View Full Version : Sam's nova 1.4 sr restoration
Well finally worked out how to upload pictures .
So I'll make a start tonight of what will be a fairly long process to upload everything onto here .
2 years ago I bought a 1.4 sr to 're live my youth :) .
Within hours of buying it it was stripped down and the project began . So here goes here's the car when I bought it. It was solid in all the right places but gone on arches. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180222/9b1ae846c0ac1323eea45cb97b177457.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180222/62372a1b78468d3cc887881cbee3b15d.jpg
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Then it was off with all the 90s max power / Ali G yellow bits that had been added.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180222/01f0d0df8d707f1b3f66737950c72904.jpg
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Head removed and sent off for skimming, valves 're cut new stem seals etc . Then out with the rest of the engine and box. Upon inspection everything looks fine . Car has only done 60k .
Once head was back I cleaned all block up and fitted new head gasket timing belt kit and gave it a lick of engine enamel.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180222/09d73bc8154e50db52691c34dc04cccf.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180222/9c681e0f96006c6b77a0c9f6753ab6ae.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180222/d01ee69a1809a585361093f4041ccb45.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180222/5fea1dec5c63a7957e9a864ebc05431b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180222/962972cb08690c97367250fb3c5dc7a4.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180222/fa38f78603190733c952aeca064ea3f5.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180222/0fbe129872a40419cf1b53721e4c0e81.jpg
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sorry for poor pic quality there all in my google account so im having to screenshot them , ive got them backed up on computer so i will try and work out how to upload from there before putting anymore on.
hopefully you will get it down to the meets this year.
Ian_Gsi16v
22-02-18, 10:11 PM
Looking forward to seeing more of this, I had a laser blue SR back in the day, great colour for an SR.
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Jonesfach
22-02-18, 10:20 PM
Good work:thumb:
Struggled last night to upload pictures off computer so I'm having to miss lots out . If anyone can point me in the right direction I've got 100s to upload. Any way as I mentioned rear arches had started to go so I fitted new inner arches and outer arches . Also few patches on drivers rear inner arch . I also decided to replace the pipe that goes through the Chassis to house the fuel tank breather in steel and weld all the way round hopefully stop the same thing happening again.
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Picshttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180223/47e8785f041d4ab2b2890230765e3a17.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180223/93e6f055c4a3201eee0941b1b7a6463e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180223/81e7a08d3674b720df67009ae0f87f0f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180223/4549669ac03f472562b95f0a58cafce5.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180223/c1e4a6c01ae63322c52c4936210c57c3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180223/08ee2bb93b1ce0f88b31add458c90dd3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180223/459f6036cc2a399ce7c1c9efeaac7212.jpg
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So didn't expect to take the car this far it was intended to be a engine bay tidy up new arches, and a respray . But decided I'm going to bare shell it and start again so I bought myself a roll over jig:) https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180224/c1708bd86c84314ab340fe92c16af817.jpg
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And then fully stripped the underside , and was really surprised how solid it was . https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180224/ed7334bfa0ce786b5f87ab55dcbd1f08.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180224/0391894c50963fd6f1e9ee88431ebe39.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180224/f3f5db12e7b9edb0104a56fde32e32c9.jpg
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So after seeing what 'slimtater' has done with his sport ,I decided to do the same so I bought epoxy mastic primer https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180224/d888dc09a41c1962588be8312af906e6.jpg
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I then decided to use raptor liner for the finish as it was tough durable long lasting etc. So flatted down the epoxy mastic for the raptor to adhere to and the result is thishttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180224/4d9c0249e5a0c30591d755d94ec54748.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180224/b31d9c5cd154a58b8cfe7a6a8f6e5845.jpg
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Tank painted and axle was powder coated. New bushes fitted.
Heard a lot of bad reviews on the bushes I have fitted but my mate has same ones and 2 years on there still going strong so it's a trial .https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180224/25c08f327ea4e416dfdef4ce8beea847.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180224/55bff64fabc5e3d74a03e37e4f8c55e9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180224/cbd71de068b8c71e8d36745468144947.jpg
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torquey
24-02-18, 04:16 PM
Nice work how long did it take you to sort all this?
Nice work how long did it take you to sort all this?
I've had it just short of 2 years and I started it 2 hours after it was dropped of at my house , i never even drove it. But through out the 2 years I've stopped for months at a time as I broke my wrist on trials bike and spent a lot of time messing with a land rover disco bobtail which has now gone so just before Christmas I really started to go for it. It's now all painted and engine is due to go in next week. I'm updating thread bit by bit I have hundreds of pictures but there on laptop and can't upload them so I'm uploading what I currently have on phone .
torquey
24-02-18, 05:45 PM
You have managed to sort a lot out there in the time. Wish I could get mine done as fast lol. Always other stuff comes first lol.
I know mate I stress myself out trying to get it done . With 2 young kids . A job where I'm on call 1 week on 1 week off it's hard to find time. Then I took more on buying another trials bike and a rubbish land rover lol.
I end up been in garage at 10pm onwards
But I'm determined to finish it as you see so many unfinished ones they take them apart and that's it .
I feel I've got past the hard bits now and it's become enjoyable building it back up.
All bolts replaced with new or 're zinc coated https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180224/8860076a3d9bc38b808f84bfd5560218.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180224/1e5a4fbc5987f7650225809b29b2b401.jpg
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torquey
24-02-18, 06:14 PM
Nice bits look better than factory. Iam finding it hard now to get motivated to finish mine. I've got loads to do on it but no time as got kids and house/job to sort aswell. Feel like I've lost the love for it which is getting me down cos I want to finish it. Also don't help not having a garage and only a small driveway to work on it.
Nice bits look better than factory. Iam finding it hard now to get motivated to finish mine. I've got loads to do on it but no time as got kids and house/job to sort aswell. Feel like I've lost the love for it which is getting me down cos I want to finish it. Also don't help not having a garage and only a small driveway to work on it.
I think when better weather comes it will help mate I can't be bothered doing it I'll be honest it's freezing but I have got to far now to quit . I'm same my garage not much bigger than a average single garage . All panels are in spare bedroom . Loft is full of seats etc lol. That was one of hardest parts storing everything . Keep going mate when I read you thread and saw your pics it motivated me to get on with mine .
torquey
24-02-18, 06:36 PM
I know what you mean pal cold weather don't help plus working on cars all week don't help lol. Just wish I had a big garage so I could stick it away until I can get round to it. Cheers pal will keep hoping one day it will be done.
Top work, should look amazing once done. Nice to see a Lazer blue SR too!
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Cheers mate. Hopefully :)
So all parts were either powder coated or 're zinc plated here's one of the arb . And the bars . https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180226/dd0ae99048b2c968f05d1467161b0725.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180226/8d697d335cf942bee00595246ed3eafc.jpg
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old doors were bubbling in corners, a brand new set of genuine gm ones came up for sale so instead of messing with the old ones i decided to buy a brand new set along with a pair of new gm Vauxhall mk1 wings:)
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180226/e786e6bb548a86831964a14ee2e365f9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180226/753df267ec0cff04beadfb86215c08ca.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180226/d1f5d1335ad02cc81b6dcc4254941a5b.jpg
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bazzap8389
26-02-18, 08:56 AM
Nice work so far mate. Looking good!
New gm wings :)))https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180307/9c8091598cf216284e13fb5591f36c2b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180307/62a88073ea9831be94469e2b3006a91e.jpg
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Made up a jockey wheel and frame that bolts to front lower panel . Makes it easier to move it in and around garage .
Dropped it off for painting.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180307/a314d94586f5674d77b1f70f4b3ed649.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180307/9c35c3995b82cdb77e6aad5efd2e7bfe.jpg
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And the finished result is........
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180307/14668a79371cd1221d90b5315b1f7f62.jpg
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torquey
07-03-18, 09:32 PM
Looking well pal.:)
Looking well pal.:)
Cheers mate got it running today :)
NovalutionGSi
09-03-18, 05:32 PM
Looks well that.need to get mine sorted out.
Thought I'd try get some more pics up to where I am with it at present.
It actually feels a joy to be building it back up after nearly 2 years of hard labour .
Nice to bolt all clean shiny parts to it.
So bulkhead /firewall in place and a few other powder coated parts like servo . Blanking plates etc..https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180325/c74ad42a132313e4d331f5e1ea6a43f5.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180325/2f352ac00c6451ab3b8fe32e7cc47ee9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180325/292dfa3137c741cccf1205e0811fbe00.jpg
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Got old carpets out whilst we had a rug doctor on hire .
Came up like new https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180325/c7a49d30395638f1dfc1c3cc015a5dbf.jpg
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Fitted them https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180325/a98ce291cbf1c40126f10592564031a1.jpg
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Then decided I liked the painted look on the rocker cover so decided to give it a go see how long it lasts before pealing off.
It's painted in 2k paint but not HT...
More of an experiment to see if it lasts if not I'll strip it and get it polished if it lasts then happy days .https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180325/ffaf98ddd72c768d4c2120d140c20d1f.jpg
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Another pic of bay with new zinc plated parts . Great finish a really cheap £10 per small box of parts I had 3 in total.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180325/9beb24e97879719b18d2586f2b9b45ca.jpg
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Then it was in with the engine and get it all wired up. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180325/9e5edbd04af2bab8174a306e316b489b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180325/a418a5876d95761f327cc14faecf1f9e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180325/a9d3afd88495eea4891726bddc9bb481.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180325/64a6a2cfc65bfa6120dfc1813cb5c296.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180325/4cb04eaacb164c7ffd86cb4321b6cb48.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180325/0b383ab29dc2be58644052874608fc08.jpg
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torquey
25-03-18, 08:36 PM
Looks great pal nice work.
I know it's not a standard oem look but I had the strut brace powder coated red and new sticker put on. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180325/53dc521d3f671a92c97a861c37044df5.jpg
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Then fitted antiroll bar after powder coating. And new bilstein suspension kit. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180325/05c59379d5577c53a5e27e9dd6eb5806.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180325/f859f0580f1dcb20c215ccb812dd83a8.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180325/e7a5259f4fe815c03cfa377c8d9d4551.jpg
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Even shocker bolts 're zinc plated ... kind of went ott
So that's about as far as I've got so far . It runs nice although something is rubbing on cam belt cover but I'll sort that bit out .
Hopefully get a few hours in the garage on an evening this week and get drive shafts in brakes bled and wheels on.
I'm keeping the speedlines it came on but fitting new toyo proxes and painting them vw pepper grey.
I do have original steel wheels and trims so can swap at any time .
looks lovely, top work!
Thanks mate
a credit to you. Looks amazing. Sure it will drive amazing also.
a credit to you. Looks amazing. Sure it will drive amazing also.
Thanks mate. Hope it drives well. Cant wait for a go in it last time I had a nova was around 2004 .
So tonight brakes all bled up and working. Gearbox sorted, and sealed up. Driveshafts powder coated / fitted with new c.v boots and installed .
Cam belt cover sorted
Tommorow hopefully fill gearbox up and fit wheels : ) might actually take it to end of road for a drive
Loving your work sam
Thanks much appreciated mate nearly there now will update in a week or so.
Not updated this for a while so here goes .
I'm fitting uprated 2l brakes as they were already on and they were as new https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/a77cd96b913466ca5c8a96e76c0a83e9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/443b15e93ebb1bdd0012df76e7675792.jpg
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Interior going in havnt cleaned seats going to wait until a nice hot day so they dry .https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/81f72f61ab50b27251aba27d3c68e5c0.jpg
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Getting there now wings on lights on engine bay nearly done and so far everything works :)https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/e0595b8065cd87b7d9b6510e17ee5ece.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/d69a2c49c7c46159529426c143f013ef.jpg
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Speedlines refurbished and fitted with new toyo proxes . I do have the original steel wheels with trims but really like these wheels .
Drove it for the first time ever, only turned it around but I'd never drove it before it got dropped off on my drive and i stripped to be restored straight away .https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/90289b0d001a118e95eb69b7e6fbdba7.jpg
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Really getting there now all glass fitted and lower half painted grey after spending 3 months trying to find the right colour.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/1d6674e32dce99d1bdb7ad2944685feb.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/e01c11307c972b453e897f0cd7af8d4e.jpg
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Bumpers on . Red pin stripe fitted https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/9d74b1106eb1250946c666767980e924.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/6558372fa9d4ce5ee5b54542445fb20a.jpg
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torquey
17-05-18, 09:26 PM
Looking really well pal. Keep it coming.
New rub strips /side mouldings to fit https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/48c7dfc1420fbbfa396f885128abc223.jpg
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Looking really well pal. Keep it coming.
Haha cheers . I was going to leave it for now but just for you I'll put some on of how it stands now :)
totalnova
17-05-18, 09:33 PM
Looks brilliant a real credit to you.
And finally 2 years later it's pretty much finished just a few minor jobs to finish off on it .
It passed mot first time, and drives really well.
I'm more than happy with it and look forward to attending some shows this year.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/b370ee19035732431a0726e27b2a7856.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/67fa2cd4d23c707a73186343b87dfe7a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/93d203df9db8aec035eb3feaedbd0a13.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180517/d1db101ee13b0ad900fac61a5b487c0b.jpg
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Looks amazing. Hopefully see it soon. if you want it at Tatton in two weeks PM me ASAP.i
Lovely car and great build thread! thanks for sharing
Looks great real credit to you
Like the speed lines but I’d have gone for
Original three spokes in silver
But that’s just me
Ian_Gsi16v
19-05-18, 12:15 AM
That looks amazing, should be very proud.
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Looks great real credit to you
Like the speed lines but I’d have gone for
Original three spokes in silver
But that’s just meCheers mate . It originally came with wheel trims been the 1.4sr mk1 I have the original wheels but also have got centre caps for 3 spokes just need some wheels then I have 3 options lol.
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