John always wanted a ’66 or ’67 Nova project but they were too expensive in just about any condition, so when he ran across this 1977 Nova rusting away, he couldn’t pass it up.
Being that this is a 1977 Nova model, the restoration process was much more difficult than some of the more popular years. He had to make the sheet metal for all of the repairs with the exception of the 1974 full floor pan. Even the parts that he could buy for earlier years needed to be modified in one way or another in order to work with this late model, aside from the wheels and tires of course.
Thankfully, the driveline isn’t subject to the same restrictions. John sourced a GM crate ZZ6 EFI engine currently making 420 hp, which he chose to pair to an HD350 3 speed automatic transmission.
“if you want to build a car you better have experience in all crafts (mechanical, metal fabrication /welding and forming metal, electrical, body work, painting, upholstery), and most of all you need to be physically fit to crawl, stoop, bend, roll, and be in cramped positions for long periods of time. It was all worth the hard work and the many new curse words that went with it. Look at the pictures that tell the story.”
John H
John and his son would work every weekend for 2 years and 3 months to literally build this 1977 Nova from the ground up. It was a labor of love for both of them, and their work paid off.
While out driving around they often receive thumbs up from passing motorists and even find notes on the windshield asking if the 1977 Nova is for sale when they make a pitstop.
