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.

Codes - Non-Locking	Codes - Locking	Ratio	Inspection Cover
DB	DF, DH	3.08 (std. lining)	10 Bolt
DJ	DK	3.08 (metallic lining)	10 Bolt
DA	DE	3.36 (std. lining)	10 Bolt
DL	DM	3.36 (metallic lining)	10 Bolt
DC	DD	3.55 (std. lining)	12 Bolt
DN	DP	3.55 (metallic lining)	12 Bolt

Paint Codes - Exterior Colors

900 - Tuxedo Black Lucite® Code - 88 Dulux® Code - 93-005		922 - Ember Red Lucite® Code - 4387LH Dulux® Code - 93-95896H
905 - Laurel Green Metallic Lucite® Code - 4255L Dulux® Code - 181-95185		923 - Riverside Red Lucite® Code - 2931LH Dulux® Code - 93-93037H
908 - Ivy Green Metallic Lucite® Code - 4394L Dulux® Code - 181-96219		932 - Saddle Tan Metallic Lucite® Code - 4392L Dulux® Code - 181-96217
912 - Silver Blue Metallic Lucite® Code - 4250L Dulux® Code - 181-95180		934 - Cordovan Brown Metallic Lucite® Code - 4393L
914 - Monaco Blue Metallic Lucite® Code - 4391L Dulux® Code - 181-96000		936 - Ermine White Lucite® Code - 4024L Dulux® Code - 93-93774
916 - Daytona Blue Metallic Lucite® Code - 4395L Dulux® Code - 181-96220		938 - Adobe Beige Lucite® Code - 4256L Dulux® Code - 93-95186
918 - Azure Aqua Metallic Lucite® Code - 4253L Dulux® Code - 181-95183		940 - Satin Silver Metallic Lucite® Code - 4247L Dulux® Code - 181-95176
919 - Marine Aqua Metallic Lucite® Code - 4390LH Dulux® Code - 181-95998H		941 - Sebring Silver (FIRE-FROST) Lucite® Code - 867-96417
920 - Autumn Gold Metallic Lucite® Code - 4257L Dulux® Code - 181-95187		948 - Palomar Red Metallic Lucite® Code - 4389LM

Paint Code	Color Name	Paint Code	Color Name
950	(Upper) Ermine White (936) (Lower) Tuxedo Black (900)	970	(Upper) Adobe Beige (938) (Lower) Autumn Gold Metallic (920)
954	(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)

Paint Codes - Interior Colors

Ivory Lucite® Code - (semi-gloss)		Dark Green Metallic Lucite® Code - (semi-gloss) Lucite® Code - (flat)
Medium Fawn Metallic Lucite® Code - (semi-gloss)		Medium Aqua Metallic Lucite® Code - (semi-gloss)
Dark Fawn Metallic Lucite® Code - (semi-gloss) Lucite® Code - (flat)		Dark Aqua Metallic Lucite® Code - (semi-gloss) Lucite® Code - (flat)
Medium Saddle Metallic Lucite® Code - (semi-gloss) Lucite® Code - (flat)		Light Red Lucite® Code - (flat)
Medium Saddle Lucite® Code - (flat)		Medium Red Lucite® Code - (semi-gloss)
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.