• Classic muscle cars like the Nova are a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era.muscle car image by patrimonio designs from Fotolia.com
  
  The Chevrolet Nova first came out in 1961 as a 1962 model. The Nova remained popular in the U.S. until Chevy discontinued it in 1979. The Chevy Nova is a classic American muscle car, prized today for its simple, powerful engine and attractive body styles. Restoring the Nova to its original condition requires finding the right replacement parts along with extensive knowledge and research into your particular model's specifications, as slight changes occurred in the Nova with each new model year.
  
  

Under the Hood

• Restoring or replacing the motor may be the most important aspect of a Chevy Nova restoration project. The motor and its components should be clean and in good working condition, as any good car enthusiast will be extremely interested in what is under the hood. The engine should be pristine and clean. Use an engine degreaser along with a high pressure wash to remove dirt, grime and oil. The engine compartment should be free of rust and repainted. Motors and transmissions should receive tuning, rebuilding or even replacement, depending on their condition. Replace valve seats to accommodate modern gasoline and avoid a slow breakdown of engine and heads. Replace gaskets to ensure a proper seal and best performance. Add high performance parts to get the most power from the engine. Some popular engine replacements for Nova include the 327, 350 and 396 models. Paint and polish engine parts for the most appeal.
  
  

Exterior

• The exterior is the first thing people will notice on your restored Nova. Restore exteriors according to the original specs or customize them according to your preferences. Remove all rust completely from the exterior. Sand off surface rust . Replace body parts if there is extensive rusting through fenders, panels, doors and other body components. Apply Bondo over any sanded areas, and when the body is solid, apply primer and paint. SS models traditionally have two white racing stripes over the trunk, top and hood. Other models are a solid color, some with vinyl roofs. Replace trim packages and door handles.
  
  

Interior

• The interior of a Chevy Nova is usually quite spare. Many of the interior luxuries that are common on newer cars were not available during the Nova's production era. Many people prefer to add new interior sound dampening liners to reduce the common road noise inherent in the Nova. Apply the liner to floors, doors and roof panels to quiet the car. Replace carpet, dashboard, headliner and upholstery. Replace or recover seats if desired. Bench seats covered with vinyl or cloth were common in both front and rear in original Novas. Super Sport packages included front bucket seats and floor shifters. Custom interior additions include power windows and door locks, modern stereo and speaker set-ups, new pedals and unique shifters. Research your particular year and model to find out standard interior materials, colors and amenities if you want to restore it to its completely original condition.