Old Glory Automotive: The Family Truckster Nova Is Going For Broke

Every now and again, we like to escape from behind the desk, and hide from the ad guys, Editorial Directors, and anyone looking for us in the office. On one of our particular excursions, we happened to spend the day with the guys at Old Glory Automotive in Largo, Florida. We were there working on a tech article, but noticed this cool little 1964 Nova wagon in the shop with an unassuming presence. Lead Fabricator TJ told us that he found the car on Craigslist, and the owner needed money for another project.

Currently, the car is a very deep, dark blue –TJ repainted the roof and cowl hood black. Other than the Pro Star wheels all around, it is very stock looking. Under the hood is a 283ci engine, and a Powerglide is mounted behind that. The front suspension is a CPP unit with disc brakes and power steering.

Inside, the car is completely bone stock, and could be mistaken for Grandma’s car. But not for long. TJ’s intentions are to make this little family transporter a respectable 10-second street car. The 283ci engine will be pulled and replaced by a 406ci small block. The Powerglide is also on the hit list, and will be replaced with a Turbo 350.

The little tires under the rear are not going to be conducive to 10-second elapsed times, so a set of mini-tubs will take up some of the expansive interior space, and the rear will be narrowed and strengthened to accommodate a set of 275 drag radials. Finally, a pair Caltrac bars will be installed, and a set of subframe connectors will be fabricated and installed.

We’re sure that the guys at Old Glory will have their hands full once this unassuming kid-carrier is complete. We just hope we get the chance to go for a ride when it’s done.