my new project? 83 nova hatch

[floydy13]

hi there, recently purchased the car as ive always fancied gettin my hands on a really early nova, and when my saloon is done i want somethin else to keep me goin!!.
The car is A reg, done 57k, 3 owners and in original mocca brown, mmmm!

im really surprised how clean the car is. its had 2 patch's of welding, 1 in the battery tray and 1 on the floor under the drivers seat. they do look like they were performed by stevie wonder so will be done again!!.
the car does need 2 rear archs and a drivers side sill. also it could do with a new batt tray, jus to make it nicer! no rust to be seen any where else though.
none on the boot floor, inner wings, strut tops, cross member etc etc. you all know where they rust!!
so the plan is, over time, to make it like it was when it drove of the production line!!. maybe not as clean as concourse, but something useable where i wont be afraid of using it in the rain!!
the car itself is very straight, i would say its never been knocked about. the regestration plate is stamed on all the windows and on the front headlights.
the car has a burnt out clutch and a very noisey cam, think theres a mouse in there trying to tap its self out!!
all in all though not a bad car cosidering its 25 years old and for how much i gave for it!!
for pictures go to my photo bucket link and view 1983 nova folder.
see what you guys think!
www.photobucket.com/floydy13 (http://www.photobucket.com/floydy13)

[sulphur]

Nice lookin' mk1. Gotta keep the styling retro. What you got planned for this one? Loon is looking uber nice btw :thumb:

[Sloth]

one of the last on a h reg...

[floydy13]

yeah one of the last 2 door saloons!, the mk2 nova saloon's were all 4 door i think.
it did cross my mind to XE the Areg, but its been done lots of times before to other nova's. i think it would be best if i just try and make it original as i can. i think that standard,untouched nova's are getting harder to find all the time, esp this age of nova?!

[Benn]

Nice wheels.

[floydy13]

Nice wheels.
on which one dude?!!!

[Sloth]

yeh all mk2's were 4drs apart from 3 preproduction ones.

[floydy13]

eventually i would like to get a private plate for the saloon, so that its a bit more in keeping with the front bumper. i wanted a early saloon but all the shells i looked at were all rotten then this one turned up on my four court!!

[floydy13]

thought i would give you guys a bit of a update on this one as ive not touched it since i brought it! been buying lots of bits for it, new front shocks and springs, rear shocks and springs, headlight protectors, new boot badges, 5 145x13 goodyear gt2's and a rear repair panel! gonna get a few more bits for the car before i start doin anything else to it.
i took all the wheels off the other day and washed the inner archs where there is no rust or welding! ive took the front and rear bumpers off to look for rust and it seems in good nick there too! have a look at www.photobucket.com/floydy13 (http://www.photobucket.com/floydy13) and click on 1983 nova. see what you guys think!

[Plug]

keep us updated on this beast :)

does look tidy, also going to have to pop down and see it when im driving

[General Baxter]

VERY NICE

lol

[floydy13]

jus a small update! took the steel wheels off, took off all the tyres and rubbed the wheels down ready for paint!!

[Plug]

Get on mate :thumb:

will be doing the same next weekend (if you remember the wheels):)

[floydy13]

got your wheels, 1 center cap and 2 green headrests ready to go!!!

[Plug]

sorted ive just got to get a tent and im ready lol

[floydy13]

quick update, wheels are being painted next week, disconnected all the wires to the engine and labelled them, should have the heart out next week! thengive it to my mate to rebuild,prob wont see it for 6 months but theres no rush!!! also got a pair of arch repair panels and rear panel. thats about it!

[Plug]

get on mate

We need pics :)

[Edd]

yep pics needed

[Plug]

this is the best colour for a nova dont forget :)

[floydy13]

will get some pics tomorrow for you guys! will get the engine out one night in the week!

[floydy13]

well still not got the engine out but, got my wheels back all freshly painted, put my 145-13 godyears on them. tonight i have taken all the front suspension off ready to clean and paint! might do some more tommorrow!
oh, also got a new cam kit, spare clips to hold the plastic trims on the doors and a set of genuine front pads. painted some new front calipers silver too!

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/th_NEWPICS015.jpg

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/th_NEWPICS017.jpg

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/th_NEWPICS021.jpg

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/th_NEWPICS010.jpg

a Sneaky pic!

[floydy13]

another update! painted my front hubs silver, disc back plates black and front tie bars black! that is all for now!

[floydy13]

got my engine and box out today! the old bint i got it of has defineitly burnt the clutch out, theres nothing left of it! will get some pics up soon!

[Plug]

glad to here your working on it mate :thumb:

im going to have to pop down and have alook at this one day

[floydy13]

yeah you will mate, its coming along slowly!

[floydy13]

done a bit more, ive painted both front inner archs, gonna do the backs this week.

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/morebrownnova009.jpg

[vaughanmc]

Oh tidy tidy :thumb:

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/morebrownnova010.jpg

[Simon 1867]

Im likeing this floydy13...now ive seen your arches, I think I will re-spray mine brown

[Steve]

Very nice mate, and looks really good condition, shame it doesnt have the dark brown dash/ interior though but im sure the lack of rust is more appealing. :thumb:

Good to see one been restored and NOT xe'd for a change lol

[floydy13]

there is bits which ive not painted yet, i need to loose the brake pipes and paint the inner turrets. its coming along slowly!!

[Plug]

oooohhh large pictures :) got the hang of it i see

Looks good with the inners painted mate :thumb:

Keep the updates coming :wisewood:

[floydy13]

yeah finally got the hang of this picture thing, with a little help from jack!!!

[Edd]

looks good.

painted inner arches are must.

[floydy13]

small update, took the rear shocks off tonight, will paint the rear inner archs tommorrow night,also found another hole! on the rear chassis leg by the tow eye!! only a small one!!

[floydy13]

disconnected the hand brake cables and rear brake hoses, then took the rear beam off, took the exhaust off, then painted both rear inner archs and rear chassis legs and around the spring platforms. will get some more pics up soon

[floydy13]

just an update to update you guys with the fact that i have not touched the nova as its to cold!! will be painting the rear beam and drums soon!!

[floydy13]

another update, my battery tray repair panel turned up today! more pics to follow!

[Plug]

good your still cracking on with this mate :thumb:

Piccys are needed though.

[floydy13]

today i had some front discs arrive! i will get some more pics soon!

[floydy13]

just to update, recieved a pair of rear brakes hoses and a pair of original rear rubber foot mats. have not touched this at all since xmas so will get back on with it in the next couple of weeks. ive got to get it rolling again so my friend can start doin some body work! will keep you posted!

[dj_wudgey]

i agree we need pictures its nice though matey!!

[floydy13]

will get some recent pics up this week for you guys!

[dj_wudgey]

sweet!!!

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/novaandebay001.jpg?t=1272313097

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/novaandebay002.jpg?t=1272313173

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/novaandebay003.jpg?t=1272313227

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/novaandebay004.jpg?t=1272313309

[Benn]

Quick question, you have the axle stands with a bit of rag, but they are still on the sills? Why not move them an inch over and on to the chassis rail under the car? Wont bent the sill that way.

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/novaandebay011.jpg?t=1272313418

[floydy13]

its not rag, its cardboard!! not that its any better! the top 4 pics were taken just after i removed the rear beam, the axle stand has gone now! the 5th pic was taken today, with some others i will post up

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/novaandebay012.jpg?t=1272313794

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/novaandebay009.jpg?t=1272313859

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/novaandebay007.jpg?t=1272313898

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/novaandebay008.jpg?t=1272313938

[floydy13]

wont have any time this week but plan to paint the rear beam and drums next week, then put all the suspension and brakes on and make it rolling again, so that we can do the rear archs and back panel. then i will get the front wings off and replace the battery tray.

[craig green]

Ahh so this is the brown car you were talking about. Nice.

[floydy13]

ive finally got my bum in gear and painted the rear beam and drums tonight! got me in the mood to do some more now!

[dj_wudgey]

shell doe'snt look two bad crack on buddy!!

[floydy13]

finished painting the rear beam tonight, will get that back on tomorrow night with new shocks and springs and brake hoses. made a start on putting my front suspension back on tonight to, got new shocks, spings, discs, pads, calipers,brake hoses, lower arms, ball joints, steering rack ends and track rod ends to put on. will do this tomorrow night too!

[dj_wudgey]

so hopefully it will be allot more together tomorow night!!

[floydy13]

mmm didnt get that far, central locking on the saloon stopped working, no door locks either so had to brake in!! fixed the prob last night so no work on the hatch till next week now!!

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/redandbrown015.jpg?t=1274214390

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/redandbrown016.jpg?t=1274214432

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/redandbrown017.jpg?t=1274214481

[floydy13]

Rear beam painted and back on with new shocks and springs

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/redandbrown018.jpg?t=1274214578

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/redandbrown019.jpg?t=1274214612

[floydy13]

new hoses and brake pipes back on

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/redandbrown012.jpg?t=1274214701

[floydy13]

refreshment time!!!

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/redandbrown005.jpg?t=1274214762

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/redandbrown013.jpg?t=1274214865

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/redandbrown014.jpg?t=1274214935

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/redandbrown020.jpg?t=1274214992

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/redandbrown022.jpg?t=1274215055

[floydy13]

then got cracking putting my front suspension and brakes back on. the terry f?$kwits at kevin coopers forgot to order my rack ends, track rod ends and o/s lower arm so wont get that till tomorrow. getting right back into it now!

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/redandbrown023.jpg?t=1274215254

[floydy13]

the car as i left tonight!!

[Benn]

Standard brakes?

[floydy13]

yeah....why? i know there crap but the car is staying standard! its a 1.2!!

[Benn]

Yes they are utter crap, i'd fit at min 256mm.(as long as they fit under your wheels) as its a safety issue tbh.

[floydy13]

256's wont fit under the standard 13" steelies!! the calipers,discs and pads are all brand new. i know there crap but its original and i wont be driving the car like a hero!

[dj_wudgey]

yea the nova breaks are crap but if your keeping it standard there will be no trouble or at least you hope lol!! but yea it looks top mate getting nearer to being done eh!!

[MK999]

coming off of sliproads etc is scary on standard brakes if the lights go red etc, I'd upgrade them if I were you, maybe 236mm off a corsa/nova?

[jas2000000]

I don't see the problem with your refurbed set up mate, i drove a little 1.2 about on standard brakes and i'm still hear lol.

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/novaeeeeeee011.jpg?t=1274383814

[MattBrown]

coming off of sliproads etc is scary on standard brakes if the lights go red etc, I'd upgrade them if I were you, maybe 236mm off a corsa/nova?

There really is no need.

They work, they lock the wheels at 70mph if stamped on.

I always run big brakes, out of choice, and driving like a "Hero" so to speaklol

A standard 1.2, with a sencible chap driving it will be fine.

My nan never had any issues with her 1.2 nova:thumb:

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/1983%20NOVA/novaeeeeeee012.jpg?t=1274383961

[floydy13]

well here are two pics of tonights goings on, got my new rack ends on and track rod ends on. then put my new o/s lower arm on and new ball joint.
what have i started about the brakes!!! im not changing them! the car will not get thrashed or driven like ive stolen it, and apart from the dash clocks the rest is staying original/standard!

[floydy13]

stayed on tonight to bleed my front brakes, and put the front wheels on, so next week i will sort out my rear brakes. need to connect the hand brake cables and fit new shoes and cylinders! i need to get it a rolling shell so i can then move it into another garage to start the bodywork!!

[Plug]

Long time no see or speak martin you ok?

Looking good on the nova mate :thumb: i think i want to paint my inner arches soon :)

Hows the saloon going aswell?

[floydy13]

hi mate how you been doin? ive been good, been doin alot to both the nova's recently! just put a pair of bilstien rear shocks on the saloon and re-painted the inner archs on it. got my ochre bumper tape off edd today so will wait for a dry day and put that on. my boot on the saloon is getting painted at the mo, so ive got a pea green one on at the min, then get my drivers seat bolster sorted and i will be happy with it for billing then! how you getting on with yours mate?

[dj_wudgey]

what colour is the saloon going??? when will this beast be on the road aswell?? you dont see that many brazil brown novas about so will be a nice change lol

[floydy13]

nah, not changing the colour of the saloon mate, the paint on the boot went all funny, looked like it had a load of spider web cracks in it, so its getting painted again at the mo. the brown nova is mocca brown which unfortunately, personally i dont think is as nice a brown as brazil!!! but its different!

[Simon 1867]

when mocca brown is polished its looks lovely

[floydy13]

i will have to wait a while to see this!!

[floydy13]

just thought i would bump this from page 13! not done much recently, lack of motivation with it! waiting for some funds and then i will get some new wheels from john h!!

[floydy13]

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/JOEY%20THE%20NOVA/llllllnova001.jpg?t=1282079655
http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/JOEY%20THE%20NOVA/llllllnova002.jpg?t=1282079655
http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/FLOYDY13/JOEY%20THE%20NOVA/llllllnova003.jpg?t=1282079655

[floydy13]

stayed on tonight and striped the rear brakes down, then built them back up, got them working maculate now! the car is now a rolling shell again, get the front wings off next!

[G-nova]

love this thread mate keep up the good work will be well worth it in the end.
Really want your mk1 headlight reflectors lol but bad lack of moneys this month:(

[craig green]

waiting for some funds and then i will get some new wheels from john h!!

?? banded steels? ;)

[G-nova]

are they legal to use on the road? because i really want to get some done lol

[floydy13]

nah craig not banded! yeah mate the protectors are legal to use on the road the are a period optional extra!

[Rysee]

Love it, it needs Daytona check

[floydy13]

no! standard ftw!

[G-nova]

any progress on this yet floydy???

[Count Vaux Alot]

Good call - i would love another brown one!

[peester]

shudda call the thread 'my brown baby' lol

[Cassidy16v]

Nice clean and solid motor this mate :thumb: Good to see its so original, will be keeping an eye on this 1 pal!;)

[floydy13]

blimey, had'nt realised ive not done anything to this car for so long! we had a move around in the garage the other day and i had to uncover it to move it. will have to get my ass in gear and get some more work done i think!

[floydy13]

well its been nearly 3 months without a update, sold the saloon now so got time to spend on this one! got a 2.5 turn quickrack and a 3.9 crown wheel and pinion to sort out, when i get back from holiday in august,will update with pics soon!

[christurboo]

love brown novas, love brown standard novas even more lol

[floydy13]

the front wings are off! striped my gearbox down too! we have progress!

[floydy13]

no progress for a few days! want to do a few bits when i get back to work, cant believe ive had it 4 years now!

[G-nova]

any progress on this floydy?

[floydy13]

ha.not much... we have just had our first child, she is 13 weeks old so shes keeping us busy at the mo!! hope to get the engine rebuilt and painted in the next few weeks though! will have to get some pics up i think!!