1976 SS Chevy Nova Restoration Done on a Budget!

[@joeessid5616]

I need the narrator's Upper-Midwest peace of mind when crap starts falling off my '74 Apollo. This video made me grin and put things into perspective. Well done.

[@2jeffs1]

Ha ha - Thank you Joe.

[@EnriqueLopez-hb5jn]

That Nova SS looks awesome,spectacular👌👍☝️👍👌

[@jameswilson3554]

Love the video it was awesome. Ive had 7 from 75 to 77. The last one I was 2nd owner some one stole it that was in 1999 would love to have another ..thanks for posting 2thumbs up.

[@wyattoneable]

Wow, that turned out fantastic. Thanks for showing us that, I really enjoyed the vintage footage.

[@2jeffs1]

+wyattoneable I always worry about posting some vintage footage. I know if I shot it currently it would cover some areas much better. I very much appreciate your comment knowing it is enjoyable at your end. Thank you, Jeff.

[@daniellaubsch1605]

Interesting story on the long road to restoring a SS Nova. Nice job!

[@eyesalooking]

It must of been great to have those friends that were there to help you. Just subscribed to your channel tonight after seeing your "tips and how-to" video. The Nova turned out great! When I saw your other video the first words that came out of my mouth to my wife who was on her computer next to me was "He is a fricking genius." Hope to check out all of your videos soon. I have a Jeep CJ8 and rust free Jeep J10 long bed truck in my detached workshop and in another detached building waiting to be restored when I decide to retire. Luckily my oldest son purchased and had installed a two column lift in the main building to make life easier. We made a rotisserie from two Harbor Freight engine stands and some angle iron. Used it to install a new floor in the Scrambler. I have a rebuilt 258 engine with fuel injection modification ready to install when we both get the time. Thanks for all of your inspiration.

[@2jeffs1]

Hi there and... Thank You for the sub. Always enjoy when folks leave what they are up to in the comments. Sounds like you have some creative things going on with the Harbor Freight stands and more. Beats working underneath getting blasted with welder/grinder dabre. Yeah - those 258 engine were great, lots of low end torque, dependable, nice choice. Thanks for stopping by, Jeff

[@tiitsaul9036]

looks perfect. What separates you from the crowd is you actually finish your projects. Fantastic!

[@2jeffs1]

+Tiit Saul Thanks! It is nice to get these projects done to re-gain the shop space. Always look forward to getting the first test drive.

[@JerryJrsGarage]

I love that reverse to drive and just nail the throttle 🤣✌🏼 That is a neat ride.

[@ericreeves1981]

1993. I don't miss the music at all. I'm glad you made this video, it's rare to see someone working on a late nova model.

[@raygsbrelcik5578]

There's nothing wrong with good, Classic music, my friend.

[@RodderFiles]

Great Build an Video edit my friend... The Donut an Burnout Priceless Awesome machine

[@2jeffs1]

+Rodder Files Thank you Kenny! Always gotta toss in that extra stuff at the ending. Got pretty rough many times and when nothing breaks - That's a good day. :>)

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Haha the ending is how they shoulda ran from the factory.

[@leonmcclaran5081]

Nice build, I had a 76 ss myself at one time . 350/350 center console with gauges factory tach 60,000 original miles when i bought it . Good solid car .

[@johngibson3594]

Great looking car glad to see someone rescue the older cars thanks for sharing your story

[@2jeffs1]

+John Gibson I'm pretty sure the guy at the car lot was going so send this to the salvage yard. I had to make sure to include the story of how the car came about. Thought it was quite the deal on how things all transpired!

[@5Dragon23]

Always enjoy your videos.

[@2jeffs1]

+Jeff Greene Thank you Jeff.

[@megarobot4456]

Damn you guys really tore that apart bit by bit, respect

[@ThatDrummerBen]

Awesome to see a classic saved. Nice donuts at the end!

[@2jeffs1]

+ThatDrummerBen I always like to throw something in the end. The way it is edited always wonder if people catch the ending. Thanks Ben!

[@kimjameson7979]

Time well spent and hats off to your skill.

[@OKRODDER]

Great job, not many people like yourself left in the world. I have a shop in Texas and I can't find good help to save my life. The new generation of gear heads today think everything should be a bolt on. performance or otherwise. Thank you for your videos, Jack

[@2jeffs1]

+J.W. Hunt Hi J.W. Wow - your a hop, skip and jump from Wis. Always enjoy hearing where folks are from and up to. Actually years back I had 3 full time employees to make ends meet. Things were a bit challenging at times back then but was wondering how they are now. Kinda figured that. Watching those TV shows it looks like a car can be restored in an hour. Like you were saying I did notice no engines, trans or rear ends are being built in house any more. Kinda sad how things are going where there is so much that could be learned. Thank you for your comment Jack! Hope to catch ya again, Jeff.

[@OKRODDER]

I agree with you about the TV shows, too much edited out no one ever gets a skinned knuckle or has to put a dollar in the swear jar. I have had days I came in the office and dropped $10 just to get started lol.

[@2jeffs1]

I must say - Your comment - awesome! Perhaps one would call that the real world! ;>)

[@57WillysCJ]

I kept thinking when I saw those dates , yesterday when I was young. There was some good work in that one. Most people today don't realize how hard it was to get after market parts back then. You had the dealer a few parts stores who could order and JC Whitney.

[@paulbrosco281]

+57WillysCJ wow...just had some JC Whitney flashbacks

[@2jeffs1]

+57WillysCJ Neat point you brought up there. Yeah - so many of the pieces were not available and had to be home made! Had a friend who worked at a GM dealer. He would run a locator and find me some OE parts that were no longer available and one knew they were at one point in time but like you were saying there wasn't much out there for patch panels and such.

[@57WillysCJ]

Paul Brosco I went to their store on Archer Street in Chicago. It was a triangle block and on the other part of the triangle was Warshauski parts. They shared the building basically. There were guys everywhere working on their cars.

[@not2fast4u2c]

You did some NICE bodywork on it !!! When I was a kid a guy I knew had a Nova that year SS red with a white top black trim and the white and black interior

[@2jeffs1]

+not2fast4u2c Sweet. I always found the 2 tone cars more appealing. Those cars are additive no doubt! Back then their was a junk yard that visited often. One guy there had to come out and check it out. He bought the identical car new. He said it was parked on the street and a drunk guy blasted it and totaled it out. How sad.

[@tofubob10102]

Jeff, you've been doing youtube before it even existed!! Thanks for seeing the potential in something most people would write off.

[@2jeffs1]

+tofubob10102 It is quite amazing how things transpired for the use on this YT thing! Looking back - really glad these things were filmed now! Thru the years things seemed almost magical how they came about....

[@805ROADKING]

Better than New!! Well done Bud!!☺

[@2jeffs1]

+805ROADKING Fair trade for some of your super creations? Thanks RK. ;>)

[@jaybird8748]

I can't believe I have only just discovered your channel!! I could watch your videos all day. You have my utmost respect as you are clearly an absolute master at your craft. Take care from Scotland :-)

[@2jeffs1]

+Jaybird 87 Thank you for your kind thoughts Jaybird 87. I like when folks say where they are from and wonder what things would be like in their area of the world. Thanks again for taking time out of your day to check out my videos. Always hope they have been helpful besides entertaining, Jeff

[@paulbrosco281]

I f'n love this! nice also to see the '73+ models done properly, like this!

[@2jeffs1]

+Paul Brosco Not real big on the custom paint. I thought these looked cool out of the box too.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

+2jeffs1 They get no respect because of the weak power plants they came with, but that can be fixed easily. I kinda dig some of the 70s styling they did at the time. I like the look. Dare I tell ya I like the cobra 2 also? Same but different. By those days it was mostly an appearance package but like I said earlier that's easily fixed.

[@paulbrosco281]

MrTheHillfolk Shame on me, too! I do love the little Cobra 2s!

[@paulbrosco281]

2jeffs1 really really sharp

[@MobsterNine]

Awesome burn out at the end! That's a sweet ride!

[@2jeffs1]

+MobsterNine Thanks! The rear end was built here too so one has to..... :>)

[@codycheney3401]

what a beautiful job ! It sure brings back some great times for me ! Thanks !!!!!

[@bubbamaxx7969]

you are nothing short of genius...amazing work!

[@2jeffs1]

+Bubba Maxx Thank you Bubba. Your kind thoughts are much appreciated! :>)

[@raygsbrelcik5578]

I had a 77' about 12 years back. I took out the tired old 305 and parked a 275 HP 350 in its place. Then I added a performance tranni from a Monte Carlo from a 'Friend of a friend," who had gotten into a wreck. And of course I had to 'Slap Two n' a' half inch, dual exhaust pipes ( a LOTTA' work) with Dynamax muffs.' I supplied the electronics by way of an MSD dist., complete with Overkill 8.5 MSD Spark plug wires. I painted the car ( Myself) CHERRY RED. I had already 'Lifted' the car about an inch and a half above Stock all the way around. Had 225--14's in the Front---245 14's in the rear, mounted on Classic 5--Spoke Cragar Mags. Even the young dudes in their little "Rice burners" were giv- ing me 'Thumbs up." I did all this with the help of my son and a friend or two. At that time didn't possess the know-how that I do Now, but we did a fairly good job despite that.

[@angelmarcano6747]

Great restoration job on a budget

[@collinprince8360]

Great looking car! Had a 76 as my first car....wish I still had it.

[@ke.gardner7156]

Beautiful finish.

[@2jeffs1]

+Keith Gardner Thankx Kieth!

[@deathtroll135]

That looks great man, hope someday my 78 can be that nice

[@MorrowSind]

You do awesome work!

[@johnwallace7465]

Someone likes to do donuts..lol Great video Jeff I can tell the wiring is your favorite part. You always have some really neat tips on electrical stuff. That Nova made a sharp car when you got it finished. Thanks for the video Jeff!

[@2jeffs1]

+John Wallace Hello John. The driveway seal coat guys last summer thought a pack of high school kids got loose in the parking lot. Got a kick out of their comments. I knew they were coming so I did a bunch of video shooting every night! :>) I do a lot of late model electronics and trouble shooting here. Really enjoy the challenge of finding the intermitt off the wall issues. I do have video of the 77 Nova resto-mod done years back. Have a late model fuel injected Corvette engine in that one. (late model at that time) Had to hand make several sensors and all harnesses, fuel system, exhaust, headers, counsel, shifter, etc. Lots mods on that one and documented pretty well. But hey - thank you for your comment, hope to catch ya again, Jeff

[@bobbenner2536]

beautiful job as usual Jeff nice burnout

[@2jeffs1]

+Bob Benner Thanks Bob. I always said - Whats a tire or two amongst friends!

[@biggboy3159]

The car turned out great and I seen you even put the original stickers under he trunk lid. You made a less desirable model turn out beautiful. Again, great job brother!

[@2jeffs1]

+bigg boy315 Sometimes wonder how things are going to turn out and get done. Neat when the project is finished and scratched off the list of things to do.

[@biggboy3159]

yah I agree. I've had a few motorcycle projects like that. 1974 sportster and a 1984 Kawasaki ninja 900r. But like your projects if you put the time and effort into something and love,what your doing things can turn out amazing

[@Jerry-jx5yv]

Beautiful car and color you don't see those around too often anymore

[@Jerry-jx5yv]

Also what year is that Ranger

[@2jeffs1]

+Jerry That's an 86. That is the first year for port fuel injection. It's what I service/work on for a living so.... It's rare here that I ever buy anything new here & still have it.

[@Jerry-jx5yv]

that cool to hear man

[@preferred_trash]

Love them old Nova's

[@acmacvic]

Well done! I've been waiting for the next video. Smoke show at the end.....the best!

[@2jeffs1]

+Angus MacVicar Even tho I had this footage on file it still takes quite a while to put them together so it has more of a presentable quality. I'll make sure to keep them coming! The smoke show - No extra charge!! ;>) Thanks Angus!

[@CraigArndt]

You're work is incredible!! A really beautiful restoration, great job. Glad to see another video from you, been hoping for one!

[@2jeffs1]

+Craig Arndt People have been keeping me out of trouble here. You bet - I'm always excited to complete another video and get it posted. I did spend a lot of time cleaning out the boring slow moving crap out of this one to make it adequate for posting even tho one wouldn't probably think that. This computer editing program is sooooo much nicer than the mixer and equipment that I used years back.

[@Spennyman10]

Looks very nice. You did a great job. I'd be proud to own it.

[@2jeffs1]

Thank you!

[@Brad1237202]

Awesome job guys!!!

[@2jeffs1]

+Brad1237202 Thank you Brad!

[@Good-Enuff-Garage]

Wow, where do I start, love your attitude and the work you do is superb, thank you for showing some love to a 4th Gen, and saving another one! I hope to own a 1975 (pre SMOG in California you know) some day

[@2jeffs1]

Those are great driving cars. They drive as good as the new stuff that's out there as far as I'm concerned. Interesting to hear on the pre 1975 deal. That would be the deal breaker for a year choice for sure! I do have footage of my 77 Nova with the tuned port in. I built a rotisserie to do that one. Lotsa custom built parts, all in house for that one. Will get the footage up some time in the future.

[@biggboy3159]

nice job jeff

[@boostcreep4749]

Looks good!

[@kobbetop]

Funny how the footage looked like it was meant to be on KZbin before it was even invented lol

[@2jeffs1]

+Kobbetop I still wonder what possessed me to film this stuff. Quite glad that happened now!

[@builtrodewreckedit]

I almost got my moms 75 nova when she found they wouldn't give her anything for trade in. I was only 14 and they wanted the parking spot so it didn't happen. It wasn't an ss but same red as yours with no white stripes and it was super clean. 283, auto, bucket seats and rally wheels... god i wish i had it now.

[@paulbrosco281]

+builtrodewreckedit sounds like a great little driver

[@2jeffs1]

+builtrodewreckedit How sad. For an inexpensive car they sure didn't feel like it when driving them. They never costed much in maintenance and were so dependable. Years back I had a 68 that I put a high performance 396 in. Scary fast fun for sure. Still wish I had that one...

[@paulbrosco281]

2jeffs1 reminds of of my father telling me about his favorite delivery run when he worked for a Chevy dealership...was a '69 Nova 375/396 4 speed with some very tall gears.

[@79impalajb]

very nice job

[@senkster1851]

Great job I love this car

[@Mrbushman68]

another awesome job!

[@2jeffs1]

+Mrbushman68 Thank you! That car was here several years before we tackled it. Happy when it finally got done.

[@Truthmender]

She's a real beauty. I had a blue 76 SS a few years back and now have a 75 SS both 4 spd. In the video It appeared you had a factory 4 spd. as well, either way ya did an awesome job.

[@2jeffs1]

+The1966chevyvan Thanks! Neat where you had to get another one! There is just something about those Nova's. I had a 68 years back and replaced the 6 cyl with a built 396. Bought some front side marker lights that had the 307 on them. Generated plenty of fun on the street races back then!

[@ClassicRideSociety]

If KZbin were around back then, would have made things a lot easier for me. Back then it was Books, Mags, and VHS tapes you had to buy. Didn't have anyone in my life that could teach me these things. When you said that you really enjoy the wiring... You are definitely in the minority. Most everyone I've known says otherwise. Its actually not bad at all if you are working with factory wiring.

[@SuperBanana45]

great job

[@rogeroconnor5182]

another great job,top notch

[@2jeffs1]

+roger oconnor Thanks Rodger!

[@slimjim119]

turned out great

[@2jeffs1]

+Jim Rowlings Thanks Jim. Always neat to get the first ride and all the stuff off the garage floor!

[@misterblinkies9392]

I had a 1975 Nova SS....I really miss that car!!!

[@Stillstoned1]

good job.

[@rufustoad1]

Very nice job. I am getting ready to start on a 70 Bronco and sure wish I had your talents. I seemed to have missed the dates so what was the time beginning to end on this restoration?

[@2jeffs1]

+Todd Forfreedom This took around 5 months. Have a friend that has one of those Bronko's. He had it since the late 70's. Still has it and put a fiberglass body on it quite a while back. He has some time in it but turned out very nice.

[@danielcimpeanu]

Nice video! :)

[@Pyronics]

Awesome!

[@tezgreen5034]

Hey I know your restoration is old but where can I find replacement fenders is there a place that sells them. I’m currently working on a 1975 Nova factory 262v8 with a factory 3speed manual in the floor with the build sheet to prove it. I want to keep it numbers matching so I’m on a budget build.

[@2jeffs1]

Sorry Tez, haven't looked in years. Have the build sheet for that car too - it also came with a 3 speed floor shifter. Must of been a popular thing back then!

[@outlawcustoms3624]

Good morning I’m in search for a pair of good used tail light assemblies for my 76 Chevy nova do you have a pair or any leads as to where I can look? Thanks in advance

[@2jeffs1]

No, sorry

[@stejac51]

HaHa ... well done ... particularly loved the 'Easybeats - Friday on my Mind' track at 5:30 ....

[@2jeffs1]

Good tunes make these jobs much more enjoyable! Thanks for stopping by Steve, always enjoy reading the comments!!! ;>)

[@stejac51]

Yep ... so true ... I might need to ramp up the volume with my current project which is an LS1 into a Yr 2000 RX7 ... doing the wiring atm ...

[@2jeffs1]

Nice!, Yeah - that will keep you busy for some time. ;>)

[@redlinekilla7]

i have a 76 Nova SS as well and I would like to know is there a way to paint the chrome on if like bumper and stuff

[@2jeffs1]

There is something that is like what you are wondering about. Not up on that tho...

[@rlchick5774]

What should a person pay when they find an old ss nova? Did you do the interior?

[@ManuelFlores-uq3bh]

This is cool

[@dylansgarage6050]

Was that antenna a special dealer option? I dont see many with it.

[@2jeffs1]

Not that I rm aware of. They only had the antenna in the windshield glass which didn't work the best.

[@chevyshawnsomerville9586]

2jeffs1 that is a nice looking 76 ss after you was done.I have a 76 concourse 2 door with a origanal 305 that i put a highrise mainfold and a 4 barrel carburetor and a body restore.The nova i have was my first car and a restore thats still going after 4 years its a project i always look forword to.do you still have that nova ss?

[@2jeffs1]

Sure do and is still in very nice condition.

[@steverayrapp]

Wow, nice job Jeff! But I'm still blown away by your job on that Diesel you brought back from being burned up. Incredible. :-) What do you actually do for a living?

[@2jeffs1]

+Steve Raymond I run an auto repair shop here full time since the 80's Pretty much do anything involving the automotive industry.

[@garyremenyk95]

Great Job on the restoration of the 1976 Nova SS. Just found this video a couple days ago. I have a 1975 Nova SS that I am having difficulty finding body panels for. Would you have any ideas where I might be able to access these parts? Could you please send me your email, I would like to send you some pictures. Thank you, Gary Remenyk

[@franciscomunoz6918]

I stared to rebuild one today with my dad.

[@youdontknowme9118]

Still a sweet care getting harder and harder to find

[@airmanoneal]

What would it take to have you do some restoration work on my 77? If your still doing this

[@2jeffs1]

Sorry, been out of that type of work for quite some time now.

[@phooesnax]

Very nice work. DO you run an auto repair biz out of the shop dayside?

[@2jeffs1]

+phooesnax Back in the late 70's I'd work my day job and fix cars for people at night. In 82 I had gathered a pretty good customer following and went into this full time. In 86 I had to re-locate where I was shut down for running a commerical operation in a residential area. Had to make things happen now where I didn't want to jeopardize the cust following. Moved here, lotsa late night to get the building together and operational again. Had people living with me to make financial ends work. Very stressful, wouldn't wish that ever again. Looking at the current vid's every thing looks hunky dory now but there was plenty of obstacles to overcome along this journey!!!!

[@phooesnax]

I can only imagine and have great regard for what I watch you do. You are very inventive and industrious and proof positive that hard work pays off

[@AaronHarberg]

Where is the car now?

[@samsmith3011]

Do you still have those cars or did you sell them?

[@2jeffs1]

Still have the cars. Don't think they will ever be sold at this point in time.

[@Donny.C.wlWilliams]

cool beans

[@pastor.juancarlosdavila5555]

Mi sueño Nova 76 y 77 desde Puerto Rico

[@Frazetta63]

Budget my butt....you put some money into that rebuild...

[@75chevelle49]

Do u have a 17 chevelle??

[@75chevelle49]

I mean 75

[@2jeffs1]

+Thomas Woods I did have a 66, 69 and 72 Chevelle in the past. However none at the present time.

[@75chevelle49]

Oh ok

[@williamzoom]

Somewhere I would have had to have on it ass, grass or gas just for historical purposes! I had one of those Solar mig welders those things cannot be killed.

[@2jeffs1]

+William Zoom Haha! Yeah - that would be cool. Had a friend who had a Solar welder. Very nice unit. The Solar in the corner is one of their first plasma cutters. That got a lot of use thru the years. Took the cover off several years back - should of seen all the puddy dust inside and on the cooling fan. One can hear the fan running again now... :>)

[@raygsbrelcik5578]

Ya' GET what ya' WORK for...and THAT'S the Bottom line!

[@reggieanderson885]

Great Lakes accent....

[@jcesario240]

Hey Jeff you want to sell your car?

[@2jeffs1]

Never hurts to ask, but no. I rarely sell anything.

[@EnriqueLopez-hb5jn]

What I could never figure out is why did the Novas tend to rust compared to like the Camaro*s, Monte Carlos, and other GM brand cars,🙄🙄🙄🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@johnsocronyk2101]

Shit

[@79impalajb]

very nice job