$500 Nova, Will it RUN and DRIVE After 24 Years Parked?

Finding a CHEAP V8 project car is tough, and this $500 Nova was a bit of a gamble. Will it start after 24 years parked? If it does, my gamble pays off...if it doesn't, I'll probably just haul it off for scrap or re-sell it. I bought it basically sight unseen, and it came with an extra engine and a bunch of parts. Usually, when a car is parked for so many years, and comes with an extra engine, that's a bad sign. But I had a good feeling that we could get this thing running again after checking it over in our last video.
Even though the body is rusty, the engine looks to be complete and it's hard to beat the reliability of a tried and true small block Chevy engine. Even though this isn't a desirable 350ci engine, the little 305 was a tough workhorse for the time. This one features a two-barrel carburetor, and it's backed by a TH350 automatic transmission and 2.41 gears out back.
In this video, I try to crank this old car. I don't rebuild the carburetor. I don't replace any ignition parts. I never even pulled the spark plugs out of it! I just wanted to pour some gas down the carburetor, hook up a hot battery and see what happened. The results are satisfying because this thing is proving to be a promising project car. Overall I spent $100 in addition to the $500 purchase price. I haven't had this much fun for $600 in a long time!
These fourth generation Novas (1975 through 1979) don't get a lot of respect from the old car community, but they're really growing on me. I daily drive a 1977 Nova four door and this 1978 Nova two door is my latest obsession. I have some plans for both projects, but you'll have to wait and see how it all pans out.
#willitrun #abandoned #nova
1978 Nova Rescued: • ABANDONED Chevy Nova R...

[@dogbitefred6631]

Your little daughter is the star of the show, her enthusiasm just bubbles over, you sir are a blessed man. I think I would have washed the car first just to see what I had to work with. I literally hate trying to work on greasy, dirty cars with trash all about. Once the car started there was a lot of dirt and straw sucking down your carburetor. Can't wait to see what it looks like after you clean it up. I bought a 1961 Chevy Belair a few years ago that was sitting in a ditch, when we hooked a chain to it and pulled it out, the tire treads came off the tires because they were stuck to the black clay we have in Texas. I had never seen that before!

[@HotRodHoarder]

I am definitely blessed! I agree that a clean up would've been better before hand, but I was just too excited to see if it would fire off. I never imagined it would run so good though.

[@TheREALOC1972]

I absolutely agree, IF that was me and my daughter I just bought her her first car..... and let her help work on fixing it up. I just bought a 75 Nova in pretty much the same condition although I live in the desert in Northwestern Arizona and the FIRST thing I did was give it a deep bath so I could see what I was working with before I even tried turning it over and getting it running. working on a nasty dirty car just kills my motivation because a clean car shows me that it's on it's way, That's STEP #1 because you can't get a TRUE look at what needs fixed while it's covered in dirt and grime, like it that dirt and grime on the fuel lines or is it bubbling rust with a big ole hole? the world will never know until it's clean.

[@rsprockets7846]

@@HotRodHoarder yeah wood not sit in that car tooo long without a hazmat suit on..yuckkkkkkkkk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Shadetreejr1967]

New subscriber here, watched Joshs video on the junkyard trip you and him took! He has mentioned you in many videos so I figured since he respected you that much that you definitely deserve the viewers! Now....gonna go binge watch some Hot Rod Hoarders! Thank all you guys for what you do to keep us guys that are unable to do this anymore, whether it be from a disability or depression or whatever keeps you homebound or unable. We really appreciate being able to follow you all!

[@HotRodHoarder]

That's awesome, thank you Dwayne! Josh and I have been friends for going on 20 years nows (long before we had KZbin channels). We have both tossed ideas back and forth for our channels and we just love this stuff. Thank you for checking out my channel!

[@thirdvisiongarage9148]

Quite a steal at that price including the parts! I got my duster for $800 6 years ago and I haven’t seen any less than $1200 ever since. Great nova and glad it’s saved!

[@HotRodHoarder]

I'm definitely feeling good about the price now. I've always liked Dusters...definitely getting hard to find!

[@rsprockets7846]

@@HotRodHoarder power wash that relic but a great find put a sway bar on rear and upgrade shocks

[@clevelandmaker386]

That's a steal....at gunpoint!!! Down south that's 2500.00

[@jamesshugart8015]

@@HotRodHoarder yes I'm jealous, but very happy. For you I bought a 1972 Nova brand new at 21 good luck I'll be watching God bless.

[@larryhullinger4141]

$225 PER TON that's what it worth here in Indiana Ugliest excuse for a nova ever

[@blackberryhillfarm1084]

I'm interested in seeing it after a pressure wash great video

[@HotRodHoarder]

Big clean up video coming soon!

[@rsprockets7846]

@@HotRodHoarder SHOP THE JUMKYARDS FOR BUCKETS AND A CONSOLE YOU MAKE IT A SUPER SPORT

[@DejonColeman94]

Love the nova, looking forward to seeing the rebuild

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching! Next video will be the clean up and huge transformation...should be pretty good!

[@erickricharson5196]

I have a 78 2 door Fairmont that's one family owned. And just saved a 71 4door nova from the junk yard I work at. Still maintains the original driveline and protecto plate. Sat since 1999 and I had it running and driving in a few hours. Glad to see you save this nova

[@HotRodHoarder]

Very nice! Those Fairmonts are getting hard to find....neat cars.

[@michaelray1590]

Glad to see you involving your kids into the car projects . My grandpa and dad got me and my brother involved with cars. Now it's just me working on old cars when I can. When I have money and I'm in good health. Teach your as much as you can. Enjoy the time you have with them.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you Michael, I love being able to share an interest with my kids, and enjoy these old project cars. My son is 2 years old, and I'm excited for when he can get involved.

[@vincentgotter4669]

First time viewer. I really enjoyed having family time with your cameraman it's nice to see a family working on a vehicle.I I'm aware there is no gas tank. the gas can is what is used I know, but it's too dangerous to have a child in the car with an open can of gas. different if you do it and burn yourself up but the child it's just negligence. Sorry to come down on you like that but that's just how I feel.

[@HotRodHoarder]

I appreciate the comment Vincent. I agree that it's not the safest option. I certainly would hate if something bad had happened with the gas jug in the floor board. I never want to do anything that could potentially hurt any of my kids. But I also want them to experience the fun and adventure that I did when I was a kid. Riding around in a bucket of bolts, barley hanging together enough to make it around the block. But I do agree that it wasn't a great call on my part.

[@mikebaldwin9972]

I believe you need to fix it up for that Pretty Young Lady that was helping with the work and support she gave you…

[@HotRodHoarder]

She loves these old cars! My four door '77 Nova daily driver is her absolute favorite car in the world.

[@user-js4vh2lw6n]

You should see her Chevelle! If I had to choose between all the cars he has shown it would be a tough choice between his 4 door Nova and his daughter's Chevelle.

[@josephmiller3513]

I loved this.Itp reminded me of doing this stuff with my daughter.She is 21 now n not interested in watching dad work on his cars n take test rides with me.great video!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Oh man! Yeah, I'm embracing this time with my girl...hoping she'll always remember our good times with old cars.

[@hippydippy]

Great Video & your daughter is an absolute peach! I remember when she made her first video appearance & all I could do was smile. She was so sweet & funny. You are blessed. Look forward to the upcoming videos on this one.

[@HotRodHoarder]

I am definitely blessed! Full clean up video coming soon, and you'll see (and hear) a lot of Carlee in that one haha.

[@hippydippy]

@@HotRodHoarder Can't wait!

[@growzen3853]

Appreciate the starter test tip sir. Keep doing what your doing I’ll keep watching.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching!

[@user-eq8jt3zk2h]

I think it’s awesome that you include your kids reviving old cars.well done

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks for watching!

[@kbtruck65blair64]

That's awesome you got it running. Looking forward to seeing more of it. Love the older Novas

[@HotRodHoarder]

Clean up video coming soon!

[@Wooley689]

Enjoying this series on the Nova.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you! Thought I'd switch it up a little and focus on one of our projects. It's been fun!

[@friguy4444]

Great old cars. My grandpa had one but his was a 1971. Your little girl seems like shes very smart and her social skills are awesome!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks Greg! She is a lot of fun and always has something to say.

[@jasongreen2252]

I like that body style of Nova that's pretty cool 20 years I think it's worth saving if it's getting that much effort out to run and drive after 20 years

[@HotRodHoarder]

Definitely rusty underneath, but I think it's worth saving.

[@rsprockets7846]

@@HotRodHoarder SHOP THE JUNKYARDS throw in some camaro buckets console a 4bbl carb keep stock rims or swap on some 85-90 camaro alloy rims.....the 57 chevy of the 20's

[@wineinbeautifulplaces1200]

Unbelievable the way the car run and not only you got a deal on this nova but rarer color too and if you restore it these cars go for a lot of money but right here is the best moment with ur daughter working on the car and she is very smart kid. God bless.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you, I hope to include my kids in more of my videos...they seem to enjoy it.

[@philgrimsey3637]

I love this video. It reminds me of the time a friend and I took an early 70s Rover that was stood, locked up and one wheel in the scrapyard. In an afternoon, we freed it off, got it cleaned up and polished (that served as the distraction to stop us from trying to mess while the engine was soaking), got the fuel pump going and had it turning over. 3 weeks later, it had a new clutch master cylinder, had been inspected and was a daily driver that would crack on for 100mph. It's still about somewhere. Brill work and love the family involvement in the video.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Nice! Gotta love a fun project like that.

[@davida.p.9911]

Really awesome that it ran and drove. I kinda wondered why the previous owner parked it all those years ago. Doesn't seem like it has any major issues. Definitely worth fixing up! 👍 Maiden voyages are always scary. I remember when my brother took me for a ride in his 69 Camaro, the timing was off, the gas tank was leaking, among other issues but we managed to make it back home. 😄 Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to seeing where you go with this Nova.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Yeah, I'm not really sure why it was parked. Could've been a fuel system problem or cooling issue...not sure. I kept assuming I'd run into a major issue at some point but this turned out to be a fun project for us. Looking forward to picking away at it.

[@TheREALOC1972]

It was probally parked because of the fuel line, brake issues and the front seat. 20 years ago those 4th gen Nova's weren't worth more than a few hundred buck and putting $400-$500 in replacing the brake system, another couple hundred in the fuel system and a couple hundred for the new seat cover wouldn't have been worth it financially because these X bodies are just now becoming a viable platform to build on. 20 years ago these cars were just "old used cars" not worth much but today they are getting be a alternitive Muscle car build and GOOD classic Daily Drivers and your not just pissing out money by rebuilding them and getting nothing back by doing so. it's getting harder and harder to find the 72 and older 2 door cars to build because most of them have either been rebuilt already or they are rusted away and not a good base to do anything with so more and more people are buying the mid-late 70's car to build. 5 years ago noone in my car club had a mid-late 70's car but now there's 5, My 75 nova that I just bought last week, a 77 Grand Prix, a 73 Malibu, a 74 Maverick and a 78 Dodge Magnum. People are FINALLY seeing these car for what they can be instead of what they were.

[@philhunt3908]

Can't wait to see what it looks like when it's cleaned up I can't believe it started that good

[@HotRodHoarder]

Yeah I was pretty shocked that it just fired right off with no real prep-work. Clean up video is coming soon!

[@rsprockets7846]

@@HotRodHoarder PUT THE KID TO WORK CLEANING AND THROWING OUT TRASH....SHELL BE DRIVING IT SOOON

[@Falconurbex]

Being a mechanic myself i enjoyed this video thanks for sharing ,i think this old girl would look amazing all done up and back on the road,stay safe and see u in your next video brother.

[@Eupher6]

I owned a '78 Nova with a 305 and a 4-speed, bought new. Much more zippy in my mind than in practice, but this video was a nice trip down memory lane. I brought the car to Germany in '83 and ran leaded gas through it (non-leaded not available in Germany at the time), destroying the cat, but I didn't care. That car was going to be left in Germany. And so it was. Thanks for a great video and a nice shoutout to your daughter who, I hope, has an interest in automotive mechanics down the line!

[@sandwichbar8226]

When the radio came on and the guy ushered the phrase 'dot com'... To think that was probably the first time that has ever resonated in that car! Great work. I can't wait for the clean up episode

[@HotRodHoarder]

I never thought of it that way! Clean up episode is gonna be great!

[@mcdonaldm73]

Awesome video. You can always bleed the master cylinder just like you would a wheel cylinder/caliper. Pump and hold, crack the line, repeat. Might improve the pedal feel.

[@HotRodHoarder]

I may give that a try. Thanks!

[@BradLowrance]

$500 well spent. Man I miss my 77 nova now!

[@angelmaldonado5587]

Dude, work on it. Those cars are extremely reliable. My dad had one and gave it to me, it was a 1977 Nova Concourse. They have a 350 turbohydramatic transmission. I changed the 305 for 350. Header, 4 barrel, Lunati cam and when I just had it going great. A low life robbed it and took it for a joy ride. I sub already.

[@frankjones4094]

Great video. I think you will be surprised at how well it will clean up. Better watch out your helper may fall in love with her and want it for her first car!

[@HotRodHoarder]

I can already tell she's liking it a little too much haha. She REALLY loves my '77 four door Nova daily driver.

[@PHILLY214]

Such a slept on generation of novas…they have so much potential

[@oldhobomanl1747]

Your daughter is a star. The way she pumped those brakes.

[@Wooley689]

Same color interior my 1977 Ventura had way, way back in High school.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Nice! GM loved red interiors back in the day.

[@idontknow2293]

$100 to get it running? Great! But you've got many more hundreds to go. It never ends and you never get your investment back EXCEPT in the Great feeling you get knowing that you restored it. Great car you have there. Enjoy and keep the little one with you when you work. It pays off like crazy. 👍👍👍👍😎

[@HotRodHoarder]

Haha, yeah I have several other projects, so I know this thing will be a money pit if I keep messing with it. I have a plan...

[@bobgrewe988]

I had one-off those in 1980. Loved that car and miss that car. Enjoy and keep working on it.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks Bob, we're having fun with it!

[@ernied3123]

Loved the video. Looking forward to following this project. Thanks again for all your great content. Cheers from Australia.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks for watching Ernie!

[@scotthay1486]

Good buy. Motor sounds good. A lot of rust work to bring her back, but a pressure wash will make a huge difference. I'm looking forward to seeing future videos of work that you do on this car. Definitely worth saving in my opinion. Stay safe.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Clean up video coming this Friday....HUGE difference. I can't believe how good it runs and drives.

[@user-KrackerJack]

I have 4 of those rims but only 3 center caps 1 trim ring and all the stainless inserts

[@HotRodHoarder]

I'm pretty happy that the wheels, rings and caps are complete. They'll clean up nicely, but I really don't want to shell out the money for new tires. I'm sure I'll scrape up something to put on there.

[@robbycard4293]

HowDo..I used to have a 78 Nova as a stock car( limited sportsman) back in 1993 to 1996. Had some top 5 finishes and 5 wins in the old jewel, plus a couple of bad wrecks as well.The car had some good pedigree before I aquirred it from a street stock to a limited sportsman.Your car has a lot of potential and good luck on getting it roadworthy.✌️✌️

[@HotRodHoarder]

Wow that's cool! These Novas look awesome as stock cars.

[@jrobertsp12]

I had a 79 Nova in high school. This took me back to mine, I’d love to find one for $500. The 305 gave out on me so I swapped in a 1968 327 that I hopped up. It was a lot of fun.

[@tapa2466]

Ahaha! 😂 that’s awesome man. It’s hilarious to watch you fix certain issues on it like your literally about to daily drive it the second it cranked over with the radio working. Make shift gas tank and all! 🤣 bought a nova where the owner said it didn’t run. Got it home, put gas in carb and it started right up. Daily drove it from that day and worked on it the weekends. 😅 I’m saying, that nova you got right there is a warrior for starting up after all those years sitting.

[@jameswilson7332]

That’s amazing brother!!! I’m stoked for you!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks for watching James!

[@markrobertson6491]

Like seeing your kid involved keep it up

[@eddiepatterson5025]

I heard SLEEPERDUDE mentioned your name on a video where he bought a car or two from a junkyard that was crushing cars and you came up for recommendation video. Just subscribed. For long as the nova sat up that catalyst converter may be stopped up and Pressurized the engine and blow out the rear main seal. I had a 81 mustang that did just that. May you have a Blessed One Sir. Greetings from Silverstreet South Carolina. Looking forward to seeing the next video on this Nova.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Hey Eddie, thanks for checking out my channel and thanks for subscribing! I appreciate the tip on the catalytic converter. I'll be removing it pretty soon, because I'm certain that it's not flowing freely.

[@AshfaqAhmed-lv7np]

Wooww. One of the best last Chevy muscle car. Use to own one back in 1975. Loved the machine.

[@michaelhahn8918]

We made race cars out of novas this guy is nothing come to Indianapolis and go to the Speedrome

[@michaelhahn8918]

😂. Hi we got them in a junk yards for $500. We stripped them. Roll cage racing seats 327 rollers 355 strokers. 4 core radiators! Have you ever watched six pack? We couldn't run Camaros because they were 2 in too long

[@michaelhahn8918]

So sad you got that little girl in your mold trap

[@michaelhahn8918]

I can't believe the people around you put up with this!

[@steelmill888]

I found a 79 hatchback it had a 6 cylinder and a 3 on the tree.The body and the interior was mint.It sat at a guys house for years and I finally saw the man standing in the front door.I stopped and ask if he wanted to sell it.A new battery and 800 bucks later it was back on the road.Loved that car, never locked it up no one knew how to drive it.LOL

[@HotRodHoarder]

Nice!! Wonder when Chevrolet quit making cars and trucks with 3 on the tree? Had to have been around '80 or so.

[@richardleighton5009]

i like this vid a lot well done , but one thing i want to say is when you turn that motor over by hand to check if it's locked up, it's best to rotate the motor one full revolution by hand - that way you can hear and feel any stuck valves or push rods . just a tip

[@HotRodHoarder]

Yeah, I'm pretty impatient. I turned it a little more after I turned the camera off, but I should've definitely gone a full revolution. Lots of should've's with this one, but just happy that it fired up and moves under its own power again.

[@richardleighton5009]

@@HotRodHoarder 👌i wondered if you did that off cam, and it is cool that she runs .

[@novadiecastman5251]

Nice. My 77 was an original silver with red interior. She's just about ready for paint .. can't wait for the next video..✌️

[@HotRodHoarder]

Awesome! Next video will be a major cleanup.

[@dantomlinson4407]

Nice. Enjoyed!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks for watching Dan!

[@Jestr86]

Makes me feel good that some people can appreciate and resurrected an old car.. this Nova is my mom's all time favorite car, she has a 76 Nova now.. I had to share your video with her..

[@HotRodHoarder]

Very cool! We had a good time bringing this thing back to life. Stay tuned for a clean up video.

[@Jestr86]

@@HotRodHoarder Will Do !

[@AaronHarberg]

Love this video, it brings back memories for me, my first car was a 78 Nova coupe like this one! Hope you can restore this car more and rebuild the engine. Need new seats and carpet obviously.

[@fred_on_factorys404]

I had a 77 back in high school was a fun car

[@cdb1949]

Gravity feed those old fuel pumps and they get lubed up and usually work. And if the fuel pump does not work just gravity feed to the carb. Just a suggestion.

[@johngriffin1847]

You've gotta fix this Nova up real nice and give it to that young lady.

[@HotRodHoarder]

I think she's in love with it!

[@johngriffin1847]

@@HotRodHoarder Can ya blame her? My high school girlfriend got new 69 nova for graduation. 396 under the hood. MAN I LOVED THAT CAR! The girl was nice too, I think...lol

[@grantkoeller8911]

You really need to remove plugs and fill with ATF or Marvel Mystery oil, to protect your cylinder walls and rings.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Yeah, I probably skipped a few steps there.

[@calvindeechacey1247]

Nice 1983 Chevy Nova

[@JohanGavieres]

Omg! Only $500. This my favorite American car. One day I’ll find one 🙌🏼🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@thomasedwards3372]

Good work.. and yes you had a big smile that was well deserved...

[@roadwolf2268]

Back in the day, my Dad got a 78 4 door Nova with an 250 I6, worked so well he got a 79 4 door Nova with a 305, the 305 got better gas mileage, miss those cars

[@HotRodHoarder]

Yeah, those 250's from that era were pretty weak, so you have to really lean on them to keep up with traffic. My daily driver is a '77 Nova 4 door with the inline 6....pretty sure the 305 from this rusty 2 door is going to be great for the daily.

[@josemontano7767]

I would love to find a old Nova like this. My brother had a black 1976 Nova hatchback 3 speed. That was my favorite car It had Audi seats. Really nice.

[@jeffclark3924]

Nova enthusiast here and new to the channel. Really enjoy the content.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching Jeff!

[@stephenhargreaves381]

Enjoyable watch , cant wait for the next one , greetings from the U.K

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching Stephen!

[@DeliriumElectric]

Just found your channel, and I'm really digging it. Love the history attached to cars. Looks like I have a bunch of videos to catch up on.

[@roxanneabbott8424]

She is such a pretty young lady! Proud of her papa! Great job!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you Roxanne!

[@richiek6379]

Great job! I've got a "76 Nova, same body. $th Gen. I think they call it. But it's got a 383 stroker 460 hp. Just a bit different.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Oh man, I bet that's a lot of fun!

[@donaldwoodford824]

I love those Nova's had a 75 Hatchback 350 2B/L back in High School that car was fast for what it was cant wait to see how this one turns out.

[@HotRodHoarder]

These Novas are definitely growing on me. I never absolutely loved them, but they're great driving cars, and affordable. Clean up video coming soon!

[@brandonbowling524]

Interior and plastic is gold

[@HotRodHoarder]

The plastics have turned to dust in certain areas...I'm assuming those areas are where the sun was beating in through the windows.

[@almoffat7504]

Good work glad to see you had a little helper 👍🇦🇺

[@HotRodHoarder]

Yes sir, I enjoy having my helper by my side for this stuff.

[@ozahmed4523]

Its a beautiful car. Its the only '70s big bumper car where the bumpers suit the look of the car. Call it the 'big bumper' era.

[@priscillawilliams6399]

I'm glad you got her running looking forward to the future videos on this car!☺

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching! Stay tuned for a full clean up video next week!

[@MrWoodyBalto]

This will be fun to follow along. My 1st car (back in 1985) was a 1977 Oldsmobile Omega with a Chevy 305. Omega was Olds flavor of the Nova. Buick had the Skylark and Pontiac had the Phoenix. I beat that car hard. Cracked a piston and installed a 350 with a 4 bbl and headers. Fun, Fast car.

[@HotRodHoarder]

I've always liked the BOP versions of the Nova platform. Hardly ever see them on the road any more.

[@bmc7192]

Time for a clean up video.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Tune in next week! BIG TIME transformation on this jewel.

[@davidlaws1438]

My grandmother had one of those same interior red. Also my best friend in high school had a 76 nova, Tennessee orange with white interior, and it sounded great dude exhaust but I think it had the 350 in it.

[@tmikemay6223]

Not a piece of junk. Its a classic. # 1 40 years old and slept 25 years and runs drives shifts w minimal work its a piece GM history probably cost 5 grand brand new and to run now is amazing. Quality workmanship of time gone by. I love it. 79 80 Nova. Cool beans.

[@HotRodHoarder]

I call everything a piece of junk. I do wish I could've known what the neighbors were thinking when I was driving this thing around in such sad condition. The clean up (video coming soon) REALLY changed this car's appearance and makes me like it a lot more!

[@grantkoeller8911]

When it started, the motor sounded healthy and throaty, like a nice beefy 305 V8

[@HotRodHoarder]

I couldn't believe how good it ran. I know I should've done more pre-work to get it ready to crank, but this 305 seems like it's ready for the highway.

[@djsamples3777]

New to the channel right outta the gate. This Nova, gotta be my favorite car of all time! Sending lots of lovin from Montana!🏁

[@HotRodHoarder]

Nice, thank you for watching! Stay tuned for a clean up video and more content like this.

[@GrotrianSeiler]

What a great video! You’re a champ. The Nova savior. Pretty good fun for $600. I look forward to the follow up. Cool.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you! Next week's video will be a full clean up...hoping this thing turns out cool.

[@michael68697]

You and your daughter are pure gold.

[@abrdds]

Did you bleed the master and the cylinders?? I love Novas, I have had my 73 since brand new...

[@novadiecastman5251]

Yep have had mine for 40 yrs

[@HotRodHoarder]

I did not bleed the master or bleed at the corners, which is the reason why the pedal is so low. The car has some additional brake system issues, so there is some work to be done there.

[@abrdds]

@@novadiecastman5251 touche’

[@user-dq1hx8lz5y]

Ohhh Good nice Hoping for reconstruction ❤

[@ElChivoJ]

Cool to see this model get some care, I have a 78 and it’s definitely under appreciated. Mine looks a lot better than this one though😂

[@1967mrzigzag]

One of my favorite numbers especially if it's an RS

[@fordfandiecast]

Great job

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks for watching!

[@KiwiStag74]

Mate, I was rapt when it kicked into life at first turn of the key! Just proves you cannot keep an old Chevy down. The engine sounds better and better the more you run it and when you give her the tune-up, she'll be even better. I was watching the dash lights and that oil light and the alternator light went straight out as soon as she fire - cn't ask for better than that. New oil and she'll probably turn the light out on cranking. The starter - even though it looked like hell - sounded excellent when you spun her up in the driveway too, so only minimal parts to get her going and I reckon the tranny looks like it's coming around too - just gotta evict them wasps! The usual maintenance items for a long-term sitter and that thing will be a rolling restoration for sure! Hope her structure and the underneath is still solid after sitting all that time - I'd really love to see this thing come all the way back! She's an absolute beaut! All the best

[@HotRodHoarder]

This old Nova just keeps getting better and better. Gonna try to get the clean up video finished up and posted on Friday...wait until you see this thing after its transformation.

[@129673jh]

Looks like a 76 model... A 76 Nova was my first car. Look forward to seeing what you do with it. Let me know if you want to sell it once it's cleaned up.

[@rsprockets7846]

COLOR KEYED RALLYE WHEELS AND AIR......LOADED

[@HotRodHoarder]

I didn't get a title with the car, but the VIN says it's a 1978. This body style is truly the last of the cheap Novas...I never loved them, but they're starting to grow on me.

[@k2icc]

There may be a ceramic or some kind of metal fuel filter inside the carburetor, where the fuel line meets the carburetor. Mine had one.

[@craigneubert7722]

My first car was a 75 Nova. My brother had it, My sister got it then I finally got it. It was a Limited package. I've owned four since. If you need any parts let me know, I still have a few hanging around and I'm in Tennessee.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks Craig, I may take you up on that.

[@rickloera9468]

That rear tire you put on was from the late 60's very early 70's. Dual band white walls.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Yes sir, it was the tire and wheel in the trunk of our '64 Chevelle when we bought it. Not the actual original spare for the car, but definitely '60s style.

[@mexicackno]

I have the 77 Chevy Nova Concours white. Its a lowrider luv my car.😎

[@eaglewarrior8707]

Brings me back to my childhood. What a trash bucket. Nothing worse in the summer time as a kid in a car that has vinyl seats and no ac on a 98 degree day.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Yep! And the metal buckle on the seat belt. So hot.

[@markallen1413]

That one was different but I really enjoyed it and you hanging out with your little girl, awesome dude, keep it up friend 👍👍👍👍👍✅✅✅✅✅

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thank you for watching Mark, we'll continue to have a mixture of different types of content. I still love the vintage drag car stuff and visiting old junkyards, so we'll have a good variety of stuff on the channel.

[@jonoffensend7519]

Good find . Looking foreword to seeing it cleaned up👍👍🎩

[@HotRodHoarder]

Thanks for watching Jon! Clean up video goes up at 5pm Eastern today.

[@rodneychapman1506]

I can’t wait to see a video of you washing and cleaning it up I had a 78 Nova too that same beige color and it had a 305 two barrel carb but I had to give $800.00 for it the motor was about worn out but stilll ran good just had to put a quart of oil in it about every thousand miles !!!

[@HotRodHoarder]

We got a full cleanup video coming next week. Gonna be a big transformation!

[@shawnrenaud2252]

I love the way this guy handles the starter cable as if it's a high-tension 15,000 volt wire. Too may bad movies, I guess.

[@Wolfman0514]

Love those Nova's. that one is in great condition considering. Totally worth fixing it up and making a driver out of it.

[@HotRodHoarder]

The clean up (video going up today at 5pm) really made a huge difference in this thing.

[@225supersix1977]

nice 14"x 6" color-keyed rally wheels & center caps, from Rally Equipment.........you should keep the whitewall style tire, as the wheels are 6 inches wide, they would do well with tires no wider than 215/70R14 or 215/60R14, for example BF Goodrich Silvertown Radial 3/8 Inch Whitewall..

[@HotRodHoarder]

I work at Coker Tire, so I have my eye on some narrow whitewalls for it. The wheels, caps and rings will clean up nice and give this thing a cool, original look.

[@roddybrodie7493]

Give her a sanding, dust it off and a few cans of Satin black and she'll look good

[@petecunnien5368]

Nice work!! Definitely has good bones to work with!!

[@HotRodHoarder]

Wait til you see it cleaned up! (video goes up at 5pm Eastern time today)

[@dietersmythe9649]

I would have cleaned it up 1st inside and out but interesting project👍

[@HotRodHoarder]

Yeah, I thought about that, but was just excited and eager to see if it would run. The next video will be the cleanup and a major transformation.

[@will7its]

Never bump over an engine that has been sitting. Good way to break a ring. Pour oily 2 stroke in the carb and turn over by hand. And never run that old gas thru the carb either, unless you want problems.......

[@spraybombchronicles]

I remember my sister buying a blue straight 6 Nova brand new just like this one when I was kid.

[@HotRodHoarder]

Nice! These Novas were great transportation back in the day.

[@luisunitedkingdom2852]

Can't believe how smooth it runs