My new Nova LHD GTE, LET conversion and RHD!

[RSTChris]

Hi all, last night i baught a mk1 GSI LHD nova, i baught it with the intensions of breaking it to earn a bit of cash. Gave it a once-over this morning

Ill let the pics do the talking - after id stripped it

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI017.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI016.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI023.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI020.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI034.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI018.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI019.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI014.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI011.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI008.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI006.jpg



http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI001.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI003.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI005.jpg

So now the plan is to convert this one to RHD and use this as the project shell

Plans are full LET convo, 5 stud, 6 speed, cav turb wheels, turbo brakes, coilovers, full poly bush kit, rear half cage, full gsi spec incl mk2 wings, black dash, bumpers and interia

Ill keep you all updated

Tomoro its getting fully stripped and im going to give it a good old clean!

Under neath is like new!!

[Lee]

Looks prime for cleaning up to me, good find!

[vaughanmc]

Looks very clean mate, crack on :)

[Adam]

Leave it LHD...
Would be kinda cool seeing a lhd nova at a show

[RSTChris]

Cheers guys

No way would i run a LHD car!

Theres not even one piece of rot! i was gob smacked! Before today the plan was to do the other nova pictured but now ive got best of both worlds

[Lee]

LHD cars are lighter lol No massive pig iron brake transfer bar.

[novarally]

LHD cars are lighter

and the weight distribution is far better, as the driver is sat on the gearbox side, rather than the engine side.........

[RSTChris]

Either its defo going RHD

Already baught 5 stud hubs, rear half cage, blue xe samcos, full orange polybushes, cav turb wheels, braided brake hoses, tie bar lowering blocks, 14 piece strengthening kit and an F28 LSD diff

[Benn]

Christ thats clean, i'd love to get a euro homed shell.

[RSTChris]

Its mad who how difference there is between here and spain, every single bolt came straight undone, all the skirts etc came straight off and there isnt one single patch of rust.

RESULT!

[Ernie]

Keep it a left hooker as more original.

[dan23]

so its no longer being broke

so i guess lhd bonnet release cable is no longer available ?

[Dod]

LHD it and make it Euro styleeeee.

[RSTChris]

Yeah mate, im converting it to RHD so the bonnet catches still yours.

[RSTChris]

Few mores pics from todays quick wipe down.

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI042.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI041.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI040.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI039.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI037.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI036.jpg

[Adam]

Christ, thats mentally clean.

[Sturge]

I so very nearly bought that as well :(

[matthew172]

fook sake thats clean, deffo needs to be left as a lhd though

[vaughanmc]

Keep it LHD mate will be very different

By f*ck its mint as well lol

[RSTChris]

Naa no way, its going RHD.

I cant get over its condition, with a week or so's graft it will be as new under there!

[matthew172]

can i just ask why your so against LHD?

[RSTChris]

Maybe summat to do with in the UK we drive on the left hand side of the road.

Whats it matter anyways? Its going RHD because i want it RHD

[Rich]

I would swap it to rhd as well mate, feels dodgy as fook driving on the wrong side. Shell looks good!

[kenny_afh]

you do realise that as soon as you attempt to convert it to RHD you remove ALL its value??

totally different bulkhead too, so unless you bodge the **** out of it youre gonna have to change the steering rack mounts, which is a jig job.

im afraid i dont support the RHD conversion either. infact i'll swap you a prepped RHD shell for it.

[RSTChris]

Ive got three full novas sat on the drive im breaking, if i cant use the bits from two to make one of them RHD then theres gotta be summat up.

As for value, i only gave £400 for the full car and it will break for that with the bits im not using. Shell cost me nowt and if i f**k it up its my problem.

Ive converted mk1/mk2 escorts to RHD! so ill see how i get on.

[loggyboy]

and the weight distribution is far better, as the driver is sat on the gearbox side, rather than the engine side.........

When I weighed mine (without me in it) it was pretty much 50/50 left to right. (albeit with an XE, not a small block)

[SKoob]

I'd prefer RHD as its a better driving experience especially when over taking

[RSTChris]

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI048.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI047.jpg

[vaughanmc]

Its a minter! :)

[RSTChris]

Definately! Im over the moon with it.

Well today i took the xe engine out the other white mk2 gsi im breaking, checked the bulkhead and they're identical, the holes that need drilling are visable already so it looks like everythings going to be fine

Well chuffed!

I gave the floors a quick wipe with petrol/diesel mixed and its all come up as new!

[LEWI007]

Never knew they made a mk1 GSI ? It was GTE wasnt it ?

[vaughanmc]

They didn't hence how this ones a LHD and came from a Foreign country

[LEWI007]

How is it a GSI then ?

[Mike B GTE]

really really clean example mate, shame your wasting it.

i thought it MK1 GTE and MK2 GSi, although i have seen MK1 Gsis in Spain, maybe varies depending on courtry of release.

[JonL]

Because they didn't have a GTE model on the continent, they just had the GSi, it was only over here (afaik) that we had the GTE (which was then changed to being called the GSi at Mk2 time)

Therefore this one is badged GSi as its from the continent

[RSTChris]

Exactly, this is a Corsa A GSI.

Engine and running gear will be out today ready to be seamed up!

[Dod]

Because they didn't have a GTE model on the continent, they just had the GSi, it was only over here (afaik) that we had the GTE (which was then changed to being called the GSi at Mk2 time)

Therefore this one is badged GSi as its from the continent

Or in ROI either. ;)

[dj_wudgey]

nice car matey good find that

[RSTChris]

Cheers lads :)

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI049.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI050.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI051.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI052.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI054.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI055.jpg

[Rich]

Like my last nova for clean :( Was no rust anywhere on that cant beleive i actually parted with it :(

Will be shame to be cutting and welding that one up for the gearbox mount etc

[RSTChris]

Its only a car at the end of the day!

Today i cut the full bulkhead panel out of my other RHD white Nova GSI xe, the rack mounts need moving 2inch to the rhd driver side, 3 holes making (already marked) and a strengthening piece made for the clutch cable and walaaa LHD to RHD and thats the hard bit, converting the inside is a piece of piss! Its only spot welded so just a case of chieseling and re spot welding

Ill keep all interested updated

[vaughanmc]

Aye keep it updated mate will be interesting as the shell is so so mint :)

[Nova_Spider]

I dont see what all the fuss is about? Its a very easy conversion on what is not a very rare car. Did it to my spider years ago.
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v338/novaspider/?action=view&current=LHD_RHD.jpg

[RSTChris]

:)

Any more pics? tips hints etc lol

[Rexy]

lol,

Rob there popping up i dont think ive seen you post in years lol :D

[hybridturbo]

Wkd shell you have there mate

Convert it and enjoy it. Leave the haters with their patch work quilt style shells lol

[RSTChris]

pmsl

;) you know mate!

[Nova_Spider]

lol,

Rob there popping up i dont think ive seen you post in years lol :D

lol I just sit back and laugh at post's. Couldnt resist this one.:D
Shame really, I was going to buy this car and take to my parents in south of France but I thought about it and realised I wouldnt be happy unless it was another spider:thumb:

[novacabrio]

lol I just sit back and laugh at post's. Couldnt resist this one.:D
Shame really, I was going to buy this car and take to my parents in south of France but I thought about it and realised I wouldnt be happy unless it was another spider:thumb:

Can't beat a bit Topless fun in the south of france!! YEAH BABY

[Nova_Spider]

:)

Any more pics? tips hints etc lol

I've got loads of pics somewhere, will dig them out. The hardest part is drilling the spot welds out and removing the panel neatly without tearing the metal. Think the glove box support was a pain to line up, also remeber the the brake servo being different, drilling holes for the RHD pedal box, moving the throttle pedal over etc. I did leave the LHD bonnet cable though, it's out the way:)

[shanemc]

amazing find there,fair play.did u buy it in the uk or go to spain for it??
i used to have an original rhd irish market white mk1 opel corsa gsi aswell,always regretted selling it!

[RSTChris]

Spot on that would be great :). Any info, pics tips etc that might save me cocking it up is defo well appreciated. ive cut a full bulkhead out my white RHD nova and also got another sat here for measurements etc so fingers crossed it'll be plain sailing!

Its now on 4 axle stands awaiting to be fully stripped, axle, off, brake pipes off, tank off etc all the brake pipes are still mint green with no rust, madness!!!

[RSTChris]

I baught it off ebay at the weekend mate, got two mates of my from croydon to fetch it me up and couldnt believe the condition.

The inital plan was to strip and scrap but its 100 times better than my other project shell i had!

Couldnt believe my luck, my fav colour and non sunroof!

[dj_wudgey]

Maybe summat to do with in the UK we drive on the left hand side of the road.

Whats it matter anyways? Its going RHD because i want it RHD

id put it to right hand drive aswell matey i dont see the point in driving on the wrong side myself mate but yea id do the same!!!

[RSTChris]

Few more pics from today

Only had a quick hour on it

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI059.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI058.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI057.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI056.jpg

[vaughanmc]

Mint!

[RSTChris]

:)

Well today ive took all the sh1t off the underside of the floors, its all come back white! Im gonna stone chip the lot and fill all the nucks and crannys in with waxyoil.

all the spot welds are now drilled out of the rack mounts etc, its just a case of taking measurements then re-welding!

Ill update asap

[bola]

looks mint matey. Was it not advertised on here too?

[RSTChris]

Yeah mate, won it through ebay in the end.

Well now the engine bays fully stitch welded, all the ****ty underseal from under the inner wings has been took back to bare metal, etch primed then white stone gaurded, looks pretty good!

Pics tomoro

[RSTChris]

Oh BTW ive got another two GSI/GTE engines mate!

[RSTChris]

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI068.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI069.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI070.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI071.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI074.jpg

[vaughanmc]

Stitch welding looks good mate :)

Very mint indeed!

[RSTChris]

:)

Ill get some propper pics 2moz before i etch prime! I just didnt want it getting any moisture in it.

The full floor/underside is now wire brushed down, pics asap!

Still found NO rot :)

[vaughanmc]

You going body colour underneath mate ?

[RSTChris]

Under bonnets going satin black, underside is going to be stone gaurd white then a quick blow over in glacier!

Dont want it concourse, just so its going to last the harsh winters!

[vaughanmc]

Nice one, why satin black on the underside of the bonnet ?

[RSTChris]

i meant engine bay, i hate trying to keep clean white engine bays!

Also i think satin black looks really good when the engines all painted up/shiny etc

[vaughanmc]

Aye would be really tidy

Aslong as you don't seam sealer over those tidy welds in the bay! :)

[womble sri]

good find that and 400 notes is a stunner

[dj_wudgey]

looking good mate!!!

[mikey14sr]

On one hand I'm thinking why oh why, what's so great about sitting on the same side as everyone else? On the other I'm thinking, hmm, my 8,000 miles since re-con rhd rack is on e-bay at the mo.

[RSTChris]

More pics from today

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI078.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI077.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI076.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI075.jpg


Fully seamed up all the bottom arm mounts and fitted the o/s strengthening plate.

Tomoro its getting the bottom arm strengthening finished

[vaughanmc]

Good progress mate :)

[RSTChris]

Cheers :)

I really should take pics before etch priming as you cant really see the quality, they're done with gas but can garauntee good quality welds!

[Rickyb]

looking good matey.

[RSTChris]

Taa

[craig green]

Nice workmanship so far. Keep at it.

[Adam]

Nice progress.
Please dont do the bay black! Looks crap on a white car, like your trying to hide rust with underseal etc.

A 100% mint white engine bay is a good sight :)

[vaughanmc]

A 100% mint white engine bay is a good sight :)

Seconded :)

[RSTChris]

Hmmm true. we'll see, its just im not one of these pervs to be polishing often, i like to really drive em.

More progress

Drivers rear arch took back, resealed then painted satin black
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI085.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI088.jpg

Cleaned full underside of car back to the original grey colour
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI087.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI086.jpg

Steering rack mount now tacked in place ready to be seamed up tomoto (need a new welding mask)
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI079.jpg

Cut piece out of RHD bulkhead, placed it over the LHD one, made sure it was in the right position then welded it on and burnt the new brake bar hole out (will file it tomoro)
gas welded
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI080.jpg

Tie bar extra mounts
Mig'd
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI082.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI081.jpg

Thats all for now

[Benn]

Thatsa some nice welding. Good work.

[Adam]

Jesus wept, that shell is MINT

Lol

[RSTChris]

Cheers lads

yeah shes a beaut!

[Rickyb]

im startin to actuly love this project. i want a lhd now lol.

[RSTChris]

:)

Full steam ahead at the mo!

Tomoro the front end will be finished and fingers crossed the rear axle mounts will have thier plates fitted :)

[hybridturbo]

Great welding mate must be nice working on a minter

[Nova_Spider]

Just found these....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/novaspider/LHD_RHD3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/novaspider/LHD_RHD2.jpg

[RSTChris]

Yeah it does help! I HATE rust with a vengance!!

Cheers for those spider, mines almost completed now tho mate.

Its been bouncing down all day but we still got summat done:

Steering rack mount fully seamed on, fitted rack and all lines up 100% (hole will be smartened up before paint)

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI089.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI092.jpg

O/S/F wishbone mount seamed up (inside arch)
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI090.jpg

MINTY!
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI091.jpg

Also recieved my new Nova GTE for spare (breaking asap) from Nicola, she brought it all the way up from Reading on her own in a land rover bless her! BIG BIG thank you to you :) I defo owe you a pint or two!

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI093.jpg

Thats all for now :)

[vaughanmc]

So, how many Nova's do you have now ?

[RSTChris]

Just 3 at the moment, the other c20xe was weighed in 3 days since

Also got an escort van, K reg Tranny Van, Mk1 XR2 fiesta and theres my Dads mk1 Escort 1300 sport in the garage

[vaughanmc]

lol Nice collection

Mk1 XR2 sounds nice :)

[RSTChris]

Yeah i love it, best car ive owned, although its feelin a wee bit sorry for itself nowadays

[vaughanmc]

Rust got too it ?

[RSTChris]

Naa mate, its still solid. Its just a rolling shell, it was once running full 1600 cvh t2 turbo

[RSTChris]

Well heres some more pics of the latest work!

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI094.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI095.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI096.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI097.jpg

These have all since been wire brushed and etch primed

Heres a quick sneeky pic of the underside!
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI100.jpg

[vaughanmc]

Looks good underneath mate :)

[RSTChris]

Cheers mate

[Ben]

Intresting reading, goes to show that everyones ideas are different, fair play to you for gtting stuck into it.

[Rickyb]

top work pall :thumb:

[RSTChris]

Well its all RHD now, steering colom (sp) is in place, all the pedal bar etc all fits 100% and fingers crossed the glove box surport is in the right place. Its helped loads having a few novas to cut up/take measurements from but its gona be worth it :).

The full underside of car is now shiny white :)

Change of plans on the engine front, cos this is gonna be my daily driver a LET would be just too much through the winter months so thats on hold til next summer.

Ive got a v nice rebuilt XE lump sat here im gonna run instead, either on bike carbs or TBs

Ill keep you all updated

[vaughanmc]

Throttle Bodies FTW mate :)

More pics of underneath!!

[RSTChris]

Walaaaa

Anyone who finds any inperfections etc is defo looking too hard pmsl Im no where near wanting to be concourse! I just like to know it'll last a few brittish winters' worth or hammer!

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI102.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI101.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI103.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI104.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI105.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI106.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI107.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff181/RST-Chris/New%20Nova/NovaGSI108.jpg

[vaughanmc]

Looks spot on mate :)

I'd be more than happy with that - You painting the tank-straps ?

[RSTChris]

Naa just cleaning them up, they're still the original black underneath :)

[vaughanmc]

Nice one - Be sure to get some pics of everything assembled underneath once its done :)

[RSTChris]

Will do, back axle, tie bars, bottom arms, front ARB and clamps, mounts etc etc are all at powder coaters as we speak

[vaughanmc]

What about a rear ARB ? You fitting one...?

[RSTChris]

Thats there with the axle! Yeah mate

Also baught some orange poly bushes, these:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=130245737762&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=003

All im really in need of now is some 5 stud Rear discs setup from a Cav V6!

[vaughanmc]

Will be one tidy car once its all done mate

Did you remove the rear ARB for the powder coating ?

[RSTChris]

Yes

Hope so mate

[vaughanmc]

Nice one :)

[RSTChris]

Top mounts came yesterday, very fast dispatch and qualitys 100%, well chuffed

Well the bays now prepped for etch prime

Ill post pics asap

[craig green]

Great work so far.

[dj_wudgey]

looking well good mate what did you do underseal and paint over it ?? or what is white underseal ?? good job youv'e done any way mate.

[RSTChris]

Well the plan was to get rid of the original underseal and start again but all i ended up doing was spending a few nights just wire brushing and getting it to the original grey colour, then simply spend £26 on 3 cans of hammerite hammered white finished and just caking it on, has a rust proof garauntee of 5 years and the finish is more than gd enough for me.

[RSTChris]

Well engine bay now half finished, ill get pics 2moz, its now a case of bolting everything back together!

Bought, rear headrest fitted gsi seats, got some IMMACULATE front GSI seats un ripped/marked and some Opel mudflaps

Getting there

[scottishstu]

lovin the progress mate your and inspiration to us all i so want to learn to weld lol

[RSTChris]

So do i lol My old man did the welding, i can weld, but not to the standard i wanted pmsl

[vaughanmc]

Is this up forsale now ?

[RSTChris]

Affraid so

[vaughanmc]

Ahh not good :(

[RSTChris]

I know mate, im gutted myself....

If it doesnt sell before end of the month ill dry store it for a few years and see what happens....

It IS THE perfect shell for somone building something special

[Courtnova16v]

Why have you decided to sell mate?

[RSTChris]

Long story mate, just got to sell all the projects i have on the go..

[Adam_J]

good work some nice welding there!:)

[MattBrown]

What ever happened to this??

[RSTChris]

I flogged it mate, never to be seen again. Lad wa from scarborough ish and said he wa painting it bmw M3 blue :S and putting a c20xe in it.

I wish i never sold, but luckily iv found another shell in same condition, just building it atm

[RSTChris]

This

http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=156304