Sport Project 1990 to 2016 (hopefully)

[slimtater]

​Part 1 - 1990-1992

OK so a few of you will have seen some of my posts either on here or on Facebook about my Nova Sport. For those who don't, I will recap and make this the start point of my project thread.

So, I owned C67 between 1990 and 1992 during which it was a standard road car. The only bits of note that I had done to it whilst I owned it was had the cam replaced for the genuine Irmscher one (managed to blag that through the Car Care warranty I got with the car) and it was done at my local Vauxhall dealer, Millwards of Wirksworth. I have the invoice from this and the part number was 1406108 and all I paid for that job was £27.12! I will come back to this later in the thread no doubt.

In 1992, I had the car repainted at a local body shop. At the time, they couldn't find the decals and it only had the flash sections so I am ashamed to report that I think these were painted around. This is the car a few months before it went in - I had put some Kure-rust on every single chip on the car (I used to work in a disused quarry so it had a few) to protect it pending paint:

http://thumbsnap.com/t/khbiY8U3.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/khbiY8U3)

At the same time, I fitted a new back box (£48.16 inc p+p direct from Steve Thompson Cars) and had the wheel trims repainted. I haven't found the photos of it after paint but it did to me seem a good job at the time. The car was always looked after by John Noble Engines and John himself always tuned/set it up, introducing me/it to running without the airbox lid. For those who know Derbyshire, on full chat coming up Slack Hill on the way home from a service was worth the cost itself.

[ShawnAzzopardi]

What will 2016 hold?

[slimtater]

Part 2 - 1992 and things change...

We have all been there at some point but in 1991 I met my now wife so priorities changed. I had known her a few years but August 1991 (around my 21st birthday) was the time we went on our first date. I met her at a pub in town and then gave her a lift home in my Nova Sport. She seemed very impressed (must have been) and thought it was hilarious that the induction noise (and air horns) scared pedestrians! Remember this date - its important: August 1991.

So, with changed priorities and an enthusiasm to get engaged, buy a house and then get married, the Sport may need to go. If it wasn't for my then brother-in-law (my sister's husband) being very keen to own a Sport and making me a top price offer (in excess of £3000 in 1992) then I may have held on to it a bit longer. However, £3000 was a 10% deposit on our first house so it was sold.

During the time he owned it, he used it hard and started getting in to more motorsport. From memory, he did a few 12 cars and club sprints and I can remember taking it to Nobles for him and it running on Colway Road Plus tyres - the cheap but popular road rally tyre of the time.

Sadly, my sister separated from him and I started to lose track of the Sport. As I was in to motorsport (and had no grudge with my now ex BIL) I saw him a few years later at Curborough where he was sprinting a heavily modified Nova SR. He told me he had done a swap with the Sport so as not to ruin it as he did more and more Sprints. He told me the name of the guy he had swapped with (lets just call him AG) and I actually knew him but not well.

So, I sort of lost track completely in the mid to late 90s and the internet wasn't the thing it is now so wasn't much help.

[slimtater]

Part 3 - The chase begins...

As the internet became more and more useful during the 2000s, I kept doing random searches to try and find C67. The only thing I ever found was this reference:

http://www.migweb.co.uk/forums/off-topic-discussions/39280-your-first-car-3.html#post398142

This must have been nearly 10 years after it was posted and the only other thing I found was what the DVLA site would tell me:

Vehicle enquiry
Registration number: C67 MNH
Untaxed
Expired: 01 March 2002
MOT: No details held by DVLA

Vehicle details
6 month rate £79.75 12 month rate £145.00
Vehicle make VAUXHALL
Date of first registration 21 August 1985
Year of manufacture 1985
Cylinder capacity (cc) 1297cc
CO2Emissions Not available
Fuel type PETROL
Export marker No
Vehicle status Not taxed
Vehicle colour WHITE
Vehicle type approval Not available

I kind of conceded that given the time gap, the car must have joined a few others and no longer be around.

It wasn't until this summer that I went to a Car Cafe event, spotted an immaculate/original Sport and got talking to the owner (who is well known on here) about his car and my old one. He must of thought I was a dreamer as I could only vaguely remember mine - the non standard sunroof, the Halfords stereo (disgraceful for what I think was a non radio version) and the incomplete stripe kit. I must have sounded like the owner of a fake!!

This conversation did reignite my enthusiasm for a Sport and after a few searches to confirm none were for sale, I thought I will start buying bits. By coincidence, the first bit I bought off eBay was from said owner above and the conversation continued - especially as by chance he only lived a few miles from me. He tried to help me with a few potential cars but no luck.

I decided to resume the search for C67 and just sent a random text to my sister and the conversation went like this:

Do you ever hear from XXXX (ex husband)?

No - why?

Just wondering. Do you hear from AG or are you in touch?

Sometimes. We are friends on Facebook and I message him occasionally. Why?

Just wondering what happened to my old Nova. I think it has been scrapped.

I will ask him when I next message him.

Thanks.

30 minutes later, my sister replies with:

Messaged AG. He still has the Nova. Been stood in his garage and not used for years. He said "make me an offer"

This was in July just before I went on holiday but needless to say, I started to make contact. A few events hampered things but early in September, I went to look at my old Sport for the first time in over 20 years. As can be seen, it was pretty wedged in the corner of a garage and hard to assess:

http://thumbsnap.com/t/IQIkr1Nu.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/IQIkr1Nu)

A few weeks later and with Novasports help, we got it out of hiding to have a better look at it:

http://thumbsnap.com/t/Smq9SS0h.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/Smq9SS0h)

I will add a few more pictures of its state then but needless to say, it had had a hard life as a sprint and hillclimb car and little of the original Sport stuff was in the car (it had loads of stuff changed). However, it did still have a lot of the original stuff with it such as original engine, carbs, airbox, seats and steel wheels.

I honestly thought it was going to be too much work for a home garage amateur like me but after a lot of conversations with Rich, I took the plunge and I (ha ha, "we") took it on...

http://thumbsnap.com/i/hwtj1a18.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/tyPZgWjh.jpg


http://thumbsnap.com/i/g9BVQj4B.jpg

[slimtater]

If this thread is too long or boring, mods please feel free to move it somewhere else lol!

[slimtater]

Part 4 - buying it back, getting it back and spending lots of money begins

Knowing the car needed a lot of work, especially in terms of bodywork/panel work needed to return it to a road car, I managed to negotiate a good deal which included everything that was related to the car originally. I even got a Haynes manual and the one for Webers! I arranged to pick up the car a couple of weeks later which gave me time to sort out a van and trailer, space and more importantly, a very big and expensive shopping list of things needed. This included quite a few rare or hard to get bits and for this aspect, I am forever in debt to Rich for his help in spending my project budget wisely! And at times frivolously lol!

Collection day was in October and very exciting - I am sure people recall my early morning Facebook posts when I couldn't sleep:

http://thumbsnap.com/t/WVuzlK3J.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/WVuzlK3J)

http://thumbsnap.com/t/KQStLbqm.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/KQStLbqm)
http://thumbsnap.com/t/g9BVQj4B.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/g9BVQj4B)

I will continue this post a little later with items sourced, purchased or refurbished just to give people an idea of the size of the task - especially considering this is all being done in a home garage and I haven't done anything like it before! :eek:

So, as I said I got quite a few bits with the car but also needed quite a few bits. In fact, lots of bits. As the car had been used for motorsport and had had engine and gearbox changes along the way, getting it back to original road spec was going to be a challenge. The car had a full cage which had been put through the dash to the front turrets (so effectively destroying the dash for future use) and race seats with support plates on the floor. It also had fiberglass bonnet, boot and front wings as well as a plate over the sunroof hole to replace or sort. There was some luck though and within what I bought I managed to get the following:

5 of the original steel wheels in the correct 5Jx13
The correct 40s and manifold although not on the engine
Front and rear seats - usable if unable to source replacements (lets call it patina type aging)
Front and rear door cards - the fronts without pockets but a little bit of wear from the roll cage. At least they will trace back to its motorsport use!
The original airbox, alternator brackets and mount
The original 108 cam within the cam carrier - off the engine and actually looks in good shape

I am sure there may be things that I have forgotten but some of the stuff like the RFXs, cage and seat would be sold on as not required. That's probably as much as I can think of in terms of money coming in! lol

[Edd]

If this thread is too long or boring, mods please feel free to move it somewhere else lol!
This is exactly the type of stuff that needs to be posted on the forum, all the builds/stories in one place that everyone can see

It's great hearing a story like this and seeing the car rebuilt

[Andy]

Agreed.much better than "bought a base model for 50quid added a redtop,almost escaped the earths velocity speed.for sale 5grand"

[paul james]

Awesome that you could get back your old car again. Don't be discouraged about restoring it from a home garage, plenty of people here have done the same.

[toymex]

Real nice story ,I have owned two C811 ULA which I had around 1995 ,bought it quite cheap at the time was a really nice car had an air leak on the webers that I sorted then added a full tubular manifold and system and K& N panel filter .i really loved that car .i had to sell it to buy a van for work .then I bought C599CYL that was a hillclimb car again needed a bit of work but was a nice spec car .my brother and I used it for track days ,sadly he wrote it off at Lydden hill .i would love to get ULA back but I have not got a clue what happened to it

[Southie]

A build thread that actually is full of info and worth a read, Edd take note lol only joke matey ;)

[mk1nova_rich]

Good read so far, keep it coming...:thumb:

Just one thing, the pictures are tiny lol

[Edd]

A build thread that actually is full of info and worth a read, Edd take note lol only joke matey ;)

I will be doing a update on mine over next month

[slimtater]

Part 5 - dismantling, buying more bits and getting the shell ready for rebuilding

So this is where the work and spending really began. I knew that the rebuild would require front wings, front panel, sills, rear quarters (inner and outer), bonnet, boot and doors as well as lots of work on the chassis and floor. The car was stripped down and after scraping around 30 years of underseal off the underside and cutting away the obvious bad bits, the shell went for soda blasting and then a coat of epoxy primer. I went epoxy even though I knew the shell would be in a heated/dehumidified garage as I wasn't sure how long it would take to do this phase. I can highly recommend soda blasting as it managed to save some bits from distortion yet still getting at the bits that were past saving:

http://thumbsnap.com/t/FfPJJkuT.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/FfPJJkuT)

http://thumbsnap.com/t/1fVDOy3Z.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/1fVDOy3Z)

As can be seen, it also revealed some nasty repairs! So, now sat in my garage are new front wings (genuine and came from Europe via this site), front lower panel/crossmember, battery tray, both full sills, both full rear quarters (including inners), donor bonnet/boot/doors and as the donor drivers door isn't the best, I also have a new doorskin and lower repair panel. There is also a lot of fabrication and repair work to do such as chassis legs, spring mounts and floor sections. Again through Rich I have found a great welder/fabricator and here are a couple of bits of his work:

After cutting out
http://thumbsnap.com/t/08cjS3N7.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/08cjS3N7)

After repair
http://thumbsnap.com/t/D8Q8yBsI.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/D8Q8yBsI)

These are the only pics I have of this stage but they are a good example of the work and effort going in to making the shell good. This won't resume until January but ideally to keep to my deadline, I would like the shell to be ready for paint in late February/early March.

One thing you learn is that sourcing bits for a Sport isn't cheap - some of this is due to rarity but in some cases, its just the premium that people want to charge if they know its something a Sport needs. I have been really lucky with people who have helped me out and there are some really helpful people out there! However, I have still had to spend well in excess of what the car would have cost when new and that's before I have paid for welding, paint and the engine rebuild.

So, what else have I done?

Well I bought a donor engine and gearbox to assist with the rebuilding of the engine using my original block and hopefully the 108 cam. I dropped the whole lot off at a local engine builders with a great reputation for these engines last month and the aim is to get a nice build back in March time. Nothing too OTT but if there is a bit of lightening, balancing, polishing and porting, then will get that done. The main objective is to keep the original and verified engine number and the 108 cam as part of the rebuild. Forgot to mention, Andrew D has verified my car as one of the originals and there is even the sub story about the SONO that came with mine. In a nutshell, it is believed to be the Sport that had its 40s removed by its first owner but then had them/some put back on - they were on correctly when I had it in 1990! Another story for another day....

I have had a lot of bits shot-blasted and powder coated ready for rebuilding (not quite to Lee V/Sean K levels but enough for the time being) and this from memory includes:

Rear beam, rear drums and backplates, rear ARB, front knuckle, engine and gearbox mounts, front ARB/tie bars (Nova GTE ones), front disc backplates, tie bar mounts, airbox and front arms/wishbones. I am sure there is more but it was a big box that went and came back!

http://thumbsnap.com/t/hrH2rlLA.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/hrH2rlLA)

I am going to go for subtle mods such as Bilstein B14s, vented 236mm discs and poly bushes but nothing much more than that:

http://thumbsnap.com/t/rjuD6NcM.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/rjuD6NcM)

(Just noticed the box says B16 but it was B14 on the order form!!)

Just to remind you, whilst all this has been happening, I have had new parts arriving almost daily. If I was to guess, well over 50% of the car will be new and that includes front brake discs, calipers, wheel bearings, hubs, radiator, alternator, starter motor. I have also refurbished a few bits and this will be the case throughout - a Corsa B ePAS rack (without ePAS) has had new track rods/track rod ends so I have a budget quick rack:

http://thumbsnap.com/t/ZYalhkmj.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/ZYalhkmj)

(I accept that this is never going to be a perfect, concourse car but I am trying to do the best I can with home mechanic skills and limited facilities!)

The driveshafts have been stripped and the shafts powder coated and they will be rebuilt with new gaitors etc. The original steel wheels have been refurbished, fitted with Firestone Multihawks and they will be finished off with BRAND NEW correct trims:

http://thumbsnap.com/t/UZVC5v9A.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/UZVC5v9A)

I might leave it there for now and perhaps part 6 (or part 5 the sequel) will have the list extended with other items. Correct 1.3 badges, new door handles, a replacement dash and even a correct coin tray are some of the additions. If anyone wants the spreadsheet with the list and cost to scare them, just ask lol.....

[slimtater]

Good read so far, keep it coming...:thumb:

Just one thing, the pictures are tiny lol

Can't you click on them for full size? Nothing worse than reading a thread and having to scroll through the huge pics lol!

[Richy12]

Firstly well done on tracking down the car.

I can see you have your head screwed on and have the drive to get the car finished. Rich is a absolute gent, you won't find better than him. Using his vast knowledge and network of contacts will speed the build up no end.

Good luck with the build and I will keep an eye on it. ☺

[slimtater]

Firstly well done on tracking down the car.

I can see you have your head screwed on and have the drive to get the car finished. Rich is a absolute gent, you won't find better than him. Using his vast knowledge and network of contacts will speed the build up no end.

Good luck with the build and I will keep an eye on it. ☺

Thanks Jerry - you are 100% correct regarding Rich but not sure my head is screwed on. 45 and dodgy knees - I really shouldn't be rebuilding Novas over winter! lol

[slimtater]

Just in case nobody has made the connection yet!

My target date for completing the rebuild is August 2016 - next August. 8 months away. Its an important date for me and the car. :roll:

It would be great to have it ready for Billing 2016, especially as I have accommodation there booked.

I think both dates are ambitious and I will have to call in more favours than I can ever pay back to meet it. I am going to give it my best shot though so if this thread doesn't get too many updates, you know why - I am doing the doing rather than writing about the doing (or not doing)!

[nova J877]

Thats an excellent thread, im so glad that you managed to trace your car as it obviously holds many cherished memories for you, I look forward to reading your updates. I do agree with you regarding parts cost and availability, there are a lot of helpful members around so you should be able to locate some parts quickly. I've had a lot of luck sourcing parts from Germany and Greece. As these little cars get more scarce then it can be tricky finding the bits you need, especially for the earlier ones, but they do eventually turn up. It would be great to see your car at Billing as last years Sport selection was fantastic, Billing is a great event, just can't guarantee the British weather. Keep up the good work.

[TugSR]

Fantastic thread here for inspiration to others with their restorations - superb !

Good luck with your deadline !

:thumb:

[slimtater]

Part 5 - continuation of shopping and a few failures along the way

Firstly, I am going to add that as time goes on, this thread will have more pictures and not just me droning on via the keyboard. Hopefully the early stages were more of the story building up rather than the car building up!

Some of the new parts I have been able to source with help and guidance have been a godsend. For example, I found a brand new original and genuine front bumper in Germany for £91 and although I had to pay £52 for a courier, that in my mind is still good value. My 5th wheel from the parts that came with it had seen some action and no doubt could be knocked in to shape but again a pointer to a German eBay sale secured a very good used one for £22. Again, a few extra quid (and some help from Europe) got the item back to me in the UK.

Successes included getting a correct donor engine (complete with a box that I sold on the same day) to assist with the rebuild of mine - just handy having a second one there that is complete. It was only 20 minutes from where I live as well so one Saturday morning I went to collect, drove my new purchase along with my original engine up to Mansfield, dropped off the whole lot and got some cash back for the gearbox. Another success was a trip to Wales for another engine, box and loom purchase and this time I sold on the 1.4 engine and kept the C394 F13 box. Sometimes you have to speculate to accumulate and there is a market out there for surplus bits.

The success of getting the C394 box to combine with an F10 case with the aim of rebuilding in to one box was a little short lived though. When me and Rich started stripping the two boxes down, it became obvious that this could soon become an expensive approach for a home builder. Ideally we wanted to put new bearings in it as well as getting the case stripped back for blasting. It was obvious that the detents would need replacing if they even came out - if removing the 5th gear was anything to go by, it could be a problem. Suddenly, you are looking at £150-200 to rebuild the box properly and nicely and plan B came back to being plan A. Through some careful searching, we managed to source a brand new F10 W429 box from Opel Classics, the best bit being it worked out at £291 delivered. Now it may not be the most ideal ratio (when compared to a C394) but what I hopefully get is a very nicely finished box ready to install. It allows me time and options - I may carry on and rebuild the two in to one F10 C394 or if someone wants the lot (its partially stripped) then message me with an offer! Nice box picture though:

http://thumbsnap.com/t/AZREYUPk.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/AZREYUPk)
http://thumbsnap.com/t/2DRkFigx.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/2DRkFigx)

A few things I probably didn't think about when budgeting were buying a jig (I can't weld and don't have the tools/skills to build my on) which came in at £495 delivered and also having to buy more racking for the garage to store all the new parts safely. Worth thinking about if you are doing something like this at home as the last thing you want is nice, new, shiny and valuable parts getting damaged.

More good luck was the fact that the original glass out of the Sport (etched with C67) can be reused after a good clean, with the exception of the windscreen. I have managed to get a new front screen and all my glass is now safely stored in my gaarge loft pending cleaning and refitting. Etching can be good or bad - I managed to get another set of glass and full light set, only to find it had been etched. Most of the original lights on the Sport had some damage of some form - even if it was just wear/age related so I have had to source new front and rear lights, including indicators. All this might seem excessive (and expensive) but some bits will just let down the end result.

I am sure there are still a few bits I will need to buy as the rebuild commences - some nice to have, some need to have. The original door cards have a few scuffs from rubbing the roll cage but hey I can live with that patina! I have managed to get a main dash body (thanks to Lee V) and a lot of the bits from mine will transfer over. The elusive coin tray has been found (via this site) and is on its way to me - hard to believe that an item I didn't have in mine (as someone had fitted a stereo) became one of the holy grail items! :eek:

Bits I am still on the lookout for are a full carpet set (prefer without holes for a centre console), tailgate inner trim as mine disintegrated and perhaps one or two other bits of trim. Having seen a set of seats sell for £600+ on eBay recently, I am hoping that with a very good clean and tidy up, my original set will be reusable.

I will add a bit more to this thread over the next few weeks - ideally pictures and things that I have bought to give an indication of where from and cost. I am hoping that January to August 2016 updates will follow the rebuild so fingers crossed.

Thanks for reading so far!

[Will F]

Epic thread mate, really interesting and poignant read!
glad I can help, albeit ina very small way, to help get the dream to a reality!
what size are those White rfx wheels? Are they 15"? They look huge!?

[slimtater]

Loved the stance of it on the big RFXs but they hadn't done the rear quarters much good!

You have helped in a small but significant way Will - thanks again. :thumb:

[Novasport]

The RFX's were 7x15" et49 but were running with hubcentric spacers all round & camber washers on the rear axle. They were Group A spec with the deep inserts.

[Novasport]

Glad I could be of assistance getting another Sport back on the road. Been enjoyable so far tracking down the parts you need and I am sure there will still be plenty to find.
It will be nice to have another Sport local. There used to be five at one point in Derby but only really been mine in recent years. Hopefully have two on the road next summer and possibly a third if we can get Jim's back out.

[Will F]

I don't suppose you still have the wheels/studs do you?? I have a set and cant seem to get my hands on the longer studs with the different taper!

[Novasport]

I don't no, sorry. They were the normal taper on mine afaik, just the bolts were longer.

[slimtater]

Huge landmark event....

This one deserves a full size picture!

In 1990 I was impressed with the stereo that was installed. In 2015, it's the stereo blank! Which probably cost more as well!

http://thumbsnap.com/i/ScfoRahN.jpg

[Novasport]

Double checked and it seems your Sport was spec'd with a radio from new
Looks like we need to find an original radio instead!!!
















Just kidding lol

[slimtater]

Double checked and it seems your Sport was spec'd with a radio from new
Looks like we need to find an original radio instead!!!















Just kidding lol


And that was your 9000 post?!?! :wtf:

[Southie]

What coins are you putting in it, I hope they don't fall out lol

[slimtater]

What coins are you putting in it, I hope they don't fall out lol

1p pieces - that's all I will have left when I finish!!

[Will F]

Nice tray!

I was sweating when I was gently prising it out of it's home for the last 27 years!

[slimtater]

Happy Christmas to me!!

One less oily bit to worry about cleaning up and refurbishing....

http://thumbsnap.com/i/LJ74Owvu.jpg

[Tim Harpley]

Good thread :thumb: you're doing a lot better with your build than I am, haven't touched mine since March ! I hate home improvements :roll: hopefully another few weeks after the New Year I'll finally be finished, the missus will be happy and then it'll Sport time again:)

[slimtater]

Good thread :thumb: you're doing a lot better with your build than I am, haven't touched mine since March ! I hate home improvements :roll: hopefully another few weeks after the New Year I'll finally be finished, the missus will be happy and then it'll Sport time again:)

I am working to a bit of an ambitious deadline but also moved to a new house 2 years ago so clearly she is cutting me some slack! Yours is also a big project but its amazing how things can progress if you get a clear run. Good luck! :thumb:

[slimtater]

Rebuilding commences!

Not planning to do loads over Christmas even though I have some time off. Space is a limiting factor as every time I want to do something in my garage, I have to shifts stored stuff and move the shell on the jig.

I spent the morning searching through various boxes and tubs to sort out all the suspension nuts and bolts plus all the bits that I think I want either blasting or cleaning/plating.

Also started to put the rear beam back together although I may start again with some new/plated stub axle bolts:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/MH5DpOb9.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/o29qTzLX.jpg

I have found I am missing the correct rear ARB nut, bolt and washer as mine had been fitted with twin ARBs so a longer bolt so will need to source a replacement. Also trying to decide the best way to re-finish the brake servo as I have never fully dismantled one before.

[slimtater]

Not much has happened over Christmas and New Year as expected. I took the drum backplates off and put the correct ones on (I had two pairs refurbished and didn't realise they were different - good spot Lee V) so I am more or less as I was. Ordered new handbrake cables, found a coach bolt for the handbrake equaliser but still after some bolts and nuts for the ARB. Once the cables arrive and I get some ARB bolts, I should be able to complete the beam as its all here and ready bar making brake lines.

Managed to get a pretty perfect carpet set including the boot - only needed a vacuum, some foam cleaner and a light wash. Happy days!

[Nobby]

Im in tears here!!...... this thread has made me feel all warm inside!

[faker]

I love this thread! Fair play

[slimtater]

Not loads of progress made but beam is almost finished now I have handbrake cables and the bolts and nuts for the ARB and handbrake equaliser. Just got to get the bearing races pressed in to the drums and I could wrap it up and put it one side ready for fitting. The welding should resume this weekend and I am going to rebuild the driveshafts now I have all the bits prepped (shafts nicely powder coated).

http://thumbsnap.com/i/JnOE1c6R.jpg
http://thumbsnap.com/i/xP8U76sL.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/2wwQ2clY.jpg
I am probably there with 95% of the stuff I needed to source and buy but no doubt a few little bits will crop up along the way. Its silly things like the caliper slide mounts as I have gone for the ATE calipers and 236mm vented discs so got a different carrier.

[SRimon]

Great thread Tim. Think I've had some bits of you via Richard.

Good luck with it, Sports are for men with deep pockets especially this sort of build!

Subscribed

[totalnova]

Can I ask what are the hand brake cables hidden in? I'm sure when I took my rear beam off the cable wasn't hidden like that.
Cheers Nick

[slimtater]

Can I ask what are the hand brake cables hidden in? I'm sure when I took my rear beam off the cable wasn't hidden like that.
Cheers Nick

It's just the normal cable setup for that period of Nova as far as I know - later ones appear a little thinner and more exposed perhaps?

[slimtater]

Great thread Tim. Think I've had some bits of you via Richard.

Good luck with it, Sports are for men with deep pockets especially this sort of build!

Subscribed

Thanks for that - yes, deep pockets that are now almost empty and lots to do. Hopefully I have bought all the expensive stuff now and just have the welding and paintwork to pay for. I am going to rebuild it myself (perhaps with a bit of help) for free! lol

[totalnova]

It's just the normal cable setup for that period of Nova as far as I know - later ones appear a little thinner and more exposed perhaps?

Yeah mine is a k reg and from what I remember from removing the rear beam the handbrake cable was completely exposed, not sleved like yours seems to be.
Thanks Nick

[slimtater]

After cleaning up the CV joints, started to put the driveshafts back together. Not quite there but some taster pictures:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/bkiYqjPy.jpghttp://thumbsnap.com/i/PHa4vA9d.jpg

[Nick J]

Although I've never really been a sport fan Its great to see one being rebuilt within Its original shell and ID! So many opt not too however then It's never true and an original Sport in my eyes. Looks like your going about everything proper so It will make for a great read and build! All the best with it I'm sure their will be some testing times ahead!

Nick.

[slimtater]

Rear beam now finished - no more pictures of that I promise!

I know this has dragged on a bit but apart from putting the brake lines on when its put back on the car, the beam is now finished. The final bit was getting the bearings and drums in place and only had one hiccup. I honestly thought the dust caps went all the way in so ended up taking the split pin out and replacing it twice before deciding there was no way it was going on any further:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/x9VuSX73.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/1MFgDEr1.jpg

Also started on the front hubs today but had a bit of an "issue" when pressing one in to the bearing/knuckle. It mustn't have been seated correctly on the press and the bearing centre came out meaning a complete strip down and once I have another genuine front bearing, start again. Fortunately, the freshly powder coated knuckle and brand new hub have survive ok. The good one:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/x5goMxD8.jpg

[slimtater]

....I did think about building up the fronts a bit more but just a bit wary that you end up with quite heavy bits that you are then trying to line up with the upright etc. Plus I need to get my caliper carriers re-plated so perhaps a good point to pause.

The great news is that my welder is back and cracking on with the floor and chassis repairs so hopefully by the end of tomorrow, the shell will have made a bit of progress. Pictures to follow....

[slimtater]

Just a few of the work in progress - some of the tricky bits around the o/s chassis leg:

http://thumbsnap.com/t/MRGrulOT.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/MRGrulOT)
(first layer done)

http://thumbsnap.com/t/n3eTUG0o.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/n3eTUG0o)
(upper spring mount removed to reveal the extent of the damage - perhaps not as bad as first thought and I have a new spring mount!)


And now an after picture with the second layer done - one less hole that shouldn't have been there!

http://thumbsnap.com/t/TgbsYw0K.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/TgbsYw0K)

[slimtater]

Drive shafts done (well almost - annoyingly one of the gaiter clips was different to the rest and didn't clamp up as well so will get that replaced). Otherwise, fairly pleased with them for a DIY refurb so they get a bigger picture:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/u8IK9A4K.jpg

[slimtater]

Only a little bit of progress over the last week and no pictures I am afraid. A bit more welding done (a repair in the floor) and some cutting back and shaping of repair panels. Thankfully, found some good metal around one of the worst bits where the o/s rear quarter meets the sill and was hidden behind the fuel filler neck. There is a hope and chance that we won't need to put on full sills or outer quarters as well as now we can see inside the sill, its just localised holes on the outer section.

Also got the original loom laid out alongside a good donor one and again we may be lucky in what we need to do. The original loom had been hacked in to in places for various needs and mainly with scotchlocks but the donor loom is pretty much like new and fully in tact.

Got the carbs and inlet manifold out and got a couple of options for their refurb - the alternator stud has broken off in the manifold so that needs sorting as well.

Finally, started to get bits sorted for plating including managing to split the servo so it can be done properly. Will post some picture updates after the weekend...

[marc69]

Great thread and the self satisfaction of restoring your own car will make you smile every time you drive it.

[slimtater]

A brief picture update.

Blasting revealed this so I ordered a new spring mount:

http://thumbsnap.com/t/DYp4jOJi.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/DYp4jOJi)

Things aren't always as good/bad as they seem:

http://thumbsnap.com/t/n3eTUG0o.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/n3eTUG0o)

Nastiness cut out:

http://thumbsnap.com/t/A8bEFTHe.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/A8bEFTHe)

A repair plate is ready to go on and then the new spring mount.

Remember the sills? They were both like this at the front, just some minor holes in the main section and pretty crap where poor rear quarter repairs met.
http://thumbsnap.com/t/82kvXDJs.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/82kvXDJs)(this is the better one of the two but didn't get a before picture of the other side)

Now looking a lot better:

http://thumbsnap.com/t/u3EDsHBV.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/u3EDsHBV)

Whilst bits of welding have continued, the buying has as well:

http://thumbsnap.com/t/uGjft8xL.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/uGjft8xL)

Also ordered a new fuel pump, plugs / HT leads and a new horn! I am still finding lots of little niggly bits that are missing due to a lot of stuff being stripped and hacked about during the cars motorsport days.

I have also lost a wiper motor screw which called for a garage search to no avail! :confused: A lot of car bits to search amongst:

http://thumbsnap.com/t/Q0qRQTV9.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/Q0qRQTV9)

[slimtater]

The mood is always lifted by the arrival of some more new (and shiny) bits:

http://thumbsnap.com/t/LUYlEyv2.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/LUYlEyv2)

Which then remind me that these bad boys need a refurb. Packing them up and sending them away to be properly done as they had been altered to have a motorsport linkage added:

http://thumbsnap.com/t/VhNQFQQY.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/VhNQFQQY)


So, the carbs (along with inlet and a few other bits) are off "up norf" for a bit of an overhaul and tidy up by Mr LV. I had asked a few places locally about refurbs but then got an offer from someone who knows Sports and their carbs inside out. As they had been altered around a bit, I wanted to make sure they were returned to Sport state rather than just a general Weber service.

[slimtater]

Remember that upper spring mount area?

Getting there...
http://thumbsnap.com/t/dVKUA4iA.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/dVKUA4iA)


...and got there!
http://thumbsnap.com/i/q8fPpF6y.jpg

Some other work in progress:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/U24Jp6Z9.jpg
(battery tray - may not look much but it was at the point where many sections met!)

Remember this nasty bit?
http://thumbsnap.com/i/FfPJJkuT.jpg

Looking better:
http://thumbsnap.com/i/cD5Ril55.jpg

And will all merge nicely with the inner and outer repair sections:
http://thumbsnap.com/i/kAq9mr8t.jpg

[totalnova]

Good work, I'm currently doing exactly the same repair to my off side rear arch.
Nick

[slimtater]

As somebody with no welding/fabricating/bodywork skills, I am indebted to my craftsman who is doing this for me. He is keen to save as much original metal and seams/joins as possible and I am amazed by the before > during > after results. I tip my cap to all those who have done this themselves though. :thumb:

[slimtater]

Good work, I'm currently doing exactly the same repair to my off side rear arch.
Nick

Have you got a project thread running Nick or is it just isolated repairs?

[totalnova]

I do indeed, nothing as special as a sport but there all worth saving as far as I'm concerned.

http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?208404-Nicks-x18xe1-build

[TugSR]

You're dead right referring to your welding chap as a craftsman there, Mr slim - excellent craftsmanship.
Credit where it's due !

:thumb:

[Edd]

Do you need to use all that arch repair panel?

Rotten that bad?

[SRimon]

Mine has already had arches but I hope i don't have to replace as far up as that - hoping to stay short of the fuel filler!

Must say the repairs are superb!

[Novasport]

Previous repairs meant they needed to go up this far. Will is doing a cracking job of getting the shell back into shape. Will look great when it is done.

[corsakid]

Fantastic work really enjoyed reading the intro to this project and I'm.really enjoying the updates awesome work

[slimtater]

I do indeed, nothing as special as a sport but there all worth saving as far as I'm concerned.

http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?208404-Nicks-x18xe1-build


I will be reading all of that later! :thumb:

[slimtater]

Fantastic work really enjoyed reading the intro to this project and I'm.really enjoying the updates awesome work

Thank you - I know it was a bit wordy at first but hopefully a few more pictures now! :)

[slimtater]

Do you need to use all that arch repair panel?

Rotten that bad?

We had panels to do the whole quarters if needed but it would have been a shame to cut out lots of good metal - especially around the windows and door shut. I think its more about where the inner repair goes up to that has dictate the outer cut line.

[slimtater]

Previous repairs meant they needed to go up this far. Will is doing a cracking job of getting the shell back into shape. Will look great when it is done.

You are dead right Rich - Will is an old school craftsman and a bit of a good find. I am 100% happy with his judgement and 110% happy with the work and it is now starting to move on. Fingers crossed, July/August 2016 is still viable! :thumb:

[slimtater]

Mine has already had arches but I hope i don't have to replace as far up as that - hoping to stay short of the fuel filler!

Must say the repairs are superb!

Afraid this had had arches as well, along with sill repairs where they met. They were really poor though and it looked like they had been put over the original rather than cut in, hence the reason we have gone as high as we have.

[slimtater]

Picture time!

A good "used" badge for my front grill:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/ZX1uequx.jpg

A few of bits I have had blasted:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/eFa9qQor.jpg

[Iain]

Parts look good, is that them bare or with a coating on?

[slimtater]

Parts look good, is that them bare or with a coating on?

Bare as far as I know - I haven't put anything on!

[slimtater]

Refurbished parts overload!!!

http://thumbsnap.com/i/cJSBowBd.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/WGrPdnM2.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/h7MHxpIU.jpg


http://thumbsnap.com/i/bZHeNGZ5.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/nPglMM26.jpg

[Edd]

Nice

[slimtater]

Nice

A couple of bits didn't come up as well as hoped (e.g. servo) but to be honest, they were in quite a state when they went!

[slimtater]

http://thumbsnap.com/i/TBFPiOZy.jpg

[slimtater]

http://thumbsnap.com/i/IUWE1KWp.jpg

[slimtater]

Got the selector put back together today. Pretty happy with the results of just having the base powder coated and the rod plated - the gear lever shaft has just been cleaned:


http://thumbsnap.com/i/lh97Fr6u.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/pE6c39WH.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/yddrU3bF.jpg

[Iain]

You sir are doing a fine job

[slimtater]

And some bits that have just been cleaned a little:


http://thumbsnap.com/i/09LSsQTf.jpg


http://thumbsnap.com/i/dtySbdzJ.jpg

[slimtater]

You sir are doing a fine job

Thank you - for a complete amateur doing this in a garage with minimal tools and equipment, that means a lot! :-)

[EwanG]

Well done for restoring this sport. It will look super clean when your finished! Please keep updates coming and plenty pics!:thumb:

[slimtater]

Well done for restoring this sport. It will look super clean when your finished! Please keep updates coming and plenty pics!:thumb:

Cheers - I am hoping it will look clean but still going to drive it!

[EwanG]

Once restored please don't drive in the wet/rain! I only take my sr out in the dry!

[Iain]

Ignore the above advice and use and abuse it in all weathers! Your plating etc should make it withstand anything

[SRimon]

Nova's aren't allergic to rain - just be mindful of drying.

Salt kills Nova's

[slimtater]

Not loads happening this week but one way to keep warm is doing the brave thing of taking the heat gun to the rear bumper.

Gently at first:
http://thumbsnap.com/i/gvXy2OoC.jpg

Halfway pause:
http://thumbsnap.com/i/1E5rPpmC.jpg

First full pass completed:
http://thumbsnap.com/i/TWvOuqoN.jpg

Will leave to cool until tomorrow and have another looking before deciding if to go over again. Will probably then try some bumper cleaner/coater/gel of some form if anyone has any good recommendations.

I have also managed to remove the reinforcing bar and brackets and will get them either painted or powder coated. It seems a shame not too even though they aren't in too bad a condition. The end brackets fixed to the inside of the bumper will just get a wire brush and coat of black paint.

[slimtater]

Carb refurb teaser shots....

http://thumbsnap.com/i/INTehRIB.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/sJG8QRXi.jpg

[slimtater]

And the bumper after a coat of Autoglym bumper gel:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/nak6dNb1.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/ShUqXxwq.jpg

[Iain]

Thank you - for a complete amateur doing this in a garage with minimal tools and equipment, that means a lot! :-)
You come across as being a pro with the skills and equipment. Enjoying this thread keep the updates coming.

[Jonesfach]

Carb refurb teaser shots....

http://thumbsnap.com/i/INTehRIB.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/sJG8QRXi.jpg

Carbs.
are you doing these yourself? Looks a cracking job.

[slimtater]

Looking good at 30:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/Xx2iDyq0.jpg

Always good when a 30 year old original part looks good after a bit of a refurb. Plus a GM tank is always that bit better than a non original part!

Looking good on 40s:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/yidA5mvQ.jpg

Or it will when the 40s are attached! Another one to whet the appetite and to show how the carb/inlet refurb is coming along. The person doing these is an absolute hero!

[Vlietje]

Looking good TJ!

[slimtater]

http://thumbsnap.com/i/W1zQvdze.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/Jfa60rlQ.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/GSljvmNf.jpg

[Edd]

Very nice

[Kev Turbo]

Great progress - Keep up the good work

[totalnova]

Going to be able to eat your dinner off of this, Super clean.

[slimtater]

Before:
http://thumbsnap.com/i/ApLi1v1k.jpg

During:
http://thumbsnap.com/i/4vZcjSju.jpg

After:
http://thumbsnap.com/i/xA85UFkh.jpg

I have used POR15 VHT paint - manifold grey as it has received some very good reviews in a world that appears unhappy with the longevity of heat proof paint! lol
.
Plus had a few more bits delivered this week and this is probably the highlight:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/bxseeeK7.jpg

I also got my rear bumper reinforcing bar and brackets back from the powder coaters today as well. Went for satin black on this and it looks spot on - almost wish I had had other bits done in it now!

[slimtater]

http://thumbsnap.com/i/iRjEXtm0.jpg

[slimtater]

http://thumbsnap.com/i/eZVKmitd.jpg

[slimtater]

Tank finished off with some new sound deadening:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/S0tBe5vL.jpg

[slimtater]

Bumper finished and out in the fresh air:

http://thumbsnap.com/t/s1ZCzOZs.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/s1ZCzOZs)

http://thumbsnap.com/i/CZy3ySqf.jpg

[totalnova]

Tank looks great, I was going to paint mine black but I've now changed my mind. :thumb:

[slimtater]

Another week and some more deliveries for what is turning in to one big Airfix model!

http://thumbsnap.com/i/m4VgEAEe.jpg

Now I know the purists will say its not original or even the correct type for a Sport but I had choices to make. My view is that if I can save and refurb something I will, but if not and I can get something new and genuine (that still does the job) then I will. In this case, OCP were able to supply and I am happy that I now have an entirely new ignition set up to make those sparks!

[Jonesfach]

Another week and some more deliveries for what is turning in to one big Airfix model!

http://thumbsnap.com/i/m4VgEAEe.jpg

Now I know the purists will say its not original or even the correct type for a Sport but I had choices to make. My view is that if I can save and refurb something I will, but if not and I can get something new and genuine (that still does the job) then I will. In this case, OCP were able to supply and I am happy that I now have an entirely new ignition set up to make those sparks!

Forgive my ignorance but what is wrong with it ?? Looks the same and will do the same job and is shiny...is the cap slightly different?

[slimtater]

Forgive my ignorance but what is wrong with it ?? Looks the same and will do the same job and is shiny...is the cap slightly different?

I vaguely remember from owning the first time around and understood the original Sport set-up was the 5 wire dizzy with the additional ignition module - this thread may explain:

http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?196485-Sport-Distributor-Wiring&highlight=sport+distributor+5+wire

I am claiming my set-up will be more reliable - 3 less wires and 1 less module! lol I know back in 1990 I had to buy an new module.

[Jonesfach]

I vaguely remember from owning the first time around and understood the original Sport set-up was the 5 wire dizzy with the additional ignition module - this thread may explain:

http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?196485-Sport-Distributor-Wiring&highlight=sport+distribuctor+5+wire (http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?196485-Sport-Distributor-Wiring&highlight=sport+distributor+5+wire)

I am claiming my set-up will be more reliable - 3 less wires and 1 less module! lol I know back in 1990 I had to buy an new module.

Ah i see. Didn't know that you could ditch the idle control unit.

Tbh it makes sense to do it the way you plan. I would do the same myself if building from shell up. One less thing to go wrong as you say.

can you not get the original dizzy either?

[slimtater]

I understand the original type dizzy are hard/costly to get hold of.

[Jonesfach]

I understand the original type dizzy are hard/costly to get hold of.

No brainer then.:)

[slimtater]

An unusually quiet week this week - partially due to man flu limiting my enthusiasm for being in the garage. Even the deliveries have slower down so perhaps I almost have everything? :roll:
http://thumbsnap.com/i/hRn4fFbA.jpg

These eBay bolt stores are very infectious. It reminds me of pick in mix where you were told no more than £1 or 1lb and it keeps on going up and up!

[slimtater]

Not loads to report - a few more little bits arrived this week but I am now probably at the point where until I start building the car back up, I won't know what I don't have. I tried cleaning up my windscreen seal - its a good, genuine one but had black sealant added at some point. Tried soaking in white spirit and it started to work but perhaps it needs to be soaked in a lot more for longer. May have a replacement seal lined up though so fingers crossed.

The painstaking process of welding (and fabricating where metal just doesn't exist) continues and this is the worst area on the car so hopefully progress is being made:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/O5r5pWRt.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/q6FZHcPl.jpg

Also tried to clean up my gear selector but it hasn't come up great so has gone off to see if re-plating will help:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/KCnSywhU.jpg

I think I am now at the point where I have to concede that my August 2016 target is going to be missed. I did optimistically aim for Billing 2016 but that just seems impossible now. I am sure the welding and body repairs will take us to the end of April and even if I can get it in paint during May, time will be against me. If I end up missing Croft in September, I will probably put the whole thing on hold until next year as I don't really want to finish it in Winter knowing I can't use it as much.

[EwanG]

Try silicone sealant remover from Screwfix or another diy store.

[slimtater]

Try silicone sealant remover from Screwfix or another diy store.

Thought about that option as well but was worried that it is on rubber rather than hard surface like its intended use. If I know I am getting another seal for sure, I will then take the gamble!

[EwanG]

Yeh I know what you are saying. Just patch test it first. :thumb:

[Novasport]

New rubber sat here waiting for you :thumb:
Will drop it off at some point.

[slimtater]

New rubber sat here waiting for you :thumb:
Will drop it off at some point.
You sir are a top man. God knows where this project would be without your track it down skills!

[jimbob-mcgrew]

has this project really been going on for 26 years ? ... what happened lol

[slimtater]

has this project really been going on for 26 years ? ... what happened lol
Feels like it....


...but only about 6 months so far

[slimtater]

So, not much to report this week other than wheels and magazines! I was toying with wheel options (for when I want to "rest" my original 5x13s) and managed to get a set of 4 GM steels in 6x15 and ET49. Took these to get shot blasted and powder coated in silver and should collect tomorrow. HOWEVER. A few days later I managed to get a set of 5 spoke alloys in 5.5x15 and ET45 which with 175/55/15 tyres on are a really good option fit wise. So, I will be taking these to get done when I collect my steels and the 6x15 steels will probably go up for sale. Will post them and even though they will stand me about £160, will be open to sensible offers.

Managed to get a few magazines to go with the build folder:


http://thumbsnap.com/i/9O8201fz.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/Bg74HthH.jpg

[slimtater]

Back on the subject of wheels, I am getting some custom centre logos made up for my alloys and this is the design:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/Jq7W4nfU.jpg

I will wait and see what the final product looks like once on the refurbished wheels before I pass judgement but I will post pictures up here. I am sure they will be a bit Marmite but I am hoping the wheel design, colour and centres will work ok. :roll:

I also realise my post a few days ago sounded like I had been defeated by my August deadline. I haven't been completely defeated just yet and if the shell can be ready for paint by May, a huge effort may just see it done in time. After all, its just a case of bolting a few bits on a shell isn't it? :tard:

Anyway, I am going to bring my other toy out of storage next week so I at least have something interesting to drive during the nicer months:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/Pn1ssHRv.jpg

[slimtater]

One other thing I must add after chatting to someone else who is restoring a Sport is do not under-estimate the cost of doing this. I am doing this as a keeper, not to sell and make money as I know that won't realistically happen. I know that about 50% of the finished car will be new and genuine and about 45% will be original refurbished. In today's climate and the often inflated Nova/Sport/its brown market, that isn't cheap to do. I am happy for people to message me if they want an idea of costs for certain bits but to do the shell (soda-blasting/epoxy primer, all the welding and fabrication followed by a full paint job) you need to budget around £4k. Great if you can do all this yourself but slightly less painful if you have some mates who can as well!

[totalnova]

Yeah this rebuilding old cars is not cheap, love the TVR by the way

[Iain]

Nova and TVR, you've got my dream garage!

[slimtater]

A couple of deliveries today - one being my Raptor paint for the underside, already tinted in 452 Polar White. Not really much to show in a picture so instead I will show you one of my other delivery today:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/nTdgTBMr.jpg

:d:d:d

[paul james]

Wait, did you buy 4 cams?

[slimtater]

Wait, did you buy 4 cams?

I bought a few more than 4 ;)

[slimtater]

So I have got my wheel centre logos back on on the centre caps:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/dKPFmBvS.jpg

I am sure they remain a bit of a personal choice but would like to see them on my alloys before I decide. Unfortunately the wheel place was closed when I went today so seeing the centres on my wheel choice will have to wait. A neat little touch I think but time will tell!


Still no more progress on the shell itself and only bought a few bits this week including a perfect brown coin tray/radio blank. So after all that hunting I now have two and both are perfect - one will be sold though.

I have buyers lined up for all my Enem cams now and just waiting for them to get in the hands of their new owners and some cash coming my way - it was a big big outlay but fortunately for something that is quite sought after.

Had a few more bits arrive from Germany so now have a full compliment of coolant hoses. I also manged to get two new pairs of front spoiler trims (in the correct grey) and some other bits - what I didn't need has been sold on. Whenever I order stuff that I need, I always try and add in a few little bits that others may need as it means that the overseas postage costs get shared around a little and I feel I am helping others with their projects. Just ordered a few more little bits so look out for my posts on PNG on Facebook!

[boffer8]

Why the hell do you bugger around with novas when you have a TVR?! :roll: lol

[slimtater]

Why the hell do you bugger around with novas when you have a TVR?! :roll: lol

TVR is boring - owned for 6 years and aside from servicing, has only needed a 100 amp fuse when it failed.

Needed to start getting my hands dirty again! :p

[Jonesfach]

Think the wheel centres would look better with white background or maybe yellow??

post up pic though when you get the wheels. It's always tough to judge before they go in the wheel.

[slimtater]

Think the wheel centres would look better with white background or maybe yellow??

post up pic though when you get the wheels. It's always tough to judge before they go in the wheel.

Let the judging begin:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/UXfUFGZ2.jpg


http://thumbsnap.com/i/LGEf44an.jpg

[SRimon]

Proper job that IMO

[nova J877]

I like the centre caps on the wheels mate, good choice. Seems like the car is coming together well.

[slimtater]

I like the centre caps on the wheels mate, good choice. Seems like the car is coming together well.

Cheers - the parts are coming together nicely but its a bit slow on the car/shell itself. Did you get those bumper mounts on your bumper?

[88ESR]

Centre caps look the business...

This is a great thread..

Well done... :thumb:

[House]

I'm never going to pretend that I've re-furbed any parts I'm using, this is proper. Great attention to detail, makes the rest of us look like we're just playing at restoring novas!!!!

[slimtater]

I'm never going to pretend that I've re-furbed any parts I'm using, this is proper. Great attention to detail, makes the rest of us look like we're just playing at restoring novas!!!!

Thanks for that - whilst I have the time to do stuff, its nice to be able to restore something original and reuse rather than just buy new all the time.

Sometimes it goes to plan. You may remember the gearbox linkage that I cleaned up as best as I could: http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?212448-Sport-Project-1990-to-2016-(hopefully)&p=2285712&viewfull=1#post2285712 Well I took it along with some other bits to get replated and without dismantling it (as they can break and be hard to repair) I am pretty pleased with the result:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/GqDeJ0fY.jpg

Not all things go to plan though. I was missing the metal coolant hose that runs behind the engine but managed to get a couple second hand. I also took these to be plated - one silver and one gold to see which came out the best. Unfortunately, one turned out to be quite corroded and on being cleaned/stripped, ended up with a hole. The other looks like it has been treated with something before and the plate just didn't take. Now back to square one with these but will try a wire brush, some etch and some metal paint to see if it comes out any better. Just in case: Wanted - metal coolant pipe for 1.3 engine - must be in really really good condition!

[nova J877]

yes mate, I bought them, I know they are expensive but its better to have a brand new set than to try and get them made as the profile would be a bit tricky and if they are not exact would be a bit more effort to get right. Mine needed to be replaced as they weren't salvageable.

[Tim Harpley]

The centre's look really effective, good choice. What make of wheels are they ?

[slimtater]

The centre's look really effective, good choice. What make of wheels are they ?

They are a Ronal wheel - 5.5 x 15

[slimtater]

Just a brief project update - not much has happened really. I am hoping my welder is going to start again soon after an unavoidable absence over the last couple of months. As the shell on the jig takes up so much garage space along with the TVR being back, I don't really have room to do other things like clean & overhaul the seats. So I have bought two new genuine doors, sold a drivers door, almost sold all my spare Enem cams and managed to buy a couple of bits of trim that I need. I have also been selling a few odd little bits of new stuff with the aim of helping others out - when I order odd things, I normally get a couple extra. As I have probably bought most of what I need now though, I will probably be scaling back my part sourcing! :-)

[TugSR]

. . . I was getting a little concerned by your lack of updates recently Tim, I thought you'd fallen out with it !

:thumb:

[slimtater]

. . . I was getting a little concerned by your lack of updates recently Tim, I thought you'd fallen out with it !

:thumb:

I had a bit to be honest Paul. I had even made a list of everything I had got to put a value on it to sell as a Sport project! :cry:

[TugSR]

I had a bit to be honest Paul. I had even made a list of everything I had got to put a value on it to sell as a Sport project! :cry:

Now, now - we'll have none of that ! :thumb:

[totalnova]

Get the thing finished you'll regret selling it.

[slimtater]

Get the thing finished you'll regret selling it.

I think I am over that wobble now. My star man (Will the welder/fabricator) is here now and making good progress. That's despite it looking like the compressor had died as it spewed all its oil out of the filler and appeared to be pressurised in the wrong place! A quick engine strip and rebuild and all is good again.

[slimtater]

So the welding/repair work has recommenced and some progress from yesterday:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/pSWAmbH4.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/13Xtn4j4.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/ZxxaDaD7.jpg

The quality of Will's work is amazing - these repairs will need the thinnest coat of filler imaginable. More work is happening today so hopefully the o/s rear quarter will be done. Without doubt it is the worst part of the shell as the earlier pictures prove - the n/s inner/outer quarter and sill will seem like a doddle after this! So, still to do in welding/repair terms:

* n/s rear quarter
* n/s sill
* front lower panel (I have a genuine new replacement)
* finish of the battery tray repair

I have two new genuine front wings here and my two new doors will be here later this month - these will go with my soda blasted and primed bonnet and boot. It now feels like the back has been broken on the shell resto and it could be ready for paint June/July time. I have ordered the white version of this to paint the underside:

http://www.rust.co.uk/epoxy-mastic-rust-proofing-paint/c28117/

Followed by this (tinted Polar White):

http://www.u-pol.co.uk/documents/datasheets/tds/RLT-TDS-US.pdf

[kevster]

That's a work of art...

[slimtater]

So after a bit more of Will's attention today, the rear o/s quarter is probably the best it has been for 20+ years:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/UwPAsEZJ.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/PHiZDrED.jpg

I found some pictures from back in 1991 and even then the edges of the arches were showing signs of corrosion!

I am stunned that this is just from welding/grinding and then a coat of etch primer - no filler yet. It really will need just the lightest skim - I did joke that with some paint and the decals, it wouldn't even need filler. lol

Any recommendations for a filler?

So, the next phase is the n/s rear quarter and sill, neither of which are as bad as this one was.

[slimtater]

That's a work of art...

Thank you - guess you will like the latest pics then! ;)

[TugSR]

True craftsmanship there Tim - hats off to him !

:thumb:

[kevster]

That's spot on that ! I likey alot

[slimtater]

Pictures to follow but a bit more progress. The offside is now complete - all welding/fabricating on that side is finished and after some primer and seam sealer, now working on the nearside for the first time. Again, it looks like we can save most of the sill so have used the front end of my replacement to repair that end. It will be more of the same on the rear arch quarter although the inner and outer won't need as much replacing. The rear end of the sill where it meets the quarter has had a pretty naff repair so that will be the biggest bit. Oh, and the battery tray repair is now finished and seam sealed and aimed for a factory look which seems to be sealer at either side but not in the middle of the bulkhead?

We actually started to think and talk about painting which was great. I have my Epoxy 121 which the underside will be coated with and then the Raptor. We are hoping to get that done with the shell on the jig then get it on the rear beam/wheels and off the jig to then replace the front lower panel. Still off target but perhaps paint and then the rebuild will still be before winter.

http://thumbsnap.com/i/W0NhwqZ0.jpg


http://thumbsnap.com/i/kosoUeTS.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/V65V0Gve.jpg

[slimtater]

And some real nasty bits to sort:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/sR9lxcjT.jpg

Gave the shell a reminder what it is like to have wings!

http://thumbsnap.com/i/lehPC62z.jpg

[slimtater]

Did I really think the nearside would be easier? Hmmmm......

http://thumbsnap.com/i/I7bxEtDy.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/2f91Sly7.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/knoqqAOF.jpg


I am sure Will will work his magic on this again but a few more hours than we perhaps hoped. Put a bit of a dampener on an otherwise happy day - my two new doors arrived from Europe thanks to Steve! :thumb:

[totalnova]

Looks very familiar that last pic mine was just as bad, but I'm sure your fabricator will have it sorted better then new.
Nick

[slimtater]

The plan as it stands...

So, if you are up to speed with this thread, you will know where the shell is at. To get it ready to go for paint, the plan is to do/finish the following:



Rear n/s quarter inner and outer repairs including the area around the rear sill/jacking point
Some localised repairs to the n/s sill
Repairs to the inner arch - where the small sections have been cut out
A few more local repairs and tidy up
Filler/Dolphinglaze where needed - will be very minimal!
Prep the underside/inner arches for some paint - brush stripe coat around seams and edges with Epoxy 121 followed by a spray coat of the same
Full underside/inner arches coated with Upol Raptor (tinted polar white)
Off the full jig and mounted on the castor base section (a sort of trolley affair) to allow us to....
....remove and replace the lower front panel


Sounds straight forward but as the project has shown, there are no such words!

The shell will then go off for a full interior/exterior paint job and plenty of cavity wax such as Dinatrol. The optimistic side of me hopes that will be July/August time so no Billing 2016 for C67 and the 25th anniversary date night may have to wait...

[slimtater]

So as a change from the work on the shell, I decided to get the original seats out and have a look. I hadn't got a whole day/weekend so I knew I couldn't spend hours stripping and cleaning so I thought I will have a look and work out what needs doing. You may remember in the earlier pictures that the rear seat was still in the car albeit folded down to clear the cage. The front seats had been out of the car for probably 15 years, maybe longer as the car had race seats fitted. The original fronts had been stored in the roof space of a garage but didn't look great:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/T4dYt0hl.jpg

Both fronts and the back were in the same condition and all as I have done is give them a dry brush and the vinyl/plastic a wipe down. The "after" looks a bit better:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/6P83cNEg.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/O1RPih1y.jpg

The rear whilst a bit faded doesn't look too bad:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/83Jgk4N1.jpg

I now need to plan what to do with them but given the going rate for good ones of these, I may need to work from what I have. I do have some good replacement black plastic bits, seatbelt holder so I can replace bad with good. I may try some of the dry foam spray cleaner first as that's quite gentle. I have a steam cleaner with upholstery fittings which is another option - ideally a proper upholstery cleaning/vac may be needed but I was keen to avoid too much moisture getting in the foam.

I have "irons in fire" for new daytona/brown trim (I have already seen the daytona fabric) but these seats in my mind aren't bad enough to warrant a full re-trim at this stage.

[slimtater]

Forgot to add, I also have two brand new genuine doors to go along with my new and genuine wings - all courtesy of duick/Steve. Top bloke! :thumb:

[Jonesfach]

They don't look too bad from the pics and let's be honest if you can get them pretty decent, with help from a professional firm perhaps?, they may well be good enough to fit back in the car. I would much rather see original stuff in a car like yours, with a few small issues, than brand new - not quite the same fabric etc type of things. If you know what I mean. Yet at the end of the day,if you can get hold of some better ones and can afford them, go for it.

[slimtater]

So the less worse quarter is more worse than we hoped! :(

http://thumbsnap.com/i/nwXo4MLs.jpg

[BRoadGhost]

Stick a load of tube in there

[slimtater]

But being ever positive, I spoke to a body shop today to see if I can get it in late July. That should give enough time to repair that quarter, tidy up with a light skim of filler, paint the underside and get the front panel swapped.

Also thinking ahead to the next stage after paint and what to use for cavity wax:

http://www.rust.co.uk/mil-spec-transparent-rust-proofing-kit-a-/p487954

http://www.bilthamber.com/corrosion-protection-and-rust-treatments/dynax-uc

http://www.rejel.com/dinitrol-clear-rustproofing-aerosol-kit/

Read a few suggestions on here but nothing conclusive.

[slimtater]

Stick a load of tube in there

What of, expanding foam? lol

[slimtater]

So as a bit of a change from the body repairs, went to pick up my rebuilt engine today. A big shout out for Vinny and Mansfield Engine Centre as he has delivered perfectly (and some) on what I wanted.

Basically the original Sport engine had failed during a sprint at MIRA so I wasn't optimistic that it could be saved. It needed a replacement crank as it looked like throwing a bearing cap may have been the root cause but I am really pleased that the original block has been saved and reused (keeping the original engine number was important to me) and there is also a genuine 108 cam in there as well. A few other bits have been done such as lightening, balancing and flowing/skimming plus a few new bits added. I also wanted a fairly factory finish and I think it looks perfect for a 31 year old engine! :-)

http://thumbsnap.com/i/8h4SyRDJ.jpg

I have brand new bits to go on such as a starter, alternator, fuel pump, dizzy and I have a better cambelt cover as well.

[nova J877]

Very nice mate, I love the attention to detail and that you are building a great car.

[corsakid]

Stunning :)

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

[conza123]

So as a bit of a change from the body repairs, went to pick up my rebuilt engine today. A big shout out for Vinny and Mansfield Engine Centre as he has delivered perfectly (and some) on what I wanted.

Basically the original Sport engine had failed during a sprint at MIRA so I wasn't optimistic that it could be saved. It needed a replacement crank as it looked like throwing a bearing cap may have been the root cause but I am really pleased that the original block has been saved and reused (keeping the original engine number was important to me) and there is also a genuine 108 cam in there as well. A few other bits have been done such as lightening, balancing and flowing/skimming plus a few new bits added. I also wanted a fairly factory finish and I think it looks perfect for a 31 year old engine! :-)

http://thumbsnap.com/i/8h4SyRDJ.jpg

I have brand new bits to go on such as a starter, alternator, fuel pump, dizzy and I have a better cambelt cover as well.
Looking good

the only I have noticed is modern type head bolts have been used instead of the original type, if u wanted attention to detail :)

[slimtater]

Looking good

the only I have noticed is modern type head bolts have been used instead of the original type, if u wanted attention to detail :)

Cheers - there are a few places where newer (and better?) bits will be used as I am not building this as a factory standard concourse rebuild. :thumb:

[slimtater]

So a bit more good progress over the weekend and the nastiness that is in posts #157 and #163 is starting to disappear. With the repair to the section that is under the outer quarter but above the sill, this has been merged with the sill nicely to add some decent strength, especially as it is hidden. Again, some really nice blending - especially in the inner arch. The old outer and new section has now been cut and again we are keeping the good original metal to the maximum:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/W6QXlcv9.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/qLBRSZi9.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/61nmqdOr.jpg

[slimtater]

Also ordered a dolly to use after we have painted the underside and taken it off the jig. Whilst the jig has been great, it goes through the lower front panel (which is being replaced) and it is quite big in my little garage. The jig and dolly will eventually be sold on so at least it isn't lost money.

[Jonesfach]

Looking good.

[slimtater]

Update without pics I am afraid. The nearside rear quarter is proving to be a bit of a pig so its taken a while to get the inner repaired and the outer section to sit. My main man ran out of time over the weekend but hopefully on the next visit it can be tacked and then finished. That just leaves the front lower panel in terms of welding but that is probably going to be done when off the jig and on the dolly. Oh yes, my dolly arrived and I have built it ready to drop the shell on to after the welding done and underside painted - we were planning to do that on the weekend of 9th/10th July but may push it now due to the quarter issues.

If anyone wants a dolly in about 3-4 months, I will have one for sale. Cost me £240 delivered but would be open to sensible offers if collected.

[Botedly]

Cracking thread! I love a good story behind a much loved retro car.
Impressive work considering you're doing the restoration in your garage :)

Can't wait to see the finished result!

[slimtater]

OK so not many updates recently but a huge milestone today. The worst of the repair, fabrication and welding has been completed.
http://thumbsnap.com/i/CZqEAjNX.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/i8a2Khzt.jpg

So if I get the decals on next week I should make Billing lol

Not really. Plan is for the underside to be epoxy painted followed by Raptor the weekend after and off the jig so the front lower panel can be swapped. Hoping to have it in for paint Aug / Sept so it will be painted during our hot summer!

[slimtater]

So after a bit of an interruption (albeit a pleasant one) due to Billing, some more progress. The welding is now finished apart from swapping the front lower panel when off the jig. The plan is to paint the underside this weekend so I have been gathering things needed.

Also managed to track a couple of new items - the correct passenger side mirror i.e. the large one and also a brand new coolant pipe which is possibly the last in Europe:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/59t0Qbs7.jpg

Looks like it has been on a shelf since 1985!!

Also got one of these thanks to Lee V as mine was missing:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/zBpYy3vS.jpg

It does feel like I am pretty much there with what I need. Sure I will get to building it up and finding the odd little bit missing or things that I would like better ones of (door cards spring to mind) but I just want to get on and build it and see. Its not being built as a concourse car and will be driven so I don't want to lose sight of that! :-)

[slimtater]

Last of the seam sealing before the underside gets painted this weekend...

http://thumbsnap.com/i/f3YXQk9z.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/m6oN3XBL.jpg

And some of the donor metal we have welded in! ;)

http://thumbsnap.com/i/fcEdrjq0.jpg

(that's the genius that is Will in the background)

[totalnova]

Always like seeing progress on this, at the rate your going you'll be ready for the show season next year easy.

[slimtater]

Always like seeing progress on this, at the rate your going you'll be ready for the show season next year easy.

Cheers for that - I was originally aiming for this August but that was way too ambitious seeing how much work was required. The plan is to have it in paint in September and then a nicely paced build back up over winter. Fortunately my garage is heated and has a dehumidifier and once the shell is off the jig and painted, there will be a fair bit more space as the panels (doors, boot etc) take up SO much room!

[slimtater]

So the weekend was hectic but the end result was still achieved. Can't thank "Will the Welder" enough as I now have a nicely painted underside of the Sport. I used Facebook Live to provide some realtime spraying updates and took plenty of pictures but here is a taster as I cannot work out how to upload the Facebook Live stuff:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/m29OkKmS.jpg

Learnt a few things over the weekend as well which may help people doing similar:

Firstly, prep and masking take 90% of the time and painting about 10% - plan that in!

The Rustbuster Epoxy 121 gives a bit of a shock when you open it - one half is greenish and the other is like white Philadelphia cream cheese and fairly solid (despite being warm) and you think a) it will never go white and b) how will it mix? We used a bit of thinners to help mixing and then a bit more prior to painting - probably a bit more than the suggested 15% but it helped. Also, if you have a removable filter in your gravity gun paint holder, take it out. Once sorted, it goes on really well.

It says you don't need to do anything prior to painting over it unless it has fully cured but we did 320 grit then scotch to get rid of all the sheen - well worth it as the Raptor stuck far better.

I got a pre-tinted kit of Raptor complete with a Schutz gun (Sealey) and that gave two problems. Firstly, the tint means there isn't enough space in the bottle to add the 250ml of hardener so you end up having to decant to mix. Secondly, the gun was a rubbish fit and we ended up having to tape it in place - not sure whether it was the bottle, gun or length of the pick-up pipe that caused this. ALSO SHAKE WELL BEFORE ADDING THE HARDENER, NOT JUST AFTERWARDS AS IT MIXES THE TEXTURE AND COLOUR FAR BETTER!

The issue with the Schutz gun actually did us a favour. We did all the thick places using this before then adding a bit of thinners and trying through the gravity gun. This gave a brilliant finish that reminded me of a white AND BETTER version of the factory finish where there are thick and thin sections. The advantage of this though is that it is almost seamless and the Raptor has created what feels almost like a plasticised yet tough continual coating.

Had to make tough decisions as well. I had managed to get some new floor drain plugs but only 10 genuine ones and in the later style. I had the originals and they were in poor shape and took a lot of cleaning up. Ideally I wanted to keep them all black rather than painted in and therefore difficult to move. I managed to get 5 for the wheel-well cleaned up nicely and they will go in later. With the rest, we put them in after the Raptor and went over them again very lightly. This was enough to give them a consistent colour yet they can still be removed and are still genuine looking:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/RqpGNB3j.jpg

[7ova]

Looking great keep the photos coming

[slimtater]

A few more including the inside of the wings that we did with Raptor - all helps keep the rust away!
http://thumbsnap.com/i/WqQQtOCS.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/TthT6tvq.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/ObZT7rbh.jpg

Also got my Kunifer/Cunifer/Cupro-nickel (whatever its called) brake lines and unions today so we can make up new sets. Just be a bit easier doing this whilst on the jig.

[totalnova]

Looks so so clean, you could eat your dinner off it.

[Iain]

This is a piece of art.

[Jonesfach]

:thumb: Absolutely brilliant work. A great example how to do it properly- would like to foot the bill though as the paint job so far must have cost a fair few nicker...

[Iain]

would like to foot the bill though as the paint job so far must have cost a fair few nicker...

This is why I love the Nova community. A genuine offer to pay for the paintjob on someone else's build, purely out of respect. Very thoughtful.

[slimtater]

This is why I love the Nova community. A genuine offer to pay for the paintjob on someone else's build, purely out of respect. Very thoughtful.

Yeh that's what I read as well - very kind...... :)




















....but don't worry too much about the cost. If it helps future projects, I can give a bit of a break down of key bits:

The shell was originally soda blasted and primed in Epoxy 421 paint which cost around £1000

The Epoxy 121 white mastic paint was about £60 from recollection (2.25ltr chassis pack). The tins didn't look much but we managed to do the whole underside with two good coats through the gravity gun with a bit of extra thinners.

The Raptor kit (including 4 litres of tinted Raptor, gun and mask) was about £90 and that was enough for a thick (schutz gun) coat in the vulnerable areas then two coats over with the gravity gun. We still have 1 litre/bottle left over and we will use that when the front lower panel is swapped as there was no point doing that bit.

All the sundry bits such as Scotch, 320, masking tape/paper, plastic sheet where at cost but probably would total about £50. The large rolls of masking plastic are well worth the £15-20 as they can effectively line a DIY booth.

The labour? Not sure yet as Will has being doing all the work in his own time ( hopefully at mates rate ;) ) so once he has finished all his bits, including prep for main paint, we will sort. I am pretty sure this will keep total costs for the shell work under about £5k - the quote for the equivalent work at Retropower was around £14k from memory but that included everything from strip down to returning a perfect painted shell. If you can do stuff yourself and use brilliant and skilled mates, it helps A LOT!

[Jonesfach]

Slip of the tongue hey! lol

[Will F]

Nice for someone to be open and transparent about the costs - v helpful.

[abznovasport]

Wish the rustbuster fairies would visit me �� I'd pay someone to do the same to my bare sport shell, Iv seemed to hit ground hog day/year! ��

[Tim Harpley]

Looking good Tim, mine has ground to a halt at the moment :roll:.

[slimtater]

Looking good Tim, mine has ground to a halt at the moment :roll:.

Cheers Tim - having a short break from mine so at least the underside will be hardened off. Next jobs are:

* Make up front to rear brake lines whilst on the jig

* Light skim of filler on the rear quarter joins

* Lower from the jig on to the dolly

* Replace lower front panel and cross-member as it's easier to do off the jig

* Off to the body shop for prep and paint - hopefully in September

Then a nicely paced rebuild over autumn and winter finished off by the decal application safe in the knowledge that the paint has gone hard!

[Royston]

Getting there Tim ;)

[slimtater]

Coming soon, brake line updates and some light filler work...

[slimtater]

Ok not loads of pictures or words but essentially we have started making the brake lines and made some progress this weekend. Whilst the car was still on the jig, it has just made it a lot easier to at least get the two long runs done. Got one more rear beam line and the two fronts plus the master cylinder end but very happy with the finish (kunifer) and thanks to Rich for his great work:

http://thumbsnap.com/i/U2AWUZ5E.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/3lLyeqXR.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/UUo1RhZC.jpg

I can't call Will "Will the Welder" any more as he is proving to be a real all-rounder. After the great work painting the underside, he is now starting to work on the repaired rear quarters and they are really start to take shape now - literally. I love that Nova rear arch shape!

http://thumbsnap.com/i/l50b1FWV.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/lzsjWrUf.jpg

So the aim is to try and get the brake lines finished in the next week or so (whilst Will is taking a well earned holiday) and then finish the filler work before dropping off the jig and on to the dolly. Its made things so much easier having it up on the jig - not only for rotating to get underneath but also for getting the sills and quarters at working level rather than lots of crouching. It will stay on it until the last minute!

Paint at the end of September?!?! :thumb:

[slimtater]

Added a few videos from the Epoxy Mastic and Raptor weekend:


https://youtu.be/cOcW8jRKS5U


https://youtu.be/eVLH5vyi2hQ


https://youtu.be/5qZfjM2D-P4


https://youtu.be/mA1cjxYlVFY

[torquey]

That looks very nicely done. Great work!

[slimtater]

Picture free update for now. The two main kunifer brake lines are finished. The filler work on the offside quarter and both sills is done and primed. Looks amazing and is really the lightest skim! Should be coming off the jig and on to the dolly next weekend along with finishing the nearside quarter. That leaves the front lower panel and then OFF TO PAINT - YIPPPPPEEEEE!

[totalnova]

You really making good progress on this, looking forward to seeing it put back together.

[slimtater]

Picture free update for now. The two main kunifer brake lines are finished. The filler work on the offside quarter and both sills is done and primed. Looks amazing and is really the lightest skim! Should be coming off the jig and on to the dolly next weekend along with finishing the nearside quarter. That leaves the front lower panel and then OFF TO PAINT - YIPPPPPEEEEE!

Off the jig - check.

Front lower panel off and new one offered up - check.

Trial fit of the new genuine doors and front wings - check (and what a good fit!)

That is all.

http://thumbsnap.com/i/1S6MhV2C.jpg

[slimtater]

After a few issues and needing to source a new bonnet, the shell is ready to go off for paint! More updates and pictures to follow...

:d

[totalnova]

Can't wait to see some pics of the car wearing a shiny new coat.

[slimtater]

Can't wait to see some pics of the car wearing a shiny new coat.

Me as well - I will add a few more "befores" in the next day or so!

[slimtater]

https://goo.gl/photos/NBk1Dv6j3mJQE2856

[Iain]

What colour is it going to be?

[slimtater]

What colour is it going to be?

LOL! lol

[slimtater]

4pm on Friday....
http://thumbsnap.com/i/EbWRI0ZA.jpg


1pm Saturday - prepped and primered and ready for paint!
http://thumbsnap.com/i/ZHcp2DSZ.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/QIZcFB7X.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/i/tvXyJoEJ.jpg

And front lower panel properly welded in to place:
http://thumbsnap.com/i/vTDYrYzm.jpg


That's the highlights. The lowlights were issues getting the right paint formula out of the system so no Polar White today :(

Also got a slight dip in the repaired roof panel that just won't come out :( :(

[TugSR]

Looks suspiciously like a 2016 completion to me . . . ! :thumb:

[slimtater]

So a few bits have been happening, mainly resulting in this!

http://thumbsnap.com/i/WnUVEPg0.jpg

I will leave it there!

[Edd]

Awesome stuff

[totalnova]

Looks stunning mate, you've done well to get it this far this quick.

[Iain]

I happened to be at the place a few weeks ago and touched it before paint. :-O

[Royston]

Looking good, hopefully finished next time I'm down your way ;)

[7ova]

Looks stunning

[slimtater]

http://thumbsnap.com/i/aDrAtTTv.jpg

[slimtater]

http://thumbsnap.com/i/oAhmEdBJ.jpg

[Jonesfach]

Would have thought you would have finished it by next weekend!:)

Looks great!:thumb:

[slimtater]

Would have thought you would have finished it by next weekend!:)

Looks great!:thumb:

My mind is in overdrive but I am telling my two left hands to take it slowly and carefully!

[Iain]

Looks tasty

[Will F]

Yay! Glad you got it back on its wheels - shame you cant see the finish of the wheels in the pics though..lol

[slimtater]

Yay! Glad you got it back on its wheels - shame you cant see the finish of the wheels in the pics though..lol

LOL - will be covered by trims! ;)

[slimtater]

So I had a bit of an issue with my phone and temporarily lost all my recent pictures. Managed to sort so have started using Google Photos to synch them which means "brace yourselves, there's a lot below (and in no particular order)"

https://goo.gl/photos/hC6C7bMhw7nP8rKY8
https://goo.gl/photos/xGAb13soQNRUqSkn6
https://goo.gl/photos/qvGHsxaiqdMXh87n9
https://goo.gl/photos/xK2c3XxoDddfMy16A
https://goo.gl/photos/tVo1j3mLkPgtm7vAA
https://goo.gl/photos/pQ56TDdUSdG9ZqoT6
https://goo.gl/photos/oi2hvHKE79zDDMjy5
https://goo.gl/photos/dhZyth6rzRaPYLB6A
https://goo.gl/photos/QWFKjFFdUn6DWTSKA
https://goo.gl/photos/GgrXMnJENmVpVk78A
https://goo.gl/photos/7oB88ace7J8wRqqw7
https://goo.gl/photos/3AStZroTCMgEHqCPA
https://goo.gl/photos/jc49nPLfHVDBPLuQ8

[totalnova]

None of those pics are working for me mate.

[EwanG]

Just click on each one. Looking nice and fresh!

[nova J877]

Very nice quality build. This is going to be amazing when finished

[slimtater]

https://goo.gl/photos/MGQBNZWqBR9FT4FD8

https://goo.gl/photos/WaQND3dambHta7g47

[slimtater]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161124/e7239c926750f0844fc4313dc7d897d0.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161124/536348d29dc79f5e274c6885f0d800ac.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161124/c353f836bfb3f06b3194582915f4528f.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161124/91f80b1ca4bacd7edd21e88084d4c2ee.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161124/7a835b8ba6ed6a8568148ea616f7ec2c.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161124/439934c91d7952b719158228c2adb207.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161124/9714c1a78bd8e8613c2ccba046473c0a.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161124/5a2137d0657b2a2a4db97ea3e4055d93.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161124/7071d4d70335fe287e605b033ab89e56.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161124/1eccebeb1d3be41c94accb1df0236757.jpg

Sent from my SGP611 using Tapatalk

[slimtater]

^^^ Sorry for random photos - trying Tapatalk to get the pics rather than links!

[totalnova]

Looks immense, should be on the road in a month or two lol

[slimtater]

Had house jobs to do today but managed to install the handbrake and uncover my engine!

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161126/e48dc1019d7f6f2b554b5acf8a7b7ba4.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161126/e6d378fd8b826af44739a3f6119b0288.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161126/8f3807f0cd4a5130fb37c16d03f11a38.jpg

Sent from my SGP611 using Tapatalk

[slimtater]

Got the Corsa B budget quick rack in as well...

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161128/def1a95e1eec1300f3c1c57920e8226c.jpg


Ignore the brake line and servo, they are just for making up new lines. shiny servo going on eventually!

Sent from my SGP611 using Tapatalk

[slimtater]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161205/a1bf1f9720fc69b726e820b7a833d851.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161205/d0e691001e0ee07649a0b5e8a70c4c6b.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161205/c219be3a8d872afa1c406d9d89e030b7.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161205/2d228158b299896d3a12b33a4992f744.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161205/effcaf86669e651031bbf9b823bc23c5.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161205/16d5edb5f5af1a2f4fda4ecd7c5ab2ea.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161205/add51a889e626851a43aad94fa40f07f.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161205/14292f621b8cb76b80cf2e9ee737820f.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161205/8feb51eab8534aa9ce8d1167d2f51235.jpg

Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk

[EwanG]

Looks amazing! :)

[totalnova]

All looking very fresh and mint, it's coming together nicely.
Nick

[slimtater]

Thanks for the positive comments folks. This is a home garage restoration so apart from the bodywork and paintwork, it's all an amateur project!

[slimtater]

More progress today - whilst I installed the radiator, fan and hoses etc, this happened!

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161210/578be29da6e41eecb4a8de507ffea042.jpg

Sent from my SGP611 using Tapatalk

[Iain]

Oh my

[EwanG]

Is that a brand new roof lining? Stunning! Absolute stunning! Be proud of what you are achieving and the story of this car is amazing! Keep us all updated with words and plenty of pics please! I bet you cant wait to drive it! :thumb:

[slimtater]

Is that a brand new roof lining? Stunning! Absolute stunning! Be proud of what you are achieving and the story of this car is amazing! Keep us all updated with words and plenty of pics please! I bet you cant wait to drive it! :thumb:

Thanks! No, not new but a fairly good used lining and pillar vinyls. The quality is in the fitting and Mr S aka Novasport takes all that credit.

Yes I can't wait to have that nervous first drive but at the moment we are just trying to break the back of big or fiddly jobs. Aiming for a nice finish whilst making it a car to drive. It will be at VBOA 2017 which oddly is 25 years from when I sold it.

[slimtater]

PS I sold it in July 1992 to my brother in law who lived......





...in Market Harborough!

[nova J877]

I always enjoy reading this thread. Such an excellent rebuild and the attention to detail is fantastic. This car was always meant to come back to you. Can't wait to see it finished next year. Well done.

[slimtater]

Not loads to report hence a lack of updates and pics. Quite a few ongoing jobs to finish off such as headlining, wiring loom and brake lines. Started to make a proper list of things to do as it was getting a bit random at times.

Also waiting for a few little parts that are missing that hold things up. :-(

[slimtater]

Just a few of the parts I have been waiting for so will be back on it early in January:

http://thumbsnap.com/t/Lg8XOC6q.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/Lg8XOC6q)
(new front bumper mounts to go with my new and genuine front bumper)

http://thumbsnap.com/t/jWGNoOsn.jpg (http://thumbsnap.com/jWGNoOsn)
(also got new seals for this to fit to the new master cylinder - just need a nice new cap now)

[leggattr]

The build looks great on this, shame my finishing skills are not at your standard. Can I ask tho what dimensions your sound proofing tape was on your fuel tank?

[slimtater]

The build looks great on this, shame my finishing skills are not at your standard. Can I ask tho what dimensions your sound proofing tape was on your fuel tank?

Thank you - there are a few bits that niggle me but still better than when I first owned it in 1990!

Not sure about the tape as would need to dig it out. I have a fair bit left as well!

[slimtater]

http://thumbsnap.com/i/wdwzTSWI.jpg

[slimtater]

Brand new windscreen and seal fitted. Brand new front bumper (along with new mounting kit) also added. Oh, and roof lining finished, rear quarter glass in and a few other little bits.

Onwards - aiming for MOT, carb setup and decals at the end of March 2017!

[torquey]

Looking very fresh! Loving it.