Projects

Nova Research Project Active Projects

© 2003-2004, Nova Research Project

Last updated Sunday, November 06, 2005 09:16 PM

The Nova Research Project is actively researching many Chevy II and Nova configuration, production, and restoration topics. We are soliciting information from our web site readers on the specific topics below. If you would like to contribute data on any of these specific research topics, please send an email to . Note that we do not release, without permission, owner-submitted data that can be traced back to a specific vehicle or owner.

If you have any of the documentation in the list below, Nova Research Project would like to obtain copies for our research database that supports our specific research projects. These include:

1. Dealer invoices

2. Factory invoices

3. Window stickers

4. Protect-o-plates (or POP imprints)

5. Broadcast sheets (chassis and/or body)

6. Build sheets / seat cards (Fisher Body)

7. Trim tag pictures

8. GM Canada shipping summary printouts

9. Delivery inspection forms

10. GM engineering notebooks

11. GM engineering drawings

12. GM Data Systems Manuals

13. Other GM paperwork delivers with a new car

These are the active research projects being discussed at Steve's Q&A Site:

Nova Research Project Active Research Topics, by Grouping

1. Multi-Year Research Topics

2. 1968 Topics

3. 1969 Topics

4. 1970 Topics

5. 1971 Topics

6. 1972 Topics

Multi-Year Research Topics

1. Factory (Fisher and Chevrolet) assembly practices. We would particularly like to talk to people with direct knowledge of, or experience on, Fisher or Chevrolet assembly lines in the period from the late 1960's to the early 1970's.

2. Drive Shaft Stripes

3. Rear Suspension (Springs and Sway bar)

4. Trunk Weather strip stripes

5. Bright Dash Bezel Trim

6. Sill Plate Rivets

7. Window glass markings

8. Radiator part numbers, codes, and tags

9. 1969 - 1973 Clutch Pedal Identification

10. Shock paper tag codes

11. 1968 and 1969 Interior Door Paint

12. Fisher Body paint sequence

13. Trunk Latch inspection marks

14. Spare Tire Markings

15. 1968 Padded pillar covers

16. Fastener head markings

17. L78 Dual Snorkel Air Cleaner Use

18. Battery Cable length,  part numbers, and codes

19. Fastener head markings

20. Component Finishes

21. Production line markings (stripes, codes, etc)

22. Coil and leaf spring labels

23. Original wheel markings

24. Export models

25. Steering component part numbers for various model types

1968 Research Topics

1. Vinyl Top lower rear trim (one piece and two piece)

2. Front Grille assembly change

3. Foil engine emblems

4. Clutch pedal identification for the 1968 year only

1969 Research Topics

1970 Research Topics

1. 1970 TCS Relay

2. 1970 2 piece rotors

3. Date the 1970 Rear sway bar started production.

4. 1970 LT1 Engine Details from a low mile car

5. 400 Cu. In. Engine Released

1971 Research Topics

1. Rear exhaust exit location change

1972 Research Topics

Completed Projects

Big Block Identification

Now available is a big block identification guide. Created with the help of a few Big Block owners is a guide to the key differences between Big Blocks and Small block engines. Click Here for the guide

Tachometer Identification

Did you know that there were different Tachometers used in the Chevy II and Nova? Click here for the guide

Transmission Cross member Identification

Want to swap transmissions? Need to know how to identify what you need? Click here for the guide

Front Fender Marker Light Opening

Ever wonder what the differences were between the 68-69 front fenders and the 1970-1974 front fenders? Click here for a comparison of two New Old Stock front fenders. 

Door Sill Plate Rivets

GM stopped using rivets to hold the Body by Fisher plates on the door sill plates some time in the 70's. While N.O.S. door sill plates are still available, they do not have riveted tags. Click here for the sill plate rivet project and to see how to install rivets on your sill plates. 

Windshield and Back Glass Moulding Clip Usage

Need to know how to attach windshield and back glass moulding? Click here to learn all about these clips

Spring decoders

These decoder will identify what springs could have been on you Nova based on the options installed. E-mail me if you want the 4 or 6  cylinder decoder. 

1969 Spring Codes:

L4 L22 Base 307, L34, L48, L65, L78

1969 Spring Part number Identification Chart

BETA 1970 Spring Codes:

L4 L22 Base 307, L34, L48, L65, L78 note that codes YB 3955717, YC 3955718, and YD 3955719 are not included. If you feel you have these springs, please contact me.

1970 Spring Part number Identification Chart 

1968/1969/1970 Julian Date Code Charts

Chevy II/ Nova Instrument Panel Part Numbers

Trim tag decoders are available at

1969 Camaro 12437 Z28 Spring Decoder

1969 Camaro 12437 L34 L35 L78 Spring Decoder

1969 Camaro 12437 L48 L65 Spring Decoder

Future Projects

VIN Numbers by production week

Identify a source for correct screw, bolt, nuts, clips, and other hardware