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1966 Chevy II / Nova - Classic Industries' '66 Innovation Nova

66 Hot Box Nova mtn rd 097 front 1000Classic Industries®, recognizing both the emerging desire for modern suspension and drivetrain parts in vintage cars and the high caliber of parts now produced in the aftermarket, built this heavily modified 1966 Chevy II/Nova.

The car was disassembled and chemically stripped by American Muscle Cars. Upon return from the acid bath some minor flaws such as rust in the lower driver side lower quarter panel, and rust around the rear window were discovered. Quite a few stress cracks were found through out the Nova and of course the infamous bullet hole in the driver side sail panel. The former test-fit project car is now straight as can be. Even-though we have all the emblems and trim available in our catalogs we decided to shave all that for a smooth appearance including the trunk panel trim in the rear. Up-front we swapped the original grille for a modern billet version. The boys at AMC hammered the metal straight and ready for our signature Mercedes Silver with Chrysler Burgundy separated by Little Louies' orange pin.

1966 Nova render 1000

Our Box Nova is powered by a 350 High Output Chevy Crate motor with a 4-bolt main and flat-tappet cam. Custom hard fuel lines feed the 600 cfm Holley Carb and spins the mix to Vortec heads and a GMPP dual-plane intake. Doug's Tight Tuck Headers roar through custom-built Magnaflow dual exhaust spitting out the rear. This little box keeps it's cool with the help of an Afco Aluminum Cross-Flow radiator and a Flex-a-lite electric fan. Power is shifted through a B&M Quicksilver stick maneuvering a Turbo 350 tranny and 2,000-stall converter. Inland Empire Driveline custom built the shaft to deliver the horses to a vintage ‘66 3.42:1 geared 12-bolt posi built by Diff-Works.

66 Hot Box Nova engine 1000

Rolling through our catalog we found the right suspension. American Muscle Cars crew pulled the sub-frame and installed it with a Heidt's Superide II complete with swaybar, manual rack and pinion which steers two-inch drop spindles. This system keeps the notoriously wobbly front-end of the early Novas straight and true.

Nova seat 1000

The comfy OER® Black Vinyl upholstery, headliner, sail panels and door and kick panels were installed by Wanda's Upholstery. Reproduction black carpet kit, interior trim and handles are all new as well. To keep track of the performance a new OER® speedo planted front and center and a Shiftworks gauge kit takes place of the dash lights. A grab onto the Comfort Grip wheel rotating above an ididit tilt column and you are ready to sit back and cruise to the tunes on a Custom Auto Sound system with Kenwood speakers. A Factory Fit harness supplies it all with plenty of power.

66 Hot Box Nova trunk 1000

Another staple in our stable is the American Racing Salt Flat wheels. The nostalgic lines and kidney bean holes hide the Dynalite calipers as they grab 12 inch Wilwood discs at all fours. Custom brake lines from the Wilwood master under the hood shoot through a Wilwood Prop Valve and down to stop the wheels on a dime. The car was featured in the August 2007 issue of Chevy High Performance.

66 Hot Box Nova side 1000

At Classic Industries®, we believe our ultimate responsibility is to ensure that you will get not only the parts, but also the information you need to keep your project on the road. So if it's help sorting your way through the maze of electronic parts, selecting the right belt system for your needs, selecting the right spring rate, or straightening the body on your old Nova, Classic Industries® has the experience and products to help you make the right purchase. 

66 Hot Box Nova mtn rd 021 rear 1000

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