1300 Group A retro rally car refresh

[Olly755]

Right bought this at the beginning of the year
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NewCamera006.jpg

With the intention of building a Group A 1300 rally car. But then decided that it was just too nice to use. So ended up buying this, Group A 1300 "Sport" with all the right bits


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NewCamera007-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NewCamera010.jpg

Fitted my Compos
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NewCamera017.jpg

Bought a few bits
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NewCamera018-2.jpg

Pulled off the stickers, (and most of the paint), had the Revolutions (group A 5.5x13) powder coated and built up
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/P1000867.jpg


Taxed and insured it, played with it down the lanes a bit, made a list of what needed doing, and finally cracked on a couple of nights ago..

[vaughanmc]

Sort out the pictures mate :thumb: Should be a good read

[Novasport]

Pics deleted now links sorted:thumb:

[Rickyb]

looks cool does that

[novacabrio]

Looking good, £5 says Rich has already PM'd about parts from the old car!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/P1000867.jpg

[Olly755]

Got it in the workshop
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/P1000989.jpg

Not too pretty, but functional ;)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/P1000993.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/P1000997.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/P1000995.jpg

Bumper removed, overshoot evidence!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/P1010016.jpg

Wing off, all very straight and clean, chuffed!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/P1010006.jpg

New wing from Beevers. Barry the works mouse catcher approves
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/P1010004.jpg

Fitted
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/P1010011.jpg

[Olly755]

Didn't know it had an oil cooler
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/P1010003.jpg

Barry inspecting the parts
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/P1010005.jpg

And Tiger inspecting the vernier for damage
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/P1010010.jpg

[rwaggers]

wicked mate. will be keeping and eye on this:thumb:

and this is making me think that i should make a thread about my autocross nova :d

[Steve]

Looks good mate, a bit battered but its been used in the right way. :thumb:

It go alright? and whats the plans for the other one?

[Olly755]

Looks good mate, a bit battered but its been used in the right way. :thumb:

It go alright? and whats the plans for the other one?

Cheers. It goes really well, and all the battered stuff is just cosmetic: the shell itself is lovely. And like a lot of rally cars, thev oily bits have been looked after properly, whereas the panels have had a lick of Hammerite and a skim of filler, and it's good to go for the next event. Other one is staying tucked away.

Bit more last night. NS wing off

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/P1010017.jpg

Mint under there like the other side
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/P1010018.jpg

Started removing door
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/P1010020.jpg

Made myself a door pin remover from an old long handled screwdriver, bit better than the old bonnet stay method
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/P1010021.jpg

Interior shot
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/P1000996.jpg

Then ran out of time, more later

[MattBrown]

Thats the best example of a sport yet!

Absoltuely hammered the life out of it!

"Throw a let in it lol"

Nah, but as I always say, they need to be used, and to used, they need to be abused!

[liam944nova]

be wicked to see this out on stages, keep up good work :thumb:

[sport]

You going to put sport decals on it?

[Ben]

lovely little project!

[Nova_Tek]

Nice Sport, used as iintended too. Funny how the outside is tatty and the underneath clean. You get some mint cars on the outside that are as rotten as an egg underneath.

Keep the pics coming :thumb:

[Olly755]

Thanks for the comments. Have to state that it's not an "original" Sport- merely a 1984 SR- but of course has all the correct bits that made the road going Sport exist in the first place. The works 1300's were never built from original Sports anyway..

The car was built in the early 90's out of what was obviously a really good shell, but hadn't turned a wheel in over 10 years prior to me buying it. Rally cars are hard used, but are usually stored and pampered in garages between events, so rust isn't an issue in this case.

Might just paint it white for now, although a works decalled replica has crossed my mind...

Anyway will be cracking on with this, so plenty of progress and pics to come.

[vaughanmc]

Can't wait to see your progress mate :)

[Mike]

Are you from the Stourbridge area by any chance???

[Rick Draper]

Are you from the Stourbridge area by any chance???

Macclesfield iirc

[Nova_Tek]

Thanks for the comments. Have to state that it's not an "original" Sport- merely a 1984 SR- but of course has all the correct bits that made the road going Sport exist in the first place. The works 1300's were never built from original Sports anyway..

The car was built in the early 90's out of what was obviously a really good shell, but hadn't turned a wheel in over 10 years prior to me buying it. Rally cars are hard used, but are usually stored and pampered in garages between events, so rust isn't an issue in this case.

Might just paint it white for now, although a works decalled replica has crossed my mind...

Anyway will be cracking on with this, so plenty of progress and pics to come.

Replica FTW :thumb:

[Mike]

Macclesfield iirc

Ah i see. Just wondered as i know of a guy from Stourbridge, who also owns a unit, full of wood & carpentry tools an keeps a S1600 Spec GSi in there. Thought it might have been the same guy.

EDIT: Or at least im sure its Stourbridge??? But in this guys pics, there appears to be another Nova under the silver tarp next to his Sport...

[sport]

Ah i see. Just wondered as i know of a guy from Stourbridge, who also owns a unit, full of wood & carpentry tools an keeps a S1600 Spec GSi in there. Thought it might have been the same guy.

EDIT: Or at least im sure its Stourbridge??? But in this guys pics, there appears to be another Nova under the silver tarp next to his Sport...




Might be the standard low miladge white nova in one of the pics.
But im sure he has a 1600 rally nova red iirc.

[Olly755]

Quick update, haven't done much

Tailgate & bumper off, again no nasty surprises
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject002.jpg

Looking a bit sorry
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject004.jpg

Panels in spray booth, scotch and panel wipe
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject003.jpg

Bit of prep and should be getting some primer on soon

[Olly755]

Also In not in Stourbridge, or Macclesfield...:)

But I did used to have a red Group N GSi. Sold it a few weeks ago.

[vaughanmc]

Quick progress fella :thumb:

[Southie]

I know where you live lol (not telling) :d

Looking good Olly, nice to see your starting up another build. Is this replacing your old red one then?

[Olly755]

I know where you live lol (not telling) :d

Looking good Olly, nice to see your starting up another build. Is this replacing your old red one then?

LOL :D The red one has gone to a good home, twas a sad day, we had both grown old together. Still, I kept a lot of bits and the reg no, so not all bad. Onwards and upwards. Hope that 1400 motor was put to good use. How's the 16v build doing?

[Mike]

Also In not in Stourbridge, or Macclesfield...:)

But I did used to have a red Group N GSi. Sold it a few weeks ago.

Ah i see, its a silver Group A GSi thats been laid up years.

Coincedence, as the owner of that keeps his in a timber yard'esq unit lol

[Southie]

LOL :D The red one has gone to a good home, twas a sad day, we had both grown old together. Still, I kept a lot of bits and the reg no, so not all bad. Onwards and upwards. Hope that 1400 motor was put to good use. How's the 16v build doing?
I'm sure you'll have as many good times in the new one but is a shame getting rid of a bit of your rally history.

Yeah mines running pretty well "at last" probably jinxed now lol

What have you decided with the drunken eBay purchase anyway lol

[bmw156]

Progress looks wicked, loving it.

and the other guy who had the red one, did he make gates and your area looks very simular to it lol.

[Olly755]

Some more progress.

Tailgate and bonnet ready for primer

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject002-1.jpg

Bumpers prepped.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject001-1.jpg

And primed, drying off in the sun

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject003-1.jpg

Panels all primed

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject005.jpg

2 mint doors (thanks Mint FRST) ready for prepping next

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject004-1.jpg

More to come :)

[dj_wudgey]

nooo that red door looks like a mk1 sr door lol nice project mate!!

[liam944nova]

coming along great mate, keep up good work :thumb:

[NOV4_SPORT]

very nice mate, keep up the good work.

iain

[Nova_Tek]

Nice update, primed panels always look nice and are exciting as the next stop is paint :)

[Mint FRST]

Liking this thread and cant remember selling you those doors! lol

[Olly755]

Had a rest over Xmas but did a bit today.

Doors stripped, filled and prepped

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/Vectra005-1.jpg

And primed

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/Vectra012.jpg

And Santa came early this year :) Should be a bit of fun for 2010

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/Vectra010-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/Vectra001.jpg

More updates soon.

[Mike]

Ah thats where Colin Smiths super tourer went then!

[djbrowney]

very nice

some one's going to be having some fun this year lol

[ashley_m]

looks awesome

[Olly755]

No progress but after a night of -13 degrees, this is how the top hose looked this morning

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/Novafrozen002.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/Novafrozen001.jpg

Just slush, and the header tank and other pipes were fine, so should be ok. Dropped a good litre of antifreeze in a couple of weeks ago. Makes you think though.

[Southie]

At least your still grafting in the baltic conditions :d Oh whats in the pipes lol

http://slushpuppymachine.com/images/slush_puppy_machine_3.jpg

[craig green]

Great thread.

[Nova_Tek]

Did it not have any anti-freeze or was the mixture too diluted?

[Olly755]

Did it not have any anti-freeze or was the mixture too diluted?

There was anti freeze in, but it's hardly turned a wheel in 10 years. It's on the "to do" list.

Wheeled the Vectra outside from the cosy comfort of the workshop this morning- by dinner time the top and bottom hoses had started to crunch. Pretty unforgivable- the last owner had just fitted a new radiator too so no excuse. It's now cluttering up the workshop again :roll:

[Olly755]

And the loo is frozen solid, and I really do need a number two.

Still, days off are for girls.

[Nova_Tek]

Anti-freeze in the loo FTW lol

[Derick-Sport]

+1 novatek who needs domestos haha

[Nova_Tek]

lol

[Olly755]

Ok been really busy with work commitments, but cracking on now.

Found a new Mk1 wing on Ebay: cheap and fits pretty well

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/Micra045.jpg

Removed B pillar vinyl (car is an SR): had been painted over. Nightmare to remove

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/Micra044.jpg

Front valance prepped and filled

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/Micra042.jpg

Rear quarters prepped

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/Micra047.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/Micra048.jpg

[mk1nova_rich]

excellent progress mate, coming along nicely. you got any engine work on the cards?? i take it the 1300 is going back in...

[vaughanmc]

How come you are taking the 40's off that it came with and putting Sport items on it ?

[jimbob-mcgrew]

just read it thru, great build thread mate :thumb:

[Nova_Tek]

Nice to see some progress and cheap parts that work well are the best :)

[JShannon]

Never seen this before!

Nice 1

Joe:thumb:

[Olly755]

How come you are taking the 40's off that it came with and putting Sport items on it ?

The 40's on the car are already Sport items (Weber 143 & 144) along with the Irmscher manifold. I'm not really sure what cam is in the car, but it is pretty driveable from low rpm, but it does loves to rev. From there it's pretty much works spec: worked head, solid lifters, waisted stem valves, Omega pistons, blah di blah. I would reckon around 110-115BHP- it certainly feels like it. It might not be the fastest, but it does sound fantastic.

I did buy a complete 1400 motor complete with all the correct Sport bits and bobs (manifold, airbox, carbs, cam) before I bought this car. Those are the ones in the picture. So in the end I didn't need them and have a spare now. Contemplating fitting the 40's set up to the 1200 car in future- could be a bit of fun.

Should be in primer by Saturday...:)

[vaughanmc]

Aye do that mate! lol

1.2 T40 power

[dj_wudgey]

some good work there matey be good to see finished!!

[Steve]

Nice work there mate, likig this project, good engine spec as well

[Olly755]

Busy day today. All stripped and prep done

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/Micra002.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/Micra004.jpg

Masked up

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/Micra005.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/Micra003.jpg

And primed

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/Micra007.jpg

[vaughanmc]

Looking good, can't wait to see my shell like that :)

[Olly755]

Inside of wings primed now, just need to coat in stonechip

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject001-2.jpg

And car in daylight.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject002-2.jpg

Next weeks jobs: stopper, guide coat, block down, remask and paint in lovely layers of Polar White. Mmmmm.

[Olly755]

Wings stonechipped and now in primer. Will fit tomorrow night ready for painting.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject002-3.jpg

Rest of car guide coated and now all ready for flatting. Re-primed the rear quarters last night as I wasn't happy with them

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject001-3.jpg

[scott.parker]

Smart...very interesting project mate.

Scott

[Nova_Tek]

Looking good mate.

[kerniCorsa]

rally Mk I always look good ...J like this door windows a lot, how stream is window? 3 millimeters

[Olly755]

Another busy day today, but:

Managed to paint the insides of the doors: had to do them outside as the spray booth was otherwise occupied for more important things: ie paying jobs!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject001-4.jpg

After stonechipping and painting the inside of the wings, these got fitted to the shell. The shell was then flatted, re-masked and we were ready for paint:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject003-2.jpg

And 3 coats of 2k polar white later....http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject004-2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject005-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject006.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject007.jpg

Pretty pleased with the results.

[scott.parker]

Will look ace once you give a rub back and mop up mate, good going.

Scott

[djbrowney]

CRACKING WORK MATE, CANT WAIT TO PAINT MINE

****ing caps lock lol !

[nova+nitrous]

loving the 1300 8v very nice project

[Southie]

Now this is looking smart Olly. :cool:

Also thanks for making a few of us laugh with the sale of your blue micra lol Have some +rep for that.
CLICKYMICRA (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1989-NISSAN-MICRA-GS-AUTO-BLUE_W0QQitemZ270543596511QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutom obiles_UK?hash=item3efda7abdf)

[WILSEN]

Looking Good Pal

[Olly755]

Now this is looking smart Olly. :cool:

Also thanks for making a few of us laugh with the sale of your blue micra lol Have some +rep for that.
CLICKYMICRA (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1989-NISSAN-MICRA-GS-AUTO-BLUE_W0QQitemZ270543596511QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutom obiles_UK?hash=item3efda7abdf)

Can't believe I got busted! I do need a life: at least thats what my wife-to-be tells me.

Anyhow after spending far too long writing bloody Micra ads, it was back to a bit of graft. Bumpers. After getting ripped off by username CK (member here) for £45, and then losing out on a couple of others, I lost heart for looking and decided to restore the beaten-to-death items that were on the car.

So after a good rub down and a coat of plastic primer, I dusted some filler primer on which gave a nice textured finish. I then got hold of this (thanks Brettski)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject001-5.jpg

Had the colour of the grey matched in 2k semi matt (I have the code if anyone needs it) and sprayed away. The final finish was a bit glossy, so a quick finish with some 10% sheen lacquer, and they were finished.

From this

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/P1000867.jpg

To this

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject003-3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject002-4.jpg

And trial fitted

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject004-3.jpg

Just got to paint the doors and bonnet, and then its the nice bits...

[vaughanmc]

Looking good now, I want an Opel badge lol

[Nova_Tek]

Looking tidy.

[Steve]

Nice job on the bumpers, that colour looks really good, whats the paint code?

[Olly755]

Nice job on the bumpers, that colour looks really good, whats the paint code?

Here's the paint coding. I'm really pleased with the colour, compared it with my other bumpers on the 8k miler (which are like new) and they tie in well.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject003-4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject004-4.jpg

And some latest photos. Now got the glass in, (well, polycarb), both doors and tailgate on, and now starting to build up the doors. Ordered some nice parts too, so should be all done soon.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject001-6.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject002-5.jpg

[Connor]

What a transformation Olly
top work :thumb:

[MattBrown]

Looks top fella, what you recon to spraying in a "Barn" then?

I want to do mine in the garage, but im abit nervous lol

[peester]

top, choice mods.. i likey.

*EDIT: the original white mk1 on your first page.. where that?

[vaughanmc]

Looks well mate :)

[Olly755]

Looks top fella, what you recon to spraying in a "Barn" then?

I want to do mine in the garage, but im abit nervous lol

No problems really Matt, although my methods aren't exactly textbook. Spraying 2k without extraction is not wise, but that's what I have done. You will need a very good respirator though; 2k is not good for you at all.

As with anything, preparation is the key: I use good kit (gun, compressor, the right sundries and paint) and am very familiar with spraying, although furniture is around 1000 times more forgiving than cars.

I take way more time, and will have to de-nib and rectify more defects than the pro bodyshopper, but good results can be achieved with care. I can get 90% there (which matches or betters some pro bodyshop work than I have seen), although as with most things, getting that last few percent takes years of practice and skill. Like NickJ's work, which is fantastic.

[Olly755]

*EDIT: the original white mk1 on your first page.. where that?

Tucked away in a cosy garage at the mo, but going for the MOT this week...

[peester]

Tucked away in a cosy garage at the mo, but going for the MOT this week...

if it ever needs a new home lol.. gis a tinkle

[calibra-keith]

thats looking a hell of alot better now, good job.

[Olly755]

A few recent purchases:

Nova Base mirror blank

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject001-7.jpg

Bumper lamp covers

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject003-5.jpg

as per the great man's

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/McraeNOVA.jpg

Opel horn push

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject004-5.jpg

And a little ebay bargain



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject002-6.jpg

And this weeks spending, picking these up tomorrow, nice sticky Yokos

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/Yokos.jpg

[scott.parker]

Sweet! wouldn't mind a Irmscher cover for my mk1

Good buying power, this shall be a nice wee car when done.

Good luck.

Scott

[sport]

Bumper lamp covers

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/NovaProject003-5.jpg



Olly where did you get these from if you dont mind me asking and what size are they.

[discoinferno]

nice project :)

[mk1nova_rich]

coming along very nicely mate :) some good work gone into the car

[liam944nova]

Looks spot on!

[dj_wudgey]

nice mate some nice bits youve got aswell!!

[Southie]

Nice purchases you've found there it's coming along nicely now Olly, are you going to get the livery done in the similar style to the late greats Nova? Would look cracking and also a fitting tribute in my eyes.

[novalovingned]

Cant beat a nice white mk1 mate. My white A reg has a twin :D Good work :)

[Lee]

Loving this lots Olly :)

[NOV4_SPORT]

Looking very smart olly, iam liking the way way this is going.
:)
iain

[Olly755]

Thanks for all the comments.


Olly where did you get these from if you dont mind me asking and what size are they.

A little Ebay purchase, paid around £15 if I remember right. They are new, and around 8" diameter. Will be going on the front of the car to cover the lamp bar holes, like this

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/colin.jpg

[Olly755]

Nice purchases you've found there it's coming along nicely now Olly, are you going to get the livery done in the similar style to the late greats Nova? Would look cracking and also a fitting tribute in my eyes.

Would really like to do this one day, works replica in the early colours. Although it will be staying plain white for a bit: don't want it too conspicuous for trips down the lanes. Got lots of piccies in old Rally Sport magazines, but not many on the net. Similar to this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/senna61_jpg_e_899fd1fee091a1836a29a.jpg

And the same car (although on around it's 6th shell) when Colin had it. Love this pic.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/kk_205.jpg

Which ended up like this

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/PICT0102.jpg

[mk1nova_rich]

**** me that looks to be doing some speed on that middle picture lol

[craig green]

Excellent progress & good work. I like it.

[Olly755]

Quick update time. It's pretty much all together, apart from a couple of farty 5 minute jobs, although I've done nothing on it for weeks: been busy with work and other stuff.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/Nova001-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/Nova002-1.jpg

Also recently managed to get hold of a set of works fabricated Pilbeam rose jointed front suspension. A bit expensive, but the best always is.

So the cosmetics are sorted, just need to fit the suspension, replace the rear beam, and give the car a good check and service. But with a lack of time I think this could be a while off, so it's going to get tucked away in the garage for a bit, until i have more time.

Also my 8000 miler sold on Ebay, but the sod never turned up despite promising the world, so if anyone wants a fantastic early Nova for the perfect Sport replica, or just to show n shine, then get in touch. You won't find better :)

[vaughanmc]

How much do you want for the white 3dr Nova shell ?

[Novasport]

Olly, clear you PM box.
Cheers
Rich

[Olly755]

How much do you want for the white 3dr Nova shell ?

Well it made £1900 on Ebay so will be looking for at least that.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/BvTSMYBGkKGrHqIOKnUEvyFrkjeBMD-2PBK.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/Nova.jpg

I reckon it's a bargain at that: if you were to restore a Nova (or Sport) then a good quality paint job alone would cost around this. Never mind cutting out rot, welding, panels, time, labour, grazed knuckles etc etc ;) And then you can never replicate originality.

Throw a few hundred at this car with some nice Sport carbs and period bits and you could have one of the nicest Novas around. I've already got all of the bits to put on it- I always fancied creating my own version of a "Sport Evo" as Vauxhall may have done one: maybe a 1400 on Webers, with Bilsteins, poss a quick rack, 4.5 CWP and CR gearbox, rear discs......

In fact f**k it, i think I'll keep it ;)

[scott.parker]

I would keep it mate, as you say you'll not get another that clean, i saw it on ebay, i love it mate think it's amazing, and your other is coming on fantastic now too..

Scott

[Novasport]

Bugger, if it hadnt had a tin opener special on the roof I would have had that.

[Balley]

Very nice fella, Love it

[dannymcc]

Both nice cars you have mate :thumb: . I LOL`d when I looked at the add on ebay for the micra lol

[peester]

wow, thats how its done, both cars looking great.
Really tempted to make an offer lol

[daz_9124]

Love what your doing to this - been following with interest

[novarally]

Bugger, if it hadnt had a tin opener special on the roof I would have had that.

Rich - I have a couple of shells with non-sunroof roof skins if you fancy it......

[dj_wudgey]

Well it made £1900 on Ebay so will be looking for at least that.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/BvTSMYBGkKGrHqIOKnUEvyFrkjeBMD-2PBK.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/Nova.jpg

I reckon it's a bargain at that: if you were to restore a Nova (or Sport) then a good quality paint job alone would cost around this. Never mind cutting out rot, welding, panels, time, labour, grazed knuckles etc etc ;) And then you can never replicate originality.

Throw a few hundred at this car with some nice Sport carbs and period bits and you could have one of the nicest Novas around. I've already got all of the bits to put on it- I always fancied creating my own version of a "Sport Evo" as Vauxhall may have done one: maybe a 1400 on Webers, with Bilsteins, poss a quick rack, 4.5 CWP and CR gearbox, rear discs......

In fact f**k it, i think I'll keep it ;)

awesome nova mate!! get it kept!!

[liam944nova]

Any new updates for 2011!

[Sturge]

Any chance of some details/pics on how the lamps are fitted into the bumper? Have always fancied the works style set up

[ryansnova]

very nice car mate keep up the good work

[grooge]

Any chance of some details/pics on how the lamps are fitted into the bumper? Have always fancied the works style set up

i would also be interested in a bit more inof on this if you could.

[Olly755]

Well the car has been put to bed for the winter and nothing new has happened, but am itching pick up the project again pretty soon. Shame that real life stuff gets in the way too much.

Anyhow next job is a complete suspension refresh. The springs and damping feels fine, but the car really does not handle at the mo, mainly due to alignment and tracking. The rear beam looks bent: the off side wheel looks to be toeing out and the camber looks wrong on the off side: the car is fine in right handers but goes wildly sideways when thrown into a left hander. I suspect a light roll at some point as I found filler in the rear C pillar, and I reckon the beam was kinked but*not changed. So a new beam is in order, followed by fitting the Pilbeam front end, and then setting the castor, camber and track properly.

The white 8000 miler is now sold: it was no surprise that it went to it's new owner on the back of a transporter on it's way to the Emerald Isle along with so many others. It was sad to see it go, but it's replacement in the garage is a bit more exciting, a lot faster and a whole lot rarer!

http://www.alpina-archive.com/?p=3549&nmt=B8-4.6-Coupe-#065

The Lucas spot lamps are not lamps at all, merely the lamp covers notched around the bumper with a jigsaw and screwed to the bumper using 2 self tappers. Obviously lamp manufacturers did deals with works teams, but the teams preferred not to attach weighty, expensive lamps in daytime stages due to the risk of knocking them off, so lamp covers were fitted to gave the impression that auxiliaries were fitted and gave the lamp manufacturers their required level of advertising, and a proper full on lamp pod fitted at night. I have both a lamp pod, and a 2 spot lighting bar with the car, but the wiring needs renewing, so this could be the next item after the suspension on the agenda.

[Olly755]

Update for 2012- it's done

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/c26fb7cb.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/fabfb15d.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/5c5df2b1.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/3a48276d.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/a7a15f05.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/82622ddb.png

MOT next week and then just needs using.

[novarally]

Looking great Olly, it's good to see it's done.

[ryansnova]

fu**ing mint mate ;)! can you tell me what the name of that paint that you have used ?:)

[Olly755]

fu**ing mint mate ;)! can you tell me what the name of that paint that you have used ?:)

It's Vauxhall Polar White, although when we compared it to the original car the colour looked whiter. Not sure if you can blame either ageing of the 8k miler's paint, or just poor mixing?

[Royston]

Like alot!!

Clean and simple:thumb:

[troy88]

That is tidy!! Nice clean and simple. Love it!!
Well done mate

[Southie]

Liking how the spot lights have been cut into the bumper, any livery going on though?

It does look good though as is tbh. :cool:

[NOV4_SPORT]

Looks really good mate, i like this alot

[martsnova]

this looks a good project nice to see the old rally novas how they used to be spot on

[Olly755]

any livery going on though? :cool:

Was thinking of painting it like this. This was the first rally Nova I ever saw, and in it's day was a potential overall winner. Proper rallying, 4am, icy road, flat out and no helmets!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Ollly/e9c3454d.png

Some of you may spot the co-driver- can anyone guess correctly?

[Southie]

I'll pass on the co-driver question but probably kick myself when you tell us.

As for the graphics I'd go for something similar maybe but not the same unless you still want to advertise PMC lol

[Mike]

Bloody hell, Peter Maiden.... now theres a name Ive not heard off in yonks!

[Olly755]

Co driver is one N. Grist esq, the year (I think) is 1986.

I wonder whatever happened to him?

[Southie]

Well I never, Nicky Grist... the mustache was a good disguise then lol

[DAFTJOHN]

Lovely car, love the look of the whole package, wheels the spots.

[Royston]

Liking how the spot lights have been cut into the bumper

Forgive me if I'm wrong, but aren't the 20/20 covers cut to fit the bumper, i.e. no spot lights.



I'm debating whether to refit my over riders and Lucas 20/20 + DX160 lamps on the SR

[Southie]

Sorry that's what I meant how the covers fit the bumper not obviously that he's cut the bumper if that's what you thought I was meaning lol