Nova Clip In A Shoebox

REPORT #6 (mostly final)

Well here we are....I estimate about 24 hrs in the shop after initial break-down and we are now firmly tack-welded into position, the shoebox is back on its own feet, and I set the SBC 350/350 back into the ch***is to (mostly) verify that the riding height is OK. (Seems to be just fine...)

What is left....final welding, floorpan access holes refilled and fitting a tilt steering unit into the car. Since I plan to install a '54 Ford dash, the steering details will be covered in our ongoing sectioning saga: Montana Shoebox Section Project.

I plan to take the car over to an alignment shop to finally verify caster/camber/wheelbase questions before committing to the final welding.

Also, this SBC has an oversize distributor that requires I make an indent in the upper firewall...this is due to the body sectioning that we did. Another thorn is a requirement to fab up new front motor mounts. The mounts that came with my Nova clip were scabbed in, so no big deal. Engine oil pan gives no clearance issues, oil filter clears, no starter problems, both exhausts seem to have a clear shot.

Conclusions: Bad words or negative thoughts about the early Nova clip install are just not justified. Wheel track is identical to the shoebox....rear steering seems to be no problem.....the early Nova frame clip has parallel frame members and finding a cut location to allow the frames to slip together is not that difficult. Would I do this again....HELL YES!! More details when I drive the beast!!

Many thanks to the wonderful suggestions and helpful sharing of experience. You guys are great!!

 

Russ; Job well done! You will be very happy with the way it drives I'm sure. F.Y.I. On my 51 I was able to move the motor mount stands forward on the frame enough to clear the Dist. to Firewall and still run a long water pump with a 1" spacer. I then used a pair of Truck cast iron manifolds that have a turned back outlet on them to add clearance for head pipe. This did not add a stock pan to tie rod issue. You can see all this in the photos I posted. Keep up the good work.
The Wizzard

 

Why not run a smaller dizzy so you can leave the firewall as is?

 

C-51.... Even with the smaller disty, the horizontal seam across the upper firewall will make installing the dist a delicate operation. I could bash the seam back an inch or so, but that is what we did when we were in high school and in a hurry...

Making the mod is not a big deal and I should not have even mentioned it on this Forum. The mod is driven by a 4" section that we did last fall.

Russ V.

 

Great stuff...

Subscribed.

 

REPORT #7 Final frame welding complete, Dist pocket formed

Here are a few pics I took after final welding on the frame, re-fitting the forward body mounts, and forming a distributor install pocket in the upper firewall.

Once again, this Nova thing is not that hard, seems to fit well, and should not be any better/worse than any other clip mod.

The car is going to sleep for the winter season and I am off to the land of sand and sun...(Yuma, Arizona).

 

Looks good Russ! You picked the right week to head down too, 'cause somebody just turned off the "HEAT" switch at about 2:00 yesterday after noon! Woke up to it actually being a bit chilly this morning for the first time in almost five months.

 

Very nice job Russ,
I love that car, and it is sectioned just right too ...
I did a similar GM clip swap on my '49 Chopped Chevy....but not near as professional as yours.. ..tracked and drove just fine...
Can't wait to see your car finished..
Any decision on color yet ?