Ian's Sport project

[abznovasport]

Hello everyone,

For those thats don't know me by now I'v just recently purchased a nova sport off a member on here and it's going to be my big project for the next while or so. I'v owned a couple of mk1 novas before but have to admit that were 10 year ago so have forgotten quite a but about them and there little querks.

My plans for the car are basically to fully strip it down and start a fresh. I'm wanting to keep the car after for the foreseable future so Im going to emphasize a lot on rust prevention. Would like the car acid dipped or shot blasted?? and for new panels to be profesionally welded in, dont want car painted to find out in 5 years it needs a new sill or boot floor!

Rebuilding the car as standard as possible, might make slight changes to the brakes and this is purely for my safety and maybe a roll cage but as far as modifications go there wont be many if non at all.

I'v uploaded some pics below of the 400 mile journey home with the car and some photos of the car after stripping it down over the last day or so.

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Novatow2.jpg

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Novatow1.jpg

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Novatow3.jpg

A days work! just the engine, gearbox, front suspension, rear axle and fuel tank to come off! Oh not forgetting the glass too!

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Bareshell.jpg

rear arches and boot floor!

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/NSreararch.jpg

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/OSreararch.jpg

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Boot1.jpg

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Boot2.jpg

floor pan, you can see holes were roll cage has been and also plates from holes/rollcgae. The floor is also very soft! my weight in car made it drop a bit, yet to look underneath.

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Passengerfootwell.jpg

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Driversfootwell.jpg

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Driversfootwell3.jpg

battery tray, N/side strut top and slam panel.

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Batterytray.jpg

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/NSstruttop.jpg

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/frontpanel.jpg

So thought's on those pics so far?? I'v never restored a car with such body issues as this I have to admit, so are you best getting it dipped/blasted before hand to see exactly where you stand with it?

Any views/thoughts more than welcome.

Cheers
Ian

[G-nova]

hi mate its good to see that you will be bring this to its former glory and saving it from nova heaven lol will be watching this 1. I would go for the acid dip as its not as agressive as shot blating plus they dip it in a acid primer after so the bare metal is protected while still exposed

[amggsi]

Looking forward too seeing this complete, although you have a heart like a lion taking it on, a LOT of work ahead of you by the looks of it!
If you get it blasted, there probably won't be an awful lot of it left, but at least you know exactly where you are with it.

[sport]

Best of luck with the rebuild, nice to see another sport heading up this way.

[Edd]

Looks like you've got a lot of work ahead

I would get it blasted, place that used to dip car shell no longer offers this service now so ive been told

Looks like you will deffo need a complete front panel to start with

With that rot in the boot floor you may be better off fitting a new boot floor and cutting the rear chassis legs from another shell the fitting the lot

Did you get many new panels with the car ?

heres a few ling to places that sell panels;

NON genuine but very good pattern ones

http://www.carz2.co.uk/vauxhall-nova-04830393-c-331_523.html

or genuine ones here, you can contact them if what you want is no there;

http://stores.ebay.de/Opel-Classic-Parts-Center/Corsa-A-/_i.html?_fsub=6660424&_sid=134069178&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

good luck with it all

Edd

[NOV4_SPORT]

Good luck with the rebuild matey, you have a fair bit of work ahead but will be worth it in the long run, I wish you the best of luck with the build and will keep my eye on the build.

Iain

[Count Vaux Alot]

Looks like a fair bit of work to be done there but it's nothing undoable. G nova and edd spl still offer a stripping service but don't offer their protective e coating anymore, the are apparently developing another post dip coating but it will be very expensive and I've Hurd nothing but bad reports from spl.

There are other companies out there like prostrip frollor example that offer similar services at a more reasonable price.

http://www.prostrip.co.uk/

[abznovasport]

wow didn't expect so much of a response so quickly!

I'm undecided over the blasting or the acid. Blasting i can get done up here, not sure on price and yes most will get blasted away but thats kinda what i need I think. Acid dipping i think will be better cause it will strip places where shot blast wont see, chassis legs etc etc. Non up here though and probably a lot more expensive. I'l maybe get in touch with pro strip though, cheers Count.

Edd i got 2 new doors with car but nothing else. Room in car was a bit of an issue and figured I'l be able to get once totally stripped and i know exactly what I'm after. Thanks for the links though. However my german is a bit rusty!!

Agree that the car is best dipped/blasted before taking on any repairs though so I can see exactly what needs doing.

Away to strip the rest today.

Cheers

Ian

[NOV4_SPORT]

Get some more pics up of todays progress matey, acid dipping is good of you get a company with a good rep unlike spl, best bet is shot blasted and treated, and remove any suspect metal.


Iain

[Edd]

wow didn't expect so much of a response so quickly!

I'm undecided over the blasting or the acid. Blasting i can get done up here, not sure on price and yes most will get blasted away but thats kinda what i need I think. Acid dipping i think will be better cause it will strip places where shot blast wont see, chassis legs etc etc. Non up here though and probably a lot more expensive. I'l maybe get in touch with pro strip though, cheers Count.

Edd i got 2 new doors with car but nothing else. Room in car was a bit of an issue and figured I'l be able to get once totally stripped and i know exactly what I'm after. Thanks for the links though. However my german is a bit rusty!!

Agree that the car is best dipped/blasted before taking on any repairs though so I can see exactly what needs doing.

Away to strip the rest today.

Cheers

Ian

if your contacting Opel Classic Parts just use google translate so the message is in german and english, there very helpfull tbh, as is every one on here

2 new doors is a good start tbh, drivers side doors new are like hens teeth

if you can get it blasted up there then i would, you'll probably have to wire wheel the sealer on the under side tho

looking forward to more pics

[AdamK]

Deffently alot of work but if you plan on keeping it its worth doing it all, good luck with the build mate will be keeping an eye on this one.

[MattBrown]

Looks good.

I say dip her, as it gets inside legs/crevases/sills etc.

And then you take it away, weld it up, then bring it back for E-coating, which as its negatively charged sticks to the inside and outside of everything.

[MK999]

I'd say the problem with blasting something like that is it's quite possibly currently holding together virtue of the wonderful iron oxide, there's also some thinning of the material inevitable in any acid dipping/blasting process, and it may well come out in many pieces.

[Count Vaux Alot]

I would agree Mark.

[Novasport]

Just cut out as much as you can and replace it all with new metal.
Get your own shotblaster to clean areas behind metal you remove as and when you do it.
I'm afraid with Novas the rot it usually worse than it appears :(
Good luck and enjoy it.
I think it might be worth buying another shell to cut sections out of as not all panels are available now.

[Novasport]

Get one of these...

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/clarke-csb34-siphon-feed-sandblaster

and a good welder

[MK999]

Just cut out as much as you can and replace it all with new metal.
Get your own shotblaster to clean areas behind metal you remove as and when you do it.
I'm afraid with Novas the rot it usually worse than it appears :(
Good luck and enjoy it.
I think it might be worth buying another shell to cut sections out of as not all panels are available now.

Heard that one before lol

[abznovasport]

hey folks,

I cant get head round the fact that acid dipping would be better just as Matt says it gets in everywhere! I wouldnt of thought repairing the panels first then shot blasting would be the way to go either, would be so upsetting doing loads of hard work for it to fall when getting blasted! A blaster would be fine if in a cabinet for small things however i havent the space for a shot blaster like the one in the link, all though it is a good price!


Well quite a productive day! got engine, gear box and steering rack removed. Also removed rear glass with no problems but when removing the windscreen I made a crack that was under seal a bit worse!! real shame as there original windows with the reg plate still acid etched in them!! Not sure if steve from autoglass might be able to do something. All wrapped up and stored now. Also removed the brown trim from the door pilars and a frame without ripping it!
Just the gear selector, handbrake, fuel tank and lines and rear arch to come off now! All the cold job's lying on the floor!!

Here's some pics!

Engine out
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Engineremoved.jpg

Not seen cylinder head bolts like this before!!
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Cylinderhead.jpg

Gearbox out and front suspension/roll bars removed

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Steeringrack.jpg

Gear selector is fridays job
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Gearselector.jpg

Windscreen removed along with A frame fabric
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Doorfabric1.jpg

No rips!!
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/DoorPillarfabric2.jpg

crack in windscreen!
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Windscreencrack.jpg

Inner arches dont look too bad!
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Driversinnerarch.jpg

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Passengerinnerarch.jpg

was this part of the sport trim??? A brown fabric running along outside door?? I managed to save them anyway
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Doortrim.jpg

Thats pretty much it, il try and get some photo's of underneath on friday when removing fuel tank and brake lies etc etc.

[Novasport]

Might be worth buying or making a roll-over jig/spit to make it easier to work on.

[Novasport]

If you can, save the slam panel. They are different on pre 87 models.

[mk1nova_rich]

wow didn't expect so much of a response so quickly!
Ian

Its a very busy fast-moving forum full of helpful and friendly faces :) and Sports tend to generate a lot of interest... :p

Best of luck with the rebuild mate, you're certainly a braver man than me... :thumb:

[bazil]

Well done for taking on this project, i can fully understand the issues you will face in restoring this Sport, i'm restoring my 91 GSI and have sourced may genuine panels, i have also removed certain panels from a shell i had lying around and while doing that i made a what i feel is a usefull guide that may help you aswell, just click this link http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=153919 (http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=153919)

If you have any questions about my guide please ask, :)

[John]

Quick progress so far Ian. I'm with Rich, get a decent shell and use it for donor parts, much easier and that's what i was going to do. Glad it's gone to someone who's got the time and enthusiasm to look after in properly. :)

[timbo1980]

Good luck with project, Many hours of work ahead. I have a pair of rear quarter panels(non genuine) if you are intreasted

[abznovasport]

Thanks again for the comments guys, won't be doing any work untill tonight when hopefully il get fuel tank and rear axle out. I'l post pictures though cause the axle has a bar running across it! something else I'v never seen before on a nova.

Bazil: That is a very usefull link! and very impressive work! What I'v learnt on here though is pictures make peoples skills look very easy, when sometimes there not!

John: I'm gutted about the windscreen crack! As you know with the reg number still on it. Im hoping when it comes to go back in i can find somewhere to copy it.

Mambo: In Aberdeenshire!! Thanks for the offer on the panels, Im going to try and use genuine ones where i can though. if you ever have any bits for sale though give me a shout. its good to know I'm not alone up here!


Going to have a proper think about donar cars, welding myself, shot blasting and acid dipping tonight. So when I come home again next trip can have things organised.

Cheers
Ian

[bazil]

Just remember, if you acid dip it will clean out all the inside areas you can't see as you say but without E coat dip priming these areas will not be protected agains rust ( I know after a acid bath the parts are treated will a solution to prevent flash rusting but this is NOT a fulltime protective coating)

[abznovasport]

I really am in favour of the acid dip over the blasting, it's just finding somewhere to do. A but closer to home. Notingham is the only place so far and that's 450 miles away!! Il keep trawling the Internet but it doesn't seem to be as widely available as I though it would be.

Ian

[gary_126]

Great to see another being saved! The engine bay/front end seems very fresh compared to the floor etc. Keep at it :D

[bazil]

I'm not wanting to spam tour thread to much but think of certain areas, inside the A B and C posts, once acid dipped these areas are taken back to bare metal, the phosphate ( sp ) coating is spayed on thus never actually coating inside these areas to protect from rust, same goes for any other boxed in area like the front legs etc,

Try searching for paintstrip.co.uk they are based in Preston englandshire,

[Edd]

I would think carefully about having it dipped

The shell I bought from Rich had been dipped and coated but I have found evidence in box section of the acid not being washed out properly then it starts to eat the steel :(

The only way to protect it after dipping/coating is to fill every box section up will Waxoyl and your not going to want to do that until it's been painted tbh

Get a blaster and do it yourself IMO

[abznovasport]

hey just a quick update.

Car is empty, just the doors to come off which are proving to be a b*ll ache. Took axle off last night and discovered this bar arrangement! Never seen anything like it before!

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Axle1.jpg

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Axle2.jpg

Well underneath most of today prodding the floor and to my surprise it aint too bad! Sills have gone and the hole in the boot floor extends under onto the chassis but apart from that not too bad.

So I'v made up my mind after arguing I mean discussing blasting/dipping last night with a few friends. going to go with the dip!! Lots of pro's and con's for both but i think the only major thing against dipping is bare metal not getting primed afterwards, box sections etc. but if blasting the rust that might be in these sections will never get cleaned away or treated anyway.

So last night lots of investigation into holes that paint wont get too but acid will. Yeah A frames, sills and chassis legs might not get primer but will a huge dose of Wax oil in these places prevent any corrosion? is there also the option of getting the car primed someway that its dipped too?? As all these frames and legs must have a way in if acid has stripped them.

Something totally different, what gearbox should be in a sport???

Cheers

Ian

[AlexW]

Looks like somebodys attempt to fit another ARB.

Project sounds good, You seem to have the motivation to do it :)

[sport]

Something totally different, what gearbox should be in a sport???

Cheers

Ian



The 5 speed F10 wide ratio.

[Balley]

The ARB has been made, it aint standard

[Novasport]

F10WR but I would go for F13CR and 4.18:1 final drive(Which you may find in the F10WR).
If you want it to look original, chuck the F13CR internals into the F10 box casing.

[G-nova]

I know what you mean about the acid getting into the box sections but primer not. I am thinking the same as you about it should be possible to get them protected, as when you get a part powder coated it gets connected to an electricity source which then attracts the paint onto the part leaving nothing without paint on. Also when cars are being built in a factory the shell is dipped in a zinc rich solution which gets everywhere so why can't it be done??
This is just my opinion please correct me if im wrong lol

[m3vert]

Just found this forum when I spotted the car for sale on Ebay. I am so jealous of you doing this project mate. I had a Sport way back in 1989 and have had a real urge to try and purchase one as a summer weekender lol Probably never happen as they are so scarce these days!
Does anyone have any idea how many are still on the road? Mine was C300 CSJ if I mind right!
Good luck with the project and I will be on here checking up on your progress :)

[G-nova]

if you become a paying member (£10p/y) their is a whole section just for sports m8
you get loads of discounts on stuff when a member

[blue_peg_16v]

jesus rapid progress on this then saw it the day befor you collected at johns will be good to see it restored

[abznovasport]

Time for a tiny update. Been really busy trying to sell house.

So Nothing has actually happened to the nova, i'v decided Im going to kepp the shell, get it acid dipped and repair the panels. I have started to collect a few panels, got a new front top and front bottom. I will need sills, boot floor, rear quarters and rear panel. Would prefer genuine panels so if you have going spare drop us a line.

All though no work has happened lots of thinking has! So a few questions. The floor itself is border line ok, i feel it maybe a bit thin, it has plates and holes from where a roll cage was previous. Id prefer whilst doing so much work to replace the floor too. Can you get new floor pans?? If so where??

Next question is what welder?? My old stick welder that i used for welding half inch thick steel on landrovers is now u/s. So was thinking on one of those no gas mig ones. Again any advice or experiance with these much appreciated.

Cheers

Ian

[bazil]

I'd not bother with a gass less mig, I use a 180 amp mig with argonsheild gas called cougar gas from air products,

the boot floors get be got but be warned it's a bloody big job for the sake of a few small holes I'd patch it but taking time and care you shouldn't see the repairs,

you want a picture of the boot floor posted up so you get and idea of the size and time required to fit it?

[Novasport]

Main floor panels are not available at all. Only the boot floor pan was available to buy from GM.
You will just have to patch the floor with fresh metal or cut up a decent floor for repair sections.

As regards to welders I have heard Portamigs are the dogs danglies for this type of work but they need gas. Nothing else comes close for the money.
This is a link to the guys that sell them...
http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/shop/portamig-mig-welders.htm

[Novasport]

http://ebay.opel-classicparts.com/180101.jpg

Does not look too big in the pic but they are huge. I have one in my hoard of parts and I would probably rather use it to cut up for repair sections than replace as a whole.

[abznovasport]

I figured there quite a size of panel, problem I have is that nearly the whole boot section including wheel well is well thin or not there! Granted i wouldnt need half of it, say after the spare wheel well but for the hassle of patching in bits here and there I'd be as well buy the whole panlel. Willing to part with it Novasport??

The floor is going to prove to be a nightmare. Maybe get someone cutting up a car on here at some point.

As for the welder a few folk have said to keep away from the gas ones as there just a nightmare and then your constantly buying gas and stuff. Decisions decisions!!

[bazil]

The small bottle gas ones are pretty quick to run out but the amount of welding you may need to do you would be better with a half size bottle ( about hip height )

[abznovasport]

No-one recommends a non gas mig welder then? I dont really want to be spending thousands on a welder Im hoping this is the only time im going to need one.

Bazil have you a pic of the welds needing drilled out for the boot floor?? Iv printed off all the others ;-)

Ian

[16v-kev]

i didnt pay much for my welder i think it was £150 the only thing i would recommend is a big gas bottle ! as the small ones cost a furtune and buy a 7kg real of wire it will cost less in the long run look on ebay for welders

good progress mate look forward to more up dates

[bazil]

Not yet, I won't be removing the floor on the red shell only the silver one, basicaly there are spots alround the full edges of the floor every 1-2 inch then along the top of both chassis legs and a few around the front seat edge,

as for the welder, most of your welding will be plug welds and stitch welds so a welder around 500 will do fine

[abznovasport]

I was thinking something like these?

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/categories/search/dual-purpose-and-inno-gasin-mig-welders

[16v-kev]

i will admit im not a great fan of the gasless mig welders and resale value is lower

[bazil]

if you take each dot as a spot weld this is what your up against, giver or take 10 welds

http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy181/Bazil_2468/pics/PC300063-1.jpg

[abznovasport]

Hey,

Thanks for taking the time to do that for me Baz. Certainly a lot of welds there!! I still think im better removing and replacing rather than patching. At least then I know its good and quality.

Ian

[NOV4_SPORT]

lol at bazil's join the dots, idealy the best bet it to cut it out and replace the whole lot, just depends on the time and skill.

iain

[bazil]

True but don't get the sthill saw out and cut away lol

remember the chassis legs run under the floor, I've updated my removal thread and it shows the location of the chassis leg welds along the boot and seat area the rest run round the edge of the floor.

[Jayzer293]

Looks like ya got ya hands full on this build looking good tho

[abznovasport]

Was doing some prodding today when i was working on other car, the drivers chassis leg is gone. Im going to have to take boot floor out and weld up the legs. Think il try and cut the boot where the ribs are for the back seat and join the two.

I just need to MOT an old classic, get it sold and then il have the time, room and bit more money for the nova. Once dipped and some panels removed im sure it will reveal all the problems.

Ian

[Novasport]

You like a challenge! I remember seeing the boot floor and chassis leg when it was at Johns and it wasn't pretty.
There was someone on here that had a new right rear chassis leg. I have one I picked up a few years ago, been trying to find the other side for a long time with no luck. (Mine is not for sale BTW)

[abznovasport]

Haha you new that question was coming. I think when the boot floor is off it will be easier to see wether one can be made or wether i best try and get a decent leg off a scrap nova. Must be someone able to cut one off a car there breaking on here.

Everything iv mentioned everyone has been very helpfull on here.

[bazil]

this may help?

http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1821777&postcount=65

[abznovasport]

Your some man Baz, I think it will be something like that il be after, thinking making one might be a bit adventurous!!

[bazil]

Cool but easier to cut from a scrap shell IMO give me a shout if I can help

[bbutl86]

good luck with this one mate. as for welders a gas welder will give you a stronger weld so i was told by a panel beater i got a mig from machne mart only £200 pound a got a good one with feed and power adjuster but get a mid size bottle as i sent a good bit on small bottles to make a tralier.best of luck

[blue_peg_16v]

phils chassi legs have gone on his gsi and he has bought a scrap shell in two halfs (only way they would sell it as scrapage scheme was a 16k minter diamond in lazer blue) and he recons the easiest way is to replace the whole floor including inner arches etc hes removed the outer quarters and is ready to replacce it on the gsi, recons there is only one row of spot welds either side to remove doing it that way

[bazil]

fcuk that, relying on a few seam or stich welds!

The only reason a nova has any strenght is due to the way it is constructed, if you simply cut n shut large areas it will be sructuraly unsafe in a crash!

[abznovasport]

Having the shell twist was a worry of mine since iv basically the whole back and sills to do. The way i was going to do it since i dont have jig or room for jig was to cut the area of boot floor out and remove the outer arch to repair the leg. Once leg was repaired was going to door outer quarter and then sill. Then do outer quarter and sill on other side. then door bootfloor and rear panel. i think this way the car is always being held together at some point and wont twist.

[bazil]

or weld a few bars accross the inside to hold support?

[abznovasport]

Good idea! yes, i weld a bit of bar between arches whilst rear panel and floor are out.

Smart thinking.

[Novasport]

I would weld bars in a triangulation from the inner roof supports as well as across to keep rigidity

[Novasport]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/NovaSport/DSCF1914.jpg

Any help?

[c20tbo]

Keeping my eye on this as i love a sport, stick with it, patience is paramount with restoring old cars, worth it. nice and local aswell.

[abznovasport]

yep dont get more local! haha Im just in the process of selling another car and then i can really concentrate on the sport. Just collecting panels and stuff ready for after the dip!

Cheers for that sport, another piece of info printed out.

[abznovasport]

Haven't been on in a while so thought i'd make an appearence. Nothing to update you with though really :-( Collected some GM panels so thanks again to those folk for the help there.

I'm hoping within the next month I'l have my other project MOT'd and sold then the fun will begin. Promise!

[bazil]

did you get that big bit you needed?

[abznovasport]

I got a boot floor yay! Also got complete front end. Both arches and both full sills still to source. Looking out for a good O/S rear chassis leg too, think it might be easier than totally creating one from scratch.

[bazil]

thats the game mate, a rear leg is easily drilled cut out if you have the time,

[abznovasport]

That's something i have loads of! Well will once this old Triumph stops taking it all up.

[bazil]

well get on the look out for a nova shell with a bad front end mate or a cheap shell that has great rear legs,

im thinking both rear legs need to be removed to fit the floor in from the underside now?

[abznovasport]

Not sure, suppose i will figure that out when i remove the old one. Dont know anyone who has replaced on before do you?

[bazil]

nope, either you or me will be the first lol

[abznovasport]

haha, dare you to go first!

[bazil]

F U C K O F F lol, we'll share notes lol

[abznovasport]

Disaster stories you mean!

[bazil]

no chance, we'll make sure both of us survive,

[Novasport]

Lots of shoreing up with brace bars welded in me thinks is required.

[abznovasport]

It's going to look like a kid's climbing frame i think.

I was however going to start at the front of the car and work my way back just cause I'm really worried about the floor pan.

So re-new front end, Inner wings are o.k! new battery tray. Then onto the sills and floor pan. Then weld in so many braces, thinking 1 from the two strut top housing horizontly, then from each strut top to the oposite side door pillar. Should stop any movement?? Then rear panel off, O/S rear panel off. Repair chassis leg then N/S rear panel off and fit new boot floor. Weld her up and re-build in reverse to that?? Then I'l stop for lunch haha few weeks work there!!

[bazil]

Novacabrio ( mark ) cut up an early nova shell not long ago, send him a message to see if he still has the rear legs?

Are you going to fit the full floor or are you cutting it and only doing the rear bit?

[abznovasport]

Cool will give him a shout. Was just going to use the rear bit, probally cut it just before the curve into the rear seat well.

[ryansnova]

i have only ever seen a 1 sport with my eyes and it was in ireland up the back of a guyd gardan and its been thare sinse he got the house and it was fu*king rotan the grass was growing thrue the carpit lol lol

i would LOVE a sport and WILL have one sume day but im only 16 now and would have to save for the rest of my life to get one lol

[amggsi]

i have only ever seen a 1 sport with my eyes and it was in ireland up the back of a guyd gardan and its been thare sinse he got the house and it was fu*king rotan the grass was growing thrue the carpit lol lol


Whereabouts in Ireland was it?lol

[ryansnova]

cant remember mate it was about half an hour from balamina stock cars....

Ryan

[abznovasport]

They pop up on ebay every no and then, just keep some money saved aside.

[abznovasport]

2 chassis legs bought off the bay!! Another item that I thought would be a nightmare to get!

[Edd]

Sounds like your slowly finding all the panels you need

Many more to get ?

[abznovasport]

2 sills, 2 rear quarters, 2 wings, bonnet, possibly a boot. Then i think I'm going to have to do something with the floor. Not sure yet but yeah the panels i thought I'd struggle with I'm picking up slowly :-)

[Edd]

Tbh the ones you now need, you could get decent pattern ones from places already posted in this thread

Available now and probably half the cost

[Novasport]

I would prob go for aftermarket sill sections and cut them off where they meet the rear quarter repair sections. They are longer than genuine and have the leading edge that goes toward the front wing which the gen ones don't have(only come on the A pillar repair section).
Everything else needs to be genuine IMO as nothing fits better.

[Edd]

Mk1 front wings from Hadrian fit exactly like GM ones, a very good pattern part IMO

But yeah I agree that the fit would be better, but I don't think there's any genuine panels left anywhere now :(

[NOV4_SPORT]

2 chassis legs bought off the bay!! Another item that I thought would be a nightmare to get!


Good stuff buddy I hope you get the rest of the panels your after.


Iain

[ryansnova]

when you going to start welding the car mate??lol

[abznovasport]

Sill's are the only things i cant find genuine so was going to buy them from hadrians. heard good things about them. The quarters and wings I hope I can get from OCP. Bonnet and possibly floor from another car being cut up.

I'l start welding when I get a welder lol no idea what type to get. Na just got to sell a car then i'l have room in my garage. I'm in the middle of moving house too.

[Novasport]

Any progress on this? Be good to see it getting stripped back and sorted

As regards welders, Portamig seem to be the one to have but are hard to find used. Esab are also good quality, I bought one but dont think I will be using it now. Might be for sale soon if you need one but you would need to collect, I could sort you a tailgate whilst you are here aswell ;)

Glad you got some chassis legs.

Bizzarely I have just found a new pair for sale for £50 in Aberdeen. Now sat in my garage of spares....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/NovaSport/IMG-20110704-00020.jpg

[Edd]

:eek: where did you find those to Rich ?

They in your loft already ? lol

[Novasport]

Preloved advert :). A lad in Aberdeen had them. Sorry Iain, sneaked them out from right under your nose:roll:.
At £50 the pair I could not resist.

[Tim Harpley]

Will be watching your progress with great interest, will be helpfull for when I start the rebuild on mine. Good luck.

[boss]

any pics mate

[abznovasport]

Hey, sorry guys haven't updated this in months, divorces and moving house has taken over!

Still collecting panels and in need of buying a welder! Have started cleaning and tinkering with some things. Cleaned and painted the gearbox, looks like new, was wandering what if anything I should replace in there??

Bout to go onto hadrians panels just now and get some wings ordered, am i right in thinking sport dont have side repeaters?

Speak soon.

Ian

[NOV4_SPORT]

Sounds good buddy, yeh the sports, dont have side repeaters in the wings.

iain

[abznovasport]

Noticed the wings on hadrians panels had holes for side repeaters so didn't buy them :(

Can you still get wings without holes or is a case of filling them in?

[Edd]

there's wings on eBay

[abznovasport]

I'v heard horror stories about pattern parts though Edd. A friend resored a Mk1 golf and used a lot of pattern parts, they didnt fit well, really thin material and in the end he said he spent more time trying to match things up and rebend things than he should of. Hadrians I'v heard good things about though.

Just wont the finished product to look good if you know what i mean :)

[Vlietje]

Mate, found you some Mk1 wings on eBay.de new and genuine Opel/GM without the side repeater holes:

http://www.ebay.de/itm/Opel-Corsa-A-Kotflugel-rechts-Origina-Opel-NEU-/270700516806?pt=DE_Autoteile&hash=item3f070215c6#ht_524wt_954
http://www.ebay.de/itm/Opel-Corsa-A-Kotflugel-links-Origina-Opel-NEU-/260730972327?pt=DE_Autoteile&hash=item3cb4c6e8a7#ht_524wt_954

Now go and order them!!

[abznovasport]

Hey, many many thanks! Email sent about P&P then i'l order.

Got a genuine rear panel en route from OCP too :)

Thanks again

[abznovasport]

Hey everyone!

Thought i bet update this as everyone will be thinking its another failed sport project.

So i had to sell a few cars first and now there gone Im good to go. Only need pasenger rear quarter and a bonnet and I'v all me panels too :)

So in the new year the car is going away to get dipped in acid. Took loads of discussions between friends in pub and forums and have decided this is the way to go. One thing Im wandering is how do i get a bare shell to Englandshire? On a pallet?

Today i had a right sort through all the stuff I have and i have loads of nut and bolts and nice to have's missing. Thinking of buying a donor car just so i can use the fidly things and also see where they go lol. Will put an ad in wanted but ideally a early mk1. Doesn't need to have a brown interior :)

Hope you all have a good xmas and a good new year.

Ian

[gary_126]

less talk, more action lol

[NOV4_SPORT]

^^^^ what gary said mate.

Iain the best way is to get the car on a pallet and onto a pick up truck or trailer is the only way to get the car down to the strippers mate

[abznovasport]

Ok no more posts until I get going lol

I did get a spit for the nova today though ;)

[abznovasport]

Tiny update!
Away to take care to get dipped tomorrow, Have to wait for 4 weeks until im back from work to pick it back up again :(

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Awayfordip.jpg

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Awayfordip2.jpg

Ian

[John]

Hope all Goes well Ian :) where's it going?

[abznovasport]

Spl mate. I just didn't think blasting would get rid of everything nasty.

Turnaround time doesn't really tie in with my work so not picking it back up until 27th :(

900 mile round trip too :(

[John]

You're a sucker for those big journeys mate! lol Are you having it e-coated too? hope it doesn't come back with too many holes!

[abznovasport]

I know! Joys of living at the end of the world!

Yeah adventually! Drop it off tomorrow then pick up around 27th
Carry out all the welding work then back down again to get dipped.
First of 8 journeys tomorrow lol

Also getting the original engine block cleaned by them.

[Novasport]

I think you are making a big mistake taking it to them, it was the worst decision I ever made. They caused no end of grief and were not interested once they had the cash.

[Edd]

I wouldn't recommend taking it there either tbh, after what I have found

[abznovasport]

Too late it's been left lol
I couldn't see any other way as shell was in bad nic.
Blasting wouldnt of got in every where and I know chassis legs at rear are bad so what's inside front like??
Could of re-shelled but then not a sport.
I have read about your problems Edd but I figure if its washed out properly it shouldn't be a problem.
He also mentioned they have actually weakened the acid a little in the last couple of years.

Well hope it's ok now, it's there lol

[Edd]

Good luck with it

Hope it all works out for you

[brainsnova]

It will be nice to see pics after the dip

[Novasport]

Are you having any finish applied to the shell after dipping? If not it will rust quicker than you can say corrosion!
Good luck dealing with the cowboys, I avoid going near them when they are at the NEC classic car show because I would like to knock their lights out!

[abznovasport]

When I first got the car I was in 2 minds after hearing stories about them.
I can't think of any other option really.
I think majority of problems have been with the acid not being washed out properly before e-coat.
I'm going to highlight I want the car water washed for longer than usual.

To answer your question yes il be getting it e-coated. Iv got a hole in roof where aerial was so air should get out. Don't mind drilling 3mm holes in sills either as I'm going to town with the cavity wax lol.

[88ESR]

Just read this right through..

Another one to watch..

Good luck, and looking forward to the next episode :thumb:

[abznovasport]

Back from dipping and started on the front of the car.
Will let pic's do the talking.
Any comments,help/advice more than welcome.
Cheers
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Acid1.jpg
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Acid2.jpg
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Acid3.jpg
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Acid4.jpg
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Acid6.jpg
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Acid7.jpg
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Acid8.jpg
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Acid5.jpg
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Frontremoved.jpg

[Royston]

Looks like naked Nova, with the associated perforted areas, I'm impressed with the finish!

Easy to work on now, is it how you expected it to be?

[Balley]

Don't look too bad, Front end looks solid enough :)

[krobinson]

Good work, Also would never recommend SPL but I hope you get better treatment than we all did.

Keith

[Edd]

Front end doesn't look that bad really

Think you might be putting alot more time and effort in to the floor and rear end tho

For the floor best off cutting whole sections from another shell and using them imo

[abznovasport]

It's came back a lot better than I thought, was expecting a tea bag!
The front isn't bad at all, just got the battery tray and a bit behind strut top to do before putting front on again. Il then put it on spit and do the floor and sills. Sills are gone! Will post photos towards end of week of them.
The floor I don't know to try and get floor pan or just to use sheet steel??

[Edd]

See if you can find a shell and cut out the bits you need

Colin, novarally on here might be able to help you, normally got a few nova's in for breaking

You got all the panels ? Sills, quarters, front panels etc

[NOV4_SPORT]

Doesn't look to bad really, at least with it being stripped you know exactly where you need to repair and put in new steel, I would use sections from another shell where possible and sheet steel in the flat sections like the floor.

Is that your shell I seen on the back of a trailer on the m80 last week around half six ish near cumbernauld ?

Best of luck with the work ahead of you mate.

Iain

[Novasport]

.
I'm going to highlight I want the car water washed for longer than usual.

Don't think they will listen to you, I asked that things were done I they didn't do it. You see how the guys work and you can see they have no respect for your property.
Can you not have the Nickel plating instead that they have introduced?

[abznovasport]

Yeah got all panels apart from a genuine quarter for passenger side but will get that from Germany.
Haha yeah every chance is what me, last Monday? I came the M6 then Stirling up to Aberdeen. Killer of a drive especially with hangover!

I can see how what you mean about no respect, it does look a dodgy outfit. I spoke to him about the dipping and it's now someone else that does it. Il have to weigh up the options closer to the time.

The floor is patchy, especially round seat rail so might be tempted to get a cut out floor from someone. I'm dreading the boot floor :(

Il have more pics Thursday Friday once Iv got battery tray and front end on.
Cheers
Ian

[John]

Doesn't look as bad as I thought it would Ian :) like others have said, try and cut as much as you can out of donors, I had another shell I would have used.

[abznovasport]

Hi John, how's tricks??

I was tempted to buy a donar car, just so I had all the right nuts n bolts but getting one cheap that hasn't been attacked with carbon fibre and fancy lights is hard up here. Only thing I'd have to cut out really is the floor pan.

Ian

[Novasport]

Just buy a mint shell and cut out a complete repair panel carefully around the floor numbers and carefully weld in place, should be perfect lol lol lol

[Novasport]

Been a few on Ebay recently, could have tied in collection down here when you dropped the shell off for dipping

[abznovasport]

When I dropped the car off I stated at Chester with relatives, there was a tidy white SR for sale in a garage there, he wanted £1600 for it! I wouldn't be able too cut £1600 of car. Need a non runner with decent floor and unmolested.

[Novasport]

The thing that concerns me is either they do not dip the shells for long enough or the process is flawed as rust is obviously not totally erradicated as it is coming out of the seam on this pic....

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Acid2.jpg

And can be seem between the seams that have been split to remove the front panel....
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Frontremoved.jpg

That is worrying to me

[abznovasport]

I thought the same but the areas where it's like that are getting them seams split and new panels put in. When I remove old panel il clean up or renew any rust.

I'm still glad I got it done, has made the whole job of looking for rotten bits so much easier.

Cheers

[mexicoredmk2]

how much was the acid dip if you dont mind me asking?thinking of getting it done myself.

[abznovasport]

Not much change from £900.

I wouldn't get it done if your shell is in reasonable condition, just repair obvious panels.

Reason I got it done was I wanted to ensure chassis legs and sills were solid enough.

[Novasport]

I thought the same but the areas where it's like that are getting them seams split and new panels put in. When I remove old panel il clean up or renew any rust.

I'm still glad I got it done, has made the whole job of looking for rotten bits so much easier.

Cheers

Unles you are completely dismantling the shell panel by panel there will still be corrosion present. Not something I would be happy about given the price they charge and the fact that it is supposed to erradicate it. The whole reason for dipping it to clean the areas that you cannot normally reach by media blasting etc.
Sorry to go on, just these cowboys make my blood boil the more I find out how inept they are and how ineffective this process really is.
We are just tinkering with Nova's, these guys are looking after(Or not as the case may be) rare Porsches & E-Types etc :(

[Edd]

I know I have found bits that arnt 100% one mine from the dipping but I dont think any of the seems are full of rust tho, I hope lol


Do you have a timescale for getting all the panels on ? I dont think I would be happy leaving it bare metal for very long

[Novasport]

I hope they are not aswell but when you see pics like that of split seams(And the inner wing to front panel are not tight seams!) it makes you worried.

[abznovasport]

I'm hoping to have it complete by end of summer but that's all dependant on how we get on with the boot floor and floor pan.

[bazil]

I hope they are not aswell but when you see pics like that of split seams(And the inner wing to front panel are not tight seams!) it makes you worried.

pretty much a certaint fact that almost all novas will have an element of rust between the seams due to the construction, bare metal and only dipped at the end of the build. If you look at the counts thread you can see rust in the seams, i know most of the novas i worked on when you removed panels you had to clean the seams and protect with a weld through primer before refitting the likes of quarter panels and rear and front panels etc. The fact of the matter is well known, novas rot from the inside out.

I can see why you wanted the dipping now thats its been done it makes it so much easier to see and repair, i do hope you get it dip primed though as no matter how much you try you cant spray prime all the boxed in areas,

As for the boot floor, i have been looking at mine ( thats all i ever do lol ) and im going to remove both rear chassis legs and remove the floor downwards, to me it looks the better option, if i can i'll leave the rear panel in place and replace that after the new floor is fitted and the legs replaced back in, you will need some point of reference to line things back up.

[abznovasport]

Yeah will Definetly be getting it dipped primed one way or another, be it e-coat or something else.

I had a quick look at the boot and figured the same. Take chassis legs off, my rear panel is u/s so cut there and lower it out. Il brace the back to death so there's no movement.

[bazil]

Good man, the most important thing will be to get an point of reference and measurement for the rear beam bolt holes on the rear legs, if they don't go back in right then you have issues lol

[abznovasport]

Bit of an update and a question lol

Battery tray re-newed
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Battery1.jpg

Front panel just tacked in place
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/front2.jpg

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/front1.jpg

Wing lined up :)
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Wing1.jpg

Now the suspect bit! Should the tow eye sit that high in the cut out. Everything fits beautifully and the measuremants are bang on to the one we cut out so all a bit confused. Maybe worrying over nothing.
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Toweye1.jpg
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Toyeye2.jpg

Oh an i forget to say got the original engine block acid dipped, so here it is painted with that all important engine number.
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Engine2.jpg
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Engine3.jpg

Thats it for now, more over the weekend when home to get front finished and get it on the spit for work to start on the sills.

cheers
Ian

[Novasport]

The towing eye should be centralised in the aperture AFAIK

[abznovasport]

That's what I thought. There's no way the panel will go any higher though. The bottom matches up and the slam panel is the same height as one cut off. Genuine panel too so a but confused but can't see any way round it.

No idea what afaik means :)

Cheers
Ian

[Novasport]

I think you may have a Mk2 front panel! AFAIK = As far as I know

[Novasport]

Mk1 panel.....

http://ebay.opel-classicparts.com/1312302.jpg

Mk2 panel...

http://ebay.opel-classicparts.com/1312254.jpg

TBH, yours looks more like a Mk1 panel on a Mk2 chassis leg :confused:

Is there a part number on the front panel?

[abznovasport]

Is the gap bigger?? The one I got was for a mk 1 but going by that picture the hole does look bigger.
Cheers

[Novasport]

The Mk2 aperture is higher on the front panel

[abznovasport]

So if the hole is higher on a mk2 that means I must have a mk1??? Sport shouldn't need a mk2 front panel should it.
I'm now thinking if it's going to make a difference changing it or not.

[Novasport]

Well either way it's not right, don't know why. You got any pics from before removing the original front panel?

[Novasport]

This might help, it is all original & mk1...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/NovaSport/IMG-20120510-00275.jpg

[abznovasport]

Yeah il post them tomorrow when on pc. Had a quick look at front panels and they just say 83-93.
Il take some measurements too, I agree it doesn't look right, shame cause everything else lines up perfect.

Cheers

[abznovasport]

Well measured the distance from bottom of panel to top and bottom of aperture on both old and new panels and there both exactly the same! Ahhh what to do?

[bazil]

Big hammer? lol

[abznovasport]

You read my mind Baz! I'm going to put a level on the tow eye, just wandering now if them at SPL have lifted it up with it.

Why after 4 pints of Stella am I thinking of big hammers on novas lol.

[bazil]

lol Dutch courage

Tbh even with GM panels they may still need a little fettle, your putting a new part on a 20 odd year old car, it's still a bloody good fit

[abznovasport]

Working on it tomorrow so will let you know. Hopefully finish the front and get tore into the floor pan.

[Novasport]

You read my mind Baz! I'm going to put a level on the tow eye, just wandering now if them at SPL have lifted it up with it.

Quite possible, they managed to damage the front panel on mine. That was another one of their fook ups I had to put right that they could not give a sh!t about.

[abznovasport]

Just a bit of an update, football kind of ruled over the nova this weekend. Away again tomorrow so no work for 2 weeks either :(

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Fronton.jpg

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Fronton2.jpg

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Understrut.jpg

Just a bit of sanding down to do and the nearside strut top and the front is finished, starting on floor and sills next.

Cheers
Ian

[abznovasport]

Been busy away and havent been updating much. So here goes!

Front is finished
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/6b7898f9.jpg

now repaired the front of the floor pan on both sides
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/62904fa2.jpg
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/97929db3.jpg

Tomorrow night were tackling the worst of it! Got the old sills being held on with just a few spot welds the now. Little bit unsure on how to do it all as both sills, quarters, chassis legs, rear panel and boot floor is getting changed.
was thinking in this order:
Sills and quarter removed fix the bottom of the inner quarter
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/9ff48f37.jpg
Then replace sills and quarters.
Then brace the back remove chassis legs, rear panel and boot floor.
Theeeennnnnn one of these
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/316ac86d.jpg

Any thoughts, comments, advice really appreciated.

Ian

[abznovasport]

Decided best way to do back was to remove floor and rear panel!
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/bb1abd3a.jpg
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/4dd531ff.jpg
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/f1f470d7.jpg
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/83170153.jpg

Next is to replace the chassis legs, sort out inner quarters and replace boot floor.

Any advice comments appreciated.
Ian

[Novasport]

Err, you are only holding the back together with a ratchet strap!!!
I think you need to tack weld in some small box section steel accross the width and diagonally to retain the shells alignment. If not nothing will line up after IMO. You are cutting out the main supports and strength there remember.

[Novasport]

Nice to see inside the seperated seams after dipping. I see it has had no effect in removal of corrosion which is worrying! Either that or it has promoted the return of it rapidly.

[Edd]

Good progress

I would be fitting the rear panel next, make it more rigid to fit the floor and legs

[abznovasport]

There is one bit the acid never got too and that's the top of the spring carrier on the passenger side, not sure why as there are plenty of holes in the leg. Before going to get coated I'm going to drill a 10mm hole in the inside of the spring carrier where the spring sits.

There is a bar welded in just now, couldn't get floor out with it in. Taken loads of measurements down to the millimetre so no exactly how to go back together. Actually roped in a friend of a friend who is a panel beater so I'm pretty confident it will be ok.

[NOV4_SPORT]

Your really not messing about with this are you mate, Your making really good progress with the shell Keep it up

Iain

[Old man Jimbo]

There is one bit the acid never got too and that's the top of the spring carrier on the passenger side, not sure why as there are plenty of holes in the leg. Before going to get coated I'm going to drill a 10mm hole in the inside of the spring carrier where the spring sits.

There is a bar welded in just now, couldn't get floor out with it in. Taken loads of measurements down to the millimetre so no exactly how to go back together. Actually roped in a friend of a friend who is a panel beater so I'm pretty confident it will be ok.

Yeah don't worry to much. When I did mine it was in bits, but like you, I took loads of measurements and it all lined up pretty good. You end up having to get quite aggressive to get some panels in place.

Good work though I love this kind of stuff so +rep from me..

[John]

Balls deep now Ian! Awesome stuff :)

[abznovasport]

Thanks for the comments!

Yeah balls deep is an understatement! Doesn't look like a nova no more. Once this floor is in it won't belong until quarters are on and it's back to get e-coated.

Having friends who are in the motor industry is a blessing.

[Novasport]

BTW, did you get a new bonnet? My friend has a new genuine one for sale, it is in Newcastle if you are interested

[sport]

Fair play to you fella, some bits of resto work going on there.

[abznovasport]

No I never got a bonnet, is it of the right age?
Id certainly would be interested.
I'm going to have to my a donar car too if you know of any complete mk1's??

[Novasport]

Its a Mk1 bonnet, ie no holes for a badge. I will PM you the details.

[abznovasport]

Ok cool that's what to do. Much appreciated.

Ian

[Novasport]

PM sent. Do you need inner wings? Just sold mine but a friend is selling his RH inner wing aswell.

[abznovasport]

Cheers Rich, bonnet on route soon :)

My inner wings were surprisingly in good condition. Think Iv everything now unless someone came along with a new early style boot lid lol

Update in 3 weeks.
Cheers

[abznovasport]

Boot floor and rear panel is in, fits perfectly. Just tacked the now though
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/B47FCA34-800E-406D-9F5E-AC9777F58085-1128-0000013CBADE2D7C.jpg

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/7BF7B3E0-D6FC-400B-A90B-ED593BEE8807-1128-0000013CAA1F4EF8.jpg

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/019B122A-70A7-47F0-AC79-193C57D94C44-1128-0000013CB1D2CC76.jpg

And can anyone tell me what this bracket is for??
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/A0A18C26-5DAB-422E-A5A4-1985F9109777-1128-0000013C4DFA22CF.jpg

[John]

The bumper clips into it Iain. fantastic work! :)

[Novasport]

The bumper goes into that bracket. Looks great with the fresh new panels going in

[abznovasport]

Cheers lads. Notice the near side back corner has a gap, that's where the inner arch was gone lol.

Going to go round the millions of spot welds and then get it back on jig for the quarters to be replaced.
Forgot to say the chassis legs are spotted on too.

[Novasport]

Think Iv everything now unless someone came along with a new early style boot lid lol

Might have a good used one up for sale soon. Could pick it up on the way to taking the shell back and get the tailgate done at the same time.

[abznovasport]

Cheers for the offer. I actually got one with car. Bottom and inside is solid, just a little rust around where the window fits. Should be able to fix it though.

[G-nova]

top work mate keep it up

[scorge01]

Looking really good mate genuine panels aswell :)

[abznovasport]

Cheers lads, yeah only non genuine panels are the sills n battery tray.

I'm not to sure about the floor, seems a bit soft. If I get a donar car soon I might see what I can do with my sthil saw :)

[scorge01]

Iv got a mint shell I'd sell?

[NOV4_SPORT]

Looking really good mate, keep up the good work Ian !
+ rep added:thumb:

Iain

[abznovasport]

Cheers for the offer but I'm looking for a complete car, need all the fasteners and grommets etc.

[abznovasport]

Cheers for the +rep :)

[Edd]

Cracking work keep it up

[abznovasport]

Cheers Edd :)

Apart from fleabay, gumtree, piston heads & auto trader, oh and of course here. Is there any other sites to keep an eye out for a complete mk1 nova for sale. Missed out on a perfect SR in Manchester not long ago.

Cheers

[gary_126]

Brilliant work!!

[abznovasport]

Hello all, sorry it has been so long with an update. I'v moved house and started working in Azerbaijan so the nopva has taken a back seat :(

This hasnt stopped me buying stuff though. I managed to get a complete 1.3 sr locally for a bargain price. It is rotten but everything is in place, never been tweeked or chav'd up with anything. Perfect for me rebuilding the sport. Engine runs and it was used as a daily runner until 2010 when it failed it's MOT. I'll post pics when home.

As for the sport, the boot floor is in, chassis legs are tacked in place, drivers quarter is off and arch work is on going. I'm really going to have to get stuck into it as i wanted painted in spring 2013. Again pics will be posted as soon as home.

Cheers
Ian

[stark]

Just stumbled across this project - recognised the car immediately as John's old one as soon as I saw the anti-roll bar!

I'm in Aberdeen too Ian - give me a shout if you need a hand or any parts; I've got a workshop full of spares. Just (eventually) started my Sport build too!

[John]

You have a good memory Pete! Lol apologies for not replying to your pm Ian, I'm currently away with work and on hotel wifi which means I can't see any pics. Will pm you at the weekend :)

[abznovasport]

No problems John, it was just about the inner quarter panel you had ages ago and if you still had it?
Cheers Stark, nice to see someone else in Aberdeen. You got a road worthy sport?

[stark]

I do when it comes to cars John! Hope you're well? I remember lying on your garage floor taking photos of it, but after a bit of research it turned out that it wasn't an additional ARB used on the period competition cars.

Ian - I bought the other Iain (NOV4_SPORT) 's original Sport project back in 2006, however due to the MSA taking forever to adjust the historic regulations (which has just happened) I can now start building it to the spec I want. It'll all become clear once I get my project build thread started (Iain & Ecka - wheesht!) but its just a bare shell covered in primer at the moment. Currently in (heated) discussions over rollcage specifications so until I get some clarity its not going anywhere fast!

Like I said, I've a workshop full of parts and period information and have access to the Vauxhall main dealerships (I used to be sponsored by them) so don't struggle alone! Glad to see another one up this neck of the woods!

[novaboy2010]

This looks mint m8 good work, cant wait see more :thumb:

[abznovasport]

Cheers Stark.

I actusally got a roll cage for mine today. Long way off needing it but it was local and in good condition.
Weather is so bad just now and i'v started renovating a house again i can see much being done on the nova until spring :(
Will see what happens.
Cheers
Ian

[gordy81]

hi there,nice rare mota.

i can do full weld repair/new panels etc.i'm a fabricator to trade,for 15years now.have recently done a fiesta rs1800,new footwells,front/back arches etc.i stay in dundee,not that far from you.my number is 07544895053,don't do silly prices as i know whats involved.price i give at start of job remains same at end,if interested send a text.

new on here so apologies if i'm replying to old thread,as i have done few times now

cheers gordon

[Novasport]

Gordon, I would recommend you do not advertise your services on peoples project threads. If you wish to do this you will need to become a trader and advertise in the traders section.
It may be wise to edit out your posts before the mods jump on you.
You are welcome to the club but please dont make it a short appearance by breaking the rules. ;)

[black death]

nice job mate good to see a sport geting revived from the dead.well done.

stu

[abznovasport]

Hi Folks, sorry there hasnt been an update in a while, with the snow and my new job I barely have time to work on the car. Sooo on that note I have decided to get someone else to do the welding for me. This way I know it will get finished and probably to a higher standard than what I can manage. I'm hoping by the summer it will be complete.

I will upload pics of the new 1300sr donor car I have managed to get a hold of to soon.

Cheers

[abznovasport]

Pics as mentioned. Lots of mold on the seats but otherwise complete and in good condition. Rear arches are gone, floor and sills are so so soft, starts and runs ok ish, hole in manifold other than that its all there and complete :) Just what I wanted. Enjoy

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/IMG_0270_zps2e16d20d.png
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/IMG_0269_zpsbef7a25b.png
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/IMG_0268_zps80d10b26.png
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/IMG_0266_zpsed9e7360.png
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/IMG_0267_zps8f7031d7.png
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/IMG_0265_zpsf1e64682.png
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/IMG_0264_zps41e4f698.png
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/IMG_0262_zps71422f2f.png
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/IMG_0263_zpsbabe8357.png
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/IMG_0261_zpsd5e24648.png

Comments more than welcome :)

Cheers
Ian

[abznovasport]

apologies for the black squares, that must happen when you dont leave spaces between photos :)

[novalovingned]

Best if luck with the project. Nice to see there are even more of us from Aberdeen on here now. Just a shame there all in parts lol

[Novasport]

Helios blue SR, one of my fave colours.

[abznovasport]

It is a nice colour I must admit, never seen a nova with such thin body work though, the floor is like paper!

[abznovasport]

Time for an update, I have been working on the novas :)

So I decided after replacing the boot floor on the sport that I'd be welding it for years so decided to get the professionals to finish it or me.
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Nova%20Sport/image_zps55843069.jpg (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/media/Nova%20Sport/image_zps55843069.jpg.html)
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Nova%20Sport/image_zps01daa68e.jpg (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/media/Nova%20Sport/image_zps01daa68e.jpg.html)

So whilst the shell is away iv started to prepare some of the sport stuff and rob parts off the sr. Rear axle on the sport was the early kind and was in far better condition than the sr's.
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Nova%20Sport/image_zpsb90aa477.jpg (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/media/Nova%20Sport/image_zpsb90aa477.jpg.html)
I have managed to get all new parts and tomorrow the axle is off to get powder coated.

Iv decided to use the 13sb engine out the sr so later this week it will be getting removed and the bottom end sent away to get all the gubbins swapped to the original engine block :) now have a whole 13s engine spare.

Will try and get more pics uploaded as I do things.

Comments and advice all ways appreciated :)

[abznovasport]

Rear axle is like new!! Will let the few poor quality pics do the talking. Still the handbrake slider to go on :)
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Nova%20Sport/image_zps167390e0.jpg (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/media/Nova%20Sport/image_zps167390e0.jpg.html)
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Nova%20Sport/image_zps9fec1d11.jpg (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/media/Nova%20Sport/image_zps9fec1d11.jpg.html)
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Nova%20Sport/image_zpscde25ef7.jpg (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/media/Nova%20Sport/image_zpscde25ef7.jpg.html)
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Nova%20Sport/image_zps05373095.jpg (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/media/Nova%20Sport/image_zps05373095.jpg.html)

[Novasport]

Looking good. I would get some paint on those copper brake pipes as they will go green with verdigris.

[bazzap8389]

Looking good mate :thumb: where have you Sent the nova to get the welding done?

[abznovasport]

Looking good. I would get some paint on those copper brake pipes as they will go green with verdigris.

Yeah was wandering about the pipes, maybe give them a spray in black too.

[abznovasport]

Looking good mate :thumb: where have you Sent the nova to get the welding done?

Place in kintore, they restore cars so welding ain't a problem to them.

[abznovasport]

Just a small update of the engine being built.

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Nova%20Sport/ianmorris1_zpscd915c9e.jpg (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/media/Nova%20Sport/ianmorris1_zpscd915c9e.jpg.html)

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Nova%20Sport/ianmorris2_zps092c0586.jpg (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/media/Nova%20Sport/ianmorris2_zps092c0586.jpg.html)

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Nova%20Sport/ianmorris_zps9d3b83d8.jpg (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/media/Nova%20Sport/ianmorris_zps9d3b83d8.jpg.html)

[bazil]

Nice work :) loving the engine looking like a brand new lego kit lol,

[tahir868]

Great work and parts. Workmanship is class :)

[abznovasport]

Thanks for the positive comments :) Its getting there slowly.

[abznovasport]

Just realised that because I had a tidy up on photo bucket all the pics in here have gone now. So Here's a link to my photo's which is private.

http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/library/Nova%20Sport

[abznovasport]

Not updated this in a while so here goes. Got the Sport back from the welders and it just needs a few touches here and there and the plates welding in for the roll cage and its off to get e-coated in the new year.
Pics are taken with phone at night so not the best. Comments and suggestions welcome as all ways.
Cheers
Ian

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Nova%20Sport/014e65673c526cda70a6211e4288e64ef8af0b6335_zps26f7 274a.jpg (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/media/Nova%20Sport/014e65673c526cda70a6211e4288e64ef8af0b6335_zps26f7 274a.jpg.html)
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Nova%20Sport/0155e09404529121616c1c9bed9ce870d8f4bad7bb_zps7b80 0316.jpg (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/media/Nova%20Sport/0155e09404529121616c1c9bed9ce870d8f4bad7bb_zps7b80 0316.jpg.html)
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Nova%20Sport/017e5bafb943c4e2638814711d4331bc83e14f5b98_zpsc439 a206.jpg (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/media/Nova%20Sport/017e5bafb943c4e2638814711d4331bc83e14f5b98_zpsc439 a206.jpg.html)
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Nova%20Sport/0110029d3c57ce49319ccc6e09eff3f4bcbc0ad0ec_zpsf478 69dd.jpg (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/media/Nova%20Sport/0110029d3c57ce49319ccc6e09eff3f4bcbc0ad0ec_zpsf478 69dd.jpg.html)

[abznovasport]

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Nova%20Sport/015020b82004e8528bc9a5537bc6d8f7488646be40_zps17d2 2372.jpg (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/media/Nova%20Sport/015020b82004e8528bc9a5537bc6d8f7488646be40_zps17d2 2372.jpg.html)
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Nova%20Sport/01f442cff926d73aa2766dfea49bd4c0a37d4b40ce_zps9117 23ea.jpg (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/media/Nova%20Sport/01f442cff926d73aa2766dfea49bd4c0a37d4b40ce_zps9117 23ea.jpg.html)
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Nova%20Sport/01459ec64090a00ca6503da1c90195b7ba696acc66_zps849d beff.jpg (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/media/Nova%20Sport/01459ec64090a00ca6503da1c90195b7ba696acc66_zps849d beff.jpg.html)
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Nova%20Sport/014e65673c526cda70a6211e4288e64ef8af0b6335_zps26f7 274a.jpg (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/media/Nova%20Sport/014e65673c526cda70a6211e4288e64ef8af0b6335_zps26f7 274a.jpg.html)
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Nova%20Sport/01593f9fa954d398f5c49e50e97e034642109de71f_zpsba91 fbfe.jpg (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/media/Nova%20Sport/01593f9fa954d398f5c49e50e97e034642109de71f_zpsba91 fbfe.jpg.html)

[abznovasport]

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Nova%20Sport/013d7d02eaf6e1f566c627155a63d5e25f39743b7b_zpsfe74 0772.jpg (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/media/Nova%20Sport/013d7d02eaf6e1f566c627155a63d5e25f39743b7b_zpsfe74 0772.jpg.html)
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Nova%20Sport/010af817dd591279dcb4d59612e79943673c78324f_zpsca99 b3e7.jpg (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/media/Nova%20Sport/010af817dd591279dcb4d59612e79943673c78324f_zpsca99 b3e7.jpg.html)

And with the roll cage just held in place with cable ties I can see the seat belt issue that other users have had

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Nova%20Sport/01b82025162d7b7ef6edf689b6252750241d6ffea5_zps649b 7d7a.jpg (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/media/Nova%20Sport/01b82025162d7b7ef6edf689b6252750241d6ffea5_zps649b 7d7a.jpg.html)
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Nova%20Sport/014efb5f6b03a985e872e7db3b6a24525226ce513d_zps8ae6 af45.jpg (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/media/Nova%20Sport/014efb5f6b03a985e872e7db3b6a24525226ce513d_zps8ae6 af45.jpg.html)

[bazzap8389]

Looking good bud coming on well :)

[abznovasport]

Cheers bazza, hoping it will be on the road summer 2014

[abznovasport]

Just added up all my receipts to date!!! Shouldn't of done it, feel sick lol

The last picture I put of the roll cage would you guys just put a 3mm L bracket in there or try and build it up somehow?? Advice really appreciated.

Ian

[shaunboy84]

very good welding :) mines will be going away for welding after new year :)

[abznovasport]

It looks a bit messy Shaun but the idea there was that when it gets dipped again I wasnt wanting any acid being left in any holes in the weld, so left the welds high to be able to grind down when back.

[bazzap8389]

Just added up all my receipts to date!!! Shouldn't of done it, feel sick lol


Ian
Haha I done this the other day aswell lol not the best feeling eh lol

where did you have your car dipped?

[abznovasport]

No to think you could have a tidy enough nova for the price iv paid so far is quite scary, still its a hobby.

I got it dipped at SPL in dudey, mixed feelings about them on here. Wouldnt recommend it unless your car is a total rot box and in which case you probably wouldnt want to try and restore.

[abznovasport]

Well here's a much needed update and I feel iv reached a major milestone in the rebuild. I have a solid shell which is e-coated :)

moving house use twice and other issues along the way have held me up but now I should be on track for getting the car painted late 2015.

attached are some pics of it just now and other the next few days il post some pics of things iv been doing behind the scenes :)

enjoy

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Nova%20Sport/imagejpg2_zpsafe252a4.jpg (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/media/Nova%20Sport/imagejpg2_zpsafe252a4.jpg.html)

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Nova%20Sport/imagejpg3_zpsff26a183.jpg (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/media/Nova%20Sport/imagejpg3_zpsff26a183.jpg.html)

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Nova%20Sport/imagejpg1_zps90b1ee05.jpg (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/media/Nova%20Sport/imagejpg1_zps90b1ee05.jpg.html)

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/ianmorris1982/Nova%20Sport/imagejpg4_zps7478ec2c.jpg (http://s681.photobucket.com/user/ianmorris1982/media/Nova%20Sport/imagejpg4_zps7478ec2c.jpg.html)

[dgbnova#1]

Looks good you gona make it to billing then

[abznovasport]

Think it will be a while before billing! The drives to Wolverhampton from Aberdeen nearly killed me lol.

[A11VXL]

That looks like some fantastic progress and a real milestone reached, you must be very pleased.

[Kev Turbo]

Nice thread Ian - keep up the good work!

[sport]

Looks fantastic there mate.

[Southie]

Always nice to see things done right, I take it your happy with the outcome?