I am the 2nd owner of a 1965 Nova 283. The engine has about 65,000 original miles on it. The family that owned it originally was from California and that's where I bought it about 10 years ago. It has the original protect-o-plate with numbers matching engine. There is absoultely no rust on the car. The engine oil was changed every 1500 miles weather it needed it or not. I have a little book from the original owner (little old lady from Pasadena) to prove it!! I have cleaned the engine and had it checked. Compression is great and it runs awesome. It is teal color with the delux teal cloth/nagahyde interior. It was repainted in 1966 as per the original owner after a small fender bender that affected the front right and rear left. After that was fixed by the dealership it was opted to be repainted. The Paint is now slightly dulled out, but it good shape. A small dent here and there but very minimal.

I really wanted to build a 67 Nova, but I also like the 65.

Since it is so original, I have been reluctant to make any modifications to it.

I would really like to change the Powerglide to a th350 or 2004r to be able to cruise comfortably on the highway.

I would also like improve or have a car with improved brakes and improved handling.

I really don't know if I should just sell it to someone that can appreciate its originallity more than I and concentrate on another project, or just tear into it and make it the way I want. I almost feel that tearing into it and modifying it like I really want would be TABU given it's current original state.

I do drive it once a month or so and enjoy cruising in it, but I really want a Nova with little less classic look and a little more spirited driver if you know what I mean!:D


Any feedback would be appreciated!

Tim

Hi Tim: I've been in your predicament twice owning a 63 hardtop and a 65 Sedan, both in 100% original condition. I didn't have the heart to change what I think is a time capsule on wheels. Most everyone, including myself has the 350, 700r, front clips, this and that and it's cool--B U T--I couln't and wouln't do it.
My personal advice is to sell it to someone who can appreciate the stockness of it and build the 67 without guilt. I sold both my Novas years ago and the guys still thank me at shows even 20 years later, and guess what-there still 100% stock and get more appreciation at the shows than most modified cars.
So for what it's worth that's my take on your question. It sounds like to me you leaning towards building a 67 anyway...I can see a few sleepless nites ahead for ya.....Been there myself...!!

Bob in CT Ret: USAF

What's it worth?

The engine or the car?

We know it's a 283 but what car is it?

A 1965 Nova SS, or a 1965 Chevy II sport coupe, or a 1965 Chevy II sedan, or a 1965 Chevy II 4-door, or a 1965 Chevy II station wagon?

Is the 283 a 195 HP 2bbl or the 220 HP 4bbl?

it is a 65 sport coupe with the original 283 195hp 2bbl.

it is a 65 sport coupe with the original 283 195hp 2bbl.

That's a tough call. Since the car has been in a minor wreck and has been re-painted, it's not really a "survivor" but it sounds like it's not too far from being one. If it was an SS car I'd definitely advise you to keep it stock but sport coupes generally don't have as high of a collector value. They are definitely next in line though.

If it were me, I'd do whatever I wanted with it. If you want to hot-rod it, you could definitely sell the engine, trans, and radiator to someone looking to correctly restore a car.

As-is, the car is probably worth a few thousand dollars but it's not like you'd be modifying an L-79 or anything.

On the other hand, you could restore the car and have yourself a nice collector piece that will never go down in value. You usually don't have as much fun in those type cars when your done though. They are more of an investment that you can occasionally drive on a nice day.

Either way, it's not like you'd be defacing the crown jewels of hot-rodding but fairly-unmolested original V-8 Novas aren't getting more plentiful (well maybe L-79s are but not 195 HP 293s).:D

i'd have to agree with the above statement. he made some good sense of the matter ;)

welcome to Team Nova too by the way ;)


JR

If I upgraded the braking system added rims/tires, updated the paint and changed the transmission to a 3 or 4 speed automatic, would that take away or add or unchange the cars value?

If you are worried about the car's resale value, you should keep it all original. If you want to have fun with it and maybe even have a fast little hot rod, do whatever you want. I already told you what I would do with it. But then I carve-up true SS cars and turn them into pro streeters.:D

I don't care what it's worth to anyone else but myself.;)

FWIW, I have updated my photobucket to include pictures of the car.
Input is appreciated.

After looking at the photos my vote is to leave it as is. It is to clean and original to build into a hot rod.

i like the pictures, looks like a Very Nice car.

i'd question the 100% originality of the engine though. i'm unsure if all the paint is original or if it'd been repainted/cleaned up purdy purdy. was the water outlet painted black from the factory ? just looks too clean to be original "ORIGINAL" but then i don't know absolute history of car etc... maybe it is... either way like i said looks Very Nice :thumbsup:

i think i'd leave it as is also. sell it and buy that '67 you've been dreaming of ;)

Yeah it is a pretty-nice car. You can tell someone cleaned it up and did some painting. The engine looks pretty original (meaning it's got the correct parts). I'd probably leave it stock. 15-20 years ago, I might have done something different.

As for what it's worth? It's worth at least $10,000 as-is probably more.

Thanks guys, I appreciate all of the input.