10 things I HATE about my Chevy Nova

10 things I hate about my 1972 chevy nova project car. The "Jenko" Nova is our budget built rescue/ revival project that we built on the cheap and almost daily drive. This car was assembled in less then 6 months as a total basket case project to a running and driving car on a shoe string budget. Despite loving this car we talk about the 10 things I just cant stand about this particular chevy nova.

[@brian2359]

The steel wool had me rolling! Lol

[@Shop209]

Cool video!

[@hatchsrecreationalengineer1997]

Thanks John!

[@Nova.1971]

But you can a least drive it daily. Well done......

[@hatchsrecreationalengineer1997]

Thanks!

[@Docmiller4425]

Great Nova and reminds me of my old '72. Sounds like you should do some upgrades to this one (change the mufflers, add a heater and find a better trunk lid...LOL. It all costs money....and you did say it was done...LOL) I must say I really like this Nova. I just found your channel, so I will be watching your videos more. Have a blessed week

[@hatchsrecreationalengineer1997]

I should have been more clear. The “body” is done. The rest of it is fair game though. Hoping to make some upgrades to this car soon.

[@steveballard1463]

Hi , try 70 350 300 hp cam 4bbl headers lunch box locker , and 5 speed out of s10 with 4.3 its a heavier duty t5 trans , I did this combo to a 67 chevelle

[@user-wx5sp6ym3v]

They sell a double cup holder adjustable with junk tray fits between the buckets

[@VATION3RD]

And number #11 last but not least it needs a front bumper😅

[@Novarider72]

A bro food for thought I just went out and looked at my 72 with its original doors and I have Bolt on hinges. The bolt on the side is connected to the door, but yes, the other side is welded onto the car .

[@Jaydoubleu83]

A perfect daily driver!

[@hatchsrecreationalengineer1997]

Heck yea it is!

[@HighToneRanger]

I really like the car.

[@rodneystaie4103]

Thanks for sharing bud,still nice builds i would trade you my Omega for either one novas are easier to find parts.

[@hatchsrecreationalengineer1997]

I actually really dig the omegas,venturas, and apollos but yea I can imagine parts are scarce.

[@rodneystaie4103]

@@hatchsrecreationalengineer1997 yeah hit a deer last year taking it to work right on parts hard to find

[@kennymay9036]

try pulling shifter to neutral position,releasing clutch,engage clutch,pull to 2nd.And,have a muncie waiting to go in.

[@hatchsrecreationalengineer1997]

I have tried double clutching it and it makes no difference. Those syncro’s are just shot. This car is definitely a candidate to get some upgrades soon some of which will hopefully include a new transmission because I don’t want to fix the Saginaw lol.

[@rodcleve]

Those glittery handcuffs definitely came from the bedroom night stand. 😋 6:06

[@hatchsrecreationalengineer1997]

Hahaha I was wondering if anyone would catch the pedazzled cuffs

[@38djmanny]

Love it" leave it the way it is.

[@hatchsrecreationalengineer1997]

Thanks glad you like it!

[@ronaldphillips2865]

Driving "stick" is wild😂😂😂

[@hatchsrecreationalengineer1997]

Hahaha three pedal cars are a blast 💥

[@MRobichaud99]

A bit of the same with the no heat in November ( I live in Maine) Welded on hinges, But hey, it's a fun car !

[@hatchsrecreationalengineer1997]

The car is a blast! Just wanted to highlight some of the stuff we cheaped out on and that bother me before we go upgrading and fine tuning it.

[@frikyouall]

You think the saginaw trans is bad? My steering box has like 10° of play! Starting to think Saginaw is just sloppy.

[@hatchsrecreationalengineer1997]

I’ve definitely had cars with the sloppy steering lol. You are right that is way more annoying then the Saginaw haha.

[@jimthomas1989]

Ok , I have a 74 Nova , built 327 with 10:1 compression , 750cfm carb, Stainless Steel Headers , MSD distributor and multi-spark box, SFI Certified flywheel , 11 inch clutch, M-21 Muncie 4 speed trans , 12 bolt posi , new gas tank, rear mount Battery, rear mount Radiator, both Bumpers up close to body , Making around 325hp ,

[@hatchsrecreationalengineer1997]

Heck yea! Sounds like a pretty stout little unit!

[@jimthomas1989]

@@hatchsrecreationalengineer1997 , I got Three 66 Chevelle cars 2 are Super Sport 1 is Malibu Both SS have 327 / 600hp Malibu has a 71 small block LT1 350/375hp ALL have 4 speed trans Tell your wife the 66 Malibu is my daily driver . A cam / carb will make your 327 come alive , I have built more small block engines than your family has fingers and toes . Get the heads planned and use a single steel shim gasket like from the factory . You can add 100hp to what you have now

[@Tom1980NY]

They sell a cup holder that slides into the ash tray i have one for my 70 ss.

[@Stupidfastracing]

I love it great video

[@hatchsrecreationalengineer1997]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chrisland169]

next time tell us the 10 things that you like!

[@hatchsrecreationalengineer1997]

I like everything else about this car haha. I just wanted to show some of the things that bother me or we short cutted when putting it together as I am sure this car will go under the knife again soon to get some improvements.

[@jimthomas1989]

@@hatchsrecreationalengineer1997 , That 327 can make 350hp with just a few simple things

[@loydheckenlively9426]

Well, it sounds like you've got a list of things you need to do to do that to make your self happy. Put a bigger motor faster motor change to rear end in that to different leaves Spring set up. Simply fix your car. Change the hood or the trunk lid. Put a heater box in it. Almost sound like a honey do list.

[@HeiseyMotors]

I was wondering how you were feeling about that Saginaw lol. Figured you were going to grow to hate it over time. Do I see a Muncie about to get swapped? 😬

[@hatchsrecreationalengineer1997]

Only time will tell…. But changes are definitely coming for this thing. We built it cheap but it’s time to make it even better! The Saginaw was a great entry level option to get a four speed swapped into the car and if those synchros weren’t so shot I probably wouldn’t hate it as much but it’s time for more power and that Saginaw is not going to hold it.

[@HeiseyMotors]

@@hatchsrecreationalengineer1997 If you're over this way in NW PA I can get you hooked up with a Muncie for a good price. My dads friend was a master mechanic for GM and has literally an entire wall of rebuilt Muncies. I get all of my transmissions from there as well as my Chevelle rear ends

[@abrdds]

A quick observation … if you are having trouble downshifting, check your synchros… how are you only turning 2400@80 mph?? What is your setup?? I have a 73 (350 v8), bought in 73, still OE… with my Muncie 4spd at 80 mph 3:73 factory rear, I turn over 3500… what is your secret??😱😱🙃

[@hatchsrecreationalengineer1997]

The rear end in the car is out of my ‘69 six cylinder car. It’s a 2:73 rear gear. That combined with that siginaw from a full size car is what keeps those rpm’s wayyy down.

[@Neo1969]

I am only turning 1800 RPM's while going 80 in my 68. Currently running a Tremec 6 speed with a 3.90 rear gear.

[@modelcars2978]

🤟🤠👍

[@staceyehrenreich6863]

Let Mike go!

[@stanhatch602]

Hahaha

[@kevbev1524]

That 327 should be fine with some money love hooker headers, elderberry fuel happener

[@hatchsrecreationalengineer1997]

I agree the 327 could definitely be something. But just an intake, carb, and headers I don’t think will do it. This thing definitely needs a cam and some better flowing heads to make any real difference.

[@rhillzbob]

no power sterring

[@israelpinal1645]

1st comment🎉

[@mrgreezy1]

If it’s done don’t complain, that’s like bitching about who’s president when you didn’t vote. All those things are easy fixes. So you either you give AF or you don’t. Nobody likes a winer when they are not willing to do anything to solve their own problems. 💯

[@hatchsrecreationalengineer1997]

I’m sorry you took it this way. I did not mean to come off as a “winer”. I just wanted to highlight some of the downfalls of the “budget” built stuff we cheaped out on while building the car before we upgrade it in the future. Was just supposed to be a fun quick video.

[@Shop209]

He’s not whining. He’s opining about the struggles with a budget built car that anyone else with a thrown together ride can relate to.

[@mrgreezy1]

@@hatchsrecreationalengineer1997 don’t take it too hard I’m sure you’re a very good person so don’t misinterpret me but you literally said the car was done and then listed all these things she didn’t like about it if you didn’t like those things that much then fix them that’s all I’m saying, but to say the car is done and then talk about for a half hour about all these things you don’t like doesn’t really make sense but again don’t take it personal and we all do some whining at sometimes I would say instead of going for a ride that’s thrown together go find something that you really truly like a lot and truly enjoy and then put your heart into it that’s what being a car guy is all about. 💯