1990 MK1 Rebuild and Restyle - here we go again!

[krobinson]

I've owned G82 SGX since July 2006. Initially it was a standard car with 7k miles. I fitted a GTE kit, interior, spax coil overs, v6 brakes, poly bush's, Softstars etc

It's a 1.4 8v, turned around 25k now. Has a weber 32/34 carb.

It was a daily driver for a year for me, and for my dad for a further two years. Since early 2010 it's essentially not moved and lay in my dads driveway whilst I saved for a house.

Well, march 2011 me and the Mrs moved in, and recently I got a garage sorted.

With my Nova Turbo finished, it's time now to rebuild the MK1.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/keithrobinson/MK1%20Rebuild/fde13c18.jpg

Just enough room for the Turbo Nova also, will get it home the next dry day!

The car needs some minor work, including a drivers side rear wheelarch. Firstly, I'm going to sell the Softstars, strip it bare and decide what to do. I've got a few ideas, but I don't want to set anything in stone yet!

Now times have changed, being a home owner, disposable income is massively reduced, so this won't be a 400bhp LET monster. But I'll do my best to get it looking and going nicely.

I'm starting from scratch with tools etc as I've let my father keep anything I gathered over the years, so that's the first thing to sort. So far I've a halford pro range 150pc socket set, next is a jack/axel stands.

Keith

[Bubba]

starting with no tools...hell. although you only really need 5-7 sockets lol.

[krobinson]

Yeah, won't need much. But things like a proper ballpoint breaker, brake bleeding kit, ratchet spanners are really handy! Want a compressor and airtools too!

[Novasport]

Nice looking garage, I take it you had it built on your property? Cannot justify building anything where I am at the moment as I want to move house in a year or two. Looking to find somewhere with a double garage or room to build one next.

Whats the plans then? Are you sticking with the small block? Is it staying the same colour? Whats the mileage on it now & hows it stood up to a few years of motoring?

[Novasport]

Takes a while to build up a nice array of tools, I am getting there slowly. Got most of the essential tools and I have the compressor which was kindly given to me by my dad.
Just treated myself to a Snap-On roll cab which I have been after for a while and I am working through replacing the most essential/easily breakable tools with Snap-On items.
Its taken me about 5 years and there is still alot I want to get.

[krobinson]

It's actually a prefab. Check out modular builds under www.h2engineering.co.uk - looks like the house, take it with me if I move LOL

Its held up really well. Drivers arch is rusting from inside out inside the lip. It's at the stage where most people would just fill and paint lol! But I'm obviously going to replace it. Nearside is perfect, but I may cut it out and change to single skin as it seriously cuts the risk of rust returning.

Haven't inspected it with the kit removed yet. But I'm confident it needs no other panels. I have two genuine wings I'll probably fit.

Initial plan is just to strip, refurbish axel/suspension, powercoat etc, fuel/brake lines, clean/paint engine and fully paint the car in a nicer colour. Not sure if I'll keep the overall GTE look, go SR, or go for something plain.

Want some 15" wheels too!

Need to get a savings pot started!!

[blue_peg_16v]

there was a thread on the garage it was pre fabed and crained into place

looks nice keith subscribed in anticipation

[Mike]

It's actually a prefab. Check out modular builds under www.h2engineering.co.uk - looks like the house, take it with me if I move LOL!

Thats just solved my problem then LOL lol

[John]

Ahhh i wondered what had happened to this! Good to see you've still got it Keith! :)

[Novasport]

Want some 15" wheels too!

I have seen you looking at the Mistrals ;).

Got some nice new old stock Speedline Corse 15's I may sell.

I think a facelift Mk1 SR would be nice in Lazer or Helios blue

[krobinson]

If I find some new rub strips before I save for the paint job then it will possibly go SR.

[The Simps]

Looking forward to seeing what you do with it mate!

[fearless]

Look forward to your latest project progress

The garage looks really impressive - whats the sort of costs for that ? - where the build thread - more pics :)


I may have a new Mk1 door rub strip somewhere amongst all my nova parts - I'll have a look and let you know

[MK999]

It's actually a prefab. Check out modular builds under www.h2engineering.co.uk - looks like the house, take it with me if I move LOL

That's awesome, know what I'm doing when the parents are on holiday lol

[krobinson]

Look forward to your latest project progress

The garage looks really impressive - whats the sort of costs for that ? - where the build thread - more pics :)


I may have a new Mk1 door rub strip somewhere amongst all my nova parts - I'll have a look and let you know

Cheers Dave, appreciate it!

Garage:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/keithrobinson/garage/3f38f1ee.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/keithrobinson/garage/256b5c79.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/keithrobinson/garage/708365f0.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/keithrobinson/garage/5f0e8377.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/keithrobinson/garage/3a424888.jpg

Costs can be from £5-6k. Mine was just over 6k as I went for electric roller, insulation and 14ft wide instead of their standard 12ft wide. Means I can fit both Nova's in.

Keith

[cormac81]

SR rep in jamacia yellow if it was me,looking foward to seeing what you do with this.

[Southie]

This will be a cracker if it's on a par with your previous builds, is it the first MK1 you've revived Keith as I only remember your previous green SR other than the turbo?

And as for the garage that's the easiest garage build I've seen lol

[fearless]

Garage looks like it was built with the house - impressive

Not sure on conventional build cost compared with prefab - but 6K sounds OK for the finished product


An ideal home for the Nova's

[blue_peg_16v]

With it being prefab do you need planning consent?

[krobinson]

Garage looks like it was built with the house - impressive

Not sure on conventional build cost compared with prefab - but 6K sounds OK for the finished product


An ideal home for the Nova's

To have a double skin, cavity wall, insulated garage, done like the house, it would cost about 12k. (20x14ft) internal diameter would then be 18x12ft. Whereas I gain an extra ft. Plus, no planning, no rates, and take it with you if you move :-)

All those reasons are why I went got it. The best is alway going to be brick, but this is a great alternative.

Keith

[krobinson]

My turbo is actually a MK1. I've owned a few Mk1's but no spectacular builds. This won't be spectacular or different either. I just want it really clean and tidy.

[murph-gsi]

Subscribed! Looking forward to this.

[krobinson]

Just sold the softstars. Fella picking them up tonight. I've no wheels to put on it so axel stands here we come! LOL

[NOV4_SPORT]

I already love this thread mate, epic garage I must say. Can't wait to see the progress and how it turns out

[SimonTW]

Frigging hell that garage is awesome! :)

[JJL]

Frigging hell that garage is awesome! :)


Agreed. Must have been funny seeing a garage being driven on a trailor though lol

[Old man Jimbo]

Frigging hell that garage is awesome! :)

This! Wish I'd known about that company when I was looking to move house. I knocked back so many houses due to my obsession for a double garage. For them prices I might have another garage!

[novaa]

very nice looks very clean would look nice as a SR or GTE

[krobinson]

Wheels sold!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/keithrobinson/MK1%20Rebuild/1a3eaf7a.jpg

Skirts off, passanger arch is still perfect.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/keithrobinson/MK1%20Rebuild/21f6c28e.jpg

Drivers side rear arch needs replaced

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/keithrobinson/MK1%20Rebuild/9681c015.jpg

Where it meets the sill

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/keithrobinson/MK1%20Rebuild/d9f902f2.jpg

Sills are mint!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/keithrobinson/MK1%20Rebuild/eab83262.jpg

Inner arches good so far!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/keithrobinson/MK1%20Rebuild/048db7c4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/keithrobinson/MK1%20Rebuild/1d74f9e5.jpg

Really pleased with underneath!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/keithrobinson/MK1%20Rebuild/3cea2d5b.jpg

Front panel is really good

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/keithrobinson/MK1%20Rebuild/c84d3fd5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/keithrobinson/MK1%20Rebuild/6865e9b8.jpg

That's all for now. Next I'll remove the wings, then make a Start on the interior. A friend is going to help make a Spit so I can really get cracking on the underside.

Keith

[Connor]

Wow that is clean. Its held up well. Should be a perfect base for the rebuild ;)

[Novasport]

Sent you a text Keith, not sure if I have your correct number though.

[johnd]

very nice car keith could do with 1 of those garages myself

[gary_126]

Always loved this car!

[krobinson]

Cheers Gary! It won't look like it used to though. I really want to change the colour!

[Novasport]

You staying blue?

[krobinson]

Probably not! Just noticed all our 4 cars are blue now!

Blue a4 tdi
Blue Astra GSI turbo
Blue nova turbo
And this!

Need a change LOL

[The Simps]

Pretty in pink

[krobinson]

Pink or brown? LOL

[Spudly]

Those pics really made me chuckle Keith, looking at the arch youre going to replace, most people would bung that for sale on here with the words 'mint' or 'rot free' in the title lol


Good luck with it and im sure it will be a stunner like your other builds, maybe a mk1 version of 'NDZ' i know lagoon blue is still a blue colour, but its more of a green really, that would look lovely:thumb:

[JShannon]

I would second this^!! NDZ was porn!!!!!

Joe:thumb:

[L33 LEG]

Il be keepng an eye on this, should be an interesting build :)

I love that garage, looks so easy and the price isnt bad at all.

[Acerliam]

Loving the Car mate , Can't wait when its finished :)

[pie]

nova looks great buddy :)

[krobinson]

Cheers folks!

Just trying to find the right wheels to replace the softstars now!

[Acerliam]

Fan blades , Compomotive MO , TH ?

[Southie]

Cheers folks!

Just trying to find the right wheels to replace the softstars now!
Keith, think classic... how about Venoms :d

http://www.lanicor.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/nova_files/image001.jpg

[novasportc550]

Cheers folks!

Just trying to find the right wheels to replace the softstars now!

15 inch revolutions in silver with polished lip...:d:d

[Benn]

Ah, now this looks like fun. I think red might be fun... Nice deep rich metallic red. Love the garage delivery too, that is awesome.

But please move the axle stands, the sill isn't the best place for them. Sit them on the ends of the rear beam and on the front chassis legs. They are much better for taking the weight.

Tool wise, we all start off we a few then you start building them up.. Billing you'll be looking at tools in the jumble now... Altho, Nova joins come apart with a bit of a push if you do it right...

[Novasport]

BMW Ruby Black ;)
Beautiful colour, metallic red flip in the light.

[Novasport]

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jq1fUHzJHA8/TmJ9KicXo_I/AAAAAAAAA1A/wt56kYQmhDo/11%2B-%2B1

[krobinson]

Colours are a nightmare to pick. Time will tell but no decisons have been made yet!

[Nick J]

BMW Ruby Black ;)
Beautiful colour, metallic red flip in the light.

It may look well when its new.......... But as with many colours like that they tire too quickly and end up looking ten year old when theyre actually only two! Edit.... Are you sure that picture is Ruby? Actually looks more like techno violet!

Ive briefly discussed a couple of colours with Keith and I think he's after a more retro colour for this one. something that can blend in with its age/era would be much more fitting.

Nick.

[Novasport]

It is deffo Ruby Black, it looks very red as the light is shining on it. Ruby is an Individual colour option on the new M3. This is Techno, its totally different!....

http://www.dtmpower.net/forum/attachments/car-care-detailing/22196d1054570985-techno-violet-e36-m3-detail1.jpg

[Nick J]

I know both colours rather well.......... I like how one picture is out in natural daylight and the other in a showroom. We both know they will look completely different in opposite circumstances! Under the individual scheme I imagine you could actually still request techno on that model. Ive recently even come across one in dakar!

Nick.

[SRimon]

Be good to see what you do with this Keith. I remember having this car in conversation when I was doing the green one! Stood up well considering it's drive way spot for a good few years! Good luck with it!

[Andy]

I vote for Ford Tuscan Beige lol
Seriously,looking forward to this Keith,alot of us are,as all your builds are worth the time following.

[krobinson]

Yeah it's lasted well considering its never been garaged and has stood now for well over a year. Rear brakes siezed a little just. It'll be garaged from now on :-)

[Novasport]

I know both colours rather well.......... I like how one picture is out in natural daylight and the other in a showroom. We both know they will look completely different in opposite circumstances! Under the individual scheme I imagine you could actually still request techno on that model. Ive recently even come across one in dakar!

Nick.

Jeez Nick, not trying to trick you or anything lol
I know the colours very well also, they are totally different in the flesh.
They did a limited run on the M3 in Dakar afaik. Not heard of Techno Violet back on it though where as Ruby is a listed Individual colour.
Also I found that pic of the M3 by serching 'BMW Ruby Black' on Google ;)

[Novasport]

Yeah it's lasted well considering its never been garaged and has stood now for well over a year. Rear brakes siezed a little just. It'll be garaged from now on :-)

The Swing is outside for winter and the double covers I have on it seem to be holding up well. Keep checking the underside of it and even after the heaviest rain it remains totally dry. I think having fresh air circulating under the car seems to be good for it.

[krobinson]

Wings off

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/keithrobinson/MK1%20Rebuild/58c6e3ef.jpg

No going back now!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/keithrobinson/MK1%20Rebuild/6b182fec.jpg

Happy with the splash guards!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/keithrobinson/MK1%20Rebuild/3f009587.jpg

Thankfully all good here too!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/keithrobinson/MK1%20Rebuild/ae9cf02b.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/keithrobinson/MK1%20Rebuild/46881019.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/keithrobinson/MK1%20Rebuild/7b5add72.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/keithrobinson/MK1%20Rebuild/47286794.jpg

Hopefully keeping stripping a little every day and get the engine out soon :-)

Keith

[NOV4_SPORT]

looks really good condition mate.

Oh and sell me that mk4 GSI !

iain

[krobinson]

Lol! Terri-ann loves her GSI, doubt it'll be for sale for a long time!

Whoops!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/keithrobinson/MK1%20Rebuild/7940511a.jpg

Anyone know a good cheap pallet courier from mainland uk to NI?

[MK999]

palletline or another company I can't find atm, swift pallet or similar? Used to come up under a sponsored result when you searched pallet line but all evidence of them on the net seems to have disappeared.

Pallet delivery seems expensive atm for some reason though, possibly a late response to fuel costs and general economy going crap? To ship my engine cost £74 and that was mainland uk, it was only 35-50ish a few months ago.

[peester]

swift progress, xe looks a decent one. With you umming n arrring about de-gte'ing the car, back into a lower spec (sr?) model.
I think that might dictate the colour choice a bit - one that works with unpainted plastics. (bumpers, grille etc)

[NOV4_SPORT]

[QUOTE=krobinson;1976017]Lol! Terri-ann loves her GSI, doubt it'll be for sale for a long time!

Not fancy p/x for an astra vxr ? lol

[krobinson]

swift progress, xe looks a decent one. With you umming n arrring about de-gte'ing the car, back into a lower spec (sr?) model.
I think that might dictate the colour choice a bit - one that works with unpainted plastics. (bumpers, grille etc)

Yeah I agree. I'll get the shell repaired and the XE work done. Then decide on style/colour

[Novasport]

Whats happening with the 1.4? Might be interested ;)

[krobinson]

Not sure yet. I want to keep it until i know the XE is fine. But I'll keep you in mind!

[Novasport]

That's fine, let me know.

[Adam]

Sticking a standard xe in makes sense imo

[krobinson]

Sticking a standard xe in makes sense imo

Yep! I didn't take the powercap. SFI box FTW!

Will be standard engine. Stainless exhaust. Gaz coilovers. V6 brakes.

[dannymcc]

Good progress Keith, will be interesting to see how this car turns out. :)

[walker-nova]

Looking well keith its held up to ni weather alright! As for courier i used this company and was brave and cheap dropped of to my door on pallet! Eorth giving them a ring
http://www.amnexday.com

[krobinson]

Cheers Walker!!

Got it sorted, engine should be here next week :-)

[The Simps]

Why not drive and pick up engine the same time you collect the wheels??

[gary_126]

Colour change, hmm interesting! The colour, gte kit and wheels were what did it for me. Looking forward to seeing the finnished result!!

ps with all these cars what do you work as?

[krobinson]

Colour change, hmm interesting! The colour, gte kit and wheels were what did it for me. Looking forward to seeing the finnished result!!

ps with all these cars what do you work as?

I do like the colour, but it's not really as nice as it could be. I just fancied a change.

I'm an area manager for the largest independent insurance broker in NI. Before that I managed a branch. Worked my way up from a trainee advisor in 2005.

My girlfriend is a software tester, that's her GSI Astra. (she loves her motors too!! Lol)

Good news today, engine is collected and should be here Wednesday! Woohoo :-)

[Cormac]

Ah didn't know you were doing this, give me a shout and I'll bring the engine hoist out when you need it!!

[krobinson]

Think we should fit your XE first Cormac!

[krobinson]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/keithrobinson/MK1%20Rebuild/b07cb464.jpg

Engine arrived yesterday. Thankfully it has everything, including coil, ECU, dizzy etc.

It looks well cared for, but they are 20 years old+ now, so will do some tests before I decide what to do. I hope it's good enough to not need rebuilt!

Ordered the mounts today so won't be long till I get it trial fitted.

Keith

[kirky_boy87]

love the car keith very solid, xe looks nice be even better when shes in her check compression before u put it in, i put xe in mine and it needed new rings so i had 2 take it back out and sort it out lol. great project keep it up mate

[peester]

Cool. Thats about as far as i ever got with a c20xe. Bought it, sat on garage floor, then sold it on. It must be the small block in my veins lol.

[richz_nova]

Keep up the gud wrk wish I had space lol

[Nick J]

Looks a very tidy shell mate...... I bet your glad I didnt buy it now! On another note heres my opinion of what would be a good idea paint scheme wise. Id just minus the vents/lights/ and allesios for something more period on the overall look and I think you would be on a winner! :)


Bags full of WIN...................


http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/img016-1.jpg

Nick.

[peester]

good call nick.. feeling lots of want about that ^^

[SimonTW]

Love that. Old school cool! Anyone on here still have a set of those headlights? Not seen any for years!

[krobinson]

Looks a very tidy shell mate...... I bet your glad I didnt buy it now! On another note heres my opinion of what would be a good idea paint scheme wise. Id just minus the vents/lights/ and allesios for something more period on the overall look and I think you would be on a winner! :)


Bags full of WIN...................


http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/img016-1.jpg

Nick.

Hey Nick,

That's the colour I'm seriously wanting to paint it. Porsche peppermint green. C20XE, period 15's, dark bumpers, no skirts. No vents/twin lights.

Really looking forward to getting stuck in!

Bought halfords industrial tool box (top/bottom roller job) tonight. Top box was badly dented so it's going back tomorrow for a replacement. Pics once I get that sorted :-)

Keith

[Benn]

Coming on well dude, soon it will be full of tools..lol

Colour could be awesome.

[krobinson]

Cheers Benn!

Got it all built up and into the garage. Looking forward to getting some useful tools in!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/keithrobinson/MK1%20Rebuild/7c9d4b14.jpg

Keith

[Tommy_nova]

Will defo be watching this one :)

Great work so far Keith loving the prefab garage too.

[Benn]

Keith, how much was the bottom box? As that's the one i want.. I have top box twice (custom stand) and both are full...lol

[LEWI007]

Love that. Old school cool! Anyone on here still have a set of those headlights? Not seen any for years!

Aye me lol


Loving the engine Kieth!!

[Novasport]

Have you changed the box already? Go back and see if they will kock some money off it.

I was going to get the bottom box aswell but I never got round to getting one. Glad I didnt as I bought a Snap-On roll cab off one of the techs at work. He was going to trade it in when he bought a wider one but I got it off him at a good price. It has a couple more drawers than the Halfords one.

Halfords boxes are good for the money, especially when they have an offer on them. Had a top box from them for a few years and very happy with it.

[krobinson]

Top box was £150, bottom £200. Got both through a friend who works there, plus some professional flexible ratchet spanners for £330. Saved around £70 off the sale price!

Bargain!

[stupot89]

liking this alot keep up the good work
i had that bottom box but grew out of it fast so upgraded to a snap on one

[murph-gsi]

Looking well lad. Gez the NI roads really take their tole on the running gear and the mudflaps. Looking good tho :thumb:

[krobinson]

Small update:

I've had a big rethink and decided to sell the XE. It's now sold and being collected soon. I want to concentrate on sorting the shell out and will stick with the 1.4.

I'm confident now that I won't stick with the GTE look and will run with the 90's look instead.

My new arches have arrived and will be working on getting those fitted soon.

Keith :-)

[david dixon]

Very tidy that Keith, i think its good you sticking with the GTE look, it doesn't happen much these days and its already looking good so why cut it up!
Nice garage too.

David.

[krobinson]

I said I won't stick with the GTE look! Lol well I'm keeping it MK1 and using the bumpers. But I won't badge it GTE since I'm now sticking with the 1.4.

[david dixon]

Oh yeah i got what you mean Keith, Its nice to see a small block staying put!

[krobinson]

Not much progress here, I now have all the panels needed to restore the shell and I've lots of tools to get be going. I've a rollover spit sorted too, it just needs welded together.

I'm getting a new floor poured into my garage today, once thats dry i'm going to build the spit and completely strip the Nova, ready to get stuck into the shell.

Keith

[jafanan]

Not much progress here, I now have all the panels needed to restore the shell and I've lots of tools to get be going. I've a rollover spit sorted too, it just needs welded together.

I'm getting a new floor poured into my garage today, once thats dry i'm going to build the spit and completely strip the Nova, ready to get stuck into the shell.

Keith

as youd say.... goodtimes or WINNING

sunday at the port, gives showers ;(

[Benn]

Christ your ready to crack on...

[Southie]

Always enjoyed reading your builds Keith so glad your near to building yet another :cool: Nova.

[DAVIDKEDENS]

Progress on this? Wish I had a garage like that! :thumb: