David H’s 1969 Nova

Built From The Ground Up

David H’s 1969 Nova

David’s 1969 Nova is a tribute to his father and the muscle car culture of the Chicago area.

His family used to own a speed shop in Chicago that he worked in as a teen. His family’s shop used to do machine work and supplied Nickey Chevy with performance parts for the “day 2” setups of the time.

One day while David was cruising home from a car show in southern California motioned to him while at a stoplight. He let David know that he loved the ’70 that David was driving, and that he owned a Nickey L78 engine. This peaked David’s interest and he asked if the man would pull off so that he could hear more about it.

Apparently, he has had the engine for the past 30 years just sitting in his garage and was willing to let David take a look at it. The engine castings checked out and David bought it on the spot. The L78 then went to a third generation restoration shop in Florida, where it was transplanted into this very 1969 Nova when it was still a roller!

“It’s the history of what it represents to my family, and the muscle car Era in Chicago.”

David H

This 1969 Nova is date correct including the Nickey L78, the M22 transmission, 3.55 posi rear end and many other aspects. It is set up in the same way a period Day 2 car would be, with drag bars, a Hurst super shifter, and headers.

Next up for David is a restoration of the numbers matching 1970 L78 Nova that was mentioned earlier.

Shop our huge selection of Nova Parts!

1962-1979 Nova Parts

We want to see your Built From The Ground Up Ride!

Submit your car to be featured here!

More Articles From Ground Up SS396.com

james 1974 nova
1974 Nova

James’ 1974 Nova

James received this 1974 Nova with 68,000 original miles from his father as a graduation gift. This ’74 Nova is all original with a 350/400, 2 barrel carburetor, and a

Read More »
ron's 1972 nova
1972 Nova

Ron’s 1972 Nova

Ron bought this 1972 Nova online while overseas in Afghanistan. This ’72 Nova has a 383 stroker motor and a turbo 350 with a shift kit and a positraction rear

Read More »
henrys 1971 nova
1971 Nova

Henry’s 1971 Nova

Henry bought this 1971 Nova in September, 2008. After a year of hard work (mostly replacing body panels), it came out beautiful! Check out these photos taken by Henry!

Read More »
annettes 1972 nova
1972 Nova

Annette’s 1972 Nova SS

This 1972 Nova SS was built from scrap by Annette and her husband and now packs a 400 horsepower punch! Not bad for a driver! This car is driven to

Read More »

Follow Us On Social

Now Hiring in Florida!

Looking to get into the Automotive Industry? Here's your chance, click below to see what positions are opening soon!

Parts Catalog

Chevelle & El Camino, Camaro, & Nova
Free

We Want To See Your Car!

Submit your car to be featured today!