View Full Version : My XE'd Nova Van Project
After being urged to post up a project thread (you know who you are) i thought it might be about time i did.
As some of you may know i bought the Nova off Phil (thanks for all your help mate) from Newcastle with it being a non-runner and to be honest looking rather sorry for itself. (it's red btw) Its had new rear arches and new wings, aswell as new sills and a full re-spray (forgive me if i've missed something out Phil:thumb:
http://i385.photobucket.com/albums/oo293/BornRaver87/638755-2.jpg
Anyway i've cracked on with the van straight away and since owning it, it has run after finding a bad earth on the chassis leg . . . it run for a few seconds! Once started i found a big oil puddle which turned out to be the oil cooler leaking
http://i385.photobucket.com/albums/oo293/BornRaver87/DSCF0053.jpg
So with some advice i've drained the oil removed the oil filter and cooler and now im just waiting for the new oil filter thread which i'll be fitting on monday.
Im now waiting for the delivery of a new interior for the rear of the van which consists of MDF panels covered in black carpet (thanks bruce:thumb:) to keep it looking like a van rather than just putting rear seats back in, im also thinking of a small ice install.
Since owning the car i've also acquired a GSI front bumper which ideally could do with a re-spray in diamond black aswell as the rest of the GSI kit. I've also bought a set of new wheels:
http://i385.photobucket.com/albums/oo293/BornRaver87/newheels.jpg
Which will be given a re-furb aswell in diamond black with a flame red lip and some new rubber, but that might be a while yet as there's more important things on the agenda
Any feedback would be gratefully appriciated
Thanks for looking and i'll keep you posted
Andy:thumb:
Looking good Andy, should invest in a decent camera matey :thumb:
Hahaha, i know tell me about . . . Santa didn't bring me one this year!
vaughanmc
01-01-09, 07:57 PM
Never seen those wheels before man what they off ?
Looks good though - More pics! :)
Im pretty sure there off one of the last corsa c's or maybe a meriva, im glad you've not seen them before . . . Thats why i've decided to go for them as i haven't either!
vaughanmc
01-01-09, 08:02 PM
Meriva wheels I think - Will look good on it :)
lol hell no, you can buy the Corsa C SXI ones off me in the pic tho! ;)
Meriva wheels I think - Will look good on it :)
They are mate, im undecided about the red-lip tho, what do you think?
Nahhh had them already...
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e46/jays_nova/S1050103-1.jpg
vaughanmc
01-01-09, 08:08 PM
Nah mate I'd do them all silver if it was my wheels :)
:roll: BUGGER . . . You cant blame a guy for trying, these with them being grey would look good on yours!
Great clean example too mate:thumb:
They are mate, im undecided about the red-lip tho, what do you think?
Refurbed in silver like my corsa wheels (above)
Nah mate I'd do them all silver if it was my wheels :)
CRRRAP, i dunno what to do now, i thought it would of worked well, dont suppose you can photoshop can you?
I think i'll have to get some tyres on them first, then put them on and see what it looks like!
yep, get 195 45 15's :thumb:
185's are already to close to the arches Jay, its been lowered 90mm at the rear!
Hmmm dosent look like 90mm in the first pic, 185 45 15 are very rare tyres, only ever seen them once.
thegingerwhinger
01-01-09, 08:27 PM
here mate that looks like a tidy wee motor there thats exactly how my everyday runner looks, same wheels and kit but its a 1.7td, keep up the good work
http://i385.photobucket.com/albums/oo293/BornRaver87/DSCF0032.jpg
Here's a better pic mate
here mate that looks like a tidy wee motor there thats exactly how my everyday runner looks, same wheels and kit but its a 1.7td, keep up the good work
Thanks alot buddy:thumb:
What size tyres are they 185 55 15?
Yeah mate, the ones in the pic are but the new ones would look better in a smaller profile
Yeah 195 45 15 will suit it best mate.
vaughanmc
01-01-09, 08:41 PM
I'm no good with Photoshop mate, sorry
Would they not rub though the tyre is really close!
I've found these: http://ssl.delti.com/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?details=Ordern&cart_id=3445900.110.18457&typ=R-121332&ranzahl=4&Breite=185&Quer=45&Felge=15&Speed=V&weiter=0&kategorie=6&Ang_pro_Seite=15&Transport=P&F_F=&dsco=110&sowigan=So&Achse=
They shouldnt rub, mine didn't. Them nankangs are the size i was on about. Shold be ok.
vaughanmc
01-01-09, 08:45 PM
195/45/15's would fit with the correct fitment Vauxhall wheels mate
Should be ok down 90mm but your car looks more like 60mm to me ?
Although having an XE under the bonnet i would not recommend lol
195/45/15's would fit with the correct fitment Vauxhall wheels mate
Should be ok down 90mm but your car looks more like 60mm to me ?
As above looks low at rear but not -90mm maybe 70?
vaughanmc
01-01-09, 08:46 PM
Could be because theres no rear seats in it mind you...
Could be because theres no rear seats in it mind you...
:thumb:
Definately 90mm, i have the receipt from V-Sport
Definately 90mm, i have the receipt from V-Sport
It'll be due to the no rear seats then matey.
Here's some pics of how close it is
http://i385.photobucket.com/albums/oo293/BornRaver87/DSCF0067.jpg
http://i385.photobucket.com/albums/oo293/BornRaver87/DSCF0065.jpg
Again . . . Sorry for the poor quality!
Wow that is close, mine were no where near that, maybe when the 45s are on it may be ok, because 55 's do hang over a bit. If not you may have to get the arches rolled.
If you don't want to do that then you'll have to sell the wheels to me :):):)
Im not rolling the arches as there in perfect condition at the mo, what other wheels could i go for?
vaughanmc
01-01-09, 09:09 PM
Aye 195/45/15's should cure the clearance problem fella :)
vaughanmc
01-01-09, 09:15 PM
Smaller profile so it should cure the problem :)
185/55/15 is a chunky tyre the other size isnt
Smaller profile so it should cure the problem :)
185/55/15 is a chunky tyre the other size isnt
:thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
Im not rolling the arches as there in perfect condition at the mo, what other wheels could i go for?
Not sure on other wheels, what ever you want theres quite few choices of 15's do you have 288mm brakes or 256mm? If you have 256mm then why not look at some 14's like astra gte's. I'd love a set of them but my brakes are toooo big.
Sell me the wheels if/when you get new ones. :thumb: :) :D
i'll have to go to a tyre specialist when its back on the road
vaughanmc
01-01-09, 09:29 PM
My mate had 185/55/15's on his Nova at the standard height and it was mega close
He's now got 195/45/16 Softstars on it and theres plenty of clearance now!
You should be sorted with 195/45/15's
Well phil who i bought it off told me i couldn't fit speedline allessio's on even though i have a pick of the car with them on but that might of been before the rear arches were done
philthepill_389
02-01-09, 11:29 AM
the car is down 90mm i have lots of pics when suspension was fitted to my other nova's and corsa's with rear seat ect and it was just to low the kits been made for a stripped car, as when you fit 60mm rear springs to a stripped car it still sits very high, andy you could fit 16s but trust me the tyres on them speed lines were shot off rubbing and fronts used to catch like mad on inner (marks still there) and outter wing hence paint missing on lip thats why the car got put on 15inch with a good suspension kit not g max springs haha roll the arches and you can fit just about anything with in reason and most GM range upto 16inch
thanks phil
its coming along
Cheers Phil, im just thinking what my next move is going to be now, as the rear is going to be paneled and carpeted, maybe you could help with that?
philthepill_389
02-01-09, 02:01 PM
Andy you will notice a difference in ride high but not a great deal as them rear springs are hi poundage. i cant personal see a few pieces of thin MDF binging heavier then a full rear interior.
you really only have two options
roll the 4x lips or cut a small section off the 4x lips with a grinder and seal it
of stick to 15inch wheels with 185 45 15 tyres
as these will not catch front or rear lips
Phil
Bit of an update as i've not been on here for so long, i've managed in that time to purchase a set of sri speedo's and a set of 16" irmscher softstars in anthrecite, which wait for it . . . DO FIT!!!;)
http://i385.photobucket.com/albums/oo293/BornRaver87/DSCF0072.jpg
So they'll be fitted tomorrow:thumb:
chrisnovaturbo
09-01-09, 01:11 AM
what size tyre are on the softstars?
what size tyre are on the softstars?
195/45/16's bud, why do you ask?:thumb:
philthepill_389
09-01-09, 11:39 AM
they might fit standing still but might catch lock to lock and if your cornering fast and hit a bump in the road bye bye tyre wall or lip thats why the lad removed 16" speed lines
nice wheels though Andy
hurry up and get it finished ;)
they might fit standing still but might catch lock to lock and if your cornering fast and hit a bump in the road bye bye tyre wall or lip thats why the lad removed 16" speed lines
nice wheels though Andy
hurry up and get it finished ;)
Im having the arches rolled mate so they fit with no problems etc, but they do look well on the car and match the gsi kit:D
Pics or GTFO! :P Only joiking matey, looking good. Glad you got the dials ok :thumb:
Pics on Andys behalf, coz hes a lazy sh1t! :)
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e46/jays_nova/DSCF0050.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e46/jays_nova/DSCF0049.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e46/jays_nova/DSCF0048.jpg
HAHAHA cheers mate:thumb:
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e46/jays_nova/DSCF00481.jpg :)
I'll just give a bit of an update now (thanks for uploading the pictures Jay:thumb:) Well unfortunately i didn't have anytime to spend on the car due to unforseen circumstances, so instead of selling it the car went off to Mark@MCDVaux in Halifax, who's done the car proud (thanks matey):thumb:. He's added a set of SRi clocks for me and wired it all up, tided all the wiring up in the car and in the engine bay to give it the "out of the factory look", got the car revving again this was due to the coolant temp sensor not wired in apparently, rolled the arches for me so the Softstars would fit with no rubbing and changed the oil and filter aswell as sorting the MOT out for me, thanks to everyone for there help:
Next thing on the agenda is to get the bumpers and skirts sprayed anthracite to match the wheels . . . I've got 4 weeks to wait though:cry:
So its running perfect now?
Yeah mate its spot on, just bought an irmscher powercap too!!!
Yeah mate its spot on, just bought an irmscher powercap too!!!
Yea i know mate i saw, good lad.
matthew172
16-01-09, 05:23 PM
looks very very nice, i love vans so cool
looks very very nice, i love vans so cool
Cheers mate, it'll be good to finally get it finished, the dissy is now goosed:mad:
Haha we were only just saying how perfect it was running yesterday lol
Haha we were only just saying how perfect it was running yesterday lol
I know, im absolutely gutted mate, oh well its just one of those things, i've ordered one off xe_nova so it should be here maybe tuesdayish (everything crossed)
philthepill_389
18-01-09, 11:02 AM
looks spot on nice one Andy
so thats what it was after all the **** 3 little wires :( gutted
whats up with the dizzy its new along with leads and plugs
or you mean the rotor arm side
phil
philthepill_389
18-01-09, 11:06 AM
ah forgot good look with mot
let me know how it goes
looks spot on nice one Andy
so thats what it was after all the **** 3 little wires :( gutted
whats up with the dizzy its new along with leads and plugs
or you mean the rotor arm side
phil
Yeah mate that was it, i think it was its way of not wanting to overheat lol:D
Yeah mate the points in the cap have been sheered off and i think it could do with a new rotor arm, i've sourced one anyway:thumb:
The car passed its MOT but failed first time round due to the rear number plate light not working and that was it! Apart from the dissy going wrong its a cracking little car and shell, unfortunately i might have to sell it because it doesn't have PAS (the missus is strugling with it) so it might have to be a Corsa, im absolutely gutted:(:cry::mad:
philthepill_389
19-01-09, 02:11 PM
i loved it as a 1.5 TD it just alway wanted more and after my miss hap with the loom a red top was the only option gutted i just didn't have time to finish it top work looks cracking
should easy sell as its a solid shell converted properly and a good engine
shame she has to go buy my vxr he he
Phil
nova_saloon
19-01-09, 02:18 PM
you should of just taken the electric power steering from a corsa and whacked it in, i know its a little bit of work but it mean you can keep it. what the reserve on ebay anyways as i saw it on a minute ago? might have it for some fun if its goes for less enough :P
Southie
19-01-09, 02:30 PM
unfortunately i might have to sell it because it doesn't have PAS (the missus is strugling with it)
Get her to the GYM (wimp) :D
vaughanmc
19-01-09, 06:41 PM
Don't sell it mate! I was looking forward to seeing this at F&M
mikey14sr
19-01-09, 08:34 PM
Tis on e-bay this?
Tis on e-bay this?
Yes Andy is now selling. :(
i loved it as a 1.5 TD it just alway wanted more and after my miss hap with the loom a red top was the only option gutted i just didn't have time to finish it top work looks cracking
should easy sell as its a solid shell converted properly and a good engine
shame she has to go buy my vxr he he
Phil
If only i had the money! LOL
you should of just taken the electric power steering from a corsa and whacked it in, i know its a little bit of work but it mean you can keep it. what the reserve on ebay anyways as i saw it on a minute ago? might have it for some fun if its goes for less enough :P
This car will not be going for less buddy, especially with the condition its in:thumb:
Don't sell it mate! I was looking forward to seeing this at F&M
I'd love to mate but i've spent £1100 on this car and its taking up to much time and cash, i'll have to make a loss to make a gain im affraid, its a very reluctant sale, but its also not very practical as a daily runner, plus i hate to take it out in the wet:(
Hopefully it will go somebody off this site, that will give it the care it needs and the final touches . . . This is a sad sad day:cry:
vaughanmc
22-01-09, 10:48 PM
How come you hate taking it out in the wet - That's what there designed for man :D
How come you hate taking it out in the wet - That's what there designed for man :D
Because its such a good shell, i dont want rust to attack!:(
vaughanmc
23-01-09, 07:37 AM
If it's Waxoyl'd and Undersealed it should be fine
It's the grit I worry about, not the rain :)
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