HELP - Where can I get a genuine front panel?

[dumpycorsa]

Hi. I'm trying to get hold of a genuine front panel for a mk2 nova (not t/d). I've obviously tried vauxhall who said they don't stock it anymore because it's a classic part. I've also tried vauxhallparts.co.uk. They don't have one either. Anyone know where else I might be able to get one? There's loads of pattern ones out there but I'm worried that it won't fit very well. Also the pattern part only list one for all models where as GM list a different part no. for the mk1 and mk2. Has the pattern part been modified to suit both? Any help will be appreciated. Cheers:confused:

[draper]

pattern parts are made either in the same factory or using the same presses as GM stuff

there is a chance GM stuff wont fit either due to the different tolerences nova left the factory with

[Jack]

The difference between the Mk1 and Mk2 is on the slam panel - the Mk2 has square holes in the front for the grille to clip into, whilst the Mk1 has small screw holes on top.

[dumpycorsa]

pattern parts are made either in the same factory or using the same presses as GM stuff

there is a chance GM stuff wont fit either due to the different tolerences nova left the factory with

Think it's about 5mm tolerance. So you say pattern will do the job just as well? Theres still the issue of the differences between the mk1 and mk2 though.

[dumpycorsa]

The difference between the Mk1 and Mk2 is on the slam panel - the Mk2 has square holes in the front for the grille to clip into, whilst the Mk1 has small screw holes on top.

Have you seen a pattern front panel? Just wondering as they only list one part for all years whether the pattern panel has square holes or round or maybe both?

Cheers for that info though, I didn't know the differences between them.:thumb:

[Jack]

Seems both Sel and Hadrian stock the Mk2 part. Which is better I suppose, as drilling three small holes is easier than cutting out two square sections lol

[dumpycorsa]

Seems both Sel and Hadrian stock the Mk2 part. Which is better I suppose, as drilling three small holes is easier than cutting out two square sections lol

Very true. I haven't seen many square drill bitslol

Have those places you mentioned got a website?

[Jack]

Sel Imperial (http://www.crashrepairparts.com/)

Hadrian (http://www.carpanels.co.uk/index_catalogues.htm)

Beevers (http://bap.dominohosting.biz/bap/bapdb01.nsf/$$ViewTemplate%20for%20makelist!OpenForm)

:thumb:

[dumpycorsa]

Sel Imperial (http://www.crashrepairparts.com/)

Hadrian (http://www.carpanels.co.uk/index_catalogues.htm)

Beevers (http://bap.dominohosting.biz/bap/bapdb01.nsf/$$ViewTemplate%20for%20makelist!OpenForm)

:thumb:

Cheers mate. you're a star. Just rang Hadrians but they don't do a complete front panel:(

Sel do though:D

Cheers for your help:thumb:

[dumpycorsa]

Just been told to look for opel classic parts. they have a fleabay shop but I don't speak german!LOL

[L14MNP]

I bought a Hadrian panels fr. panel for my mk2. It has the holes for mk1 and 2 parts and fits fine mate, they need a bit of fettling but as said, so would GM parts as all Novas are slightly different.

[craig green]

I fitted a Hadrian fr panel to my old mk2. Fitted fine, no issues. About £29 IIRC.

[Jack]

Just been told to look for opel classic parts. they have a fleabay shop but I don't speak german!LOL
They speak English though ;)

Use Babelfish or google translation (the latter is a bit crap though) on the ad. Although iirc they do put pics up of all their parts, so you should be able to find what you're looking for.

Also, try PM-ing Duick on here. He ought to be able to source you a GM front panel.

[dumpycorsa]

Also, try PM-ing Duick on here. He ought to be able to source you a GM front panel.

Yeah, I saw his ad regarding genuine parts on mig. I PM'd him today.

I've noticed in the list of stockists on the Hadrian web site that they deliver to my local vauxhall main dealer. Chances are if I paid for a genuine that it would be the pattern panel with a GM part no./sticker.:roll:

[cicli]

You have lots in http://www.opel-classicparts.com/

They are the company which manages the stock from the old Opel models. Although they are german, they speak any language, and of course english.

Regards.

[dumpycorsa]

You have lots in http://www.opel-classicparts.com/

They are the company which manages the stock from the old Opel models. Although they are german, they speak any language, and of course english.

Regards.

Thanks for that info. I've decided to get a Imperial front panel in the end. People are saying that the genuine parts will still need adjustment due to the tolerance used when producing the nova. I hoped genuine would fit alot better but it doesn't seem like there'll be much difference. Had a PM back yesterday from Steve Armeni (aka Duick). He'll be doing another run this year to collect some more genuine panels but it won't be until the end of the year. I'll be keeping my eyes open for that as his prices were ALOT cheaper than genuine parts from vauxhall!

[Jack]

Nice work. Let us know how good the fitment is when you get round to putting it on :thumb:

[dumpycorsa]

Nice work. Let us know how good the fitment is when you get round to putting it on :thumb:

Will do no worries. It'll be going in with my new engine so the sooner the better:) . The engine is built and sat on a stand. As the engine bay is being sprayed again thought best to get the front panel done at the same time.

[phazer]

I had one of the last three full genuine front panels (though I've been told it was the last one since) in 2004. It didn't need any fettling to fit.

I think with the discount I get at my local VX (they know me well :) ) it was £159.

I asked them to track me a genuine one down as the body shop said they hate pattern ones.

[dumpycorsa]

I had one of the last three full genuine front panels (though I've been told it was the last one since) in 2004. It didn't need any fettling to fit.

I think with the discount I get at my local VX (they know me well :) ) it was £159.

I asked them to track me a genuine one down as the body shop said they hate pattern ones.

If the genuine one was easier to get hold of then thats what I'd prefer. There are people who've fitted the pattern ones that have posted up saying it fitted fine. Maybe your nova was nominal in terms of the tolerance that vauxhall had hence no fettling required? One of the panel manufactures that supply the pattern parts supply my local vauxhall dealers. I'll have the new panel soon so I'll post some pics up of it and let you guys know how well it fits.:thumb:

[phazer]

If the genuine one was easier to get hold of then thats what I'd prefer. There are people who've fitted the pattern ones that have posted up saying it fitted fine. Maybe your nova was nominal in terms of the tolerance that vauxhall had hence no fettling required? One of the panel manufactures that supply the pattern parts supply my local vauxhall dealers. I'll have the new panel soon so I'll post some pics up of it and let you guys know how well it fits.:thumb:

That's cool. They'd done a fair few over the years for people who insisted on using pattern panels, hence why I asked them to track one down for me.

The most important thing is your bodyshop being happy with the parts, then you know they'll do you a good jiob :cool:

[dumpycorsa]

The most important thing is your bodyshop being happy with the parts, then you know they'll do you a good jiob :cool:

I'm the body shop on this one so time will tell. I've spoken to people who've fitted them in the past and got a few pointers. Just a case of tacking it on a checking alignment at every step to ensure a good fit. Engine going in and engine bay will be sprayed at the same time so should have some good pics for you.:thumb: