Craig's Xe track Nova (pb fixed to page 10)

[8valve-craig]

Hi, Only just really started coming on here, But thought it appropriate as i have been building and tracking my Nova over the last year or so. Thought id start a new thread on here to document progress.

Its been running for a while on Mig, but instead of copying and pasting the whole thing have decided to start again as its came a long way.
Some of you will know it as it was featured in TV at the beginning of this year, others will know it from the odd outing to castle combe and PVS.

Started out as a base model i picked up for £220, which i tarted up a little, but it never saw the road like this

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/DSC02177.jpg~original

Decided to strip it out and fit a sparco 10point cage, buckets and harnesses

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/DSC03963.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/DSC03968.jpg~original

Then lightened it up with some poly windows and a fiberglass hatch

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/DSC04993.jpg~original

Forgot to mention in the meantime fitted a 2.0 8v on bike carbs, cam and tidy head, which i built and fabricated myself

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/DSC04997.jpg~original

Tracked it like this for a while and it went well, Just not quite quick enough, so the other week i stripped the engine out and fitted my xe on del 45's

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/Photo036.jpg~original

Sorted out the niggles and it made 173bhp on mech motorsports rollers

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/Photo0301.jpg~original

Then cleaned it up and took it to the spring action day at combe. All went well

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/nova.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/peractday28041217582.jpg~original

Thats the short version, which to be honest sums it up without the shouting and swearing. Il keep it updated from now on as i have a few different ideas. Currently got another engine ready to build and some 4 pots to go on.

Current spec is pretty modest...

Early xe with the 86p's and the early crank and flywheel
ARP's,
Twin delorto 45's on jenvey manifold
Piper pulleys
f16cr with Quaife ATB
And a 2" Magnex.....
Avo coilovers
256mm brakes (which work fine)
Sport steels / Oz sparco's
10 point cage,
Sparco Buckets and Sabelt 3" harnesses
poly windows and FG hatch
Then all the usual little bits that tidy stuff up like GSi dash and Cav internal shifter

New engine which i have all the bits for is....
Mint xe out of a low milage calibra
Early crank
Both steel oil pump gears
Steel rods with arp's
Wossner 12.5 - 1 slippers
Very nice head, currently with standard valves
Piper BP300's with all relevent valvetrain
Jenvey 45mm short bodys
Omex 600 + dedicated loom

Not wanting to rush the build i have put together the above carb'd xe for this year. Hoping to have the new engine sorted for next year along with FG doors, wings and bonnet.

Took it to PVS the other week and managed a 14.3, recently sequred a Quaife SCCR syncro box to go on in time for its next outing so hoping to get it into high 13's.


http://s1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc430/mitchdub/?action=view¤t=20120610_121842.mp4

Plan for now is to get the new wheels tyres and brakes fitted, maybe drive it up to billing then get it to prescot for a few runs up the hill at retro rides.

[dc1984]

Nice one mate, I sometimes pop on mig to see your scrapyard thread;)

Awesome work with the nova:thumb:

David.

[paul080803]

Hi Craig, good to see you have started coming on here!! Are you doing fri to sun at billing?

[8valve-craig]

Nice one mate, I sometimes pop on mig to see your scrapyard thread;)

Awesome work with the nova:thumb:

David.

Glad you like it, It gets mixed opinions to be honest


Hi Craig, good to see you have started coming on here!! Are you doing fri to sun at billing?

Yeah i signed up years ago, but for some reason never posted any progress.

Il go up to Billing saturday morning and camp just the one night i think. If i take the Nova it will be on Mig stand, if i go in the van it will be hidden.

[paul080803]

I will be going up fri to Sunday. Taking the m3, nova is still a shell. Not looking promising for retro either!!!!

[Will F]

Ahhh so its you I have seen at Combe a few times - kept meaning to catch up, but it either rains or I dont see you off track.

[8valve-craig]

Yeah i try and get out as much as possible. What would you have been in?

[Will F]

When I have seen you teh last few times I have been in my beige saloon - which hasnt seen any track action tbh!

[8valve-craig]

Ah i had a look round that last summer up the top of the paddock i think. Very nice.

Should start getting it ready for billing really. Normally just wait until the day before, but as it stands right now it has no tyres, only 3 trumpets, a v-belt which likes to come flying off and a huge oil leak.

I painted these for it recently. Got them looking really good so it seems a shame to just fit T1r's. But with the recent purchase of the quaife box and a new van cant really justify 888's

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Wheel%20re-furb/Photo0111.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Wheel%20re-furb/photo045.jpg~original

[Iain]

Nice wheels! How about some R1Rs for them? Happy medium?

[Will F]

Youre not too far from me - so if you get the urge for a test drive let me know! I have a Gsi on TBs in teh garage too - so we can compare notes...

[8valve-craig]

Yeah maybe, where are you? over the bridge? I had a few drags with my friend in his Jenvey TB'd 20xe at PVS this year. Seemed to beat him quite easily which is one of the reasons im holding off fitting my bodies. I think to be fair though my car is probably a fair bit lighter than his, and the diff does seem to get it off the line quicker. Im going to continue to dog it until something lets go. then build my proper one, which is in pieces under the bath at the moment (mostly new & boxed)

Short vid of one of the drags this year.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dP2dMwNfhU

[Will F]

Its deffo due to weight mate - the Novas are quite a bit quicker in similar fettle!
I have a Toovey built 250 bhp screamer in mine, although it hasnt moved for 3 years!

Yep - I am the first junction after the Severn bridge - so not far at all!

[paul080803]

Craig when you fit the quaife SCCR box, if you want to sell the F16CR with ATB then let me know please :thumb:

[brucer]

tidy looking car, i thought i recognised the car from pvs, voila....

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z24/bachilds1988/nova%20progress/DSCN7018.jpg

[8valve-craig]

Its deffo due to weight mate - the Novas are quite a bit quicker in similar fettle!
I have a Toovey built 250 bhp screamer in mine, although it hasnt moved for 3 years!

Yep - I am the first junction after the Severn bridge - so not far at all!

Ah, i do believe i bought a non ABS Gte master cylinder off you a few years back? remember the Nova in your workshop at the time.


Craig when you fit the quaife SCCR box, if you want to sell the F16CR with ATB then let me know please :thumb:

Il keep you in mind, although you have seen my hoard of parts so dont be suprised if i keep hold of it as a spare lol


tidy looking car, i thought i recognised the car from pvs, voila....

My excuse was a poor start. Still flew past him though, but then missed 4th and he reeled me in. It was a Let though.

Voila.... (love the noise, shame about the missed gear)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7lnxGeqlXU

[paul080803]

No problem Craig.

I still need to sort a XE head from you at some point. Most of June was spent working in Yorkshire and Coventry and July is starting to look the same!!

[8valve-craig]

No Problem, I have 2 Coscasts available and numerous KS. Just get in touch when required and im sure there will be something suitable here.

[matthew172]

looks exactly the same as my mrs nova lol, you just need a quaife box to finish it off lol

[8valve-craig]

Hmmmm Matthew from cumbria.... Rings a bell. Is it boxed up yet?

I dont suppose on the slight off-chance your Mrs Nova was fitted with the same wheels as those i use on track last year at billing was it?



http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/peractday28041217582.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/peractday28041217582.jpg ~original

[SimonTW]

Looks great on the OZ rims!

[matthew172]

Hmmmm Matthew from cumbria.... Rings a bell. Is it boxed up yet?

I dont suppose on the slight off-chance your Mrs Nova was fitted with the same wheels as those i use on track last year at billing was it?

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/peractday28041217582.jpg~original




Hmmmm Matthew from cumbria.... Rings a bell. Is it boxed up yet?


I dont suppose on the slight off-chance your Mrs Nova was fitted with the same wheels as those i use on track last year at billing was it?






http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/peractday28041217582.jpg ~original[/QUOTE]




thats the one yeah, i also have a set on mine painted black widout the decals, awesome wheels and rare too, pics in my build thread etc.

havnt had time to box it up yet as working long days and when i get home all i want to do is go to sleep lol, ill get it sorted asap though mate

[8valve-craig]

thats the one yeah, i also have a set on mine painted black widout the decals, awesome wheels and rare too, pics in my build thread etc.

havnt had time to box it up yet as working long days and when i get home all i want to do is go to sleep lol, ill get it sorted asap though mate

No rush. payment is put aside so whenever you are ready. How goods your memory? I came over to talk to you with my Girlfriend. Asked if you wanted to swap them for some et49 comp Mo 16's...... remember? You said you were considering painting the bumpers white so the Oz's might be Over-white-ness, and took my number.

Needless to say i found some. But your right about them being rare in this size... Are yours all et49? I have 7 of them.

[matthew172]

yes i can remember you now lol, small world aint it! yeah mine and the mrs's are all et49 super rare id say i have 5 and she has 4, replacement decals are available from highgate house and there identical to originals as i sent the guy measurements off mine to make sure

[8valve-craig]

Indeed a small world.

Ooooh do you want to sell your spare? will pay lots of monies. would have 2 full sets then :)

Yeah i looked at highgate house. mine aren't stickers though they are the original screen prints.

[8valve-craig]

Took the morning off today as i had a guaranteed delivery booked. Been jumping up to the window every time i hear a diesel..... and here it is :D

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/Photo0131-1.jpg~original

Opened it straight up like a kid at christmas. Very happy

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/Photo0171-1.jpg~original

Looking forward to fitting it, then the test drive, and i need to do the gearbox mount anyway so will be the perfect opportunity.

On another note i collected these last night. All in they stand me at £90, which isnt bad considering they all have around 3mm left. Decided not to fit them to the comps though as i dont want to risk scratching the paint. They would only be on there for a few hundred miles so would be looking at on - off - on agian, which would almost certainly result in some sort of scratch
Instead im just going to fit them to the oz's and use those on the road for a bit, then buy some new T1r's for the comps and start using the Oz's on track again when these wear down.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/DSCN0872.jpg~original

[8valve-craig]

Finished early today so decided to tackle the alternator problem. basically it has been running squiffy and wearing out belts in no time. Also far too close to the chassis leg and has been making contact on heavy left handers.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/Photo0192.jpg~original

I was hoping to swap it over for this one, which appears to have the pulley further inwards which would solve the problem instantly.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/Photo020-4.jpg~original

So i started taking it apart, only to find that the alt wont come out without either removing the carbs or the exhaust manifold. So i chose the exhaust and pulled it out from underneath.

In went the new one, only to find that despite the pully location the dimensions were the same so it was exactly as it was before.
The only option was to make a new alternator lowering bracket with the lower bolt holes offset towards the n/s, thus pulling the belt straight and getting the pulley away from the chassis leg.

When i took off my old 3mm effort, i noticed it had gone out of shape a little, so as i only had 3mm steel for the new one decided to make 2 and double them up.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/Photo021-2.jpg~original

Trail fitted them to make sure the bolt holes all lined up. 15mm to the block and 13mm to the alt with nuts on the back

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/Photo023-2.jpg~original

Once i was happy refitted it all. Looks to have solved the problem, could have probably got away with a fem more mm to be honest, but im happy for now.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/Photo024-2.jpg~original

It was now 8pm and i was black so threw in the towel, left it on stands and walked away. No test drive, but i cant really see there being a problem. Got a good 7mm more clearence here now too so can attack the chicanes harder without that horrible noise of metal on metal.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/Photo026-1.jpg~original

Got the 888's fitted too

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/oz002.jpg~original

[paul080803]

Looking good Craig!

[8valve-craig]

Thanks.

Not much of an update, but due to this weeks nice weather I have used the car a couple of times. Took it down to the coast with my other half last saturday night for an evening out. Was a bit weary about leaving it parked up, but it survived, and actually looked quite funny parked amongst normal cars so took a few photo's

Underground car park in bournemouth

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0437.jpg~original

Disabled space right outside the restaruant (Disabled 8am - 6pm only)

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0438.jpg~original

Then left it in Tower park and did a bit of bowling. Shame about the bush as that wasnt a bad picture

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0440.jpg~original

Did about 80m in it that night and took it quite steady with Amy in the car. But Thursday just gone took it to see some family in Cheltenham which is a 150m round trip. Plan was to get it on the rollers at mech motorsport, but i had a few people to see and never got around to it.

Had a right laugh on the way back at about 9pm as the sun was going down. Really quiet roads and some nice clean overtaking. Had a big scare at the Marlbourogh tesco's when i could smell fire. Popped the bonnet and jumped out with the car still rolling only to find out there was nothing wrong, so must have been a tyre on a bonfire or something.

I have however noticed that since fitting the 888's it torque steers a lot more on rough roads. Quite dangerous infact, so before its next outing will be addressing all of the soft bushes, maybe some rose joints and a laser allignment setup.

Some pics i took before putting it away.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0445.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0446.jpg~original

[matthew172]

get that gearbox sorted!

[brucer]

i agree, i hate leaving my nova out of site. you never know what idiots are about that might damage it because they havnt got one.

but, bonus is that people look at you in a good way with respect. lol

[8valve-craig]

Yeah i will. Its doing prescott on the 19th august so hopefully will be fitted for then.

Was considering replacing that main shaft due to the wear on 2nd..... Did it ever cause you any problems? I noticed it was like it when you got it....

[vx kev]

Lovely subtle looking Nova This Craig :cool:

[matthew172]

Yeah i will. Its doing prescott on the 19th august so hopefully will be fitted for then.

Was considering replacing that main shaft due to the wear on 2nd..... Did it ever cause you any problems? I noticed it was like it when you got it....

no it never caused me any problems at all, no funny noises or anything, i wouldnt worry about it tbh

[scott.parker]

Nice car mate, IMO dont go mad, keep it simple and enjoy it as much as possibel...

PS: where was the cluster from? it's packed in Royal Mail property! lol

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/Photo0171-1.jpg~original

[8valve-craig]

It was bought off a member on here / mig, Those crates are brilliant. will be keeping that for sure.

Funny you should say keep it simple, as i have been re-considering the engine build just recently. I have all the bits, but not sure if i can justify self building a 3k engine so might just sell up.

Box will be going in either way though. It is a lot of fun on track, i do need to slow down though as i fall off quite a lot and wouldnt want to bin it.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/combe.jpg~original

[Edd]

Very nice nova

Love the wheels, would look cracking on my Sport lol

[8valve-craig]

I think 14's look better on a mk1, But you may have to settle for comp TH's as these dont come up for sale all too often.

[istf]

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/combe.jpg
Wrong way Dude! :D

It came about my mind did you try the Astra MK2 engine bracket? We used it in my ex- XE Corsa. You can save an another few mm at the generator.

[8valve-craig]

^ V-tec kicked in.

I have lots of room now. Just need to make a small idler for the bottom as the belt rubs the oil filter now

[Spudly]

^ V-tec kicked in.



Is this your management........











http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQQixZ8DZaawyAEYwsulvIV9QFwa8nIC cL93RVxQukU3zoZ4kqu






lol

[8valve-craig]

Quality.

That was actually a rare track-day at castle combe where you run anti-clockwise. I was going the right way, it was everyone else who had spun out.

[Spudly]

Lmfao, ahhh i see, you were h'actually winning and everyone else was failing, i likes it :d

[8valve-craig]

Not much has happened since its last outing. It has simply sat in the shed with millions of flys stuck to the front of it.

I started making plans for the castle combe meeting on 8th sept this week though, and ordered the parts required to rose joint my gear linkage. Im wanting to do this, the rear oil seal and the Quaife box all in one hit, so hopefully the test drive will be like driving a different car.

Parts arrived today, but not happy with the quality of the M12's so sending them back for an upgrade

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/08082012079.jpg~original

Then thought i should really sort out some wet wheels to take just incase it pisses down, which it probably will.

Since i painted the comps they have sat in the corner of my living room like this. Which i thought was a perfectly safe way to store them....

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/08082012064.jpg~original

But apparently not, because the bottom 2 when pulled out today have a lovely flowery print on them, from the towel, that was ironically supposed to protect them.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/08082012066.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/08082012067.jpg~original

Could it get any worse? Yes. The two which had already had the laquer wet sanded were on the bottom and the two that needed doing on top, for obvious reasons. So I have been out in the shed at home this morning very carefully wet sanding them again, and praying that i dont burn through the laquer.

I couldnt get them as perfect as they were, because the actual paint underneath has been inprinted, so even know i can get the laquer flat agin there are still shadows under it.

So, a bit pissed off if im honest. At least it was my own fault though. http://www.migweb.co.uk/forums/images/smilies/lmao.gif

I did rush the laquer and in hindsight should have left them a lot longer to harden.

Whilst i was out there i sanded down and G3'd the last 2 wheels as well, so they are now well and truley finished. They probably arent as bad as im making out, so anyone who knows the car come and have a look if you see it anywhere and see if you can spot the flaws.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/08082012076.jpg~original

I sourced 2 nearly new Yok Paradas not so long back so will probably buy 2 new ones to make a set and just use these as wet track wheels now. which is a bit of a shame.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Photo028.jpg~original

[Rickyb]

i love this car im not keen on big blocks but each to there own good work fella keep it up
rick

[SimonTW]

I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on the Paradas in the wet on track. I have them on the Mini and the Nova and think they are terrible in wet conditions.

[8valve-craig]

i love this car im not keen on big blocks but each to there own good work fella keep it up
rick

Thanks. On paper a big block in a nova is a bad idea, But it seems to work well in this. I think the Avo coilovers, LSD and some good tyres are what makes the difference.


I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on the Paradas in the wet on track. I have them on the Mini and the Nova and think they are terrible in wet conditions.

i have never used them so will let you know. They have to better than the 888's though thats for sure.

[paul080803]

My wet track wheels have also got parada spec 2 tyres. Not used them yet, but got good reviews. I need a wheel upgrade though as they are tigra 5 spokes so pretty heavy.

[8valve-craig]

Lightest OE wheels i have came across are the 6 spoke 15" cesaro's i think.

A bit too common for my liking though. These might be up for sale soon.....

[paul080803]

Yeah I have got a set of mint powder coated cesaros for the road. I want to get another set to run slicks/track specific tyres on and a third set for wets.

If you have a set of cesaros to sell then let me know!

[Mieran]

using parada spec 2 for wet days is suicidal lol

Uniroyal rainsport 2s all the way!

[8valve-craig]

To be honest i have never used them. Never even bothered to read a review just noticed they had tread on and were £10 each.

Might have a look around tomorrow as a new set of decent wets would be a worthwhile purchase

[markmcgivern]

Very nice nova you have, just wanted to know where u got the cafe from as I can only find 6point bolt in and am wanting a 10 point bolt in, cheers

[8valve-craig]

It is a 6 point bolt in sparco cage, which i have welded to the A and B pillars with 3mm plates. You definately want 10 because the car used to flex on track when it was only 6. Since tagging it up it made a serious difference. The only difference for you is that you will be welding captive nuts to the pillars so you can bolt the cage to, instead of the more permanent job i did.

It came out of a rally car and is quite an old design, not available any more but there are plenty out there for sale.

[8valve-craig]

Decided to take the afternoon off today and sort out the gear linkage. I took it home, along with a spare which i could use for reference whilst chopping the donor up.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/10082012080.jpg~original

First off was to measure up and fab a horizontal link out of M10. Which was actually quite un-rewarding as it only took about 3 mins.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/10082012082.jpg~original

Next was to sort out the gearbox end with M12, So lots of measuring and a little cutting was required.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/10082012083.jpg~original

Here is where most people drill down the centre of the shaft and Tap a thread, however i am a little bit of a pikey so instead i just drilled down 5mm or so then tacked and welded an M12 thread in place

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/10082012084.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/10082012085.jpg~original

That was this end more or less sorted,

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/10082012088.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/10082012089.jpg~original

Next was to move across to the shifter end, which was pretty much the same story just with different measurements

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/10082012092.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/10082012093.jpg~original

And all screwed together. It actually feels like a quality bit of kit. I have used the most expensive teflon lined joints so its well over engineered, but has a nice tight feel to it with absolutely zero play. I did at first order some cheap joints, but they were pretty shocking so never used them.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/10082012095.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/10082012096.jpg~original

I am actually completely shocked at how a 20yo Nova ever even finds a gear with the standard linkage in place. The play at every joint was massive, and going through the box was a lot like stiring soup, so hopefully it will be a lot more direct now.

[8valve-craig]

Ok, So re-gained my composure a little after recently considering strpping it, and its not so bad anymore. Had quite a serious off in it on the way home from retro rides, but thankfully no real damage to me or the car, just a knackered bottom ball joint, and a wrecked strut top, which have now been replaced with decent used items. The bumper was ok in the end, just needed the brackets bolting back onto the wing as they had sheered off.

Around the other side i had the box off to do the main seal, which ironically didnt look like it needed doing anyway, but £30 from Vauxhall already spent, thought i might as well do it.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/27082012138.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/27082012140.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/27082012143.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/27082012145.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/27082012146.jpg~original

Box drained ready to strip.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/27082012142.jpg~original

Then doing the clutch took me AGES, as i couldnt find my allignment tool. No-where was open to go and buy one, so i ended up re-fitting the box to get it lined up. then just leaving the casing bolted up and taking out the old helical cut cluster.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/27082012147.jpg~original

New cluster ready to go in.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/27082012151.jpg~original

With a new gasket set (used sealent aswell though)

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/27082012148.jpg~original

That was enough for yesterday. Worked until 10pm and got home a broken man,

Today was a little better, Had some things to do work-wise in the morning, but cracked on with the Nova from 2pm - 7pm.

Fitted and set up the gear linkage..... Very happy with that.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/28082012152.jpg~original

Changed over the ripped CV boots.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/28082012156.jpg~original

Then had to swap over the crown-wheel, for my new 3.9 FD.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/28082012157.jpg~original

Which attacked me.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/28082012159.jpg~original

And finally got it all back in. Sitting on all its mounts now with everything engine / box-wise fitted. I used this alloy diff plate, as its been modified for quick oil check / change. It came on an engine i stripped, so was a nice freebie. Hope it doesnt leak.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/28082012160.jpg~original

Just need to re-fit the shafts and knuckles now, re-fill the box and take it for a drive. Hopefully the tracking wont need doing, as nothing there has been touched.

Think i ought to clean it too.

[Iain]

Where did you find the GM box seals? Nice work, the drain plug will come in useful at some point and you'll be pleased you have it!

[8valve-craig]

The gaskets were in a big bundle of parts i bought as a job lot. A guy wanted his garage cleared of engines etc, and when i looked through all the little bits these were in there.

I was going to make one of those plates until i found this one. Why Vauxhall didnt do it i will never know.

[Mieran]

I usually use a long 1/2" extension to line clutch, works fine

[8valve-craig]

I couldnt find anything that would work. Never thought of a 1/2" extension.... Good tip.

[8valve-craig]

Well, Since the fix, oil continued to pour out, so as the sump had to come off to re-seal the rear main cap i thought i might as well fit the baffled sump Adam sorted for me.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/130.jpg~original

Got it fitted last night, and left it to seal overnight before re-filling.

Today was another long day. I decided the whole day would be devoted to the Nova in an attempt to get it ready 1 day early. So morning was re-fitting the sump and exhaust, then ran it up to temperature on stands which seemed fine. No more leaking.

Then i had to swap over the damaged throttle cable. The one i had delivered this week was not suitable, so a trip to the bike shop was in order. Fair play to them they sorted me out with everything i needed to replace BOTH cables and didnt even charge me!

I left the old outer cables in place and just replaced the inners.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/06092012231.jpg~original

This is one of the cables i removed. Despite the fray at the carb end this second area of damage was about 6" from the pedal.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/06092012233.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/06092012232.jpg~original

Then despite no alt belt i took it for a test drive (Which was pretty epic), and pulled over around 5 miles down the road in an industrial estate to check for leaks

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/06092012234.jpg~original

All seemed well, so gave it some beans on the way home,
Got back and left it running, but put it on stands to inspect all or the usual leak prone areas

Just this little weep, which i think is now the front oil pump seal, But not an issue as it is tiny

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/06092012235.jpg~original

Moved on to the pulley, This is the one i had delivered this week, against the old damaged one

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/06092012236.jpg~original

That threw up a problem as the old belt was now too big, So a bit of string and a trip to Halfords later and that too was sorted

Got to love the Halfords Trade Card

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/06092012237.jpg~original

The only belt i could get was pulling the alt nearly as far forward as it could go, but again not an issue as the linkage just needed shortening

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/06092012239.jpg~original

And as a nice bonus the new pulley has got the belt away from the oil filter. Here is where it used to rub

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/06092012240.jpg~original

And now.... Loads of room.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/06092012242.jpg~original

So, Im all done. It just needs a wash now and im ready to go. Never been finished a day early before.... Seems kind of strange.

Hopefully sights like this will be a thing of the past now

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/06092012244.jpg~original

[8valve-craig]

Been a while since i updated the build on here, but its still very much alive. Quite a bit of progress recently and some big purchases so il get them posted up.

The action day at combe was Ok, but there were issues all day with the fuel supply so never properly enjoyed myself. Got it home and shut it away in the shed for a few weeks, whist considering the next move.

Very pleased with the box, so thats staying, and its the sole reason i wont just drop one of my c20lets in it.

In short, I decided to build a high comp throttle bodied xe, so stripped my best one to use its block, then found out the bores were only just in tolerance for my 86mm wossners.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/28092012343.jpg~original

So binned that idea and stripped an 1800 - 8v with the idea of having it bored from 84.7mm to a fresh 86mm.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/04102012364.jpg~original

With that in the machine shop and literally minutes away from being cut i managed to sequre a much better deal, so put it on hold and went to collect this lot

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/13102012488.jpg~original

So, whats here...

Fresh 87mm forged Omega block, lightened and fully balanced early crank, not run since proffesional build.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/13102012493.jpg~original

Pistons Machined to work with the head.... which will follow.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/13102012495.jpg~original
Big valve head. Fully ported, all valves +1mm with double springs and steel caps.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/13102012490.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/13102012503.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/13102012504.jpg~original

Also got some tidy 285mm Wilwoods.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/13102012492.jpg~original

A new Gripper LSD for f16 / f20

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/13102012491.jpg~original

And a load of other bits, like another set of Doubles, Verniers, Solid lifters, Unknown cams until i check them properly, Gates belt kit, ARP flywheel bolts, Bonded sump gasket, Multilayer head gasket etc etc.... Even got the engine stand thrown in.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/13102012489.jpg~original

The price was fair, and im happy. I didnt really want it all, but taking the lot essentially made the bits i do want a lot cheaper.
This now means with a light skim on the head and an ARP stud kit im ready to go!

So one of the first things to do was to go down the unit and fetch one of the spare wheels to try the brakes in. And GOOD NEWS ! they fit.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/14102012506.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/14102012507.jpg~original

Not going to get any scene points for them though, as they wont be on show.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/14102012508.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/14102012509.jpg~original

[8valve-craig]

Bit of squeeze regarding the weights, but theres a nice area for those on the outside of the rim, down in the squares so it will have to be function over looks.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/14102012511.jpg~original

So with that lot stored up nice and safe i started hunting for an exhaust manifold. I did have a type c but it had a big dent in and i lost my temper with it trying to repair it so gave it away.

Picked this up last week. Simpson 4 - 2 - 1 stainless.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/18102012560.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/18102012561.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/18102012562.jpg~original

Then tried the bodies on one of my spare heads, took some measurements and decided on a different route for those too, So instead of dcoe style the manifold will be replaced with a zero degree one.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/20102012586.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/20102012587.jpg~original

With that decided, and my love for the shell rapidly decreasing i thought it best to get stuck into something this week. Been getting a lot of motivation from other build threads on here which seem to be progressing well, and there were bits i wanted to do so first step was to strip it out.

Suprisingly it only actually took an hour or two.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/23102012710.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/23102012712.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/23102012713.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/23102012714.jpg~original

Iterior wise i plan to remove the bolt in rear harness bar and weld it into the cage, remove both diagonals, as you may have noticed they are a bodge of 1x bolt in and 1x weld in. Both will be replaced with welded in bars.

Remove the lower centre brace and fit a spreader on the tunnel, then run 2x diagonals from the door bar pickup points into the centre.

Fit rear facing diagonals from the door bar pickup points to the rear harness bar pickup points.

Remove the single bolt in door bars and weld in X bars, in preperation for the fiberglass doors.

Weld in a brace behind the dash, and triangulate the cage forward onto the turrets. So plently to be getting on with.......

Firstly.... Stripping out that horrible tar crap.

Heat gun and long crow bar were perfect

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/24102012721.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/24102012727.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/24102012726.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/26102012798.jpg~original

Quite shocking what this stuff weighs! This is only half of it, but once all together i had about 6kg in a carrier bag.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/24102012723.jpg~original

So thats about as far as i am now. Still plenty to do and lots of money to spend, but hopefully it will be back out for next season.

Also decided that my seats are being replaced now too. Its a big step cutting the rails out though, so i think il leave it a little while.

[corsakid]

looks sweet if it doesnt have some kind of an oil leak then it wouldnt be an xe lol

[Iain]

Looks awesome loving the pile of nice parts. Always satisfying when resolving a bad oil leak isn't it! Who did the baffled sump?

[8valve-craig]

Yeah it was unreal. I took it out for a drive, pulled into an industrial estate and peered underneath to a completely dry patch. Since then its started weeping a bit, but i dont mind as im not likely to get kicked out of a pitlane now until next year.

The pile of bits is growing, got my eye on one of QED's dry sump kits too.

The baffle was done by a lad called Adam Dewis. Its a really good job and i would reccomend him to anyone.

[8valve-craig]

Not done a lot this week, apart from measure up for the cage, and sequre a quality welder to buzz around it. I have decided i will tack it in, but my skills with the mig only go so far and i wouldnt want my safety relying on my own welds. Especially after the last Off, which could have been a lot worse.
Bought some new seats, and was chuffed when they arrived.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/05112012943.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/05112012947.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/05112012957.jpg~original

But i wasnt happy with them, They had been damaged in transit due to the negligence of the seller upon packaging, and with the money involved i was not happy atall so have sent them back

Not before seeing how well they fit though....

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/06112012962.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/06112012965.jpg~original

Which actually i have no idea, because i still cant fit rails, and that gay floor brace is still in place. So next job is to remove it.... then buy some revolutions / evolutions

[8valve-craig]

Recently been given a little motivation by a friend to keep chipping away at the car in order to get it out on track next year, So went down saturday morning and started removing the engine and box.

Sold the Carbs and Diff out of it, so i had it half stripped anyway, and the rest was simple, Only took about an hour tops.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/171120121187-1.jpg~original

With that done i tidyed up the unit a bit, and intend to build some more racking and a big workbench in there this week, which will make it a nicer place to work, but in the meantime have been out buying parts.

Picked these up today, after quite a mission and walking away from one set of sparco circuits i didnt fit in too well, i called a guy selling these just down the road from the first set.

Got them for a fair price, complete with ally side mounts, and chuffed with the condition as they are very nearly new. Still in date for 4 / 9 years too.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0721.jpg~original

I had to drive past the unit on the way home so it would have been rude not to drop them off and try them for size.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0716.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0715.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0717.jpg~original

To be honest they are a tight fit in there, but i think they will go in ok, especially as the passenger will be lower and further back than the driver.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0718.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0719.jpg~original

Very pleased with them for now. Looking forward to doing the rails next and then hopefully re-jigging the cage around them.

Picking up more shiney bits this week too.

[matthew172]

looking good

[8valve-craig]

Thanks Matthew. Well pleased with the cluster by the way, Cant fault it so thankyou.

Been out buying bits again this week, so got my cams sorted (SBD 295's) and some new ARP head studs

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0006.jpg~original

And then came home today to an unmistakable package.

Purchased after maybe a few too many glasses of wine. Looks to be in working order, other than needing a good grease. I had been considering the Quaife equivelent, but a complete linkage hasnt came up for sale in a while, so settled for this.

Its apparantly from one of the old works Astra mk2's, so hopefully i can mod it to fit.

Not quite sure how it will handle the syncro box, but its worth a try as im sure i can get my money back on it if need be.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/IMG_0017.jpg~original

[BRoadGhost]

Some proper parts going on here; good to see.

What I would say with the linkage is get it high up & far back THEN make it connect.

You're going to be in the 240+ club with that engine ;o

[Benn]

Straight to turret shifter will be nice.

[8valve-craig]

Cheers Ben, It needs a grease, and hopefully it will work with the syncro box. Will be a while before its fitted though.

Got home to a nice package today. Really pleased as a neighbour took it in, meaning no drive across town....

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/009-3.jpg~original

Like an early Christmas present, despite the fact they were bought by me...... for me.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/010-3.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/011-4.jpg~original

Got them all in 52mm Electrical.

Oil pressure
Oil temperature
Battery voltage
Water temperature
Programmable Fuel gauge

Which mean as soon as the Rev counter is ordered i can start on my dash.

[matthew172]

stack gauges, mmmmmmm

[8valve-craig]

Yeah, nice, but they will have a knock on effect, as il most likely need to fabricate a dash and loom to suit, Not to mention the Stack Tacho to match them.

Just ordered 2x Cobra Evolution Pro's from Merlin, and a floor mounted bias pedal box, So hopefully i can be in the area to collect tomorrow.

[8valve-craig]

Had a trip to Merlin Motorsport today to pick up my latest purchase.

Cant reccommend those guys enough, brilliant place to deal, and very flexible on the advertised prices lol

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0162.jpg~original

2x Cobra Evolution Pro's. In GRP, standard width. Very happy with them. :)

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0164.jpg~original

Decided i didnt like the Corbeau's, so hopefully i can move them on for a good price.

[8valve-craig]

Worked on the cage today between around 10am - 5pm, and got a good chunk done. Stripped out the vehicles wiring loom, and then cut the cage out.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0169.jpg~original

Layed it on the floor and cut out all the bits i didnt want.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0167.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0168.jpg~original

Turns out they were additions made from near 4mm scaffold bars, and weighed a ton!

Then had a load of the bracketry to remove, which took a while

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0166.jpg~original

Actually managed to also remove around 2kg, in the bolts, washers and cage feet, as it will now be fully welded

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0173.jpg~original

Got the rear half back in, and with a little ratchet strapping got it into a better position than it was before. The 4 rear feet now tacked in place and solid.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0171.jpg~original

Front half temporarily re-fitted, but will be coming out again a few times yet.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0174.jpg~original

Will be collecting 14m of 2.6mm CDS this week, all cut roughly to size, so should have quite an impressive cage tacked in soon.

Full welding has been contracted to a proffesional who's a friend, as my welding skills are not up to scratch for anything safety orientated

[Iain]

What's the benefit of cutting the feet off opposed to just welding the feet to the spreader plates inside the car?

[8valve-craig]

Not a lot really, but the way it was fitted before made it tighter on the o/s B pillar than it was on the n/s. the only way to get it level was to either chop the n/s centre and rear feet off, and remove 5mm then re-weld them on, or chop the rest off too.

Also the feet werent quite mating with the spreaders all the way around on the rear arches, so cutting them off and dropping it down made better sense.

Agreeably i have probably lost 10mm of the height, but for a couple of kilo's and a cleaner installation im quite happy.

Got tons of holes to weld up in the floor from all the spot welds, so the 16 new ones from the cage feet are just a drop in the ocean anyway

[8valve-craig]

This week i had an idea what might work well as a cut down dash, So when i had a moment i took a mk1 dash out at the scrappy, and have today been chipping away at it.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0197.jpg~original

Im not a fan of the cut down dash's which just sit in front of the driver, so instead have marked it up for a horizontal chop, doing away with all the bits i dont need, and hopefully still looking tidy.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0198.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0199.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0200.jpg~original

The idea is, to keep the area over to the right of the steering wheel, to mount the standard fuse box, and then keep the headlight / foglight switch's and relocate the hazard switch to that side, which should keep it road legal, and tidy.

The old choke cable mount will now be used for the Life-Line fire extinguisher pull cord.

Not bothered about, heater, glove box, ash tray or clock, so that lot can be chopped off.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0201.jpg~original

Once i had made the cuts i went around tidying up all the rough bits with the Dremmel and some rough paper. and cut off any brackets that would be visible from the front.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0202.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0203.jpg~original

And the finished shape.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0204.jpg~original

All edges smoothed off.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0205.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0206.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0207.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0208.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0209.jpg~original

And thats done, for now. Will be getting a set of base model clocks to cannibilise this week, as i want to make a removable panel to mount some gauges in the original position, and then another over in the old radio slot for 3 more.

Really got lucky with these two mounts, as i can now use them to hold a bent piece of steel, for extra switches and warning lights if need be.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0211.jpg~original

And finally what was removed

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0212.jpg~original

Not a lot, i know, but will make a load of difference to the interior. I was considering making my own dash, but to be honest this is just ideal. I am chuffed to bits with how it has turned out so far, and even better is that it will still bolt up to all but one of the original mounts, so shouldnt rattle.

Once the cage is finished il get it trial fitted, do some more cuts to accomodate it, then send it off for flocking.

[Edd]

cracking project you got there mate

[kevster]

Nice build bud ,

[8valve-craig]

Thanks

Had a nice package arrive today. Genuinely had no idea what it was until i opened it, as i think i must have bought it after a few glasses of wine.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0349-1.jpg~original

Came with two nozzles all pipework and a remote pull cord, so very happy with that.

I also got all the bits i needed to finish my dash from the scrappy this week. So got all mk1 switches, fuse box cover and a set of base clocks to mess around with

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0356.jpg~original

Original plan was to pop the glass out and fit a new panel in place of the rear one to house a stack rev counter and 2 gauges, But upon inspection it was obvious that would leave a horrible rough edge facing the driver where the screen was bonded on.

So instead i decided to do it the hard way, and cut the screen out, leaving the nice smooth bead around the edge.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0357.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0358.jpg~original

Took ages

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0359-1.jpg~original

Then went round the edges with various dremmel attatchments

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0364.jpg~original

Finished that for now, and quite pleased with it. Just needs a skim of filler to smooth the gap on the inside, then i can cut away the inner panel and replace it with the new one.

Left it like this for now as it has more strength with the old rear panel fitted. Sanding it was a nightmare, could have snapped at any minute

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0366.jpg~original

[8valve-craig]

cracking project you got there mate


Nice build bud ,

Thanks, still just seems like a tin box and an expensive shed full of parts to me, but hey ho.

Had a few more deliverys since the last update.

Pedal box arrived.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0370.jpg~original

Along with the new steering wheel, and a 3rd M/C so i can convert to Hydraulic clutch

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0439.jpg~original

And this Has just made me very happy.... I found this bag of bits down the unit.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0487.jpg~original

I needed the bag so tipped it upside down and found these.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0488.jpg~original

I was desperate for 1 and this now means i have no excuse for not finishing my dash and getting it flocked. I know how incredibly rare they are, and i must have kept hold of them for this very reason, cant remember though.

Anyway, couldnt resist fitting it, along with all the other blanks as soon as i got home.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0500.jpg~original

Also whilst having a bit of a clearout found a nice resin 52mm din panel for 3 gauges, which looks pretty cool.
Cant wait to get it finished now.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0501.jpg~original

[SimonTW]

Coming along nicely Craig! What make is the pedal box?

[8valve-craig]

Cheers Simon. Its a new design, by a bloke called Neil Taylor at BrakeSpeedPerformance. Its basically a direct copy of the OBP pro race one, but is priced to compete with their entry level "super-budget" pedal box, which is a shocking design.

This ones OK, there are a few bits il change, but you get what you pay for.

[matthew172]

that dash looks slutty

[8valve-craig]

Cheers Matthew, got it trial fitted yesterday.

Time for a little update, been stupidly busy with work recently, but squeezed a day in to work on the car yesterday which i really enjoyed.

A bit of an odd modification il agree, but here goes.

Time to fit the dash, and make the cut-outs for the cage to pass through, So measured and marked, then cut them out with a 42mm hole saw.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0828.jpg~original

I purposely cut them a little short, as my original intention was to keep chipping away at them with the file until it was perfect, But once i offered it up i started thinking about lowering it a bit.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0829.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0832.jpg~original

Just balanced in place there, but 30mm lower than the standard position, which il come to in a second.

The idea is, that the seat is being lowered, the steering wheel lowered and the pedals moved back, so with the seat in position and the dash up in its original place i couldnt see the bonnet / scuttle, which might have been an issue.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0833.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0834.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0835.jpg~original

Unfortunately i wasnt able to take pics of it in the original position, as it would have meant making the cage cut-outs further into the dash, which then would have left a gaping hole each side when lowered.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0836.jpg~original

[8valve-craig]

Still looks relatively tidy from outside

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0837.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0838.jpg~original

This is the new view taken from exactly eye level.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0839.jpg~original

Time now to remove the L shaped brackets.

So drilled out the spot welds and welded up the holes, as i plan to re-use them, just the other way around so they reach out further into the car

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0839a.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0839b.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0839c.jpg~original

Got them welded on, the started on the side mountings. The lowest left hand one gets binned as its no longer required, and the other three get moved down about 30mm.

Pic below shows it pretty well.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0846.jpg~original

So again drilled them off, and welded them up. (shocking welds as i forgot my helmet)

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0850.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0851.jpg~original

And with a few minor tweeks, thats it fitted.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0854.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0847.jpg~original

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0849.jpg~original

Absolutely chuffed to bits with it. It took about 5 hours, but most of that was planning and fine tuning.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0853.jpg~original

Also been getting a few deliverys this week, So got my Stack st400 tacho, and 160mph speedo. Thats great as it now means i can run the gripper diff and still have an MOT friendly speedo.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0855.jpg~original

And i wasnt completely happy with the used OMP steering wheel i bought the other week, as it had a bit of wear on it, so bought a nice new one of those too.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0769.jpg~original

[dc1984]

Cracking parts list your getting together there mate. The end result will be epic.

David.

[skud52]

this is going to be quite a weapon on the track, love it

[black death]

love novas in white nice work mate.

stu

[8valve-craig]

Cheers, I dont get a lot of time for it, but should be out again this summer.

Bought some Jenvey tapered ITB's for it this week too with MBE management. Will be running them on my Omex thoughn and selling on the leftovers, So the SFS Jenveys i have wont be used now either.

Would love to put a pic up, but theyre not here yet. :(

[BRoadGhost]

Extending the dash out 30MM; it's the little things like this...

[8valve-craig]

Thanks. I think so too, but its the 30mm down which makes the difference for me.

Came home to another nice package today

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0862.jpg

[8valve-craig]

Had a bout of motivation this morning, so i set off for the unit to do some work on the floorpan. Had a really good day.

Started the soul destroying job of welding up all of the holes in the floor, which i made when drilling out the spot welds.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1058.jpg

Artistic shot that Amy took at luchtime (Big thanks for the Maccy D's)

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1059.jpg

Absolute nightmare. Every hole set the underseal on fire.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1061.jpg

But eventually got them done. Forgot to count, but think there were 80 or 90 to do.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1064.jpg

Then i messed about with the seats for a bit, And noticed that the position i liked wasnt possible with my Corbeau side mounts. Shame really, as they came in very cheap. They were left over from one of my seat purchases the other month.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1066.jpg

Instead of buying Cobra rails i just cut them a little to fit.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1068.jpg

Then spent a little longer sitting in the car, trying to work out the best poistion for the seat and pedal box, as well as making sure that the seat didnt obstruct the path of the door bars.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1069.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1070.jpg

Once it was in place i marked the floorpan, then started cutting some 2mm spreader plates for the rails.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1071.jpg

Welding was typicaly shocking, but nothing a little seam sealer wont hide.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1073.jpg

Had to bend the rear left, which was a bit of a pain, then cracked on with the last one.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1076.jpg

Again, not the best welding, but im using up the gasless wire at the moment.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1079.jpg

All drivers spreaders in, and MM perfect if my calculations are correct. Just need to get some bars in there now.

Will probably be a while before i get to work on it again, But just made 2 nice purchases, so a little mid-week update might be in order.

[8valve-craig]

Couple more bits arrived this week. Firstly this, which i had been putting off buying as they are a little pricey, but couldnt really go any further with the steering columb mount until it arrived.

Very pleased with it. Excellent quality.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1092.jpg

And these, which pretty much speak for themselfs

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1144-Copy.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1145-Copy.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1146-Copy.jpg

Bit of an ass twitcher testing them over the Wilwoods..... but they fit ok.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1141-Copy.jpg

Very happy with them. Arrived this morning, just had them balanced up and all is ok so straight into dry storage for when the cars finished.

[dc1984]

Love they wheels mate, can't wait to see pics of her finished.

David.

[8valve-craig]

Thanks, But its a long way off yet. Im trying to work on it one day a week at the moment, which is a lot more than normal.

Had another stab at it today. Full day as i had to meet a customer down there at 8am.

Dealt with that then went straight out to buy a new Jack. Ended up with this beauty from Halfords. 2.25t with a 520mm lift, Costing just £39 on the trade card, which was a result!

Look how high it lifts!

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1153.jpg

So, After a bit of thinking i realised that welding in the seat rails with no engine fitted, would mean they would tip forward when it was re-fitted, so i weighed the front down with a few engine blocks and heads, then marked the spirit level along the o/s skirt, and jacked the whole car up onto 4 stands to the level of the car in its completed stance.
http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1155.jpg

Started measuring up for the driver rails

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1157.jpg

Fitted both then ground off the messy plug welds in the floor, just in time, as i then accidently chopped through the cord, which was hilarious

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1158-Copy.jpg

Idea was to get both brackets fitted on the middle of the 5 holes, allowing a little forward / fackwards movement for short ass / lanky drivers.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1159-Copy.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1160-Copy.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1163.jpg

Final positioning see's the seat shifted right over as far to the tunnel as possible.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1166.jpg

Leaving room for the door bar's, But unfortunately not a great deal of room for my shifter, which might need to be raised up significantly. The handbrake also has to go back around 6", as its currently where the shifter needs to be.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1167.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1168.jpg

All good, Happy with the seating position, and got plenty of room for the pedal box, so next is to get that in on a false flat floor, and then see where the steering wheel needs to be.

[Iain]

Can't beat a nice high lift jack! Welding/seat rails/seat etc looks great.

Rofl at cutting through the cord, something I've always been worried about doing but never done lol

Are those discs for welding up the drain bungs? Do you gain much from doing that, as I've seen how much of a pain it is without having holes to brush metal filings/dirt/water out of

[8valve-craig]

Bloody hell you have a good eye. Yes i have 20 or so, but until they get welded in they are being used as very handy spacers.

Not sure on how much it helps the shell, but i would preffer to do it anyway before paint.

(Oh, I did notice earlier that your alt belt had flipped over, Didnt like to say though. Love your thread / Car)

[Iain]

Fair play, I wash my footwells out with water and drain it so wouldn't be able to live with no drainage.

Now whose got the good eye! lol Noticed that myself earlier also, you should mention anything you see wrong though!

[8valve-craig]

Quite a big update, considering not a lot has happened, But basically went down there intending to spend a full day getting the seat finished and the front section of the cage located.

To call it a nightmare is an understatement, Put the seat in place and the bars i had welded in nowhere near ran through the holes i wanted to use on the seat mounts. Not even close. Couldnt understand it, as they are completely spot on. I have been using the rear step in the floor pan to take my measurements from, which is perfectly straight.

Picture here of how i wanted to mount them, With a straight edge to show they are level.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1172.jpg

And this is how they are, after being bolted to the seat, putting the seat where i want it, then removing the seat but leaving brackets in place.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1170.jpg

As you can see the mount closest to the door sits about an inch further forward than the one closest to the tunnel.

I couldnt work it out, as these next two pics show the rails are square, (may have to zoom in) and the seat had been fitted pointing dead straight forwards.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1173.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1174.jpg

This picture shows where the back of the seat mounts would be in order to get it straight. (left hand side of the straight edge)

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1175.jpg

So, Once i had convinced myself the rails were straight, I rang a friend who simply said "go and get the other evolution and try that". I had been doing the work with one seat, as i take it home at night incase the mice get it, so popped home, got the other seat, fitted the side mounts and it fitted perfectly.

Further investigation shows that the seat i started with is badly warped, so after speaking to the supplyer it is going back for an exchange.

These picture's show it with the mounts fitted, and on a dead flat surface

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1177.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1178.jpg

And this is what happens if the mounts are all pushed into their seated positions. Which was the decider as i couldnt put up with a wonky seat.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1185.jpg

That doesnt instantly explain why its pissed front to back, but is a good indication that the seat is the problem.

[8valve-craig]

So, onwards and upwards, Quite literally actually, as whilst i was at home i picked up my lid, and found that with the seat where i wanted it, the helmet hit the cage.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1186.jpg

Decided that instead of dropping the rails down, which actually wasnt really an option, i would re-drill the side mounts, as to be honest i would have quite liked to have layed back a little more anyway. That meant altering it to miss the harness slot too though.

With that done, the back of the seat now hit the cage main hoop before the centre holes were on the rails, so i had to either make some L brackets on the fronts of the rails, or run some forward facing box to drill and fix to.

I thought the box would be a better bet, so cracked on with that

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1190.jpg

Made some forward facing tails for my own seating position too, then zinc'd, but on reflection will probably need to triangulate those

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1203.jpg

After that was sorted, and with the seat back in place it was still posible to ever so slightly scuff my helmet on the cage, So decided to make some extra feet to lift it up another inch or so.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1192.jpg

A little crude at the moment, but il fillet the ends and get them welded properly by the guy who's doing the cage.

Main thing is though that this has now got the cage well away from my head.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1197.jpg

But the downside is that the front section is now just a fag paper away from the windscreen.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1193.jpg

Hopefully wont be an issue though, and still a little room for trimming and pulling it back into the car a little retaining the height.

Final seating position.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1194.jpg

All done for a while now as i have a bit of work to be getting on with. Will hopefully get another day this weekend, and plan on getting the bulkhead drilled for the turret pickups, so that i can tack in the front section and get the roof bar bent and tacked.

Still enjoying it though...... Thats the main thing.

[skud52]

Great effort your putting in mate, really like reading how youre doing, makes me feel a bit better about mine when i see the all the hard work your putting in!

[8valve-craig]

Thanks very much. I do enjoy doing the work myself, Il have a look at your build now, must have missed it.

Spent a bit of time on it yesterday. Really wanted to get the windscreen bar bent so i could drop the tube bender back. First was to finish those extra feet for the front of the cage so it could be tacked into place

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1360_zps6370236f.jpg

Then after taking many measurements started preparing to bend a piece of CDS tube. Using a 2.65mm wall thickness, and using Lee's advice i plated one end and packed it tightly with damp building sand.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1366_zps3115fede.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1365_zps1bd61a99.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1367_zps93e55d4a.jpg

Then capped off the other end and started preparing the bender.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1368_zps9cf4af02.jpg

Its got old imperial die's fitted, and none quite fitted the tube perfectly which i imagine would have resulted in a crush, so i chose the one with the closest fit and cut an alloy plate to drop in front of the former, which my reasoning suggested would form around the tube and take up the free space at the top and bottom of the tube.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1369_zps1bccd030.jpg

First bend was the upward kink in the middle, which went well. Much better than i expected to be honest and only a very slight crush.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1370_zps70b607e5.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1371_zps2c1a8296.jpg

Then measured up for the outer kinks, which was a little more technical as the tube had to be MM straight. But using my nice new table it was pretty simple to just mark a center line and measure down to the work-surface.

Came out spot on first time. Still cant quite believe it myself. Pic below shows a comparison between the old bar and the new one. The old one was a bolt in section, But was always in my opinion too low anyway, so instead of copying it i made my new one lift up a little more.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1372_zps9f889c87.jpg

Next was to profile the ends, which was a nightmare.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1373_zpsdfd7a88f.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1374_zps1dfc81df.jpg

Really didnt want to mess it up, but measuring for them took some real thinking as the bar doesnt just rise up in the middle it points forward towards the top of the windscreen too. Not able to fit it in place due to being too long until cut meant i had to get it right first time.

[8valve-craig]

Got the bar fitted exactly where i wanted it, and miraculously that too was done right first time. Bit of a moment where i wanted to cry when offering it up as it looked like i had done a mirror image of what was required, but then i realised i was offering it up the wrong way round, and once turned 180deg it fitted perfect.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1375_zps7c10d9c8.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1376_zps2ff95cbb.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1378_zps0ff085a4.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1379_zpsad0417a1.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1380_zps1fb0d1bc.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1381_zpse7acda4f.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1385_zps4eb42be1.jpg

Absolutely chuffed to bits with it and i would expect it to be probably the hardest bar in the whole cage to get right. Doing it first was not wise atall, but at least now i feel at ease knowing that none of the others can be anywhere near as technical.

Onwards, will be doing another day on it soon, so will hopefully get the firewall cut out and drill through the bulkhead to pick up the turrets.

[Iain]

I found similar with my seat mounts, they didn't sit exactly flush on the floor, however bolting them in seemed to straighten them up without too many problems

Those front cage legs look like they sit far too low, shouldn't they be closer to the top of the A pillar?

I welded my rails in as close to the floor as possible and my helmet is still close to the top bar too, have to remove the padding if I'm using a helmet.

[8valve-craig]

I wouldnt want to force a fiberglass seat into a position it wasnt resting in, it will constantly be under stress. I took it back and they have another new one waiting in store for me to collect.

Yes, The cage fits like crap, always has, changing it isnt an option though. It cant really go through the bender, and cannot be lifted up any more as the 45deg bend will hit the windscreen.

The only fix would be to fabricate new front sections, which i cant do myself due to the mandral bends required. Cant order them as they will 100% not match my feet or dash cut-outs, meaning the only option's are to either trailer it 120miles to Custom Cages or put up with it.

I have done the best i can with it, and its better than last year. The roof will have twin diagonal's meeting the windscreen bar with kink's downwards too, so will tuck up close to the roof.

[turbojolt]

how thick was the steel you used for your spacer plates and the box section for the seat rails?

[8valve-craig]

Turbojolt

How thick was the steel you used for your spacer plates and the box section
for the seat rails?


Seat rails are 25mm x 25mm x 2mm

Spreader plates for seat rails are 2mm

All of the cage feet and spreaders have wall thicknesses of at least 3mm, and are constructed in a way that would transfer any downward force into the floor.

[turbojolt]

thanks mate, im just trying to price up how much doing the seat rails like that will cost me :thumb:

[8valve-craig]

A 2m length of that 1" box section cost me £6, and the gap you are bridging is near enough 500mm, so if you only did the left to right bars for both seats and got them all right first time it would be very cheap.

[turbojolt]

cheers mate

[8valve-craig]

Had another few hours today so cracked on with another roof bar. Again went well, wont bother posting up the progress pics as the proceedure was the same as the first. Just doing the bends now as i have had the tool a few weeks now and although the guy hasnt asked for it i would quite like to drop it back without him needing to.

Tempted to do a cross in the roof, But this one took 3hrs and was a bit of a pain. Still got it right first time though with no waste other than the slithers i had to trim out for the profiling.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1397_zps6936ade4.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1399_zps0b4b9fc7.jpg

[Benn]

Why the bend in the roof bar? (ive only seen them straight and normally a cross)

Is the bend cause it meets the rear hoop instead of the hoop to front cage join?

[8valve-craig]

Which cage's are you referring to? The Hockley and Custom Cages ones have either no roof bar or a single diagonal. Cant recall a single off the shelf cage which has twin diagonals in the roof, i may be wrong though if you have seen them.

Doing them straight would be silly, as at the lowest point they could be 3" from the roof skin. The most effective cages will be as close to the outer skin of the shell as possible.

[8valve-craig]

Had a few hours to kill earlier so did a little bit more on it.

Realised i didnt have a decent cutter for the bulkhead, so instead of driving accross town to get one i started work on the rear diagonals

First one in, which was pretty simple.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/image-2_zps7f384e0a.jpg

Upper of the second took some thinking, but with a little trial and error the first cut bar fitted in the end.

Getting some nice profiling too.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/image_zps0f218a85.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/image_zps42d8cc43.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/image-2_zpse883a618.jpg

Getting there.

[Iain]

Nice work, I find profiling rollcage tube ends a very satisfying job (when it goes right!)

[Benn]

Which cage's are you referring to? The Hockley and Custom Cages ones have either no roof bar or a single diagonal. Cant recall a single off the shelf cage which has twin diagonals in the roof, i may be wrong though if you have seen them.

Doing them straight would be silly, as at the lowest point they could be 3" from the roof skin. The most effective cages will be as close to the outer skin of the shell as possible.

I've seen alot of cages for oval lap race cars, alot of them have a x in the roof.

[8valve-craig]

Benn

I've seen alot of cages for oval lap race cars, alot of them have a x in the roof.



If you are referring to the Rookie rods / Speedworth / Autograss Class 2 / Class 6, then they have extra roof bars as they are liable to be crashed into when led on their side, Mine is just a track car, Should the worst happen it wont be anywhere near as bad as a full throttle impact.

Take a look at the Leading manufacturers designs, you wont find twin roof bars on any of them unless built from T45.

[Benn]

Ah ok.

[flatout618]

Hey there Craig,
Nice looking motor mate. What did you do with the alternator to fit the twins. I am in the middle of doing mine now so any advice on re-siting it would be great help please.

[8valve-craig]

Thanks. Regarding the carbs i just made a square bracket with 4 holes in. The lower two had the alt mounted to, and the top two were used to sequre it to the block.

Bit more done today, Im just chipping away at it every time i get a few hours, so progress is slow.

Lots still to do, Really do want to start on the turrets, but might stay in the car for a bit longer doing the tunel and rear pick-up points.

Really enjoying it at the moment too.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/image_zps50c6eab9.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/image_zpsa60b9c6c.jpg

[flatout618]

Cheers for that I will look into mine today. Im lucky in the sense that work is quiet and my mate owns his own car garage business so some of the time I can put the motor on the lift too. If I can get the alternator sorted today it may be time to link up battery. Nervous or what I have been pootering at the car for 4 years so its a big day LOL. Cheers mate. I will also try and get some pics up on here too.

[shaunboy84]

hi great thread, do you still have the rubber bush/cup/circlip off the original linkage?

[8valve-craig]

Thanks. Im not quite sure what you are reffering to though?

Did a bit more today. Would have been a lot more productive if i hadnt had to do it all twice though.

Not quite sure why i put the rear stays in like this......

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1513_zpsc47087f9.jpg

But after getting both sides finished, the more i looked at it the more i hated it.

Already had one cage i wasnt happy with, so just got on and fixed it. Much cleaner lines now.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1515_zps89e014e9.jpg


http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1512_zpsf166523a.jpg

That was it for today really. Still on target though.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1517_zps43534aad.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1521_zps74329d6d.jpg

Most importantly its all nice and square, so again, well pleased with it.

[Mazz]

Very nice cage you've built there

[8valve-craig]

Thanks, Lots more to come yet though. Will be picking up the tunnel, triangulating to the front turrets, "X" Door bars, a dash bar and gusseting / swaging down the A and B pillars.

[BRoadGhost]

You'll be amazed the difference it makes

[SimonTW]

Have you thought about adding a harness bar across the hoop or on the X section so they are pulling straight back rather than a slight downwards angle?

http://motormavens.com/emAlbum/albums/Travis%20Hodges/Porsche%20GT3%20RS/_fullsize/Porsche%20GT3RS-cage%202WM.jpg

[8valve-craig]

I have thought long and hard about it, But i really dont like the ones in the "X" as they ruin the lines of the cage, plus the inside harness sometimes doesnt quite pull straight.

Also dont like the main hoop brace, as it reminds me too much of a stock car (plus the back of the seat is level with the hoop anyway).

I think im going to go right back to the rear brace. My Sabelt's are long enough, and its just a prefference of mine.

[BRoadGhost]

Fair enough you don't like how they look, but you wouldn't have problem with them "pulling straight".

[8valve-craig]

Agreed, i dont think any of my available seating positions would be a problem, but have seen some quite shocking installations before. Like this one....

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/nova20008_zps9d83ee0b.jpg

Did a bit more this afternoon. Only because i had to work next to it and something was bugging the hell out of me though.

Moved the rear stay up about 2", as i wanted the door bars higher, so chopped that one out on both sides and made alterations.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/image-2_zps1b28da3e.jpg

[chris gsi]

I think im going to go right back to the rear brace. My Sabelt's are long enough, and its just a prefference of mine.

Some nice upgrades your making should make a difference on track.i use to have my belts going to the rear brace on my old cage.

http://Imageshack.us/a/img191/8268/imageupw.jpg

[8valve-craig]

Did a bit of work on it today, Managed to get the drivers door bars finished, which sadly meant loosing the standard fuse box position.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1766_zpsa27d0aa1.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1767_zps7be245b1.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1768_zps7d16335f.jpg

Then i realised that i couldnt really do any more on the cage until the passenger seat rails were fitted, as otherwise it would be a right mission getting in and out to measure, cut and weld.

Then...... realised the passenger seat rails couldnt be done until the handbrake was moved back, So started on that. Decided it needed to move 110mm, so hatched a plan to re-use the old hole, which would also give me a mounting point.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1770_zpse19b67b7.jpg

So cut out the first square, then measured up a hole to re-weld it in further back

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1771_zpsddef005c.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1774_zps43d4f645.jpg

In an ideal world i could have just swapped the 2 squares over, but unfortunately that didnt work out, so had to fashion a new piece for the front hole.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1775_zpse4318dab.jpg

Once happy, seam welded it all in.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1776_zps84f55f32.jpg

Then started cutting tabs to hang the old handbrake mount in place, as usually it sits on the side of the original seat rail, which has now been binned.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1779_zps57ee8076.jpg

Made a fillet for the end, which did stiffen the handbrake mounting up, but it was still a little bit flimsy.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1781_zps7c9500ec.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1782_zps592fe8f8.jpg

With that done i started measuring up for the seat rails, but instantly hit a stumbling block, as the rear passenger rail would have been in the way of the handbrake mechanism.

It needed a spreader plate anyway, which would have been an asshole to fully weld, so instead i boxed the new handbrake bracket in with 2mm. which worked a treat, and in my opinion looks neater anyway.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1783_zps8b4b6d35.jpg

The handbrake works fine now, as i cut the same amount out of the metal linkage bar just before it joins the cable, then re-welded that too. The guide didnt need moving and it still sits nicely on the beam, so was quite a result.

I did then get one of the seat rails in, but called it a day around 7pm.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1784_zpsd3419e5b.jpg

Still hoping to have the cage completed by the end of the month, but in my defence i did forget that Febuary only has 28 days.....

[paul080803]

I love the attention to detail you put in Craig! Instead of making it work, you make it right!!!

[kevster]

Like it ! Cage looking good to !

[8valve-craig]

Thanks, And cheers Paul. I lie in bed at night thinking about the bits im not happy with, and convince myself that they can stay put, but always find myself grabbing the grinder in the morning and making changes.

Spending this morning welding all of the metal discs into the floor, as that too would be a mission to do once the passenger door bar goes in.

[8valve-craig]

Cage is done. Right on schedule, (If Feb was a normal month). Finished the passenger seat rails, then welded in all of them discs to replace the rubber bungs.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1879_zps0fa7eee6.jpg

Cut out the upper firewall, drilled the holes and plated the turrets, Then started on the forward triangulation.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1884_zpsb5b14cbd.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1885_zps1bfe8234.jpg

Measuring the angles was a bit of a pain, but got there in the end,

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1888_zps8259154e.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1890_zps55e923e1.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1891_zps6667c40f.jpg

Did the same for the other side, and managed to re-use the angle guides which made it a little quicker.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1895_zpsaabce9a5.jpg

Then as access with the tools was no longer required went on to finish the straight bars.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1897_zps291c32e1.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1898_zpsaaedbde1.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1899_zps4cdfbdce.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1903_zps83315f1f.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1904_zps5c7e90dd.jpg

Very happy with it all. My OCD is satisfied, as everything is straight, everything is symmetrical, and im happy with all of the joints.

Hopefully getting fully welded on Weds by a proffesional (Adam Dewis). Mines ok, but from a safety point of view i will be much happier knowing it is welded properly.

[Benn]

Loving the cage!

[kevster]

Amazing bud !

[8valve-craig]

Thanks again. I quite like it too.

Stripped the rest of the crap out of the bay yesterday, and cut off all of the unused brackets.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1978_zps2130548c.jpg

Then moved inside, but stupidly i forgot to take the steering wheel down there, so was mostly guess work based on another steering wheel which was quite different, but i think im somewhere near, despite it being horrible and 385mm

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1966_zpsdb751faf.jpg

Mounted the steering columb about 5" over to the right, and nice and straight. Hung it off the dash bar for now using part of the old upper mount, and also re-used the lower mount, but its only tacked, and once its confirmed to be in a good place will get fully welded with some extra bracing.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1967_zps9a11be2e.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1968_zps5f22e3c4.jpg

Just where it should be now. Right in front of the driver, and straight, unlike the piss poor version the factory gave it.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1969_zpsb1b41990.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1970_zps3bbedab2.jpg

With that done i cut the dash to fit it, and trial fitted a stalk. Il be using corsa stalks, simply as they are slightly closer to the driver, but got very lucky indeed as i never even considered their placement when moving the columb.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1971_zpsf845c2d9.jpg

Admittedly that picture is of it pushed back into the rear wiper on position, which it never will be, but still lucky.

Trouble is though i would have quite liked to have mounted my bias control in that sqaure blank behind it, but theres not much chance of that now.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1974_zps8e22f34a.jpg

Cut the dash roughly, then tidied it up with a file, so not far off the point where it can be flocked now

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1975_zpsf9b676cf.jpg

Then measured up for the pedal box, which i can get into a comfortable position with a little bit of a raised plate in the footwell, which again im pleased about.

Actually starting to look like a car again now

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_1977_zps0fce8b54.jpg

A then good bit of progress today. Met Adam down the unit at around 1pm, ready to fully weld the cage for me. All went quite well, despite having to use my 150amp hobby welder and he got done just on time.

(Secret photo)

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/image_zps8c7536f3.jpg

5 hours, and it was done.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/image_zpsb2dda9ec.jpg

A lot better than i could have done myself. Very happy with it,

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/image_zpsdc76d497.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/image_zpse32fdc25.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/image_zps5fc90149.jpg

[8valve-craig]

Also got home to a nice heavy package today. Which was a used, but great condition Helix paddle clutch, Cover and Paul Exon flywheel.

Im in 2 minds wether to use the cover or not, as despite being a Helix item it is from the "12-4626" range, which they quote as standard, but its my own fault for not checking, as it was simply sold to me as a Helix cover, no Mention of heavy Duty (60-4626).

Helix do say a standard cover can handle a 15% increase in torque, which i dont expect to gain any more than, so it's one to think about, but if truth be known i will most likely go to QED for a new one.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/image_zps02169799.jpg

[BRoadGhost]

150amp is enough for even 2MM wall thickness; looks good.

I have an adjustable rake column that'll more or less bolt straight up to what you're doing there, bring the wheel closer to you and put it at a straighter angle if you're interested.

[8valve-craig]

Cage is 2.64mm.

Not quite sure what you mean about the columb, Mine will be custom, so can go anywhere it wants. Its already straight and in front of the driver, im not using the original mounting points

Just out of interest though what do you have?

[Benn]

Nice welding by Adam, love what youve done with the coloum.

[BRoadGhost]

Yours will be custom? So the one in the pictures isn't going to be what you'll run?

While the column is now inline with the driver, from the pictures above due to the mount relocation, the wheel won't be straight horizontally (like say a race car) which is why I mentioned the adjustable rake item I have lying around.

...Not the best picture below; the rake comes from the ball joint on the column (obscured by the gear knob)

http://sadpanda.us/images/1455463-H2UC250.jpg

[8valve-craig]

I understand now. I mistook your reference to the angle as being how they are standard, as in, pointing towards the middle of the car, but you of course meant the top to bottom angle.

It would certainly help with a quick rack fitted, as when i tried my angle out i found it a little awkward to cross my arms into the 3 / 9 position, which will be amplified when harnessed in.

I reffered to mine as custom as i will be chopping the bottom half off to fit 2 UJ's and cutting the top off to extend and weld on my lifeline quick release boss, leaving only the nylon bearing, centre section and mounting point original.

Maybe PM me regarding the columb. Im interested.

[8valve-craig]

Not updated this for a while, but have been chipping away at it.

Recently took the above advice and fitted an adjustable rake columb from another Vaux, which seems to have gone well.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2131_zps1b9314b0.jpg

Then did a bit more work around the steering rack mounts, tieing the area into the cage and triangulating back to the turrets.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2364_zpsacca61c8.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2363_zps38e800bd.jpg

And since gathering all of the Stack gauges the other month decided not to use them, and instead went out and bought this

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/image_zps5435cffe.jpg

Couldnt resist trial fitting it, and as i had to drive past the unit on the way home i popped in, tacked a nut onto the back of the boss and fitted the steering wheel so i could get a feel for its position.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/image_zpsaac16bb4.jpg

Not quite right, as i want it in the middle of the steering wheel, so will be chopping a bit more of the dash out yet.

[BRoadGhost]

Would you not want to have it directly above the column just behind the steering wheel?

[MiniManDan118]

Alright mate, how's things? Ill be rebuilding the Nova this year too, got myself another shell to start with. My old beast is getting very crispy, but still may make it out once more. Was excellent fun the last time we went out at Combe together till my car did another CV joint and nearly put me in the wall just after the pit lane. Ive got bigger shafts now so its starting to pull other things apart lol. You going to be doing ant of the action days this year?

Oh, and that cage looks serious!

[8valve-craig]

Would you not want to have it directly above the column just behind the steering wheel?

Thats what i have been looking at this weekend. Will be making a bracket now to have it above and in front of the stalks


Alright mate, how's things? Ill be rebuilding the Nova this year too, got myself another shell to start with. My old beast is getting very crispy, but still may make it out once more. Was excellent fun the last time we went out at Combe together till my car did another CV joint and nearly put me in the wall just after the pit lane. Ive got bigger shafts now so its starting to pull other things apart lol. You going to be doing ant of the action days this year?

Oh, and that cage looks serious!

Hi Dan, Long time. I only tend to see you at Castle combe. Mine wont be out again until mid summer, but will still go along at the end of this month so will pop over and say hi. Had a lot of trouble with fueling last time we went out and it wasnt much fun, was able to nail it in the corners but at high revs down the straights it was running bad so had to back off. Turned out to be one of the nuts and thackery washers on the carbs worked loose, so one cylinder drew in a lot more air.

Didnt actually notice until the end of the day as i was convinced it was the fuel pump.

Hopefully next time im out it will be a completely different car.

[MiniManDan118]

Thats what i have been looking at this weekend. Will be making a bracket now to have it above and in front of the stalks



Hi Dan, Long time. I only tend to see you at Castle combe. Mine wont be out again until mid summer, but will still go along at the end of this month so will pop over and say hi. Had a lot of trouble with fueling last time we went out and it wasnt much fun, was able to nail it in the corners but at high revs down the straights it was running bad so had to back off. Turned out to be one of the nuts and thackery washers on the carbs worked loose, so one cylinder drew in a lot more air.

Didnt actually notice until the end of the day as i was convinced it was the fuel pump.

Hopefully next time im out it will be a completely different car.

Well glad you worked it out and it was a free fix! They're always the best. If all goes to plan ill be out in a white Nova too at somepoint...

[8valve-craig]

Despite it probably looking like i havent done a lot over the last few weeks, i have been chipping away at it in my spare time and got a bit done.

First up decided to go with a few suggestions regarding the instruments, and cobbled up a rough frame to mount the dash behind the steering wheel

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2473_zps2ae62200.jpg

Main objective was to keep the dashboard removable. Looks very rough in this pic, but has been tidied up since and looks fine

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2470_zps66e2ce9c.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2471_zps0144460d.jpg

Once happy got that primed,

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2783_zpsee04182c.jpg

Then moved onto the steering columb, and got the steering boss as good as sorted. I started with a selection of thick wall steel tube, to sleeve the Lifeline slug, and then down sleeved that to mate with the columb.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2792_zpsa0df6858.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2793_zps96c0c3f9.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2794_zps6948f091.jpg

Obviously it will need to be dowelled and proffesionally welded, but at least its straight

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2795_zps4b0354cb.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2797_zps87e149c7.jpg

[8valve-craig]

A few days later i moved on to fitting up the columb properly, using a modified Corsa double UJ.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2796_zps53e81b8a.jpg

And today went about sleeving the seat rails and getting them fitted properly. Got some good penetration then ground them flush and re-drilled the tube.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2833_zpsc8fd49d6.jpg

Seat where i want it, and finally got to test out the driving position.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2835_zps2625c2ed.jpg

So moved onto the pedal box. This was a bit of a nightmare, as i have leant the seat right back for the most comfortable driving position, but this pushes my ass forwards and means the furthest away the box can be on the floor isnt far enough to be comfortable.

So instead decided to lift it up a few inches, so that in turn it could go a few inches further towards the firewall. The parrallel bars also have forward facing braces like the seat rails to stop them twisting under heavy braking, but forgot to take a picture if that,

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2838_zpsa7778c11.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2844_zpsd6f397fd.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2843_zps0768c053.jpg

And thats about as far as i am. Im at a point where i can now sit inside and make driving noises, turning the wheel and stamping on the pedals.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2845_zps76a4917e.jpg

The only problem is that there is only a limited ammount of room in a Nova, and fabricating the cage / steering columb the way i have now means that the steering wheel i bought isnt ideal, as it has a big dish which pushes it towards the driver. Its ok, but in an ideal world could do with an inch or 2 less, as sometimes my elbow hits my stomach when turning.

Will probably get an OMP WRC this week to see how that feels

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2848_zps78996929.jpg

My view from behind the wheel. Just what i wanted, everything dead centre


http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2850_zps26884a4c.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2849_zps81039f2d.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2851_zpsb71dc215.jpg

Next job. Fit the Gearbox and sort out the internal shifter.

[masseyk@deeside.ac.uk]

Hi Craig, some great work going on there mate, keep at it, it will definitely be worth it.

Keith

[matthew172]

like that cage a lot, one day ill put one in mine

[8valve-craig]

Thanks guys. Its getting there slowly

Did a bit more on it this afternoon. Went go-karting at Wessex Raceway first (which i won), then came home with loads of enthusiasm so cracked on with the drivers footrest.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2854_zps64440d42.jpg

Wasnt keen on welding captive nuts under the pedal box then plating over the whole lot, as i wouldnt have been able to get a good weld on a few of them, so instead have constructed two rails which i can bolt / rivet an alloy plate to, which when removed gives easy access to get a spanner on the nuts underneath. The area in front of the stitch welds, directly under the pedal box will remain unplated.

Made a template, but then realised i had no ally plate, so that was that.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2855_zps53e7b93c.jpg

So just zinc'd it and went home. That still took a couple of hours though, as it was a right nightmare getting that 3rd piece of box level to the front 2 with only a 2ft level.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2856_zps1fbfff5d.jpg

Also been looking at steering wheels. 99% sure il be going for an OMP Targa in suede now, which is a flat 330mm wheel with no dish atall.

[8valve-craig]

A bit of an update here, not a great deal but have been chipping away at it

A-pillar gussets cut and punched

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2959_zps79b345d0.jpg

Fitted and primed.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_2960_zpsc6d0e702.jpg

Then built a tower for my direct shifter.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3076_zps518fc3aa.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3077_zpsc3659671.jpg

Gusseted the B pillars

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3009_zps6d5e49aa.jpg


Then took a bit of a backwards step last week. I kept sitting in the car with trainers on trying to work out if i liked the pedals or not, and once the doubt was there in my mind thought it best to re-think their positioning. I know it sounds silly, but its me that has to drive it, and i couldnt stop thinking that my knees were a little too close to the bottom of the steering wheel, and that the brake pedal when depressed was too close to the steering knuckle. I had already sent the footplate back to Dewis for an alteration which would have allowed my heels to be an inch lower, but that was meaning that at full throttle / clutch depress my toe was 3/4 the way down the pedal.

So, started searching for an alternative. Took some measurements, and realised that i could steal some space from inside the front cross member.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3098_zpsf562530d.jpg

Then very bravely made a cut in the bulkhead, and once happy with the height chopped out the work i had previously done in the footwell.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3099_zps3f6b204d.jpg

No photos of the process unfortunately, but its pretty obvious what has happened. A few cardboard shapes, a bit of bending, welding, hammering etc and have ended up with this....

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3100_zps37fee782.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3102_zps30e930b2.jpg

The idea is that now with a much simpler flat floor section in the front, the pedalbox can be mounted much lower and a little further forward, as the front of the master cylinders will now sit in the recess, hopefully just needing some swept 90's and the already planned remote resevoirs.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3101_zps84db1e9e.jpg

Wasnt going to upload until it was all finished and in place, but thats the main bit of fab sorted, and found it hard to explain to a friend on the phone so thought i might as well.

Then moving on, Went out yesterday to collect this lot.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3182_zps050ec3b0.jpg

Thought id snap it up while i had the chance.

Also got the rocker cover as its ready converted, but will be trimming that and changing the colour, which is a shame as its an ok job.

Had these delivered today too. I couldnt decide which steering wheel to go for, so bought a few of the ones i liked. Il try them out then sell on the ones i dont need.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3184_zps8fcfb481.jpg

All were bought used, but are in great condition, so hopefully il end up with the one i want for free. Saying that though only one of them has ever actually been fitted to a car, so the OMP and the larger Sparco are like new.

Not been getting a great deal of spare time just recently, but will try and get a bit more work done on it maybe this weekend.

[M Sutton]

Realy good progress! Fab work looks awesome ;)

[Iain]

Great fab work, like the custom mount for the dials on the column. It's great fabbing it all up yourself and getting the driving position spot on and straight isn't it

[BRoadGhost]

Sweet Jesus, a dry sump!

[Benn]

Having seen the car in person, it's a bit awesome.

[8valve-craig]

Realy good progress! Fab work looks awesome ;)


Great fab work, like the custom mount for the dials on the column. It's great fabbing it all up yourself and getting the driving position spot on and straight isn't it

Thanks guys, Yeah its quite satisfactory making it all myself, really enjoy it.


Sweet Jesus, a dry sump!

Certainly is. Picked it up off a friend who's stripping an unfinished project, so its never had a drop of oil go through it. Plan is to get a block and a box fitted up as soon as possible so i can finish the linkage and get the chassis leg nothed for the oil pump pulley.


Having seen the car in person, it's a bit awesome.

Cheers Ben, pop up again when its back together and come out for a drive if you want.

.................................................. .................................................. ................................

Turns out choosing out of the 3 steering wheels was pretty simple.

Went to screwfix earlier for some M5 stainless bolts and nylocks, then cracked on. Fitted up the flat sparco first and it was spot on.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3200_zps88a25e1c.jpg

Plenty of room between the bottom of the rim and my knees.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3198_zps501835c6.jpg

And suits the car i think

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3201_zps6f2e17a4.jpg

Pretty much made my mind up straight away, but fitted the OMP one anyway.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3202_zpsff55bea5.jpg

Didnt like it one little bit. Too small, and with the offset centre just felt like it was broken.

Didnt really suit the car either.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3204_zpscbd03011.jpg

So i didnt even bother fitting the dished Sparco, and instead fitted the rest of the bolts to the flat one and left it like that.

Very happy with it now.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3208_zps16b1c35f.jpg

Sorry for the poor quality pics, It was about 7pm when the sun shines right into the front of the unit.

[tahir868]

Excellent workmanship there, can't wait to see this when you've finished, it will definitely be an awesome piece of kit.

[8valve-craig]

Thanks, Im hoping so yes. Lots more to come yet though.
.................................................. .................................................. ..............................

Had a couple of hours free at the end of today so did a bit more on the pedal box mounts.Luckily i was able to cut the old mount up and re-use the front bar. Just had to weld up the old holes and trim it a bit to get it fitted an inch lower and an inch further forward.

The rest was pretty simple, but annoyingly i couldnt have another parralell bar at the front, as the holes in the base of the box are staggered. Got around that just fine though, and welded in a captive bolt for the front right mounting, as it would be a nightmare to get a spanner on.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3226_zpsd1cc003c.jpg

Not bolted in yet as its a bit fiddly and will only have to come out again. But refitted the rest of the interior and took a seat.

Its spot on. Has made a world of difference to the driving position so i couldnt be happier. It was always going to be drivable, but this way im just that little bit more comfortable.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3228_zps02aad676.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3229_zpsb3b6d7a3.jpg

[Benn]

Looking great, wheel choice is deffo right.

[MK999]

I think I rather like this :) Would looove a dry sump kit for mine as the shorter engine just opens up a world of possibilities, but it's a bit out of any kind of realistic budget at this stage! (Although welding a pound coin into the shell somewhere is out of budget currently so who knows) lol

[corsapowerr]

Top work as usual!! You got a link to that shifter you have? Looks tasty!

[MiniManDan118]

Looking good mate. Do you want to sell either of your spare steering wheels? I'm looking for one for the one I'm rebuilding.

[8valve-craig]

Looking great, wheel choice is deffo right.

Cheers Benn. I like it too, think i just got lucky with it as theres so much to choose from when looking for a wheel. You have size, dish, style, material, grip and strangely enough grip size makes a massive difference too. This one is an oval grip 34mm x 29mm i think.


I think I rather like this :) Would looove a dry sump kit for mine as the shorter engine just opens up a world of possibilities, but it's a bit out of any kind of realistic budget at this stage! (Although welding a pound coin into the shell somewhere is out of budget currently so who knows) lol

Glad its making an interesting read, i do try and update it when i can. The Sump kit was a bargain, i probably wouldnt have gone for it if it was full price, but i do intend to rev it so it will hopefully be a big benefit.


Top work as usual!! You got a link to that shifter you have? Looks tasty!

Ta, Never seen another one. It came out of an old works Mk2 Astra Rally car. Theres a similar shifter fitted to the "Mighty Mouse" CRX Time Attack car, but not available to buy new so you would have to find a used one. Quaife do a kit which works the same (throws the rod backwards for first instead of forwards). Available as a kit on HHMS.


Looking good mate. Do you want to sell either of your spare steering wheels? I'm looking for one for the one I'm rebuilding.

Cheers Dan. Yes the OMP and the dished Sparco are for sale. Both mint (and im fussy so thats not Ebay "mint")

[MiniManDan118]

How much do you want for the omp one? And have you got a boss for it that will fit a standard nova column? Pm me ;-)

[Benn]

Cheers Benn. I like it too, think i just got lucky with it as theres so much to choose from when looking for a wheel. You have size, dish, style, material, grip and strangely enough grip size makes a massive difference too. This one is an oval grip 34mm x 29mm i think.


Very true, if you have big hands, a thin wheel will feel tiny and not nice to hold. So a thicker one is better. Same with overall width.

[8valve-craig]

I agree

[Benn]

Nice setting up on the turret, but does it not need dropping down in to the chassis leg....

I'd really like to turret mine.

[8valve-craig]

Cheers Ben.

The above idea has been scrapped now as it appears i did it wrong. Got carried away marking the body and profiling the tube and completely forgot that below is the chassis rail which needs to be modified.

Started again with sheet steel, and got one side constructed yesterday.

Just went right in and cut the body, which is what im glad i didnt do the first time around to be honest.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3380_zps51d208bc.jpg

Profiled the 3 sides and got them tacked in

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3382_zpsb44a3d63.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3384_zps7296a9c8.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3385_zpsf7768bae.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3386_zps73aa052b.jpg

Cheated a little bit, as i rang the steel place on my way and got them to cut all the correct sizes for me before i got there, so only had to profile inside the arches, which was easy enough.

Now i just have to pull the car away from the wall, re-level it and start again on the other side.

[BRoadGhost]

Can I stop you there & ask just far down do you intend going and with what wheel size?

[Benn]

Looking good, shame you couldnt use the round tube.

[8valve-craig]

Can I stop you there & ask just far down do you intend going and with what wheel size?

Around about the same ride height as its always been, Never been noticably low and doubt it ever will be any lower than the attatched picture.

Using various et49 15" x 6" wheels with 195/50's.

All comments welcome though as this is quite a big learning curve for me.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_0437.jpg

[BRoadGhost]

Having turrets only that high will limit ride height & stroke. If these are purely for a coilover conversion, why not maximise the benefit by moving the turrets further back towards the boot.

When you then make the brackets for the struts, it's possible to put them at the back of the rear beam once boxed. This will give you a far better stroke translation.

[8valve-craig]

It has always had Avo coilovers and even with the standard height turrets it drove fine, only doing this as the springs were so close to the inner arch and tyre wall that adjustment was limited.

[BRoadGhost]

This is in part what i'm saying; if you're moving the mount points on the beam & the body, then why not put them in the best possible position?

[8valve-craig]

Because i have already cut the body and dont fancy repairing it for what will most likely make no difference on what is essentially just a track car.

[8valve-craig]

Been out and bought some more engine bits today. Got the chance to buy this lot cheap. Only actually wanted the rods, but made an offer on the lot, Because as always it brings the price down.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/image_zpse0275409.jpg

Very pleased with them. The crank is nice too, an early one which is unground, so may well use that too and sell on the lightened one i have.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/image_zpsf415ad84.jpg

A good day, and im struggling to think of anything else i actually need now to build the engine, other than a gasket.

[8valve-craig]

So my plan all week was to take today off and do some work on the shell. To be honest i had started to fall out of love with it (again), and constantly found myself looking at M3's, but once i got back into it i quite enjoyed myself.

First job was to Jack the car up a little higher, which took longer than you might think as it needs to be levelled to ensure any new additions are straight and symmetrical.
Also then swept up the 3" of dust underneath which made a nice difference.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3526_zps9f569409.jpg

Finished cutting the O/S rear turret out, but straight away found some Brown Stuff inside the chassis rail.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3527_zps97a193f2.jpg

I had thought this was a relatively rust free shell. I know of a few crusty bits, but nothing serious. Needless to say this bit needed addressing, so drilled off the spring seat.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3529_zpsf6c9a387.jpg

Could have cut out the bare minimum and repaired the drill holes, but decided to chop it right back and replaced with some 2mm which i persuaded into shape with a claw hammer.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3533_zpsadb65d96.jpg

Same method for the O/S turret, although slightly more difficult as it had to match the N/S, and of course as with everything on a Nova, side to side the inner arces are different shapes.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3534_zps67bee699.jpg

Roughly marking the shape of the arch with a marker.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3535_zps6a7d8abc.jpg

Plenty of pissing around, then it was in.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3536_zps6cd10bc5.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3559_zps24968717.jpg

I had planned to persuade a certain welder friend of mine to buzz them in for me, what with them being suspension and all that, but was feeling brave so did it myself.

There were one or two hiccups, nothing serious, just with the welder on Max power burned through the original paper thin body once or twice which interupted the flow.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3539_zpse0865e05.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3543_zps10a2129d.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3544_zps7b16c6e2.jpg

Once finished i made a mock rear brace out of an odd cardboard tube i had. Not necessary, but gave me an idea what it might look like.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3551_zpsfef5c4f5.jpg

Really really pleased with how they came out. They are spot on to the naked eye, with just minor discrepencies that you would only find with a ruler, so in my book they are perfect. Also dead pleased with the welding. I wasnt brave enough to run a bead, so used hot tacks, but they were very hot tacks so im in no doubt that they are adequate.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3552_zps5688a88b.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3553_zps35934189.jpg

And a front view. Not that it will ever be seen like this with seats fitted, just showing they are straight.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3556_zpsa80a11b6.jpg

Overall am very pleased with them. Got back my enthusiasm so either tomorrow or next weekend il buzz around them underneath, then the car can go back on its wheels.

[chris gsi]

Good news you have got your enthusiasm back Craig.this has to be my favourite build/nova at the min some very nice work and parts going in to it. Looking forward to having a look around it when it makes a return to combe ( makes me wish I never sold my old track car)

[tahir868]

Excellent work there, attention to detail and workmanship is second to none :)

[8valve-craig]

Good news you have got your enthusiasm back Craig.this has to be my favourite build/nova at the min some very nice work and parts going in to it. Looking forward to having a look around it when it makes a return to combe ( makes me wish I never sold my old track car)


Excellent work there, attention to detail and workmanship is second to none :)

Thanks for the kind words, Im hoping it will be pretty special when finished.

Had another few hours down there today. Worked really fast with no distractions and got the turrets fully welded and primed.

First up was to buzz around the inside of the n/s. I was advised that it wasnt necassery, but did it anyway as it was easy enough.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3689_zps489df29f.jpg

Before welding it into the chassis rail underneath i decided to drill off this spring seat, just as i was curious as to what might be lurking underneath, like what was on the other side. But also of course as it didnt match and looked odd.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3691_zpsd67de47d.jpg

Really glad i did as there was a small crusty bit that needed attention.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3692_zpsbc63825b.jpg

So quickly fasioned a repair plate for it and buzzed it in, then repaired the drill holes and fully welded the new turret into the chassis rail.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3693_zpsb779029f.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3695_zpsfd9c5f58.jpg

Went round to the other side and fully welded that one too.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3697_zps5835bcc8.jpg

And having cut the body where i did found a slither of overlap which wasnt fully spot welded, so knocked it back and stitch welded it on both sides of the car.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3698_zpsf4bf4951.jpg

And that was that. A quick squirt with Zinc Primer and left it there for the day.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3699_zps3b39401b.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3701_zps4d56a39a.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3703_zps49b21a80.jpg

Again am pleased with my efforts, And despite it being a bit messy im sure it will be up to the job.

Next up is to drill the tops, then box the Nova beam, which hopefully il do mid-week.

[8valve-craig]

Did something much more therapeutic today. Its been ages since i had a tinker in my garden shed, something which i quite enjoy, so with an idea in my head i popped out to see what i could do. The basic idea was a custom rocker cover.

I did pick this one up just recently which has (at great expense to somebody) been modified to run the Dry Sump then freshly powder coated.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3812_zpse2d58e97.jpg

A nice cover im sure you will agree, but i dont run a belt cover, and with it being such a shame to cut it up decided to start a fresh one.

So.... Starting with 2 covers, one of which used to be on my carb'd engine so is already trimmed on the timing belt side which is what i wanted for this new engine.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3796_zps51483ca9.jpg

Cut out the oil filler on the one i want to keep. (which took a serious ammount of thinking and measuring)

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3800_zps53ab342f.jpg

And cut out a piece of the doner to start patching it up with. Note that the fixing bolt holes need to be in the right place, so cutting very carefully.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3801_zps58e739aa.jpg

Would have loved to have been able to cut out a whole square and do it in one hit, but the bolt holes are all very randomly spaced, so had to do it in smaller pieces.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3802_zpsf6efae41.jpg

Second piece cut out of the donor, which again for the lower part of the square i couldn't do in one hit, as it needed a 101mm run with a bolt hole in a certain place, which just wasnt happening.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3803_zps095409cd.jpg

And second chunk in.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3804_zps9ec5b13b.jpg

Even looking pretty factory on the underside at the moment

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3806_zps5a345039.jpg

And the third piece, by which point i was getting pretty good. This bit went in first time without a single alteration.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3808_zps1e05f748.jpg

Oil cap deleted. Pretty sure i know who im going to ask to weld it up for me too, so if you are reading then get ready for your phone to ring.

Next up was to chop the spark plug trim. Just becase i always loved the look of the Swindon BTTC engines.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3798_zpsfa7977f8.jpg

And with a fillet in each of the openings, and that bottom piece welded into the cover should look something like this.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3809_zpsc8db5623.jpg

Think i have enough material left on the donor to smooth out the rear breather step too, so will crack on with that next weekend, but not sure if im going to tackle the front one or not as it looks quite complicated.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3811_zpsc509d17d.jpg

Obviously the inside will need welding up good around the bolt guides to eliminate oil making its way out, but im dead pleased with it so far. Should only need a very small ammount of filler, if any atall.

[8valve-craig]

Got home from work and made a small fillet to smooth out the rear breather's this evening. Only took about 15mins, but makes a big difference.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3827_zpsd6a14237.jpg

[dc1984]

Top work mate

[BRoadGhost]

Yeah this is brilliant & exactly the attention to detail people wanna see; will you be welding it up yourself?

I did similar to mine about 7 years ago, just without the blanking for dry sump.

You might wanna raise those turret tops a bit in time too.

[8valve-craig]

Thanks. Maybe in time i will if i need to, but lets not forget that this is only a track car and was perfectly fine before when they were at standard height.


BRoadGhost (http://www.pngclub.com/forum/member.php?13244-BRoadGhost)

I did similar to mine about 7 years ago, just without the blanking for dry sump.

(http://www.pngclub.com/forum/member.php?13244-BRoadGhost)

^ Any pictures of your rocker cover ^


Did a bit more on mine today and deleted the front breather.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3845_zpsb4df9a6f.jpg

All getting welded up tomorrow. I wont be doing it myself, a friend is doing it while i wait.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3846_zps2f5d952f.jpg

[BRoadGhost]

Kinda looked like this for a while without the cover

http://sadpanda.us/images/1709698-WG3XTR6.jpg

Beforehand it was milled, but imo looks pretty bland all one colour

http://sadpanda.us/images/1709706-V8HJKI1.jpg

[8valve-craig]

Oh that does look good. I really like that with no plug cover on.

Got mine all welded up today, so just need to spend a few hours finishing it off now. definitely going to need a skim of filler though.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_38511_zpsa4da80b8.jpg

[chrisnovaturbo]

that will look cool when painted

[BRoadGhost]

I was going to ask if you were going to open up the gaps prior to welding; in a V shape (if you're looking at it from a cross section) to ensure strength once ground flush again.

Could look alright not being colour coded; have you thought about doing something like a bright orange with a grey middle & orange lettering? The extent of effort shown here warrants paying for a professional spraying imo; then it'll last.

[Benn]

Looking good. Nice welding by adam.

[BRoadGhost]

Just read the update on MIG; I didn't expect you to be using filler. When I did mine I used some chemical metal & even that cracked; get it back down to metal, go high build, sand down & repeat as required imo.

When you make the effort on such things THE GODS OF DETAIL WILL BE UPON YOU lol

[bazil]

Kinda looked like this for a while without the cover

http://sadpanda.us/images/1709698-WG3XTR6.jpg

Beforehand it was milled, but imo looks pretty bland all one colour

http://sadpanda.us/images/1709706-V8HJKI1.jpg


Love the colour coded dizzy cap too lol, looks fantastic,

Sorry for the thread diversion but can I ask if that's eccentric top mounts being used upside down?
Is there any issues doing this on a road based car ( I had read before about to much stress on the circlip etc )

[BRoadGhost]

The circlip's aren't on the top, they're at the bottom where they should be. There's always gonna be a trade off with spherical bushes on a road car and that's the shell now takes the brunt of potholes / airtime.

[8valve-craig]

BRoadGhost (http://www.pngclub.com/forum/member.php?13244-BRoadGhost)

You are really starting to piss me off.

[Benn]

lol you get pissed off alot dont you...

[8valve-craig]

No not often.

[BRoadGhost]

Guess I'm gonna have to repeat myself once again then about what a public message board & forum is about then.

Anyone who posts pictures & comments about work they've done or are planning to do is opening themselves to the mercy of other people's views and or experiences.

It's therefore nieve to ever expect nothing but a clean sweep of congratulations on work you might have thought to be ground breaking / leading.

Fact is anyone could be reading this; you don't know what they've done or experienced. Part of the reason I don't run a project thread is because I don't want it all under the microscope for anyone to look at and evaluate, because for me, that's not what it's about. I can tell you now, the greatest builds come from those who make mistakes, take on board everything they've seen, develop over and over but genuinely don't have an ego because they understand there's almost always something better out there.

I posted what I have done on request and have followed up with an honest critique of where you were heading with it. I don't claim to be anything original or special in things I've done; I spent the time looking at this & bothering to post because I'm sharing my failure(s), for your possible benefit. My rocker doesn't look like that anymore, which is why I advised you on getting it finished professionally because of the work already gone into it.

Maybe it wont last, hopefully it will.

[8valve-craig]

That might just be where the problem lies then. How is anybody going to take your word with anything other than a pinch of salt when you appear to have no data or documented experience to back up your claims?

You are all too quick to poo-poo people's effort's, but I think you may be forgetting that only a small number of build threads on the web are in the hands of experienced race teams or university graduates with extensive knowledge. The reality is that for most of us this is something that we just enjoy in our SPARE time, and actually quite far removed from our day jobs.

So what if an occasional track car cant handle an 8ft high jump on a forest stage, and so what if the filler in the rocker cover cracks. Like you said, you used Chemical metal and that cracked, so is it really necessary to tell someone they must do it again from scratch just to satisfy your own self importance?

I don't have an ego atall, far from it. You will see in many of my posts that I don't claim to be a professional, and by saying what you have about "the greatest builds" you seem to be contradicting yourself, as your previous posts in this thread would imply that the build needs to be perfect in your eyes from day one.

Just leave it out. I don't care for your comments, and I won't value your opinion until I have reason to believe that you know what you are talking about.

[paul080803]

As somebody who has actually met Craig a few times he doesn't have an ego or an attitude in the slightest!!

Just my 2 pence :)

Craig - you going to retrorides this year?

[MiniManDan118]

As somebody who has actually met Craig a few times he doesn't have an ego or an attitude in the slightest!!


Seconded

Telling someone that what they've done is basically rubbish and they should start again isn't the way to go about things. By all means advise someone on what they could do and leave it at that.

[BRoadGhost]

This is just a prime example of why I stayed away from posting for years.

People don't wanna discuss openly and share ideas or experiences, they just want to throw what they've done at others and only get praise.

[8valve-craig]

Saying "This is what you should have done" is not a socially acceptable way to discuss and share experiences. If anything it borders on arrogant, as it implies that you know best.

You have just done exactly the same thing on Will's thread. He might not want to hear what "you would have done" to a tensioner bolt to prevent his potentially catastrophic engine failure?

[8valve-craig]

As somebody who has actually met Craig a few times he doesn't have an ego or an attitude in the slightest!!

Just my 2 pence :)

Craig - you going to retrorides this year?

Thanks Paul, Yes il be there. Probably on foot, but il pop over and say hi if i see you.


Seconded.

At the risk of "seeking only praise", Thankyou Dan. I do consider myself relatively easy to get along with.

[scott.parker]

Imo as long as you sand it of as flat as possible and get it as neat as you can it will be great, just maybe don't paint it gloss?

[8valve-craig]

The main cover is all finished, I just haven't been updating the thread.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4071_zpseeadc9fc.jpg

[scott.parker]

Looks ace mate

[Benn]

Love the cover!

[SimonTW]

Nice work on the cam cover. Crackle paint is great for looks and also hiding any minor imperfections. What have you got planned for the plug lead cover?

[MiniManDan118]

Where did you get the crackle paint from mate? I'd planned to do my rocker cover in it and some other engine bay parts too. Can you get different colours?

[jonn]

very nice finish

[BRoadGhost]

This is pathetic and pretty saddening tbh.

At no point did I say "This is what you should have done" so don't start putting things in quotation marks that haven't been said.

Why must you stalk another thread too and drag your twisted perception things into this also? Seems like you're on some sort of witch hunt to me. If you think people don't come to a forum for discussion, then it's you who's got the problem here ~ A critical bolt failing for THE SECOND TIME on a twin cam engine, imo warrants help from others, since he's bothered to post a dedicated thread on the misery it caused.

Whether input from others is listened to or ignored is entirely up them. But to say people can't comment puts you on thin ice, because my friend there's something called freedom of speech.

From where I'm standing it's you pal who's looking arrogant.

All this coming from the guy I helped with on advice a good steering column for the project.

Feel free to delete my stuff from your thread.

Rocker looks good btw.

[Will F]

Rocker looks like the small block version! LolSorry I missed you at billing dude and I will respond to your mig pm at some Point! Lol

[8valve-craig]

Looks ace mate

Thanks. Its not perfect, but I have a backup plan also.


Love the cover!

Me too, just not as much as I had hoped I would.


Nice work on the cam cover. Crackle paint is great for looks and also hiding any minor imperfections. What have you got planned for the plug lead cover?

Plug cover will have the oil cap recess welded up, then left as it is with the script and painted red.


Where did you get the crackle paint from mate? I'd planned to do my rocker cover in it and some other engine bay parts too. Can you get different colours?

Im not sure about colours, its off a company called USA paints on Ebay.


very nice finish

Its not the best, but once the bay is built up hopefully the rest of the equipment will divert my attention away from the irregularity of the wrinkles.


This is pathetic and pretty saddening tbh.

At no point did I say "This is what you should have done" so don't start putting things in quotation marks that haven't been said..

As good as. Watching someone cut out their rear suspension, then saying "why don't you move it further towards the boot", when you know full well that since the cut that is not an option anymore is pretty much the same as saying "you have done it wrong".


Why must you stalk another thread too and drag your twisted perception things into this also? Seems like you're on some sort of witch hunt to me. If you think people don't come to a forum for discussion, then it's you who's got the problem here ~ A critical bolt failing for THE SECOND TIME on a twin cam engine, imo warrants help from others, since he's bothered to post a dedicated thread on the misery it caused.

Simply a thread started by Will which I was interested in, which is why I read it. Not surprised atall to find the negative comment by yourself so included it here as a recent example.



Whether input from others is listened to or ignored is entirely up them. But to say people can't comment puts you on thin ice, because my friend there's something called freedom of speech..

At the risk of going way off topic you are sorely mistaken if you think you are in a world where you really do have freedom of speech.


All this coming from the guy I helped with on advice a good steering column for the project..

Please cast your mind back. You gave me a hint of an idea with no actual details regarding the model it was originally fitted to..... and a paypal address to buy yours from you. As anyone would I researched the subject and found out what it was off, and where I could get one from at a better price, and most importantly.... that day. When I got home, as a gesture of good will I put £6 into your PayPal account, and told you to buy yourself a couple of beers for the tip, for which might I add you never even had the decency to say thankyou for.



Rocker looks good btw.

Thankyou.


Rocker looks like the small block version! LolSorry I missed you at billing dude and I will respond to your mig pm at some Point! Lol

That's Ok I spent ages looking over your's, as mentioned via PM it was the car of the show for me. Gutted for you, but hopefully not too much damage. I have spare std length steel rods if you do need them. Worst case scenario its rebuilt with some accailites and a standard head.

[8valve-craig]

Anyway, moving on, This weeks progress.

Spent a bit of time on the shell over the last few days too. Started by removing the tank, welding in the last 4 floor bungs & cutting out the spare wheel recess.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3935_zpsb26f6d60.jpg

Two reasons for this. One being that Il probably be knocking up my own exhaust, so makes it easier, and also that at some point in the future I may want to make some sort of diffuser. Just opens up the options as I really don't want to be cutting anything once its painted.

Got a piece of 3mm Ally cut roughly to size, with a fold on the rear edge, so once trimmed into the shape of my cut out, Il just overlap it by 20mm then bond / rivet it in place.

(Thanks again Adam. Starting to think I must owe you quite a big favour :thumb:)

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_3986_zpsd6a5ee0f.jpg

Its a handy area to sit when working under the floor at the moment though, so wont do that just yet.

Spent a bit of time under there, and attacked all of the suspicious brown bits with the knotted wheel. Absolutely cuffed to find no structural rust atall.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4077_zpsa63820d9.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4078_zps310c7e70.jpg

So went along the whole floor cutting off all of the old fuel and brake line tabs, and removing unwanted brake pipes, heat trays and studs. Gave the welds a scrub, but do need to get under there with the flap disc to smooth some of the bigger puddles off, mostly where the spot welds were repaired.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4080_zps671a53b0.jpg

I don't think Il bother removing the old under-seal. From what I can see its done a cracking job so far, so anything that isn't loose can stay and Il just re-apply something in the areas I have removed it from.

Also got a nice package delivered this afternoon.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4085_zpsf0c060d7.jpg

Which kind of throws a spanner in the works.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4087_zps21f1241e.jpg

White one is having the lip ground off, blasted and coated in silver next week, so should look similar to the WTTC cover.

[8valve-craig]

Also had an odd parts request this week for a bare Corsa C disc equipped rear beam, so as I had a few in stock decided to oblige and stripped one down for dispatch. Something I have wanted to try for a while is to see if the stub axles would bolt up to a Nova axle and give the same track as OE, so thought it the perfect time to try it out.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4088_zps3822b7a5.jpg

To be honest I was expecting it to work anyway as I have seen it done on Corsa B's, so wasn't too surprised to see the stud pattern was the same.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4090_zpsa870c382.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4089_zps4eb50b2d.jpg

Bolted it up and it looked like it was in the right place.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4096_zpsef2421b3.jpg

So fitted a wheel and went around it checking for clearance in the normal driving position.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4091_zpsf881c9eb.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4095_zps7ebfa337.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4092_zpsc2b2911b.jpg

Delighted to see it all fits fine, so a little fettling the handbrake cable and some custom lines, which it was having anyway and its a pretty simple disc conversion.

Not quite sure where I'm going to mount the bottom of the strut though? Logic says slightly inboard from the original mount on a boxed section and at the same height, but can't help thinking that with the correct reinforcement the lower level where it is sat now would be better?

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4098_zps7760571d.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4104_zpsab8a8dc5.jpg

Had a couple more packages turn up this week, only small stuff, but one of them had to be bought when the opportunity was there.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4127_zps63dcb18a.jpg

One is a Left exterior mirror blanking plate from a RHD base model. The other is a Right exterior blanking plate from a LHD base model.

Will be using them to de-mirror the car, then drilling holes and using them as base plates for SPA mirrors at some point in the future.

[MiniManDan118]

So what chevrolet ran the redtop then?

Thats one fine looking mirror blank youve got there mate ;-) lol

[8valve-craig]

Yeah thanks Dan, Glad I got the opportunity.

Chevrolet Vectra GSi was basically a Cavalier GSi in South America, But they still use the engine block now, which is why the Lacetti and Cruze WTC used an XE.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/JM-PAU-160509__003_zps283d4087.jpg

[Iain]

Used in the BTCC too aren't they? Be a shame not to use the new cam cover as it looks ace.

Glad to see you got on OK with the rear brakes - a guy I talked to at PV Show said there were some 'lugs' that needed grinding off on the rear so they sit flush with the beam and also camber discs/plates to get it straight again after doing so - any ideas/thoughts on this?

[8valve-craig]

Yes there are a couple of lugs on each stub that needed filing off, but it only takes a few seconds and doesn't affect the face enough to require shimming as they are only at 3 & 9 o-clock with plenty of flat face showing for reference.

If I come across any other's il let you know, but I wouldn't hold your breath as 1800's are rare to find even for me.

[vxrcopey]

Great work mate!

[8valve-craig]

Thanks,

Just a small update, did another few hours on it Saturday and got it to a point where theoretically it could be dropped back down onto its wheels now.

(Although it wont be as it needs a coat of stone chip)

Decided to mount the bottom of the rear strut at the lower level I spoke about before, mainly because it was just easier. So started making a 5mm plate to bring the mounting inboard a little.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4137_zps71e03848.jpg

Mounted it up to the car to check it before fully welding,

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4140_zps94ca4d1e.jpg

Then added a little extra webbing to the end.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4143_zpsbaa41c4e.jpg

I'm not concerned atall that it wont be strong enough, its as solid as a rock, and only half of the mount actually sits on the new addition.

Did the same for the other side then fitted it again.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4144_zps2000d5c2.jpg

Only temporary though, it'll be coming off again yet.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4149_zpsef93ecbd.jpg

Drilled for the top mounts and checked it all for square, Nothings out of place and clearance is fine so should work well.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4156_zps44274da3.jpg

Plenty of room for adjustment.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4157_zpsf1463f0b.jpg

Ordered some more bits this week, so will be mock fitting the engine and box soon so I can modify the o/s chassis leg for the oil pump, route the oil lines and sort out the gear shift.

[Iain]

Beam looks great nice one. I love the ordering parts and making things fit/fabrication stages of a project, I miss it lol

[Edd]

Not that I'm going down the road of saying your doing it wrong like the other chap

But I would take all the original underseal off, could be hiding rust and will be a better finish with another product

[8valve-craig]

Thats fine, Decided a week or so ago that its all coming off now anyway, but i do need to be sure i have finished welding on the floor before i commit to re-applying it. Just little things like braces for extinguishers and fuel pumps etc inside.

Will leave it on until im rubbing down the inside and bay for paint, then it can be the next stage.

Any products you would reccomend? will most likely be applied with a gun.

[Iain]

I used this on the whole underside of my Nova, overpainted with 2k paint and it's been very good for me. http://catalogue.3m.co.uk/en_gb/gb-aad/Coatings/Anti-Chip/Body_Gard~Textured_Coating~nocode

[MiniManDan118]

Just done mine with gravitex. Brill stuff, was like spraying dulux lol. Spray on nice and thick and itll leave the orange peel effect and cover any small imperfections really well.

[8valve-craig]

Been quietly chipping away at this, but not really getting far. Decided to hoist it up and tackle some of the issues on the underside this week. Since my oil leak many moons ago the whole underside has been coated in engine oil, so cleaned that up first.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4270_zps9947e4dd.jpg

Over the years its been jacked up on the chassis rails which has dented them quite badly, so as its getting a refresh under there thought I should straighten them out a bit.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4328_zpse9161566.jpg

Started with a 3kg slide hammer,

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4329_zpsb4fe61b9.jpg

But it wasn't having the desired effect so cut the bad bit out instead.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4330_zps5164a655.jpg

Made up a plate for the N/S and tacked it in.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4331_zpsb8024d35.jpg

Fully welded, then rolled the car over the other way to sort the much worse O/S

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4332_zps32f21e2e.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4338_zpsebc4c0f3.jpg

A bit messier this side as the sun was shining into the back of my mask.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4340_zps1c8d3a74.jpg

Stitch welded the ends of the rails as a few of the spot welds had been drilled out when removing the seat mounts. Lucky not to burn the place down too as there was a stray bit of paper inside the car.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4341_zps7ddb7eb3.jpg

Then chose to remove all of the factory underseal as il be re-applying new stuff (U-pol Gravitex)

**** job this. Quite therapeutic, but messy.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4343_zps5879c084.jpg

Zinc'd anywhere that I burned through the paint.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4344_zps39eb2a77.jpg

Pleased to find what is actually a very clean floorpan. Just need to do the other side now.

another bout of welding tan, but otherwise its going well.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4345_zps6707ead2.jpg

[Iain]

Great chassis leg repairs, mine's done the same and squished in slightly. Decided what product you're using yet?

[Benn]

Same as i did on my chassis legs for the same reason. Looks much tidier. (i did the bits the go out to the sills as well)

Ouch on the weldburn...

[8valve-craig]

Decided what product you're using yet?

Yeah I just bought 6ltrs of u-pol gravitex off eBay. Looked like a good deal.


Same as i did on my chassis legs for the same reason. Looks much tidier. (i did the bits the go out to the sills as well)

Ouch on the weldburn...

Weld burn is ok, didn't notice until I had a shower.

I did look through your build for inspiration as I knew you had done the same, didn't think of Ian's though.

It's page 183 for reference, can't remember if that's mig or png though.

[Benn]

Yea, like yours mine where bent. The guy that own it before me worked at kwikfit. Looks like he jack it up everyother day..lol
I looked at removing and replacing them, but would have been a ballacke. So cut them open, tapped the sides the plated the tops. Looks much better and strong if you need to jack them there.

[nova_stee]

Your welding has came along way

[8valve-craig]

Thanks, still not quite where I would like to be with it, but its all practice.

[Nick J]

Some tidy grafting their Craig!

Nick.

[corsakid]

Nice work Craig! I know what you mean about the pedal box now! have had to move my seat rails back and remake my steering column mounts to bring it forward!

[8valve-craig]

Some tidy grafting their Craig!

Nick.

Thanks Nick. Never going to be as clean as yours though.


Nice work Craig! I know what you mean about the pedal box now! have had to move my seat rails back and remake my steering column mounts to bring it forward!

Before moving my rails I stole a few inches from inside the front cross member. Did you not try that first?

Had another crack at it today, got covered in **** again, but pleased to say the underseal is all off now.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4349_zpse533d7ff.jpg

Love this pic for some reason.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4353_zps000fe1cd.jpg

Rear chassis rails are also cleaner than I expected, Could do with some longer springs now though as I have added around 3" travel.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4355_zpscc5a94d4.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4356_zpsb75d9451.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4357_zpsc3005ba5.jpg

Overall quite a result. I was told the underseal could be hiding a multitude of sins, but found none, so my faith in the shell has been proven.

I know it needs rear arches, as a few years ago I fitted the skirts to cover some poor repairs to the lower rears, so just bought 2 repair panels. Kind of not sure wether to fit them and paint the whole car, or to get it running and give it a good shakedown first?

More soon. Next job I think is to drill and riv-nut the floor for the swirl pot, pumps, passenger footrest and extinguisher's before spraying the underseal.

[Benn]

Undersides are very nice and clean and looking good. Love the rear pic too. Car is looking great.
Id say do the arches first, then rebuild, then you can get the the inner arches and stuff and there will be less masking and bits.

[tahir868]

Underside looks excellent and great work, look forward to seeing this in the flesh at some point!

[MiniManDan118]

And I wonder where you got the idea of using an engine crane from... haha, looking good mate!

[corsakid]

Yeah I've had to do the same as what you've done, but I'm 6,ft 1 so needed adjustment where the seat rails were

[8valve-craig]

Did a bit more on the old girl today, Feeling quite motivated at the moment.

Fitted a block and box.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4363_zps7abc6560.jpg

Then a head and balanced the oil tank in place.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4365_zps633fc27c.jpg

Didn't bother with the bodies as they are miles away from what I was checking.

The idea was to make up some mounts for the oil tank I bought. Its a Patterson easy clean from the states, a really nice bit of kit. Obviously used, but for the price I paid it was a no brainer. Its a great shape and fits where I want it just fine.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4366_zps4a0d00b1.jpg

The tank came with some nifty side mounts,

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4367_zps8f28333e.jpg

So knocked up a bracket to hang it from the firewall.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4368_zps68a2b379.jpg

That turned out a bit flimsy so did a bit of CAD.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4370_zps0ab7fd47.jpg

Sorted (but forgot to take a pic). Loads of clearance, and all bolts easily accessible.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4372_zps2351b214.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4373_zps4878924c.jpg

And as a comparison against a 500ml bottle, as I know it looks small, but its really not, should hold at least a gallon in the tank itself.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af79/smith9051/Nova%20on%20bike%20carbs/IMG_4374_zps2e40d463.jpg

That's enough for this weekend, would like to maybe incorporate the other bracket I have on the lower section, but that obviously means making another mount so we'll see.
Next job, sort out the direct to turret gear shifter.