Back in the day our cars didn't get a lot of love. In fact, twenty years ago it wasn't uncommon to cannibalize an Acadian, Beaumont or Canadian Pontiac to supply parts for a Nova, Chevelle or Impala. Some folks even converted Acadian's and Beaumonts to Chevy II's, Nova's or Chevelles! Isn't it about time someone did this the other way around? This is where Gary Anderson enters the picture. Gary had a really solid 68 Nova that he picked up out of the US. What was going to be a Nova SS tribute turned into an Acadian tribute! Gary tells us more about the "FAKE 68":

This story started with a phone call from a friend that had moved to Denver. Hey Gary are you interested in purchasing my 68 Nova?. "Why no Ron. I already have three cars so thanks for thinking of me but How much are you asking for it?? Rons response: "OK, See you in a few weeks!!"

As purchased is was a Plane Jane clapped out 1968 Nova originally from California complete with SEVERE sunburn patina, a bench seat, V8, factory air,and tinted glass. The engine was upgraded to headers. It was a cammed up small block (327?), 200R4, and Flowmaster dual exhaust system. It was basically a solid fun driver with a little get up and go.

I always liked the Unique features of the 68 Novas/Acadians, basically sharing the same body design from 68-72.  The 68s have a one year only shallow dash depth and unique cluster insert and door panels.  But for me the real kicker has always been the 68 SS, with the one year only SUPER SPORT emblems on the lower front fenders behind the tire!!  In my opinion those emblems should have remained at least through 1970.

Having owned a Nova (first car) since the age of 17, I had amassed a collection of parts over the years which would now be carried out of the basement, dusted off and used in a transformation.  First order of business was to clone a 68 SS NOVA.  So over the course of a couple years I completed the following:

-Repaired the passenger front floor (water had been ingressing for some time)

-Replaced the bent front bumper and broken filler panel (a friend later smashed the filler panel again.. oops)

-Repaired  the crushed in and bondoed RH rear ¼ corner beside trunk/taillight.

-Replaced the interior seat covers, door panels, and carpet parcel tray - upgrading to Buckets and Deluxe interior.

-Added factory tach/clock/gauges/console/floor shifter.

-Replaced the dash insert with an unbroken Radio Delete/AC bezel.

-Added a 68 speedminder speedometer.

-Added cruise (worked for one summer speedo cable repairs complete and new transducer at the ready).

-Replaced all the weatherstripping.

-Added double lower body/rocker trim, added SS trim including 68 only SS 396 front marker lights, and SUPER SPORT lower fender trim.

-Replaced the engine with a Vortec roller cammed shortblock. I upgraded to GM Hot Cam and my used 86 Vette aluminum heads (used cast offs from my Blue 72 Nova) with LT-1 style aluminum valve covers (machined to 4 center bolt).

-Added a correct (restored) brake booster, 68 Disc Brake master cylinder, and control valve system with frame hold off valve.

-Aluminum coated the crappy looking headers.

-Added an LT-1 style air cleaner.

-Had the 200R4 rebuilt (was slushy still is Needs a stick trans).

-Replaced the 10 bolt rear with a 69 Camaro 12-Bolt with 4.11 Posi.

-Added a super rare F / X body factory rear sway bar.

-Added an 86 era Monte Carlo SS fast ratio steering box.

-Modified the Flowmaster exhaust extensions to tuck them up about 4 from where they hung (was fox body GT mustang style exits) and added 70 Chevelle style Big Block chrome tips out the back.

-Got the air conditioning working.

-Added a tilt column (modified 68 Chevelle Tilt).

-Added Rally wheels with Pontiac small centers and old school Redline tires.

-Added bumper guards.

But there was something still eating away at me How cool would this car be as a 1968 ACADIAN SS CLONE !!?!!

The search was on for donor trim which was later located through this site from I think Shawn aka AcadiansRus? (My memory is a little fuzzy on that one).

  And away we go! The "FAKE 68" is now a fake Acadian complete with Pontiac 68 396 emblems so even more Fakery! 

In my defense of the 396 emblems, I do have a 396 or 427 along with a G-Force 3650 5-speed which I had fully planned to put in this car but    IT REALLY IS JUST TOO MUCH FUN TO DRIVE THE WAY IT IS !!.  With the rough paint this car can just go anywhere and sit in parking lots without concern. It really is just like high school days with my first Nova where it was primary transportation and it also gets abused pretty bad !

With some marker light/emblem/antenna hole repairs and some crafty spot painting from lifelong friend Steve Mikkelsen the transformation was completed.  On a tip from friend Rod Maskiw we located a 68 4 door Acadian that had been retired on a southern MB farm. This car happily donated some headlight door trim and 68 Acadian only DELUXE DOOR PANEL EMBLEMS!!! This was a huge SCORE! I cant imagine how hard those would be to find.

Last year I also fabbed a 1st gen Camaro SS hood bulge section to the Acadian hood. The car still needs lots of upgrades and I still have plans for more but it is generally reliable and fun the way it is and really puts a lot of enjoyment into this hobby for me.

So when am I painting it?  Probably never (other than spot repair flat green).

When am I selling it?  Probably not as long as Im mobile.

But I may freshen or upgrade the engine and do a 4 or 5 SPEED conversion!!

I may also do upper control arm upgrades (SPC adjustables with tall ball joints at the ready). I also have a factory 1st gen Camaro HD larger front sway bar at the ready as well as a set of Pontiac RALLEY ONES and LS1 Brakes but...oh darn they wont clear the wheels. 

Maybe someday I'll remove the horrid aftermarket body side molding. The list goes on and on, and on!!!

Cruise on Gentlemen

 Gary in Winnipeg