71 Chevy Nova LS - Will this car be ready for HOT ROD POWER TOUR in 3 Weeks???

Time is running out and I still have more to do to get the Nova ready to go 2400 miles on the 2024 Power Tour. In this video I'm checking out the Brakes, a Coolant leak, Serpentine belt and pulleys, and new Tires.

[@drwright7]

Cool car! Hope to get a closer look in the HRPT!

[@Richard4616]

When you put weight across from each other shows they did know how to balance the tires.

[@jeffk6941]

The Nova is looking good. You may know this already, but the brake distribution block safety valve can be held in place while bleeding with a plastic plug. It goes in where the switch is and keeps the valve from sensing a loss of fluid while you bleed the brakes. I know the wheels have been mentioned alot, but if one combo requires a ton of weights, it may need to be dismounted and spun 180 so the wheel balance and tire balance dont add up in the same position. If you have a chance, maybe use a momentary switch on the line lock that way youre not disabling the rear without your finger on it. Good luck. Maybe keep an eye on the alternator.

[@nowherefastgarage]

Thanks and thanks for the info.

[@budsodalsky]

I plan on catching up to ya in Nashville. It would be cool to meet you all. Not sure I will bring Camaro, I think I'll do like you and give it some distance driving before then to see if it will make it. I would take those tires back the the neanderthal that put the weights there and have him move them. LOL "Made in Chi na "

[@nowherefastgarage]

Ok, hope to see you there. The weights seem ok now. Just trying to find the time to redo things is tough!

[@johnmilner7603]

I think the GN would be more reliable. When I had mine for 22 yrs I never had any big problems. I had 152,000 mi when I sold it. Drove from Ontario Canada just 40 min East of Toronto to the Woodward Cruise on Woodward Ave in MI without 1 problem. The biggest problem out of the 22 yrs was the Powermaster which I got parts locally for it from a GM Parts Pontiac Buick Dealership. And to boot I got 27 mpg on the highway. Have you adjusted the rear brake shoes star wheel? Those wheel balance weights are terrible. I’ve never ever seen a wheel with that many weights on it in my life and I started driving in ‘73. If you have a rubbing issue with those stick on weights I would take the tires back and get them rebalanced with the normal weights which get hammered on the lip of the wheel. Stick on weights should only be used on aluminum and chrome rims. You have stamped steel wheels. My weights on my 70 Z/28 stock mags were balanced with the rim edge lead weights. When they were balanced the guy had one of my Z trim rings so he’d know where NOT to install a weight due to the mounting clips on the trim ring. BTW why buy drag radials on the rear? Are you going to race it? I’d install a radial by Cooper or BFG. You alternator pulley should not be that noisy when you spin it by hand. Keep the videos coming, I watch them all and feel your pain when you run into problems. I’ve had them as well.

[@budsodalsky]

I agree. More comfortable too.

[@nowherefastgarage]

Thanks for the info. The GN is still my backup plan for the trip. I think it could handle this trip. If I can find time before I go, I might do like you said with the balancing, and just get the metal clip on weights. I was just trying to avoid that look. The old tires were balanced with the stick on weights. The car just wouldn't have any traction with regular radials. I had to go to drag radials on the GN also, because it would fishtail when shifting up or downshifting. Almost went around a few times. Also, the screeching noise grabs too much attention. None of that drama with the drag radials! They just hook.

[@johnmilner7603]

I see.

[@Joesmusclecargarage]

You should swap in a big block heater core someday. The BB Novas used a heater core/box with the inlet and outlet right in the center of the box.

[@nowherefastgarage]

Yes! That would work a lot better with this setup.

[@MichiganWildcat]

A few of us are wondering where and what brand seals you bought for the Camaro T Tops?

[@chaseya1016]

Love the nova brother, nice clean work

[@nowherefastgarage]

Thank you!