beginning of total resto-mod

1964 chevy II....any opinions on what is the best direction to doing a complete restoration/modification. car is solid but will be addressing all aspects of restoring it.....will be putting in a 350 bored .060 over in place of the 6 cyl. and plan to rebuild the 2 speed powerglide to run with it....looking to make me a nice ride to cruise around in, well, because thats what us middle age folk do....ha, ha.....opinions please, thx

I'd keep it close to stock except for maybe some performance upgrades, but that's me. Only you know what will make you happy. Let us know what you do with it.

my thoughts are the 350 w/ pg, which will require a different rearend setup to accomadate the added power....probably a front disc brake conversion for safety reasons....heavy duty suspension setup in the front for added motor weight.....maybe some nice rims and tires....in the restoration "business", would this be considered alot of modification? asking cuz i am not sure, honestly.

I wouldn't consider that a "lot" of modifications even though it wouldn't be original. Those mods would take the car out of the original class at most shows. If that's a consideration to you I don't know, it wouldn't be for me.

When you say "heavy duty suspension" what do you mean? Just better springs and bushings, or one of those complete modern front ends that are now available from companies like Heidts? Personally I'd do the former, the latter just seems like overkill (and a lot of money and work) for normal driving.

just better springs and bushings if that is going to be sufficient enough to handle the extra weight of the 350 motor....what do you think on this? as far as shows go, not really concerned with that aspect of it....at this point i am just doing this to satisfy me....if the car really ends up looking/running/handling sweet then i can consider show worthiness.

just better springs and bushings if that is going to be sufficient enough to handle the extra weight of the 350 motor....what do you think on this?

These cars were available with small block V-8's from the dealer/factory. As long as you buy the right springs there won't be a problem with the weight. Make sure to get new ones, they're not that expensive. Order from a company that asks for ALL the information about your vehicle, so your ride height ends up where you want it. If you want it a little lower tell them and they will set you up. I don't remember who I used but my car came out the exact height I wanted, which was the same as original. Did you ever notice a muscle car riding too high in front? I've seen plenty. It's a simple case of the wrong springs.

I used PST poly graphite bushings on a 65 SS Impala and was happy with the results. It doesn't make the ride any more rough but dramatically controls sway and lean in turns. Of course you'll want to replace all ball joints, tie rods, etc at the same time. Add some modern gas charged shocks and the end result will be a Nova that handles better than it did when new.

thanks almost stock....can you buy ball joints, tie rods, swaybar, etc as a package do you know? or would it be better {more cost effective} to buy individually? i appreciate you time. and/or would that come with the front disc brake conversion kit that i have heard that you can buy as a package as well? i still need to do more research on this.

Yes, definitely go for a kit. Many companies sell complete (or partial) kits, so make sure to check what all is included when comparing. Disc brake kits would be separate. Again, what all is included? Getting everything you need from one or two sources will save time and money. Search around on line and check muscle car magazines for companies to consider. Call them up and go with the ones that seem most helpful and have a real tech line for you to call when you have problems. Maybe others reading this can recommend some companies that worked out well for them, or which ones to not use.

thanks again......yea, i need to do some leg work.......outta here for a week on vacation but will check back with this site in a week or so...and yes, if anyone that reads this has any input, please do....getting ready to start getting things done on my 64 and i plan to use this site hopefully as an information source as i go and run into to issues along the way....peace out

Hi Ron, Welcome to the club (Nova obsessed people) lol. I have ordered a catalog from Classic Industries. You can find them online. They offer full and partial kits of all sorts, with original type (soft) rubber bushings or neoprene composit type bushings. Most stuff shown year and model specific. I have a few catalogs, but everything is still packed since moving last year. I will try to un earth them to see if i can be of more help.

Dusty

thanks dusty....i will just order it online...going back to my original message...i figure to pull the 6 cyl. out firstand then address all undercarriage issues first i.e.....front end work[tie rods, springs, shocks, front disc replacement kit, etc.], drop gas tank[replace gas lines], rear springs and shocks....would a person want to get new rear springs?....drop tranny and get rebuilt, drop rear end and put in 9" ford [?] to accomodate 350/powerglide set up [will a 9" ford rear end require axle length changes?] and...........when all these things are out of the way clean up and "undercoat", so to speak the under carriage...any suggestions on the best ways to seal the undercarriage?.......enough for now...thanks all

hello, anyone out there?

For your front brake disc conversion, there are a few companies that sell a complete kit. One of most economical I found was a company called ECI Brakes. Another AF member pointed me to Master Power brakes.

If it were me, I would replace the rear springs. It's not too much $ and if you are doing all of this work on the drivetrain; 1- it would be a shame if it drove like crap because you skimped on springs 2- while it is all apart...why not just do it!?

Let me know what you decide to do with the rear end. I'm planning a similar build up, so i'm interested!

Jon

thanks jon