Pictures from 2001

Our Nova as of January 22nd, 2001. This is one of the first pictures I took of the car. We actually purchased it in October, 2000 and since then have added the Corvette Rally Wheels (275x60-15's on 15x8 with 5" offset for the rear and 235x60-15's on 15x7 std offset for the front) and the new D and R Steel Cowl Induction Hood. The offset rear wheels rubbed the shocks and required removal of the upper shock tube cover and still rub the inner fender well.

Another shot of the Nova from the rear. This is with the original bumper, I haven't installed the new one yet, got to find some replacement bumper brackets first.

Here's a picture of the new D & R Cowl Induction Hood just after it was installed. I really need to pull those hood hinges off and repaint them.

Here's the rear tires, I still need to drop the rear end another inch or two to make it look "right".

Competition Engineering chrome J-Bolt slapper bars

Side view of the new hood

A shot showing the ribs and air cleaner cutout for the scoop. The only problems I ran into was the original bolts couldn't be used for the latch, the new one takes 3/8-16 bolts vs. the smaller factory bolts. Everything lined up pretty good.

• Made some new rear shackles to drop back of car to original ride height - thanks to Bruce Johnson for getting me the right dimensions.
• Started ordering parts for upcoming new paint job. Got a new right rear quarter panel, complete rubber seal kit and other misc. parts from J & W Nova - Those folks are a pleasure to do business with and had excellent delivery.

• Nova went to the body shop April 3rd for complete paint job and mini-tub work Mini-tub Pictures Installation of new right rear quarter panel that we got from J & W Nova, all rust cut out and new metal welded in. The primer was hiding a number of problems that required the car to be sanded down to bare metal in many places to redo previous repairs.

• Still in body shop, it's taking longer that was anticipated. It's getting close, looks like around the first of June it will receive the new paint - Monte Carlo Blue Pearl.
• New parts are waiting to be installed Griffin NASCAR 2 row (1 1/4 tubes 27 1/2x19) radiator , 3" Dr.Gas X-Crossover and 3" Dynomax Ultra-Flow mufflers (can't wait to hear what these sound like)

June 2001

Back from the body shop just in time to attend the G01 Nova Listserve Convention

September 2001

Picture of the 406 small block with the new Pro-Form main body. This is the first and last picture of the ugly engine compartment.

December 2001

I finally got rid of the ugly A.C. box and replaced it with one my friend Bruce Johnson made for me. New heater box fits great and now I can get to the back spark plugs "much" easier. While I was at it, I pulled the fenderwells and cleaned, primed and painted the inside of the fenders and a portion of the firewall. Also started getting the wiring all cleaned up. The fenderwells alone reduced the weight by 26lbs, now I'm after more!