In Bristolville, Ohio, a cherry red 1964 Chevy II Nova stands as a welcoming sight upon entering Church Boys Racing. This remarkable vehicle is the first car of AZN, a star of the former long-running Discovery Channel show "Street Outlaws." However, the entire process of restoring, revamping, and rebuilding it was the work of Church Boys Racing.

Unleashing the Power of Chevy Nova Restoration at Church Boys Racing

AZN's Iconic Chevy II Nova

The 1964 Chevy II Nova greets visitors with its vibrant cherry red color, symbolizing the start of a remarkable restoration journey. Chuck Church Jr., the owner of Church Boys Racing, took on the challenge of transforming this car from top to bottom. "We built the whole entire car, did a whole complete makeover on it – paint, body, interior, suspension, chassis, everything," he proudly stated. This muscle car remains at Church Boys, but the TV star, who has now moved to YouTube with his co-star, Farmtruck, often takes it out for a spin whenever he's in Ohio, most recently in October.

It's not just about restoring a car; it's about bringing it back to life with a modern touch. The attention to detail in every aspect of the restoration is evident, making this Nova a true masterpiece.

Church Boys Racing's expertise shines through in every component they worked on. From the sleek paint job that catches the eye to the refined suspension and chassis, every detail was carefully considered to ensure a seamless driving experience.

Meeting the Needs of Regular Customers

Church Boys Racing's clientele isn't limited to TV stars. They have a diverse range of regular customers who share a passion for hot rods. "They're a hobbyist," Church said. These customers, ranging in age from 30 to 60, often have a personal connection to the Chevy Nova. Some may have owned one in their youth, while others have fond memories of their parents' cars. Now, as they establish themselves in their careers, they turn to Church Boys Racing to build or provide them with a component for their own Chevy Nova.

Most customers are from out of state, sending their Novas to be rebuilt from places like North Dakota, California, Georgia, Connecticut, Indianapolis, and Texas. Church's reach extends beyond local car shows, thanks to social media and word of mouth.

Whether it's a mild restoration or a wild build, Church Boys Racing is ready to fulfill their customers' dreams. One North Dakota customer, for example, entrusted them with building a car with an astonishing 1,150 horsepower. "It drove like a brand new, like say, a ZL1 Camaro, but it's a 1966 Nova," Church said.

Family Heritage and the Chevy Nova

Church's passion for Novas traces back to his family history. "When I was growing up, my dad, that's what he drove and hot rodded around town, and it was just in our family," he said. His father, Chuck Church Sr., was also involved in the business and had a unique connection to the Chevy Nova.

After serving in the U.S. Air Force in Arizona right out of high school, the family drove to Ohio in a 1963 Nova. This car holds a special place in their hearts and has been updated over the years with a 2015 Camaro engine and overdrive transmission.

Church's first car was also a Nova. His dad, a machine repairman at Packard Electric, was passionate about cars and painted them in his spare time. When Church was 11, his dad bought him a 1966 Nova, which sat in their garage for years. As he grew older, he started working in the shop with his dad, helping with painting and earning money to put the car back together.

Building Parts and Customizing Novas

Church Boys Racing doesn't just restore Novas; they also make parts. "We build early Nova components – 62 to 67 Nova," Church said. Their expertise extends to building suspension components that enhance the driving experience, making the cars handle like brand new vehicles.

The process begins when a customer reaches out, looking to bring an older Nova up to date. Church works closely with them, understanding their goals and preferences. "And you know, we can go from mild to wild, if you will," he said.

For example, they modified the steering of a Nova by taking off the old 1960s technology components and replacing them with modern rack and pinion steering and power steering. This simple yet significant upgrade transformed the driving experience, making the car feel like it just rolled off the showroom floor.

Passing the Torch to the Next Generation

Church's youngest son, Ryan, a junior in the industrial technology program at Trumbull Career & Technical Center, plans to take over Church Boys Racing when his dad decides to retire. Ryan's Nova is currently in pieces as he works on it, showing his dedication and passion for the business.

"It's a work in progress," Ryan said. "It's a 66 – it's a four door. It's a tank." His enthusiasm for the Chevy Nova is evident, and he is eager to continue the family legacy.

Church's journey with the Chevy Nova has been a family affair. His mother had one, and his three sons all drive Novas. His daughter, 15, is likely to follow suit in the future. Church is also working on updating his wife's first car, a 1988 SS Monte Carlo, to be his daughter's car, ensuring that the love for classic cars continues within the family.