Jump to 2:50 if you're not interested in the backstory and just want to see everything that's wrong with this 1977 Chevy Nova! Let me know, would you junk it?
show people how much you make selling the parts , that would be a good lesson , you need to find another car to work on that is more desirable and interesting , your Camero is a good example and keeps us interested in the build
It may be a good short-hop 'beater'.The subframes will tell the story.If you get somebody to follow you when you drive this Nova down the road,I almost guarantee you that he will say it's tracking sideways.I had a '77 with a 6 cylinder.It never left me stranded,but the interior was toast,and burned toast at that.After every rain the inside would smell like cat pee.It had the 'sideways Nova' thing going on with it.If it runs halfway decent,just give it some Bondo and a Rustoleum paint job and pawn it off to the next guy when you get tired of it.
Sad to see you made a bad investment. I think these cars are ugly and uninteresting for most of the cars enthusiasts. Thanks for the video. I’m curious to see the next two.
At 1200 bucks and what's needed with restoring the car, ion understand what the issue is with what u paid for it. Like what do you think you'd gt for 1200 considering the year of vehicle? I think it was a good buy. Hell, ill give u 1200 for it QUICKLY!
I own a 77 nova and it has never disappointed me. I get a lot of people wanting to buy mine and I love the compliments. Keep in mind also it's an affordable nova.
I had a 76 Chevy nova that I bought off my friend for $300 and I will tell you right now, that was the absolute best $300 I ever spent in my entire life. I have owned many cars over the years and my 76 nova was my #1 favorite car I’ve ever owned
Yeah, had a '75 Nova back in the late 80s I bought for 800 bucks, it has a warmed over 355, th350 with a shift kit and 3.55 gears and that was a really fun car to drive. Those are so light, pretty easy to get a good weight to HP ratio with them. That car ran high 12s that I could daily drive no problem. Would love to have another one.😎👍
I bought a 77 nova 4 door just over 3 years ago. Running and driving for $1200. Its has been my project and on and off daily driver throughout that time. Its a great car. Challenging and frustrating at times but the memories made and effort put in to fix it is well worth it
I’m super stoked for this build, I’m restoring my 78 and it’s challenging but worth it to me being my first car. Looking forward to see what you do with it.
@@davestewart2067 been looking for rust free doors for awhile, replaced pretty much everything else. I’ve looked on SNS and everything I find in doors is as bad as what I already have.
I think $1200 was a really good price. Im not sure what area your from but for being over 40 years old that car is in much better shape than some I've seen up here in the northeast.
Great points Dan! I never liked those cars back in the day, but I will say when I see one today especially on the road, I appreciate them, maybe just because it's a Nova. I was always a fan of the 68-72, but as I have gotten older, I like the 73-74 just as much.
I think that a lot of the suspension part for 2nd Gen Camaros work on the 4th Gen Nova too. I also think the 73-74s as you say are actually pretty good looking cars especially considering that era in general
The ‘75 nova was “restyled” to make use of the camaro parts bin. The subframe changed to front steer. Integral spindles, and “corporate” front suspension parts were used.
In my opinion, it's not too bad, and it's worth putting money into, you can still get slot of repro body panels, sub frame components,etc dirt cheap, most interior trim, carpet, head liners, dash pads, you get the hint
Love 3rd gen Camaro's. Looked for two years, and probably 25 cars. Need a screwdriver and a piece of plastic to lay on. Jab the screwdriver into the floors all around and you will figure it out in minutes. Finally found a rust free car from Florida, UN-molested, original and had been taken care of the first 30+ years of its life. Pull the T tops and blast down a sunny road, gotta love it. And even more when the LS slides in some day. smile :) Great vids, Thanks.
Had a friend of mine with a 77 Nova Coupe started it in he wanted me to get it running right they couldn't figure it out after going behind the others and correcting everything they done incorrectly and finding the original problem with the engine not running properly replaced intake gaskets and repairing bad wiring door hinge pins wiper motor and electric radiator fans he was going to get it painted at economy auto body I have seen the work they do just paint it like you brought it to them . I told him I can do a better paint job than they can and I have never painted a car I have done body work and had friends that painted cars and I have been called anal old man So now I volunteered myself to do the paint and bodywork I didn't realize that parts were hard to find and overpriced. But I like working on cars I think 4th generation Nova's was built with body problems but I had fun named the car Novacaine because it was a pain enjoy your videos
This video is very helpful. Glad you showed the reality of what the purchase is really about once you take it home, for some of us that might be dreaming too much and forgot we have a wife to answer to every weekend. (lol)
That right there is what will make this car that much harder to repair. It's likely that nothing is in its original location. After this video, I found a receipt that one of the rocker panels were replaced, most likely the passenger side because it was in better condition, but again, I have the same concern that it's not going to line up well with the door, etc. Great tips! Thanks for sharing.
My 21 year old son lucked out big time last year, even though I thought he did the wrong thing. So, he gets his tax return and went to look for a 4-wheel drive truck with those 33" tires. Well, he found a 1994 Chevrolet 4x4 and the guy sold it to him for $2000.00, He drove it 3 miles home and parked the truck in the garage. His intent was to drive it only during the winter as it snows quite a bit here in Ohio.. Well, when he got home I saw noting but a big rust bucket. It was rusted so bad that even all of the seat's frame were rusted as well as the floorboard. I was like OH NO! Well, he said it was for winter use and wasnt worried about it. So the truck was driven 3 miles and parked in the garage for 7 months. Finally winter was approaching and he goes to pull the truck out and the first thing that happened when he was starting the truck up he stepped on the brakes and all the brake fluid came out..... due to rusted lines. So I talked to a mechanic friend of mine to make arrangements to tow the truck to his shop. I then went to the guy who sold the truck and told him I like for him to bring his trailer and take the truck to the shop........... As luck would have it and even I can not believe to this day, the guy said he would not bring a trailer but wanted to buy the truck back and gave my son$2500.00 for it. I told my son that he only drove it 3 miles and stored it for 7 months and he made $500 profit and did not even have to fix the brakes on top of that. I told my son that he would have made $500 in interest at the bank in 7 months!
Have a 75 Nova that I use as a daily in the summer. I really like these cars, theyre much better looking than the second gen which I feel is just a bulkier and smaller Chevelle. This is more elegant even thou it isnt as desirable.
Man these comments are ruthless... lol Here is my 2 cents. You've been wanting a old car to drive, this is it! Get this car running and just goDRIVEit. Ratty old cars are super popular now thanks to Roadkill. Junkyard LS with a turbo sticking out of the hood will get views no matter what year Nova it is. And then I get to the frame rail part...... oh boy!
Got my 78 Rally in really good running shape. Paint is nice, has a305 but its a crate 4 bolt main 305. Very minimal rust. Just gotta clean it up a little bit. Only cost me $4,200 here in north east Pa. Like you said though, best off seeing the car first. I was luckily able to check it out and have it run for a bit.
When I saw the thumbnail, I thought that was my first car. Mine was a '77, black, red pin stripes, but it had red interior. Paid $800 for it back in '98. I kick myself in the ass for getting rid of it.
My first car was a 77 nova. I paid $200 for it with a half tank of gas. I probably over paid LOL! I loved that car. It was a 7 cylinder V8 one door. It was as bad as this minus mine had original quarters.
My first car was a 1976 Olds omega. Pretty much the same body along with the Buick skylark, Pontiac ventura/phoenix. A common issue with those cars is they would rot out around the shock bearing. What happened to my omega
Dont know if you have looked but the factory build sheet for this car is in between the fuel tank and the body. This car may have been a Rally Nova? If you part it out id be interested in the tail lights..
Hey man! Cool video! QQ- would you recommend a ‘78 Nova to be a daily car? Not gonna drive it anyways, but 3 times a week of so, none of this Sunday cruiser none sense,LOL! Are the reliable? My budget is not great, and don’t want to drop a wad on car that’s just okay if you catch my drift. Granted, can’t expect with my budget 😂 Thank you!
Junk it if they care about sentimental, rip the trim tag off and slap it on a different nova the amount it would cost just to fix the metal will be more than what the car is worth
Love that and I'm going to use that line in the future. I get the sentimental thing, but by the time people are done restoring these that's exactly what they have... their trim/vin tag on all new sheet metal. It's not the same car at that point.
You all must not be on any Nova FB pages? Who wants this body style? Many do!! These have creeped up right at good prices since ppl inflated the market. I already sold a 75 for 7000 and I currently have a 79. Y’all are living under a rock and 20 years back if you think these cars ain’t desirable right now.
I know you asked for 1 tip, but ai have 2. First, make important criteria in your price range for yourself and stick to your guns. I made a list of 10 things and told myself if a car scored 8 out of 10 or better it was a must buy. 7 out of 10 something you have to seriously consider. 6 out of 10 probably shouldn't buy. My Fairmont scored a 9. Second piece of advice - bring a floor jack and jack the car up to examine the floor boards.
These Nova's were known for rusting issues but there's a catalog covering these years. I did own a '73 Nova Custom cpe I bought used in 1978 only 5 years old at the time with a little over 71 thousand miles on the clock. Just like this model year Chevy rear quarters panels rust was considered normal back then.
If it makes you feel any better... It looks like it's in way better shape than my (also not desirable and hard to find reproduction parts) 1975 Pontiac LeMans.
shit, if someone had a chevy nova in that shape for sale here in oklahoma i got 3 grand id give for it right now. i cant find any novas here and i have wanted one forever.
how about this deal i got a 73 ss nova with gauges on the floor . factory paint inkee wheel with new gt qualifier tires with a extra set of them 396 bb with tunnel ram pro built 400 turbo no rust in the car cost me 1000 bucks one week latter i got a black with white stripes 73 ss gauges on the floor no engine in it for 50 bucks both cars have a very good bodies . but i get rigs cheap all the time
Classic Industries, Goodmark or Good Guys for new ones, these cars are everywhere so your local junk yard should either have one or can get another one if they are a part of the nation wide parts system.
I was around $800. I think there are enough parts there to make that back if I did part it out. I wouldn't have bought this car if I didn't have this RUclips channel.
My 73 nova u picked up for $1200 looks worst then this. I was just starving for a 2 door. I have a 74 4 dr with a 454/400 . Moving everything over slowly
I love watching these videos of southern people saying cars with surface rust are "unrestorable" come up to the midwest and have a look around at some people's project cars. lol Most of them are rotted straight through underneath and on the fenders. lol
Cars much cleaner than this one were dumped at the pick a parts of El Paso and Albuquerque. No desirability for this body style. Bought a good amount of their sheetmetal panels. Fenders, inner skirts, radiator supports, a door, etc. Near unsellable.
It's over 40 years old and $1200.. its going to have some rust and dirt. Looks like a $1200 car. Also these didn't come with a 327 so someone swapped it in
it either came with a 305 or a 350, that was the only 2 they put in the 2 door model. I would say it PROBALLY came with a 305 because that was the most common engine
never buy a car without looking at it first. Just because the pictures look good and the guy say's it's great never buy a car without getting a good eye on it and if you can find out the bad spots on the type of car before you buy it every car has their bad spots
Yes if you go to look to buy a car you shouldn't really buy sight unseen even if there's a photograph of something like a new guitar or a suit or a car new or used even if it's new and even if it's used just a photo can be deceptive if you have a photo of a new or used guitar it might not it's easily deceivable if you have a photograph of a tailored suit and they don't know the dimensions of the person they're tailing the suit for that's pretty obvious I understand that although this was a video of 2 years ago and any type of used car that is in a complete state for about $1,000 or $500 if you don't want to use it as a project car you can have it smashed flat and for scrap you can get $500 for scrap as a big chunk of steel in a smash flat yard of CNC metals in a metropolitan area known as Sacramento so if you pay something in today's 19 or 2022 pay $1,000 for four tires a straight body with a complete engine and transmission that's a lot cheaper than paying $47,000 or $17,000 for a economy car that you can't actually have a project with because under loan conditions you're not supposed to take anything apart the automotive dealership is so I know this is a older vehicle but what type of car can you ever get that is not scrap or junk on the title or non-op status anyway things regarding automobiles none of them are technically worth anything it doesn't matter if it's a Porsche or a Corvette sometimes it's only the name on the actual title if it's a celebrity or a sports athlete or some famous general or politician on the original title it has more of a historical value disregard name brands like Porsche Corvette Lamborghini they're all worthless what is really important is probably the historical significance of something because remember when they're smash flat into a cube they are worth $500 in scrap and anything that's new that they want to sell you for $47 to $100,000 that basically is just a new car that is only worth $500 in scrap is not really worth your time and is not a project car so get a little bit of a reality check on that one not to be critical of you but to be critical on anybody that thinks that you can just buy something with a name and on a photograph and that it's worth something most everything is worthless to a certain point of view.
All 7879 and 80 cars are simply not as lucrative there are some 77 76 and 75 models that are Camaros that are out of state that are actually worth quite a bit of money that are from either Canada with a factory 4-speed manual transmission that are worth quite a bit actually because the smog regulations are much different although the rust that you would receive if the car was actually from Canada would be quite a bit worse. The reason why something like a 77 78 79 or Nova or concourse might be more desirable is because of the immense amount of leg room and the back seat front seat the trunk area along with you can open up the hood and easily work on the area if you need to change spark plugs it's not as awful as a 1980 to 1978 Camaro if you've ever worked on them you know you have to take off sometimes wheel assembly just to change spark plugs the reason why novas and our concourses are sometimes more desirable is simply if you're a very heavy or very tall person and you want to sit in the backseat have you ever sat in the back seat of a Camaro for a 400 mi trip in very hot conditions and have the air conditioner go out your cramped up and if you're a 6 ft five person you can't even sit in the backseat of a Camaro that's the only reason why something like a concourse or Nova might be slightly practical and more desirable than something like a Camaro or Corvette or something like a Pontiac trans am or a mustang you can actually get four very large size adults into a Nova or concourse the same thing with a Thunderbird many people that are full size can sit in a Thunderbird that's what was once good about the Nova concourse and or Thunderbird they were roomy cars yet they weren't like a giant oversized Cadillac that weighs like three tons which is a little bit ridiculous you might as well buy a limousine for crepes sake but anova Thunderbird or concourse are practical they're affordable and your typical car today in 2022 will cost you $20,000 anyway if even if you want to buy an economy car which doesn't sound very economical if you only have to pay $5,000 to get out of a car payment and you know $5,000 compared to $20,000 is a lot different and I simply feel that things like 71 Camaros unless they're something special like a limited edition split bumper RSS Camaro with a big block in it like a 427 and a manual transmission might be worth some sort of money but most of the Camaros that are z28s that are 71's are not actually worth very much I know if many people that have bought Z28 or just Camaros that are 70s or 71 for only $500 and they ran and drove around fine and they had four tires transmissions and good brakes and lights and you can find them in the Sacramento area for $500 to $1,000 a piece some of them are only SS's though don't be too sure that a 70 or 71 Z28 or Camaro is actually worth a lot of money and that goes for mustangs too you can find many of them for $1,500 to $500 and the reason is is they're not actually worth always that much money it's only something like a 427 manual transmission special edition SSRS 70 Camaro or 71 special edition or Eddie Bauer designer car that might be worth something or something attached to a celebrity politician or a sports enthusiast that was a famous character
I'm looking at a '77 Skylark with the same body as the Nova that is in showroom all original condition. It has 28,000 miles and the seller is asking $8,000. Any thoughts?
@@rjmzz430 I should add that I live in Canada, and these things just aren't seen anymore. I'd be willing to bet that I haven't seen one in 25 years in either the Buick, Chevrolet, and Oldsmobile offerings. People bought them, drove them, and the harsh winters and salt killed them. Like I said it is absolute showroom condition. I don't know what a car like this is worth in the USA in this condition, but I suppose they would be much less expensive given their availability. Like I said, though, you just don't see them here anymore. lol Thanks for the reply.
@@jimdent351 hey Jim,Canada yes that is a whole different story. That changes things for sure.If it's what your looking for and you like it you can always negotiate a better price. 8000 is a lot of money for the vehicle. Few things to consider is it a V8 car? Check the undercarriage thoroughly for rust.How does it run and drive? Does it track straight? Check and inspect brake and fuel lines?all this are costly repairs if needed for vehicle safety. It's what I mean by the years stuff just wears out. Because it looks showroom doesn't necessarily mean it is. Ha we have a saying in the U.S. if you put lipstick on a pig...well it's still a pig. In mint condition it the States this car is worth 5 grand tops. Good luck caveat emptor!
Hey Jim, I’ve been watching the 4th gen Novas since I bought this one and the ones in excellent condition seem to be going for 5k to 6k as Ronnie mentioned. I’ve seen them listed for 8k but they didn’t sell. I can’t speak much to the Skylarks because I haven’t been watching them. 8k isn’t for off though. If it’s something you have wanted for a long time and it is mint it might be worth it for you, even more so being that you haven’t seen many in Canada. I’d get it up on a lift to check the underside if possible.
@@RestoCar Thanks for the reply. I haven't seen the car in person yet as it is about a 5 hour drive and I'm having trouble finding the time. I would definitely be looking at the undercarriage, and hopefully on a hoist. If not that then definitely on ramps. I don't think there will be too much wrong on the underside because the picture of the trunk floor looks mint. Thanks for the reply. Here's a link to to Auto Trader Ad. www.autotrader.ca/a/buick/skylark/espanola/ontario/19_11586177_?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&orup=2_2_2&sprx=500&modalXS=1
Hey, what happened to your channel, did you give up on it and this car? I hope you're ok, still breathing? If you're going to make more content I'll subscribe, let me know.😎👍
Just one more reason women are told to bring a man with them when looking for cars. A "friend" paid 100.00 for a 1957 Chevy in great OUTSIDE condition, only to learn soon after about the sawdust in the differential truck. That can happen to anyone, but.........
Your not buying a nice project for what you paid for that Nova. You should have expected a disaster and it needing everything especially since its been in a drafty barn for over 30 years.
Jump to 2:50 if you're not interested in the backstory and just want to see everything that's wrong with this 1977 Chevy Nova! Let me know, would you junk it?
show people how much you make selling the parts , that would be a good lesson , you need to find another car to work on that is more desirable and interesting , your Camero is a good example and keeps us interested in the build
It may be a good short-hop 'beater'.The subframes will tell the story.If you get somebody to follow you when you drive this Nova down the road,I almost guarantee you that he will say it's tracking sideways.I had a '77 with a 6 cylinder.It never left me stranded,but the interior was toast,and burned toast at that.After every rain the inside would smell like cat pee.It had the 'sideways Nova' thing going on with it.If it runs halfway decent,just give it some Bondo and a Rustoleum paint job and pawn it off to the next guy when you get tired of it.
Do you want to sell the center console
Sad to see you made a bad investment. I think these cars are ugly and uninteresting for most of the cars enthusiasts. Thanks for the video. I’m curious to see the next two.
If you wanna sell the whole car or even parts id like to get intouch i own a 75 nova thats complete like to add another
This looks like a real solid car for restoration. Not my favorite body style but I don’t see why someone wouldn’t bring this home for $1200.
At 1200 bucks and what's needed with restoring the car, ion understand what the issue is with what u paid for it. Like what do you think you'd gt for 1200 considering the year of vehicle? I think it was a good buy. Hell, ill give u 1200 for it QUICKLY!
My first car was a 77 as well good shape, still have it bought it for 2,800$ with a souped up 350 crate motor in it 👌🏾 steal for me.
I got a 78 nova for 3 grand and had a brand new 350 crate motor
I own a 77 nova and it has never disappointed me. I get a lot of people wanting to buy mine and I love the compliments. Keep in mind also it's an affordable nova.
I had a 76 Chevy nova that I bought off my friend for $300 and I will tell you right now, that was the absolute best $300 I ever spent in my entire life. I have owned many cars over the years and my 76 nova was my #1 favorite car I’ve ever owned
Yeah, had a '75 Nova back in the late 80s I bought for 800 bucks, it has a warmed over 355, th350 with a shift kit and 3.55 gears and that was a really fun car to drive. Those are so light, pretty easy to get a good weight to HP ratio with them. That car ran high 12s that I could daily drive no problem. Would love to have another one.😎👍
@@itseithergonnaworkoritaint7852 oh absolutely!!!!
I bought a 77 nova 4 door just over 3 years ago. Running and driving for $1200. Its has been my project and on and off daily driver throughout that time. Its a great car. Challenging and frustrating at times but the memories made and effort put in to fix it is well worth it
Tip #1: when you buy a $1200 car, don't expect a $12,000 car.
I’m super stoked for this build, I’m restoring my 78 and it’s challenging but worth it to me being my first car. Looking forward to see what you do with it.
Cool, I've been putting a lot of thought into this car being that it's in such poor condition and parts are hard to find. I have some ideas.
I’ve got a huge pile of desert metal that is unsellable. Sitting for years on Steve’s nova site. No market
@@davestewart2067 been looking for rust free doors for awhile, replaced pretty much everything else. I’ve looked on SNS and everything I find in doors is as bad as what I already have.
My first car was a 1978, bought new. Kept it until 1998 when my wife pressured me to get rid of it rather than fix it up. Still regretting that...
Do you still have her
I think $1200 was a really good price. Im not sure what area your from but for being over 40 years old that car is in much better shape than some I've seen up here in the northeast.
Great points Dan! I never liked those cars back in the day, but I will say when I see one today especially on the road, I appreciate them, maybe just because it's a Nova. I was always a fan of the 68-72, but as I have gotten older, I like the 73-74 just as much.
I think that a lot of the suspension part for 2nd Gen Camaros work on the 4th Gen Nova too. I also think the 73-74s as you say are actually pretty good looking cars especially considering that era in general
I'm in the same boat as you. Admittedly though, the more I look at this rust bucket the more it's growing on me.
I was wondering about the suspension parts. I came across products like leaf springs, etc that seemed to be the same part numbers for both cars.
The ‘75 nova was “restyled” to make use of the camaro parts bin. The subframe changed to front steer. Integral spindles, and “corporate” front suspension parts were used.
In my opinion, it's not too bad, and it's worth putting money into, you can still get slot of repro body panels, sub frame components,etc dirt cheap, most interior trim, carpet, head liners, dash pads, you get the hint
"we're done lookin in there, we found enough bad stuff..."
maan had me laughing!
I’m about to buy a 1976 nova from my great uncle. Thanks for the video and the new knowledge
I bought a 76 two door blue from my uncle 🤣🤣🤣 kinda alike
Would love to see this car fixed up! I own a 77’ concours nova myself, not many older model nova’s getting restored.
Love 3rd gen Camaro's. Looked for two years, and probably 25 cars. Need a screwdriver and a piece of plastic to lay on. Jab the screwdriver into the floors all around and you will figure it out in minutes. Finally found a rust free car from Florida, UN-molested, original and had been taken care of the first 30+ years of its life. Pull the T tops and blast down a sunny road, gotta love it. And even more when the LS slides in some day. smile :) Great vids, Thanks.
bs its called restoration buddy
Had a friend of mine with a 77 Nova Coupe started it in he wanted me to get it running right they couldn't figure it out after going behind the others and correcting everything they done incorrectly and finding the original problem with the engine not running properly replaced intake gaskets and repairing bad wiring door hinge pins wiper motor and electric radiator fans he was going to get it painted at economy auto body I have seen the work they do just paint it like you brought it to them . I told him I can do a better paint job than they can and I have never painted a car I have done body work and had friends that painted cars and I have been called anal old man
So now I volunteered myself to do the paint and bodywork
I didn't realize that parts were hard to find and overpriced. But I like working on cars I think 4th generation Nova's was built with body problems but I had fun named the car Novacaine because it was a pain enjoy your videos
This video is very helpful. Glad you showed the reality of what the purchase is really about once you take it home, for some of us that might be dreaming too much and forgot we have a wife to answer to every weekend. (lol)
Looking at a car in broad daylight is my first rule... looking underneath it is my second.
After watching, the problems out back would be a daunting task to try and repair, let alone to have to repair somebody's less than excellent repair.
That right there is what will make this car that much harder to repair. It's likely that nothing is in its original location. After this video, I found a receipt that one of the rocker panels were replaced, most likely the passenger side because it was in better condition, but again, I have the same concern that it's not going to line up well with the door, etc. Great tips! Thanks for sharing.
Then again..Look up under the dash. If the wiring and electronics looks like a crows nest, who knows what else might be hiding underneath the skin
My 21 year old son lucked out big time last year, even though I thought he did the wrong thing.
So, he gets his tax return and went to look for a 4-wheel drive truck with those 33" tires. Well, he found a 1994 Chevrolet 4x4 and the guy sold it to him for $2000.00, He drove it 3 miles home and parked the truck in the garage. His intent was to drive it only during the winter as it snows quite a bit here in Ohio..
Well, when he got home I saw noting but a big rust bucket. It was rusted so bad that even all of the seat's frame were rusted as well as the floorboard. I was like OH NO! Well, he said it was for winter use and wasnt worried about it. So the truck was driven 3 miles and parked in the garage for 7 months. Finally winter was approaching and he goes to pull the truck out and the first thing that happened when he was starting the truck up he stepped on the brakes and all the brake fluid came out..... due to rusted lines.
So I talked to a mechanic friend of mine to make arrangements to tow the truck to his shop.
I then went to the guy who sold the truck and told him I like for him to bring his trailer and take the truck to the shop........... As luck would have it and even I can not believe to this day, the guy said he would not bring a trailer but wanted to buy the truck back and gave my son$2500.00 for it. I told my son that he only drove it 3 miles and stored it for 7 months and he made $500 profit and did not even have to fix the brakes on top of that. I told my son that he would have made $500 in interest at the bank in 7 months!
Have a 75 Nova that I use as a daily in the summer. I really like these cars, theyre much better looking than the second gen which I feel is just a bulkier and smaller Chevelle. This is more elegant even thou it isnt as desirable.
Great video for the guys and gals wanting to pick up a project car
honestly thats a nice clean car. If wanna see rough come on up to New England!!
Wow. Great vid. Certainly a huge undertaking, take it slow and chug along. What a hobby!
This guy is correct I own the Buick version and the metal back then rusts like crazy. KEEP YOUR X BODY DRY
Man these comments are ruthless... lol Here is my 2 cents. You've been wanting a old car to drive, this is it! Get this car running and just goDRIVEit. Ratty old cars are super popular now thanks to Roadkill. Junkyard LS with a turbo sticking out of the hood will get views no matter what year Nova it is. And then I get to the frame rail part...... oh boy!
Lol yeah definitely no in-between with most of the comments! Love the idea Bart. I have an idea for the frame rails.
Got my 78 Rally in really good running shape. Paint is nice, has a305 but its a crate 4 bolt main 305. Very minimal rust. Just gotta clean it up a little bit. Only cost me $4,200 here in north east Pa. Like you said though, best off seeing the car first. I was luckily able to check it out and have it run for a bit.
4 bolt 305?
The best two days, the day you buy it and the day you sell it.
When I saw the thumbnail, I thought that was my first car. Mine was a '77, black, red pin stripes, but it had red interior. Paid $800 for it back in '98. I kick myself in the ass for getting rid of it.
My first car was a 77 nova. I paid $200 for it with a half tank of gas. I probably over paid LOL! I loved that car. It was a 7 cylinder V8 one door. It was as bad as this minus mine had original quarters.
Keep it in the family fix it up, and then charge you way more than it's worth. Sounds like family to me!🤣
My first car was a 1976 Olds omega. Pretty much the same body along with the Buick skylark, Pontiac ventura/phoenix. A common issue with those cars is they would rot out around the shock bearing. What happened to my omega
I’m building a 75 right now 350 tunnel ram 9 inch street strip mobile
Dont know if you have looked but the factory build sheet for this car is in between the fuel tank and the body. This car may have been a Rally Nova? If you part it out id be interested in the tail lights..
Thats why I never buy a car sight unseen. Unless it's dam near free, and even, gotta check it out in person.
Couldn't agree more!
I'm buying my first nova soon as I get my check guys got it going for a thousand bucks it cranks and runs too
Hey man! Cool video! QQ- would you recommend a ‘78 Nova to be a daily car? Not gonna drive it anyways, but 3 times a week of so, none of this Sunday cruiser none sense,LOL! Are the reliable? My budget is not great, and don’t want to drop a wad on car that’s just okay if you catch my drift. Granted, can’t expect with my budget 😂 Thank you!
I will 1000000% buy it off of you
I got a Chevy nova 1976 I think is good but I got to fix some part in it
Its a 77 what are you looking for! What do you expect,it's not horrible. Part it out or get it road worthy and drive it.
Junk it
if they care about sentimental, rip the trim tag off and slap it on a different nova
the amount it would cost just to fix the metal will be more than what the car is worth
Love that and I'm going to use that line in the future. I get the sentimental thing, but by the time people are done restoring these that's exactly what they have... their trim/vin tag on all new sheet metal. It's not the same car at that point.
You all must not be on any Nova FB pages? Who wants this body style? Many do!! These have creeped up right at good prices since ppl inflated the market. I already sold a 75 for 7000 and I currently have a 79. Y’all are living under a rock and 20 years back if you think these cars ain’t desirable right now.
Just bought a 78 rust free roller.... (the bad) no seats, no rear bumper. Im looking for those if you still have them...
Car looks in great condition for 1200 bucks perfect first project
I know you asked for 1 tip, but ai have 2.
First, make important criteria in your price range for yourself and stick to your guns. I made a list of 10 things and told myself if a car scored 8 out of 10 or better it was a must buy. 7 out of 10 something you have to seriously consider. 6 out of 10 probably shouldn't buy. My Fairmont scored a 9.
Second piece of advice - bring a floor jack and jack the car up to examine the floor boards.
Great tips Grant. You wouldn't have been able to see the floor boards on this Nova without the floor jack because it was sitting on four flat tires.
You can get parts for that year model floor pans fender just got look for it
These Nova's were known for rusting issues but there's a catalog covering these years. I did own a '73 Nova Custom cpe I bought used in 1978 only 5 years old at the time with a little over 71 thousand miles on the clock. Just like this model year Chevy rear quarters panels rust was considered normal back then.
If it makes you feel any better... It looks like it's in way better shape than my (also not desirable and hard to find reproduction parts) 1975 Pontiac LeMans.
POR 15 will cover and hide really shoddy patch work on sheetmetal. Ask me how I know. LOL
Hahha, I wonder if it will help hold this one together!
My first car is a 1977 nova 4 door but idk what to do with it it has the stock motor
shit, if someone had a chevy nova in that shape for sale here in oklahoma i got 3 grand id give for it right now. i cant find any novas here and i have wanted one forever.
how about this deal i got a 73 ss nova with gauges on the floor . factory paint inkee wheel with new gt qualifier tires with a extra set of them 396 bb with tunnel ram pro built 400 turbo no rust in the car cost me 1000 bucks one week latter i got a black with white stripes 73 ss gauges on the floor no engine in it for 50 bucks both cars have a very good bodies . but i get rigs cheap all the time
My favorite tip is please get to the meat of the video haha
I just bought my first project car & it’s a 77 Nova. I’m in love, but where in the HELL do you find rear gap filler?????
Classic Industries, Goodmark or Good Guys for new ones, these cars are everywhere so your local junk yard should either have one or can get another one if they are a part of the nation wide parts system.
Im actually gonna be buying a nova in about 2 weeks so we'll see how this goes
Hey dude! Tell us how it went, and if you bought it and such
@@kmas8229 absolutely lol. Imma have to put it off for about another week cause of unexpected bills but I still plan on getting it
Make sure you have all the parts,
Part fitmemt,ESPECIALLY RH LH
It’s creepy that in the first 2:50 of the video during the backstory it looks like someone is sitting in the drivers seat
Looks good to me.
Restocar if you want to sell the front seats and center console let me know I'm building a 77 nova as well
My advice would be, never buy anything with out going to look.
My question for you is, after looking the car over, what would you have offered the seller?
I was around $800. I think there are enough parts there to make that back if I did part it out. I wouldn't have bought this car if I didn't have this RUclips channel.
It's $1200 bucks so I say buy it and I'm a Mopar guy!
great project for ya man learn some more skills through this journey. I know you will have a line of people wanting it
My 73 nova u picked up for $1200 looks worst then this. I was just starving for a 2 door. I have a 74 4 dr with a 454/400 . Moving everything over slowly
Looking for a 68 - 72 Nova. Impossible to find one that’s not already built and cost $20,000+ even then they’re few in my area.
Similar here in PA as well. The project cars in that year range seem to start around 8k to 10k.
I love watching these videos of southern people saying cars with surface rust are "unrestorable" come up to the midwest and have a look around at some people's project cars. lol Most of them are rotted straight through underneath and on the fenders. lol
Lol no doubt. Same rust issues here in central PA. I'll take the southern surface rust any day.
Cars much cleaner than this one were dumped at the pick a parts of El Paso and Albuquerque. No desirability for this body style. Bought a good amount of their sheetmetal panels. Fenders, inner skirts, radiator supports, a door, etc. Near unsellable.
It's over 40 years old and $1200.. its going to have some rust and dirt. Looks like a $1200 car.
Also these didn't come with a 327 so someone swapped it in
it either came with a 305 or a 350, that was the only 2 they put in the 2 door model. I would say it PROBALLY came with a 305 because that was the most common engine
Damn im saving for that car and its a beaut
Its my first time and im looking for a 72-78 nova 2dr any tips and what should i look around for? Whats a good price range?
1500-8500
As soon as you said the rear frame rails were shot, I said "Crush it". 😔😔😔
Rust Never Sleeps
Man, your 77 is one color? My new to me 73 Nova is at least 4... maybe 5.
They don't call in-laws out-laws for nothing.
You look like the dude from Scooby doo. Can't remember his name..
Lmao, it's matthew lilliard and I thought the same thing!
NICE FOR PRACTICE
never buy a car without looking at it first. Just because the pictures look good and the guy say's it's great never buy a car without getting a good eye on it and if you can find out the bad spots on the type of car before you buy it every car has their bad spots
Yes if you go to look to buy a car you shouldn't really buy sight unseen even if there's a photograph of something like a new guitar or a suit or a car new or used even if it's new and even if it's used just a photo can be deceptive if you have a photo of a new or used guitar it might not it's easily deceivable if you have a photograph of a tailored suit and they don't know the dimensions of the person they're tailing the suit for that's pretty obvious I understand that although this was a video of 2 years ago and any type of used car that is in a complete state for about $1,000 or $500 if you don't want to use it as a project car you can have it smashed flat and for scrap you can get $500 for scrap as a big chunk of steel in a smash flat yard of CNC metals in a metropolitan area known as Sacramento so if you pay something in today's 19 or 2022 pay $1,000 for four tires a straight body with a complete engine and transmission that's a lot cheaper than paying $47,000 or $17,000 for a economy car that you can't actually have a project with because under loan conditions you're not supposed to take anything apart the automotive dealership is so I know this is a older vehicle but what type of car can you ever get that is not scrap or junk on the title or non-op status anyway things regarding automobiles none of them are technically worth anything it doesn't matter if it's a Porsche or a Corvette sometimes it's only the name on the actual title if it's a celebrity or a sports athlete or some famous general or politician on the original title it has more of a historical value disregard name brands like Porsche Corvette Lamborghini they're all worthless what is really important is probably the historical significance of something because remember when they're smash flat into a cube they are worth $500 in scrap and anything that's new that they want to sell you for $47 to $100,000 that basically is just a new car that is only worth $500 in scrap is not really worth your time and is not a project car so get a little bit of a reality check on that one not to be critical of you but to be critical on anybody that thinks that you can just buy something with a name and on a photograph and that it's worth something most everything is worthless to a certain point of view.
All 7879 and 80 cars are simply not as lucrative there are some 77 76 and 75 models that are Camaros that are out of state that are actually worth quite a bit of money that are from either Canada with a factory 4-speed manual transmission that are worth quite a bit actually because the smog regulations are much different although the rust that you would receive if the car was actually from Canada would be quite a bit worse. The reason why something like a 77 78 79 or Nova or concourse might be more desirable is because of the immense amount of leg room and the back seat front seat the trunk area along with you can open up the hood and easily work on the area if you need to change spark plugs it's not as awful as a 1980 to 1978 Camaro if you've ever worked on them you know you have to take off sometimes wheel assembly just to change spark plugs the reason why novas and our concourses are sometimes more desirable is simply if you're a very heavy or very tall person and you want to sit in the backseat have you ever sat in the back seat of a Camaro for a 400 mi trip in very hot conditions and have the air conditioner go out your cramped up and if you're a 6 ft five person you can't even sit in the backseat of a Camaro that's the only reason why something like a concourse or Nova might be slightly practical and more desirable than something like a Camaro or Corvette or something like a Pontiac trans am or a mustang you can actually get four very large size adults into a Nova or concourse the same thing with a Thunderbird many people that are full size can sit in a Thunderbird that's what was once good about the Nova concourse and or Thunderbird they were roomy cars yet they weren't like a giant oversized Cadillac that weighs like three tons which is a little bit ridiculous you might as well buy a limousine for crepes sake but anova Thunderbird or concourse are practical they're affordable and your typical car today in 2022 will cost you $20,000 anyway if even if you want to buy an economy car which doesn't sound very economical if you only have to pay $5,000 to get out of a car payment and you know $5,000 compared to $20,000 is a lot different and I simply feel that things like 71 Camaros unless they're something special like a limited edition split bumper RSS Camaro with a big block in it like a 427 and a manual transmission might be worth some sort of money but most of the Camaros that are z28s that are 71's are not actually worth very much I know if many people that have bought Z28 or just Camaros that are 70s or 71 for only $500 and they ran and drove around fine and they had four tires transmissions and good brakes and lights and you can find them in the Sacramento area for $500 to $1,000 a piece some of them are only SS's though don't be too sure that a 70 or 71 Z28 or Camaro is actually worth a lot of money and that goes for mustangs too you can find many of them for $1,500 to $500 and the reason is is they're not actually worth always that much money it's only something like a 427 manual transmission special edition SSRS 70 Camaro or 71 special edition or Eddie Bauer designer car that might be worth something or something attached to a celebrity politician or a sports enthusiast that was a famous character
PA inspection sticker
I'm looking at a '77 Skylark with the same body as the Nova that is in showroom all original condition. It has 28,000 miles and the seller is asking $8,000. Any thoughts?
Too much money,they are not valuable or desirable! It's not the miles it's the years!
@@rjmzz430 I should add that I live in Canada, and these things just aren't seen anymore. I'd be willing to bet that I haven't seen one in 25 years in either the Buick, Chevrolet, and Oldsmobile offerings. People bought them, drove them, and the harsh winters and salt killed them. Like I said it is absolute showroom condition. I don't know what a car like this is worth in the USA in this condition, but I suppose they would be much less expensive given their availability. Like I said, though, you just don't see them here anymore. lol Thanks for the reply.
@@jimdent351 hey Jim,Canada yes that is a whole different story. That changes things for sure.If it's what your looking for and you like it you can always negotiate a better price. 8000 is a lot of money for the vehicle. Few things to consider is it a V8 car? Check the undercarriage thoroughly for rust.How does it run and drive? Does it track straight? Check and inspect brake and fuel lines?all this are costly repairs if needed for vehicle safety. It's what I mean by the years stuff just wears out. Because it looks showroom doesn't necessarily mean it is. Ha we have a saying in the U.S. if you put lipstick on a pig...well it's still a pig. In mint condition it the States this car is worth 5 grand tops. Good luck caveat emptor!
Hey Jim, I’ve been watching the 4th gen Novas since I bought this one and the ones in excellent condition seem to be going for 5k to 6k as Ronnie mentioned. I’ve seen them listed for 8k but they didn’t sell. I can’t speak much to the Skylarks because I haven’t been watching them. 8k isn’t for off though. If it’s something you have wanted for a long time and it is mint it might be worth it for you, even more so being that you haven’t seen many in Canada. I’d get it up on a lift to check the underside if possible.
@@RestoCar Thanks for the reply. I haven't seen the car in person yet as it is about a 5 hour drive and I'm having trouble finding the time. I would definitely be looking at the undercarriage, and hopefully on a hoist. If not that then definitely on ramps. I don't think there will be too much wrong on the underside because the picture of the trunk floor looks mint. Thanks for the reply. Here's a link to to Auto Trader Ad. www.autotrader.ca/a/buick/skylark/espanola/ontario/19_11586177_?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&orup=2_2_2&sprx=500&modalXS=1
I bought a 77 nova but at least you got a radiator support with it 😂
LOL as long as I don’t try to take any parts off the front end my radiator support should stay together.
Part it out. Money for the camaro!
Hey will you sale it ????
Gosh... You must have been crying that you didn't get a show car for $1200. This is the dumbest video. That car is super solid.
great... bravoo
Depends on your skill level. For me l would sell and try and get my money back.
Hey, what happened to your channel, did you give up on it and this car? I hope you're ok, still breathing? If you're going to make more content I'll subscribe, let me know.😎👍
Where can I find parts for mine please let me know
What the fuck is an air emmision divider?? For a 1976 chevy nova
Oh Damn! No air conditioning!
I'll drive to you right now
Where are you at?? And do you still have the mova ?? I'll be glad to take it off your hands . I mean from the comments everyone hates it just saying
Lol I’m in central PA and my current plan is to get this nova running and then part it out.
@@RestoCar I'm interested in some of the parts, please let me know I need a few to finish mine!!!
@@RestoCar still have the nova??
Demolition derby car, or maybe a dirt track beginner car.
The demolition derby idea crossed my mind! Didn't think about a dirt track car. Dog Hollow Speedway is very close to me!
I’ll take that nova all day long for $1200 …..!
Just one more reason women are told to bring a man with them when looking for cars. A "friend" paid 100.00 for a 1957 Chevy in great OUTSIDE condition, only to learn soon after about the sawdust in the differential truck. That can happen to anyone, but.........
Wanna part with any pieces?
Just don't look at my car - you might find some stuff that makes it unworthy as a project car :D
lol, it's just content for what to look out for. I knew what I could be buying and I personally have no issue tackling a project like this.
Isn't that what a project car is?
Change the mowter
Buyer always beware, You can pick your friends, but you can't pick your relatives.
PS, send your dad the bill.
If a car has any type of rust run to the hills!!
Your not buying a nice project for what you paid for that Nova. You should have expected a disaster and it needing everything especially since its been in a drafty barn for over 30 years.