Keeping the Mrs Happy (project no 3)

[joff-turbo-nova]

Well, its been time in the making, and now seems about right to launch a new thread for the next project in the JTN household - another Meriva to replace the 53 plate Merv that my wife is currently running around in and has now done +120k miles, so getting a little long in the tooth .

So last year this nice little petrol blue Meriva popped up on Ebay as a Cat C accident damaged vehicle - only 35 miles up the road from home. I popped up to Scarborough, did a deal and it was delivered onto the drive accordingly......


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_3296_zps45301ae7.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_3301_zps4c4566d8.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_3305_zps98825f33.jpg

It's a '07 plate Meriva 1.8 Design with aircon, all electric windows and has only done about 42,000 miles.

Needs a little attention at the front....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/Meriva3_zps82278b39.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/Meriva2_zps961aa245.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/Meriva1_zpsd1a4689a.jpg

I stripped the broken parts off just to make it a bit more tidy .....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_3303_zps52013b17.jpg

The aircon condenser was still gassed, even though it was banana shaped !!

Seems that the car has hit a post which has taken out the crash bar, bumper, rad pack and bonnet - both lights are cracked and the n/s wing has a dent too. Its slightly dinted the engine bed, but everything looks straight and the panel gaps are OK ...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_3304_zpsf1f812bb.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_3306_zps56c4a9d8.jpg


Plans for the vehicle are :-

- Replace dash as both airbags deployed - already sourced
- Replace interior with a half leather VXR one (with retro heated rear seats) - already sourced
- Replace panels on the front end - already sourced wing and bumper bar - had rad pack, bumper (with Irmscher lower spoiler) and bonnet in from previous Meriva VXP project
- Major engine service (water pump, belts & idlers, filters, oil , brake fluid) - already sourced
- Replace discs & pads all round - already in stock
- Replace front arms and roll bar link bars - already sourced
- Replace steel brake pipe for cunifer pipe all round - already sourced
- Change flexi brake hoses for braided versions - already sourced
- Change rear bumper to Irmscher item - already in stock from VXP project
- Attached rear Irmscher spoiler & side skirts

Cont/....

[joff-turbo-nova]

Already started the modifying , as I have sourced a set of Omega Elite alloy wheels which were pretty shoddy...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_3504_zpsbyodo0aq.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_3505_zpsb5xqzuak.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_3506_zpsw7gijcry.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_3507_zpssdejfnhz.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_3508_zpslscqddjt.jpg


First job was get them to the media blasters for a strip....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5901_zpsnplkihrt.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5902_zpsx2mmmtbk.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5903_zps7jd2b7eo.jpg


Then onto the sprayshop for some love and paint....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6057_zpsvi0nocz7.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6058_zpsqhjqocaj.jpg




http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6059_zps0f1fztwy.jpg


So I thought it would be rude not to try them on my VXP project first ..






http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6072_zps8jmvcp4v.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6071_zps2jyubulz.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6076_zpsfpfr0wch.jpg


They are wider (7.5") than the Astra alloys (7") and with an ET35 which makes life interesting in the clearance department on the spring cup - nothing that some 5mm spacers and longer bolts won't fix !


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6070_zpssw48r5gl.jpg


Cont/...

[joff-turbo-nova]

I then put them onto where they are meant to be, the wife was very happy with the results...




http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6077_zpsienoypng.jpg




http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6083_zpsuls3owgy.jpg


Joff

[nova.mike]

Looks good so far, will keep an eye on this :)

[totalnova]

If the last one was anything to go by I'm sure this will be epic. Are you going to break the other one?

[joff-turbo-nova]

If the last one was anything to go by I'm sure this will be epic. Are you going to break the other one?

No just tart up and sell on - just don't have time to break one, and the parts are quite difficult to shift !

Joff

[mowgli]

you should start PMG....... lol

the before pics look like my wife has just been to a supermarket in it......

[joff-turbo-nova]

Some of you may recall I had a little incident in a car park with a steel beam jumping out at me which resulted in this...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_5858_zpsctzyitkr.jpg

So I got busy with the repair and sorted it out like so - thought it would be a good idea to fit the other reversing sensor kit I have - these are the traditional sensor type....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6161_zpsof8ebjuw.jpg

Masking tape, a tape measure and a bit of luck we got 4 holes marked out then drilled ready for the sensors...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova032/IMG_6162_zpsz4yyvc46.jpg

As luck would have it, I have a contact who let me know they were breaking a Meriva VXR and the interior was available. A deal was done and a pallet arrived a few days later....


So it went into temporary storage in the garage...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova032/IMG_5928_zpshyratbn3.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova032/IMG_5929_zpsgd80vooj.jpg

The bolsters on the front seats are quite worn and the usual issue with the foam bolster had started....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova032/IMG_5930_zpsjqu6wewo.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova032/IMG_5933_zpsefj4oep6.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova032/IMG_5934_zps3qlv744q.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova032/IMG_5935_zpsti3607z1.jpg

Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

So had to do the usual repair job on the bolster - seat in lounge getting stripped....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova032/IMG_5947_zpsotjfg7qb.jpg

Cover off, bolster hole now apparent...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova032/IMG_5948_zps8ea39m1f.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova032/IMG_5949_zpsdzmpkcpu.jpg

Calico strengthener to the inside, repair foam patches sorted and being glued in...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova032/IMG_5950_zpsyksvb6k6.jpg

Another two layers of calico and then a layer of thin wadding to help pull the leather taught...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova032/IMG_5951_zps4v0oimsg.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova032/IMG_5952_zpskzlakpfb.jpg

And then the heated seat element was fitted .....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova032/IMG_5953_zpsnafdongb.jpg

The seats front seats were then put back together and sent off to the leather refurbishers in Hull.

Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

A couple of weeks later and the seats were ready for collection , looking almost like new, the pics don't quite do them justice as they look like new...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6120_zpsqualkwly.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6123_zpseyclef9i.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6119_zpsjefritrx.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6121_zpszguhnoue.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6118_zpsm1mp5fnx.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6122_zpsu40j0um6.jpg

Started work at the weekend stripping the front end off ....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova032/IMG_6224_zpsz6pl71cw.jpg

Removed the damaged wing and arch liner to reveal a nice clean chassis leg....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova032/IMG_6225_zpswhzjdvxz.jpg

In an effort to keep the rust away I thought it prudent to treat it to a couple of coats of hammerite, here's the first coat...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova032/IMG_6228_zpsn2a7diun.jpg

Also tried some 5mm spacers to avoid any tyre/spring cup action which seems to have solved the issue...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova032/IMG_6231_zpss7pdoloc.jpg

Next job is stripping the front brakes and suspension ready for new parts.

Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

Todays jobs, apart from dodging the showers was to start stripping the front brakes.


I was aware the discs were past their best as they have been stood for about 12 months in the elements , so first job remove rusty caliper and brake pads (with only a few thousand miles left on them)....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova033/IMG_6241_zpszkkepvnu.jpg


Then try and remove disc - retaining screw was very tight - infact after a few "choice" words it just decided to round off in protest !!!


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova033/IMG_6243_zpsylmtzdin.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova033/IMG_6246_zpsbban8dbs.jpg


So do I drill out and then try and get the threads out or do I break the MIG welder out - I think you know the answer to this...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova033/IMG_6247_zpshq0uawou.jpg




After a buzz with the welder, the offending screw finally gave up its none moving state and screwed out without hassle.....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova033/IMG_6252_zpsmf2exacy.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova033/IMG_6256_zpsykhhetts.jpg


Next job was to beat the disc off - it was rusted to the flange so a few swift hammer blows - lots of rust flakes and it was off ...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova033/IMG_6257_zpsrm5ybhw3.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova033/IMG_6258_zpsx3jhgvqe.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova033/IMG_6259_zps14hem375.jpg




I then removed the damper and noticed behind the scuttle panel that there was sufficient gunge and decaying matter to grow a healthy crop of King Edwards....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova033/IMG_6248a_zps2x8vi5bx.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova033/IMG_6251a_zpssxefnajw.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova033/IMG_6263a_zpsosiarlpt.jpg


A job to be tackled in due course.


cont/...

[joff-turbo-nova]

Onto the new brakes - cleaned up a spare pair of calipers from my 2010 Meriva so were in good condition - decided to go with red (this was the first hammerite tin I found !)....




http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova033/IMG_6254_zps6ojx0igw.jpg




http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova033/IMG_6261_zpspst7kjfy.jpg




http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova033/IMG_6262_zps5kdpjznj.jpg




They need a second coat before they will look anything like .




Also cleaned up and hammerited the spare dampers which I have in stock which are in better condition ...




http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova033/IMG_6253_zps1xpnbgzr.jpg




Also sourced so new inner track rods and ends which rocked up yesterday....




http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova033/IMG_6266_zpsguws1cjj.jpg




Enjoy !




Joff

[totalnova]

All good work as usual and the seats look like they have come out well.

[joff-turbo-nova]

All good work as usual and the seats look like they have come out well.

Seats are like new - really impressed with how they have re-coated the leather and brought the seats back to life - look at the comparisons....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova032/IMG_5930_zpsjqu6wewo.jpg

vs

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/IMG_6119_zpsjefritrx.jpg

Same seat , same bolster.

I have some fitted seat covers to go on for everyday use !

Joff

[novadave24]

Great work done on the seat :)

[veedubber82]

Mate what size tyres you running on them 17s if you changed to a 195/40 I dont think youd need the spacers on the front and it would look alot better,

[joff-turbo-nova]

Mate what size tyres you running on them 17s if you changed to a 195/40 I dont think youd need the spacers on the front and it would look alot better,

I got a full set of 215/50 R17's really cheap - not the ideal size I am aware but at a 1/4 of the retail price for tyres that have covered 200 miles I gave it a whirl.

Once the front tyres are changed to 215/45's they will fit OK - I will move the spacers to the rear like on my Meriva.

Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

Quick update whilst I am dodging showers .....

Finished off the front brake calipers.....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova037/IMG_6372_zpsjxdz0mvi.jpg

Also worked on the new (to me) front nearside wing - had a couple of very small dings which needed attention....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova037/IMG_6371_zpsqrqjltrf.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova037/IMG_6380_zpsxvjxsoem.jpg

This came last week from Germany - its called a Warnblinker !

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova037/IMG_6382_zpskeqvysy7.jpg

Wanted to keep OEM for the heated seats- talking of which I managed to find yesterday a U-pull-it at Full Sutton a mk5 Astra with heated seats, so liberated the seat plug....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova037/IMG_6375_zpsiqo2a8ol.jpg

Which gave me these two plugs which fit nicely in the meriva seat plug - straight plug and play !

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova037/IMG_6376_zpsbbv4z7or.jpg

Whilst at U-pull-it I found a Meriva with rear electric windows and liberated this for £14.40 ....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova037/IMG_6383_zpsi4cgn58w.jpg

I've changed the plastic slider and window insert for new items and lubed them up as the old ones were a bit brittle...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova037/IMG_6385_zpsyupj7ruv.jpg

The reason for this is that the rear n/s window drops and does not work at all. I pulled the door card off to reveal someone had been here before...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova037/IMG_6386_zpszbuskqjz.jpg

And had tried to fix the mechanism before (and failed) - bolted back on with screws (rather than riveted back on)....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova037/IMG_6387_zpswvkfsvjd.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova037/IMG_6388_zpsrcfbokib.jpg

The mechanism has disintegrated and the cable is all loose ...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova037/IMG_6389_zpsitivovmt.jpg

Looking up inside the door ....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova037/IMG_6391_zpsdpbiejn7.jpg

Also got one of the front damper units rebuilt - and then realised I had forgotten to put the bump stop back in - doh !!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova037/IMG_6370_zpsgk7saqwr.jpg

That's it for now - engine bed and o/s damper, brakes and caliper coming off if I can get the weather to behave...

Joff

[krobinson]

Good work Joff, you just love to mess about with cars!

[BRoadGhost]

Look at mess you make on lovely driveway!

[joff-turbo-nova]

Been a bit busy with other matters like the F1 at Silverstone and VBOA Billing, and getting the nova going again (which it is!) .

Anyway spent some time over the weekend finishing off the rear door - seems the rear regulator has been broken twice - there were two bottom tensioners in the bottom of the door ...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova039/IMG_8139_zpsgynmdxq0.jpg

The plastic lifter part is a different design - the new one is all plastic - the broken mechanism has a metal sleeve around the lifter....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova039/IMG_8141_zps2zdtlnmb.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova039/IMG_8143_zpsygaj8ddy.jpg

Anyway got the new mechanism installed and fully working , also took the opportunity to waxoyl the inside of the door....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova039/IMG_8144_zpsapyzw3u2.jpg

Repaired the moisture membrane ....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova039/IMG_8145_zpskdryxkal.jpg

And installed the VXR door card...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova039/IMG_8146_zpsfwl9cl0u.jpg

Also started refurbing the rear springs....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova039/IMG_8148_zpsudixrcry.jpg

And rear dampers....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova039/IMG_8149_zpsvx3use17.jpg

Managed to start replacing the all the brake lines with cunifer - not the straightest of pipes but they aren't going to rust ! Just need to do the other 4 pipes around the car and that's another job sorted!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova039/IMG_8147_zpssbm27u4m.jpg

I have some brake pipe separators coming which will neaten the job up a bit.

Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

Did some engine bits last night ....

Swapped out the thermostat housing for a new one - the old one was looking rather tired...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova040/IMG_0160_zps0g3t5kb6.jpg

Took the throttle body off...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova040/IMG_0161_zpsmduu3sjm.jpg

To find it rather gunged up....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova040/IMG_0162_zpsvk8hmh0d.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova040/IMG_0163_zpspfukaz4e.jpg

So proceeded to clean with carb cleaner....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova040/IMG_0168_zpsbk404lfr.jpg

Changed out the spark plugs for GM ones - the old ones were a bit sooty - I think from the very short stop/start journeys up and down my drive and around the yard at Coparts ...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova040/IMG_0166_zpsfkwe71df.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova040/IMG_0167_zpsxxoqdkwo.jpg

Also changed the pollen filter - I don't think this has ever been done ...

Old
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova040/IMG_0164_zpsxrk1alw9.jpg

New
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova040/IMG_0165_zpsttlqcod7.jpg

Got some silcone coolant hoses on order so should be able to get the front end built up sometime soonish - need to do a cambelt & waterpump change whilst access is easier.

Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

More engine work today , I decided it was time to change the cambelt - so stripped the inner arch out of the offside....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova042/IMG_8228_zps83sfzud9.jpg

And removed the cambelt cover , seems the original cambelt is still in residence....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova042/IMG_8238_zpsf1tv8yyi.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova042/IMG_8239_zpsg6c8pqvy.jpg

So stripped the rest of the side of the engine and removed the auxillary belt and gubbings. Then tried to undo the tensioner pulley which did not go well , teeth duly stripped....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova042/IMG_8241_zpsvtba95bk.jpg

Again it was a drill or MIG time - limited access put drilling out a distance second , so out came the MIG welder again and a quick buzz saw the bolt off in no time (well about 15 minutes by the time I had got the welder out , buzzed a smaller nut on, which duly fell off, then buzzed a bigger nut on which worked and then packed up the MIG again).....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova042/IMG_8245_zps6nulhklz.jpg

Anyway with the cambelt off the idlers came next and then the water pump , which when removed ejected a load of old coolant onto my shoulder .... nice ....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova042/IMG_8246_zpsb8j8eoeq.jpg

Old pump was the original factory GM pump, new pump was also GM so fitted without issues....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova042/IMG_8248_zps28t6z9fs.jpg

New idlers and tensioner installed with a new belt....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova042/IMG_8259_zpss5hta8ec.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova042/IMG_8263_zpsbmtrlbpk.jpg

Also found some silcone hose in my spare which replaced a couple of hoses...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova042/IMG_8262_zpspgcuawr5.jpg

Amazon delivered the new dash cam which should record any of the issues my wife seems to have with other road users (always seems to be someone jumping out at roundabouts or pulling out in front of her - time and the recordings will tell!)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova043/IMG_8265_zpsxubkpfev.jpg


A new gear linkage also arrived this morning which has the metal side to side bar, rather than the plastic on which goes all wonky over time and makes gear selection a bit of a mare...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova042/IMG_8267_zpstclowqmj.jpg

Offside suspension work tomorrow weather permitting.

Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

Stripped the offside wing off and got busy with the hammerite again.....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova044/IMG_8331_zpslztwoonq.jpg

Also installed the revamped damper (see above) - however then realised that the roll bar link bar bracket and Abs wire bracket were on the wrong side of the damper - seems I may have mixed up the sides - soon sorted this out - doh !

Hammerited the previously removed wing...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova044/IMG_8330_zpsqgikiz9m.jpg

Then set about the engine bed which was rather rusty for some reason. Not sure what's going on with this car, but for a car that has lived in Wakefield all its life (about 80 miles from the nearest coast) it seems remarkably rusty in some areas..

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova044/IMG_8332_zpscmmzdqee.jpg

The afore mentioned crustiness ....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova044/IMG_8333_zpstsl3zh2u.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova044/IMG_8334_zps4p1tvxnw.jpg

Got busy stripping the bed of all its components...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova044/IMG_8336_zpscaoejltb.jpg

And then got the wire wheel attachment going in the drill to zubb off all the rusty bits and then treated with Bilt Hamber rust converter stuff.

Next up was a good use of wheelie bins....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova044/IMG_8338_zpseophcyj7.jpg

And more Hammerite!

Whilst waiting for the Hammerite to dry got busy building up the nearside hub...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova044/IMG_8340_zpsfoi2wzs5.jpg

Next up was the waxoyl and then rebuilding the trim at the top of the engine bay..

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova044/IMG_8339_zps0soyvl6p.jpg

Tomorrow its rebuilding the engine bed with the various components and reinserting back into the engine bay.

Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

Quick update...

Engine bed rebuilt with new bottom arms, roll bar bushes, link bars and track rods and ends for the rack...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova045/IMG_8342_zpsn3zs2bry.jpg

Replaced the gear linkage but seems very tight moving between the gears, I think I will have to remove again and sand down the central plastic spacers which were tight on reassembly...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova045/IMG_8344_zpsfxvpzcds.jpg

Got the engine bed reinstalled , connected up all the suspension pickup points and installed the radpack and front crash bar...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova045/IMG_8354_zpsauytpstb.jpg

Also installed the Roose hoses for both top and bottom hose - top hose needed fettling a bit, but the bottom hose was a straight fit...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova045/IMG_8355_zpsuslhbez4.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova045/IMG_8356_zps1kdidsdm.jpg

Trial fitted the front bumper which seems to fit fine - its the first bumper of my VXP - its a bit scuffed as it was blowing around in the back garden last year ! It has an Irmscher lower lip which makes it a bit different than the normal facelift bumper...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova045/IMG_8357_zpspf4204es.jpg


Trial fitted the bonnet as well, another outcast from the VXP project - this is the bonnet that has about 10 layers of paint. It will need stripping back to bare metal prior to the spray work being done....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova045/IMG_8358_zpsokz11mbb.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova045/IMG_8359_zpsuylhjfwb.jpg

Once the rad pack was in and coolant added I ran it up to temperature which was fine without issue. I turned off the engine, then switched it back on and strange things started happening. Firstly the car with the spanner light came on ....

http://www.fairfieldgarage.com/spanner.jpg

And the engine was hunting on idle between 1000-1200 rpm and the throttle did not work at all. Not good.

Hooked up the laptop with Opcom and pulled P1526 and P1550 error codes which are :-

P1526 Throttle Position Adaption Error C-09
P1526 Throttle Position no Adaption C-09
P1526 Limp Home Adaption Error C-09

P1550 Electronic Throttle Control Reduced Power C-09
P1550 Electronic Throttle Control Forced Idle C-09
P1550 Electronic Throttle Control Power Management C-09
P1550 Electronic Throttle Control Engine Stop C-09

These pointed me in the direction of the throttle body (which I had only just cleaned out!) . I have spares so swapped the original out with the replacement and hey presto all codes gone and no re-occurance of the issues.

If they come back it could point to a ECU failure with circuits breaking down inside the sealed unit. Fingers crossed its sorted as I don't need the hassle of sorting a new ECU kit !

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova045/IMG_8360_zpsb9fmur58.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova045/IMG_8362_zpsbmswfk1z.jpg

Need to swap the dash out at some point along with the airbags and airbag ECU.

Joff

[Mazz]

Nice to spares of everything just incase!

[joff-turbo-nova]

Been doing a few jobs over the last few days....

Replaced the n/s front door as the original had a crap repair on the bottom half and had a surface like the sea ≈≈≈≈≈ ....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova046/IMG_9217_zps6y8w7uvu.jpg

Jacked the rear end up and removed the rear axle for a refurb as the discs and calipers needed attention....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova046/IMG_9215_zpsglx3nhnh.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova046/IMG_9216_zpsyqmnwcas.jpg

Stripped the rear beam .....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova046/IMG_9212_zpscn6rhagf.jpg

Which yielded some rusty dampers.....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova046/IMG_9213_zpso4adbiij.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova046/IMG_9213_zpso4adbiij.jpg.html)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova046/IMG_9214_zpsaadplgmx.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova046/IMG_9214_zpsaadplgmx.jpg.html)

It's surprising how rusty these get on the leading edge facing forward - they must be in the firing line for all the stones and muck thrown up by the front tyres - however I have a plan on the refurbed dampers I have done.

We also had very rusty back plates.....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova046/IMG_9210_zps4mnvrtyc.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova046/IMG_9210_zps4mnvrtyc.jpg.html)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova046/IMG_9211_zpsmzv7yeep.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova046/IMG_9211_zpsmzv7yeep.jpg.html)

And some some more rust on the bearings and caliper mounting brackets....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova046/IMG_9209_zps3ldof2sd.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova046/IMG_9209_zps3ldof2sd.jpg.html)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova046/IMG_9208_zpsfbkw0n1t.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova046/IMG_9208_zpsfbkw0n1t.jpg.html)


Set about re-furbing the rear calipers......

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova046/IMG_9207_zpshygi6tvy.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova046/IMG_9207_zpshygi6tvy.jpg.html)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova046/IMG_9206_zpstr0ijgvt.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova046/IMG_9206_zpstr0ijgvt.jpg.html)

And Bilt Hamber'ed the surface rust after a good going over with the wire brush drill attachment......

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova046/IMG_9220_zpspjalaijj.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova046/IMG_9220_zpspjalaijj.jpg.html)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova046/IMG_9218_zpsy4acrm7a.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova046/IMG_9218_zpsy4acrm7a.jpg.html)

I will replace the back plates as they are just too rusty as as they are only a tenner each of Ebay .

Next up will the the prep work on the rear beam and a repaint.

Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

Right, not updated for a while so here we go....

Got the rear arches stripped out and then a couple of coats of hammerite....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova055/IMG_9404_zpstjzj22yr.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova055/IMG_9409_zpsitz302z4.jpg


Did the same with the wheel well and the floor pan too ....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova055/IMG_9405_zpsyeyap9dy.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova055/IMG_9406_zpsctrpz1ub.jpg

The exhaust is looking a bit rusty, but still solid, when it eventually gives up a stainless one will be installed.

Next job was to strip the rear out in preparation for fitting the tow bar....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova055/IMG_9410_zpsglpxupov.jpg

Drilled a few holes and did up some bolts and we have a new tow bar installed....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova055/IMG_9408_zps0jn52iom.jpg

The electrics for the tow bar had been previously attached with scotchlocks, which in my opinion are spawn of the devil and evil.....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova055/IMG_9411_zpslxw4vtyp.jpg

The needed to sort the electrics for the rear parking sensors, tow bar electrics and new nearside foglight, so ended up with this pile of wires....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova055/IMG_9419_zpsui11txy8.jpg

Which eventually after a fair bit of chopping and soldering ended up much neater....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova055/IMG_9420_zpsejwwbosv.jpg

And installed the new nearside fog light which came from Poland..

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova055/IMG_9417_zpsbv8lc1jc.jpg

Whilst in the boot I found this strange thing bolted to the offside inner wheel arch, which has wires on both side - unsure what it does, and cannot find any mention of it in the Haynes manual (which is a bit dumbed down nowadays)....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova055/IMG_9415_zpsyjnxpkon.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova055/IMG_9416_zpsatmosawu.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova055/IMG_9413_zpsisgo9dfe.jpg

Anyone got any ideas what this is ??? I'm thinking maybe a sensor for the airbags or ESP system??

Also removed the replacement dash out of the boot - will need to strip this down before pulling the original one out of the car...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova055/IMG_9418_zpstfv2s976.jpg

[joff-turbo-nova]

Final job was to waxoyl everywhere...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova055/IMG_9421_zpszkrbm4zh.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova055/IMG_9422_zpsn55ff1oe.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova055/IMG_9423_zpsabu1obld.jpg




Next up is replacement of the rear arch liners, then reinstall the rear beam which I have rebuilt.


Joff

[totalnova]

Fine work as always. Nice to see these car getting put back together properly, rather then just thrown together like some other accident damaged cars .

[Balley]

I always love to see your projects Joff, great attetion to detail. Well done mate.
As for the sensor, could it be a YOR sensor (they monitor G-force for the ESP)?

Dan

[mk1nova_rich]

Nice detailed work, and a lot more involved than most people would have bothered. Can tell you live in East Yorkshire with your blue wheelie bin lol

[joff-turbo-nova]

Saturday update....

Rain stopped play this morning so I moved the Nova out and changed the roll bar link bars on SWMBO's current Meriva and then replaced a non functioning strip light - wasn't expecting the tubes to be so different in colour....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova058/IMG_9432_zpswaaspgej.jpg

Then once the rain had run away I got the replacement bumper fitted and then trimmed to access the removable tow bar (which lives behind the little plastic dirt shield) ....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova058/IMG_9428_zpsnaehpv7q.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova058/IMG_9430_zps9v7orskg.jpg

I then put in the rear kunifer brake lines ready for the rear beam tomorrow and also installed the rear Irmscher exhaust back box. The original brackets had done a runner so had to make up some replacements using stainless plate and stainless mig wire....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova058/IMG_9431_zpst9oh6im5.jpg

Which made the backbox fit like so...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova058/IMG_9433_zpsihsdtgqn.jpg

Needs a clean...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova058/IMG_9434_zpsgbrleq92.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova058/IMG_9436_zpskzgjxkjr.jpg

The rear box is really only semi temporary until the mild steel middle section rusts away and starts blowing then the whole lot will be replaced with a stainless steel jobbie from the cat back.

You may also recall that I removed some rusty rear dampers which seemed to have been attacked on mainly one side as they seem to be in the firing line of the front tyres.....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova046/IMG_9214_zpsaadplgmx.jpg

So once some replacements I had in stock were refurbed it was time for some protection....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova058/IMG_9437_zps04ishpai.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova058/IMG_9438_zpsy9p3cuc4.jpg

Rear beam installation in the the morning and then time to bleed the brakes and clutch and check for leaks!

Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

A frustrating Sunday in some respects...

Got the rear beam out of storage and my piano dolly came in handy for move the beam around...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova059/IMG_9440_zpsgjebhnl9.jpg

Got the beam reinstalled and all the ABS and brake pipes and cables reattached, the beam is complete with braided hoses which replace the part steel part rubber hoses which often rust out....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova059/IMG_9441_zps8b2lavgb.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova059/IMG_9445_zps0ck5luxo.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova059/IMG_9444_zpspwzza7sy.jpg

Then got the pressure bleeding kit on and started bleeding, starting at the offside rear, once bleed I got round to the nearside rear, which had leaked most of the brake reservoir fluid all over the floor - the bleed nipple seemed tight but was still leaking everywhere.

Once I had took the pressure off, mopped up and removed the caliper, it seems the threads have disintegrated within the caliper , so that's knackered !

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova059/IMG_9452_zpsqcevpv54.jpg

Fortunately a brand new rear Lucas caliper is only £40 so that should be here later this week along with a new supply of brake fluid !

Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

So whilst installing the rear beam I noticed something strange going on with the rear offside door.....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova060/IMG_9457_zpsjcfuuwuo.jpg

Notice the little white bit of plastic...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova060/IMG_9458_zpshxcqdm1l.jpg

Which looks suspiciously like part of the window mechanism, the plastic slider that goes up and down, so it was time for a door strip down, which was already on the cards to put in waxoyl and change the door card to the VXR ones.

Good news (of sorts) is that no one has been here before (completely unmarked moisture barrier) so no bodges to have to sort out first....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova060/IMG_9459_zpsno3uuyyx.jpg

Once peeled back , I extracted the plastic from the bottom of the door which looked like this...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova061/IMG_9466_zps27aii6x0.jpg

And it became apparent that the mechanism was just about holding on with a big crack in it....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova060/IMG_9465_zpsgtewhp5y.jpg

So the drill came out and removed the pop rivets and the mechanism extracted and a view from the other side - caught just in time...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova060/IMG_9469_zpsuuspspgw.jpg

So dug out one of the spare mechanisms I have....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova060/IMG_9467_zpsjencid13.jpg

And replaced it back in the door, waxoyl was liberally sprayed in and the moisture barrier repaired...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova060/IMG_9472_zps1py6jpcc.jpg

Whilst in the door I took the opportunity to wire in the tweeters , which have space designed for them, just never fitted from factory for some reason?

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova060/IMG_9471_zpshwe3q4ep.jpg

And the tweeters simply clip in here...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova060/IMG_9470_zpsnaahfeg5.jpg

And lastly the new VXR door card was installed....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova060/IMG_9473_zpsnpyo3pmg.jpg

Good news on the brakes front, the new replacement rear caliper arrived today...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova060/IMG_9474_zps1wmuy8oy.jpg

And was duly treated to the first coat of red...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova060/IMG_9475_zpshkayutld.jpg

Some of the more eagle eyed among you may have noticed the rusty looking line on the edge of the lower door in this picture..

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova060/IMG_9457_zpsjcfuuwuo.jpg

Indeed this is rust and is where the paint has rubbed off the door by rubbing on the lower rubber weather seal and the metal has started rusting. More annoying is that all 3 of the original doors on the car are like this - it seems the factory paint in this area is quite thin for some reason.

Fortunately its just very minor surface rust which will sand off and will need zinc primer and a fair few coats of normal primer on top . I may even try and get some clear vinyl wrap to line the lower edge of the door as a protective layer once the car has been for paint.

More updates at the weekend...

Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

So today it was out with the dremel and a sanding attachment and I ground away all the little blebs of rust just forming on the bottom edge of the doors , then rubbed back with a bit of 240 and then 400 paper to get a nice smooth finish.

Next up was etch primer and then some normal primer on top and we now have some nice repaired doors...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova063/IMG_9483_zpszjzqtzck.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova063/IMG_9484_zpsvozcq9r6.jpg

So the doors will need some paint on both sides when they go to the bodyshop shortly. Talking of bodyshop I started prepping one of the Irmscher sideskirts , just waiting to hear back from the bodyshop whether they want them loose or attached to the bodywork prior to painting.....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova063/IMG_9481_zpsct3y9jcw.jpg

I left the doors open today in the full sun, and a while later noticed the car had done a cr@p on the drive (SWMBO was not impressed!)....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova063/IMG_9479_zps5u7xgvqq.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova063/IMG_9480_zpsfi5oxsky.jpg


I think I may have overdone the waxoyl a tad earlier this week!

I started on the dash removal by taking off the steering wheel which had cracked leather - I have the original steering wheel from the VXP which has only done a few thousand miles which is in mint condition to go back in with the new dash....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova063/IMG_9485_zpssv0az7nw.jpg

Jobs for tomorrow are rebuilding the boot and surrounding trims, changing out the rear seats for the VXR ones and removal of the front seats ready to remove the dash.

Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

Started work today and put the boot and trims back together - Santa's little helper AKA Isaac the cat "helped" .....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova064/IMG_9487_zpsrjgnjvmo.jpg

Started removing the old rear seats out....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova064/IMG_9491_zpshi3xza5k.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova064/IMG_9492_zpsgbgi4cam.jpg

Which left this crud behind, not too bad , I've seen a lot worse...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova064/IMG_9493_zpsv1wchd8l.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova064/IMG_9494_zpswxrfu7ql.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova064/IMG_9495_zpssuxeimlw.jpg

A quick whizz over with the hoover and some G101 on the sill trims and it was looking a lot better....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova064/IMG_9496_zpsp2yl2taq.jpg

Needed to swap the seatbelts over from the centre seat, which is when I found this ....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova064/IMG_9497_zpsyjzxwk0r.jpg

A bit weird - a spoon head....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova064/IMG_9498_zpsaeiktegr.jpg

Anyway got on with installing the VXR rear seats...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova064/IMG_9499_zps49yclgkp.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova064/IMG_9500_zpsynlljx5d.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova064/IMG_9502_zpsjjgmwvp3.jpg

They are a little wrinkled from being stored flat, but will straighten out once opened up.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova064/IMG_9503_zps4huujjdf.jpg

Whilst working on the seats I found this under the rear mats - same on both sides...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova064/IMG_9504_zpszu6yhmsl.jpg

Its a little storage cubbyhole about 2 inches deep....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova064/IMG_9505_zpsdgfe969f.jpg

Never seen one on a Meriva before , neither the 53 plate or 59 plate Meriva's I have or the ones I have seen in the breakers yards have these floor storage areas.

The rear floor carpets will be wet vaxed once the front seats have been removed - a job for next week.

Joff

[Benn]

Yay its got a porn flap. You can hide your dirty mags in there...lol

Seats looks much better than before.

[joff-turbo-nova]

Yay its got a porn flap. You can hide your dirty mags in there...lol

Seats looks much better than before.

As its the wife's car best not eh?

Removed the front seats today expecting to find a bounty of missing coins and lost jewellery.....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova065/IMG_9506_zpsrdvdgzsm.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova065/IMG_9508_zpswiaguitm.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova065/IMG_9507_zpsbz1on5hq.jpg

Unfortunatley apart from a lot of detritus I found the grand total of

- a 4 inch screw
- an empty mince pie case
- a foxes glacier mint wrapper
- a yellow midget gem (not tried for flavour!)
- a slightly used tissue
- a small plastic bag

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova065/IMG_9510_zpsizqap4tt.jpg

Not impressed - the last Meriva of the wife's I found US $15 dollars ...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/PICT0208.jpg

Next up hoover and a wet vax

Joff

[Benn]

Ok then hide something the wife could enjoy..lol

[joff-turbo-nova]

I wet vaxed the carpets on Tuesday evening and this resulted in some nice clean carpets...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova066/IMG_9512_zpspvgk12kv.jpg

Next up was the dash board removal so started stripping the dash down...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova066/IMG_9513_zpsiatyi8wm.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova066/IMG_9515_zpsyrlomyxr.jpg

After removing a myriad of screws things started moving..

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova066/IMG_9516_zpsf2u5ojul.jpg

And then finally it was free (didn't notice the camera was focused on the door frame rather than the interior - doh!) ..

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova066/IMG_9517_zpsz0darb7h.jpg

And removed....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova066/IMG_9518_zpsonpccibf.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova066/IMG_9519_zpsyvsvmfjo.jpg

I then tried to locate the heated seats loom, however this does not seem to have been installed on this car. The fuse box has the wiring but there are no plugs for the dash switches nor the connections on the seat plug..

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova066/IMG_9520_zps64ss5jmc.jpg

However when I purchased the original leather VXR seats for my Meriva VXP , with the kit came the loom to retro fit the heated seats and plugs - its a bit hacked in places but will make the job a lot easier - just need to get my TIS working again as its died on an old laptop I was using and will not work on Windows 7 ,8 or 10. Just need to see how its all connected together, not sure if there are any relays to pick up within the circuits..

More wiring tomorrow.

Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

So I retro fitted the heated seats wiring - picked up the correct wires from the back of the fuse box and then routed the wires up to the hazzard switch plug area, and then the heat mat feed wires came down the loom to the centre console and fed out to the plugs under the seats . Earths were picked up from the factory earth points under the centre console and we had this...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova067/IMG_9522_zpsiaitiass.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova067/IMG_9523_zpsldx9qsqt.jpg


However upon trying to get a 12v +ve feed to the seats just wasn't happening - I confirmed that the 12v +ve was going into the back of the dash plug, but nothing was coming out and no little orange LED's were coming on when pressing the heated seats button. Not good.


Keif (from VXRO forum) has kindly supplied me a wiring diagram of the seat pads like so...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova067/Seat%20Wiring_zpsvz0g2lb4.jpg


And it seems the switches have a set of relays built into them , which won't work without an earth being present.


The hazzard switch has three wires currently attached...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova067/IMG_9541_zpsbxmyi6bv.jpg


And no brown earth into pin 3 like so...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova067/Seat%20Wiring1A_zpsti09b6hm.jpg


So next job is to hunt out a wiring plug from a scrapped meriva which has the necessary wiring within the plug. All this for the OEM look ! Doh !


Joff

[millworm]

top work as per usual, been toying with fitting 2000e heat pads to my cosworth seats in my sierra

[Plug]

You've always got something on the go joff!! Your not happy are you unless your tinkering around with a Vauxhall

[joff-turbo-nova]

You've always got something on the go joff!! Your not happy are you unless your tinkering around with a Vauxhall

I've been told that 2016 is to be project free as we have to do lots of work in the garden, cutting down trees and reducing hedge heights.

Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

Found a random plug on a spare Astra loom which fits the bill....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova068/IMG_9548_zpstxkjj7ny.jpg


Removed a pin with a brown earth wire, inserted into pin no 3 on the hazzard plug and hey presto ....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova068/IMG_9543_zpsg3wqczig.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova068/IMG_9545_zpsx1macpqa.jpg


Working buttons with 12v +ve coming out under the seats (well 11.2v as the battery needs a bit of a charge!) ....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova068/IMG_9546_zpsde0hykqq.jpg


Also removed the 12v accessory port that lives in the back of the centre console for the rear passengers and replaced it with a twin USB port which will be far more practical !


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova068/IMG_9550_zpsfp4krvwt.jpg


Now need to work out which pin illuminates the heated seat buttons when a 12v feed is applied and where to splice into the rest of the loom to find a suitable lights on 12v +ve supply !


Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

More work after work today ...


Hard wired in the earth wire and the switch illumination backlight wire - I found a feed that goes up to the central display unit on the top of the dash which was handy.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova071/IMG_9557_zpsqbtqko3c.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova071/IMG_9557_zpsqbtqko3c.jpg.html)


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova072/IMG_9571_zpsc9faywgn.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova072/IMG_9571_zpsc9faywgn.jpg.html)


I then installed the spare accessory socket from the centre console in the boot...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova071/IMG_9561_zpsy5jrt8ro.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova071/IMG_9561_zpsy5jrt8ro.jpg.html)


And swapped over the airbag ECU so all the dash lights should now be extinguished once all put back together.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova071/IMG_9564_zpsqqyrqofp.jpg


Also tried to wire in the adaptor loom for the new headunit, seems we have a square peg in a squarer hole which is a bit annoying - I have contacted the seller on Ebay to see if I can get a replacement.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova071/IMG_9569_zpsnofptlwg.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova071/IMG_9569_zpsnofptlwg.jpg.html)


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova071/IMG_9570_zpsppx6bq7n.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova071/IMG_9570_zpsppx6bq7n.jpg.html)


Finally hardwired in the Transcend dash cam which seems to fit quite nicely behind the rear view mirror...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova071/IMG_9563_zpsgwsix7kj.jpg


Joff

[totalnova]

Think I might add a dash can to the wife's car, always seems to have cars "pulling out on her"

[joff-turbo-nova]

Update from today....


Got the carcass of the dashboard installed...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova073/IMG_9595_zpsi6cu13yp.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova073/IMG_9596_zpshclsgcti.jpg


Got to figure out how to fit this lump of wiring behind the headunit!


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova073/IMG_9597_zps6fmwvqph.jpg


Started rebuilding the dash and got the central console in , passenger airbag , steering wheel, seats and clocks so checked to see if the Airbag warning light had been extinguished. No error codes on the laptop...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova073/IMG_9599_zpsu1zz9so2.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova073/IMG_9603_zpstd2qxxit.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova073/IMG_9600_zpsfirr3t0o.jpg




And started up without no warning lights which is good news...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova073/IMG_9601_zps6ka3fhqt.jpg


Seats looking nice...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova073/IMG_9602_zpsnq2kiecj.jpg


And the seat heating pads do get warm when you hit the switches ...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova073/IMG_9604_zpsqt2pemd8.jpg


More dash building tomorrow.


Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

Onward and upward...


Finished off building up the dash and installed the new Sony Bluetooth headunit (which is the same as the one in my VXP) .....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova074/IMG_9607_zpsnlsnjoct.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova074/IMG_9606_zpszro3x0ic.jpg




http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova074/IMG_9609_zpsblk0owjc.jpg


Started rubbing down the front bumper getting the basic keying done ready for the bodyshop.....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova074/IMG_9605_zps6dmvqmkf.jpg


And about an hour and a half later its all done....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova074/IMG_9610_zpsyy5inews.jpg


The car is getting booked in a to the bodyshop in a couple of weeks , after speaking to Steve Thompson, the chap who runs the bodyshop, they will do the following ...


Respray the front end , bumpers , tailgate and down both sides along with the side skirts and rear spoiler and they should have it about 4-5 days.


More updates when they happen, I need to start some revising for an exam in a couple of weeks !


Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

Needed to strip the dreaded bonnet that has previously had issues with paint reacting with previous layers.


So got a supply of these paint removing discs for the grinder and set about trying to remove the layers. Thinking this would take about half an hour I was somewhat optimistic !!


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova076/IMG_9615_zps5gwnsf2q.jpg


The layers were like rings on a tree, I think there must be about 10-12 layers on this bonnet - the swage lines were somewhat blurred due to the layers but I started stripping away....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova076/IMG_9612_zpsqhe7q5f7.jpg


This bit of the bonnet above the headlight took about 20 minutes ! You can see the layers as well here ...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova076/IMG_9613_zpst3tbemhy.jpg


So I kept going, taking it in sections and keeping the discs moving to not overheat the panel...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova076/IMG_9611_zpsjhoxcmyp.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova076/IMG_9616_zpsizltzvoa.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova076/IMG_9617_zpsukedo2g1.jpg


I used up two stripping discs...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova076/IMG_9614_zpsvl2novdq.jpg


You can see the micro blisters within the paint here....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova076/IMG_9618_zpsquvpq7ba.jpg


After 2 hours we had got this far....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova076/IMG_9619_zpsu1oo36gq.jpg


And after a final push it was done - phew!


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova076/IMG_9620_zpswoyfp8sx.jpg


It then got a couple of coats of zinc primer and was reattached ready for the bodyshop next week.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova076/IMG_9622_zpsxrxc9ti3.jpg


3.5 hours in total. Mmmmm . At least it weighs about 3kg lighter now!!


Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

Finished off stripping the rear end today....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova078/IMG_9645_zpsgis5l0zx.jpg

Noticed that the rear handle had rubbed away the paint so needed to rub back and primer...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova078/IMG_9646_zpsolbntrbu.jpg

Then it was collection time by the bodyshop.....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova078/IMG_9655_zpsmjljf5wx.jpg

It will be there all next week so will keep popping in for updates.

Cheers

Joff

[krobinson]

:)

[joff-turbo-nova]

Been down to the sprayshop today to see progress.....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova084/IMG_9680_zpsvzqrf0ex.jpg

Unfortunately they have had some emergency jobs in so mine has been kicked back till next week.

Hey ho !

Joff

[Benn]

100% the norm.

[Rob H]

Call me a arse but if I had a time and dated arranged for my spray work and they just fucked it off to prioritise someone else that just brought a car in on the random I'd be taking the car off them and going somewhere else. Unless they rang to check with you and you weren't to bothered, even then I'd be asking for a discount. If I pulled that shit at my job I wouldn't have it for much longer.

[Benn]

That's how it should work. But the motor trade is shite.

[lee coley]

Or maybe they thought 'that looks a horrible Job lets start it next week' or 'hes took all paint off bonnet with a strip wheel fcuk starting that yet'

Painting a job already 'prepped' by the customer is never good.

[joff-turbo-nova]

Popped in today to the sprayshop. Still not started, but they are selling this Skoda, which you don't see many about...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova085/IMG_0342_zpsepdxouct.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova085/IMG_0340_zpstus80oxz.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova085/IMG_0341_zpsoxiazrxg.jpg

It's a Skoda Rapid 136 5 speed !

They have sold it for £1200 - the engine & gearbox is out and under a tarp just round the corner!

Hopefully there will be progress next week ??

Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

Just nipped into the bodyshop on the way to work today, some progress but not a huge amount . They have started filling any nicks and small dints in prep for the paint.

The tailgate had quite a deep scratch on the right side...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova086/IMG_9710_zpsw8vosnmx.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova086/IMG_9711_zpstby91wcp.jpg

The offside rear quarter near the fuel cap had a dint and there were dings here and there on the doors...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova086/IMG_9713_zpshqw6t5pi.jpg

And a few more on the nearside...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova086/IMG_9712_zpsfhl9erj7.jpg

Next jobs are flatting the filler back and then some primer . They need to spray on the inner edges of the doors and colour the inside of the replacement door before they spray the whole of the sides , front and rear.

More updates next week.

Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

Popped in to see progress - not much so far but at least some more work has been done...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova087/IMG_9720_zps2ail1z7o.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova087/IMG_9720_zps2ail1z7o.jpg.html)


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova087/IMG_9724_zpsn8yofzl7.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova087/IMG_9724_zpsn8yofzl7.jpg.html)


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova087/IMG_9723_zpsizagra0q.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova087/IMG_9723_zpsizagra0q.jpg.html)


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova087/IMG_9722_zpstc7bey1j.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova087/IMG_9722_zpstc7bey1j.jpg.html)


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova087/IMG_9721_zpsbiuwhddx.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova087/IMG_9721_zpsbiuwhddx.jpg.html)


Been promised for it to be back before Christmas , didn;t say which Christmas mind !!


Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

Update time....

Hurrah it's finished !!! Should be delivered sometime next week !! All work completed as agreed and have made a great job of it !

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova088/IMG_9725_zpssknpfdaf.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova088/IMG_9725_zpssknpfdaf.jpg.html)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova088/IMG_9726_zpssz9uqibd.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova088/IMG_9726_zpssz9uqibd.jpg.html)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova088/IMG_9727_zps15y9irm0.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova088/IMG_9727_zps15y9irm0.jpg.html)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova088/IMG_9728_zpsek1rztes.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova088/IMG_9728_zpsek1rztes.jpg.html)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova088/IMG_9729_zpsmk99rdjy.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova088/IMG_9729_zpsmk99rdjy.jpg.html)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova088/IMG_9730_zpsgrixcko1.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova088/IMG_9730_zpsgrixcko1.jpg.html)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova088/IMG_9731_zpsnsu6h2dc.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova088/IMG_9731_zpsnsu6h2dc.jpg.html)

Just needs a wipe down and polish.

Need to rebuild a few parts and put back together and we are all ready for the MOT.

Whilst at the sprayshop I noticed that their courtesy car had seen some action, apparently some 85 year old was adjusting the rear view mirror and drove straight into a deep ditch and rolled it. Well at least another Ka is off the road ! The old chap got out without a scratch and has had to pay for a replacement vehicle and the spraywork on his own car (which he drove into a hedge a week earlier). The police are reporting him to DVLA to have his licence revoked!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova088/IMG_9732_zpswbdouskg.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova088/IMG_9732_zpswbdouskg.jpg.html)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova088/IMG_9733_zpsmcilaszp.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova088/IMG_9733_zpsmcilaszp.jpg.html)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova088/IMG_9734_zpsem1fz9jo.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/joff-turbo-nova/media/joff-turbo-nova088/IMG_9734_zpsem1fz9jo.jpg.html)

Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

Well Happy New Year to all !

Quick update ....

The Meriva was delivered back before Christmas , but with the DIY, the weather and Christmas shenanigans, things stalled over the last few weeks.

Anyway, first job was to rebuild the tailgate, waxoyling it before reconstruction and then onto putting in the rear lights, with a twin fog conversion already wired in...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova090/IMG_9826_zps2idx7t7h.jpg

I then rebuilt the bonnet catch and put the Irmscher grille in ...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova090/IMG_9825_zpssmtsxc9l.jpg

The passenger side door had a full inside and outside respray as it was originally silver so needed the door card and wing mirror putting back in ...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova090/IMG_9824_zpsxn6dyakt.jpg

Got the rear bumper out with the Irmscher lower lip , with the holes for the reversing sensors ...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova090/IMG_9827_zpsampiubuj.jpg

Fitted the sensors and wired them all in along with the number plate lights (with LED's) and refitted the rear bumper...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova090/IMG_9828_zpscyrquzlv.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova090/IMG_9829_zpshhwza82t.jpg

And then fitted the new rear number plate...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova090/IMG_9835_zps5bed9qi3.jpg

The letters are resin domed which makes a nice change...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova090/IMG_9839_zpsefc0wybg.jpg

Also have the Irmscher VXR spoiler to fit tomorrow weather permitting...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova090/IMG_9834_zps60h0cptu.jpg

Will work on the front end as well.

Cheers

Joff

[EwanG]

Hey joff! The attentional to detail in your threads is unbelievable! I am not a fan of new Vauxhalls but the write ups photos etc is very interesting! Keep up the good work!

[krobinson]

Looks excellent - who made the plates?

[joff-turbo-nova]

Looks excellent - who made the plates?

http://www.demonplates.com/

Had a few issues due to no V5 (cat C status) but with a few calls and follow up receipts they came through back end of last year.

Today's update....

Cold , cold and more cold...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova091/IMG_9841_zpsv9hyiwzr.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova091/IMG_9842_zpsqrqwlpdp.jpg

So after a bracing start, well lets just say it didn't really warm up all day, got the headlights in and wired up, helped by my able assistants Isaac and Sydney - the car now has 4 cats !!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova091/IMG_9846_zpsx9ruz3ce.jpg

And then it was on with the arch liners, indicators and then front bumper which was rebuilt and installed...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova091/IMG_9840_zpsm1myko1a.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova091/IMG_9850_zpsor7ayyzr.jpg

And then dropped back down on its wheels..

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova091/IMG_9854_zpschjjxevu.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova091/IMG_9856_zpsme1aoxcl.jpg

And the new number plate installed...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova091/IMG_9859_zpsyvpnxpp3.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova091/IMG_9862_zpsyfjys3ks.jpg

Also sorted the rear VXR spolier out too...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova091/IMG_9852_zpswxudqqzs.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova091/IMG_9853_zpsn1pbp9ar.jpg

Then once it got too cold I started work with my son building a Lego Wall-e ....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova092/IMG_9865_zpsyi62eq0g.jpg

Needs a bit more work - its currently Wonk-e rather than Wall-e !!

Cheers

Joff

[Benn]

Haha Hi kittie!

Love the build up. Looks great.

[therealnovaboy]

Great build always worth a read same with your gold one. Got me looking at getting a vxr meriva for the mrs.

Was wondering and thought you could help me. do the vxr seats still fold into a 4seater I've not had a chance to look at a vxr up close just the base models. Seem to be few and far away. Also how close is it to a corsa C underneath do the shocks/springs and ARB fit both models?

[joff-turbo-nova]

Great build always worth a read same with your gold one. Got me looking at getting a vxr meriva for the mrs.

Was wondering and thought you could help me. do the vxr seats still fold into a 4seater I've not had a chance to look at a vxr up close just the base models. Seem to be few and far away. Also how close is it to a corsa C underneath do the shocks/springs and ARB fit both models?

On the rear seats the central section folds down flat to the floor , you can then move the two seats in and back to give rear passengers more leg and elbow room - standard feature across the range including the VXR.

Regarding underneath, the front end suspension and engine bed and mounts are lifted straight from the corsa including roll bars, hubs and dampers although with the heavier weight than a corsa the spring rates may be different.

The rear end is lifted from the Astra G & H including the rear beam , brakes and suspension.

Hope this helps

Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

Update...


Had this Meriva out for a week as a run-around to work as my own VXP had a failed clutch master cylinder (what a horrible job that is to change!!!) . First day was to get an MOT and the tracking sorted - sailed through the MOT and the chap at Kwik Fit said he'd never seen a Meriva so clean underneath !! That was a couple of weeks ago and I noticed two things.


1. There was a clicking noise from the front offside wheel everytime I turned slightly left.
2. There was some rattles coming from the vent at the front of the dash right under the screen


So I sourced a GKN CV and changed that over...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova094/IMG_9879_zpsalhs0znf.jpg


And then padded the vent trim with double sided foam tape to stop the rattles.


It was then on to fitting the sideskirts....


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova094/IMG_9875_zpssafcpkau.jpg


Its a bit of a faffy job but with the right bungee cords , wood, bricks and tyre they stick on fine!!!!


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova094/IMG_9877_zpsqosbefas.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova094/IMG_9876_zpsmzgnzwnk.jpg


The skirts were secured underneath once the sikaflex had gone off. I used stainless cap headed screws, which seem to be quite hard to come by!


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova094/IMG_9881_zpsayzezwn1.jpg


Once secured it was time for the wheels and new VW bolt caps...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova094/IMG_9896_zpst3rwczox.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova094/IMG_9902_zpsj3eqg8vy.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova094/IMG_9903_zpss8i65mhh.jpg


Two jobs for tomorrow weather permitting - Team Heko is due a visit and the passenger side seat needs a better heating mat fitting...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova094/IMG_9880_zpsvrpnkgmi.jpg


This one is from an Insignia!


Also needs a good clean inside and out and a polish and wax !


Cheers


Joff

[totalnova]

Looking good as always Joff.

[joff-turbo-nova]

Team Heko came to play on Sunday....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova095/IMG_9905_zpsgehu0tdi.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova095/IMG_9904_zpsgmhx7vdm.jpg


I then sorted the heat pads in the seats - all sorted now and tostie ar$es all round (well in the front !)

Apart from a top to toe clean Dimitri is now ready for the road !!

Joff

[joff-turbo-nova]

Sill plates were added yesterday on all 4 sills...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova096/IMG_0126_zpsvfioxklp.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova096/IMG_0125_zps4hq0ffm9.jpg

I also noticed on all 3 of my Meriva's that the steering column was making a loud clicking noise and I remembered that there is a field remedy to sort this out, so here's a mini "how to" for other users...

Remove top cowl of steering column - this has two clips on the edge next to the steering wheel - rotate steering wheel where appropriate to gain access..

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova096/IMG_0124_zpshjgtwqsj.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova096/IMG_0104_zps6lkah9vz.jpg

If your model has the adjustable column remove the adjuster handle - one T20 bolt...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova096/IMG_0102_zpsxnvyrbqi.jpg

And remove the rubber trim around the key barrel ...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova096/IMG_0106_zpsfpid6hxu.jpg

Remove the bottom part of the cowl - there are two screws in the upper part of the column and one underneath - all T20 heads...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova096/IMG_0105_zpspjxf9oas.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova096/IMG_0103_zps7iiul0er.jpg

Unscrew the two T20 screws holding the dash trim panel in place...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova096/IMG_0101_zpswzqyikln.jpg

Remove the trim plug and swing down the air vent - you do not need to fully remove as its really awkward to get back into the right position...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova096/IMG_0118_zpskjnx27xp.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova096/IMG_0116_zps1a4yhsmg.jpg

Next job is to remove the steering column motor - all you are doing is removing two E10 bolts and moving it about 1" towards the right to gain access to the splines - so no undoing of the wiring is required....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova096/IMG_0110_zpsa3jc1uej.jpg

Once undone and moved an inch or so to the right it exposes the splines like so...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova096/IMG_0119_zpsd3ca02p5.jpg

You need to obtain some silicone grease - the stuff from Vauxhall is hideously expensive so get some from ebay or amazon.....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova096/IMG_0121_zpsbim0dmpl.jpg

And smear a healthy lump onto the splines like this....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/joff-turbo-nova/joff-turbo-nova096/IMG_0122_zpse9nv06gx.jpg

And in the Haynes Manual tradition refitting is the reversal of removal !!!

Once all back together take it for a drive and after a couple of miles the noise should cease completely !

Joff

[nova_t]

love wat your doing with the merivas im part of the gang to i have built meriva converted with forged zlet engine no on your level of being clean but more for the sleeper look https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190306/9c476ec525ee08cb402609cb64158a32.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190306/a9302ed3506ecbe78e67c7eb04f8cda5.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190306/19e69dafcc937516b756e63ef5807de8.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190306/ecc63b7672d53c3ef8463b6f18cff745.jpg

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