1972 Nova Build: The Wrong Way! | Not Rod Ep. 1

Musclecar or bust! In this series premiere episode of Not Rod Shop, Two friends, Ryan and Brandon, begin an epic journey into the automotive racing world by taking an $1800 1972 Nova missing most of it's parts and put it back together in Not Rod fashion with a 350 Small block down 2 cylinders and a hodgepodge of rusty parts - Then Ryan goes drag racing for the first time in his life using this newly built car.
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72 Nova
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[@hotrodpop1973]

New subscriber, LOVE the home garage stuff! Can't do it anymore due to health problems (I'm 61), but I recall fondly the butchery we used to inflict on whatever we had, late at night, hopped up on... well, never mind... just to pull out on the street and fill the interior with tire smoke, giggle like school girls, and get it back in the garage and shut down before the cops showed up! Funny, they never asked about the black stripes in the street... Guess because we ceased and desisted, it wasn't worth the paperwork. Good times! Rock that Nova!

[@jerryhablitzel3333]

I subscribed a few days ago and you had about 700. Today it says 1.45 k. There’s definitely a market for real world wrenching. Innovation,mistakes, modification it’s what makes it so enticing. Looking forward to future episodes!

[@suzuki230]

You have no idea how helpful at 7:53 you are, I’m also missing those stupid washers, thanks for the gem to look at a shock on the Cherokee.

[@scirockalot8v]

My first car was a 72 nova. I bought it in 2002 for $800. Spent a year fixing it up and got to drive it to school for my senior year in high school. Kept it for 9 years until I finally let it go.

[@dmwi1549]

Far from perfect but back in the road! Meanwhile I stare at my car in primer for the last 30 years, not wanting to do anything but perfect, while it’s just beggin to see the blacktop again. Thanks for the inspiration. Nicely filmed and edited too. You’re fortunate to have a buddy to help and motivate.

[@ElrodsGarage]

I love seeing people work on old junk. I had a similar problem with a body mount bolt on my '68 Camaro Project.

[@joesprague1464]

This video has restored my faith in America.We will be OK.

[@jtreminger]

Enjoy your disposition. Your gonna make a great KZbinr with anything you do. I had. 72 Nova in high school late 80’s lots of your issues are memories for me! Thanks for sharing.

[@2012enpassant]

@John R. Reminger king county has roadway signs that read “no racing zone between 10pm and 5am” Sign maker must have been laughing like hell.

[@kentorres6310]

The smiles on your faces when you drove off priceless I'm building two Novas right now a 73 and 74 your video is just motivation to get them done nice work

[@monk43012]

Ah the memories. I'm 70 yrs. old now and watching you guys work on that old Chevy could have been me and my brother in law in the late 60's working on 50's and early 60's cars. Chevy of course.

[@dane-xxx-8713]

I seriuosy love this ...cant explain. Its for me like looking back in the past like 20 years ago....this is so great!

[@docholliday9791]

I've watched all your episodes and gotta say it's like a offbrand roadkill that's just as good I love these kind of shows and I hope yall make it big

[@damiangillett6443]

fulfilling a childhood dream - priceless done it myself

[@tonytiano4494]

Great video people don't have a clue what it takes to toy around with older cars

[@christophernoto]

Twist ties! 😂😂😂 You guys are the best! 🔥🔥🔥

[@svtelos4726]

Im willing to bet, that when you do get a strong motor in this car, when you rev it high-quickly, the doors will unlatch and open on thier own. BTDT in 1976 with a 1967 Nova. 327/331. We had to weld in connectors (box tubing) and cross braces to the sub frame members to get the car to track straight in a drag race. My first build and race car. Have fun!

[@sherylhuges1064]

real good to finally see a video of real down to earth building and fabricating ,without a bunch of selling,keep up the good work friend,you are one that gives the last chance of a true talent,craftsman done without all the bells and whitsles

[@johnhicks9529]

That use to be our family car growing up back in 1993& 1994. I grew up around that car. Good job on restoring it. It's A oldie Goldie for sure. It was downn florida back in 1994.

[@Nova.1971]

Good job guys another Nova saved!!!

[@HammerHeadGarage]

Love this series man. Im living this life at the moment. 331 stroker and t-5 into a 84 ford ranger. Love how you show all the headaches as this is how it really is building something. Kudos and respect from Nova Scotia.

[@ralphslany323]

gratulation for building this dream and thanks that you show me this part of youre live and youre passion...... best regards from Dresden/Germany

[@dougmallozzi4788]

Great show guys. I did a similar project with a 74 Ventura last year. New (used) subframe and a 454 out of a 91 Chevy truck. Keep it going. Ill definitely watch.

[@JohnDisque]

You can get those clam-shell washers at tractor supply stores. It's the same washer John Deere uses to hold the tractor blades in place.

[@michaelcorbo6458]

So funny watching you installing the distributer , I had the same problem and slightly massaged it like you . I figured old points distributed was smaller in diameter then the hei

[@dane-xxx-8713]

Just how I would do it....so nice to see! plain ol hard work! and Nova...thats so amzing!

[@jamieround2072]

WE NEED MORE DOWN 2 EARTH THINK ON THEIR FEET ( & ON THE FLY ) BUILDERS LIKE THESE GUYS TO SHOW # TELL THE YOUNGER GENERATIONAL WRENCH TURNER'S & BUILDERS ( WHO USE WHAT THEY GOT USUALLY THERE AT THE SHOP OR ETC,..... ) !!!!!! ... can't wait to see & watch for more down to earth builds like this nova ...............................

[@jamieround2072]

thank's bud !!! use to be like u when i was younger had old beater's w/ heater's & for very lil cash or horse trades or simple dares ( # 1 & only real rule no one get's really hurt nor killed ever no matter what or where or how ) I WAS THE DUMB 1 WHO GOT ALMOST KILLED SLIDING OFF A MOVING N BOUNCING TRAIN ROOF JUST BAELY MISSED THE RAIL THAT THE TRAIN WHEEL'S ROLL DOWN & THEN FELL 50-60 FEET TO THE WATER... & THANKFULLY W/ A ALL BUSTED UP RIGHT LEG & EVERY JOINT GOD SAW N HELPED ME LAND 6 FT,. FROM LAND..... after that crappy dare i was well done & so was my body.... but i have incredible memory's & long detailed story's i was a part of ( thinking on my feet & on the fly ) that i won a lot of when i was younger.... ( i'm only 46 now ) but it was a gloryious time... i had to semi-re-invent a piece of me ( ha ha joke ) every time i got moved to another foster home..... i moved a lot we'll leave it at that .....

[@jacksonstorm6395]

I would use these guys as a example of what not to do.

[@warofages4498]

Novas especially shoebox Novas are my favorite amongst any car ever made love this build, a subscriber for sure unfortunately I have the flu and I'm tired of puking I'm going back to bed will continue watching tomorrow morning to help me through my death

[@jaimecervantes3896]

It’s amazing how you feel when you replace all them front Part’s I been there done that makes you feel like a professional lol 👍🏼

[@chadrogers68]

Ran into the same problem on my 68 Camaro with the hei distributor hitting the fire wall. Actually had to recess a small section of the firewall before paint and body was done but looks like it came from the factory now. I believe ive read that they make a "small" version of a HEI that will work. Like the build.

[@fishhuntadventure]

Ya, I’ve never been able to bring myself to beat in a floor or firewall. Cutting it out and shaping a piece of metal and welding it in takes what? 20-30 mins?

[@stevefranklin3367]

I love those 1 Lane county roads!

[@rustybottoms8859]

Thanks for sharing man. Have fun!

[@chevynova7103]

Building a 70 nova right now putting in a small block 350 in it

[@dan9809]

Put a 1970 454 in it with 671 blower!

[@VATION3RD]

I like how your 72 Nove has 73 Nova doors without the vent windows and 69 through 71 Taillights, my 72 Nova has a 68 Nova bumper on the front just like yours and the 69 thru 71 taillights to match.

[@05gtdriver]

Interesting choice of powertrain/driveline. While back in mechanic school(1986-87) a fellow student had a '69 Pontiac Firebird with a built 350 Chevy(he claimed it was in LT-1 configuration) but due to lack of funds he installed a Saginaw 3 speed(dog-leg 1st) manual tranny. Somehow he was able to put a Hurst shifter on it. The darn thing ran mid 13s with that less than optimal 3 speed Saginaw gearing. One day during lunch he let me drive it, besides having zero brakes(it had manual 4 wheel drums on it!) the thing just pulled nicely, so nice we smoked a then new Corvette while merging onto the nearby freeway entrance :-)

[@stevenlawrence1946]

Dude!!!!!! You and a friend took something special and made it even more special. And you did it with a friend!!!!!

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

this was awesome,keep them alive instead of going to the crusher.they are making exactly zero more new novas,chevelles,etc so everyone saved is golden!!

[@gman1035]

The way its meant to be done! Outstanding job guys!

[@sportytone1]

I used to know someone who put a stock Cadillac 503 in a 72 Nova. Most parts were stock off the donor car. The Nova rear axle lasted 1 burnout... Once that was dealt with, it ran like a bat out of hell!

[@desifrazier121]

I have to say you two or three made my day a lot going in in my life and I just wanted to look a KZbin on video about novas cause I own a 69nova I want to get my 406 rebuilt it’s in a short bed truck now I want to pull it out and just mark up but when I seen all that you guy’s did it made forget everything and just go do it thanks for the inspiration love the smiles when yah was racing that nova the the streets and hwy thanks again

[@Shane-Singleton]

Watching Brandon pound on that pickle fork at 2:15 reminds me of my dad doing the same to get a knuckle out of an 86 Chevy C20 that needed new ball joints. He hit on that thing so long it mushroomed the end of the fork where he was hitting it. But he eventually broke it free. We didn't have a garage or air tools back then so he had to do it the hard way. Also Ryan I love the clutch setup you put in this thing and the fact that you're re-using stuff you had laying around, specifically that 3-spd. I am a fan of manual gearboxes. 3 out of my 4 vehicles have them. And if I can ever find the right donor vehicle my 79 K10 pickup will be getting a swap some day :)

[@johnwallace5593]

In the true sprit of hot rodding. Loved it

[@johnjohn-xo5gl]

Hell ya this is inspiration for my to finish up my 71 nova, was a straight 6 now it's going to have a 350 lt1 from a camaro.

[@eaglewarrior8707]

Keep it a straight 6 and daily it if it's not rusted to hell. It's enough to see a one in good running condition rather than just throw money at it. Throw a Mexican seat cover on the bench and call it a day. It's fine leave it. My dad's 77 Nova did not last 35 years till rust took it away. And it looked nice. In pictures. At least I got a chance to see it when it was nice when I was a toddler.

[@theupscriber65]

Don't do the old LT1s. They are expensive to get much performance out of. SBC or LS.

[@johnjohn-xo5gl]

@@theupscriber65 it's a sbc

[@NotRodShop]

Sounds like you're talking about the 1970 Corvette LT-1 and not the 1996 Camaro LT-1? I've actually been really intrigued about building the 1990's LT-1/LT-4 but getting rid of the optispark and just using the distributor to run a Megasquirt with coil on plug. I've actually heard that the 1996 LT-4 corvette (LT-1 with better heads) makes more power than the first LS-1 of 1997, but of course GM wouldn't have put that on the literature at the time. I mean what person would want to buy a new corvette that made less power than last year's model. Of course we now know that with very little mods just how good the LS responds.

[@thirdcargarage2951]

Love it. Looks like every nova I ever owned.

[@wes11bravo]

Love the '68 - '72 Nova. I believe HRM did a project series in the 80s where they did your era Nova with a small block 400 they got from a junkyard which they did a correct but budget rebuild/balance on. I think their car ended up running in the low 10s? Keep it up - not much on the road these days has as much soul as these old cars.

[@delwhylie4748]

I luv Nova's I owned a 68 that actually raced in quarter mile in Vegas with balanced & blue printed 327 Super T- 10 4 speed, 750 Holley aluminum Edelbrock, duel point distributor, electric Holly fuel pump.Hurst in-line shifter with aluminum 202 heads & aluminum flywheel. You launched at 6000 rpms hit 2nd with tire's burning once it hooked run to 7000 and finished the quarter in 3rd gear. Can't remember the ETs. But; I remember blew the doors off a few big block Plymouth's Road Runner's and Super Bees street racing for money on week ends. The other was a 62 Nova replaced the 6 cylinder 3 speed with a balanced 327 bored 60 k with 202 cast steel heads, 2 Holley 360 Holley 4 barrels on a highrise Edelbrock with a 40 Lb flywheel, Super T-10 & inline Hurst shifter. Then a strait axle under the front. Painted it chrome yellow, I swear ran that thing to 10,000 rpms. Only never got to race it. Got married sold the engine to my buddy 43 Years agp it's setting on engine stand to this day in his shop. Sold the body to another buddy he says it was still parked in a garage some where in North Dakota. Im 65 years old now divorced twice still broke still cherish the memory's of the women and building the car.

[@extremedrivr]

So.. You sold the Nova and its engine because you got married?? Did your wife hate the car or someting.

[@jerrytee2688]

Cool story

[@gregorizi]

Budget builds are awesome.

[@YippeeKiYayMrFalcon]

Did I mention that this is by far the best new KZbin channel!? Awesome stuff..

[@mikeeaton9822]

Love the 72 Nova it brings back memories!

[@callmenortnortin467]

Picked up this info online and passing it along to you guys,,5 inches in from the pinch welds on the rockers (each side) and 111 inches for wheel base should put your subframe where it should be.

[@dannork1240]

This is my new favorite channel! Thank you guys, keep it coming!

[@ginaboos9563]

in the early 90s had a 71 that did mid 12s. built it myself for under 1000 bucks. nothing made me happy like taking down sho,s and vettes most anything. lost a few but they had thousands into them. fallin apart rusted sleeper nova that went like a bastard. theres a certain proud state of doin the work yourself and cheap and takin down a new 30,000 dollar car. of course most cars were slower in the 90s but mid 12s is still pretty quick. memories

[@jamiecampbell5205]

Good stuff.

[@fogduker3131]

Good work guys looks like a lot of fun.

[@fooledman]

Love it. Elderlyiron would be proud.

[@NotRodShop]

Never heard of his channel 'til now but I gotta say he's super awesome!

[@theupscriber65]

Liked and subscribed! Reminds me of the cars I built as a kid in the 2000's. Living in a small town I got most of my "parts" from the local hardware store. I "restored" (if you can call it that) a 68 and 69 Firebird and a 67 and 68 Camaro. Love that you use what you have or come up with the most affordable alternatives.

[@MrNovaAddict]

What part of Washington are you in? I'm just north of Issaquah rebuilding my 74 Nova. It was my first car and I've held on to it since. Finally putting in the hours to do it right.

[@patriotrob7066]

Loved the video. I'll admit I went over to the ls twin turbo side. But I'll always love a good ol small block and big block chevy!!!!!👍🇺🇸

[@clintonvesper7595]

Awesome show. Love the content and now I know how to modify my clutch to be hydrolic! !

[@SchnelleKat]

Really enjoying the Style of the filming and how you do things, like any other DIY home garage would.

[@danhansson409]

U cant go wrong with a Nova

[@jennifurzoe1302]

Mexicans don't like them,No Va=No Go

[@fluden9103]

jennifur zoe i’m mexican and that’s a rumor, we all know the “No va” Joke but no one has ever taken it serious

[@jennifurzoe1302]

@@fluden9103 sadly,not everyone has a safe space,not everyone knows you can turn right on a red,not everyone knows the earth is bigger than the small world we live,even more tragic is not everyone knows that ordering something special at burger king don't get a song & dance,just as speaking mexican is not spanish,and whats worse is you taking precious time to point that out without considering the starving children on your planet.

[@incognito8448]

wheelies and side loading can do really nasty things to a sub-frame car

[@trailerparksupersports]

Great video. Pt2 up next

[@andylamorena6723]

It's Beautiful Nicely made

[@felixroa-disla8803]

love this! Hopefully getting my nova today

[@theshark2804]

I have a 74 nova that’s a 4 door with a built 454 th400. I have it for sale but I’m thinking I should save it and look for a junkyard 2 door nova and swap all my parts over

[@bilbobaggins4710]

Do it 👍

[@johnnoeth2191]

My first ride was actually a 72 Nova. Turbo 350 was a good trans.

[@jakespeed63]

Good job! Very first car was a '69 Nova SS350, in 1979. Owned it almost 30 years. DO NOT use silicone on gaskets...silicone IS a gasket. Weatherstrip adhesive works best or brown gasket cement. AND...if you plan on taking valve covers off frequently, go buy some long 1/4-20 set screws and make valve cover studs.

[@glenbarnier]

perfect nova. i love this beast boys

[@madethehorsecry]

Awesomeness i glad you get to live your dream.

[@lagledavid4353]

Good deal 1800.getting hard to find.

[@tkskagen]

Scott Blankenship's younger Brother? Glad to Support your Channel!😎👍 It's all about the "Shade Tree Mechanics". We "find a way" to make things work! Take care, 🤓 -Thomas Skagen

[@luissantiago7824]

Nice Yellow Chevy Nova Amigo, "Viva La Chevrolet"🙂👌

[@dillonscott9188]

Hey thats my home town and my uncle lives on that road! Sweet

[@ApostleDavids8w]

Man way to cool.

[@flipeecupsstuff7632]

This video makes me wanna drive my Charger sooooo bad

[@kayyo1891]

I want another nova so bad.

[@crankysports]

you can use hydraulic clutch parts from a 1986 chevy C10 as well, use a bellhousing that has a mount fo rthe slave cylinder from an 80's chevy as well, and basically everything bolts in. Thats what I did in my 53 Bel Air

[@joetucker8582]

The SS badge is my favorite part.

[@tffa5571]

its like roadkill is back on youtube

[@mzaccagnini7179]

That was an interesting video. I love novas also. I used to have a 68 with a 307. Fun car.

[@johnhicks9529]

Its amazing it's in Washington now though for sure.

[@DjDubStak]

Good stuff man. Glad I stumbled on this channel

[@Fritsvrolijk]

fun looking at this video

[@robertobetancourt7881]

I use to have a 71 n I make it front disk brakes from 73 , 74 nova . 350 , 350trans I miss that guy😞

[@noreastermike1621]

Suggestion, cork valve cover gaskets. Just use a little wheel bearing grease. Helps to take then on and off.

[@johnhicks9529]

It came with 307 corvette engine& 350 turbo transmission that was changed out. Over to A?Muncie 4 speed& 350 with headers on it back in 1990. That car was sold with that gold door back in 1992 in whaneta,Florida when I was 11.,12 years old. The car got hit on the right side by A mustang GT 5.0 the guy did not look behind him before gassing up his car. Cause he& his wife was arguing at that time when it struck the side of our car.

[@NotRodShop]

Well, it's a stretch as we bought it in Washington which is the furthest mainland state away from Florida... however I will say that when I looked up the tag on it the car was originally equipped with a 307... although I bet most probably were in 72.

[@michaelscott9504]

corvette never came with a 307 lol!!

[@jeremystrickland7767]

i love the novas i have a big tire 68 that i drag race owned since i was 16yrs old 540 big block twin turbos

[@motherlovinsnuffstar]

This channel rocks. Subbed

[@joe-hp4nk]

I changed my inline 6 350turbo 78 nova to a 454 with 4Speed. Went with manual brakes and Z bar clutch and 550lb/in front springs, the rest was a bolt in. Works ahsome. Any questions, ask away.

[@Oyvind88]

Love Nova, american cars:)

[@aleckrizkallah6181]

Awesome content man can't wait to see more of this stuff ✌️

[@alexsoda4841]

Wait..... why so underated SUBED

[@mariaggammon3967]

First time watching really enjoyed the show!

[@lestatbeyer475]

Nice quality and good work man

[@1980bwc]

How is it, with all these views, that these 2 awesome guy's don't have any more subscribers than they do? Why are so many people so lazy, that they can't hit the subscribe button to more of the channels that they watch? This is really good content, and you can tell they spend ALOT of time making and editing these well above average quality produced videos! Sub to them guys.

[@callmenortnortin467]

HEI fit to firewall is a common issue on those cars,,hammer seems to fix it unless you want to make a recess in your firewall. Ive found it much easier to hang the drivers side heard from a fenderwell( in your case anything that works) BEFORE you drop the engine it,,saves a bunch of grief and curse words;) liking your build,,im doing about what you are doing at present on my 71 Nova

[@magicmikeinc]

Oh ya , sub frame connectors sub frame connectors sub frame connectors !!!

[@firelaperriere6026]

Hey a 98 mph trap speed isn’t bad with everything working against you! Good job keep it up!

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Looks like a fun place to hang out👍. You are onto something good here! Subscribed...

[@spotmanz69]

When I went from my six-cylinder and my 71 to a small block first thing I did was smashed the firewall in for the HEI distributor then when I put my big block in I had to make a little more room for a few other things too