Please note that this is NOT a list of parts for sale. The purpose of this list is to help fellow Nova enthusiasts determine which restoration and repair parts will fit a 1978 Nova.

The "Avail from Parts Suppliers" column lists the availability status.

• Yes = you can buy this part from most all Nova restoration parts suppliers.
• Some = you can buy this part from only one or two of the Nova restoration parts suppliers.
• No = none of the Nova parts suppliers sell that part.
  See my Locating Restoration Parts page for tips on locating these type of parts.

The "GM PN" column lists the original GM part number for the part (if available). These numbers are listed as LEFT / RIGHT. I've taken these numbers from several different sources so there may be some inaccuracies. Many of these numbers have been discontinued by GM or superseded with new numbers. However, they are still useful for reference and parts identification purposes.

Parts listed in green will physically fit a '78 Nova but are not technically correct for '78. The notes following the listing give more details about the differences.

Jump to:

• Body Panels & Trim Parts
• Emblems & Nameplates
• Window Glass & Mirrors
• Special Molding & Trim
• Wheels & Hub Caps

Body Panels and Trim Parts:

Emblems and Nameplates:

Window Glass and Moldings:

Special Moldings and Trim:

Wheels and Hubcaps:

Notes:

1. The '76 - '77 standard (and '76 Concours) grilles have a mounting provision for a "Nova" emblem in the lower driver side corner. The '78 standard grilles do not use that emblem (or have a provision for it). Otherwise, the '78 standard grille is identical to the '76 - '77 standard and '76 Concours grille.
   The '77 - '78 Rally and the '76 SS share the same diamond pattern grille. However, the Rally grille is chrome while the SS grille is black.
   The '75, '76 SS, and '77 - '78 Rally all share the same grille brackets (which are different than those used on all other '76 - '79 Novas).
2. The '77 - '78 Rally use the same lenses as the '76 SS since they share the same grille.
   The '78 Custom and '77 Concours also share the same grille and lenses.
3. Custom and Concours headlight bezels are chrome, Rally and SS bezels are black, and standard bezels are gray.
4. Radiator supports used with AC and/or heavy duty cooling have a wider radiator opening.
   A standard radiator support can be modified by cutting out the opening (along the pre-stamped pattern) and moving the LH lower rubber mount to the outboard position.
5. The front extensions on '79 fenders are different but the rest of the fender is the same.
6. '70 - '74 side marker lights have different "SAE" markings than '75 - '79 lights. Otherwise, the rear ones are physically interchangeable. The front ones have different "index tangs" where they fit the bezel studs so minor modifications would be necessary.
   '75 - '79 use the same marker light bezels front & rear, left & right. These same bezels are also used on the rear of '70 - '74.
7. '73 - '74 and '68 - '72 doors have shorter window frames and different inner structures so the doors themselves are not interchangeable.
   However, the lower part (from the handle down) appears similar to the lower part of '73 - '74 or '68 - '72 door skins should fit '75 & up doors.
8. Starting sometime in 1971, door hinges are welded on rather than bolted on.
9. All handles are the same for 2 & 4 door, front and rear, but rear push rods are shorter on 4 doors.
10. '73 and '74 gas tank filler necks do not have the unleaded restrictor plate. They also have a double tang twist on cap instead of a screw on cap.
11. Regular and hatchback trunk floors are the same but the hatchback has added brackets for the load floor.
12. The '78 Custom and '77 Concours have 3-lens tail lights unlike the standard 2-lens ones used on all other '75 - '79 Novas. The '78 Custom and '77 Concours share the same tail panel and bezels, but the lenses are different.
13. The plain steel wheels used with all hub caps and wheel covers are 14"x5" with a 5 on 4 3/4" lug pattern.
    They are usually painted body color when used with hub caps and black when used with full wheel covers.
    14"x6" plain steel wheels may have been optional.
14. A company called Replica Plastics lists reproduction '75 - '79 Nova body to bumper filler panels on their web site at www.replica-plastics.com/Chevrolet.html
15. The Nova Rally package includes 14"x6" rally wheels painted to match the car's body color (except cars with gold stripes have the wheels painted to match the stripes).
    Rally wheels used on '78 - '79 Novas are color keyed to the car's body color and have bright trim around each of the 6 openings.
    Most rally wheels are 14"x6". Wider 14"x7" rallys are used with:
    • '71 - '72 SS (note: rally wheels are not standard equipment on '71 - '72 SS though)
    • '73 - '74 with disc brakes, E70-14, or FR78-14 tires
    • '75 - '76 with F41 sport suspension or radial tires
    • '77 - '79 with F41 sport suspension
    
    These 6 slot rally wheels were also used on many other 70's and early 80's Chevy vehicles such as the Camaro, Chevelle, and El Camino.

Please note that this is NOT a list of parts for sale. The purpose of this list is to help fellow Nova enthusiasts determine which restoration and repair parts will fit a 1978 Nova.