Building the Goodguys Giveaway 1967 Nova – Part 2
Prepping and Painting the Body and Starting Assembly
In the last issue we introduced you to the 2020 Goodguys Grand Prize Giveaway 1967 Nova that’s all new thanks to a fresh body from Real Deal Steel. Designer Street Rods in Georgia took on the task of building this Chevy II into a cutting-edge street machine using some of the best performance components the aftermarket industry has to offer. After completing the body modifications to make sure the updated driveline would fit and that the sub structure was strengthened to handle the 720-horsepower LS3 engine from Edelbrock, the Designer Street Rods team began the prep and paint process to make this Nova sparkle.
While the car was still in bare metal, it was trial assembled with front and rear suspension systems from Detroit Speed Engineering and Baer rakes featuring six-piston calipers on all four wheels. The B-Forged 18-inch wheels and BFGoodrich tires were tucked under the car and front sheet metal and some trim pieces were installed to make sure there would be no clearance issues after paint.
Real Deal Steel test fits front and rear glass in each body it produces, eliminating the need to repeat that process before paint. Thus, the Nova could be disassembled and rolled into the paint booth for the PPG primer and two-tone paint – silver and charcoal hues selected from late-model Mercedes color books. Our friends at 3M provided sandpaper, tape and other prep materials to ensure a smooth process from start to finish.
When the paint was dry, the reassembly process began. The Detroit Speed front subframe and suspension components were installed, then the engine, along with the Bowler Performance bellhousing, shifter and Tremec six-speed manual transmission. A K&N air filter and Concept One pulley system were installed on the engine, along with custom Goodguys logo valve covers from Greening Auto Company and headers from Detroit Speed. Other engine accessories included a Holley oil pan, Taylor plug wires, Powermaster starter and alternator, and a selection of Notchhead and ARP fasteners. AutoRad provided the radiator and intercooler.
Underneath, the Designer team installed a Flowmaster exhaust system, hung with Deeds exhaust clamps and hangers. A 9-inch rearend equipped with a John’s Industries differential, Dutchman axles, and a Powertrax traction system was hung using a Detroit Speed Quadra Link rear suspension. An Inland Empire driveshaft connected the transmission to the rearend. Rick’s Tanks provided the fuel tank and pump that created the foundation of the fuel system, while an FST Performance fuel filter keeps any small pieces of debris from the engine.
In addition to the valve covers, Greening machined the one-of-a-kind trim piece on the trunk. Eddie Motorsports supplied the trunk hinges, hood hinges, taillight bezels, battery tray, and door handles. In the next installment, we’ll see how the Designer Street Rods crew tended to the custom interior, along with glass, weather stripping, stereo and other creature comforts.
Photos by Real Deal Steel and Designer Street Rods
