LHD Corsa to RHD Nova Sport Replica Track Car

[MiniManDan118]

So we've had a track Mk2 Nova for 2 1/2 years now and its gradually getting to the point where the shell is getting very crisp. Plan A was to pull it apart and restore it, but Plan B came in to action when this little beauty came up for sale.

She is a 1984 Opel Corsa 3dr, and I'll let the pics do most of the talking. To say its solid is a complete understatement. Although the Southern French sun has taken its toll on the paintwork.

The initial idea is to do the exterior as a Sport replica, stonechip and paint underneath and under the wheel arches too - make a really nice track & show car for Dad's business doing the Polycarb windows (see sig). We are in debate whether to convert it to RHD too.

And here's the photos.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/French%20Nova/20130330_160119_zps5eaa7906.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/French%20Nova/20130330_160109_zps8860f794.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/French%20Nova/20130330_123844_zps5dbd5fea.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/French%20Nova/20130330_160130_zps30e835e3.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/French%20Nova/20130330_160139_zpsabc36fad.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/French%20Nova/20130330_160146_zps11609f2c.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/French%20Nova/20130330_160236_zps76716808.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/French%20Nova/20130330_160245_zpsa2ecfcd2.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/French%20Nova/20130330_160333_zpsea6a7339.jpg


Such a shame the laquer has all fallen off! Never mind, bring on the summer project...

[Simon 1867]

very nice. would be a shame to change it to much, to find one as clean as that is rare.

[Jack]

I was under the impression LHD was better for track due to the brake servo and MC being on the 'correct' side?

[Mieran]

That is a clean shell!

I would leave it LHD, better weight distribution and as mentioned already pedal closer to MC and servo.

[MiniManDan118]

Yeah, but driving it today is a very odd experience. Im not 100% what to do. It needs a full repaint though, the paint is a lot more flakey than it looks. But its all original and solid which is the main thing, and would make a lovely Sport Rep.

[_Jake]

Best colour! not that im biased..

[Southie]

It's the same colour as my first Nova from 18 years ago lol

Looking forward to seeing progress on this, when's its first outing planned?

[MiniManDan118]

Its not being started on until I come back from Uni for summer, I doubt itll be completely finished in time for anything this year but it'll be ready for next year. I don't want to rush it and cut corners, the whole thing will be stripped to a bare shell and painted inside and out before reassembly with my early XE engine.

[leefowler]

Did you not have this up for sale??

Lee

[MiniManDan118]

Nope, only bought it yesterday! It came up late the night before and it was an opportunity not to be missed.

Here's the state of the paint and the rear arches. The only spot of rust can be seen bottom left of the picture which will be ground back to metal and treated when it goes for paint.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/French%20Nova/20130331_110105_zps8ecdb2af.jpg

[Benn]

Bloody hell that looks clean and minty.

[faker]

Good find there fella. Not many left like that.

[leefowler]

Sure I saw this on Gumtree for sale.

Lee

[MiniManDan118]

Got myself a workshop for summer, so will be cracking on with stripping my old car and building this one from June. Going to hunt for parts between now and then such as cage and RHD dash aswell as a better GSI fuel tank to refurbish.

[MiniManDan118]

Workshop now sorted for the summer months, also have a Safety Devices roll cage too. Looking forward to starting this properly :)

[MiniManDan118]

Just picked up Nova No.3 to use as a doner for my RHD conversion. Its a rather crispy 89 Nova GTE, previous owner had it 21 years and covered 265,000 miles in it. Going to cut out the steering rack bracketry to use in the LHD shell, aswell as use the RHD Mk1 dash and GTE fuel tank.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130428_112630_zps454803a6.jpg (http://s140.photobucket.com/user/danwright68/media/20130428_112630_zps454803a6.jpg.html)
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130428_112642_zps2ac0f485.jpg (http://s140.photobucket.com/user/danwright68/media/20130428_112642_zps2ac0f485.jpg.html)

[boss]

Where abouts you from and what's the roof like on gte

[Graeme]

Fancy selling the LHD bonnet pull off it?

Mistrals with caps are very nice

[MiniManDan118]

Im near bristol, it has a sunroof unfortunately.

Ill sell the bonnet pull yes, but I am not starting work on the cars until the start of June. Any reason for the LHD bonnet pull? Is it more desirable for any reason. Mine will be on pins anyway.

My next question was going to be about the wheels. Thanks for telling me! Its also got Bilstein suspension which will be up for sale if its decent. I didn't really get chance to have a proper look, but I think they are B6s as they are yellow with the blue rubber protector the same as my Mk2 has.

[MiniManDan118]

How much are the early type of doorcard worth? They are in really good shape, in green and with door pockets. Just got the front pair out of the LHD shell and aren't any use to me.

Same as these but green
http://i988.photobucket.com/albums/af5/69marc/Photo075.jpg

[MiniManDan118]

Picked these beauties up over the weekend

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/French%20Nova/395708_10151374542185614_2004286433_n_zps83b36e41. jpg

Already on to GAZ to see about new springs and re-valve as the rears are only 190lb.

What spring rate would you recommend? Bearing in mind that this is a race/track car and won't be used on the road (or at least very rarely on the road). I was thinking 300lb front and 400lb rear. I won't be running a front ARB.

2 weeks and I'll be getting started on all of these properly when I have my workshop. Can't wait :)

[Graeme]

Nice work mate

[MiniManDan118]

Just got in contact with GAZ, and they recommend using 400lb front springs and 450lb rears with the tyres I will be using. Think I'll trust what they say and go with that.

Quite surprised they also said my shocks don't need re-valving as they have a large enough range already. Happy days!

[nova_niek]

Just out of interest: was this car advertised on Gumtree and sold in the UK, or did you pick her up in le douce France? Over the past years I've been searching for a new shell in Spain (coches.net) and Portugal, and later on in France (leboncoin.fr) as well. That is, until a mate pointed me towards a solid shell in Germany which I bought straightaway. Anyways always nice to read some background information/useless trivia. ;)

[MiniManDan118]

I picked it up from a guy in Wales, who's friend had brought it over from France with another one. It's the only way to get a decent original shell for reasonable money. I will be doing a LHD-RHD how-to guide once I have successfully completed this one for anyone else hoping to do the same.

[MiniManDan118]

So is nearly June which means time to get the workshop. Started the clear up operation today.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130530_182722_zps26eb24da.jpghttp://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130530_182648_zps16b19c22.jpg

[nova_niek]

Excellent! Spacious and light! :)

[MiniManDan118]

Workshop is all cleared out now, French one is off for MOT today so I can get it UK registered. It's still 'MOT'd in France for another year! Let the rebuild commence :)

[MiniManDan118]

Todays progress. Aim is to get everything off the doner GTE that is possible then get it gone.

Gave the underneath of the french car a deep clean before it came into the workshop too.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130602_123815_zps31e16cfd.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130602_123823_zps0b8e42ab.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130602_120944_zps95beea30.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130602_124335_zps945e38c4.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130602_135148_zps76048c31.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130602_161745_zpsc43d8434.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130602_161750_zpsa2df36aa.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130602_161757_zps723b6e49.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130602_165727_zpsca36b47a.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130602_165743_zpsc8f9265e.jpg

[MiniManDan118]

Been busy again today...http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130603_121937_zpsfb6f0dc8.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130603_170746_zps5c51a8fe.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130603_141229_zps78a4b7f7.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130603_165211_zps90d518d5.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130603_170811_zps888187b2.jpghttp://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130603_170825_zps869b40fb.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130603_145336_zps36c97ef8.jpg

[Edd]

that looks very clean and original underneath

[zeifer33]

Really good buy, even here it is difficult to see a car in such good condition, very nice project!

[MiniManDan118]

The only rust holeIve found so far is in the battery tray, everywhere else is completely solid which is brilliant. Challenge for tomorrow is get the 1litre engine out and clean up the engine bay ready for welding in the strengthening soon.

New present turned up in the post today too, cheers to 8valve-Craig.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130604_222140_zps7fc5e30b.jpg
Got this too, add to the Sport Replica authenticity. It's even got a 2-speed heater. Its all in the detail ya know, the reg plate will be the correct year for a Sport too when I get it reg'd in the UK.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130524_123130_zpsf5f7807f.jpg
Being LHD means Ive got a matching early passenger mirror too.

The exterior will be as close to a real Sport as possible apart from the wheels, then the interior will be stripped out but tidy with a nice black flocked Mk1 dash.

[MiniManDan118]

Today's progress. Engine was a little fighter, took a while but got there in the end.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130605_135543_zps8b736310.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130605_165229_zpsa46e83bc.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130605_170429_zpsd5dc294d.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130605_170619_zps28f87572.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130605_172642_zps07814f72.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130605_180412_zps522c4279.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130605_180416_zps1d83e690.jpg


Rest of the interior, wiring loom and steering rack out tomorrow.

[MiniManDan118]

Headlining out today and doors stripped right back to their bare shell. Also undid loads of other little bits like door and boot catches, the stuff people mask up when painting which really bugs me. Only had a couple of hours free today.

[marc69]

I have always found the early shells to be better structurally, and with this one coming from the continent, looks excellent. Looking forward to seeing this build complete.

[zeifer33]

Looks better than i think, with these good shell the. Project goes faster right?

[MiniManDan118]

More progress...

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130608_150851_zpsc34f0e74.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130608_150857_zps5aaa239f.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130608_150911_zpsc501e71f.jpg

[ash 1.3 sr]

Solid looking that mate keep up the good work

[Ernie]

Good would there.
Just wondered what are you doing with the side skirts from the gte ?

[MiniManDan118]

I am attempting to get the rear piece of the side skirt off the passenger side at the moment. Once its all off Ill get some pics up and get them up for sale.

[MiniManDan118]

Got the 1.0 loom out, brakes and pull tank out today aswell as starting on the RHD conversion...
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130610_160558_zps554aa1f1.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130610_161314_zps8b9a4bfd.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130610_161300_zpsec8f6722.jpg

Hmmm, this is too tempting to keep!
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130610_161307_zpsc411c62f.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130610_122652_zps768b88e0.jpg

On the rear beam, pretty cool. Stamped 19th July 1984
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130610_135714_zps603fae9a.jpg

Tank straps repainted, masked up the original stamps for a bit more OEM-ness :)
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130610_163919_zps7917ea4d.jpg

[marc69]

When I was fitting an alarm to my 1984 swing, the wiring loom has stickers with Feb 83 on them, suppose many parts were made in huge amounts quite early on.

Looks good so far, you could fit front and rear engines and the with 2 people steering, fun lol lol

[Graeme]

Looking forward to seeing how to do a rhd conversion might be able to buy a spider then

[MiniManDan118]

I'm going to take some photos of the differences between rhd and lhd shells so anyone wanting to do the conversion doesn't go in blind like I have. Aslong as you have a donor shell its pretty straight forward (so far!). I'm going to cut the bulkhead out of the GTE, hold it up to the LHD shell and use it as a template of where to cut/drill for the steering rack and pedal box. Should be as accurate as possible then... Let's hope!

Only noticeable difference will be the windscreen wipers going the wrong way. I was thinking of replacing sections of the scuttle from the GTE and welding them to the LHD shell, but it seems a lot of work that can easily go wrong and look rubbish if did go wrong. I will be sat low in the car so it affects only a very small portion of the screen in the top RH corner. Ill be fitting a subtle sun strip to the top of the screen if I cant refit the sun visors on with the cage.

[MiniManDan118]

RHD to LHD bulkhead differences. Actual bulkhead is identical, just holes & brackets that need moving or swapping for RHD equivalents.

LHD
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130611_140954_zps8f3cb1a5.jpg

RHD
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130611_130214_zps8b578f13.jpg

Removing the steering rack bracket was a complete nightmate, loads of hidden spot welds. Got there in the end though with not too much damage to the bulkhead.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130611_163418_zpsf6112622.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130611_163729_zpsa105e790.jpg

Tomorrow I will be cutting the bulkhead out of the GTE to use as a template to drill all the holes needed in the LHD bulkhead.

Is the difference in master cylinder because its an early car vs a later one, or because it is LHD?

[Graeme]

Love it

[MiniManDan118]

My Redtop...
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130611_172551_zps30de0a7c.jpg

What ya think?

[Ernie]

Could you please pm me with first dibs on the side skirts.
Good luck with the build mate.

[MiniManDan118]

No problem ernie. One has a mark on but I'll get photos up for you once they are off. Also trying to get the clips off in one piece is a challenge!

[Balley]

Is the oil pressure switch on the front near the bell housing on a 1tr?

[Balley]

The tunnel looks different too!

[MiniManDan118]

The tunnel is the same, the steering rack bracket is in a different location hence the need to move it from the lhd shell that's all. And yes I'm 99% sure that's the oil pressure switch there, whys that?

[MiniManDan118]

Superb progress today, got the RHD pedal box in and mounted. Just need to pop in some plates & welds to get rid of some extra LHD things. Luckily used a RHD bulkhead out of the GTE as I didn't realise how different the holes were for the brake master cylinder.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130612_134146_zps1174f703.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130612_134154_zps7d195bcb.jpg
Clamped the RHD bulkhead onto the LHD shell and used it to template where to drill & cut. The 2 heater pipe holes are identical luckily, and so is the pressing so once I'd trimmed off the little screw threads that hold the plastic brake line clamps it fitted up nice and easy.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130612_134313_zpsf58023de.jpg

Sprayed over the template to show where to cut...
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130612_151728_zps69b3cde0.jpg

Started cutting and drilling
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130612_163710_zpseb0886ef.jpg

Bolted up to the bulkhead. Still need to cut hole for brake MC, but will do that once I've welded the current hole up.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130612_172723_zpsdb8f0dfe.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130612_173942_zpsb4ccd230.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130612_173934_zps27774342.jpg


Need to get my welder sorted now so I can get on with putting the column and rack bracket on. Once its all built up it will all come apart again and be prepped for painting as well as cleaning & painting all the little bits too.

[MiniManDan118]

Got my welder up and running today. Got rid of the master cylinder hole ready to redrill for the later master cylinder, and also got rid of the LHD steering column hole.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130613_154607_zps6b64ee05.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130613_174229_zps6b71a846.jpg

Then, ta da! RHD rack mount tac'd on, ready to stitch weld tomorrow morning.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130613_190212_zps6b3187db.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130613_183636_zpse273465c.jpg

Master cyl. hole marked out ready to cut too.

[Graeme]

Don't forget your speedo cable hole

[MiniManDan118]

Ive been trying to work out what that mystery hole was in between the 2 heater pipes! The GTE didn't have a speedo cable in so I had no reference of what it was. Will drill that one tomorrow, cheers mate

[elgan]

josh the guy u bought this off, has since bought another nova. lazer blue mk1 f reg i think. 1 owner 35k all the bills and books etc. looks good in the pics much like this one does. i believe hes looking for offers over a £1000 for it

[MiniManDan118]

Ah right fair enough, Ive seen that one up for sale. Didn't realize it was him though, penny didn't drop. Seemed like a genuine guy, and the car was as good as he described it!

[8valve-craig]

Only just spotted this, Glad you were pleased with the steering wheel.

Text on its way regarding a part required from the LHD. Hopefully its available.

[MiniManDan118]

Went to weld on the steering column bracket this morning and thought screw it I want a double UJ Corsa column so I can straighten up the column. So, off to the local scrappies and got a not PAS column out of a Corsa B. Only issue was it was underneath a Ford Galaxy and right up next to another car. And had smashed glass everywhere, but we got there in the end. Hands cut, head beaten!

The bracket is only held up by string, but it is the standard Nova bracket moved slightly right and the 2 offset holes straightened up to each other. Wheel is nearly straight, about a million times better than standard.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130614_182611_zpsc23c506a.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130614_172334_zps8731841c.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130614_172309_zpsa1715d2a.jpg

[MiniManDan118]

Corsa b electric power steering rack turned up today, it's a manual rack with a quicker ratio turn to turn. 2.6 I think, I believe the track rods just need to be swapped from corsa to nova items.

[Benn]

Woah at the bulk head remake...

[MiniManDan118]

Was that a good woah or bad woah...? Lol

[Rickyb]

Ive just read this from the start and i must say what a build keep the updates coming fella.
Rick

[MiniManDan118]

Ive just read this from the start and i must say what a build keep the updates coming fella.
Rick

Cheers! If I can do it anyone can. Im only just 20 with no professional training when it comes to mechanics. All self learnt/taught. The only thing im qualified in is aluminium tig welding, which is pretty useless on this! No progress this weekend but will be back on it this week. Hopefully get the steering assembly finialized and welded into position and start on the chassis strengthening or roll cage fitting.

This is my third restoration though, I rebuilt both of these hence the name mini man Dan
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/Edgar%20Mini/20120929_124604.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/Edgar%20Mini/P1040120.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20120930_133434.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/2010-09-24123801.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/2010-09-29173506.jpg

It was when I sold the pickup I ended up buying this, and after 3 years in my possession its finally in need of a major overhaul hence this build.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/NovaCombe2012_zpsbf1fee51.jpg

[Benn]

Was that a good woah or bad woah...? Lol

Sorry, good and impressed.

[MiniManDan118]

Steering rack mount welded on...
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130618_153831_zpsb9630c27.jpg

Pedals all there now

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130618_164850_zps8f61ad1d.jpg

Looking much more complete with Corsa B column, stalks and shroud.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130618_202455_zps63434941.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130618_125429_zps4ddbb03a.jpg

GAZ Golds test fitted to the rear, springs are very close to bodywork so will need some slight modifications. They had to go on on their lowest setting, ofcourse...
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130618_191341_zps19eaf12f.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130618_192115_zpse615b926.jpg

[paulyb]

Some fantastic skills on show here, those minis look mint, looking forward to seeing this get the Sport treatment :)

[MiniManDan118]

Thanks for the positive comments! It will be worth all the effort, in the end....

Finished stripping the poor little GTE today, cut the rear corners out as they were one of the only panels that didn't have rust-worm. Also handy to keep if there were ever to be any incidents on track. Also started removing seat brackets in the French one.

Now its loaded up on the trailer ready to go to heaven I can remove the wheels, suspension etc

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130619_172606_zps93be61e7.jpg

[8valve-craig]

Don't forget to knock the rear ARB out of it.

[MiniManDan118]

It hasn't got one :(

[bazzap8389]

Just spotted this thread! Got to say mate I'm impressed. Can't believe how clean that car is, and top work on converting to rhd. Have some rep sir :)

[8valve-craig]

It hasn't got one :(

Maybe it had the axle replaced at some point then with one from a lesser model.

Oh, Package arrived yesterday, very pleased with it, thanks.

[MiniManDan118]

The car was being broken before I bought it so it was probably sold on or kept by the previous owner. And good good, glad it didn't get broken in the post!

[L33 LEG]

Just read this thread, top work! Glad you've fitted a corsa column, would of been a waste doing all of this and still having a bent column lol

[Ernie]

looking good mate and such quick work.

[MiniManDan118]

I am in a way quite lucky I work unsociable hours in a local pub, Dad's the one who does the plastic windows. So I work the evenings and have most of the day to work on the car.

Off to Brands Hatch Mini Festival this weekend with a friends Mini, so if there are any other Mini nuts on here we will see you there!

[MiniManDan118]

Been buying more presents for the Corsa

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130624_174832_zps6f789974.jpg

[nova_niek]

Excellent progress on the LHD => RHD conversion. Nice! Also interested to know where the mystery hole is for.

PM sent for LHD bits.

[MiniManDan118]

The hole in the middle that I am yet to cut is for the speedometer cable, as its got to go to the right side not left. Its some thing id completely forgotten about. Pm replied.

[Ernie]

Thank you for the bits and keep up the good work and keep the pics flowing.

[w88rdy]

Thanks for the positive comments! It will be worth all the effort, in the end....

Finished stripping the poor little GTE today, cut the rear corners out as they were one of the only panels that didn't have rust-worm. Also handy to keep if there were ever to be any incidents on track. Also started removing seat brackets in the French one.

Now its loaded up on the trailer ready to go to heaven I can remove the wheels, suspension etc

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130619_172606_zps93be61e7.jpg

I need some of those dan and the section of roof where the wiring hole goes to the tailgate if you fancy selling them?

[MiniManDan118]

Pmd

[MiniManDan118]

Started on the passenger rear arche today, needed a few repairs. Just waiting for dad to tow my other one down to the workshop so I can start on the engine conversion. It's a pain not being insured on the van!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130627_165802_zps70ea2f31.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130628_115558_zps949f9950.jpghttp://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130628_160129_zpsf13fe869.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130628_161231_zpsbf23769d.jpg

[MiniManDan118]

Test fitted rear coilovers after reshaping the arch slightly and spring now has plenty of clearance. Also finished test painting the rear arch to see what kind of finish I can acheive.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130629_144639_zps1aa71258.jpg

Trimmed strut top to allow for plenty of camber adjustment. Also welded on second strut tops and stitched the chassis leg.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130629_114305_zpse2bcdb1e.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130629_115936_zpsbac90abf.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130629_141254_zps0b4e0676.jpg

[MiniManDan118]

Managed to get Dad in the van to tow the other one down and get the cage there too. The cage is so bulky I got that straight in and out of my way for now.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/1000692_10151465136695614_1202309220_n_zps1ee625af .jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/8872_10151465136955614_1676402551_n_zpsc1eea72c.jp g

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/945363_10151465136795614_942447757_n_zps2078cc6c.j pg

Next job is to get the left hand suspension back in and do all the same to the other side. All of the suspension components will be coming out when the car is on its side/upside down having the underneath prepped, so don't worry all the oversprayed parts won't be staying that way!

[MiniManDan118]

Other strut top and chassis leg stitched today. Also started on the rear too

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130705_162104_zpsf59c8800.jpg

Last few days have been taken up by my other pride and joy...
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130702_163706_zpsbda17dbd.jpg
Fitting Corvette wheels took a bit more effort than expected, but I got there in the end.

[Ernie]

that looks photoshopped but fare play for doing it.

[MiniManDan118]

Thats why I love it, people think its a photoshop till I rock up in it lol

[MiniManDan118]

Made some rear plates for the cage to bolt on to and finished the stitch welding around the bottom of the arches today. The plates are made to well exceed MSA standards in the hope they don't change their minds on cage fitting rules like they seem to all too often.

Next job to make the A & B pillar plates, get them tacked in the remove cage to seam weld all around the plates. Plan is to get the cage bolted in by Saturday evening then concentrate on getting the other Nova stripped next week.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130710_154724_zpsab4a7d2f.jpg

[jimbob-mcgrew]

wow - your going for it dan - good work :thumb:

what kind of engine are you planning for ?

[MiniManDan118]

Itll be the redtop out of the other nova for now. If I do decide to race it in the future I will probably build a 1.6 8v. I cant afford to build the car and engine at the moment.

[zeifer33]

Why 1.6L?

[dan23]

instead of cutting the bulkhead you could of fitted a corsa servo for less effort
good job though

[MiniManDan118]

The 1.6 8V is the biggest engine that came in a Nova, and many race classes require the block to be fitted to that type of car from factory in order for it to conform. Therefore if I had a MK2 Astra I could run a Redtop, but because there wasn't a Nova with a redtop that ever rolled out of the factory it wouldn't be allowed to compete.

And I did think of that dan23, but I'd just bought all new master cylinder etc for the other car which would've been a shame to waste. No other reason really, other than to say Id converted it all!

Got on with the roll cage plates today, will finish them off tomorrow. Sound deadening came out much easier than expected too!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130712_132842_zps27728ad4.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130712_134959_zps83ad74ef.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130712_135133_zps66ba67d9.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130712_154922_zps58b3a942.jpg

MSA rules state the rollcage plate must be 3mm thick and go up the sill to add strength.

[marc69]

Just going to annoy everyone with this.....and also should state, I've never driven a 1.6.

If a 1.6 is well tuned, would it not be almost competitive against a standard xe, especially with the wieght difference for handling?

[jimbob-mcgrew]

i woulda thought so marc.

ive seen medium modded 1.6's kicking out 150 donkeys, battin up an down motorways like theres no tomorrow.

handlings gotta be better ontop, due to weight balance.. altho 8v bottom end is steel I think... compared to 16's aluminium.. so not sure what 16v weighs ?

[marc69]

Well it's definately a lot heavier, even with far stiffer springs etc, mine feels different to a small block. I had it wieghed and at the point it was prtially stripped, ie no rear seats/shelf soundproofing and so on, 810kg, significantly heavier than a standard Nova trip.

[8valve-craig]

A factory XE does not have an Aluminium block.

[MiniManDan118]

The plans for a 1.6 are a few years off. And thats if I cant find a formula to compete with a 2.0. But for now the engine is staying as is, with the quaiffe diff and F16CR box at it will purely be a track and show car

[zeifer33]

Sounds good, i have the same problem but for now i try with the hillclimb.

[8valve-craig]

Have you looked into the MSVT Track Day Trophy? Would suit this perfectly.

http://www.trackdaytrophy.co.uk/

[MiniManDan118]

Thanks for that Craig will look into that in the future.

Ive been making good progress the last few days. Roll cage is now bolted in with MSA spec floor plates (well, they exceed MSA spec). Ends will be closed off and they'll be seam welded when the cage comes out next time.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130713_145427_zps48d7c3d1.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130713_165435_zpsfc894ead.jpg

And the engine is on it's way out of the old car.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130716_173405_zpse4e6df1d.jpg

[jimbob-mcgrew]

A factory XE does not have an Aluminium block.

^ I thought the 16v's all were, but I didn't and don't know for sure. just what I was told. ill take your word for it tho.
that would make the 1.6 8v all the sweeter in that case :)

doing a good job with the metalwork there dan :thumb:

[MiniManDan118]

Just found this beauty I took whilst fitting the cage...

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130713_145417_zps12e008f5.jpg

A coil spring is ace for repositioning a cage! Just twist the coil and it gradually moves the cage in and out and it holds there whilst you drill/weld.

My list of useful things found within a Nova is growing - coil spring to fit cage - bonnet stay as a punch to remove door pins...

[zeifer33]

Jajajajaja, really??

[MiniManDan118]

Yes, really!

Been a busy boy again today. Engine removed from the red car and the chassis leg notched for the 20XE to go in...

Before anyone asks, the engine came out downwards as I don't have a deep 32mm socket for the disc end of the driveshaft. I must invest in one!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130718_113359_zpsa773edea.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130718_113900_zps1161bc47.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130718_114126_zpsf82c36a5.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130718_124208_zpsffa5901e.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130718_155238_zps097c2720.jpg

Still a little more tidying to do with the welds but it's almost there.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130718_171313_zps6fe04887.jpg

[MiniManDan118]

Todays efforts.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130719_110925_zpsc52d9391.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130719_111000_zpsf0a54492.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130719_161128_zps447ea686.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130719_161119_zps49c8e941.jpg

[zeifer33]

Hei! What happend with the 1.6L???jajajajajaja

[MiniManDan118]

Ive never had a 1.6, thats planned for a couple of years time.

Made up and welded in a rear strut brace today.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130720_144732_zps55d08d8a.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130720_144754_zpsa858264e.jpg

[therealnovaboy]

nice build. Keep up the good work.

Or get bored and sell me it.

[MiniManDan118]

Ha thanks, it certainly wont be up for sale anytime soon! Not after all this effort lol

[MiniManDan118]

So got all of the Harry Hockley strengthening kit welded in now and the chassis legs stitched up. This only shows it part way done but I finished at 10pm tonight. Back in at 9am tomorrow though for another flat-out day.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130723_125120_zpsa9469594.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130723_125140_zps10a07559.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130723_125149_zpsce83d8a3.jpg

Just a quick coat of stonechip to see what it comes up like, will go for a heavier coat next time.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130723_155305_zpsad8b6c7d.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130723_162000_zps3f8ea14f.jpg


I have booked track time for Castle Combe's Forge Action Day on 14th September. And yes, that's this year. 7 weeks 2days. Challenge - accepted. Feel free to come and help!!

[Benn]

lol nice challenge you've set your self there.

[zeifer33]

humm, hard challenge... but not impossible, go!!

[Ernie]

Nice work once again. My last build I got back as a empty shell on the 1st of feb. it was booked in for its first track day on the 21st of feb. it was mot'd and taxed and also did a week on the road as a shake down before. Plenty of time mate.

[Iain]

If that stonechip's out an aerosol give it a good attack with a screwdriver to make sure you're happy with it's protection as I wasn't too pleased with the aerosol stuff. Thick stonechip from a compressor gun is way better.

[MiniManDan118]

Thanks Iain, I agree. Ill be picking up some stonechip tomorrow to be used on the compressor. This was a 'test' if you like to see what it came out like. I have heard good things about gravitex so will go for that. Seems pretty good money too compared to cans of stonechip.

Got some kore bits done today. Rolled the arches, fire extinguisher fitted, safety pulls fitted, hole in battery tray sorted and aerial hole in roof welded up.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130725-WA0006_zps124a2f00.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130725-WA0010_zpsdb79ce2b.jpg
Will be rust proofing these before paint!
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130725-WA0001_zpsd72ae1dc.jpg
Checking clearance between arch and tyre without any suspension lol
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130725-WA0005_zps436f2ad5.jpg

[MiniManDan118]

Bulkhead cut ready for 20xe loom
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130729-WA0002_zpsd53b53b0.jpg
Brake servo hole cut and washer bottle bracket removed. Will be relocated on bulkhead by heater.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130729-WA0003_zpse22329f5.jpg
Finished the day by starting some bodywork.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130729-WA0001_zpsabdeaba1.jpg
Aero catches now fitted to my lightened bonnet too but forgot to take pics of that.
Gravitex ordered and hopefully should be here tomorrow so I can prep the underneath.
6 weeks 5 days left to go!

[Benn]

Coming along very well.

[MiniManDan118]

Cheers mate

Underneath prepped and painted with gravitex today. Better pics to come tomorrow!
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130731-WA0001_zps33cf25a5.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130731-WA0005_zpsbcc7270c.jpg

Rear end prepped ready for my paint guy to finish off next week. Roof also done.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130731-WA0002_zpsc7bcfae8.jpg

Aero catches fitted
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130731-WA0006_zps7038da03.jpg

[Benn]

Looking good. Are you painting over the gravitex?

[MiniManDan118]

Yeah it will be going all white, then the rear beam, tank and front suspension either blue or black, undecided at the moment (will be removed once the underside has been painted)

[zeifer33]

WoW!! really fast work, i think that you dont have problems to finish the car at time with these fast progress. Well done, i like so much the details:thumb:

[Benn]

Yeah it will be going all white, then the rear beam, tank and front suspension either blue or black, undecided at the moment (will be removed once the underside has been painted)

Good as i've seen Gravitex dry and shrink over time.

[MiniManDan118]

Hopefully it won't! It will be sprayed and sealed by next week.

Thanks zeifer33 :) You will like the next photos if you like details...

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130801-WA0001_zps3d32939e.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130801-WA0002_zps7eac13ec.jpg


Is it much lighter? No, not really... Does it look cool? Yes. Job done! lol

[Benn]

Nice holes...lol

[Southie]

Speedy work on this, hats off too you ;)

[MiniManDan118]

Nice holes...lol
Do you appreciate my flanges?

[MiniManDan118]

I am getting so bored of sanding the car, just want it painted now!!

[Liam]

I am getting so bored of sanding the car, just want it painted now!!

I know exactly what you mean! Filler is the worst part. I don't know how anyone could tolerate working in a bodyshop!!! lollol

As they say, it'll be worth it in the end!

[zeifer33]

Im looking all pics again, and im impressed with the shell, has a minimum rust... the doors are in really good condition, even here it is hard to see a shell in such conditions. great buy:thumb:

[Iain]

Great work, loving the effort you're putting into this. Going to be really tidy when you've finished.

Non-black suspension components would be a nice subtle difference to the rest of the restored white Novas out there.

The underside pic made me reminisce of doing the exact same stonechipping exercise as you a few years ago, even hoisted the car on a crane on the door bar exactly the same lol

[Benn]

Do you appreciate my flanges?

Very much, made with the tool that pulls one side thru? To get the nice punched look?

[MiniManDan118]

Yeah I think Im going to have the rear axle and front components powdercoated blue and the tank grey maybe. Ill decide when I get to the powdercoaters.
White or black cage? That is the next decision. The dash will be flocked black and the seats are black. Seat belts are blue.

It's a proper little swage tool we've got, 2 pieces of metal with a bolt through basically.

Cheers for all the positive comments, helps the self motivation a little!

[zeifer33]

I paint my cage in Ford sky blue, i dont remenber the name exactly but take a look in my thread if you like. I cant wait to see the painting pcs!!!

[Iain]

Blue cage to tie in everything together to one complete colourscheme would be ace.

[SimonTW]

Great work, especially the swaged holes. It's the small attention to details that make a great build. So much nice than just ploughing a hole saw through everything!

[MiniManDan118]

Thanks for the comments. I'm thinking blue cage now. I really don't know!!

I will take a seatbelt in and try and get it as close to that as possible, it will all match then. They are the same as these.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TRS-6-POINT-MAGNUM-FIA-HARNESS-BLACK-/281051321070

[Benn]

Yeah I think Im going to have the rear axle and front components powdercoated blue and the tank grey maybe. Ill decide when I get to the powdercoaters.
White or black cage? That is the next decision. The dash will be flocked black and the seats are black. Seat belts are blue.

It's a proper little swage tool we've got, 2 pieces of metal with a bolt through basically.

Cheers for all the positive comments, helps the self motivation a little!

What colours the rest of the car going?

I'd say black cage to match the seats...
And yeah sounds like the tool i was thinking of, i have one. So handy when making holes.

[MiniManDan118]

The car is going to be a Sport replica, so will be polar white with the sport graphics.

Been busy today...

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130808-WA0004_zpsfa821790.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130808-WA0003_zps4c5222d8.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130808-WA0006_zps06c82d1e.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130808-WA0008_zps5f83daeb.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130808-WA0009_zps0c79b111.jpg

Also did the heatgun trick on the front bumper. Left side of the photo is done, right side of the photo is old and manky.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130808-WA0002_zpsf1de6cb1.jpg

[MiniManDan118]

Floors and rear arches all now in primer. Next couple of days the topcoat will be going on the inside, underneath and under arches. The outside ia being painted in an oven in the near future.

[back 2 back vaux]

hi pal loveing the car lots of nice work being dun
can i just ask how you have dun the holes
thanks

[Simon 1867]

Keep up the good work, really enjoy reading this thread

[MiniManDan118]

Soo.... the underneath has now been painted. But im yet to see it as I had to work all night. Will be at the workshop tomorrow night to have a look and then wednesday to remove the cage and dashboard ready for interior and the engine bay to have their topcoat.

Thanks for the comments

The holes were done with a holesaw then this little tool/die
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300947857660?redirect=mobile

[zeifer33]

When go to paint?

[MiniManDan118]

Interior, underneath and engine bay will be done this week but I go on holiday Thursday so the exterior is booked in the spray booth/oven for 31st August

[MiniManDan118]

Underneath and 2 arches painted as well as the back of the doors & bonnet

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130813-WA0002_zps80ff8dc1.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130813-WA0001_zps0525b77e.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130813-WA0000_zps7fb5e097.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130813-WA0003_zpsab93b911.jpg

A very happy Dan :)

[MiniManDan118]

Inside has now been painted, it looks really good. Im away for the next few days so there won't be any more updates for a little while.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130815-WA0004_zpscad7655d.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130815-WA0005_zps51260456.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130816-WA0000_zps42734992.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130816-WA0007_zpsc1c118bc.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130816-WA0001_zps87d68272.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130816-WA0002_zpsda8185fe.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130816-WA0005_zpsea5a75c5.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130816-WA0003_zps5ce415b1.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130816-WA0004_zps9a762755.jpg

And also gave the engine a bit of a clean and repaint.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/IMG-20130815-WA0002_zps9c7661fd.jpg

[8valve-craig]

I hate you.

[jonn]

great work! i wish i was making as quick progress on my nova

[SimonTW]

Awesome work!

[MiniManDan118]

I hate you.
lol

[Southie]

Fantastic build and fantastic progress, well done :)

What reg numberplate will this be on with being an import then? Or can it stay on foreign plates for rallying??

[mowgli]

i'd imagine the dvla would issue an age related one...... (legal answer)

any other answers will be kept to myself...... & involve sports with brown primer.......lol

[8valve-craig]

Is it even getting road registered? Thought it was being built as a track car.

[Southie]

I didn't want to imply anything so I thought I'd better ask the question.

[mowgli]

with the standard of workmanship so far, it would be a crying shame not to get it on the road.

[MiniManDan118]

Ah its going on the road, got all the reg docs at home but waiting to finish it before I register it just incase they want to VIC check it. It may be an issue with insurance as I am only 20, so it may not be on the road so say for a while yet. It will be going on a B or C plate.
Thanks for all the comments :-)

[Graeme]

Excellent project loving watching it come together

[tahir868]

Great work! Body shell in paint looks awesome

[MiniManDan118]

Cheers for all the comments.

Back from holiday now, putting engine in tomorrow and will have it wired up and running by Wednesday night when Ive managed to blag a mechanic friend :) I'm colourblind so do not trust my wiring skills (or major lack of them).

[zeifer33]

come on, we want to see more changes!!!:thumb:

[MiniManDan118]

Here we go then...

Drum roll please.... The cage ended up...

BLUE!
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130827_134918_zps21dbc933.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130827_203540_zpsf98b726d.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130827_203551_zpse23c05d1.jpg

And got the engine on all its mounts today. Just got home, 23:37pm.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130827_225904_zpsa86efb83.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130827_225916_zps47ee255a.jpg

The rocker cover will be coming off and repainted ASAP too.

[zeifer33]

ahahhha, nice "bubble blue" cage and these rocker cover need new paint quickly.

[MiniManDan118]

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130828_225309_zps5c95f99f.jpg

So we got it up and running very quickly (see vid below). Thanks to my very mechanic friend who did the wiring - I'm colourblind so avoid it like the plague!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/th_20130828_230118_zps2bb741b1.jpg (http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130828_230118_zps2bb741b1.mp4)

[Iain]

So we got it up and running very quickly (see vid below). Thanks to my very mechanic friend who did the wiring - I'm colourblind so avoid it like the plague!

I should probably tell you now then, they've played a prank on you your cage is actually pink.

I've not checked this thread for a little while and it's all painted and coming back together with the engine running! Fantastic quick work!

[jonn]

Good work, I am also colour blind!

[mowgli]

I should probably tell you now then, they've played a prank on you your cage is actually pink.

I've not checked this thread for a little while and it's all painted and coming back together with the engine running! Fantastic quick work!

if he's colourblind, he won't know what pink looks like either.... lol lol

[MiniManDan118]

Hmmm funny...

Made all the brake lines up today, also got the pedalbox in yesterday. Hopefully get it running properly now all the vacuum hoses etc are in place, it started but wouldn't idle.

[MiniManDan118]

So I started off a bad day, well, badly.

The insane power of an early 20XE snapped a hub. So that didn't go to plan... New one ordered.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130831_105253_zps1be378ef.jpg

I hadn't been able to get the car in 4th or 2nd gear, turns out the Corsa B steering rack bracket can't be fitted to a Nova. Finding this out now means it took 2 1/2 hours to remove the Corsa B rack bracket and put in the 2 Nova brackets behind all of the engine and water pipes etc.

Got my dash back from being flocked and started custom fitting the GTE digi-dash. Dropped the screen from that and it cracked. Ergh. Got it fitted then it hit the steering column bracket, so had to cut that and reshape that a little. But I got there eventually. A bit more tweeking and I'll be happy with it.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130831_174816_zpsfdc91c65.jpg

Brake lines done yesterday. LHD clutch mount turned out to be quite a handy little hole for the brake lines to go through. They will be joined by the fuel lines soon.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130831_225320_zps2ad171a5.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130831_225343_zps415635f7.jpg

Rear beam out, stripping that tomorrow and get it to the powdercoaters Monday morning with the front suspension and fuel tank.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130831_220745_zpsdb4fd0fa.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130831_220757_zps6ed01c91.jpg

And finally my badges are now complete
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130831_151053_zpse00260c9.jpg

[8valve-craig]

I wonder how long you had driven it like that for? Doesn't even look like a cheap conversion hub either.

[MiniManDan118]

Well I'd only put these shafts and hubs in recently as I had 1.2 outers on my old shafts. Last time I was at Combe the hub nut kept coming loose, which must have been this breaking up.

[Benn]

Bad luck on the hub, glad it didn't happen on track tho.
Cluch cable hole is very well placed there.

[MiniManDan118]

It did happen on track, the hub nut came loose! It all got very wobbly, 1 more lap and I would have been made in the wall!

[mowgli]

can i suggest using something like windscreen bonding sealant for filling the hole where the brake lines go thru the clutch cable hole... it will bond them in place & be flexible enough to move with the shell

[MiniManDan118]

Thanks Mowgli, Ive got a tube ready and waiting to do exactly that. Will do it once the fuel lines are done too. So hopefully tomorrow all being well.

[novarally]

You have PM from me.

Thanks.

[MiniManDan118]

Pm'd back ;)

Rubbed down and repainted the fuel tank today. Used hammered black hammerite in a can, it looks very good. The colour isn;t black though, it's a metallic graphite grey which is even better!
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130902_151245_zps58bdc123.jpghttp://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130902_151230_zps794a6b7a.jpghttp://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130902_151250_zps58e30dd8.jpg

And the painter came, finished the rub down and got it in primer. Its off to a spray booth next Monday, so it's basically got to be complete by then apart from the pretty bits!
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130902_212039_zps963d1de6.jpghttp://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130902_212054_zps59a73ab2.jpghttp://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130902_212105_zps76bf0626.jpghttp://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130902_212150_zpsdbedea64.jpghttp://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130902_212156_zps57b91852.jpg

[Benn]

Tanks pretty.

[MiniManDan118]

Got the brake lines all bolted up on the back...
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130903_173212_zps6520ffbc.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130903_173226_zpse8035f29.jpg
Fuel tank in...
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130903_123543_zpsaab8b5fe.jpg

Just waiting on p-clips to turn up now to tidy everything up.

[MiniManDan118]

Shiney bits!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130905_103131_zpsbc3d7c5c.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130905_125933_zps8d2a6878.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130905_130451_zps42cf66e2.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130905_135755_zpsb7630fb3.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130905_143037_zps6bb15a4d.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130905_143055_zps8641ab90.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130905_165047_zps2de2fd1b.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130905_165933_zps95ebcb84.jpg

[Benn]

Very tidy!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130903_173212_zps6520ffbc.jpg

Really wish i had used these when i run my lines, much nicer way of doing it.

[MiniManDan118]

Makes life so much easier making the lines up! Definitely worth the extra £6.50 each

[boss]

Unreal how quick this it coming together and how clean it is

[MiniManDan118]

Cheers

1 week till D-day! Got it running properly tonight, lights, heater and wipers working. The outside is being painted Tuesday then just build up the pretty bits before Castle Combe on Saturday. Im on schedule, it WILL be done!

Oh, its 1am and Im still in the workshop, dedication! Its cheaper than the pub too...

[BRoadGhost]

Turned down flanges fail all the time. Get a pair of golf syncro bearings, have the steering knuckles machined to accept them, then source some big block flanges or forever live in the knowledge this will happen again at any moment.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130831_105253_zps1be378ef.jpg

[MiniManDan118]

Had its first drive...
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/th_VID-20130907-WA0000_zps449749e6.jpg (http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/VID-20130907-WA0000_zps449749e6.mp4)

And some more pics of its current state
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130907_152456_zps739767fa.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130907_144633_zps31bc6838.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130907_142618_zps00e537ac.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130907_141257_zpsdf2a6147.jpg

[Benn]

Still think it will be ready for Combe?

[MiniManDan118]

Theres no thinking to be done, it WILL be done no question about it lol

[MiniManDan118]

So the workshop is tidy waiting for the arrival of a white Nova in the morning. Excited now! I wanted to get it stickered up straight away with its Sport livery, but have just read that ive got to wait atleast 30days before applying anything to fresh paint. NOOOO! Its not going to look anywhere near as good at Combe this weekend now. Dammit.

[Edd]

Great rebuild

Wish mine would move along as quick as this

Where did you get the brake fittings that make the lines go through the shell?

[Southie]

What's the reason for leaving it so long for putting the vinyl on?

Cracking build though, makes me want another Nova dam you lol

[Ernie]

Merlin Motorsport at Combe sell them.

[Ernie]

Looking good mate.

[Benn]

What's the reason for leaving it so long for putting the vinyl on?

Paint curing fully, you shouldn't cover paint (covers/ rags what ever) for a few weeks.

[MiniManDan118]

So got it back from the painters at 10am this morning...
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130912_100351_zpsd579b38f.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130912_100331_zpsa236742e.jpg

And by 1am tonight...
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130913_002126_zps2d3b82ad.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130913_002146_zps618f4dbc.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130912_210740_zps6c54d7da.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130912_210733_zps7d8db060.jpg

Who said it would take more than a day to build a car...?

Will get some better pics outside tomorrow

[Southie]

Superb work, well done it looks great.

[Peredur]

Nice work, Loving the ports on the window. Tidy stuff

[Benn]

Wow fantastic work getting it all done.

[mowgli]

Paint curing fully, you shouldn't cover paint (covers/ rags what ever) for a few weeks.

its funny how all those commercial vehicles manage to get painted & stickered within a couple of days & look pretty good for years... i also once worked as a prep hand (about 25 years ago) at a paint shop where they had to turn round railway carriages within 4 days, and they got stickered..

ps. OP the car looks great, you should keep it on the kermit reg no. lol

[Pistol Pete]

its funny how all those commercial vehicles manage to get painted & stickered within a couple of days & look pretty good for years... i also once worked as a prep hand (about 25 years ago) at a paint shop where they had to turn round railway carriages within 4 days, and they got stickered..

ps. OP the car looks great, you should keep it on the kermit reg no. lol

New cars get stickered hours after paint!!

Cars looking great. Quick work on the rebuild front.

[Benn]

its funny how all those commercial vehicles manage to get painted & stickered within a couple of days & look pretty good for years... i also once worked as a prep hand (about 25 years ago) at a paint shop where they had to turn round railway carriages within 4 days, and they got stickered..

True, just going with what i've always been told. I know baking it should fully dry it, but something not worth the risk? Dont know..

[Ernie]

Amazing work. Have a good time at Combe tomorrow.
I'm working so can't come down ;-(

[MiniManDan118]

Thanks all.

RE The stickers, the car hasnt been baked so it needs plenty of time to cure. No rush anyway, ive only just finished the tracking and suspension setup! We are ready to go, cant wait.

[Benn]

What time you on track?^

[MiniManDan118]

11 and 2ish, ive got to pick the afternoon one up from Halfpint some time

[Benn]

Nice, i should be at Camp in the morning.... (taking pics if they let me)

[MiniManDan118]

Ill see how sideways I can get it then...


Or not. lol

[Benn]

Please! They are the best pics...

[MiniManDan118]

This is my best effort round Camp. Don't worry, I didn't get lost - someone had dropped hydraulic power steering fluid all over the place.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/sidewaysnova_zpsc7b20c6a.jpg

It wasn't just me though, here's my mate in his Mini going for it too.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/sidewaysmini_zpseecbe910.jpg

Ohhh forgot about this one! Ive got an in car cam of it too sideways the whole of Camp corner in a FWD lol
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/313784_10150790651990392_1894333197_n_zps47590e6c. jpg

[MiniManDan118]

Just found the in car camera of the last picture...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a9WPkizcGI

3:50 is as I'm coming into Camp

And no I didn't chase down multiple 4WD Imprezas in the wet with semi-slicks on the front ;)

[Benn]

lol nice **** out action.

[MiniManDan118]

So I made it 2 1/2 laps in the old girl Saturday...

As I put my foot down coming out of corners it would cough and splutter - not ideal. I was hoping it would clear up but didn't so pulled in over by Old Paddock. Turned out to be a fuel pipe that was slightly twisted and had collapsed on itself. A pain, but also a God send. Drove it back to the pits, pulled up and oil was rapidly dripping from underneath. We thought it was the sump gasket (I'd replaced it at the start of the week and thought I'd cured the problem) so we drained the oil, removed the sump and baffle plate, cleaned it all up and bought some gasket sealant to go on there. Put it all back together, started it up and it was fine. For a while...

Turns out the crank shaft oil seal has given in. Something that I haven't even touched in the build of this car. So so so annoying! Will get it fixed up and hopefully see it out at the MiniWorld Action Day as they allow any cars out for the last few sessions of the day.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130914_142749_zpsea999838.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130914_162729_zps95e9f8e4.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130914_162742_zpsf4c2222d.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130914_162804_zpsf1efa7a8.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20130914_162939_zps0275a3b0.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/1239604_10151604554525614_508758737_n_zps4250a5d2. jpg
And my daily driver there too...
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/1240113_668469116504173_1311487513_n_zpsfc1e3e38.j pg

I'm dieing to get the Sport stickers on it too, but must wait 30days. Must wait.......

[Steve]

Excellent effort for getting the car done in time! :thumb:

It looks good even if it didn't get to do as many laps as you'd hoped.

[SimonTW]

Car looks amazing!

[Pistol Pete]

Gave you a toot as I came past you in the queue for the 10:30 session. After the red flag.

[MiniManDan118]

I heard :) Didn't get chance to wave back in time lol

[MiniManDan118]

Oh god, what have I done...

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20131006_213001_zps8b32defb.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20131006_212806_zpsb8045d9c.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20131006_212948_zpsdd7deaaf.jpg

Will be getting the Nova/Corsa completely finished before I touch it though, or may even sell it on. Not sure yet!

[Benn]

HAHA looks like it could be fun tho....

[zeifer33]

Good new toy, have fun with him:thumb:

[Southie]

I wonder how much that's now worth though, shame to sell after all the hard work tbh... It will probably fund the chavette though ;)

[MiniManDan118]

Ha you must be kidding me, the Nova/Corsa is going nowhere! Its the Chevette I may build or sell on lol I didn't word that very well did I!?

[novarally]

Ha you must be kidding me, the Nova/Corsa is going nowhere! Its the Chevette I may build or sell on lol I didn't word that very well did I!?

Build the Chevette, go to be an HSR replica though.

[MiniManDan118]

So the Chevette is off to it's new owner on Friday. It was a bit of a failed project, but the money is going into the Nova/Corsa now. A friend sourced me a matching spark plug cover so fitted that today. Hopefully will get it sorted over the Christmas break ready for trackdays next year. The Sport sticker kit is still waiting to go on too...
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20131215_191957_zps0fb37af4.jpg

[zeifer33]

Nice plates, I have a few of these on my garage. What´s the plan for 2014 season??

[_Jake]

Looks very clean, like this alot!

[MiniManDan118]

Cheers guys

Just want to get it out on track and have some fun in it. I haven't really got a budget for it this year so no big changes will be happening. My plan is to get a suspension setup I like and learn the characteristics of the car. It's a completely different animal to the old car. Lighter with much more track focused suspension, with quicker steering rack and different tyres and all new bushes etc. Its like going from a Fiesta to a Ferrari. Well... almost.

[Benn]

Sounds like a good plan.

[MiniManDan118]

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20131228_162317_zpsc9623df8.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20131228_180039_zpsbc717ef8.jpg

Finally!! Stickers on. What a nightmare, never again!!

[leefowler]

Looking good.

Lee

[MiniManDan118]

Better photo outside

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20131229_143446_zpsf8f324bf.jpg

[Benn]

They look great,

[bazzap8389]

Love it, great work :thumb:

[A11VXL]

Really like that, good work.

[MiniManDan118]

Thanks everyone. The stickers haven't gone on as well as I'd have hoped, quite a few small bubbles, so I may get another kit and get someone who knows what they're doing to apply them again.

Time to get the suspension setup right and go play :) Can't wait for the next season of trackdays.

[M Sutton]

Very nice!!

[abznovasport]

Just read from start to finish! Excellent effort! Car looks amazing. Where did you get your sport stickers from?? Not that im anywhere near needing them lol

[dgbnova#1]

Looks awsome mate credit were it's due spot on start to finish

[MiniManDan118]

Cheers guys. The side stickers are being re-done asap by a friend who works for a local signage/wrapping company. Nothing wrong with the stickers themselves, just my useless positioning and application. It's a lot harder than it looks to get right. They came from DMB Graphics, it's really worth getting a pro to apply them though.

The car's getting a professional photoshoot on Sunday so I better get on and finish all the final touches

[MiniManDan118]

Fire extinguisher in
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20140214_190655_zpsc47efd08.jpg

Original badges back on the boot, as well as the 1.3 and sport badge
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20140214_190554_zpscbef0332.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20140214_190544_zps7484f01f.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20140214_124653_zps708f3cc5.jpg

Bonnet sticker on
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20140214_175439_zpsa6ab1394.jpg

[zeifer33]

he looks fantastic woth his new stickers,:thumb:

[MiniManDan118]

A shot from today...

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r15/danwright68/20140216_163133_zpsecd9d7cd.jpg

Who needs a step ladder?

Professional photos coming soon :)

[Edd]

Looks great

Needs white bumper tape tho IMO

[MiniManDan118]

Yep, white bumper tape and matching blue coolant hoses in the pipeline. Not keen on the white flashes around the headlights though so may give them a miss

[Edd]

I'm not that keen on them either tbh, I probably won't bother with them on my Sport

[MiniManDan118]

The stickers don't stick to the bumper, and painted on ones always have feathered edges due to the textured surface. So itll be one of the few sport features I am leaving out (silly red exhaust being the other...)

[yellowsrnova]

amazing :)

[Benn]

Love that, looks great too. Get the pics up.