? Don't have the numbers for them. </div></div>

Starting with the 69 models...power front disc brakes were part of the SS option. Additionally, the items Marlin listed are clues that may help as well. Short of paperwork I would look for previous owner info...that can really help tell the story. What is the rear gear info from axle tube?? this may also help with determining the performance aspects of the car...

Wilma

**I assume you guys have looked for a build sheet in the back seat??

[Schonyenko2]

Check the top left corner of the rear seat back to see if the build sheet card is there. On a 69 it should denote the engine. ie: L78 L34