71' Nova Questions (Now w/ Pics!)

[ar0ck]

Im going to look at a 1971 Nova tommorow, my parents saw it and gave me the number and want me to take a look at it tommorow. But I know jack **** about 71's or anything about possibly purchasing an older "muscle" car that may or may not have been restored.

What my parents told me was it is a LeMans Blue type color, that looks very fresh, with a fresh interior (forgot color) But can anyone names some things to look for to identify it, websites for it, or possible even common problems (i.e rust spots)

Any help would be much appreciated. I got the number kinda too late in the day to call.

[12secondv6]

Well... I had a 72 chevelle..... similar somewhat to a nova.

What is the goal with this car?

DD?
Street car?
Drag racer?

[NJSPEEDER]

nova's use pretty much teh same suspension as a 2nd gen. upper and lower control arm fronts and leaf spring rear.
on nova's of that vintage a big spot to check for rust is teh leading edge of teh rocker in the front wheel well. also check for teh typical crap collecting and createing rot on the inner lip of the rear wheel wells.
grab a hold of the leaf springs and give them a good tug. the front pockets can rot out of those cars, not teh most common thing, but if it spend time parked on dirt or grass it can become a problem. the pocket is replaceable so it isn't a really big deal, just a PITA.
also watch out for the "air shock solution". so many cars of that vintage have tired leafs in them. the most common/cheapest fix is a set of air shocks. this isn't a sign of any problem really, just be aware that it means you will be buying shocks and springs to make a proper repare.
nova's also suffer from teh typical gm problems of that era. watch for weak looking power steering lines, dead rag joint on the steering, and rotted/rusting radiator supports. also make sure you pull up the carpet and move whatever is in teh trunk to check for rot. if there is rust on teh floor it most likely means that the rear window leaks. once again not a big deal to repair, but it is a time consuming PITA.
good luck, let us know how it is.

later
tim

[skorpion317]

one of my teachers has a '70 Nova. I'll talk to him and ask him what to look for.

[ar0ck]

*IF* anything is to be in decent condition and worth what they might be asking, it would end up on a limited miles type classic car insurance (that I could afford) and that even my parents can take out on nice days and what not, just be cleaned up and nice to look at. Nothing wild.

[84HOtransam]

if it falls through let me know the asking price..i might be interested

[Ian]

and if 84HOtransam falls through, let me know

[Pampered-Z]

Also check around the rear window frame and into the truck for rust. if the truck has rust you want to check the floor boards as well.

Your going way back ito my younger days,,, but 71 was when GM killed the bigblock and started installing the emission pumps. So the SS would be a 350 motor and posi, 350 turbo or M21 trans, none SS had base 307 motor, with the 350 trans and the manual was sagnaw (<- spelling ).

Bucket seats, and console were seperate options, you could get a 4 speed bench seat car. I think there was a hatchback option as well that the rear seats folded down.

[bad64chevelle]

Yeah if the thing has a 307 the only thing it will be is a cruiser, they dont have much to them performance wise. My buddies 72 wouldnt even turn the tires over, it was a dog...the thing had a fresh rebuild too They are good lookin cars though, good luck whatever you decide.

Jon

[j0n]

blah nova = crap

[JL8Jeff]

Nova's are sweet, low dollar musclecars when properly equipped!

[12secondv6]

Why not just save the $$?

[ar0ck]

I wasnt sure if it was a real SS, but it had SS Ralley wheels, SS Hood, and a 350 badge on the side. Â*Its defenitly a 3-speed auto.
I called, but didnt get an answer but how would you go about pricing one of these? Â*Are their specific books to help, or online sources? Â*

And its a 72 BTW.

I could care less about my camaro if I can get my grubby hands on this, put it on collectors insurance, and daily drive the camaro.

[79dizZy28]

i've seen that nova parked there like everyday for the past 4 years. usually in the corner spot wehre that impalla ss is in the background. always thought it was a nice lookin car 8)

[JL8Jeff]

Looks like a pretty nice car. Best place for Nova info is

Steve's Nova Site

[skorpion317]

looks pretty clean....hope the rust underneath is just surface rust.

[CrAsH]

if i coudl afford it id buy it..

[Ian]

That car is sick. I almost bought a 70 nova. Primer black, mag wheels, 350 with TH-350. It was a sweet ride! I really should have bought it.