The 1963 Chevrolet Nova now offerred an SS package in 1963.
1963 Chevrolet Nova
A new grille insert and additional trim spruced up the look for the compact 1963 Chevy II Nova which also now offered its own SS package as a new option for Nova 400 Convertibles and Sports Coupes. Sporting SS emblems, a silvery taillight panel, bright side molding, the SS option carried a additional price tag of $161.00 and could be packaged with the $42.00 14-inch wheel option with spinner hubcaps for a much sportier look. Novas could not "officially" be ordered with the V8 engines yet, as the standard SS engine was the six-cylinder —although many ended up with a small-block V8 under the hood as it proved a mighty combination of power and light weight for many drag racers.
1963 Chevrolet Nova Specifications and Production
Model Number
Body/Style Number
Body Type & Seating
Factory Price
Shipping Weight
Total Production
Chevy II Series 100 - Four-Cyl
01
69
4 Dr Sedan
$2,040
2,445 lbs
Note 1,2
01
11
2 Dr Sedan
$2,003
2,430 lbs
01
35
2 Dr Station Wagon
$2,338
2,725 lbs
Chevy II Series 100 - Six-Cyl
01
69
4 Dr Sedan
$2,099
2,545 lbs
Note 1,2
01
11
2 Dr Sedan
$2,062
2,520 lbs
01
35
2 Dr Station Wagon
$2,397
2,810 lbs
Chevy II Series 300 - Four-Cyl
03
69
4 Dr Sedan
$2,121
2,470 lbs
Note 1,2
03
11
2 Dr Sedan
$2,084
2,440 lbs
03
45
4 Dr Station Wagon
$2,516
2,810 lbs
Chevy II Series 300 - Six-Cyl
03
69
4 Dr Sedan
$2,180
2,560 lbs
Note 1,2
03
11
2 Dr Sedan
$2,143
2,530 lbs
03
45
4 Dr Station Wagon
$2,575
2,900 lbs
Chevy II Nova Series 400 - Six-Cyl
04
49
4 Dr Sedan
$2,235
2,590 lbs
Note 1,2,3
04
37
2 Dr Sport Coupe
$2,262
2,590 lbs
04
67
2 Dr Convertible
$2,472
2,760 lbs
04
35
4 Dr Station Wagon
$2,494
2,835 lbs
Notes:
Production totals were recorded by body style only. Totals for 1962 were: 4 Dr Sedan - 146,097, 4 Dr Station Wagon - 72,274, 2 Dr Hardtop Sport Coupe - 59,586, 2 Dr Sedan - 42,017, and 2 Dr Convertible - 24,823
Total for 1963 was 375,600. This included 50,400 in the 100 Series (48,200 6-cyl, 2,200 V-8); 78,800 in the 300 Series (77,700 6-cyl, 1,100 V-8); 171,100 in the Nova 400 Series and 75,300 station wagons (74,800 6-cyl, 30 V-8, 470 4-cyl); of the station wagons 67,347 had 2-seats and 7,927 had 3-seats.
42,432 Nova SS (Sport Coupes & Convertibles)
Chassis Data
Model
Wheelbase
Overall Length
Width
Front Tread
Rear Tread
Tires
Chevy II
110 in
183 in
69.9 in
56.8 in
56.3
6.00 x 13
Chevy II Station Wagon
110 in
187.4 in
69.9 in
56.8 in
56.3
6.50 x 13
Chevy II Nova
110 in
183 in
69.9 in
56.8 in
56.3
6.00 x 13
Vin Decoding
Serial Numbers were stamped on a plate on the left front door hinge pillar (center pillar on Corvair). The Fisher Body number plate on the right-hand side of the cowl gives additional information such as the body style number, the production sequence number, the trim (upholstery) number code and the paint number code.
First Symbol - Year
3 = 1963
Second & Third Symbol - Series
01 = Chevy II (4-cyl)
14 = Impala SS (V-8)
02 = Chevy II
15 = Bel Air 1500 Series (6-cyl)
04 = Chevy II Nova
16 = Bel Air 1600 Series (V-8)
05 = Corvair 500 Series (6-cyl)
17 = Impala 1700 Series (6-cyl)
06 = Corvair 600 Monza Spyder (6-cyl)
18 = Impala 1800 Series (V-8)
07 = Corvair Deluxe 700 Series (6-cyl)
53 = Chevelle & Std. El Camino (6-cyl)
08 = Corvette
54 = Chevelle & Std. El Camino (V-8)
09 = Corvair Monza/Spyder 900 Series (6-cyl)
55 = Chevelle Malibu & Custom El Camino (6-cyl)
11 = Biscayne 1100 Series (6-cyl)
56 = Chevelle Malibu & Custom El Camino (V-8)
12 = Biscayne 1200 Series (V-8)
57 = Chevelle Malibu SS (6-cyl)
13 = Impala SS (6-cyl)
58 = Chevelle Malibu SS (V-8)
Fourth & Fifth Symbol - Body Style
11 = 2dr Sedan
41 = 2dr Sedan
15 = 2 dr Station Wagon (6P)
45 = 4dr Station Wagon (9P)
19 = 4dr Sedan
47 = 2dr Sport Coupe
27 = 2dr Sedan
49 = 4dr Sedan
35 = 4dr Station Wagon (6P)
67 = 2dr Convertible
37 = 2dr Hardtop or Sport Coupe
69 = 4dr Sedan
39 = 4dr Hardtop or Sport Sedan
70 = Sedan Delivery
(A) Atlanta, Georgia
(L) Los Angeles, California
(B) Baltimore, Maryland
(N) Norwood, Ohio
(F) Flint, Michigan
(O) Oakland, California
(G) Framingham, Massachusetts
(S) St. Louis, Missouri
(J) Janesville, Wisconsin
(T) Tarrytown, New York
(K) Kansas City, Missouri
(W) Willow Run, Michigan
Last Six Symbols - Production Sequence
Started at 100001
1963 Chevrolet Nova Options
Description
Description
Air Conditioning
Push-Button Radio w/ Antenna & Rear Speaker
Rear Armrest
Manual Radio & Antenna
Rear Bumper Guard
Push-Button Radio & Antenna
Front Seat Belts
Divided Second Seat (station wagon)
Grille Guard
Super Sport Equipment
Heavy-Duty Brakes
Full Wheel Covers
Comfort & Convenience Group
Wire Wheel Covers
Tinted Windows (all glass)
White Sidewall Tires
Tinted Windshield
Positraction Rear Axle
Padded Dash
Heavy-Duty Radiator
Luggage Rack (station wagon)
Heavy-Duty Clutch
Two-Tone Paint
Delcotron 42-amp Generator
Power Brakes
Powerglide Transmission
Power Steering
283-cid V-8 (dealer installed)
Power Tailgate Window (station wagon)
327-cid V-8 (dealer installed)
Power Convertible Top
1963 Chevrolet Nova Engine Options
Location Of Engine Code: 6-Cyl-- Stamped on a pad behind the distributor on right side of block. 8-Cyl-- Stamped on the block in front of the right hand cylinder head.
Letter Code
Engine
Horsepower
Torque
Transmission
Carburetor
EG
6-194
120
177
Powerglide
1 BC
H
6-194
120
177
3-Speed Manual
1 BC
HB
6-194
120
177
3-Speed Manual
1 BC
HF
6-194
120
177
Powerglide
1 BC
Notes
There was 283-cid V-8 and 327-cid V-8 options from the dealer.
Transmission Codes
Transmission
Location
3-Speed Manual
Stamped on rear face of upper right corner
4-Speed (Corvair)
Stamped on boss on lower left side of case just below side cover.
Powerglide (Corvair)
On top of the case in the rear at 11 o'clock.
Powerglide
Stamped on the bottom of oil pan
Plant and Type Designation Prefix
Plant
Transmission Type
W
Warner Gear
3-Speed
S
Saginaw
3-Speed
M
Muncie
3-Speed, Overdrive*
C
Cleveland
Powerglide
T
Toledo
Powerglide
D
Saginaw
Overdrive
K
McKinnon
3-Speed
E
McKinnon
Powerglide
O
Saginaw
Overdrive
A
Cleveland
2-Speed, Manual Powerglide
*Overdrive distinguished from 3-Speed by physical appearance only. The above transmissions (exc. Warner Gear) will carry a production code number such as: C1116N (C = Cleveland Powerglide, 11 = November, 16 = 16th, N = Night Shift). The Warner Gear transmissions will carry a production code number such as: WG1031 (W = Warner Gear 4-Spd., G = July, 10 = 10th, 7 = 1967, 1 = First Shift).
Axle Codes
Location Of Axle Codes: The axles for Chevrolet will be built by Chevrolet Buffalo, Chevrolet Gear and Axle, Buick, Oldsmobile, and McKinnon. Divisional Manufacturer code letters will be metal stamped on the axle tube adjacent to the carrier for identification. Metal stamp on left rear axle tube on the rear side, letters and numerals 3/16 in. high, 3 in. outboard of carrier.
(Upper) Ermine White (936)
(Lower) Laurel Green Metallic (905)
971
(Upper) Adobe Beige (938)
(Lower) Saddle Tan Metallic (932)
959
(Upper) Ermine White (936)
(Lower) Silver Blue Metallic (912)
972
(Upper) Adobe Beige (938)
(Lower) Ermine White (936)
962
(Upper) Silver Blue Metallic (912)
(Lower) Monaco Blue Metallic (914)
973
(Upper) Ermine White (936)
(Lower) Ember Red Metallic (922)
963
(Upper) Ermine White (936)
(Lower) Azure Aqua Metallic (918)
984
(Upper) Ermine White (936)
(Lower) Satin Silver Metallic (940)
967
(Upper) Azure Aqua Metallic (918)
(Lower) Marine Aqua Metallic (919)
NOTES: General Motors paint code plate for all models except Corvair and Corvette is located under the hood at the top of the firewall on the left or right of the upper shroud. Corvair paint code plate is on the left rear wheel housing. Corvette paint code plate is under the dash, below the glove compartment.
Paint Codes - Interior Colors
Ivory
Lucite® Code - (semi-gloss)
Dark Green Metallic
Lucite® Code - (semi-gloss)
Lucite® Code - (flat)
Medium Blue Metallic
Lucite® Code - (semi-gloss)
Lucite® Code - (flat)
Medium Red Metallic
Lucite® Code - (flat)
Dark Blue Metallic
Lucite® Code - (semi-gloss)
Lucite® Code - (flat)
Black
Lucite® Code - (flat)
Medium Green Metallic
Lucite® Code - (semi-gloss)
NOTE: Unrubbed LUCITE® will generally produce a gloss comparable to original unrubbed interior semi-gloss finishes. If lower gloss is required, use DuPont #4528 flattening compound to reduce gloss.
