Thread: At Last - 1963 Nova

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Like many here, I’ve always been “…workin’ on something for someone else.” and just never seem to get to my own car. I’ve had a 1963 Nova SS for more than thirty years. Early on, I tackled all of the mechanical work – front end from Fatman Fabrication, drive train from a Z-28, new rear end and rear suspension, 11” front disc brakes, relocated battery to trunk, tons of stainless and billet, etc. Somewhere along the way, I convinced myself that I’d get around to having the body and paint done.

Time has a way of “slipping away” and the little car sat. Now and again I would get excited and work on various pieces – always kept a good battery in the car and would fire her up now and again but somehow couldn’t get a good body and paint person on my radar. I had a couple guys give me the, “…well for about $50K I can do a show quality job…” yeah right – like I have an extra $50K just hanging around.

I continued to help out some other guys – built a bunch of 350 engines and couple 383’s and a few Mopars and even a couple Ford 289 engines. I always enjoy it – more so the time with good folks and the coffee between the wrenches – and the initial spark and hearing an engine come to life anew still excites me. More than once I had a tear in my eye when working with a young man (and a couple young girls too) and saw the delight on their faces when their engine fired up and we went for a shakedown drive. All the time, in the back of my mind was the picture of the ’63 and the vision I had for it and in January of this year, I finally retired from my “day time job” and thought, “If I don’t do this now, it may not get done.”

Encouraged by my precious bride (of 47 plus years), I contacted a “friend-of-a-friend” who had run a local Ford body and Paint shop – retiring in 2016 –who painted cars for a hobby. Lonnie McCance came and looked at the little car and said, “I can make this real nice.” Understatement of the year…

He came and hauled the car to his shop (April) and the work began. Down to bare metal, replacing several bad pieces of metal, repairing an old fix (it was done with brazing rods) as well as both rocker panels and painstakingly righting the gaps. Here’s some pictures that believe me – do not do justice to the amazing journey this car is taking. Lonnie is truly a master.

The work continued into primer

Actually, a stock GM color

A few more - thanks for indulging me. I'm pretty excited to get this car on the road after a thirty year plus hiatus..

Lonnie said, "I don't do show quality..." but it sure looks like it to me - but then, I might be a little biased..

Glenn

Looks like show quality to me! You & your bride are going to enjoy that shakedown ride, and ice cream runs on Saturday night, too! Congrats!

The GOOD things are worth waiting for. Nice job

WOW!!! That looks awesome!

Crikey!
That looks bloody gorgeous!

And as for 'not doing show quality' I'd be rapt if any of my cars looked like that!

Congrats! It's very good looking car. The color suits it.

After helping so many, it's great that you finally get to have something for yourself. Enjoy it!

Couple more - getting ready to put the glass in. I nearly cried when I saw today. The '63 uses a unique trim down the middle of the door that's just not available anywhere. Lonnie is in the process of buffing the original and restoring it.

Originally Posted by rspears

Looks like show quality to me! You & your bride are going to enjoy that shakedown ride, and ice cream runs on Saturday night, too! Congrats!

We have a local show in Sherwood, Oregon every year - looking forward to going. I have no clue what class or how to enter but there seems to be no shortage of guys (and gals) who are willing to step me through the process.

Can't wait! Thanks for all the comments guys.
Glenn

Amen to that Charlie! Joanie and I have been so blessed in our lives this is like a surreal experience as it finishes. I had big dreams for the car, but this is beyond what I ever imagined.

Originally Posted by johnboy

Crikey!
That looks bloody gorgeous!

And as for 'not doing show quality' I'd be rapt if any of my cars looked like that!

YEP What he said! bloody gorgeous!

Beautiful nova, love the paint!

I wouldn't want to park too close to you at a car show, once the judges saw yours they'd be biased and I wouldn't stand a chance!

You're gonna have some fun! Enjoy!