mk4 astravan

[Fow16v]

Bought myself a mk4 van now the tigra has been sold as a run about and to chuck my mountain bike in the back as im fed up of folding the seats down in the coupe, so the other day i was browsing ebay as you do when i came accross this van only an hour away and for a good price so i bid and didnt think anymore of it, i then realised the next day that i had won so jamie sorted me with a lift and we picked it up from swansea yesterday.
its got a few little problems which i will be getting sorted, its got tax and mot until end of jan, 125k and a pile of recipts from about 2005 on.
A few things that need some attention are,
Paint work is faded and needs a good compounding
Bootlid is bubbling under the window seal
Rear drivers arch needs some attention
intermitant wiper doesnt work
Steering wheel and airbag badly worn and taped up, also airbag light is on constant.
I think it needs some new sparkplugs, and i think the rear brakes may be sticking abit.

Apart from tidying it up im planning on getting a set of alloys probably mk3 astra ones, and probably gonna drop it quite low with a set of mk3 60mm springs that are lying about the unit. Also gonna colour code the bumpers, skirts, door strips etc.


Rear bumper and door need looking at
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo093.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo094.jpg


Pretty bad paintwork and the rear arch
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo095.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo096.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo097.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo098.jpg


Back has been lined with a rubber mat, im planning on ply lining the whole of the back, fitting a mk4 estate headlining and some interior lights. Ive also got some 6x9's that may fit somewhere in there
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo099.jpg

Ive got a mk3 leather steering wheel which i will see if i can fit.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo101.jpg

Only things ive done so far are fit the radio on the lower slot, a quick wash, a quick hoover out and fixed the remote central locking.

Ryan :cool:

[Novaboi_1991]

how much did you pay if you dont mind me asking mate?

ive just agree'd to buy a mk3 van, its had a respray, 2 new rear arches, 2 new front wings, an alternator and water pump.

2 months tax n test. 400 quid... ?

[Fow16v]

doesnt sound like a bad price that, i was looking at mk3 and there was alot of crap round for alot more than that.

[Fow16v]

Just a small update with not many pics, i fixed a few little niggly things today starting with the dash lights, whilst i had the clocks out i took the steering wheel off and tried to fit the mk3 one but that was one great big fail, so back on with the crap one until i get one or find the mk4 airbag i should have up the unit somewhere.

Changed the stalk on the wipers to fix the intermitant wipe but its still the same so i need to get hold of a new motor, some flat blades got fitted that don had there to replace the crap wiper blades on it.

The drivers side mirror was getting on my nerves as it kept moving as the internals wernt cliped in so thats now fixxed, ive also robbed a cd player off don to replace the tape unit in there.

Had a look at the plugs as its got a missfire and i think the wrong ones have been fitted, they look like the super 4 plugs but there is no electrode showing it kinda looks like its been pushed inside the plug.


Airbox de-restriced as with all the vauxhalls ive owned, bay now wd40'd right up for a shiney finish
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo106.jpg

Next out came the megs DA and g3 compound to have a go at the paint work, i got the bonnet done and it came up well but then my pad self destructed as it was only a finishing pad, im waiting on a compound pad to do the whole thing.

took a few half and half after just one pass with the soft pad, ive now finished the bonnet and give it a coat of autoglym srp
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo104.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo103.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo102.jpg


The boat like suspension has been ditched and replaced with a set of 40mm koni springs that don took off his gsi, its stiffened it up nicely and drives much better now. I forgot to take pics tho :doh:

[AlexW]

Nice run around. Check its not the relay for the wiper problem.

[Fow16v]

ill have a check of the relays if i can find them lol, will have to bring my meter home from work and test the circuit out.

[Mark]

Same colour as my old Mk4 van from about 5 years ago......Bought cheap and I decided to mod it a little..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/CorsaNova/Van/5815ffae.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/CorsaNova/Van/efb173c0.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/CorsaNova/Van/c8fcc766.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/CorsaNova/Van/4e69567f.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/CorsaNova/Van/153a79a9.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/CorsaNova/Van/f9f52a9b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/CorsaNova/Van/9a0952a0.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/CorsaNova/Van/fcd1acb1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/CorsaNova/Van/ceb7d028.jpg

P.S. Will...let me know if it's too much of a thread Hijack and I'll delete the pics...

[Fow16v]

i like that the coupe front bumper really suits it, wish i never sold my coupe front bumper now i had spare, mite ttry get another or sri with irmscher spliter.

[Mark]

Yeah, much better than the standard bumper.

[staggy_gsi]

i have one of these, think theyre mint! slow, but still ace.

[Fow16v]

ive just been wondering if a nova gsi fast road cam will fot the spi engine or will i need to have the mpi

[Fow16v]

spent some more time with the poilisher and cutting compound today after getting a new cutting pad, i got the roof, boot and passenger side done with one pass, will need another quick one and the drivers side needs doing. also slapped a bit of bumper care on at the same time.

Debadged and shineyish, need a new boot lid really tho.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo107.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo108.jpg

roof is still a bit cloudy aswell as the side panel, they will need another once over
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo109.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo111.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo110.jpg

i think its a massive improvment already going from the pics above.
also bought myself a set of 17's which i will be picking up sometime over the weekend.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/newwheels.jpg

thanks for looking :)

[Fow16v]

Today the van got some new spark plugs and an oil change as it was getting a mssfire after driving for a long while and the oil was very ****ty. And the best bit so far is the new wheels are on after a trip to bath last night to pick them up got them for a bargin with 4 very good tyres :D
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo112.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo113.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo114.jpg
I think it looks awsome now, the old steel wheels were a bugger to get off had a lump hammer and a block of wood and beet **** out of them lmao
New spigot rings on order and after christmas i think i will get some vauxhall badges for the centres
Ryan

[Adam]

Its amazing how much a set of wheels can change a cars appearance.

[Fow16v]

Right then a bit of an update today, firstly i fitted the new fully coloured front bumper that al kindly dropped down to me yesterday.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo123.jpg
also don fitted the new wiper motor and fixxed the horn whilst i was messing about with other things lol.

next was on to the back bumper and getting the dents out of the corners
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo125.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo126.jpg
its ok but will need a new one before colour coding i think
The rear arch got a quick lick of zinc primer and paint just to protect it from the salt a bit, i will have to get it rubed back and done properly when i get time
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo124.jpg
I then removed the mirror covers for colour coding
Take 2 astra mirror covers
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo127.jpg
rub down firstly using 150grit followed by 400grit and then 800grit to smooth finish.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo128.jpg
Place into mobile spray booth in warm room in the house
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo129.jpg
Apply coat of plastic filler primer
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo130.jpg
Allow to dry, Then using a scotch pad smooth back, follow by a nice even coat of primer
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo131.jpg
Again allow to dry and smooth down. (i used a heat gun to aid drying times)
Follow by 2 nice even coats of vauxhall flame red smoothing between coats.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo132.jpg
And all done ready to fit. Now fitted back on but its too dark for photos, im happy with the results too. :D

[Mark]

Coming along very nicely.

[Fow16v]

some photos of the van with the bits fitted back on, i think the door strips maybe slightly different shade or maybe it just needs a wash lol,

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo144.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo145.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo156.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo157.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo158.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo159.jpg

I think its coming on quite well really, the mirrors are my fav bit atm tho think its made so much difference to how it looks

[AlexW]

Looking much better.

Seeing all these mk4's on here make me want one lol

[Fow16v]

lol there does seem to be alot more of them about now and coming down to very good prices too, ive got the coupe and the van now and they are real nice to drive

[Adam]

Its because mk4's are cool :cool:

Looking good mate, top job of the mirrors.

Getting a colour coded rear???

[Fow16v]

yea gotta wait till i get some money and go scrap yard hunting for a few bits, theres no point in colour coding the rear thats on there because of the dents on it.
im hoping to find an estate in a scrap yard and rob it of headlining rear boot door and rear bumper, as well as getting some painted handles then i can get the spray gun on the go all at once. :D

[Fow16v]

Back for retest yesterday and it passed so on with the mods,
Parked up with the coupe yesterday for a before pic
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo213.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo214.jpg

Then in it went for a strip down of the front end to remove the lights and fit the fogs.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo221.jpg

The lights then got the oven treatment to get them apart and paint the insides black, the finish isnt the best as the plastic primer i bought reacted for some reason. good enough tho as you cant see behind the lens.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo215.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo217.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo218.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo220.jpg

So whilst the front bumper was off it was time for some chopping
Take 1 airsaw along with 1 file
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo225.jpg
Cut along the marks on the rear off the bumper and removed 2 pieces of plastic about this shape
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo223.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo226.jpg
Then take 2 new fog lights of similar shape and bolt into newly made holes
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo222.jpg
Which gives you an end result something similar to the late sri.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo227.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo228.jpg

Job done really happy with the front end now, the lights have made one hell of a difference.
I then decided to give it a wash and get on with polishing the drivers side as i still hadnt got round to it. Its come up pretty well, i need to get a touch up pen and sort out a few marks and buff them up soon and get the door strips done on this side to match. Ill then get on with some more colour coding and get a new boot and its pretty much all good.

[Fow16v]

Some pics i took earlier
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo229.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo230.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo231.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo232.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo233.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo234.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/ryan_fowler1985/Red%20Van/Photo235.jpg

Cheers for looking :)

[Mike]

The headlights look ace!

Giving me some ideas here ;)

[Fow16v]

really easy to do to, just stick them in the oven for 10mins on gas mark 1, remove and pull apart. :)

[Mike]

Corsa C mate, dont know if they do come apart :S

How you get them back together anyway?

[Mark]

Minty'er than a Polo.