Chevy Nova newbie, welding subframe connectors the right way

[the deuce]

Hi guys,
I just stumbled into dragstuff.com & after some browsing into the forums I decided to become a member.

Currently I’m working on my 1963 Nova sport coupe. I’m trying to develop a mean pro street Nova that is intended for both street & strip. This means compromises, but I’m willing to face the challenge.

Anyway, I have a question that I would love to discuss with you guys. I’m new to chassi reconstructions, setups and so on, so I’m sure I will learn a lot listening to you that have dealt with this stuff for years & years.

I have done a tub & installed CE subframe connectors and frame rails. I’ve heard many different opinions when it comes to welding them into the chassi. In a perfect world I’m totally aware of that using a jig would be the best way doing this. But I don’t have a jig and many people have done this with success without one so… When I use my 2 post lift I’ve noticed that the body will warp a little, making it harder to open and close the doors. So I decided to have my Nova sitting on the old leafs on steel barrels when welding everything into the body to get the weight of the car at its natural points. I had the front wheels mounted and measured everything more than twice. I also left the engine and transmission bolted in the car to get as close as possible to riding conditions.

Was this the wrong way doing it?

1963 Chevy Nova

383 Engine
Scat crank
Scat Premium 7/16 rods
SRP pistons
Comp Cams custom hyd roller with Morel lifters
Comp Cams Hi tech stainless roller rockers
Brodix Race Rites 200 heads with CNC option
Brodix HV 1016 intake
Holley 780 HP by Pro system

TH 350 transmission
3500 Holeshot Converter

Custom rearend with posi
Calvert split mono leafs 1 inch drop
Caltracs low profiles
Calvert adjustable rear shocks
M/T ET street radial 325/50R15
Centerline Autodrag 15x12

/Matt

[John_Heard]

Something like that is the way most get welded in Matt, should work just fine.

Welcome to the site, good to have ya here.. We need more Nova's those Camaro guys are starting to gang up on us...

[wikd69]

Yep, like John said, welcome to the forum. Lots of good folks here.

Now, about that Nova-vs-Camaro thing. Ya gotta understand that the Nova guys here are a bit sensitive over the fact that they actually own Novas (no shame in that I say, we all have our quirks) so you have to make allowances for them.

Sounds like you're getting some good hardware together - would be cool to see photos / vids of your ride and your progress

[the deuce]

Thanks for the welcome guys, really appreciate it!

Nice to hear that I probably done things right this time lol...

Anyway, few years back I had a 1968 Camaro sport, but I sold it and kept the Nova. Maybe it's just me but I really like those "grocery getters)

I'm glad I joined.

/Matt

[supernova]

Welcome to the Site Matt, We are glad to have you on the Nova side of the insanity......

Oh and Harry is a pussy cat, Bruce is the one you gotta watch out for. He own's a brite orange camaro.......You'll meet him soon.

[wikd69]

Welcome to the Site Matt, We are glad to have you on the Nova side of the insanity......

Oh and Harry is a pussy cat, Bruce is the one you gotta watch out for. He own's a brite orange camaro.......You'll meet him soon.

Man, I'm glad he added 'cat' this time. Last time things got pretty ugly.

Hows the trans coming Chris ?

[chpcamaro]

hey the deuce welcome to the site hope we all can help you with your project

[Blade]

Welcome to the site.

[the deuce]

Thanks guys!

Matt

[Bruce69Camaro]

Welcome to the Site Matt, We are glad to have you on the Nova side of the insanity......

Oh and Harry is a pussy cat, Bruce is the one you gotta watch out for. He own's a brite orange camaro.......You'll meet him soon.

Man you guys make me out to be the bad guy on the block!

Hey Matt, how the heck are you. This is a great place to hang out, a yes we all like to have fun, right Chris

Nice little deuce you got but I'm still mad at you for selling the Camaro and keeping the Nova, not a good move my friend!

Just having fun, get some pictures for us and keep us updated.

[Hitchcock]

Welcome to the site Matt. You'll have a good time here and get some good advice from some of these guys. And some of them...well never mind the rest of them. And All the Nova and Camaro guys just have envy over my busted, in 10,000 pieces, under achieving, needs paint, no trunk to put a fuel cell, holy crap parts are over priced, where is the chrome front bumper, why won't these headers fit, damn its heavy for fiberglass, holy crap its hard to get out of it with the roll cage, tiny interior (not a phalic reference) Corvette. Whew, did I miss anything guys... And we are gonna need some more pictures of your hotrod.

[chpcamaro]

yes hitch you forgot the hugh hood scoop lmao

[wikd69]

yes hitch you forgot the hugh hood scoop lmao

The Jimmy Durante hood scoop you mean ? That one ? <bland look>

[Bruce69Camaro]

And the baby seat between the tubs for your little one......

You can always count on Team Camaro