View Full Version : Steve's 1984 Saloon
Well after a long absence its seems ive come back to novas! Some of you will remember from a while back. After stripping my 20seh nova I bought a corsa redtop which turned out to be a bit of a lemon!
So I wanted something more reliable and ended up buying what ive been after for a while - a viva! Bought a set of ultralites for it and had no problems!
http://i.imgur.com/iiSTr.jpg
Then with winter coming I decided to get something more suitable and found a mk2 astra 1300 with a genuine 47k and got a set of gte wheels for it:
http://i.imgur.com/4GJ3D.jpg
And then last wednesday at college I overheard someone talking about a nova saloon for sale with a genuine 15k I couldn't really ignore it! I had a 4dr before as a stop gap car but have always wanted to do a 2dr :d it hasnt been on the road since 2002 but its mot'd and just needs taxing at the start of feb.
It has a pierburg carb fitted as the weber apparently didnt idle so my mate offered to strip it down and see if we could get it running on that, anyway here's a few pics as it stands, its now got the astra gte wheels on :)
Its got an interesting history, I have the original invoice where it was bought only a few miles up the road from me by a disabled person who kept it till 2002, its got nearly all the old mot's backing up the mileage although a short drive confirmed that anyway :D and it is the most basic model going with virtually no equipment!
http://i.imgur.com/ygLaB.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/TFOPi.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/XqdFP.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/ULFBI.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Oz5dJ.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/eIsll.jpg
Just looking for a lowering kit for it and it needs a wheel bearing doing before I use it.
Few more:
2 speed fan and coin tray :D
http://i.imgur.com/Ss1LT.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/3PTq5.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/A11FG.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/zNYjZ.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/9dk4P.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/LxuWu.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/UEUw9.jpg
binty2k8
21-01-12, 10:26 PM
sell me your interior lol
Nova-nation
21-01-12, 10:38 PM
Oow leaf green! Looks clean mate, good buy!
looks nice.never seen a 2 speed fan befor
Simon 1867
21-01-12, 11:12 PM
Not so much a secret now Steve!! Glad your back, and a cracking car. Just wish I couldget my hands on a 2dr loon.
Cheers mate, I think this is nova number 8 now and they really are addictive! Same as yours though, came from Ditton Service Station originally, then went on to live in Dartford, its still got the original dealer plates and rear window sticker. Its only a 1.0 but I learnt to drive in one and they are a cracking little engine for what they are.
Gibbo - the basic spec novas did 2 speed fans and optional extras were passenger mirrors same as the nova sports.
scott.parker
21-01-12, 11:56 PM
Welcome on board to my new World! lol looks like 2012 IS the year of the Loons...
Fcuk ! Edd needs a 'loon me thinks lol
Looks nice mate
Looks a good base to build something awesome :)
Calamity Josh
22-01-12, 07:25 AM
i look foward to seeing what becomes of it, thats five known leaf green 2dr loons now! could it be the rarest colour? :D
Calamity Josh
22-01-12, 07:53 AM
http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?181973-The-2dr-Leaf-Green-Nova-Saloon-Thread&p=1982456#post1982456
Thanks to teddythom popping over last night we sorted the non-working fuel gauge, I thought it was the sender so I swapped it over with an old one I had in the garage but that didnt work, so he lent me his spare Mk 1 clocks and now it works!
Ive taken my astra off as of friday as the other half will be using it, so once I get the insurance through in the post I can tax it and start using it. I'm still on the lookout for the original weber carb if anyone has one?
And also found a 60mm lowering kit also from Teddythom as it looks slightly out of place on the standard suspension lol
Got a couple of bits coming in the post, a brown centre console and a set of yellow dial sr clocks :)
kent14sr
06-03-12, 10:08 PM
Thanks to teddythom popping over last night we sorted the non-working fuel gauge, I thought it was the sender so I swapped it over with an old one I had in the garage but that didnt work, so he lent me his spare Mk 1 clocks and now it works!
Ive taken my astra off as of friday as the other half will be using it, so once I get the insurance through in the post I can tax it and start using it. I'm still on the lookout for the original weber carb if anyone has one?
And also found a 60mm lowering kit also from Teddythom as it looks slightly out of place on the standard suspension lol
Got a couple of bits coming in the post, a brown centre console and a set of yellow dial sr clocks :)
Steve - I have a carb, you still want one?
Yes mate, did you find it?
Count Vaux Alot
07-03-12, 10:53 AM
Nice colour dude :) and lol at everyone wanting a saloon now.
Well not alot has happened, got in insured friday drove it half a day then it kept cutting out, having had a 1.0 before its normally where the points close up or the condenser breaks down so replaced them and it was fine, for half a day...
Then I went with teddythoms suggestion that it may be fuel related, as the original carb was removed as it apparently didnt idle the previous owner stuck a pierburg carb on it. So I had a fiddle with it and it ran sweet, for a day... lol so i'm a bit miffed, ive been playing around with it all day today and its only cutout on me once so its better all the the idle is quite lumpy.
The other thought is as its been off the road for around 10 years it might be old petrol causing it to play up, before I played with the carb it ran fine for a while till the fuel got down to a 1/4 tank then it kept cutting out, so I chucked some fresh in it and it was ok for a while.
Anyway on the up side I got my six dials and centre console today, plus Ive put in my GM mats out of my old beige nova, plan is to keep it original looking but just spec it up a bit lol
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/Photo0648.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/Photo70007.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/Photo70004.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/Photo70006.jpg
Plus a few of the engine bay, I can't believe how clean it is!!
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/Photo0645.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/Photo0646.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/Photo0647.jpg
Hit it with the stick! lol
lol will do john!
Stuck an in line filter on it ans as suspected it full of crap!! So much so that it won't idle at all now so I would think the carb is all blocked up.
Next fun job is to get the tank off and clean it out thoroughly, something i'm not looking forward to having changed a tank before :/ I've had the original carb rebulit but I still need the throttle cable bracket if anyone can help? Every breakers round here can't help and two of them are vauxhall specialists!
Eventually got the tank off, the main problem was trying to get the rusted up exhaust off, got there in the end! The tank turned out to be much worse than i thought, the whole inside was coated with rust and crap. Drained the petrol out and big chunks fell out. Might explain my running problems.
So ive decided its not worth the hassle and i'm gonna put my 1.2 tank back in tomorrow.
All back together but as the exhaust was such a pain to get off, hammering it free split the backbox so need a new one. Got the original carb back on and it runs but can't be driven till i get another bracket for the throttle cable.
Quite alot happened since last time, got the original carb cleaned out but it still wouldnt run right, so it ended up getting totally overhauled, new rebuild kit, re-timed and now it runs perfect!! Gave up trying to find the throttle cable bracket as two members messed me about and never got back to me so my mechanic fabricated a new one up. Fitted a brand new backbox as the other one had had it and after putting some miles on it (up to 15,400 now!!) and runs and drives like a brand new car.
Popped over to rich's yesterday to get my lowering kit but weather stopped play half way through so I ended up driving round yesterday like this:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/Photo70037.jpg
But got up today and fitted some 80mm rears I had sitting about and it looks a whole lot better:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/Photo70040.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/Photo70041.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/Photo70044.jpg
Well happy with it :)
Don't know what direction to go now, This is pretty much how I want it to look, got my six dials fitted but still need to wire up the rev counter.
scott.parker
13-04-12, 04:18 PM
The next direction is DOWN, need lowering!
Can't go too low as its my daily and I often encounter speed bumps lol
Your car looks fantastic..
I'm repeating myself, but those early Mk1 colours & interiors are the business...
Great stuff..:thumb:
Novaloony
22-04-12, 10:45 PM
mmm loon... Hope to see it at some meets soon :)
Quick pic, love how it sits now
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/Photo70069.jpg
Anyway, back to the update, my standard brakes decided to give up the other week so I got these fitted, 256mm TAROX discs and my braided hoses ive had sitting around for ages, they stop properly now.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/Photo70066.jpg
When I say the old brakes gave up I found half a pad on the drive as I left for work, the backing pads were still in the callipers but the brake pad literally fell off!! All that sitting about for 10 years whilst it was parked up took there toll, at least I know I havent got to worry about them for a while!
I got the lowering kit off rich but I noticed one of the struts was assembled incorrectly, there's an I.D hole if you look from underneath the car that was sitting the wrong way round, I only learnt from another member as my old nova kept shredding tyres even though i'd had it tracked. I noticed it even more so when I took the strut off:
Wrong:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/Photo70067.jpg
Right:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/Photo70068.jpg
I thought that was the cause of my problem but it wasn't, when you hit a pothole or a dip in the road it feels like the n/s/f wheel is twitching about or moving, making the car wobble a bit, I figured if the camber was out on that side that would have explained it. Had a good nosey underneath and none of the bushes have any excess movement so i'm a bit stumped, any ideas??
*Jurgen*
04-05-12, 05:20 PM
Awesome loon, love how it stands now!
Had a bit more hassle with the 1.0 not running right so after a long search I've found a decent low mileage 1300, just got to find the time to get it fitted.
Still not got my internet connection back so I'm using my phone for now.
I've got the 1.0 out of the car but not got a hoist yet so I might struggle and fit the 1300 the good old fashioned way of trolley jacks and blocks of wood.
Should be fun!!
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/IMG-20120804-00093_zpse884139f.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/IMG-20120804-00094_zpscc82c3d7.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/IMG-20120804-00095_zps06b1dd47.jpg
The engines and done most of the plumbing, still need to get an exhaust and a few odd bits I cant use off the 1.0. Then its just a small bit of wiring and fit the driveshafts and run a return line.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/IMG-20120807-00096_zps626107e7.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/IMG-20120807-00097_zpsf374346b.jpg
Nearly there!!
Got it running today, all good besides the fact that the exhaust isnt fitted so it was a tad loud.
Can't fit the downpipe yet as I didn't realise it was the astra drivers mount thats making the engine sitting high on that side. So i just need a drivers side engine mount then the exhaust can go on, fit the driveshafts, fill it with gearbox oil and go for a test run :D
Got the last few niggles sorted today and took it out for a drive. Seems good, engine and gearbox both feel very tight and had no leaks so i'm happy!
Ended up buying a new downpipe and front section for it, plus ive not long ago replaced the back box so ive got a nice new exhaust all round. Then spent the rest of the day cleaning and polishing the engine bay.
All set for Retro Rides Gathering this sunday!!
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/IMG-20120817-00108.jpg
kent14sr
17-08-12, 07:14 PM
Was the bracket ok Steve?
Sent it 1st class to you - so hope you have it by now.
It looks identical to the one I found in the garage yesterday! Typical! I knew I had one but couldn't find it anywhere, then whilst looking for something else I found it! Bit of a pain but its all done now so not too bothered.
scott.parker
17-08-12, 08:38 PM
Sweet! see you and the loon there on Sunday dude!
Cool mate, you on a stand or in the general parking?
Aside from billing, this was the next big one on the calendar, should be good!
Racked up about 800 miles and no problems, doesnt use a spot of oil or water and no problems so I'm happy.
Picked up a Mk1 sr steering wheel for it at the south east meet last week so just need to fit that. And i ran a new wire for the rev counter so thats working now. Other than that ive just been cleaning it, gave the rocker cover a quick polish up and thats come up well, as well as the airbox.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/IMG-20120817-00109.jpg
Simon 1867
10-09-12, 06:32 PM
Looks just like my engine bay now matey. Lovely.
Thanks mate, let us know when you're free for that meet.
Thanks to TeddyThom and his steering wheel puller ive got rid of the nasty two spoke and ive fitted my 3 spoke, i'd bought a nova GTE wheel recently but i'd tried this Mk1 astra wheel and tbh I prefer it and its a bit different.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/New50361_zpsa84d2bf2.jpg
Also thought i'd chuck this one up at Retro rides the other week.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/DSCF9196.jpg
jafanan
20-09-12, 03:50 PM
Love this! i hope i get the chance to own a 3dr salooon sometime!
Received a package the other day
Oooohhh!!!
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/New50363.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/New50364.jpg
Got the rears on to replace my dodgy shocks and its so much better, just need to find time to get the front struts off and swap the springs over.
Replaced the rotor arm and dizzy cap a few miles ago, just want to get some new plugs and leads and she'll be all good. And my MOT is due soon so ive got a couple of things to check over first but fingers crossed! :thumb:
brainsnova
02-10-12, 01:16 AM
Looks good with the Astra wheel and you can't beat good shockys :thumb:
scott.parker
02-10-12, 06:17 AM
the rest shocks are adjustable, but they have right stupid way of doing it, have to have them off car fully extended them, and then turn the body an keep to still..
Yeah I did have a quick look but couldn't see how you adjust them, now with them on the car it feels like one side is firmer than the other. So I'll need to take them off and re-adjust them at some point.
I think ive got a bit of an obsession with steering wheels!
Astra GTE off, Mountenay 3 spoke on, I love it, feels so much better as weird as that sounds!
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/IMG-20130117-00239_zpsb965d5f6.jpg
Also got a new pair of speakers for christmas, being a base model it didnt come with an aerial, stereo, or even speakers!
You can probably see above I was using an average pair of speakers cable tied to the front parcel shelf, but its not how I wanted to leave it! So I spent today taking the dash out and putting my new speakers in, they came with a rubber gasket but it was a bit too fat to fit in the standard recess, so a bit of trimming later had it sitting snug :)
Dash is now back in but it got a bit dark so i'll finish it off tomorrow.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/IMG-20130107-00235_zpsc45b0587.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/IMG-20130120-00244_zpsa257bcda.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/IMG-20130120-00249_zps0a195587.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/IMG-20130120-00250_zps1b7b1cec.jpg
What size are they btw, are they the 4" ones, im thinking of replacing mine as ive just retrofitted a proper radio loom to mine and wouldnt mind uprating my dash/all speakers aswell (if i cba to pull my dash back out, hateful job in a mk1)
Yeah 4" only £30 in halfords so can't argue!
Ive taken a dash out before without much hassle but disconnecting the cables off the heater box was really difficult on this one for some reason. Must have spent a good 40 mins doing that alone! lol
Simon 1867
20-01-13, 09:55 PM
Looking nice Steve.
The GTE wheel looks better I think (authentic)!
scott.parker
25-01-13, 12:38 PM
The GTE wheel looks better I think (authentic)!
I agree, and your brave to do that job in the snow! lol
So did the heart come from the Astra mk2? if so did you XE that?
Well the car wasn't going anywhere and I had nothing better to do.... lol
Nah the other half has got my old mk 2 now, I found this engine for sale on the mk 2 astra forum, was a bit of a journey to norfolk to pick it up but well worth it!
jafanan
26-01-13, 10:29 AM
i would love a mk1 loon
keep up the good work
Few little changes, firstly I managed to get a complete GL interior (minus the seats) which i'm well chuffed with! Not sure about the green dash, I prefer the brown but we'll see, only fitted the door cards, door cappings and the green door seal and inner sill covers so far but i'm happy with it!
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/IMG-20130211-00304_zps91e27dea.jpg
This is the rest of it that i'm still deciding on:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/IMG_5752_zpsbf7d777d.jpg
Also, ive had alot of trouble getting the car started in this cold weather, I was told by an un-reputable fast fit garage that my alternator was on its way out, whereas it was just the battery, euro car parts had a 20% off online deal so i bought the best battery I could find :)
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/IMG-20130216-00341_zpsbb3cb08b.jpg
And finally my new wheels
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/19695_10151310912808507_1281736353_n_zps7e39dfa7.j pg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/IMG-20130212-00335_zpsc8bf61c9.jpg
Comments please.
chrisd1986
24-02-13, 09:48 PM
your green dash is alot lighter than mine, i prefered the astra gte alloys you had on it tbh but it still looks good but i would have bought a set of ats cups for it if it was mine
kent14sr
24-02-13, 09:49 PM
What are you doing with the teardrops Steve?
I think thats just the flash as it is quite a dark green, but i'm still not decided on it! I'm going to put the carpets in either way. Not sure what my plans are for the wheels, might just keep them as a spare set, ive also got a set in black but need tyres, PM me if its something you're interested in.
scott.parker
24-02-13, 10:26 PM
Love it, like the wheels to, but might look cool in anthracite, or cream?
naughtynova1984
25-02-13, 01:28 AM
How do I put pics on here ?
naughtynova1984
26-02-13, 02:03 AM
http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb460/hypahl5/551304_10200438732438312_1266073140_n_zpsafaf100f. jpg
shaunboy84
26-02-13, 04:52 PM
sign up for photobucket.com, once you upload pictures go to library,then click on image, there will be a box that says image links click the bottom one, it automatically saves the link, come on here go to your thread, click right click and paste sorted :)
Not sure whether to keep the 5 spokes on now or put my black teardrops on ???
I think the teardrops just need wider tyres on to fill the arches out a bit.
chrisd1986
06-04-13, 06:43 PM
get some sr steels and go lower lol
I'm still trying to decide whether to go with the black teardrops ive got, 185/60 front and 195/60 rears to fill the arches out.
chrisd1986
07-04-13, 11:06 PM
im running 185/55/14 on mine and just went lower
millworm
07-04-13, 11:55 PM
Tardrops but in black :)
was this up chelsea cruise the other night??
No mate, not been up london in a while. There are a few about in this colour, there's a 3.0 V6 about as well.
jafanan
27-05-13, 11:15 PM
Looks great, just as a saloon should be
Much involved in changing the engine from the original 1.0? New tank etc?
Cheers mate,as indecisive as I am I might fit my black teardrops and see if I can find a set of wheels I can settle on!
Yeah differnt tank, run a return line and lots of the hoses were different as well as the radiator, exhaust etc.. Still, as my first engine swap it was pretty simple!
Thought i'd chuck these up from a local Classic Car Show I went to on Monday, booking was closed for the show but the organzier said I could display it if there was space and even though he said it wasn't a proper classic! lol
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/New50645_zps8c4696a7.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/novamyth/media/New50645_zps8c4696a7.jpg.html)
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/New50646_zps5c21678b.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/novamyth/media/New50646_zps5c21678b.jpg.html)
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/New50647_zps939eecf7.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/novamyth/media/New50647_zps939eecf7.jpg.html)
Not alot happened recently, got a weber carb for it but it doesnt run right so thats come back off for now.
Got bored with the 5 spokes so I picked up a set of slabs locally, they need a refurb but they'll do for now :)
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/1920364_10152017660263507_1712978419_n_zps5ce25c3f .jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/novamyth/media/saloon/1920364_10152017660263507_1712978419_n_zps5ce25c3f .jpg.html)
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/saloon/1920212_10152052368158507_170705258_n_zps1c700069. jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/novamyth/media/saloon/1920212_10152052368158507_170705258_n_zps1c700069. jpg.html)
leggattr
23-03-14, 06:37 PM
My weber took awhile to get running right. All the jets correct for your engine? The weber diagram I got showed the jets the wrong way round so mine ran crap.
I have no idea tbh, i put it on and it coughed and spluttered but wouldnt run, plus it was leaking fuel out of somewhere so ideally it needs a rebuild and a good going over.
I bought it off here with all the adapters so I assumed it had come off a nova, but theres was an ebay invoice in the box and it was listed for a mk2 golf so i'm not sure what its been on! lol
leggattr
23-03-14, 10:15 PM
I rebuilt mine with a weber kit and cleaned everything up. I knew mine was from a nova and luckily was jetted for it too.
How much was the rebuild kit? I'll see about getting that done, is there a way to tell the size of the jets, would they be stamped on there or do you just have to measure them?
leggattr
23-03-14, 10:37 PM
Service kit costs around £20 on the bay. The jets and tubes are stamped, at the bottom I think.
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