Merle Heggen‘s

Merle Kept His First Car

Merle purchased this 1969 Nova in 1974 when he was 17 years old and a Junior in high school. The car was his daily driver until 1982. The Nova was then stored for the next 34 years while he pursued a career, marriage, and raised a family. After retirement, Merle began the process of restoring his car. Merle disassembled the Nova and had it repainted its original color of Dusk Blue. He reassembled the Nova installing a Chris Alston “Chassisworks” front sub-frame, a rear triangulated four link, Fab9 differential with 3.70:1 gears, and Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes. Merle installed AutoMeter gauges, cruise control, a tilt steering column and air conditioning from Vintage Air. He also rewired the car with a Painless wiring harness.  Merle mini tubbed the rear wheel wells to accommodate the 315/40R18 tires. He also installed a 525hp LS3 and a TREMEC T-56 MAGMUN 6 speed transmission. Merle and his wife Dina enjoy taking the Nova out to cruise nights and local car shows where his first car has won several awards including a Best of Show.

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