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-   -   1966 Chevrolet Nova restoration - Finally found a classic! (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/vintage-cars-classics-india/191001-1966-chevrolet-nova-restoration-finally-found-classic.html)

Hey Guys,

Im glad to finally have a vehicle that demands and deserves a thread and I am ecstatic to start my journey here with all you enthusiasts and experienced elders.

I recently got my hands on not 1 but 2 classics from a Govt. auction in Moradabad. What I found there was rarest of rare as I procured a 1966 Chevrolet Impala Wagon and 1966 Chevrolet Nova. Though initially I wasnt too interested int eh wagon but my likeness/interest in it grew as I got to know about how rare the car was.

I have been looking for a classic at the right price since 2004 but whatever I came across was being sold at exorbitant rates thus I never bought any of them, recently i was offered a 1963 Impala in Delhi at a price of Rs. 24 lakhs but I wasnt interested, firstly because it was too expensive and secondly it was restored, I wanted to restore on my own and go through the entire process myself. I had almost given up hope of getting a car at the right pice but then came these 2 and so my journey starts as a classic car collector/enthusiast.

I have started restoring the Chevrolet Nova on my own as I wanted hands on experience as thats what the fun is all about. Im adding a few pictures of the car in the the thread below and an inspiration of what I want it to become(not making it a 2 door, just the colour, rims and interior), all advice/suggestions are welcome.

Hi Guys,

So I did a lot of research with the restorers in and around Delhi and came across a few individuals whose work I found really good, but again for the Nova they were over my budget. Thus, I decided to do it all by myself with help from my Mamu (Mother's brother) and I shipped the car off to him. I Sent the car to him about 3 weeks ago over the weekend and visited the workshop with him as well. Attaching pictures below of the same.

The best part about the Nova is that it the car is absolutely complete with all the parts, monograms, its just not been used in a while thus will need a basic overhaul. What I hear from the mechanics is that the engine and gearbox are as good as new and we will just need a new packing kit to start the engine, which I have called for from the states already. Enjoy the pics guys.

Hi,

So the pictures above are on the day the car reached the workshop, we started opening the car and took off all the trims, seats, windows, windsheild, grill, lights, light bezels, basically eveeything and stripped it down completely. I will be going again this weekend to see the progress and will keep all you guys posted on the same.

Have a good weekend!

Nice catch, congratulations ! Please share pictures of 1966 Chevrolet Impala wagon as well.

.

Thanks sir, will just post some pictures of the Impala as well.

If you could, please add some info about the auction details like what all cars were available, what prices they fetched, other bidders for your cars etc.

.

Hi,

Please see attached pictures of the impala, its a 66 Station wagon small block engine, the only things missing in the car were the front and back lights, some interior door trims, exterior door handles and front grill and light bezels. Have called for everything from the States, just cant source the grill, its expensive to get it from there, I need a source here to make/procure the grill, any leads would be appreciated.











Hi,

These were the only 2 desirable cars that were available, the rest were Gypsys, Mahindra Jeeps and Ambassadors. There was a Willy's station wagon available, but it was beyond repair. I got to know about this auction through a friend who bid for me and I bought them. Thus, don't know what the bidding was like.

So I've received an update from the person who I've stationed at the workshop to overlook the restoration process as I can't be there everyday. We have completely stripped the car to the T and washed with caustic 3 times. All the superficial rust and muck is off now and the good news is that the rust hasn't eaten through any body panel. There is a patch on the floor, which will be fixed. Once the car comes back from the wash, we will scrape off the entire paint from it and prime it, then will do the tinkering work. I'm posting pictures for you to see.












Any advice/suggestion would be helpful.

Thanks!

Abhi

My god that wagon! Thank you for picking these up. Two more saved, countless more to go.

All the best with the projects. Subscribed!

That's a lot work cut out for you, Nice job. Awaiting further updates.

Congratulation Abhimanyu88 on this double buy. Wish you all the very best. Glad that you are tackling one project at a time. American cars are great restoration projects, as parts are easily available.

All the very best and look forward for your updates during and post restoration.

By the way, please see if you can find this car! Last known to be in Delhi and it will beautifully round up your collection.

Cheers

KPS

Congrats on the buy!! If you are looking for some restoration help, I have seen multiple classics being restored at Krishna motor garage, connaught place in delhi. I think they would be a good help. I've been using their services for my regular cars.

Congratulations, a great story coming up. Would be glad to hear about the history of both the cars, who imported them, where and how they were used, why they were abandoned?

Really appreciate your concern for these classic's.
Good luck for the restoration.

Thanks sir, yes parts are not an issue as they are easily available online, have ordered everything from the states and got hsipped ehre, all trims,mechanical parts, etc.

Also, I know of this car, last I saw a picture it was being restored by someone in Delhi on MG road, will go and try to see if its still there. Persoanlly speaking I love the shape of the 66, just wish it was a 2 door fastback lol:

Thanks for the help sir!:thumbs up

Hi Guys,

Since the weekend is over Ive received few updates from my boy at the workshop. The grinding of the entire car is complete and just 1 dent is left, we are going to do primer on the car now to avoid rusting issues. After all the acid wash and some R&D I am a little concerned about the floor as it is a little rusted and will need replacement in certain areas, which I am a little wary about.

Please let me know If I should use patches of 10" x 10" to repair the floor or use bigger sheets for better strength.

Thanks for your advice/help.