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Putting A Classic Nova On The Straight And Narrow
As 40-somethings ourselves, we know how it is to get, shall we say, tired and worn out. And when the owner of this ’64 Nova figured that age had done its worst to the steering system of his car, it was time to replace it.
The car had seen some hard times and the entire system was ravaged. Not only did the box need to be replaced, but the steering column as well. In the past, this may have presented a problem, but thanks to companies such as ididit, replacing a defective stock steering column is now a simple proposition.
Since 1983, ididit has been known as the steering column of choice for hot rodders. Available in either billet or steel, straight or utilizing tilt capabilities, with or without shifters or ignition keys, ididit columns are perfect for everything from vintage trucks to ’32 Ford coupes. The company also offers the Retrofit Series, columns that are bolt-in replacement columns for many vehicles, and it had just what was needed for this shoebox Nova. A paintable steel version with tilt was just the ticket.
With the column question put to rest, a steering box was needed. Borgeson may be best known for its high-quality U-joints, but it also offers some of the finest in aftermarket-rebuilt steering boxes. The unit used here is produced by Millens as a bolt-in replacement for the Chevy II. It comes in the both long- and short-shaft applications. In this case, a short shaft would mate perfectly with the ididit column. All that was needed now was to top off the column.
A selection from Grant’s Signature Series wheels lent itself perfectly to the design of the Nova’s dash. This steering wheel is a two-spoke-with-holes design that features a billet frame with a lower loop, and black leather rim (PN 14011, billet model). To get the steering wheel to connect to the column, a Grant billet-style installation kit and horn assembly were also used.
Although this install is not too hard, the owner wisely chose to have the job professionally done. Concerned with his own safety as well as those of his passengers, he had the pros at D&P Classic Chevrolet in Huntington Beach, California, do the job for him. Known for its award-winning tri-5 Chevy cars and wagons, D&P also dabbles in Novas, Chevelles and vintage pickups. We were on hand as the D&P crew quickly did the deed in a few hours, slowing down occasionally so we could snap these shots.
If you have a Nova or any vintage vehicle, the companies seen here will have all of the pieces you need to get your car back on the straight and narrow. For those in the SoCal area, D&P can hook you up with everything seen here, and will do a professional job of installing them, too
