Building the '69 Nova SS

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7y

Next in the series of Level 5 car builds.

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There is a lot of detailed painting that needs to be done on every part. That process includes and decent amount of drying time for the paint. After the paint dries, the glue can be applied and needs more drying time. This is my son's second model and he is already learning to work ahead while parts are drying. He has work stations for the major assemblies, and stays ahead of the game.

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Here we start mounting the finished engine between the frame rails to form the engine compartment. He takes the interior of the car and builds in the peddles, steering wheel, and door panels (plus a roll bar).

Then we will be sandwiching the engine in between the firewall, frame and floor boards. This is where it starts to get tricky.

We will not need a lift because we can just flip it up side down to install the dual exhaust system, drive shaft, and rear end / suspension.

cockpit.jpeg

Shift lever, peddles and dash board come together last. Then we are ready to mate the top and bottom halves of the chassis assembly. The seats can go in afterwards.

Now we have to think about painting and drying everything that is being mated. We must also have the exhaust system painted before installation. Getting the order right is critical.

We were hoping to get the car on its wheels last night but time was not on our side.

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We will get into traction when the rear suspension gets built.

Here we have the frame on the rest of the chassis, engine mounted,and exhaust system fully installed.

The rear leaf springs and rear axle assembly are next. They are at the paint shop (right side of table).

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I fear that we are coming to the end of another build day and the second part of the drive train cannot be installed while wet with paint.

Next time we will get the rear axle installed along with those traction bars. Last night, we finished up the paint and glued in the tie rods or sway bars - today we can get her up on her wheels and get the body to the paint shop.

Help us choose a color. Tennis ball green - light navy -or - a mix of blue and green? Make your choice in the comments.

We will get started now and update you later in a day.

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Building the '69 Nova SS | Ecency