The Chevrolet Nova (originally called the Chevy II) is a cornerstone of American automotive history. Introduced in 1962, the Nova quickly became a symbol of performance, affordability, and style in the compact car market. Over the decades, the Nova has captured the hearts of car enthusiasts, with its popularity peaking during the muscle car era and continuing through the 1970s. Whether you’re restoring a vintage 1962 Chevy II, building a performance-oriented 1969 Nova SS, or customizing a 1974 Nova, the Classic Industries Nova / Chevy II Parts and Accessories Catalog is an indispensable resource for finding the right parts to bring your car back to its prime.
This catalog provides a comprehensive range of OEM-style reproduction parts, performance upgrades, and custom accessories for Nova and Chevy II owners. In this article, we will dive into the catalog’s offerings, which cover everything from engine components to interior trim, and explain why Classic Industries is the go-to source for any restoration or modification project.
A Brief History of the Chevrolet Nova / Chevy II
Before diving into the specifics of the Nova / Chevy II Parts and Accessories Catalog, let’s briefly explore the history of the Nova and its various iterations. Understanding the vehicle's evolution is key to selecting the correct parts for your restoration.
First Generation (1962-1965): Chevy II / Nova
Above: This 1962 Chevy II Nova was the subject of a 10-year restoration project, and a full-feature article on the Classic Indurstries' news site.
The Chevy II was introduced in 1962 as an affordable, compact car aimed at competing with other entry-level vehicles like the Ford Falcon and the Plymouth Valiant. It featured a simple design with a boxy, utilitarian body and a range of engine options, from an inline-six to a small-block V8. The Nova badge wasn’t used until the 1963 model year, but by 1964, the Chevy II Nova had become a prominent part of the brand, especially with the introduction of a V8 engine option.
- 1962: The Chevy II was initially offered with a 153 cubic inch inline-4 engine or an optional 194 cubic inch inline-six. It came in two-door sedan, four-door sedan, and station wagon body styles.
- 1963-1965: The Chevy II’s body and design remained largely the same, but more engine choices were added, including the more powerful 327 cubic inch V8 in the later years.
Second Generation (1966-1967): Chevy II / Nova
Above: For your viewing, listening, and reading pleasure, there's an article and video on a 1,000-horsepower 1966 Chevy II Nova.
In 1966, the Chevy II underwent a significant redesign, adopting a more modern, sleek look. The name Nova became the dominant moniker, and the car was offered in several variations, including the Nova SS package, which catered to performance enthusiasts with its more powerful engines and sportier styling.
Above: There is also an article and video of John Lambert's multiple show award winning 1967 Chevy II Nova.
- 1966-1967: These years saw the introduction of the Nova SS, with the option for big-block V8 engines like the 396 and 427. The car's body lines were smoother, and the interior options became more luxurious.
Third Generation (1968-1974): Nova SS and Muscle Car Era
Above: The third generation Nova's are indeed epic. Check out this 1969 Nova.
The 1968-1974 Nova marks the height of the muscle car era. The Nova SS package became a popular choice for performance enthusiasts, especially with the 350 and 396 cubic inch V8s. The third-generation Nova was built for speed, with more aggressive styling, a wider stance, and enhanced suspension components.
- 1968-1970: The Nova SS continued to be offered, with powerful V8 engines like the 350 small-block and 396 big-block. The car’s stance was lower and wider, reflecting the muscle car influence of the era.
- 1971-1974: By the early 1970s, performance models were still offered, but increasing emissions regulations and rising fuel prices led to a shift toward more conservative powertrains and design elements.
Fourth Generation (1975-1980): A Shift Toward Compact and Economy
Above: Here's a photo of what a 1975 Nova looks like, as well as an article (by clicking the link) that announces OER now manufactures reproduction grills for the 1975 Nova.
The 1975-1980 Nova moved away from the muscle car era and adopted a more compact and economical approach. While performance models still existed, the emphasis was now on fuel efficiency and smaller engines. This period saw the introduction of four-cylinder engines and a more streamlined, boxier design.
What’s Inside the Classic Industries Nova / Chevy II Parts and Accessories Catalog?
The Classic Industries Nova / Chevy II Parts and Accessories Catalog is a treasure trove for anyone looking to restore or modify their Nova or Chevy II. The catalog offers a vast selection of OEM-style replacement parts, performance upgrades, and custom accessories to meet the needs of all Nova enthusiasts, whether you're aiming for a factory-correct restoration or a customized street machine.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the sections you’ll find in the catalog:
1. Restoration Parts for Nova / Chevy II
For those looking to restore their Nova to its original condition, Classic Industries provides a comprehensive array of OEM-style reproduction parts. These parts are designed to match the original specifications of the car, ensuring your restoration is as close to the factory as possible.
Above: Part # 16113 - OER Authorized 1968-70 Chevy II, Nova; Complete Trunk Floor; with Braces; EDP Coated
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Body and Sheet Metal: Whether you need replacement quarter panels, floor pans, fenders, doors, or hoods, Classic Industries offers a wide selection of sheet metal parts designed to restore your car's structure. These parts are built to original specifications, ensuring a perfect fit.
Above: Part # 3886428 - OER Authorized 1967 Chevy II, Nova; Standard Front Grill; Aluminum Stamping; OER Authorized
Trim and Exterior Parts: The Nova was known for its chrome accents and trim, and Classic Industries carries a wide variety of chrome bumpers, grills, window trim, and side moldings to keep your car looking as pristine as it did in the 1960s or 1970s. The catalog also offers weatherstripping and window seals to keep your Nova watertight and comfortable.
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Interior Components: Restoring the interior of your Nova is key to bringing the car back to its factory appearance. Classic Industries offers seat covers, door panels, carpet kits, headliners, and dash pads that match the original fabrics, colors, and textures of the car. The catalog also features steering wheels, pedal pads, and shift knobs to complete the interior look.
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Suspension and Steering: Classic Industries carries replacement suspension components such as coil springs, control arms, shocks, and bushings. These parts are designed to restore the handling and ride quality of your Nova to its original state, whether you’re rebuilding the suspension or simply replacing worn components.
2. Performance Parts and Upgrades
While restoring a Nova to its original condition is important to some, others may seek to enhance the car’s performance. Classic Industries offers a range of performance upgrades that allow you to increase power, improve handling, and customize your Nova to match your driving style.
Above: Part # HP55C - ATK Engines; High Performance Crate Engine; HP55C; Stage 3 GM Stroker V8 383/500HP/505TQ
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Engine Parts: Whether you’re rebuilding the engine or upgrading for more horsepower, Classic Industries has a variety of engine parts for all generations of Nova. The catalog includes performance camshafts, intake manifolds, carburetors, headers, and ignition systems that help maximize engine efficiency and power. For those looking to swap in a more powerful engine, there are engine swap kits and parts to fit a variety of small-block and big-block V8 engines.
Above: Part # 11214 - Magnaflow 4X9 Oval 14" Stainless Muffler Center/Center 2"
Above: Part # 83337 - 1968-74 LS1 / LS6 Doug'S Ceramic Coated Headers
Exhaust Systems: For an improved exhaust note and better performance, Classic Industries offers performance exhaust systems, including headers, exhaust pipes, and mufflers. These parts are designed for optimal flow, enhancing both horsepower and the iconic muscle car sound.
Above: Part # 1407675DR - 1964-74 Wilwood Dynalite Big Brake Front Hub Set With Red Calipers & Drilled Rotors
Brakes: Performance is nothing without stopping power, and Classic Industries offers a variety of brake upgrades. From disc brake conversion kits to performance rotors and calipers, you’ll find everything you need to ensure your Nova handles high speeds and heavy braking with ease.
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Transmission and Drivetrain: For those looking to enhance their Nova’s shifting experience, Classic Industries provides clutch kits, performance transmissions, shift linkage kits, and driveshafts. These parts ensure smooth and responsive power delivery, whether you’re driving a manual or automatic transmission.
3. Customization Parts
Above: Part # D50452 - Speed Dawg Pearl Red Shift Knob With 1966-74 Style Nova Script Logo
For enthusiasts who want to make their Nova truly their own, Classic Industries offers a wide variety of customization parts. These components allow you to modify both the exterior and interior of your car, giving it a unique appearance and performance profile.
Above: Part # *PB17003BL - Procar Rave Reclining Bucket Seats - Blue Velour
Custom Interiors: Classic Industries provides a range of custom upholstery options, including modern bucket seats, custom steering wheels, and vintage-inspired stereo systems. Additionally, the catalog offers unique gauges, custom shift knobs, and trim kits to add a personal touch to your interior.
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Exterior Customization: If you’re looking to update or customize the exterior of your Nova, Classic Industries offers custom wheels, performance tires, aftermarket lighting, and racing-inspired body kits. You can also find lowering kits, wide-body kits, and spoilers to give your Nova a more aggressive stance.
4. Tools, Manuals, and Miscellaneous
Above: Part # L1281 - Car Tech Books How to Build and Modify 1968-74 Chevy Nova - SA Designs Performance How-To Manual
The Nova / Chevy II Parts and Accessories Catalog also includes a selection of tools and shop equipment to help with your restoration or customization project. In addition, you’ll find repair manuals, service guides, and installation instructions for various components, making it easier for DIY enthusiasts to perform their own work on their Nova.
Conclusion: Why Classic Industries is the Go-To for Nova / Chevy II Restoration and Customization Components
Whether you’re restoring a classic Chevy II, building a muscle car from a 1969 Nova SS, or simply customizing your 1974 Nova for street performance, the Classic Industries Nova / Chevy II Parts and Accessories Catalog provides the tools and parts you need to bring your project to life. From high-quality OEM-style reproductions to cutting-edge performance upgrades and custom accessories, the catalog offers something for every enthusiast.
Above: When writing an article about a customer's 1967 Chevy II Nova SS, we liked the stack fuel injection equipped-engine so much that we included three photos of the engine in the article. If you're too lazy to click that link to the article, there's an engine photo after the CI Nova catalog button for your viewing pleasure. Are you inspired yet?
Classic Industries is renowned for its commitment to quality, authenticity, and customer satisfaction, making it the go-to source for Nova and Chevy II restoration and customization projects. With its comprehensive selection of parts and commitment to helping you get the most out of your restoration or build, Classic Industries continues to be a trusted partner for Nova owners across the globe.