Nova LET Re-shell

[garethcolley]

Ok so time to start a new project thread, this time im going to make an effort to post up everything i do to the car.

This is my current Nova LET which im planning to re-shell into a MK1. It has a bit of rot in the boot and on the rear chassis legs and rather than weld it back up (which i cant) im going to find another shell. Ideally i want one that has a cage rather than spend even more money putting one in my current shell. Also one of the main reasons is to have something to do at the weekends!

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/DSC01281.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/DSC01287.jpg



http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/DSC01280.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/DSC01278.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/DSC01288.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/DSC01296.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/DSC01291.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/gdfg.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/DSC00854.jpg


http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/036acddb.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/DSC00851.jpg

Last rolling road print out on superchips phase 1 (240hp rated) with xe inlet cam and uprated actuator. Pretty happy with results given it made bang on what it should.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/correct2.jpg

[The Simps]

Was this Dave (valetman's) old nova?

[garethcolley]

I then decided that i didnt want a new shell and was going to strip mine back to bare metal and spray it inside out. Im planning on using ir for a track car and maybe doin a few motorsport events so i wanted to ditch my current F20 for something a bit more robust. So the first thing to buy was an F28 which i bought from r1ch....

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/DSC01383.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/DSC01384.jpg


Engine also had a freshen up with a fully re-built cylinder head which i had acid dipped:


http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/DSC00684.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/DSC00732.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/DSC00728.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/DSC00730.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/DSC00726.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/DSC00725.jpg


http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/DSC01025.jpg

Injectors ultra sonic cleaned and tested.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/DSC01040.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/DSC01042.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/DSC01041.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/DSC01023.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/DSC01021.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/DSC01018.jpg

[garethcolley]

Was this Dave (valetman's) old nova?

No mate, bought from a friend 6 years ago as a standard 1.2.

[garethcolley]

Also bought these

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/DSC01385.jpg

[garethcolley]

Then after seeing some pictures of r1ch's shell i started having second thoughts about stripping mine. So i gave him a call and an hour later i had provisionally bought it.

So this saturday me and my mate went up to see it and take her home.....

How it used to look for those who don't know the car.

http://www.pngclub.com/images/car_images/3390big.jpg

http://www.pngclub.com/images/car_images/3390big2.jpg

http://www.pngclub.com/images/car_images/3390big3.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/ricmetcalf/Nova%20build%20pics/DSC00422-1.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/ricmetcalf/Nova/DSC00929.jpg

As you can see its pretty clean in there!
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/DSC01365.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/DSC01364.jpg

[garethcolley]

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/untitled.jpg


http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/14.jpg


http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/3.jpg




http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/2.jpg



http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/15.jpg


http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/1.jpg

[garethcolley]

So after i'd dropped that off at the garage i started to dismantle mine.

[garethcolley]

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/DSC01367.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/DSC01372.jpg



http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/DSC01370.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/DSC01369.jpg

[The Simps]

Rich's shell is without a doubt in superb condition - good choice!

[garethcolley]

Yeh it is in good nic, plus the cage is awesome and has been installed properly.

[krobinson]

Good work! Rich's shell will look good slammed on your rimms.

[Plunky]

i'm sure this is going to be an awesome car when finished!
all looks very clean :D

[Ernie]

Another bloody white mrk2 track car.
Im going to spray mine baby pink so it stands out lol.
Nice shell tho mate.

[garethcolley]

Its blue so rich tells me! SEAT blue....cheers for comments, i cant wait to crack on with it. Sending a box of stuff down to the powder coaters today for some tlc.

[Adam]

Its Seat Carnica Blue IIRC

NOT WHITE lol


Tis an awesome shell, nice buy! Were you running yours with GMAX suspension with the let in? lol

[R1CH]

Aye its SEAT Canica Blue (S5L).
Glad its gone to a good home, look forward to seeing it once its built back up.

PS - still no luck with the V5 as yet, i've had the house upside for about the 3rd time now !! I'll get another sorted tomorrow and i'll send it down to you.

Rich

[garethcolley]

Aye its SEAT Canica Blue (S5L).
Glad its gone to a good home, look forward to seeing it once its built back up.

PS - still no luck with the V5 as yet, i've had the house upside for about the 3rd time now !! I'll get another sorted tomorrow and i'll send it down to you.

Rich

No worries mate, just send it down when you get it. Ill try my best to return it to its former glory! I really wanna MK1 it but i cant be arsed gettin new wings sprayed up....i want it done for PV, not sure how realistic thats going to be though

[garethcolley]

Right, got some money this month so sorted a few things out, mostly that involved cleaning, stripping, painting and more cleaning.

[Benn]

Nice shell to start with, should be a weapon once built.

[garethcolley]

I sold my original FMIC and got hold of a frontera one as thats what had been used previously. I stripped it down to bare metal and straightened a few fins then gave it a few coats of hight temp paint. Im not that keen on how it came out so it might get some satin black treatment. Trial fitted:

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01486.jpg

I now need to drill and tap the lugs on either side of the cooler so i can bolt it to the bracket on the front panel.

[garethcolley]

Also stripped some corsa top mounts and painted them polar white (had a can lying around) and fitted them to my new coilovers i bought from Nick J. These are short bodied ones with uprated faulkner springs. Fitted fronts:

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01484.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01483.jpg

[garethcolley]

Then i got some aluminium oxide paper and spent 2 hours rubbing down my hub carriers for paint. Used some Hammerite smooth silver which is great.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01492.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01493.jpg

Got some fresh bolts for the hole that nips the ball joint shank up. Also discovered one of the threads in the hubs is damaged, not sure on best course of action (dont really want to buy a new hub and bearing) and dont want to helicoil it.

[garethcolley]

More painting pics tomorrow.

[krobinson]

Great work! Can't wait till I see it all back together!

[The Simps]

Good progress but surely the front damper is close to bottoming out and thus basically no travel left?

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/DSC01484.jpg

[7ova]

great work, looks really clean
+ rep

[garethcolley]

Simps - Yeh it is, i aint altered the heights as yet.

[garethcolley]

Keith + 7ova - Thanks for comments.

[garethcolley]

Last week i got to work on my filthy fuel tank and gave it a paint up:

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/07052009292.jpg


Looks much better than it done and hopefully it will a few years longer.

Also sprayed up my wiper arms and a few bits to go with them:

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/07052009295.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/07052009296.jpg

Quite happy with how these came out. I also rubbed down my servo then primed and painted that the same.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/07052009297.jpg

Painted and laquered:

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01490.jpg

[garethcolley]

Also did all my window surrounds which seemed to take forever but look the best out of all the things ive done:

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/07052009291.jpg


Oh and these arrived this morning, the last of my polybushes (rack and rear beam) so i can can get back on its wheels. I would recommend this company, they only took a day to come.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01495.jpg

[garethcolley]

Waiting on the servo cast mount to come back from powder coating then a can refit the servo and mc.

[jord4n]

could you please be so kind to take some detailed pics of the rear turrets please.

jordan

[garethcolley]

Ill take a better one when i get chance. This is all i have.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Nova%20Images/14.jpg

[Lee H]

Rear turrets are standard but have just had a box welded over iirc. If you look at the under arch shot it's all standard.

[garethcolley]

Yeh its for the brace only.There is plenty of clearance for my coilovers though, i wont be needing to change it.

[jord4n]

Rear turrets are standard but have just had a box welded over iirc. If you look at the under arch shot it's all standard.

i did wonder why it looked standard under the arch, but boxed from the inside, this is y i asked for some more pics.

im just in the process of turreting my rears as its quite a bit of rot at that point in the rear chassis leg anyway.

im to scared to just cut away tho.

jord

[garethcolley]

Few updates....got some parts blasted then powder coated satin black. They have come up great, especially the brace.

Gearbox mount

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01497.jpg

Servo mount

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01499.jpg

Cam cover (wish id cut 2 holes in it though)

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01501.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01504.jpg


Also fitted new ball joints

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01506.jpg

Hopefuly this weekend ill get round to fitting a few things such as the rear coilovers, then i can get it on its wheels again.

[The Simps]

Don't want to burst your bubble put you're refitting your let yeah? You're gonna need to file the rear mount for the middle bolt.

[novaowner999]

sweet car!!!!!!

[garethcolley]

Don't want to burst your bubble put you're refitting your let yeah? You're gonna need to file the rear mount for the middle bolt.

lol, dont worry about it, i need all the help i can get. What do i need to file (can you circle it) and why do i need to do it? Is it because the F28 has different holes compared to the F20? How much material do i need to remove?

[The Simps]

Articles section is your friend!

http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=90103


also, have you read the F28 fitting guide - http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=98463


The mount chopping is the same for any big block gearbox. If thats the smae mount that was previously on there they couldn't of fitted the middle bolt which helps with the weight/strength.

Hope this helps.

[garethcolley]

Yeh thats the mount that Chris Astley modified when i originally had the LET put in. I assumed it would be ok. Ill have a read then and make some modifcations. Cheers.

[discoinferno]

good shell, be nice when this is finished

[garethcolley]

Thanks mate, will let you know bout the mirrors tomorrow.

[garethcolley]

Simps - Ive just realised from the article that the spacer plate isnt the same. I have an M-Tech one and it just has two holes in either end and is machined from solid billet?

[Matt]

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01504.jpg



Recognise that shell from somewhere :tard:

Nice strut brace, what make is it just out of interest?

[The Simps]

Simps - Ive just realised from the article that the spacer plate isnt the same. I have an M-Tech one and it just has two holes in either end and is machined from solid billet?


Those kits are ok and its up to you but all the big block engines used the 3 holes bcause of the extra torque involved. I'd see if Chris Astley can supply you with just a rear kit mate.

[garethcolley]

Those kits are ok and its up to you but all the big block engines used the 3 holes bcause of the extra torque involved. I'd see if Chris Astley can supply you with just a rear kit mate.

Ok ill look into it, cheers

[garethcolley]

Recognise that shell from somewhere :tard:

Nice strut brace, what make is it just out of interest?

Its an ebay special but the lad who was selling it is on here. Ive forgotten his name though, had a smart looking LET with lots of shiny bits. It allows for fitment of the tophat cover, that why i bought it.

My only small concern with it is the lack of thread engagement on my top mounts. Cant machine the brace down and cant extend the studs on the mounts, anyone else had this problem with braces? (Top mounts are standard btw)

[garethcolley]

Simps - He sells them individually on his website £20. Ill order one for piece of mind.

[The Simps]

:thumb:


Some will say not to bother "it'll be ok" but I'd rather know its right 1st time.

[Nick J]

Its an ebay special but the lad who was selling it is on here. Ive forgotten his name though, had a smart looking LET with lots of shiny bits. It allows for fitment of the tophat cover, that why i bought it.

My only small concern with it is the lack of thread engagement on my top mounts. Cant machine the brace down and cant extend the studs on the mounts, anyone else had this problem with braces? (Top mounts are standard btw)

I spoke to Fearless regarding a similar query with std top mounts.... He said you could knock the threads out of the top mounts and use longer studs or countersink a recess around the bolt holes on the brace, I opted for the second option.
Hope this helps.

Nick.

[Benn]

Ah that must be the brace i need too...

[The Simps]

...or you could upgrade to eccentric tops mounts...

Will also give you more travel on your dampers as the bearing sits higher up!


http://www.rallydesign.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=907_909&products_id=7380 - price is each.

[garethcolley]

Nick - my brace has already got counter sunk holes in for more engagement but im still not happy. Its only on 3 threads or so. Will look at modifying the top mounts then.

Simps - Eccentrics are too much of a luxery item at the mo, just getting the last of the essentials before it goes together.

Next on the list is polycarbs. Only doing the fronts as im not up for all my windows been scratched. Going to stick some glass from a GSi in that i got from rich.

[garethcolley]

Small update, fitted my polycarbs using Dar's/Lee's method. Excellent fit but you need lots of patience. Initially i thought id cut them too big. However after 20mins of pushing and pulling they fitted pretty snug.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01613.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01614.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01612.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01616.jpg

Im going to put a bead of sealer down here to make it water tight.

[garethcolley]

Fitted my MC and servo with a grubby reservoir.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01611.jpg

Also took a pic of the wheels. Not much room so poor quality. Ii think they look great against the Seat fancy white.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01620.jpg

[garethcolley]

Next is to get my rear beam coated this week and re-fit it. Then engine can go in. Also modified my rear gearbox mount as per Simps's guide.

[The Simps]

Coming along nicely!

[Plug]

yea nice colour aswell :thumb:

Keep the work up

[021-bennettt]

That strut brace is am OMP one,i have one on my Nova:)

[garethcolley]

That strut brace is am OMP one,i have one on my Nova:)

Its MPS performance mate.

[garethcolley]

Whats the best way to remove rear beam bushes? I was thinking of using a saw to cut one end off then try hammer it through?

[Rick Draper]

Whats the best way to remove rear beam bushes? I was thinking of using a saw to cut one end off then try hammer it through?
:thumb: Thats how i do it when i have to remove them.

[Benn]

Two large washers, a few small ones a bit of threaded bar and to nuts makes a bush removeal tool.

[garethcolley]

Ive done it, it was easier than i expected.

[garethcolley]

Had a delivery this week.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01622.jpg


http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01621.jpg

[garethcolley]

Fitted the glass to the rear quarters and tailgate. Never done this before, was much easier than fitting the poly carbs.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01627.jpg


http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01626.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01623.jpg


Just need to re-spray my door handles black so they match my new window surrounds. Ideally i want the cage black too but i think that can wait a year or 2 !

[The Simps]

Coming along nicely!

[garethcolley]

Coming along nicely!

Yeh its getting there mate. Everything becomes much more difficult after this though, never wired an engine in and sorted all electrics out. Should learn a few things.

Think ive lost the bolts for the rear gear box mount that goes to the body of the car. Any idea what they are?? My mate says they are a funny thread.

[let_nova]

Whats the best way to remove rear beam bushes? I was thinking of using a saw to cut one end off then try hammer it through?

i just used a claw hammer. just hit the metal sleeve and they will come out. no need for hacksawing:thumb:

[garethcolley]

Update: Finally got my rear beam back from the powder coaters so i can get it back on its wheels.


http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01653.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01654.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01656.jpg


I can now finally put the engine back in. Im hoping it will be running within 8 weeks providing Adrian Flux sort their ridiculous quotes out. Im also waiting to see what Sky are going to offer. Im currently getting £775 3rd party fire and theft which is more than a year ago. Not happy.

[garethcolley]

Also cleaned the 6 speed up and re-painted it.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01641.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01646.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01647.jpg


Then gave the linkage a clean up that i got from Lee H. Didnt realise it was the same as the one i was using for the F20. Never mind.

Fitted:

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01658.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01657.jpg


http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01660.jpg

[garethcolley]

I have a query about the clutch release bearing ive just fitted, when you move the clutch/fork arm to its maximum position should the bearing come off the end of the guide? I was thinking the pressure plate would stop this when the box is on or am i wrong??

[gunny]

Mine did the same on my F28 but when i bolted it all up it seems to be fine, the old bearing didn't come off the end though.

[garethcolley]

Mine did the same on my F28 but when i bolted it all up it seems to be fine, the old bearing didn't come off the end though.

Right well ill suck it and see then...ive heard of different bearings with aftermarket clutch kits but this is meant to be OE through AutoVaux. However my mate says it should be Valeo not Sachs.

[gunny]

Looking good other than that mate. I should paint my gearbox but cant be arsed, its only a temp till i find a mechanical speedo one.

[Iain]

That rear beam looks awesome! How is it cleaned before powdercoating?

[garethcolley]

That rear beam looks awesome! How is it cleaned before powdercoating?

Not sure which compound they used, i assume some kind of bead. It was horrible before hand and now its better than new. They are spot on to be honest and really cheap. Only charged £15 to do the beam. They also did the underside of my mates car for £60 and did a great job.

[garethcolley]

Looking good other than that mate. I should paint my gearbox but cant be arsed, its only a temp till i find a mechanical speedo one.

I have another one if you want it, mechanical speedo. Came from a 80k cav but ive never run it. Got it from a mate a while back, said it was spot on.

[gunny]

I have another one if you want it, mechanical speedo. Came from a 80k cav but ive never run it. Got it from a mate a while back, said it was spot on.

Skint atm mate unless you want to swap for my electronic one lol.

[garethcolley]

Skint atm mate unless you want to swap for my electronic one lol.

Sorry mate, no use for one.

[gunny]

Dont blame you, my road angel will do as a speedo for now anyway. It was a mistake buying it, havent been able to get rid of it! What you after for yours?

[garethcolley]

Dont blame you, my road angel will do as a speedo for now anyway. It was a mistake buying it, havent been able to get rid of it! What you after for yours?

£275 i'd say, im not desperate to sell and im planning on abusing this one so might need a spare in 12months.

[gunny]

£275 i'd say, im not desperate to sell and im planning on abusing this one so might need a spare in 12months.

Ok, well if i can shift mine i'll be in touch?

[garethcolley]

Ok, well if i can shift mine i'll be in touch?

Yeh sound mate, you doing anything on yours this weekend?

[gunny]

Yeh sound mate, you doing anything on yours this weekend?

If my big end bearings come tomorrow i can start putting my XE back together.

Need to get the engine back in the VXR really so my cousin can come and wire the Omex up, theres not going to be massive progress this w/e but every little helps.

[garethcolley]

Yeh, i havent done anything on mine for weeks. Looking forward to seeing the VXR though mate.

[garethcolley]

Update: Put the engine in this weekend. Absolute nightmare of a job due to the competition rear mount. Took 5 hours of messing around but its finally in. Going to get it wired up this week.

Pictures:
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01693.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01694.jpg



http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01696.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01699.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01700.jpg


http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01701.jpg


http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01702.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01706.jpg

[gunny]

I had forgot about this lol, nice to see your getting on with it mate

[garethcolley]

Yeh its getting there now mate. Not that it will see any action until summer unless i do a few track days to check everything is ok.

[mk3-fezza]

hey mate sorry to backtrack a bit but me and my mate have been tryin to change the rear windows and rear windscreen and havent found it very easy, the windscreen ahs all gone in except one corner and dont even know where to start with the rear windows, if you could give me some little pointers on how to do it i'd be very appreciative:) , nice nova btw mate looks really clean:thumb:

[garethcolley]

hey mate sorry to backtrack a bit but me and my mate have been tryin to change the rear windows and rear windscreen and havent found it very easy, the windscreen ahs all gone in except one corner and dont even know where to start with the rear windows, if you could give me some little pointers on how to do it i'd be very appreciative:) , nice nova btw mate looks really clean:thumb:

To remove you just peel the rubber pack and push. To put them in all i did was to fit the seal to the glass and run string around the cavity of the seal. Then cover it in soapy water and press the glass firm against the car. Then start pulling the string out so the rubber is pulled over the flats. It should then pop in, was suprised how easy it was tbh.

[dazz4]

hi mate, did you have this outside kelvins under a cover quite a while back? if so i saw it, thats what gave me inspiration for novas!!!

[garethcolley]

hi mate, did you have this outside kelvins under a cover quite a while back? if so i saw it, thats what gave me inspiration for novas!!!

Not this one no, this got transported from cumbria to my garage and hasnt seen daylight since. My old red one was there alot, mainly due to electrical issues.

[nov4801]

looking good mate

[scott.parker]

Never know you had Rich's old shell, cool, looks nice project.

Scott

[garethcolley]

Update:

I've been trying to wire this engine up but im having some difficulty. I've read the guide but im still struggling.

Where do these wires go, they are coming through the bulkhead at the moment. There is also two plugs which im unsure about.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/10102009367.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/10102009368.jpg


http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/10102009369.jpg

[garethcolley]

I've also got a cav turbo internal shifter. It doesnt look the same as the one used in the guide. Can this still be used?

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/27102009415.jpg

[garethcolley]

Also put the brakes on and lowered tie bars etc.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/31102009427.jpg


http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/31102009426.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/15102009387.jpg

[garethcolley]

How it stands now.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/31102009430.jpg

[AlexW]

Blue/green is oil pressure, and the one coming through next to the wiper motor is the brake fluid low level light (plugs in on the cap)

Cav shafter seems fine? Just needs the bend taking out and shortening.

[garethcolley]

Blue/green is oil pressure, and the one coming through next to the wiper motor is the brake fluid low level light (plugs in on the cap)

Cav shafter seems fine? Just needs the bend taking out and shortening.
Thanks mate, however the shifter in the guide looks nothing like the one i have. I understand i need to take 3" out of the length but how am i meant to re-weld it so its straight when the end that attaches to the linkage has a bent profile? Hack it off and find some tube to weld to it??

[Morton]

find tube tthat is slightly bigger tight fit then cut in the middle remove sum then push both ends in until 3inches shorther then weld the ends off the tube !if you understand ??

[garethcolley]

Update:

I half wish i'd stuck with my old shell as i'll probably never want to drive this one its that good. I'm also finding that having a white (seat blue) car really draws your attention to dirty engine parts so i'm now having to make sure everything looks like new. Did the dizzy, coil bracket and a few other bits this week. Biggest job was my turbo wish was looking a bit tired so i stripped it down and blasted away.


http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/Actuator.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/13122009497.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/13122009498.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/21122009501.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/21122009502.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/21122009504.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/21122009505.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/21122009507.jpg


http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/21122009510.jpg


http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/21122009518.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/21122009517.jpg

Bought myself and set of breather, turbo water and coolant pipes.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/21122009520.jpg

[garethcolley]

Small Update:

Finally moved the Nova to my new workshop. Took a few pictures of how its looking at the moment. Car was filthy after spending 9 months in my garage, caked in dust.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/01052010590.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/DSC02407.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/DSC02405.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/27042010581.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/27042010582.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/untitled.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/01052010587.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/01052010586.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/01052010588.jpg

Hopefully it should be seeing some track action over the summer but i doubt it will be at Billing. Need to fit some brake lines, discs, equal length shaft and exhaust and fire her back up. Don't think it will see much of the roads to be honest, its not exactly practicle. The polycarbs don't really offer much security either.

After a few sessions on track i'll decide what i want to do, ideally i want to fine tune the handling etc and then think about more power. Future plans will probably include a GT28RS to push the power over 300 horses.

Also this just turned up, equal length drivers side shaft.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/DSC02387.jpg

That is all for now.......Thanks Gareth

[Cle]

looks sweet :thumb:

[Connor]

Looks very nice,
LOVING those wheels :cool:

[craig green]

Sweet shell. I contemplated it if Rich wasnt at the opposite end of the country.

Its been a good read too.

[scott.parker]

Wow forgot all about this, looking so dam nice still though mate, should be a cracking car when finished..

[Nick J]

Looks really well Gareth. hopefully you'll have it sorted and be at some shows this year.

Nick.

[SRimon]

Love it, wheels are class, maybe better in white? White and White looks awesome!

[Benn]

Get it to Billing dude, is comming on well, but get cracking!

[Adam]

Does look awesome, nice work :)

[Wazza024]

Cracking car looks good :thumb:

[garethcolley]

Thanks for the comments guys, TBH i was losing interest in it a few months back but after now seeing it out of the garage i remember why i built it.

Simon - Not sure if white would look good, the car is actually a pale blue so they would need to be in the same colour. The satin black seems to give it a nice contrast IMO and once the bumpers are painted/fitted it should look more complete. I've also colour coded everything else on the car (door handles next) to satin black so want to stick with that theme.

[napalm_27]

quick question as i see you have the same silicone pipe for the afm to turbo
how have you got around fitting the head light as the adjuster wont go through the holle in the panel as the pipe is in the way of mine :(

[garethcolley]

quick question as i see you have the same silicone pipe for the afm to turbo
how have you got around fitting the head light as the adjuster wont go through the holle in the panel as the pipe is in the way of mine :(

You have to cut it down mate.

[Jeff16v]

Cool built mate, great shell to start with. Keep the updates coming:thumb:

[dj_wudgey]

looks bang on mate!

[garethcolley]

Cheers, will try get some more updates this weekend.

[garethcolley]

Update:

Bought these off Count Vaux but i'm unsure on what i'm going to do with them yet. They will probably have some satin black treatment and stay on the shelf for a while until i get bored of the Comps.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg167/Count85/02102007689.jpg

[garethcolley]

New Steering wheel:

Before -


http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC01615.jpg

After -

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/04092010651.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/04092010652.jpg

[garethcolley]

Currently on with the gear linkage as i cant seem to get all gears nicely with the F28, looks like i might go straight to the selector fork like mk1 rich is doing at the moment.

Few shots of the car after its first wash in well over a year!

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/04092010626.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/04092010629.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/04092010630.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/04092010633.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/04092010635.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/04092010640.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/04092010638.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/04092010644.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/04092010636.jpg


Next thing is to finish painting my bumpers, finish intercooler pipework and then fit rad and remaining water pipes. Need some new discs for V6 calipers but considering just getting a Wilwood kit. I also need a big block hub flange as ive stripped the thread on mine.

[garethcolley]

I've been having a bit of squeaking coming from the front that goes away if i dab the brakes. I think this is the problem? Surely the disc should be centred?

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/15102009381.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/15102009385.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/15102009384.jpg

[scott.parker]

What disks are they mate?

[svlet]

Update:

Bought these off Count Vaux but i'm unsure on what i'm going to do with them yet. They will probably have some satin black treatment and stay on the shelf for a while until i get bored of the Comps.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg167/Count85/02102007689.jpg i never noticed that it was blue tape i thought they had a blue lip they would look good with a blue lip .

[scott.parker]

i never noticed that it was blue tape i thought they had a blue lip they would look good with a blue lip .

DITTO:thumb:

[svlet]

what wheels are they

[garethcolley]

what wheels are they

Speedline Mistrals mate.

[svlet]

thats intresting its the only set of speedlines i like

[garethcolley]

What disks are they mate?

Well they are meant to be Vectra V6 as i bought the calipers and the discs as a set through JNC racing. When they are bolted up like that they dont seem centered at all and when you rotate the disc (as they are slightly warped) one side touches the sliding fist. I think thats whats causing the squeaking.

[garethcolley]

thats intresting its the only set of speedlines i like

I used to have Allessio's but i don't think they suit Nova's anymore, they are too rounded.

[scott.parker]

Well they are meant to be Vectra V6 as i bought the calipers and the discs as a set through JNC racing. When they are bolted up like that they dont seem centered at all and when you rotate the disc (as they are slightly warped) one side touches the sliding fist. I think thats whats causing the squeaking.

You'll have V6 calipers with maybe cav/cali turbo or fiat 20v disk's, as i have the fiat set up on mine and they are not quite right on the offset. as are some cali/cav one's and i had to space the calipers off the back of the hub carrier with washer to make the offset perfect.

Even if there the right ones you try this to try help it out slightly, look in my track car wip to see what i mean.

Scott

[garethcolley]

You'll have V6 calipers with maybe cav/cali turbo or fiat 20v disk's, as i have the fiat set up on mine and they are not quite right on the offset. as are some cali/cav one's and i had to space the calipers off the back of the hub carrier with washer to make the offset perfect.

Even if there the right ones you try this to try help it out slightly, look in my track car wip to see what i mean.

Scott

Thats what i thought about doing, i was going to get some washers made from work that are all to a really tight tolerance so the carrier stays straight. Although as they are slightly warped i was going to get some new V6 ones and re-drill them.

Ill look in your WIP and see what you have done, thanks Scott.

[discoinferno]

sell me the mistrals :D

[Rickyb]

looking good how far off finished is she??

[garethcolley]

looking good how far off finished is she??

Things that need doing are:

-Gear linkage sorting
-Calipers spacing or new discs
-Exhaust
-New cooler pipes fitting and rad

[garethcolley]

Anybody know if these are the correct discs for V6 calipers (FN3 57725)?
Engine Size: 2498cc
Year: 9/95-9/00
Diameter: 288.0 mm
Thickness: 25.0 mm
Minimum Thickness: 23.0 mm
Height: 43.0 mm
Bore Diameter: 70.0 mm
Number of wheel studs: 5
Number of locating studs: 3

[garethcolley]

sell me the mistrals :D

Maybe in a years time :)

[Benn]

Anybody know if these are the correct discs for V6 calipers (FN3 57725)?
Engine Size: 2498cc
Year: 9/95-9/00
Diameter: 288.0 mm
Thickness: 25.0 mm
Minimum Thickness: 23.0 mm
Height: 43.0 mm
Bore Diameter: 70.0 mm
Number of wheel studs: 5
Number of locating studs: 3


Sounds right.

[scott.parker]

Sounds right to me mate, but if you want a simple solution thats cheaper, get some 4 stud mavira disk's OK so there 280mm not 288, least there is no drilling etc, and there about £50-60 a set.

I'm going to get some for when i need new ones.

Scott

[garethcolley]

Cool, i've found these on the bay. Only £60 and they are drilled? Re-drilling to 4 stud isnt a problem. Are Meriva discs the right offset?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vectra-B-2-5-V6-24v-9-95-9-00-Drilled-Front-Brake-Discs-/160399792985?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2558929b59

[scott.parker]

Cool, i've found these on the bay. Only £60 and they are drilled? Re-drilling to 4 stud isnt a problem. Are Meriva discs the right offset?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vectra-B-2-5-V6-24v-9-95-9-00-Drilled-Front-Brake-Discs-/160399792985?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2558929b59

I'm led to believe they are/do mate.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290351211151&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Scott

[scorge01]

just seen this for the first time top job mate
comps look well cool on it will be intresting to see how the speedlines will look

[garethcolley]

just seen this for the first time top job mate
comps look well cool on it will be intresting to see how the speedlines will look

Thanks mate :thumb:

[dj_wudgey]

love this matey looks mint the red one looked good though!! oh and loving the mistrals!

[tony k]

just had a quick butchers through mate quality work going on,is that r1ch1`s on shell,keep it up mate

[garethcolley]

love this matey looks mint the red one looked good though!! oh and loving the mistrals!

Thanks! I do miss the red one TBH, the paint job was amazing but the underside was tatty!

[garethcolley]

just had a quick butchers through mate quality work going on,is that r1ch1`s on shell,keep it up mate

Hi mate, yeh its R1CH's shell, its very clean. Got some motivation back now so should be out and about soon.

[AdamK]

just looked through the thread and thats an awsome car has there been any more progress?

[garethcolley]

Not at the moment mate.

[AdamK]

Alrite mate cheers

[garethcolley]

Update:

Decided i'm going to fit a calibra turbo servo and mc to the Nova to overcome the poor brake feel with larger piston calipers, so here we have one grubby servo that will be getting an overhaul next week.

Plan is to make an adaptor bracket kit to space the servo out from the bulkhead so that servo rod remains un-cut. Then use a custom made adaptor part that mates with brake bar similar to the standard nova one.

23mm bore opposed to the Nova's 20mm, so should pump a much larger volume of fluid per stroke.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC02666.jpg

[garethcolley]

New brake lines as i'm going to do the whole brake system again using cunifer hard pipes.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC02659.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC02660.jpg

[garethcolley]

Got a mocal 9 row cooler with fancy braided lines and fittings, not sure where to install it yet though as space is a big problem.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC02663.jpg

[garethcolley]

Couple of remaining gauges needed now i'm going to Phase II, larger scale boost gauge (2 Bar), really like the retro white faces and its cheap:

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC02671.jpg

Also got a AEM UEGO wideband controller to make sure its running right under boost.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC02668.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC02669.jpg

[garethcolley]

Equal length intermediate shaft that bolts to the block, blasted the mounting bracket at work and will give the shaft a quick paint up before fitting.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC02672.jpg

[garethcolley]

Finally, new set of drilled and grooved discs to suit my V6 caliper setup. These are 280mm from a Meriva 1.8 '03. £65 delivered which im pretty happy about.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC02674.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC02675.jpg

[scott.parker]

Are they M-tech disks?

[garethcolley]

Are they M-tech disks?

Yes mate. They didn't clean the swarf off which i wasn't too happy about. Discs seem good quality though.

[scott.parker]

Yeah i got some for my mk4 Astra groove/drilled in black coat, with mintex pads, not fitted them yet, they are bang on for money, and i will get some Mavira ones for my nova V6 calipers when i need replace mine.

[garethcolley]

Yeh i saw the coating option after i'd bought them, looks good. For the money they really are good, especially when you look at LMF conversion discs prices.

[scott.parker]

Only went for coating to protect the edges, and hub face, and also show up the drill/groove after some wearing miles etc.

plus the astras black lol

[Rich]

the calibra m/c fits into the nova bracket, so you could just make a simple spacer

[garethcolley]

the calibra m/c fits into the nova bracket, so you could just make a simple spacer

You mean the servo fits the bracket? Yeh its 75mm stud spacing so ill make an adaptor bracket to space the whole thing out.

[garethcolley]

New oil cooler and pipes made up

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC02686.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC02685.jpg


Also got some new 7" 300lb springs for the front

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq205/colley340/A-Reg%20Nova%20build/DSC02690.jpg