My 1963 Chevy II Nova Restoration Information and Photo Gallery

The Build ~ January 2011 - March 2011

1963 Chevy II Nova 292 Conversion continues...

February Details:

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March Details:

April Details:

⇒

Fabricated/modfied:
- Additonal bracing for throttle linkage
- mounting plates for fuel relay and under dash wiring
- sparkplug wire loom
- distributor vacuum line
Continued wiring:
- added dedicated relay for fuel pump
- added re-organized mounting plate for 2 fuse blocks, 1 terminal strip and 1 relay
- added switch for transmission lockup
- re-routed speaker wires to drivers side of car (away from fuel pump power)
- added larger gauge wires - alternator to battery (6 gauge), starter solenoid to terminal block (8 gauge)
Paint / Touch-up paint:
- throttle assembly
- engine bay
- radiator
- side covers and valve cover
Puchased:
- correct fan belt (Dayco part # 15390)
- dedicated relay for fuel pump ( SUM-890023 )

To Do List
- Wiring
  - cut to length & terminate
    - coolant temp senders (add wiring loom)
    - tachometer & 12v to distributor
    - choke
  - final install mounting plate - fuse blocks, terminal strip, realys, etc
  - install fuses
  - install sensors:
    - coolant temp (light & gauge)
    - oil pressure (light & gauge)
    - trans temp
- Transmission
  - install cooling lines
  - install new filter and gasket
  - sort out trans lockup wiring
  - check tv cable movement (Vince)
  - install dust shield
- Cooling/Heating System
  - install new heater core, put heater back into car
  - final install radiator, water pump, water neck, thermostat, thermostat housing & spacer, fan pulley and fan
- Fuel, Ignition, & Exhasust system
  - final install throttle assembly
  - cut braided fuel line to length
  - reassemble starter solenoid
  - final install intake, carburetor, exhaust manifold
  - get exhaust made
- Misc
  - touch up paint on engine bay and engine components
  - mark balancer for TDC

Wiring
- engine wiring harness
  - modified harness for HEI
  - re-routed because of proximity to headers
  - heat shield added to wiring near head
  - powerbraid installed
- light wiring harness
  - unused ends taped back into harness
  - powerbraid installed
Modified throttle assembly:
- figured out how to strenthen linkage
- rebent throttle rod - getting ~95% WOT
Transmission dust shield
- modified to clear starte
Paint / Touch-up paint:
- horns and horn relay
- transmission dust shield
- heater
Purchased
- thermostat housing gaskets
- Poly-Armour for carb to distributor vacuum
- heat sleeving (SUM-350115)
- carburetor mounting studs (MOR-37960)
- sparkplug wire looms (MFY-5015611 & TAY-42460)

To Do List
- Wiring
  - Terminate
    - Temp sender gauge & light
    - Tachometer & 12v to distributor
    - Choke
    - Transmission temp sender
    - Power to fuel pump relay
  - install circuit breaker for fuel pump relay
  - install fuses
  - cut & terminate chassis to engine ground cable
  - organize & secure under dash wiring
- Transmission
  - install dust shield
  - check tv cable movement (Vince)
  - install temperature sensor
  - hose ends on cooler lines
  - install fluid level dipstick
- Cooling System
  - cut overflow hose to length
  - radiator - prep and touch up paint
  - install radiator, water neck, thermostat, thermostat housing & spacer
- Fuel system
  - finalize routing of stainless braided line
  - install fuel line - fuel pump to pick up
- Ignition System
  - fabricate vacuum line - carburetor to distributor
  - purchase plug wires
- Misc
  - Finish mods to throttle linkage
  - Install senders/switches
    - oil
    - coolant temp

Figured out final routing of transmission cooler lines, battery cables, and radiator overflow hose
Fabricated:
- Spacer/bracket for fuel line (carb to hard line)
- Spacer for coolant overflow
Continued wiring
- Finished wiring for gauges
- Finished wiring for fuel pump
Parts search:
- Thermostat Housing (2 drivers side threaded ports)
- Coolant Temperature sensor (OE style is no longer available)
Paint / Touch-up paint:
- Fuel line brackets
- Coolant overflow spacer
- Fan
- Valve cover
- Intake
- Carb spacer & 4v adapter plate
Puchased
- Grommet & PCV Valve (MOR-68772)
- Recirculating coolant overflow tank (RNB-603-001)
- Supplies for wiring (wire loom, teminals, grommets, etc)

Starting wiring for wiring for gauges and fuel pump
Tranmission Cooler
- put hose ends on hoses
- started mocking up routing of hoses
Gas Pedal
- started mods to get more movement & exhaust clearance
TV cable
- trying different setup for cable to offenhauser 'T' connection to elimate slack
Parts search
- universal recirculating radiator overflow (plastic)
- correct coolant temperature sensor
Purchased
- Cable ties - UV resistant/harsh environment and anchor-mount with standoff