What are the differences between GTE and standared shell?

[bsa_man]

Hi there, Rolled My GTE some time ago and recently I managed to get my hands on a good Mk 2 shell to use for a reshell. I know that I'll have to change the front panel, wings and the plates on top of the struts over, but is there anything else that's not immediately obvious. I'm going to stick to keeping it original and restore everything as I go along.

[RSTChris]

Front panel is same

[just vaux trev]

why front panel? they are the same only cosmetic stuff bud as you mentioned wings lights ect chassis numbers on the floor too

[bsa_man]

ust thought the panel would be different with the headlamp size being changed from th Mk1 to Mk2. If they're the same then all the better! Thanks for all the info by the way

[Leeboo]

IIRC GTE/GSi 's had slightly thicker metal used in the engine bay at manufacture, but I wouldn't worry about that as the difference wouldn't be worth talking about.

[bsa_man]

Cheers leebo, remember hearing one time that the chassis legs were stronger in them or something. got my hands on a pretty mint Nova life that I'll be using. Only 36K miles on it, nearly a shame to be taking it apart but have fond memories of the GTE and want to get it back on the road. I'm from N. Ireland too, seem to be a lot of Nova lovers over here

[ck]

yes chassis on the 1600 nova's (gsi/gte) are different. if re-shelling then there are some obvious differences between a mk1 and mk2 shell so best stick to the same type..

[Leeboo]

Cheers leebo, remember hearing one time that the chassis legs were stronger in them or something. got my hands on a pretty mint Nova life that I'll be using. Only 36K miles on it, nearly a shame to be taking it apart but have fond memories of the GTE and want to get it back on the road. I'm from N. Ireland too, seem to be a lot of Nova lovers over here

No probs, where you from roughly?

[bsa_man]

From Cookstown direction. Anyone any Ideas where I'd get the proper shell?

[krobinson]

Loads of good shells left, you just need to be patient. Welcome to PNG :)

[bsa_man]

Thanks, If you come across a shell locally, preferably a GTE or similar with the sun roof, I could sell on the MK2 that I have etc.

[Rallyslag3]

every gte had a sun
roof!

[Leeboo]

Cookstown, not too far away really.

Why not just use the mk2 shell? I'm not trying to be smart, just thinking its going to be damn hard to find a good GTE shell, I'm sure you would be doing a bare shell build anyway? Don't think the chassis differences would be vital, sure you will be strengthening it with turret plates etc anyway?

Good luck anyway!

[bsa_man]

know what you mean, its just when I'm going to all that trouble that if i could get the right shell i'd wait for it. The mk2 shell doesn't have a sun roof either. Kind of want to make it as original as possible as don't think i'll ever be selling it.

[mowgli]

the gte had the front & rear suspension mounts beefed up.

[bsa_man]

cheers mowgli. if any of yous come across a good shell will you let me know?

[RSTChris]

I have a mint GTE shell non sunroof!

[bsa_man]

I'd imagine it'd be a far stronger shell without the sunroof. I only want to put a shell on with the sunroof for the sake of originality.

[RSTChris]

Mines now sold :(