Muscle car guy from Southern California

**TheBandit** · 03-21-2018, 11:48 AM

Hi everyone. My name is Clint and I'm joining the forum from Southern California. I have a 1970 Chevy Nova with single stage paint I've completely neglected in the 20 years I've owned the car. I stumbled across one of Mike's articles here on restoring single stage paint and I've decided to go all-in to breathe life back into the paint. Thank you for providing this site. I look forward to being part of the community!

Here are some "before" photos of my car

So far I've gotten through strip wash, clay bar, and an overnight soak in Maguiars No 7. I am floored at the results so far - I had no idea this paint could shine again! I will start a thread with a lot more detail shortly.

**The Guz** · 03-21-2018, 03:15 PM

Welcome to AGO.

Looks like you are off to a good start. The results are looking great.

**Kamakaz1961** · 03-21-2018, 03:24 PM

Welcome to AGO! You have brought your baby back to life! Looks like you are off to a good start! That Nova Rocks!

**Klasse Act** · 03-21-2018, 04:55 PM

WOW!

I like what you've been able to do so far but what I like more are the wheels, WHAT A FINE CHOICE!! Can I make a suggestion though, how about 67' disc brake caps or even 68' police car caps to replace the large, turbine centercaps?

**TheBandit** · 03-21-2018, 06:36 PM

Thank you for the kind welcome. I am really happy to find this community and learn something new about caring for my car.

Klasse Act - My car originally had 14" Rally wheels with derby caps. On Novas with original disc brakes (like mine), the derby cap actually had the text "Disc Brakes" on it, so it's a bit of a misnomer to refer to the smooth caps as disc brake caps, although it's common because Camaros got a smooth cap when they had disc brakes. I wish I still had those original derby disc brake caps, but I sold my original rally wheels and had Centerline Convo Pros on the car for quite a few years. I don't think anyone is reproducing them. I personally prefer the derby caps so that's what I bought when I got these wheels - definitely a matter of preference/opinion.

**Sizzle Chest** · 03-21-2018, 07:18 PM

Subscribed to this for updates! Great so far!!

**Klasse Act** · 03-21-2018, 07:25 PM

Just make this the thread for the process, love this car already because it's a real car and owner!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

**grisby** · 03-21-2018, 08:11 PM

Nice looking Nova. I see 350 badges, what tranny - Stick, Powerslide or Turbo??

**TheBandit** · 03-21-2018, 09:42 PM

Originally Posted by Klasse Act

Just make this the thread for the process, love this car already because it's a real car and owner!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

I started a separate thread to follow the progress. I posted lots of photos and video of the process. Please check there for updates.

Newbie single stage paint restoration

**TheBandit** · 03-21-2018, 09:47 PM

Originally Posted by grisby

Nice looking Nova. I see 350 badges, what tranny - Stick, Powerslide or Turbo??

When I got the car it had the original 2bbl small block 350. I recently swapped an LS engine into it which is essentially an iron block version of the Ls3. I built it with forged rods and pistons and a little bigger cam. I did all the work myself including the wiring harness, but I did take it to a professional tuner. It made about 410rwhp. The transmission is a TH400 that I went through and added a 2,800rpm stall. Rear is a 12bolt with 3.73posi that I cut and narrowed 1" per side for wheel fitment. I'll add some photos and video a little later. I have a feeling the forum will flag them for the moderator to approve.