Project: Gold Snowplough Turbo

[maddogdaz666]

is it painted yet?

[Nova_Tek]

Not just yet mate should be done soon. Will be popping to the shop in a bit.

[Nova_Tek]

UPDATE

I was rummaging through all the bits taken off the Nova and I came across a few bits that needed attention. They were the front tow eye cover and front washer jets. They were all a dull grey and seeing as all the plastic/rubber trim on the car is black, they had to get sorted.

Took 'em to the garage and gave all the bits a rub down with 800 wet n dry.
https://images2.imgbox.com/08/b9/y7rjCtdN_o.jpg




Then wiped them down with some spirit and gave them a coat of plastic primer
https://images2.imgbox.com/04/93/EiTvsLI8_o.jpg


https://images2.imgbox.com/e7/42/zD0SMKQ6_o.jpg

Let that dry off and returned to give them a coat of satin black.


I then let those dry properly with a bit of hairdryer action and left them in front of a heater in the front room.
https://images2.imgbox.com/89/80/Sfx1uwgp_o.jpg


https://images2.imgbox.com/00/61/mngZ6tBx_o.jpg

A good few hours later they were nice, dry and hard. The finish on the washer jest is just brilliant, very shiny and almost look powder coated
https://images2.imgbox.com/4d/e6/yK4XrcLy_o.jpg


https://images2.imgbox.com/4c/89/EaVP0PXr_o.jpg

I then visited the shop today and saw some progress. They had started stitch welding the bay, but only done the O/S chassis leg so didn't bother taking a pic.


The exterior which was primered a few days back had properly dried. The guys found a few areas that needed some minor filler work. Also a few of the swage lines were very faint, so some filler work to get them back was needed.


https://images2.imgbox.com/0b/00/LtaT4AgT_o.jpg


https://images2.imgbox.com/82/4a/ngNI2Ge7_o.jpg


https://images2.imgbox.com/04/a2/eJf2tKnx_o.jpg

https://images2.imgbox.com/f4/1c/8DuuweKR_o.jpg

All for now.

[novasportc550]

coming along nicely...........:thumb::thumb:

[auzzy-b]

:roll: re doing work is a pain in the butt! but rather get it looking spot on than 'itll do' whilst you can, good stuff:thumb: getting there

[Nova_Tek]

Yeah, they were invisible before primer. Their attention to detail seems to be very good and I too would much rather get it spot on. Especially the bodywork lines, if they were sprayed and finished it would look pants with them looking faint or not there.

Certainly getting there :thumb:

[Nova_Tek]

UPDATE

An unglamorous update but an update none-the-less.

Nothing special but I did get on with a bit of work on the rear seat back. They were a bit scratched up, so it wouldn't have fit in with the rest of the cars smoothness. Had to do something about it.

Got it in the garden for some paint treatment. This is how it was
https://images2.imgbox.com/21/34/HlHNODpA_o.jpg
http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/729/1000811w.jpg


https://images2.imgbox.com/06/14/PfIvgbqV_o.jpg


https://images2.imgbox.com/b9/e3/89lOanx8_o.jpg

Then after a good rub down with 400 then 800 wet n dry and masked up.
https://images2.imgbox.com/68/3b/NJF6Rgbv_o.jpg
http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/7919/1000815e.jpg

Gave a few coats of filler primer to the areas that had been scratched deep and primered the smoother areas in normal primer
http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/788/1000814l.jpg
http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/7172/1000816qx.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/ff/b6/koW7m52v_o.jpg

https://images2.imgbox.com/10/6f/RPy9UG9U_o.jpg

After drying I flatted the primer and made a start on painting it satin black. I had about 1/3 of a can left so I knew it would be touch and go if I'd get good coverage before finishing, but I was waaaay out. It only did about half :(

So rang my bro to go grab me a can of the paint, but there wasn't any point in continuing as it had started to pish down with rain and still is. If the weather improves for tomorrow, then I shall be finishing it off.

[Benn]

Why are you fitting a 1 piece rear bench?

[Nova_Tek]

Coz that was what was in the car to begin with.

[Benn]

So? 60/40 looks nicer and is handy when you have something in car.

Looking at the pics, why have they had to fill on the pillars? That shouldn't have lost shape...

[Nova_Tek]

1) Not even bothered in the slightest about 60/40 seats, never even had to use that much boot space. My bro's Cav has 60/40 split and we've never used it (except for once).

2) Too much hassle just to fit it. Plus Id have to find interior etc. Really no point.

Like it the way it is and if you think about it carrying tools or heavy items in the boot, which I sometimes do, in an accident a one piece rear bench is safer than a split bench.

The top and bottom corners of the rear windows had a slight indent/mark and the pillar itself had a high/low spot. You really had to take a good look to spot it but the guys wanted it to be spot on.

[Benn]

Ah ok cool, crack on then dude,

[Nova_Tek]

:thumb:

Searching for some fabric to do the lining in. Where did you get your fabric from mate?

[Nova_Tek]

UPDATE

Weather was still crap, but I took the rear bench to the garage to finish off what I started. Managed to empty half a new can of satin black, should give it enough protection.
https://images2.imgbox.com/af/18/ehkixSzW_o.jpg
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/7632/1000819a.jpg

Until next time...

[craig green]

60/40's must weigh more anyhoo.

Good reading so far matey.

[Nova_Tek]

Thanks Craig :thumb:

Could be heavier, never really thought of it like that. The one piece back is fairly heavy compared to the base. Oh well no biggie I just fold them down when going round corners lol

[novacabrio]

LMAO at the fold it down, I remember someone saying they did that to lower the centre of gravity!! Also the solid rear bench acts like a strut brace lol

[Nova_Tek]

Yeah a while back. lol @ strut brace

[Nova_Tek]

UPDATE


Felt like ages since I last saw the Nova, I'm used to seeing it pretty much everyday. Couldn't go see it on Saturday, and being a Bank holiday weekend the lads were shut yesterday.


When I got there, one of the guys was flatting and mopping the Clio V6, it was looking very shi-nee


The Nova was being worked on, the other geeza had just finished applying seam sealer to the stitch welding and was applying and rubbing down stopper to the imperfect areas mainly concentrated on the B pillars.


By the way, there was absolutely no rust around any of the chassis legs/engine bay seams, yay!


Anyway, the pics


N/S chassis leg
https://images2.imgbox.com/13/d5/aF10Wh6Z_o.jpg


O/S chassis leg, alternator and bottom pulley areas cut out and box sectioned
https://images2.imgbox.com/d0/61/A2iKWBhT_o.jpg


Cross-member tie bar points were a bit rusty and crusty, one side had a hole which was covered by filler. The other side was better but he cut out the infected areas and plated them.
https://images2.imgbox.com/af/d2/EKjHprjV_o.jpg


Finally, he put a tiny plate where some rust came through from under the wing in the wheel well. Like I mentioned a few posts back, places where the factory under seal had peeled away from the body, there was ingress of water and the obvious occurred. It was only a few cm's long but lucky I came across it for the guy to be able to clean it and plate it.
https://images2.imgbox.com/86/d5/1tk99ATF_o.jpg


Just before I left, he got out the Harry Hockey plating kit together with the suspension turret plates and was lining them up, I gave the guy a hand in finding the correct positions and made sure they were gonna go on right. He was gonna do them next and finalise the bay welding right after the stopper was rubbed down. So tomorrow should see some more work.


Thank you, come again!

[Rich]

did the bodyshop do the cutout for alternator clearance? doesnt look like its open at the top? alternator will still hit

[Nova_Tek]

It was actually not cut out, but like I said he had a few more little bits to do in the bay. Tomorrow if it hasn't been done then I'll be reminding him. As he hadn't finished everything just yet, I didn't wanna jump on him ;)

[Rich]

ok just pointing it out, been there on my first conversion and its not fun recutting and welding/painting it again!

[Nova_Tek]

Can imagine lol

[novacabrio]

What gear box will you be running? If your fitting a LET then are you not allowing for any cutting for pipes before its painted? boot pipes intercoolers etc? Trial fit of engine? Or have i missed this part? Are you not taking the servo etc off for paint aswell? Would give a better finish, spending a few extra hours taking bits like that off is worth it considering the time they seem to be putting in

[Nova_Tek]

Will be running F20 mate. As for intercoolers, I'm on the hunt for a slim/small one. I've come across a couple that are small and slim which will easily fit infront of the rad with no need for any cutting of the cross member or bumper.

If I paint the servo it can be done whilst in the car, and the guys in the shop said it would be no issue at all painting in bay with it fitted.

[Mazz]

Gonna say, this is mine - it still occasionally touches at the back when booting on ½ to ¾ lock on solid mounts

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y191/mrmazz/Nova/Image003.jpg

[Nova_Tek]

Does it touch at the top or lower down? Mine is recessed a lot deeper than what's in the pic. He said he'll be knocking the upper lip back with a mallet as he didn't wanna cut, he much preferred to use this method as it would keep its strength better. All will be revealed when the engine goes in, I feel that sometimes it all depends on how its put in as the fitting can vary slightly as with anything.

He also added that the strengthening plates weren't really gonna offer a huge advantage and said that it probably wouldn't have mattered that much if I didn't use any, as the stitch welding was gonna offer a good enough strength do the already strong and solid bay (which I've read a few times in discussions on PNG). He did however say that the suspension turrets were a good choice.

I explained that normally the stitch welding was sufficient but some people added these plates whilst this was being done, as an extra precaution. If the car was gonna be used for rallying then the plates would make bigger sense but he could see the logic behind getting them done whilst all this work was going on.

UPDATE

So I made my way to the bodyshop about midday to see if there were any developments. The Nova was in the oven drying after some new primer to the areas that were re-done in stopper and some acid etch primer to the strengthening plates.

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/2169/1000824y.jpg
http://img532.imageshack.us/img532/489/1000825.jpg
http://img532.imageshack.us/img532/3185/1000826a.jpg
http://img532.imageshack.us/img532/233/1000827v.jpg

They took it out the oven and gave the whole car a dusting of black paint, to see any high/low spots when DA'ing the body ready for paint.

I left a bit later and returned late afternoon. They were in the oven again, this time flatting the primer by hand ready for proper paint. The flatting procedure really showed up the smoothness of the body ;) .

They were gonna go ahead with the engine bay painting and then leave that overnight to dry. I should see some lovely fresh paint on the whole body in the morning, can't wait :d .

[dj_wudgey]

nice mate sounds like your finaly getting there!

[Nova_Tek]

Yep, and after this next update it deffo feels that way.


UPDATE


Well today was the BIG DAY! Woke up and made my way down to my second home for the past couple months.


The Nova was in the oven getting wiped down and having final prep ready for some paint.


I'll let the pics do all the talking for this one...


After flatting the primer, wiping with panel wipe and a tack cloth, this is how it stood
https://images2.imgbox.com/7d/2d/FA1UvrAK_o.jpg


https://images2.imgbox.com/08/2b/6z3YiW5s_o.jpg


And the first coat of gold had started. This was just a dust over coat to make sure that the paint wasn't going to react to anything (this was their main concern from the very beginning)
https://images2.imgbox.com/34/30/Q8FNEIEc_o.jpg


After the initial coat, he went and filled up his gun for the second coat
https://images2.imgbox.com/32/4d/OtG85luj_o.jpg

https://images2.imgbox.com/23/03/qM1nAIle_o.jpg

Second coat complete. He popped to the paints and refilled his gun for the third coat.
https://images2.imgbox.com/2e/e6/YRqThwis_o.jpg


https://images2.imgbox.com/c2/60/19xCMbav_o.jpg

https://images2.imgbox.com/d7/39/kJu1OxRI_o.jpg

Again, once the third coat was done, he filled up his gun for the fourth and fifth coat.
https://images2.imgbox.com/15/29/hr4Rp4Ef_o.jpg


That was the end of the base coat and I have to say it looked good in matt gold form. But that didn't last as he went away and mixed up the clearcoat/laquer.


First coat of laquer
https://images2.imgbox.com/64/89/PQo6be2c_o.jpg


https://images2.imgbox.com/78/f4/YYL7d27c_o.jpg

Second coat
https://images2.imgbox.com/cc/ad/aruw82nz_o.jpg

https://images2.imgbox.com/f0/d7/oLo26UKM_o.jpg

And final coat
https://images2.imgbox.com/71/60/cUS6ANxS_o.jpg


Then it was left up to the oven to cure the paint. Next was a few hours at 80 degrees. I obviously didn't wait for it to dry, so I made my way home.


...

[Nova_Tek]

...


I returned late afternoon to see the Nova out of the oven and flatted down.
https://images2.imgbox.com/01/d2/c1DOUrLt_o.jpg

https://images2.imgbox.com/5a/f6/24gWT8EL_o.jpg

https://images2.imgbox.com/c8/8a/wS6eQn6T_o.jpg

https://images2.imgbox.com/96/60/IAjGm7zs_o.jpg

Back in the shop to get the mopping done.
https://images2.imgbox.com/d0/21/gK5iXuwi_o.jpg

First bit of the roof mopped up (was about 4 metres away when i took this shot)
https://images2.imgbox.com/ee/f9/DJW3QSm3_o.jpg

^ Awww Yeah!

And a bit more mopping done
https://images2.imgbox.com/89/ed/9TOSzfAx_o.jpg

https://images2.imgbox.com/b3/c4/XXDo0PP3_o.jpg

https://images2.imgbox.com/39/90/TGia47m3_o.jpg

Whilst one of the lads was mopping away, the other got to work on the snowplough, the rear gte bumper, wing mirror covers and the spoiler. They were being rubbed down, repaired etc.

As I left the shop, the mirror covers and spoiler were going in for paint. Tomorrow should see them all done and probably with the spoiler fitted

Until then...

[peester]

woo gold eh?!

[Nova_Tek]

Yep, keeping it original-ishlol

Colour original, mechanicals far from it.

[brainsnova]

looks tidy and am i thinking of learning to paint as i love the transformation.

[waynes sri]

look at that shine getting there now bet your wetting ya pants and just what it back how it should be lol:thumb:

[Nova_Tek]

looks tidy and am i thinking of learning to paint as i love the transformation.

I should've stuck with it, but I didn't :( That's life and lifes choices unfortunately, not that I regret what I do now but still.

It will look even tidier when all mopped and reassembled :thumb:


look at that shine getting there now bet your wetting ya pants and just what it back how it should be lol:thumb:

You bet mate. Still lots to mop, the guy really takes his time mopping to get the most out of it. Then a wash and a waxing. Need to remember my shades I think ;)

[craig green]

Dude this must be an exciting time for you? It'll look ace!

Whats the paint like in the door & boot shuts? Was it painted as we seeit? Or were the doors opened etc?

[vaughanmc]

Looking good fella :)

[novacabrio]

Excellent update, i cant help but think how much more fun this car would be with no spoiler on, no snow plow, just a standard early bumper and smaller intercooler and badges up as a 1.2 merit or similar would make a nice subtle car with a tastey engine. There is a guy up here with a .mk3 escort done similar in original colour and 1.3GL badges but with cosworth running gear in it.

[craig green]

The Gold is lush. Is it the old Vauxhall shade?

[auzzy-b]

WOW paint!!! how did i miss that.. looks really good tek! I thought you had to change the n/s gearbox mount on the lets? i bet you cant wait to start rebuilding now. mine will be having a full resapray also once ive had chance to enjoy it for a while:)

[dj_wudgey]

that looks spot on that fella very nice!!

[Nova_Tek]

Dude this must be an exciting time for you? It'll look ace!

Whats the paint like in the door & boot shuts? Was it painted as we seeit? Or were the doors opened etc?

Doors and boot lid were opened whilst painting to do all the shuts and inside the doors. The bay was painted first before the body so the underside of the bonnet was done too.


Looking good fella :)

Thanks Vaughan :thumb:


Excellent update, i cant help but think how much more fun this car would be with no spoiler on, no snow plow, just a standard early bumper and smaller intercooler and badges up as a 1.2 merit or similar would make a nice subtle car with a tastey engine. There is a guy up here with a .mk3 escort done similar in original colour and 1.3GL badges but with cosworth running gear in it.

I once thought about that, but I just love the snowplough. As the exterior goes this is it; snowplough, GTE rear bumper and GSi spoiler. No skirts, no vinyls just gold :).

Having a sleeper would be fun when smoking big cars but I have to have the plough on.


The Gold is lush. Is it the old Vauxhall shade?

Yep utterly standard metallic White Gold by Vauxhall, exactly what it says on the VIN (not tin lol). The colour match is fantastic, it really is nice seeing the car in one shade of proper gold.


WOW paint!!! how did i miss that.. looks really good tek! I thought you had to change the n/s gearbox mount on the lets? i bet you cant wait to start rebuilding now. mine will be having a full resapray also once ive had chance to enjoy it for a while:)

You only need to change the N/S mount when sticking in an F28. I'm going for an F20 so I can use the original mount.


that looks spot on that fella very nice!!

Thanks dude :thumb:

[dj_wudgey]

no probs i bet your well excited to get it back now i would be sh*ting the bed every day wondering when it will be home lol

[Rich]

great feeling have a car freshly painted, i got mine back from bodyshop last week. Did they sort the alternator cutout in the end?

[Nova_Tek]

Yeah realy can't wait to get it home and put everything on it. A lot of refurbed, cleaned, and new bits going on so it'll look mint.


great feeling have a car freshly painted, i got mine back from bodyshop last week. Did they sort the alternator cutout in the end?

Yeah, knocked it back a bit using a mallet. He didn't wanna cut it and felt knokcing it back was the best way to go about it and can always be 'adjusted'. But I'm very happy with everything.

[Edd]

The gold looks awesome.

Iv never seen many Nova's in that colour before.

Good luck with putting it all back together, should be top when finished.

[Nova_Tek]

Cheers Edd, there's only one Nova on here with this colour, and I haven't seen this colour anywhere on the road. So if there is on then it's pretty well hidden.


Many people commented on the colour when it first got to the shop to the lads working there saying 'is he sure he wants to go for that colour?'

Now that they've seen it with fresh shiney paint people have actually said it looks lovely in that colour.

[brucer]

the paint job looks awesome, bet your pleased with the outcome.

keep up the work tek and get her built up.

[Southie]

Now that looks awesome Mr Tek loving the shine of the paint :cool:

It's a cracking build you've got going on here mate.

NovaTek the scaramanga of PNG lol

[Nova_Tek]

Thanks Southie, appreciate the words :)

lol Scaramanga.

Update soon.

[Southie]

Have some rep ;)

[Nova_Tek]

:thumb:

[Benn]

Dude, looks awesome! I might have missed it but why was the window not masked up?

[novasportc550]

looking good chum.......:thumb::thumb::thumb:

[Nova_Tek]

Thanks Benn.

There was a dust sheet covering the inside but he left the window unmasked as he had to paint the inside of rear screen lip due to corrosion.

Thanks Novasport.

[Benn]

Ah cool.

[Nova_Tek]

UPDATE

Popped down to the bodyshop briefly to drop off the rear glass for them to re-fit. Took some snaps of it almost fully mopped. Only the passenger side was left.
Was looking shiny if I say so myself.

The GTE rear bumper getting some rub down treatment.
https://images2.imgbox.com/a0/c5/Sue9PkSb_o.jpg

https://images2.imgbox.com/0d/42/LxR7Spxw_o.jpg

The snowplough needed more work though. The paint had flaked in a few areas and the guys said that the bumper has lost a bit of shape, it's a bit warped. They'll be trying their best to remove all the old paint, give it a good rub down and painting.
https://images2.imgbox.com/26/11/ff7ILIXw_o.jpg

Had to leave the shop to go sort something out, which took almost all day, but I returned just before they shut to give them the front heated screen for them to fit. He was preparing the GSi spoiler and painting the wing mirror surrounds. He pointed me in the direction of the underside.

https://images2.imgbox.com/6e/f7/d6jYf6J0_o.jpg

^ There's a repair on the floor which you can hardly tell

https://images2.imgbox.com/c5/0b/uzJcSRoT_o.jpg

https://images2.imgbox.com/98/09/X2rzPCqD_o.jpg

https://images2.imgbox.com/7c/df/fgf5RdQg_o.jpg

Now before anyone says anything, I know what you're thinking... but no he hasn't missed any areas. The under seal was still very wet and the flash was being reflected back hence it looking like it wasn't covered. He used Tetra Schutz on his special applicator gun on an airline. So it got into every nook and cranny. The arches were also done.

Some pics of the Nova with the rear glass back in, door handles painted and on, petrol cap repainted in black.

https://images2.imgbox.com/98/5f/IGyhEY5K_o.jpg


https://images2.imgbox.com/d7/b8/42Q8O3EO_o.jpg


https://images2.imgbox.com/da/37/jfjV11zy_o.jpg


https://images2.imgbox.com/71/5e/NiOxtVD1_o.jpg

https://images2.imgbox.com/40/23/yPOUpccQ_o.jpg

The guys spoke to me about the snowplough. Firstly, the driver side metal bracket on the bumper (which slides into the guide on the wing) was half there, then they cautioned me that the snowplough being a bit warped could mean that when painted it may show up it's non-straightness.

Anyway we offered it on to the front to make sure it was ok.

To me it still looked fine and you'd really have to search for the un-straight/warped bit. I hadn't noticed it before and feel that only the trained eye will spot the ploughs imperfection. At the end of the day its a 25 year old piece of plastic.

[Mags]

looks good mate

[Shaun]

looking smart mate!

is such a nice feeling getting it back from the bodyshop

[Nova_Tek]

Thanks lads.

It sure will be a nice feeling having it back :)

[Balley]

Looks awesome!

[mayhem]

i have the same problem with my plough.

i have a new set of mounts, but the old ones are a bitch to remove.

i still think you should have removed the wiper and run without a spoiler.

looks great though, lovely colour.

[shy witness]

looking really well mate.


as i said before.

love the colour and complete retroness.

should be a gorgeous wee car when finished.

personally...i wouldnt be a fan of the coloured door handles.....but everyone has theyre own taste.

great project mate

[brownbear]

Stunning STUNNING STUNNING!

[Benn]

Dude its looking awesome! Paint looks good.

[Nova_Tek]

Thanks for all the comments lads.



i have the same problem with my plough.


i have a new set of mounts, but the old ones are a bitch to remove.


i still think you should have removed the wiper and run without a spoiler.


looks great though, lovely colour.


Yep a right biatch mate, all mine have rusted on solid, it's gonna be a right pain to sort out. It looks like the plough has been over tightened as the warp seems to start from the screw holes.


I know what you're saying but I really like the GSi spoiler and I'll be having it put on.



looking really well mate.




as i said before.


love the colour and complete retroness.


should be a gorgeous wee car when finished.


personally...i wouldnt be a fan of the coloured door handles.....but everyone has theyre own taste.


great project mate


Reason why I chose the coloured handles is that I wanted to keep the colours simple. All the body to be gold with the bumpers black. I've also opted to go without the gutter trim and the B pillar vinyl just the keep the gold flowing a bit better. I think that both colour coded and non-colour coded looks good anyway so it's a win win situation for me.


UPDATE


Another absolutely knackering day. Woke up early and made may way down to you know where.


The guys were going over the car putting back bits n pieces that they removed whilst the bumpers were in the oven drying. I had also brought along a few bits to put back while the guys were doing final touches. I only really brought along stuff that covered holes as the weather seemed as it was gonna chuck it down i.e rear clusters, front headlamps, blower motor etc.


Putting back the front bumper was a nightmare as the driver side wing bracket was half non-existant. managed to get it on with no damage, phew!


The GTE rear bumper went on a treat.


The bad news of the day was the GSi spoiler. After two attempts to get it painted, both times a section of the spoiler about the size of a memory stick reacted with the paint and started to blister immediately. The chaps said to leave it with them to try strip it back as much as poss and then paint it again. In the mean time we thought we'd line up the spoiler and mark where it'll be fixed to the boot.


Ooops! The corner of the spoiler is missing!! Nobody, till now, had noticed it was even damaged. I didn't & they didn't! So it looks like I'll be searching for a replacement GSi spoiler as they didn't want to repair it due to it being right on the corner and there would be a risk of it falling off.


Anywho, with the car all done, it was pushed out to wait for the tow truck.


Perfect time for me to get some snaps
https://images2.imgbox.com/75/af/LAj00ZzU_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/ab/42/GzNNo1kg_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/75/91/82qft9V0_o.jpg

Not the most glamorous estate, but the Nova more than makes up for it, and yes that is the new heated front screen fitted. Something you don't see often, shiny black snowplough!! The GTE rear bumper really does give the back end a nice look.


With regards to the interior, I think I'm gonna skip the buckets a pair of Vauxhall Recaros to fit. Have considered the Astra G GSi seats as a possible candidate. The headlining needs to be re-trimmed so they would all need to match up nicely.

The chaps there were really pleased with how the Nova looked and I think they didn't expect it to look this nice. A guy with a Carrera S came to the shop and he was admiring the Nova more than I was admiring the Porsche lol


First things first though, need to get the mechanicals in and running and the interior shall be done after.


The tow truck came soon after and I made my way home, took about, what... 2 mins!


Got home and quickly put a few bits back on the car, then remembered that I left my camera in the tow truck. Chased up the guy, and went and met him where he was to get my camera back. I tidied up the garage (took about 4 hours) and pushed it in.

[Connor]

Getting there Tek,
Cant wait to see this finished now!!

[novacabrio]

Looks well

[brainsnova]

looks amazing :thumb:

[Nova_Tek]

Thank you lads :thumb:

[Connor]

Have you ever tried orange front indicators?
imo they would suit, but the clears look good also

[novacabrio]

Have you ever tried orange front indicators?
imo they would suit, but the clears look good also

I thought that, orange are more in keeping with the original look of the plow, but I think he is trying to keep the colours subtle?

[novasportc550]

looks ace chum.. :cool::thumb::thumb:

[Nova_Tek]

Have you ever tried orange front indicators?
imo they would suit, but the clears look good also

The Nova had oranges on originally but I swapped it over to clears later. I do like both but the clears, I feel, look neater.


I thought that, orange are more in keeping with the original look of the plow, but I think he is trying to keep the colours subtle?

Orange would be even more original but I think it may be one originality that won't be used.


looks ace chum.. :cool::thumb::thumb:

Thanks pal :thumb:

[dj_wudgey]

does look ace mate you think youll be at pv?

[Nova_Tek]

Very much doubt it mate, still needs an engine. Wanna be able to get a good'un that I can hear running, preferably. Just need to just take it as it comes really. There's a couple bits still needed so need to sort them out, but first I need to find a bit more cash lol

[dj_wudgey]

gutted! Was hoping to see it at pv!

[Nova_Tek]

One thing in life that I've learnt is that if you try plan things to coincide with something, it rarely happens the way you want it.

So although I'd love to get it all sorted by the end of this month, I'm not getting my hopes up. Sometimes things happen out of the blue. Like I said I'm taking each day as it comes, with a bit of luck I'll get stuff sorted sooner rather than later.

[dj_wudgey]

yea supose mate would be nice though eh! But id agree plans rarely go to plan!

[Nova_Tek]

Would be a dream mate to get it done by PV. Let's just hope luck is on my side :)

[dj_wudgey]

yea lets hope but if not theres always next time!

[maddogdaz666]

that looks spot on matey. i like it a lot! i bet some turbo rims would look awesome on that.

[Mazz]

tbh, i was always a bit sceptical about the colour, but seeing it now, with the bumpers on it looks great, but those wheels are shocking imo!

[Nova_Tek]

These wheels won't be on here for too long. After the engine and the interior they are next on the list. I'm in two minds whether to go for Vaux rims or for something else.

I've been looking at Team Dynamics ProRace 1.2 in black and I've thought about Porsche rims too. I need to do some homework on them and also get out the photoshop :)

The guys at the bodyshop have kindly offered to refurb my wheels FOC so they'll be on till I get some proper wheels for it.

[Mazz]

I've been looking at Team Dynamics ProRace 1.2 in black

Good call!

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y191/mrmazz/Nova/0240.jpg

[craig green]

Looking ace bud. I dunno why but I was expecting this to have colour coded gold bumpers & plough.

I say it needs some period wheels (or old skool 90's Vaughan mod) wheels to make the most of the bodywork.

[Nova_Tek]

True mate, I've also been thinking about that too. Period wheels would be nice but need to be a really nice set, 15" - 16" big. Will need to make a tough decision when the time comes but when I come across the right wheels I think I'll know ;)

[vaughanmc]

I say it needs some period wheels (or old skool 90's Vaughan mod) wheels to make the most of the bodywork.

I agree! Very cool looking though mate :)

[auzzy-b]

team dynamics Pro race 1.2's are very nice I've had a set on the past:) looks well cool with the bumpers on, love that snowplough!

[Nova_Tek]

Thanks lads :thumb:

UPDATE

No pictures, but managed to get the loom back into the bay. Got it all clipped into place, all wires cleaned and a couple connections renewed.

I also got into the inside of the doors and removed all dirt and dust that had got in there during it's time in the shop. There were a couple little areas about the size of a 5p piece which started to bubble up. Cleaned up all those bits, treated it with rust remedy and sealed it with some waxoyl.

Got the rear seats and the re-trimmed rear shelves in. Started to look like a car now lol.

Had a go at trying to hook up the boot popper. Just need to cut and bend the connecting rod to the solenoid. Dunno how I'm gonna cut it.

What's the best way to feed the wires to the popper solenoid into the cabin?

Also need to sort out the remote locking and hook it up to the alarm.

Will try take some pics tomorrow.

[Dom]

have read this over the past few weeks looks really good mate im impressed!!
My mate used to have a mk2 nova in the same colour :)

[waynes sri]

hey looking good that mate bet will look rather smooth when you get some nice rims not sure if you are or not but would nice lowered:thumb:

[brainsnova]

the easiest way to run wires for the boot solenoid is to use a sturdy bit wire and feed it from in the bootlid at the bottom upto the top spoiler edge or vice versa then down towards the back lights then follow the loom to the front. when i done a smoothed boot i used the rear wiper wiring as its at the boot light. most alarms are negative pulses so you want a permanent live to one side of the solenoid and then the earth signal will come from the alarm

[Nova_Tek]

hey looking good that mate bet will look rather smooth when you get some nice rims not sure if you are or not but would nice lowered:thumb:

This is the order of things to go now that the bodywork is sorted.

1) Buy LET and get it in, making sure everything is running and all mechanicals are good (including fitting brakes, camber bolts and polybushes etc.)

2) Sort out some proper nice wheels

The car is lowered on H&R Sport springs -35mm, although atm with no engine in the front and needing a bit more interior it doesn't quite look low lol


the easiest way to run wires for the boot solenoid is to use a sturdy bit wire and feed it from in the bootlid at the bottom upto the top spoiler edge or vice versa then down towards the back lights then follow the loom to the front. when i done a smoothed boot i used the rear wiper wiring as its at the boot light. most alarms are negative pulses so you want a permanent live to one side of the solenoid and then the earth signal will come from the alarm

Coolio mate, will give that a go when I have the time. Wanna run it through the rubber sleeve which the factory electrics run through.

:thumb:

This is a shot of it on Monday. The bodyshop gave me a large hefty dust sheet which clings to the clean paint. Just to stop and dust or debris falling on to the body and needing regular wiping. The less wiping the less chance of getting light scratches.

https://images2.imgbox.com/9a/30/FcyYtvo6_o.jpg

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/5645/1000879g.jpg

Just a case of finding an engine near by so I can go see it running. In the mean time I'll try and fine some inner CV's that wont cost a bomb lol and the last remaining odds and sods

[auzzy-b]

I bought my cv's from Carcraft all reconditioned I think they were roughly £30-40 each if that's any help bud

[vaughanmc]

Looking good cheif - I'm thinking about using that Schutz on my Mk1...Is it overpaintable do you know ?

[Nova_Tek]

I bought my cv's from Carcraft all reconditioned I think they were roughly £30-40 each if that's any help bud

Someone on MIG told me they bought a brand set for £48 from a motorfactor, as I was lookıng for a set used. Waiting for some info from him part number manufacturer etc.


Looking good cheif - I'm thinking about using that Schutz on my Mk1...Is it overpaintable do you know ?

AFAIK, and I did ask the bodyshop, they said it wasn't overpaintable. They did use some trade stuff though, never seen that brand/tin in any places I've been. It was called Tetra Schutz.

:thumb:

[dj_wudgey]

nice mate you need that cover as garages allways make loads off sh*t dust lol

[Nova_Tek]

I know mate, was in there for one day, and it already had some speckles of dust on it. This dust sheet should keep it protected well :)

[scott.parker]

Just seen the new pics mate, looks very nice, looks a good job on it, if you dont mind me asking, how much did you pay for all the work?

Scott

[Shaun]

how long ago did they get them £48 a pair?

i paid 42quid for one last week

[craig green]

Grrr. Me want more pics.

[Nova_Tek]

Just seen the new pics mate, looks very nice, looks a good job on it, if you dont mind me asking, how much did you pay for all the work?

Scott
Yep top quality mate, really cannot complian as it looked easier than it really was to sort out and there were a few littile bits that cropped up. I've noticed a couple areas where the new paint had reacted with the old rubbish, but it's only in small patches. I'll be taking the car down once running for them small areas to be blown in. All in all I paid 1k, but that's coz they know me, proper mates rates and all that. ;) If anyone wants any work done let me know and I can ask on your behalf. That's ıf you live close enough to London not to mind a trip :)
how long ago did they get them £48 a pair?

i paid 42quid for one last week
Dunno mate, gonna go on MIG to see if he's replied to my PM. I need a pair, it's one of that last bits I need.
Grrr. Me want more pics.
For the moment Craig, that is it :(. Hope to have some new pics in the near future

[dj_wudgey]

a grand mate is not bad at all!! id pay a grand for that kind off job!!

[Benn]

I wouldn't keep it under the cover, the paint still needs to breather dude.

[Nova_Tek]

a grand mate is not bad at all!! id pay a grand for that kind off job!!
Like I said, main reason for that is coz I know them and they know me and they are best mates with one of my family.
The cover is only temporary Benn. Plus the guys didn't voice any caution about it I'm sure it'll be ok. But I shall be asking them if it's deffo ok to have under that cover.

[craig green]

Breathe.

[Benn]

I wouldn't have it on there at all, even if the car was baked it will still breathe

[Nova_Tek]

So you're saying leave it uncovered, even if it gathers dust? Wiping dust off will scratch it though.

[Nova_Tek]

UPDATE

Only small one really. Been a while since I made any updates. Got through my accelerator cable, F20 gearbox with only 75k miles and a replacement GSi spoiler as mine had cracked on the corner :(

https://images2.imgbox.com/fd/ef/bnXoW1rI_o.jpg

https://images2.imgbox.com/2e/8e/i28FMDrr_o.jpg
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/4755/dsc00878zh.jpg
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/918/dsc00883j.jpg
http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/279/dsc00880x.jpg

And the spoiler, funny how the additional body parts that I have needed have come off a Red Nova, the GTE bumper was also the same colour.
https://images2.imgbox.com/60/a0/CEMyUTIJ_o.jpg

https://images2.imgbox.com/8c/de/MfVT6xUb_o.jpg

https://images2.imgbox.com/17/f6/jAkKFbQM_o.jpg

https://images2.imgbox.com/9f/d8/TNlMNgpA_o.jpg

https://images2.imgbox.com/d0/e9/xluUsMXF_o.jpg

The spoiler looks real nice, colour is a bit matt where it's a bit worn out but it's all good with only one of the little securing nuts missing. Easily sorted with a new set.
http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/3638/dsc00886bo.jpg
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/1307/dsc00884ew.jpg

Should be able to pop to the lads at the bodyshop tomorrow, drop off the spoiler for them to get it rubbed down and painted. I'm glad I listened to the guys there as my other spoiler was, what looked like, a copy. It didn't have the long screws as the GM one has and IIRC the holes weren't in the same place, so there might have been 4 holes in the boot lid, in the wrong places lol

Should hopefully have it painted and fitted by end of this week ;)

Can't wait. Should finish off the rear end nicely.

[brucer]

will you be cleaning up and painting the box? if so, what colour you doing it?

dont know if ive missed it, but have you sourced and engine yet?

keep up the work skidder!

[Nova_Tek]

Yes mate of course, I'd be a crazy mofo for not cleaning and/or painting it lol Need to clean it first and then see what it's like. If I'm lucky and it's in good condition underneath the crap, I can get away with a good clean.

So far the cars colour scheme has been black or hammerite silver for the refurbed/cleaned bits i.e. brake calipers, pump, wiper motor etc. If I do the gearbox it'll probably be hammerite silver, that's if it can be laquered. If not, a normal silver paint then laquer. Just want things looking 'like new'. No crazy colours, not that I'm boring or anything, but it wou't suit the car imo.

As for the engine I'm in a few minds about it. Whether to buy one whole, buy one from various people in various bits and rebuild it (ideally for the same cost as buying one whole or a tad cheaper) or buying a dead one for a lot less (depending on how it died) and then rebuilding the necessary bits.

:thumb:

Off to have a look at your update now ;)

[brucer]

i think silver would be best, never heard of hammerite being laquered but might be possible. i painted my old box in hammerite silver, like so....

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/bachilds1988/DSC00677-1.jpg
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/bachilds1988/nova%20progress/DSC00656.jpg

tbh buying a running engine would make alot of sense as you know you could just wack it in, but depends on if you were planning on rebuilding it to make sure its safe and will last. i always planned on rebuilding a LET for mine so instead of buying the engine im using the XE as the base for it. got the whole engine,box,power cap and other bits for 200pound. sold the loom, power cap, afm and other bits off that are xe and now the engine owes me 50pound. cant go wrong.

ive bought most LET bits for it so all i have to do is rebuild it and drill the turbo oil return etc. works out cheaper than buying a LET for 1000pound and rebuilding it. :)

[Nova_Tek]

Liking the silver-ness, but I'll feel more comfortable lacquering it, as hammerite is a tad difficult to clean once it gets a bit grubby. I've experienced this first hand. In fact I mite get the lads at the bodyshop to get it done properly so it shines like new too ;) They'll prob get it done in a day no problem.

May have to drop it off when I drop the wheels off for a repaint and refurb, think I'll ask them and see what they say.

As for the engine, what you've just said was kinda what I was thinking, it'll end up more reassuring than a whole engine you have no history of, and works out a bit more cost effective. I'm gonna see how the engine search goes and take it from there really.

[dj_wudgey]

nice few bits youve got there matey!!

[Nova_Tek]

Yep, thinking about it there really isn't much left to buy, but at the moment there isn't much of that stuff left that lets you buy things.... what's it called.. oh yeah MONEY! lol

[Nova_Tek]

UPDATE

Nothing overly exciting... the GSi spoiler was dropped off at the shop yesterday, so we should be seeing that with some new fresh paint on it.

One thing I totally totally forgot about was my radiator. I ordered it close to a month ago from Northern Radiators. Being so busy with the car it had escaped my mind until a few days back when I was going through my credit card bill. One Nova rad paid for but not with me... hmm!

Gave the guys at NR a call, and one of the lads there was very helpful, managed to find out that their supplier had none in stock and they weren't informed. All sorted now should be getting that tomorrow, result! :)

[Nova_Tek]

UPDATE

Finally got my GTE/GSi rad. I actually got it on Wednesday but kinda got side tracked and forgot to update the thread with it. Looks a lot shinier than my old 1.2 rad (which is up for sale, check the sig below). Not bad for £37 all in.

https://images2.imgbox.com/af/9c/AhoWX3rS_o.jpg

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/3842/dsc00938z.jpg
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/9641/dsc00936eo.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/b2/14/Bb8BKpBX_o.jpg

Not many bits left to get now, it's literally a few bits n pieces, hopefully it don't take too long to source/find.

[Benn]

Good work.

[Nova_Tek]

Thanks, I can't really take much credit as I've only bought the items lol radiator is mint though. Wasn't gonna bother getting another one as mine was fine but I thought I'd play safe and get one. For £37 it was well worth it and it's peace of mind too.

[Benn]

New stuff rules.

[Nova_Tek]

Indeed it does, especially when the bits you buy are cheap as chips.

[Nova_Tek]

UPDATE
It's been a while, but sadly only a small update. Never the less, it's a part of the project which is still very much important as without these bits, it wouldn't get finished.

This time an extremely important part of the LET... the ECU. Bought it off -JELLY- on here (cheers pal ). Needs a bit of a clean up and wipe, but nothing I can't handle.



https://images2.imgbox.com/ad/c1/OsY09hCf_o.jpg

https://images2.imgbox.com/f1/51/Ad4k54Xa_o.jpg

https://images2.imgbox.com/6e/21/iZsFVSEZ_o.jpg

All the pins looking good.

Now I don't wanna sounds stupid, but what is the blue hose for?


Had a word with the bodyshop, I'll be handing over two of the alloys I currently have on the Nova for a refurb as they are a bit scuffed but otherwise good. I only have 2 spare tyres at home so they'll be done two at a time. I should get the spoiler and the wheels all back at the same time.

I only really have a few bits left to get. Things like inner CV's, loom, FMIC and the engine itself.

How different is the loom from a C20NE from a '92 Cav?

[AlexW]

Pipe will be for the vaccum/boost.

Need to get some real progress :p

[craig green]

How different is the loom from a C20NE from a '92 Cav?

dude come on? lol

pipe from the ecu will go to a map sensor or vac signal line. there is a full schematic diagram of the LET loom & it's sensors floating about somewhere.

[Nova_Tek]

I'm a carb guy mate lol

Cheers for the explanation of the Vac line.


Pipe will be for the vaccum/boost.

Need to get some real progress :p

I know mate but time is very limited these days and have a few things that are higher priotirty than the Nova. Kinda wanna first complete the parts/bits list and then make a start and get it done in one swoop ;)

[The Simps]

Simps is your friend!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/LET_motronic.gif

[The Simps]

Thats an edited version btw with the hot start valve cut out ofthe circuit. You still need it plugged in electrically just no in the vacuum circuit.

[Nova_Tek]

Great diagram Simps, very useful. You have +1 rep.

So will I deffo need a carbon canister?

[Rich]

no tank vent valve just needs blocking off, keep the plug in it though

[The Simps]

You wont need a carbon canister no. Cheers for the rep.

[Nova_Tek]

Right ok, just keep it blocked off. Coolio.

No worries mate, first time I've seen that diagram an it'Ll be proper useful too so rep was in order :)

[Southie]

Any progress chief? :d

[Nova_Tek]

Errr... No! :(

The project has come to a halt tbh. There's so much shizzle going on that I feel the Nova can wait until I find some good time to do some work on it. Last thing I wanna do is spend the limited time I have free on rushing things and doing a crap job for me to them regret doing it and having to do it again. I know this doesn't make for an interesting thread but when things pick up I'm sure it would have been worth the wait.

I've been on the look out for an engine but missed out on one on eBay which was a bummer.

I have received a couple bits in the post today, informed by my bro. So I'll be quickly updating the thread of them bits but nothing special.

Anyway you know me pal, soon as I do some work this thread will be updated post-haste ;)

[Southie]

No rush, best things come to those and all that. ;)

[Nova_Tek]

Don't get me wrong, I wanna finish this asap so I can drive the beast but somethings just get in the way and are to important not to sort out.

Have a feeling things should pick up probably around next month :crosses fingers:

[Southie]

This might come in handy then lol CLICKYCOUNTDOWN (http://www.online-stopwatch.com/full-screen-stopwatch/)

I await the goodness that is Tek :d

[Nova_Tek]

Thanks for the countdown Southie, but dunno which values to input lol

Oh when the updates come around there will be plenty of goodness ;)

[Nova_Tek]

UPDATE

More bits added to the ever expanding parts bin. It actually took a while to decide what to buy when it came to the intercooler. Obviously buying a new alloy FMIC would've been good, but finding the right size proved to be difficult, very difficult!

I know and I've read some peoples opinions regarding FMIC's. A few people said that the standard item doesn't do a good job and some have said it's ok for around standard power.

I then did some research and asked a few people I actually know in person. It was because of that I opted to go for what I bought.

A very good mate of mine has a Cally T DTM running phase 1 @ 260BHP. He uses the standard Cally T FMIC and is currently running 14 psi boost and 18psi overboost with no problems what-so-ever. I actually didn't believe him at first from what I had readin various places, but after going for a blast and keeping an eye on the gauges I was pleastly surprised.

His power isn't claimed it was actually RR'd so another decent indication that the FMIC is doing a fairly good job.

That had convinced me and for the price I bought the FMIC for it was silly not to try it out.

It took a while deciding what to buy, it took a bit longer to find one that wasn't battered. There were quite a few for sale but I come across one which was in vgc, albeit a tad dusty.

Anyway, the pics (If you're wondering how good the iPhone 4 camera is, look no further)

https://images2.imgbox.com/9a/43/q40BX75A_o.jpg

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/9868/img0045ku.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/03/80/PI9Y6BjR_o.jpg
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/7624/img0046qq.jpg

A real bargain, not bad for £12 :) Bit dirty but all the fins are pretty much intact. Some chemicals and cleaning should do the trick and make it look mint again.

I know that some people will probably tell me otherwise and will encourage me to bin it and go fomr somehting a bit more aftermarket.

Although many topics have been tried by someone else and the end result given, sometimes it's actually worth experiencing something first hand and if it doesn't work a solution can be found.

[Lee H]

I have no idea where you are going to fit it in a Nova though, the only place I could get it to fit was behind the radiator over the gearbox. The pipes are totally wrong for getting it in front of the radiator.

Behind the radiator it will work nothing like it does in a Cavalier or Calibra as it won't get the same airflow.

[Nova_Tek]

I'll sort something out :)

[Nova_Tek]

UPDATE


I know... it's been a while to say the least! Not much has happened in the last few months apart from buying bits and pieces. As always planning is pointless because something will no doubt come up and throw you off plan. Hopefully things start to look up and get back on track.


Anyway, had some free time today so decided to get on with some work and clean the filthy gearbox.

Before

https://images2.imgbox.com/20/67/0xRmoInN_o.jpg

Took me ages to get it clean, so much muck and sh*t. Emptied two 500ml spray cans of engine degreaser, knackered two tooth brushes, a scouring pad, a sponge and two brillo pads. That plus many choice words, grazed knuckles, idiot rash and done my back in. I got it to this condition eventually.

After
https://images2.imgbox.com/8f/02/1JEh0DFg_o.jpg


https://images2.imgbox.com/2a/70/0BeQAy2F_o.jpg

I'm pleased with the outcome, needs a few hard to reach areas to be cleaned one last time but apart from that it's a worlds apart from before.

I'm now just wondering what colour to spray it; black or silver, or keep it as is? Also clean up inside and the inside of the inspection plate but I had enough for today.

[AlexW]

Do it silver, i so regretted doing my nova box black.

PS, surly with a aftermarket fmic you will see cooler inlet temps?!

[Nova_Tek]

Silver was my first choice but black came to mind.

Might see cooler temps but if it works fine for 260BHP then it'll be more than adequate for 205BHP.

[The Simps]

I'm a fan of the black personally. I've gone black box, black block, black head, black inlet, white cam cover.

[Simon 1867]

You missed abit.....................Looks good matey, id go for silver

[Nova_Tek]

Yeah a few small areas missed but I left them soaked in degreaser.

Black will look nice but will make it harder to spot if anything is leaking and silver will show dirt much more.

I like black too (generally), I mean a lot of the parts will be done in black as well as silver.

Just wondering what to use to paint it, needs to be durable.

[Southie]

Do the gearbox the same colour as the car :d

[craig green]

Do the gearbox the same colour as the car :d

coukd look good. Black will be the highest maintenance colour tbh. It will show up the slightest bits of dust & crap & lets face it gearboxes get covered in it. If it was a trailer quen then crackle black would look awesome, but otherwise I would choose silver or maybe mix some black in with it to crerate a gunmetal finish. halfway between the two?

[Nova_Tek]

Do the gearbox the same colour as the car :d

I dunno Southie too much of something can be a bad thing.


coukd look good. Black will be the highest maintenance colour tbh. It will show up the slightest bits of dust & crap & lets face it gearboxes get covered in it. If it was a trailer quen then crackle black would look awesome, but otherwise I would choose silver or maybe mix some black in with it to crerate a gunmetal finish. halfway between the two?

TBH I don't want to over do it. As in the car is gold, with silver and black bits. I had thought of other colours but it would start to look less consistent. So in terms of colours its a choice of whats on the car i.e. black, silver or gold. Looks like it'll be silver but something nice and shiney and durable.

[AlexW]

I done my corsas gearbox silver, used spray hammerite smooth. Two coats was enough and it looks fine imo

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh30/AW_06/100_4087.jpg

[Southie]

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ nah

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ win

http://i345.photobucket.com/albums/p379/SOUTHIE01/shoppery/GOLDGEARBOX.jpg

[craig green]

LOL. You even got the grass to go gold...

That end cap needs wire brushing & doing again.

[Nova_Tek]

Looks good. Can Hammerite be laquered?

Gold looks alright Southie but I dunno lol

[Southie]

It was a quick spray job but looks more realistic lol

Looks like AW06 rushed his silver one that's why the end is still peeling away.

[Southie]

Just had a thought, has Benn colour coded his gearbox? Goes off to look...


... Yep

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/bennh2/Updates%20Oct09%20on/stuff17.jpg

[Nova_Tek]

Yeah Benn's gearbox is one I know of, looks prety good but have a feeling silver would look neater.

[AlexW]

It was for my 12v, bugger if i was wire wheeling it all lol

[Mazz]

What about Phil Lofthouse's (iirc) highly polished box!

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y191/mrmazz/Cars/DSC_0052_Small.jpg

[Graeme]

Hand polished f20 looks ace

[Nova_Tek]

The polished box looks good but it was a pain cleaning the thing, can't imagine how hard it'll be to polish it :(

[Nova_Tek]

UPDATE

Another day of cleaning, this time the intercooler. Not that it was filthy but it could do with a clean.

Again used the ususal stuff, wire wool, detergent, degreaser, toothbrush etc. It came out rather well. There were also a few bent fins which I bent back into its correct position and shape.

Before
https://images2.imgbox.com/66/35/GHrPojTo_o.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img13/1219/1001780a.jpg

https://images2.imgbox.com/e0/ae/3XKBLHuG_o.jpg

After
https://images2.imgbox.com/b0/7c/quwbtUJ0_o.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img411/2161/1001782o.jpg

https://images2.imgbox.com/9b/0c/F0Fh7NnY_o.jpg

Sometimes the fun is seeing a used part look almost new with just a clean. The way I see it is if I don't use it, I'll put it on eBay and get back more than what I paid for it ;)

[vaughanmc]

Came up like new mate :) I'm into the OE look rather than painted and polished etc

[Edd]

any idea how your going to get the intercooler to fit ?

[Nova_Tek]

Came up like new mate :) I'm into the OE look rather than painted and polished etc

Yes mate, came up well, nice and bright.

A few bent fins but still nice and straight, well chuffed with it as I only got it for £12 lol

Somethings look good OE but at times things are difficult to get back to OE look without a lick of paint (obviously a colour that looks OE :) )

You sold your project or stil got it?

[vaughanmc]

It's still here mate...Not touched it though since the last update on the thread

[Nova_Tek]

any idea how your going to get the intercooler to fit ?

Have a couple ideas, but need to get the Nova out and mock fit the new rad and fan just to try mock up the intercooler.

[Nova_Tek]

It's still here mate...Not touched it though since the last update on the thread

Hope you get your enthusiasm back and get it finished ;)

[vaughanmc]

Maybe one day lol :)

[Shaun]

i do think this project is cool as funk!

but really do not understand your choice on intercooler. going to be barsteward to mount and get to function properly. especially without bodging it in.

Should have got a frontera one mate, nice and easy to fit and there only cheap. also look OE.

Just my input, as the engine bay gets feckin hot on my let nova

[Nova_Tek]

Cheers dude.

In have read up about the Frontera one, did look big but have seen others use it. Not sure how effective it'd be with a snowplough, so I thought I'd try something a bit more compact. I know it may be a task to fit but have to try.

If it goes t*ts up then it only cost £12 and now that it's clean I'd get more for it probably lol

[craig green]

That intercooler is a bad move IMO. Too small & hard to actually fit infront of the rad. I used to have a BMW 5 series intercooler which would've been ideal for you, but couldnt flog it so binned it. doh!

[Nova_Tek]

We'll see how good/bad it will be. It can handle power (ok not major power maybe upto 250BHP) but for the time being that is much more than I'm looking for. It may be awkward but I'll find a way to fit it. If not then I'll buy something else.

[Nova_Tek]

UPDATE


Haven't done any work on the Nova for a few days as the weather has been rubbish. It was still rubbish today but I couldn't just sit at home and do nothing. So I thought I'd risk it.


I wanted to finish off the gearbox so I could prepare it for paint. Really didn't like the inside all greasy and full of crud, so I decided to get that and the inspection plate sorted.


Before I started
https://images2.imgbox.com/33/f2/jXgyEsvd_o.jpg

https://images2.imgbox.com/56/70/j1zSmLGR_o.jpg

^^Inspection plate full of crap, sprayed degreaser on it to loosen the oil/grease.

The cleaning was going well, even though it was taking a lot of elbow grease to shift all of that gunk. As I continued cleaning the inside area, I went to scrape off what looked like a dollop of grease. On further inspection it was rock hard... tapped it with a screw driver and it sounded hollow. Decided to investigate further, top part of this foreign matter seemed to have a gap bewteen it and the metal. I put the screw driver in between it and prised it open.

Here's what I found
https://images2.imgbox.com/31/16/4aivN79u_o.jpg



Close up
https://images2.imgbox.com/30/28/1CM8VWUF_o.jpg

This really pissed me off!


Now I dunno what I should do with it, attempt a repair or use it as spares? Would a repair be possible or would it be risky? I'm guessing, from looking at the location of the hole that the only problem is fluid leakage and guess that it wouldn't impede the operation of the box as long as it was repaired and sealed well.


What would cause that to happen anyway?


Once I saw that, I gave up and went indoors and I'm still not in very good mood :mad:

[Benn]

Get it welded over...

[Nova_Tek]

Was thinking that, any other method to plug it would be a bodge (like it was)

[Nova_Tek]

This was what was plugging it

https://images2.imgbox.com/11/a9/nd8t2Shg_o.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img836/5798/1001788.jpg

[Balley]

Came up like new mate :) I'm into the OE look rather than painted and polished etc

Same here, love a clean silver/ black engine

with maybe a hint of gold :D

[Nova_Tek]

The gold sounds nice :)

[dj_wudgey]

is that the plan for the bay then?? silver black and gold lol would look well!!!

[brucer]

getting there slowly tek.

was the gear box sold to you being stated as a good one? if so, id take it a welding place and have it tig'd up. depends if you want to take a risk on the internals being fine. you could always have a gearbox specialist strip it down and inspect to make sure all is good before you have the case repaired.

keep it up bo.

[MattBrown]

Poor luck on the gearbox matey!!

I have seen holes larger than this plugged in work.

They use a piece of copper behind the hole, and fill it with a pool of weld.

A local fab/engineering shop will be able to sort it.


"Keeping it differant and origional FTW"

[Nova_Tek]

is that the plan for the bay then?? silver black and gold lol would look well!!!

Yeah pretty much lol


getting there slowly tek.

was the gear box sold to you being stated as a good one? if so, id take it a welding place and have it tig'd up. depends if you want to take a risk on the internals being fine. you could always have a gearbox specialist strip it down and inspect to make sure all is good before you have the case repaired.

keep it up bo.

Yes mate, bit of a jump start on the project but it is gonna slowly get there.

Got it off a user on Mig IIRC he's on here too. Was sold as a 'good'un' with 75k on it. Don't wanna name names as sometimes if this box was bought and sold on then the seller may not have even been aware, so it may be unfair to speculate.

Hard one to call, I got it end of may, but I wasn't around and only recently have been able to inspect it so... you know.

Will have a word with my mechanic to see if he knows any specialists that can have a look for a decent price, would be nice to get it inspected and feel reassured that it's a good'un.


Poor luck on the gearbox matey!!

I have seen holes larger than this plugged in work.

They use a piece of copper behind the hole, and fill it with a pool of weld.

A local fab/engineering shop will be able to sort it.

"Keeping it differant and origional FTW"

Looking at where it is, repairing it won't cause an issue, so I'll go ahead and get it repaired. Really considering to get it checked though.

Tryna keep the Nova different yet subtle. Had a bit of alloy wheel related inspiration yesterday, something just popped into mind. Need to do a photoshop of the wheels I'm thinking about to confirm my imagination :)

UPDATE
(no pics unfortunately :( )

I popped to Sky Insurance today as I was in the area, I thought I'd get a quote and see how much the damage would be when it comes to insuring the Nova as a turbo.

Considering my renewal from Admiral would've been £520 for the 1.2 with mods declared (wheels, backbox, filter, suspension) I was dreading hearing the price.

After all the usual insurance questions I was given a price of £740 all declared with like for like replacement. So I was pretty pleased with that.

Got home and the weather had turned for the better. It was an opportunity to push it out and see what could be done. I spent a while sorting out the wiring for the remote central locking and the drivers side locking motor.

Managed to sort that but the battery was totally dead so I couldn't, so I stuck that on charge.

Had a look underneath and found a can of waxoyl with schutz. Went over some nooks and crannies.

I set my eyes on removing the exhaust. I removed the first rubber mount off the mid section but got stuck on the last one, mind you the Nova wasn't jacked up so I was making it hard for myself :roll:

In the end I left it as the weather was turning and I really didn't wanna risk getting it wet.

I'm really cheesed off with the weather down here, has been total bullcrap. Last 10 days has seen 8 day of rainy weather. That's 8 days of work on the Nova down the drain, literally.

[Nova_Tek]

UPDATE

Weather is total rubbish at the moment, so won't be able to do any work today.

Popped to Vauxhall to get a couple bits: Seatbelt bar clip and bonnet stay clip (the bit that the bonnet stay slots into when holding up the bonnet). The seat belt clip was NLS but managed to get the other one.

[dj_wudgey]

yea the weather is rather poo was hoping to get out with my sr now im finally home again but no go lol!!! youll get out on her in a few days though!!

[Nova_Tek]

Yeah I'm hoping to. Heard this weather will be passing soon. Really do hope so, really wanna get back into doing some work on it.

It's chucking it down where I am at the moment.

[moffat]

getting there fella read all the way through

i actually like the black snowplough on the gold car

[Nova_Tek]

Cheers Moffat,

I actually cannot see the Nova going back to grey bumpers now as it'd look much older (although I did like the grey when it was on the car).

[Nova_Tek]

Was a bit of a bummer last week, bro's Cav killed it's fuel pump. Took a few days for the parts to arrive and only found the time to get it sorted on the weekend. Typically the weather last week was great but the Cav was stuck infront of the garage so couldn't get the Nova out to work on.

Now that the Cav is up and running the weather has turned total poop!

Oh wells, the waiting game continues...

[moffat]

^^ reported

[MattBrown]

Its coming along.

Is the engine etc all built?

Does it just need putting in the bay?

:)

[Nova_Tek]

^^ reported

Keh?


Its coming along.

Is the engine etc all built?

Does it just need putting in the bay?

:)

Na mate no engine as of yet.

I'm supposed to be getting certain things done around it while I'm on the search for one.

[moffat]

[quote]Nova_Tek Keh?[quote]

not you fella, somebody spammed in your thread and i reported it, been removed now tho

[Nova_Tek]

Oh right :)

Have some rep +1

(interested at what the spam was now lol)

[moffat]

was a load of p1sh lol

[Nova_Tek]

lol un-surprising

[dj_wudgey]

that looks nice that mate apart from the grey bits around the arch!!

[Nova_Tek]

Yeah the grey bits were very minor bits of surface rust that had come up so I repaired that myself. Took it about 8 years for it to come back, but it came back with vengeance lol

Really dunno how the door got so bad, they look totally mint in that photo.

[dj_wudgey]

yea they did matey lol looked mint!! the car did look well cool there bud!!

[Nova_Tek]

Yeah it did have an old school coolness to it, looks better now though :d

[dj_wudgey]

yea looks cool now aswell fella hope its done soon matey!!

[Nova_Tek]

Me too, really need to get cracking. Raising a few quid should also help the project :)

[GroupB]

Read your whole thread over the last few days and just like to say well done.
Keep up the good work, and hope you find an engine soon.
Which one are you after again?
Picked up some useful info and hints that should help me with my GTE restoration.
Will keeping watching your project closely.

:thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

[Nova_Tek]

Hi mate,

Thanks for having a look at the thread and appreciate the nice words.

I'm after a LET. Did actually bid for an engine today on ebay but lost out last few seconds :cry: Will find one soon though, only a matter of time.

Weather was great today but I was working lol so couldn't make the most of it. Off most of this week though so hopefully the weather holds up.

Glad my thread is helping out :)

Hope to have some new updates soon :thumb:

[Nova_Tek]

UPDATE


Woke up to the sound of the postman forcing something through the letter box lol. It could only mean one thing... the bits from vehicle wiring products had arrived.

Opened up the envelope to check all was in order:
https://images2.imgbox.com/ea/ae/tmU2ep8q_o.jpg


Here's what I bought from them:
- Self amalgamating tape (for the bay to make the loom more water tight),
- Fabric tape for the other areas
- 20x male/female Japanese bullets with their insulator (gonna use these for the sound system as some spade connections aren't doing a great job)
- 20x male/female 4.8mm spade connectors for other bits around the car and the insulators.
- Two rubber boots; they'll be used to cover the external pump terminals.

I also bought some mixed rated wires from Halfords and Maplins the other day.
- 2x thin wire 5m (Green/Red - 5 amp),
- 2x thick 4m (Black/Red - 17amp)
- High current medium thickness wire from Maplins.
All in all about 35 metres of wires.

https://images2.imgbox.com/bc/be/6USZ0cwY_o.jpg

The weather seems to be pretty decent today so should be able to get some work done

[brainsnova]

its funny when its early and you find it hard to wake up but if the postman rings the bell you spring up lol

[Nova_Tek]

lol too right mate. Was just rolling around in bed, heard the postman and jumped out of bed legged it downstairs.

So a top tip is: if you want to get up early... order something :d

[Nova_Tek]

UPDATE

It was meant to be a sunny day today but the weather was not as great as the forecast.

So I gave up trying to get the Nova out and concentrated on getting the wiring sorted in the dash, and was a great excuse to use the stuff I bought from VWP.

Started by taking out the centre vents and disconnecting the plugs to allow for better clearance whilst working. Tried to take out as many wires from the dash and pull them forward for better access and routing. Here's how it looked
https://images2.imgbox.com/aa/97/oKu1pYFq_o.jpg

Spaghetti junction or chaos theory? :eek:

Before I started changing the wiring connections, I thought I'd try out the fabric tape I bought. It's Royson (IIRC) Fabric Tape - Self Extinguishing. As the dials loom was clean and didn't need any work, I started wrapping it.

Before
https://images2.imgbox.com/51/e0/ug6js2Xn_o.jpg

After
https://images2.imgbox.com/0c/5c/ozwg0vVy_o.jpg

Looked pretty good even though it was awkward wrapping it. It also reduced the overall amount of space the loom occupies, so it should come in handy.

Moved on with the stereo wiring. Wanted to tidy it right up and renew the crappy Halfords terminals. Once done I will wrap the loom in the fabric tape.

Started off with the speaker wire; fitting the female and male bullet connectors and the sleeves. Here's an example of how it turned out:
https://images2.imgbox.com/80/46/2Nqq9yOH_o.jpg

Looks pretty factory if I say so myself

Will be continuing tomorrow and will hopefully have all the stereo wiring sorted and then move on to the alarm loom.

[brainsnova]

who made a mess of the switch under the stereo its not even centred with the outline on the dash

[Cle]

That picture of dash makes me VERY :confused::confused: lol

[Nova_Tek]

The previous owner did, muppet :(

TBH I don't even know why they put it there. It's just a switch to alternate a constant feed to the stereo or to isolate it.

That's the least of my concerns though lol

[Benn]

Get all them scotch locks removed and solider everything.

[Balley]

awesome :)

[Nova_Tek]

Get all them scotch locks removed and solider everything.

Was actually thinking to remove them scotch locks, way too bulky for my liking. Do have plenty of solder too so will get that sorted today aswell.

Thanks for reminding my Benn :thumb:


awesome :)

Cheers mate, hopefully will look more awesome in a few hours time. Gonna pop in the garage to continue where I left off :)

[Nova_Tek]

UPDATE


Continued on with the re-wiring and tidying of the various looms.

Before I started though, I had to stop the choke cable poking me in the foot So I got rid of it
I removed the two spade connections on either side of the choke switch and proceeded to 'try' remove it. At first I thought it was removed by actually twisting the switch from round the back. I then thought 'this can't be right' as the steering lock switch was cutting up my hand

I then had a stroke of genius... and realised the little ring around the front of the choke pull. Un-did that ring and it came out.

Anyway, moved on to the wiring. Stripped the rest of the old manky bullet connectors and replaced them with the lovely new ones till the were all replaced.



I then removed the actual stereo loom from the cars loom adaptor and wrapped that in fabric tape leaving the removable connectors and untouched wires open for future connections.
https://images2.imgbox.com/d3/87/vb2IRpKb_o.jpg



I was then left with the adaptor loom.


After fitting the new bullets
https://images2.imgbox.com/ee/f2/3QdgFI3G_o.jpg

After wrapping the looms. I left the power side and speaker sides separate from each other incase of future work.

Both looms connected
https://images2.imgbox.com/c3/c7/r3wQMLVX_o.jpg

It has helped to reduce the overall size of the two looms and free up some space. Also managed to cut back the extra lengths of wire.
It's pretty much done but something had stopped me from finishing it totally.

From my previous post, you'll be able to see a green switch just under the stereo (yes, the one that's not centered). That switch has 3 terminals. Two of which are in use. One of the terminals is connected to the back of the hazard switch. The other terminal connects to the stereo loom (power feed) via a scotch lock and this funny little thing (no idea what it is):
https://images2.imgbox.com/87/f4/jz6l7caq_o.jpg

Any ideas as to what it is? Do I actually need it? I have no idea what it does

Hopefully someone can sus out what it is and I can then make a decision as to whether it is needed to finish off the stereo loom, so I can then move on to the alarm loom... yay!

[Nova_Tek]

UPDATE

Sorry no pics... :(

I have been working on the Nova but have been unable to update the thread.

I've pretty much finished all the stereo wiring, just a case of re-routing the RCA cable to the otherside as all the power lines run under the passenger sill trim whereas the driver side is empty. This'll help keep things tidier and de-clutter the gap behind the kickplate.

I've also repositioned the alarm and proximity sensor and half wrapped the loom for it. I ran out of loom tape as I sorta got carried away with re-wrapping the Cavs engine loom as that was in a dire condition lol

Also want to wire up the rear wiper to the stalk so everything can be operated from there. Will be using the empty rear wiper toggle switch to operate the boot popper.

Should be getting some more supplies from VWP tomorrow and will have it all done :) May also get some pics in when sorted :)

[Benn]

Good work, more pics.

[Nova_Tek]

Will be putting up some pics when all has been sorted ;)

[MattBrown]

TipTop wiring.

Inspired me to sort mine on the weekend!!

[Nova_Tek]

TipTop wiring.

Inspired me to sort mine on the weekend!!

Cheers mate, but you'll probably need more than a weekend lol

UPDATE

A small-ish one tbh...

Got a few more goodies through the post, well only the bits that I had ran out of.
https://images2.imgbox.com/c6/2e/qbqJ4eim_o.jpg
http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/6084/1001930.jpg

More loom tape and an assortment of large and small spade terminals and their insulators.

Then remembered that I had ordered something from Vaux, so I went to collect it.

Here's what it was
http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/2332/1001929z.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/c9/ce/qK3kNYTG_o.jpg

The warning sticker for the coil :) Tried to get the cooling fan caution sticker but they were NLS :(

May have to pop in the garage and do some more work on the wiring :)

[vaughanmc]

I want one of those stickers for the coil lol! Could you get me one and I'll Paypal you for it ? :)

[Nova_Tek]

If I had known earlier mate wouldn't have been an issue. I'm not too sure when I'll be going back down to the dealer again as it's about 6 miles from me and I've made about 5 trips to them in the last 2 weeks to get info and part numbers.

I was actually speaking to a signwriter the other day to get some exact decals made up for the Cav, so I'm now also thinking to get some direct copies of these warning stickers made seeing as I have an original one right here for them to take images of.

[vaughanmc]

Sounds good matey :)

[novacabrio]

I want one of those stickers for the coil lol! Could you get me one and I'll Paypal you for it ? :)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VAUXHALL-NOVA-ASTRA-CAVALIER-VOLTAGE-STICKER-SRI-SR-GTE-/190449918915?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2c57b323c3

[Nova_Tek]

^ Was gonna go for that one IIRC 'tis a copy.

[vaughanmc]

Can tell it's a copy a mile away...I'll try and get a genuine one

Cheers anyway Mark :)

[Nova_Tek]

UPDATE

After dinner I felt rather energised so I decided to go in the garage to continue the exciting adventure of wiring and loom wrapping lol

Before I continued with where I left off, I noticed the indicator and wiper stalk looms bare and unwrapped. Couldn't leave it like that now could I? So I wrapped them...

Before
https://images2.imgbox.com/1e/9b/0wfIRpCv_o.jpg
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/8946/1001936g.jpg

After
https://images2.imgbox.com/d3/a5/E3rSCo8J_o.jpg
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/9456/1001939o.jpg

And in place
https://images2.imgbox.com/48/67/wsky68Hc_o.jpg

https://images2.imgbox.com/59/35/Jie0qHwc_o.jpg
http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/230/1001942z.jpg

Must say that it's really tidied up the area under the column :) Very pleased with that. Only took about 5 mins to get it wrapped but it's made a world of difference.

I then continued with where I left off... the alarm, central locking, remote locking looms.

This was how the central locking loom looked like before it was wrapped with two new bullet connections (tbh it was much worse than this, the pic below shows it after a bit of rearranging of the wires to seperate them)
https://images2.imgbox.com/29/ce/Xb6UFSw2_o.jpg

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/8331/1001932t.jpg
As the remote locking loom connects to the central locking control unit I had to replace the earth connector and get that wrapped ready to connect to the central locking loom.

https://images2.imgbox.com/78/49/NodmDZ7B_o.jpg
http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/4788/1001931v.jpg

The central locking loom wrapped together with the alarms remote locking loom
https://images2.imgbox.com/4f/2c/kDmSfgoG_o.jpg
http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/281/1001933x.jpg

Finally I thought I'd start working on the alarms main loom. By now all that upside down, on my side, looking up into the back of the dash, laying down made me rather dizzy and screwed up my shoulder and neck.

I thought 'sod this' and called it a day.

I know the update shows things done rather speedily, it took about 3 hours in total with lots of faffing around, profanity and patience!

Shall continue tomorrow.

[Benn]

Get them scotch locks off. Looks nice and tidy, nice work.

[Nova_Tek]

Cheers Benn.

Them two scotch locks will probably stay for now, very tricky to solder as I need more than two hands and the way the garage is at the mo and the Nova only accommodating one person isn't ideal (trust me I tried it nearly ended up burning my clothes lol).

Maybe when the car is out the garage and running I'll get a hand and solder them up.

[L14MNP]

Nice work Tek. As you say it makes all the difference. Would it not be easier to pull the loom(s) out of the car and work on it on a bench/the ground though?

Here's some inspiration for when you think you have a lot to deal with. lol
http://i895.photobucket.com/albums/ac157/itsallac0nspiracy/Dusty%20Drifter/B230FT%20conversion/DSC00086.jpg

That's what I removed from the donor loom for the Volvo conversion. That's a 6ft dia table also. The rubbish wiring bag weighed about 9-10kg when finished. lol

Keep on truckin! lol

[Nova_Tek]

^ lol Blimey! 9kg's of off cuts? Wouldn't have guessed a loom would be that heavy.

It would be easier to rip it all out but I have absolutely no room what-so-ever. In saying that, the cars standard loom is not the problem, it's all the additional electrics that were messy; central locking, remote locking, alarm, stereo/amp/sub and other bits 'n' pieces.

[Nova_Tek]

Update

Had a couple hours free time to get back in the Nova to continue. This portion of the re-wire is proving to be rather tricky as the alarm loom is rather big and some of it's connections go to different places, so when wrapping it I have to take into account where other wires go to. I can't just wrap it in one.
https://images2.imgbox.com/5c/a3/hd5AIBze_o.jpg

As I was wiring up the alarm to the indicator stalk, the centre dash loom for the hazard switch and fan was really getting in the way. So I... wrapped that too lol (excuse the photo quality, left my camera inside and couldn't be bothered to go fetch it)

Before
https://images2.imgbox.com/15/f7/DB1n19tU_o.jpg
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/9647/imag0083mr.jpg

After
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/1430/imag0084y.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/c7/ba/0Ajv8aXr_o.jpg

This reminds me... I must put in a cigarette lighter/12v power :)

[brucer]

wirings looking much neater tek, well done. got to sort mine out soon.

[Nova_Tek]

Cheers Brucer, never actually thought too hard about doing the wiring but now that I've started I'm getting slightly carried away. Any unwrapped wire is getting wrapped up lol.

All for the best I guess and deffo one of the cheapest yet best 'mods' I've done so far.

[Nova_Tek]

Update


It was a glorious day today so really couldn't let it go to waste as the chances of another sunny day in the near future are as slim as Victoria Beckham!


I was going to continue to do the wiring but I thought I'd make more of the sunny opportunity and do some painting. I took out all the removable panels; centre vents panel, blanking plates, sill kick panels, footwell panels, glovebox and their screws. TBH, I could have got away with just giving them a good clean and maybe use some sort of wipe to get them to shine a bit, but seeing as I painted the dash about 6+ years ago it made sense to just re-coat it.


First up was the vent blanking plates.
https://images2.imgbox.com/44/d5/m2rQtDYb_o.jpg


Rubbed down with 800grit
https://images2.imgbox.com/09/f7/c00tqUyk_o.jpg

Few coats of satin black
https://images2.imgbox.com/87/65/e4j5nzym_o.jpg


Then it was the turn of the glove box screws and the sill kick plate screws. It was now that I noticed I was missing 6 screws which secure the sill trims. As they were removed:
https://images2.imgbox.com/f5/9d/OkeqFtTr_o.jpg


Bit of rubbing down with 400grit (they were getting on my nerves trying to get them to sit straight without rolling, so I stuck 'em down on a strip of sellotape)
https://images2.imgbox.com/cd/d8/heGIi0BA_o.jpg


Then came a few coats of a generous amount of satin black


Sill trim screws
https://images2.imgbox.com/54/2c/Toso28tC_o.jpg

Glove box screws
https://images2.imgbox.com/de/86/Mwo6wdxH_o.jpg


^ Love how they came out!

Then it was swiftly on to the sill trim. Again, they weren't that bad tbh but nothing beats fresh paint.


Before
https://images2.imgbox.com/3e/d8/GauGqXrM_o.jpg

After a few light coats
https://images2.imgbox.com/14/45/t1Sr1gnw_o.jpg

And both of them finished
https://images2.imgbox.com/ed/c3/4cM82Brv_o.jpg


I need to find some washers small enough to fit into the screw holes as some parts have worn away and the screw head just pushes through.

Then came the switch trim

Before
https://images2.imgbox.com/0c/20/MReRYaqy_o.jpg

After a few coats whilst drying
https://images2.imgbox.com/26/1d/czWH7a4U_o.jpg


It was the turn of the glove box. I removed the latch (which was a piece of pish) I opted not to do the inside as I will be trimming it with some nice fabric and the bottom part of the glove box has a rubber mat taken from a Cav Mk3 glove box... perfect fit too!

Before
https://images2.imgbox.com/25/b0/RwbY1ZYy_o.jpg


While it was drying
https://images2.imgbox.com/fe/87/4vUQcGZD_o.jpg

^ I actually gave it another coat after to help even out the finish.

Next up was the centre dash panel. Tried to mask it up as best I could, the symbols were a tad tricky.
https://images2.imgbox.com/d7/6c/ZHtdhaQV_o.jpg

[Nova_Tek]

Then a few coats of good old satin black and let it dry
https://images2.imgbox.com/8d/d2/2bnKcMxy_o.jpg
http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/7524/1001959.jpg

And finally, it was the footwell panels. These did need to be re-coated as the paint had started to flake. I didn't have any flaking from any other part of the dash. I can only assume that these footwell panels are very flexy and do bend very easily hence losing paint along the way.

Here's one before looking tatty
http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/1505/10019541.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/6f/d4/VSIwXFsC_o.jpg

And one after
https://images2.imgbox.com/e7/19/rF4MgRcn_o.jpg

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/8596/10019551.jpg
^ I also gave this another coat just after taking a pic to make the finish more equal.

All the bits are now indoors near a radiator properly curing.

All in all a productive day and I managed to sort out the bits I thought I'd never be able to due to the poo weather we've had down here.

Tomorrow should see some more re-wiring and hopefully get that all done, and I'll be popping off to Maplins to scope out some kill switches.

That is all :thumb

[Nova_Tek]

Forgot to ask...

What's best to kill? The starter or the fuel pump?

:thumb:

[brainsnova]

fuel pump as you can bump start it. oh and those centre vents pop out and you can screw the bolts into a bit cardboard to hold them.

[Nova_Tek]

I know the centre vents are meant to pop out, I tired but they were tough to get out so I didn't push my luck incase I broke them lol.

The carboard came to mind but couldn't find any in the home and wasn't bothered to go back in the garage :)

Still they've come out real well ;)

The fuel pump does seem best :thumb:

[maddogdaz666]

fuel pump as you can bump start it. oh and those centre vents pop out and you can screw the bolts into a bit cardboard to hold them.

bet me to it,:)

[brainsnova]

i usually use the cereal boxes lol

[maddogdaz666]

defo fuel pump. It definately wont start without fuel.

[Nova_Tek]

Cereal finished, box recycled lol

[Nova_Tek]

Update

Back to the usual naff weather.

Put back together the stuff I sprayed yesterday as they had dried and hardened (and gathered quite a bit of dust too lol)

Centre dash with clock and switches
https://images2.imgbox.com/47/54/y70flsgE_o.jpg
http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/6338/1001962a.jpg

Foglamp/wiper switches
https://images2.imgbox.com/ce/58/lojNFqjB_o.jpg
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/2097/1001965kv.jpg

Glove box with lock
https://images2.imgbox.com/fe/98/RCFDnHBw_o.jpg
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/3343/1001966l.jpg

Inside of the glove box with the illumination switch and rubber mat
https://images2.imgbox.com/77/0f/7wJWsHoX_o.jpg
http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/7618/1001968.jpg

[GroupB]

That looks alot crisper when sprayed....
Good Job.....:)
I didn't notice if you undercoated them first and did you use a plastic spray?

Weather is terrible here too, so no work on mine today.......:thumb:

[Nova_Tek]

Yeah they do look that little bit fresher.

When I sprayed the dash originally (about 6 years ago) I never used plastic primer. I later thought 'maybe I should have' but in all the years of using the car day in day out, from cold to hot conditions, the paint didn't flake at all (only on the footwell panels and I know the reason why).

Tell me about it, it's chucking it down this end :thumb:

Becasue of that I didn't bother to use primer this time.

[Nova_Tek]

Update

popped out to a couple places to sort some hardware out. Managed to get a very close match to the trim screws, albeit in silver. Also got some nice brass washers to fill out the kick plate holes as they've been all but chewed up from the screws.
http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/548/1001973y.jpg

Also come across something which caught my eye, had to buy it to use as my kill switch. It's lockable so will be miles more secure than a normal switch ;)

https://images2.imgbox.com/91/0d/jY5VgkFQ_o.jpg

[Balley]

Awesome build :)

[Nova_Tek]

Cheers dude :thumb:

[GroupB]

Kill switches are great, i used to use them all the time in my rally cars and classics, put them in inconspicuous places and nobody would have a clue.:thumb: