Nova GSi XE full restoration with tbs etc

[Big_Chap]

bit of a mini-restoration at the moment, basically re-undersealing it and refreshing alot of the underside of the car which isn't really seen and basically checking it wasn't completley rotten before it fit new panels etc. Also including the replacement of the cross-member which i actually did around 2yrs ago.

8yrs of XE punishment certainly took its toll on the original crossmember and basically sheared it at the tie bar bracket. A strengthened and powder-coated (to seal the inside and stop rusting from the inside-out) replacement is now inplace along with a new set of avo's to replace the old ones which were 8yrs old and didn't have rear height adjustment.




http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/Crossmember/DSC00127.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/Crossmember/DSC00151.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/Crossmember/DSC00132.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/Crossmember/DSC00137.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/Crossmember/DSC00182.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/Crossmember/DSC00184.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/Crossmember/DSC00158.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/Crossmember/DSC00206.jpg

extra strengthening, don't want it happening again!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/Crossmember/DSC00166.jpg
that all seems like ages ago now!

[Big_Chap]

Also in the middle of a restoration at the moment!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/10102006002.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/03092006001.jpg

cant buy splash guards anymore so made my own!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/16092006004.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/16092006.jpg
rollcage which may get sold on cause i don't know if i like it!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/12082006002.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/12082006001.jpg
a pretty rare set of opel badged cavy gsi wheels for winter etc
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/08072006025.jpg

set of 4pots... (which may also get sold on)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/180120060556aw.jpg

[Big_Chap]

a set of jenvey "direct to head" throttle bodies, over-sized stainless steel manifold, lairy cams with vernier pulleys, ARP con-rod bolts, heated windscreen and a quaiffe ATB Diff.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/2b_1_b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/8e_1_b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/5e_1_b.jpg
also have 2 brand new GM doors (still in stickers and bubblewrap!) 2 full size GM rear quarters, 2 GM wings and a tailgate!

better be f*ckin worth it! :lol:
should of bought a cossie! :roll:

[acnova]

also have 2 brand new GM doors (still in stickers and bubblewrap!)

Hey mate were did you get the doors new ?

[Stoo]

Nice brakes!! Snap, ive got em aswell

what size discs u running and do u know if the calipers fit behind speedlines?

[R1CH]

Should be spot on once its all sorted and back together, is this the one with ****bhp number plate ? Nice Nova if it is.
Ditch that cage and buy a propper one !!

Rich

[rc]

looks very nice mate!
jst quick referance to ur rear discs, are they the normal astra/cav 1s just turned round 90degrees? (look same as cossies and that)
and have u moved the centre up aswel?

[krobinson]

Love it mate, some good work there!

Keith

[Big_Chap]

Hey mate were did you get the doors new ?
a mate works for a bodyshop and got them from a vauxhall dealer for much cheapness (has rrp of ?245 each on invoice!) unfortunatly can't get anymore


Nice brakes!! Snap, ive got em aswell

what size discs u running and do u know if the calipers fit behind speedlines?

280mm from seat iirc, they fit under speedlines but foul the spokes, only way around it is fit wheel spacers or move them inboard using different discs. if i keep them i'll probably go for bells & rotors


Should be spot on once its all sorted and back together, is this the one with ****bhp number plate ? Nice Nova if it is.
Ditch that cage and buy a propper one !!
Rich

yes it is the very one, how'd you tell? only really like polished cages and the fearless one fixes to the floor which drastically reduces the amount you can slide the seat back and i'm pretty feckin tall! anymore opinions on the cage? defo don't want a chav wagon so say what you think!


looks very nice mate!
jst quick referance to ur rear discs, are they the normal astra/cav 1s just turned round 90degrees? (look same as cossies and that)
and have u moved the centre up aswel?

yes, they are rotated (like the cossie's) and raised and stregthened to lower the rear of the car. was done by a previous owner to a good standard.

didn't really plan on going this far with the restore and didn't plan on doing a WIP thread so don't have any progress pics but i'll fire some more pics up of other bits i've done when i can be ****d crawling underneath it again! lol

it only really need a half dozen or so coats of underseal to go on top of the coats of seam sealer and it'll be ready to get the quarters on etc.

some pics going round knockhill before...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/t2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/100_0734.jpg

Had just passed that mk2 btw, running a N/A YB apparently.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSCF041420copy.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/Picture_026.jpg


really like the way it sits in this pic but you can only see a wee bit of it! thats my old SR too

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00217.jpg

[rc]

just another quick questioin bout the rear discs, what have you got in the way of handbrake? can't see that u can use the handbrake mechanism wen rotated thru 90degrees?

[rc]

top stuff once again!

[Big_Chap]

yep still use standard handbrake, if you look closely you can see where the spring connects.

only way that hasn't been done is fitted from underneath! give it a bash!

[rc]

already done it the triditional way round lol

ive seen it done the other way round, calipers at the front, but yours is the first 'cossie styled' one i've seen!

its the suttle touches that count!

[Dose]

looking fooking great mate...who done ur welding and rear brakes?(valver16v) gona gee hima shout after new rear to have a bash at mine or maybe u if u done it and up for it?

Chris (dose on FC)

[Big_Chap]

looking fooking great mate...who done ur welding and rear brakes?(valver16v) gona gee hima shout after new rear to have a bash at mine or maybe u if u done it and up for it?

Chris (dose on FC)

rear brakes were done by the guy who built the car originally (around 1997-ish) yeah he did most of the welding (including all the structural/strengthening) but was called off-shore so i did the rest which was just wee bits like the splash guards etc.

you'd need to speak to him about it but welding a car is a bit like kids, don't mind your own but hate everyone else's!

plus he has a phase 3 LET nova build that he's half way through and a mid engine rwd nova XE to finish too so he'll be kept busy with them and when he's not working on them he'll be playing with a LET powered 3dr cossie that he recently bought! can always ask though!

[Dose]

rear brakes were done by the guy who built the car originally (around 1997-ish) yeah he did most of the welding (including all the structural/strengthening) but was called off-shore so i did the rest which was just wee bits like the splash guards etc.

you'd need to speak to him about it but welding a car is a bit like kids, don't mind your own but hate everyone else's!

plus he has a phase 3 LET nova build that he's half way through and a mid engine rwd nova XE to finish too so he'll be kept busy with them and when he's not working on them he'll be playing with a LET powered 3dr cossie that he recently bought! can always ask though!

haha hes nuts...aye will do spoke to him in dunfermline before sound guy was showimg me pics of his RWD number:D (sure u were in a silver cav gsi)(i was in MK2 gte)

Not any welding just strenthening will be looking at ...will drop hima PM..

Cheers mate.

[Big_Chap]

A wee update, sorry about some pics, were taken late at night with phone...
crossmember still looking strong after about 2yrs!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/28012007003.jpg

a few shots showing the splash guards after a few coats of seam sealer!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/28012007.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/28012007001.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/34234123123.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/28012007004.jpg
a few shots showing the work on the chassis rails, plated for strength and durability with thick guage plates at the main jacking area with some re-working done to repair damage caused by careless cowboy garages with axle ramps in the past
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/28012007009.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/28012007010.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/28012007007.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/28012007002.jpg

[Big_Chap]

scraping all dirt and crap away left a clean (rust-wise) white finish, all that was required was to clean up and seal any areas that needed attention.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/28012007008.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/28012007006.jpg

then chuck a few coats of underseal at it! 10ltrs infact! gonna weigh a ton!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/31012007001.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/31012007.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/31012007002.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/31012007003.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/31012007004.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/31012007005.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/31012007006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/31012007007.jpg

[Big_Chap]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/31012007008.jpg
some pics of the rear showing a new tank etc. which was done in the summer, need to touch up a few bits as it was done in a hurry and the anti-roll bar was scratched when re-fitting.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/20012007.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/20012007001.jpg

should be away for the new quarters and doors etc in a couple of weeks! roll on PV

[Big_Chap]

thats it all built up and ready for panel work/paint, should be away in the next week and have it back about a month later hopefully.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/05022007001.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/05022007002.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/05022007.jpg


fitted new trackrod ends, ball joints, and bearings. cleaned up the hub carrier and TCA, will give the coilovers a freshen up and fit the 4 pot calipers when back from paint

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/04022007.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/05022007003.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/05022007004.jpg

[Big_Chap]

update, fitted a new set of brembo 4pots with bells and rotors so the old ones are for sale!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/17022007003.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/17022007005.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/17022007006.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/17022007008.jpg

should stop it better than the old valver brakes! lmao

[Stoo]

knew they fit behind speedlines i wouldnt have sold em lol!!

[kevster]

good work keep it up

[joff-turbo-nova]

Hi,

Where did you source your front strut brace from - looking for something similar.

Keep up the good work

Joff

[Big_Chap]

Hi,

Where did you source your front strut brace from - looking for something similar.

Keep up the good work

Joff

when i bought the car it had the end plates on but no brace, i made one at my old work to suit the bolts holes. think the ends plates are from a sparco brace. :thumb:

[Big_Chap]

wee update:
car is now in the middle having the panels fitted...

GM 1 piece wings
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/17032007002.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/17032007003.jpg
GM doors, still in bubble wrap
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/17032007.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/17032007001.jpg
GM full size rear quarters
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/21042007004.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/21042007008.jpg
and as the car sits at the moment
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/21042007005.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/21042007006.jpg
if you look through the windscreen you'll see a couple of dust covers, underneath is a Lancia Beta (never even seen one before) and a mint 3dr cossie. there is also am old benneton F1 car kicking around somewhere which gets used for hill climbs etc.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/21042007007.jpg

The guy who is doing all the panel and paint-prep work owns this extremely rare Lancia EVO, has a fairly long story behind it, found somewhere in italy with something like 9km's on the clock and imported here and is a 51 plate. poor camera phone pics do it no justice, this car is awesome!

[Big_Chap]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/21042007-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/21042007001-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/21042007003-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/21042007002-1.jpg

and the 3dr cossie! but lairy under the bonnet!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/Photo-0023.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/Photo-0022.jpg

[R1CH]

A mini restoration eh ? seems like a fairly major one to me !!
Seems to be coming along nicely anyway.
Lancia's cool, someone at works got one the same just not as shiney !!

Rich

[gazz]

is that an old mk4 cortina next to yours in background too?

good work on nova to bud..

[Big_Chap]

nah mate, lancia thema's on sides! one in primer is the ferrari engined model with self adjusting spoiler incorporated into the boot lid, sleeper!

[RJM25R]

Horrid red passat as well.............

Lancia Thema 8.32? Thats the one with the Ferrari 328 engine IIRC?

[big gra]

wee update:
car is now in the middle having the panels fitted...

GM 1 piece wings
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/17032007002.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/17032007003.jpg
GM doors, still in bubble wrap
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/17032007.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/17032007001.jpg
GM full size rear quarters
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/21042007004.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/21042007008.jpg


its like a flat pack nova, what a good idea!

[vallanc3]

wow i think i need to come to your garage.love lancias me. used to work with them every day.wish i still worked there.

novas coming on nicely aswel

[wilson_sri]

Alrite big chap, wilson aff Fife car nutz...Cars looking awesome mate, how long till its back on the road roughly?

[Big_Chap]

Alrite big chap, wilson aff Fife car nutz...Cars looking awesome mate, how long till its back on the road roughly?

alright, was hoping for pv but will more likely be billing although i may struggle to get everything inplace so may just leave it with stadard induction etc inplace to have it running right. :thumb:

[Dose]

Cant believe u sourced genuine panels....Gonna be awsome when complete mate...one of the first valvers to be done and be the last to die...top work:)

[Dan 130]

well your minor restorration looks deffinatley like a major lol cracking work cant wait to see the finished product keep up the good work mallinova

[Big_Chap]

Cant believe u sourced genuine panels....Gonna be awsome when complete mate...one of the first valvers to be done and be the last to die...top work:)

aye well, if its a job worth doing, its worth doing right!

yeah, got a little carried away! still, least i know the car is rot free and should get another few years out of it yet, if i ever get it finished! billing is now looking slim, whens trax again?!

[vaughanmc]

September..sometime

[Dose]

aye well, if its a job worth doing, its worth doing right!

yeah, got a little carried away! still, least i know the car is rot free and should get another few years out of it yet, if i ever get it finished! billing is now looking slim, whens trax again?!

aye true mate...any progress:thumb:

[Big_Chap]

aye true mate...any progress:thumb:

only picture i have is this

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00014.jpg

going to see it later today (sat afternoon) to hand in a new tailgate cause the one i got before has catty in it and also the gsi skirts and bumper to help line the rear up and he's welding the small metal bracket things for the gsi skirts to clip onto so need the clip centres.

as you can see the new doors and wings are on, gap'd up and de-locked and the small sh!tty jobs like small dents and stone chips have been attended to aswell. the passenger side quarter is lined up ready to be welded in but he's waiting till he's done the other side and back panel.

Billing is a goner :cry: but atleast it gives me time to have it completly finished (leather interior fitted, mapped etc) for TRAX! :thumb:

[Dose]

Superb man...kinda makes u hurt to see it like that lol...Def gonna be worth the wait.

chris

[sport]

Will be mint once it finished, remember seening this car years ago at knockhill.

[peester]

amaizing stuff mate, full-on this..

[Big_Chap]

new pic, just the last quarter and back panel to go, then we can chuck some paint at it! lol

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00086.jpg

[Big_Chap]

double post

[gazz]

alot of good work going on there bud..
:thumb:

[kevster]

sweet mate brings back memories of doing my gsi back in 2003 keep up the good work :0

[Dose]

come on 3 weeks to billing ...lol looking superb man..cant wait to see it
chris

[novacal]

Looking good big man. Cant wait until its out and about again. Will be cleanest around (apart from mine) LOL. Atleast i wont have to keep pickin u up, novas rear seats arent made for 7ft giants, my drivers seat sits an inch off the windscreen. Hahaha only joking pal :thumb:

[wilson_sri]

Looks good mate! Cant wait to see it around, although it will be gutting aswell as il be getting showen up! haha

[Big_Chap]

Looks good mate! Cant wait to see it around, although it will be gutting aswell as il be getting showen up! haha

hopefully shouldn't be too much longer!

also, these arrived today! all the way from luxembourg! no longer available in uk! :eek:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00249.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00250.jpg

[vaughanmc]

I need an original set of skirts..

Can't wait to see this one done!

[wilson_sri]

Where are you getting all these new parts from? Trying to get some for mines but no luck.

[Big_Chap]

couple of more pictures from the weekend showing the quarter all welded, gap'd, blemishes fixed and sealed etc with the back panel about to get spot welded inplace, guy has had other things on in between mine so progress hasn't been huge. I'm in the middle of buying a house just now so not in a great hurry to see it soon anyway! new house has a decent sized garage though, get in! :beer:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00317.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00318.jpg

[Big_Chap]

Where are you getting all these new parts from? Trying to get some for mines but no luck.

got them really cheap from a mate in the trade over 2yrs ago, just sat while i gathered other bits. you'll struggle to get these nowadays

[kevster]

keep up the good work matey looking sweet as

[Big_Chap]

update, thats all the panel work complete and ready to high build primer the area's repaired and then its time to chuck some paint at it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00430.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00428.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00439.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00438.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00436.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00435.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00432.jpg

[kevster]

looking good :)

[vaughanmc]

Going white again?

[novacabrio]

Nice work

[krobinson]

Looking good mate, I hope all the panels are coming off for paint?

Keep it white, will look superb, always liked this car!

Keith

[Ash]

is that a lancia beta montecarlo in the background? Is it for sale, may know someone in the market for one.

I don't know what it is about this car, because I normally fall asleep at the sight of GSi kit + speedlines, but this is going to look ace, so well perpared :thumb:

PS: just laquare it now - no paint :D lol

[Big_Chap]

krobinson, yeah, the panels will all be coming off this weekend i think.

ash, yeah its a montecarlo, there is an actual beta under the tarp on the left (never saw one before, they rust more than vauxhalls!), on the right is a 3dr cosworth. not sure what he's doing with it, think he was gonna fix it and sell it on again, i know its his car though, not a job etc. i'll ask him and let you know!

vaughanmc, yeah, staying white... maybe, really tempted to change as it would be that much work and won't look like anyoter white GSi

cheers for comments, might be taking the engine out soon too, didn't want to but i'm starting to come round to the idea. Also, rear wiper, keep off are put on? new tailgate doesn't have the hole for it.... yet

[Ash]

The guy I know who wants one used to have a beta volumex which he rebuilt from scartch:cool:

[Big_Chap]

small update, car is now back and sitting in my garage waiting for paint, should be in the next 2 weeks!

[NOV4_SPORT]

looking good. cant wait to see it finished off.


iain

[wilson_sri]

big chap who welded your rear quarters for you? Needing mines done.

[stevie1]

looking good.

[vaughanmc]

Should be good to see this one all painted up

Always liked this car :)

[Big_Chap]

big chap who welded your rear quarters for you? Needing mines done.

all the bodywork was done by a guy from my mates work.

ripped the engine out lastweek ready for paint, should be this weekend

[7ova]

Hi
keep it old skool !
looks top class :thumb:

[greg1.4]

looking good! i really like this nova..remember looking at it ages ago!

keep up the good work mate!

Greg

[Stoo]

nice brakes

[Riggy]

comin on very nice now :thumb:

[craig green]

Great prep work & panel fitting etc.

Look forward to seeing her painted. Leave the rear wiper off IMO.

[chrisnovaturbo]

were did you get brakes from mate?

[fjc]

when you getting this painted and on the road B.C .............:thumb:

[Big_Chap]

when you getting this painted and on the road B.C .............:thumb:

fragil?...


finally got the computer and broadband setup at the new gaff! heres whats been happening. got the car back a couple of weeks ago and decided to remove the engine to make a better job of painting the bay but not before trial fitting the bodies and manifold...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00456.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00458.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00459.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00460.jpg


engine etc out and checked all the hard to reach bits, not looking that bad...


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00461.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00462.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00463.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00464.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00465.jpg

[Big_Chap]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00466.jpg


engine needs a bit of a clean up!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00467.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00468.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00469.jpg


removed the seam-sealer to check for trouble, not bad for 10-ish years old!



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00480.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00482.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00485.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00488.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00489.jpg

[fjc]

yes this is me big chap, your car is looking good now, even tho i aint seen it for ermmmm over a year lol:thumb:

[saloonwoody]

wot front mount u usin cos engine looks on the piss ??

[Big_Chap]

wot front mount u usin cos engine looks on the piss ??


in what way?

the engine sits on homemade mounts as the car was put together long before chris astley and mtech kits were around.

[Big_Chap]

update: front end has been re-seam sealed, acid etch'd etc and almost ready for paint now.

diff now fitted... 2.5 years after buying it!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00490.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00492.jpg

[DW-Nova]

Quite a bit of rust there hey mate, What is it with GSI'S? nearley everyone i've seen has been nackered. Gone a bit OTT with the underseal havnt you? would have sprayed it with stonechip or painted it tbh, underseal can trap water under it and encourage rust, you didnt put it on with a brush did you? good luck witht the rest of it tho, looking good with the new rear quarters and wings and doors.

[Big_Chap]

Quite a bit of rust there hey mate, What is it with GSI'S? nearley everyone i've seen has been nackered. Gone a bit OTT with the underseal havnt you? would have sprayed it with stonechip or painted it tbh, underseal can trap water under it and encourage rust, you didnt put it on with a brush did you? good luck witht the rest of it tho, looking good with the new rear quarters and wings and doors.

how'd you mean? could have gotten away with just a new door tailgate and a cheapy wee arch repair panel but no point doing half jobs.

whats wrong with brushing underseal on? paint the underside? its a nova, it'll be rotten again as soon as it see's a puddle! i want to drive it when i like, not leave it in a garage til its "good weather" :thumb:

more pics...

started "feathering" the inner wings and turrets to save time in the paintshop so ended up having to seal them up to stop moisture getting at them in the meantime and ruining the work, numb fingers! ideally we should have done the whole bay at the same time but only really intended to give them "a little clean up" the rest can be done later as the finish doesn't have to be as smooth.

the seam-sealer looks pretty awful but will be much better looking when painted :cool:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00499.jpg




and a familiar face stopped by for some inspiration! (some of the older guys may recognise as "Nova Cane" from the 90's Max Power)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00493.jpg

[novacabrio]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00493.jpg

Rick, Ben and Garys old car, still had a feature on it until recently, what has the new owener done with the wheels!! it looks awful now!

[Sherco]

Car is coming along now! Gonna be mint and a credit to you. Can i ask where you got the blue rocker cover bolt washers?

Cheers

[vaughanmc]

Good progress there - Gary's old Nova still looking tidy as well, wheels will take a wee while to get used to :)

[Big_Chap]

what has the new owener done with the wheels!! it looks awful now!


Good progress there - Gary's old Nova still looking tidy as well, wheels will take a wee while to get used to :)

wow wow wow, they're just temporary wheels thats were lying about til he got the ones he wanted fitted, got good money for the rev's so was a bit of a rush! still, they do look good in the flesh but 15's are far too small for the ride heights, scrap's on everything round here!

[vaughanmc]

What new wheels are goin' on it?

[turbodrew1]

wow wow wow, they're just temporary wheels thats were lying about til he got the ones he wanted fitted, got good money for the rev's so was a bit of a rush! still, they do look good in the flesh but 15's are far too small for the ride heights, scrap's on everything round here!

boy am i glad you got to that c**t first big chap!! and by the way i am the new owner not (owener) lol! lets be fair my car (rick,ben,gary's old one) would look great with any wheels, infact fcuk it 17 inch venoms are next!! big chaps right they are just a stop gap til the new wheels get sorted out. anyways i better calm down. (I'm sure i got banned from the vectra forum for people mouthing off about my ST).lol

[turbodrew1]

What new wheels are goin' on it?

speedlines young man. i know alot of nova's have them but when i first seen K95 it had them on it and i loved the look of the car then so you could say i'm just trying to relive the moment. not to mention the car is undriveable on 15's through my way due to the sh1tty roads, speed bumps everywhere. everytime i put it away i need to check the manifold is still there. fcuk replacing that it was'nt cheap. so 16's should sort it.

[turbodrew1]

Quite a bit of rust there hey mate, What is it with GSI'S? nearley everyone i've seen has been nackered. Gone a bit OTT with the underseal havnt you? would have sprayed it with stonechip or painted it tbh, underseal can trap water under it and encourage rust, you didnt put it on with a brush did you? good luck witht the rest of it tho, looking good with the new rear quarters and wings and doors.


PEN1S^^^^

[vaughanmc]

speedlines young man. i know alot of nova's have them but when i first seen K95 it had them on it and i loved the look of the car then so you could say i'm just trying to relive the moment. not to mention the car is undriveable on 15's through my way due to the sh1tty roads, speed bumps everywhere. everytime i put it away i need to check the manifold is still there. fcuk replacing that it was'nt cheap. so 16's should sort it.

That car needs Speedlines or the Gold Racelines - Cracking choice mate :)

[Sherco]

That car needs Speedlines or the Gold Racelines - Cracking choice mate :)

Agreed 100%. Please get some photos up when you have the new wheels fitted mate. :thumb:

[turbodrew1]

Agreed 100%. Please get some photos up when you have the new wheels fitted mate. :thumb:

will do mate.

[fjc]

andys on a rampage, hahaha where did you get the gsi wheels?? ill buy them off ya when you get speedlines !!!!!!!!!!

[DW-Nova]

The problem with brushing on underseal is that it will start to sag after a while and get water trapped underneath it, which will obviously completley nacker the underside up, also after some time in the wet and cold the brushed on underseal will start to fall off and leave the car with patches of no protection. if you'd painted the underside it wouldnt have rotted as soon as you drive through a puddle so long as you regulaly pressure washed the underside, also you'd have done away with loads of dead weight from the underseal. i wasnt suggesting that you simply patch up the car with botched on panels though, the complete rear quarters look brill, aswell as the doors and wings, and you no that you've got nice new metal around you thats gonna last.

[turbodrew1]

andys on a rampage, hahaha where did you get the gsi wheels?? ill buy them off ya when you get speedlines !!!!!!!!!!

they're milneys gsi wheels. tell me what the "J" in fjc means and al ask him if he'll sell you them. jesus? johovah? jan?

aye wee rampage i was steamin and could'nt find any neds to beat up in the street so the computer got it tight. ha ha

[fjc]

turbodrew1
tell me what the "J" in fjc means

it stands for jungle juice !!!!!!!! as thats what i live off at the weekends !!!!!!!!!! lol

[RJM25R]

Those wheels offend me!

[Adam]

wow wow wow, they're just temporary wheels thats were lying about til he got the ones he wanted fitted, got good money for the rev's so was a bit of a rush! still, they do look good in the flesh but 15's are far too small for the ride heights, scrap's on everything round here!
He sold the revo's!?
Shame, they really made the car what it was tbh.
Oh well, its his car.

[novacabrio]

boy am i glad you got to that c**t first big chap!! and by the way i am the new owner not (owener) lol! lets be fair my car (rick,ben,gary's old one) would look great with any wheels, infact fcuk it 17 inch venoms are next!! big chaps right they are just a stop gap til the new wheels get sorted out. anyways i better calm down. (I'm sure i got banned from the vectra forum for people mouthing off about my ST).lol

Its nice to have a bit attitude back around these parts, I've missed it lately as most people have started to grow up, even the 14 year olds can take a bit criticism now and then. The comment on the wheels was simply as my signature says. A lot of people worship cars with cav slabs, personaly I think they have been done to death. I'm glad your not one of them.

The RFXs arent to everyones taste but made it individual. Best wheels I ever seen the car on was the RL7s in gold but they are mega rare

[krobinson]

The problem with brushing on underseal is that it will start to sag after a while and get water trapped underneath it, which will obviously completley nacker the underside up, also after some time in the wet and cold the brushed on underseal will start to fall off and leave the car with patches of no protection. if you'd painted the underside it wouldnt have rotted as soon as you drive through a puddle so long as you regulaly pressure washed the underside, also you'd have done away with loads of dead weight from the underseal. i wasnt suggesting that you simply patch up the car with botched on panels though, the complete rear quarters look brill, aswell as the doors and wings, and you no that you've got nice new metal around you thats gonna last.

I agree with everything you've said to be honest. Chucking on loads and loads of underseal will only make it rust more, and I know this from experience.

If I was you (bigchap) i'd get a big wire wheel and remove all the underseal, and then spray the floor with modern stonechip as this will make all the rest of your work worthwhile and the car will last.

Please don't take this as a negative tho.

Keith

[Big_Chap]

Can i ask where you got the blue rocker cover bolt washers?

Cheers

they were on the car when i bought it, think they're called cup washers, can get them from rally design etc



Those wheels offend me!


wow wow wow, they're just temporary wheels thats were lying about til he got the ones he wanted fitted, got good money for the rev's so was a bit of a rush! still, they do look good in the flesh but 15's are far too small for the ride heights, scrap's on everything round here!




Its nice to have a bit attitude back around these parts, I've missed it lately as most people have started to grow up, even the 14 year olds can take a bit criticism now and then. The comment on the wheels was simply as my signature says. A lot of people worship cars with cav slabs, personaly I think they have been done to death. I'm glad your not one of them.

The RFXs arent to everyones taste but made it individual. Best wheels I ever seen the car on was the RL7s in gold but they are mega rare

he perhaps could have been a bit more diplomatic in the response but if you look at the time it was 4hrs after new year. on the other hand saying it looks awful is a slight exaggeration.

people liked the rfx's, people liked the rl7's, its andy's car now and as he said the 15's are too small for the roads round this way so the car needs 16's for a little extra clearance so it really comes down to speedline's, softstar's or rl7's (although they are rare as you say). speedlines may be "common" but thats for a reason and there isn't exactly loads of rio verde's with speedlines! (except A16VTB and any other replica's that have cropped up!)



I agree with everything you've said to be honest. Chucking on loads and loads of underseal will only make it rust more, and I know this from experience.

If I was you (bigchap) i'd get a big wire wheel and remove all the underseal, and then spray the floor with modern stonechip as this will make all the rest of your work worthwhile and the car will last.

Please don't take this as a negative tho.

Keith

i hear you mate, can you tell me more about your run-in with underseal? the main reason i went for underseal (and a layer of seam-sealer) is because the car had been undersealed when first "built" and the area's i removed it from were still pristine, the floor pan is still in as-new condition, the only repairs were to the rear chassis legs where water had got inside so i justused it again as it had done its job. my crossmember was stone-chipped and it rotted.:cry:

:thumb:

[krobinson]

My very first nova. I bought some black underseal, it was like a tar stuff and it dried hard. About a year later the MOT man found that the underseal had torn and water got under it and basically rotted the floor. Luckly the car ended up being rolled before I bothered to fix it.

Modern car's use Gravitex now, which is sprayed on.

If its worked for you in the past then stick with it mate!

Keith

[Big_Chap]

well it wasn't me who applied it first time round and also don't know what he used, i just prep'd it best i could by cleaning it too bare metal with no sh!t then acid etch, primer, seam sealer (for flexibility) and underseal, didn't just go for the cheapest either in the hope it would be better quality.

i'll certainly keep an eye on it and may even remove a bit in the future and see whats been happening, that is of course if i ever get the bastid on the road! you think you'll be at pv/billing with yours?

[krobinson]

Fingers crossed for both mate, going to try my best to finish it for then!

Keith

[turbodrew1]

:thumb:
Its nice to have a bit attitude back around these parts, I've missed it lately as most people have started to grow up, even the 14 year olds can take a bit criticism now and then. The comment on the wheels was simply as my signature says. A lot of people worship cars with cav slabs, personaly I think they have been done to death. I'm glad your not one of them.

The RFXs arent to everyones taste but made it individual. Best wheels I ever seen the car on was the RL7s in gold but they are mega rare

i,m far from growing up mate. cav slabs looked not bad on the car when i first put them on but they're never going to be permanent plus when i put my 4 pots on the wheels wont go over them. would you rather i left the car in the garage on axle stands just incase you lot dont like the wheels. like i already said it was all that was lying about and i got good money for the revs. anyway who cares about this pointless conversation. p.s this is just my opinion:thumb:

[wilson_sri]

I like the slabs, always look good on novas no matter what people say...Andy, might be selling my Softstars if you havent got any 16s yet, think im changing to compos. Not 100% sure though, will let you know if i do decide to change.

Any more progress on this big chap? When you think it will be done? Looks like theres going to be a few cracking novas about Dunfermline this year :cool:

[Big_Chap]

stil waiting for a window at the paintshop, don't mind too much tbh as it gives me more time and got lots of wee ****ty bits to do in the meantime, got the engine etc all painted up. was hoping for start of march but suppose pv is the important date. what about you? still selling up?

[matthew172]

speedlines young man. i know alot of nova's have them but when i first seen K95 it had them on it and i loved the look of the car then so you could say i'm just trying to relive the moment. not to mention the car is undriveable on 15's through my way due to the sh1tty roads, speed bumps everywhere. everytime i put it away i need to check the manifold is still there. fcuk replacing that it was'nt cheap. so 16's should sort it.

good to hear you are bringing it back to its former glory with a nice set of speedlines, its seen some gash wheels in its time has that car

[wilson_sri]

stil waiting for a window at the paintshop, don't mind too much tbh as it gives me more time and got lots of wee ****ty bits to do in the meantime, got the engine etc all painted up. was hoping for start of march but suppose pv is the important date. what about you? still selling up?
Na, car i was wanting to get has been sold. Suppose better off that way cause i was going to loose a lot of money!
Hoping to have it done for April, but PV is more realistic.

[Big_Chap]

small update, cleaned up the engine and box

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00508.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00527.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00528.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00536.jpg




gearbox came up not too bad considering it looked like this before!!! :(

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00469.jpg


after lots of degreaser various wire brushes and a quick jet-wash...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00538.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00539.jpg

should i attack it with some alloy cleaner for an even better finish or paint it black like the block?


dash is going to take some cleaning! :(

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00532.jpg

[chrisnovaturbo]

dont paint the box use the alloy cleaner. that will look cool !!

[vaughanmc]

Aye keep the block and box contrasting mate :)

Top work!

[Big_Chap]

its painted! woo-hoo

early-ish start (for a saturday anyway!) apologies for poor picture quality! :doh:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00558.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00560.jpg

all buffed down and blown over with an air line

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00563.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00564.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00567.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00568.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00570.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00570.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00574.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00572.jpg

[Big_Chap]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00575.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00576.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00577.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00578.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00580.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00581.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00582.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00583.jpg

chucked all the panels on to get it home and will get the bodywork guy back to line everything up and build up the doors, fit glass etc.

PS. wings were left on because they were a c*nt to line up right and are bonded on so they wouldn't move and were all stone guarded etc before fitted.

[joff-turbo-nova]

Looking nice - good work !!!

Joff

[vaughanmc]

Looking good, well worth the wait :)

[Big_Chap]

re-assembled the rear of the engine tonight after some mincing about

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00591.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00590.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00589.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00592.jpg

just need to remember which hole the knock sensor goes in! :confused: lol



also come across some pics of it before the resto...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/t3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSCF036720copy.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSCF041420copy.jpg

it'll pretty much look the same from the outside except the brakes, GSi door decals and i'll probably leave the tints off

[fearless]

Knock sensor is usually positioned between cylinder 2 & 3

[armour88]

looking good this all finished now bigchap? not seen you for a while

[wilson_sri]

Getting there man, its looking good! Has the paint been polished yet? Or is it just the photos, looks a bit flat.

[Big_Chap]

Getting there man, its looking good! Has the paint been polished yet? Or is it just the photos, looks a bit flat.

both! 5mins after bake and p!sh camera phone. need to start using digi camera

[Big_Chap]

looking good this all finished now bigchap? not seen you for a while

alright mate, hows it going? nah, not finished yet, still got to put everything back together, will get there though! :thumb:

[Big_Chap]

polished and got some pictures on digi camera althoug still not the best quality. finish looks good in the flesh

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/100_1117.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/100_1101.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/100_11091.jpg

[Ste L]

ooooo..

do i spy Rick M's old nova in the reflection pic?



nova look's stunning :cool:

[Riggy]

yeah think you do there ste , nova does look wikid :thumb:

[wilson_sri]

Looks quality. You putting vinyls back on?

[Big_Chap]

Looks quality. You putting vinyls back on?

not sure, have a tailgate and door badges sitting here but don't have the b pillars. what about yourself?

[wilson_sri]

Yeh im putting them on. Got genuine b pillar vinyls, still looking for rear and door badges. Got some exact replicas that will do untill i find some. Give me a shout if you decide to sell them!

[Big_Chap]

where'd you get the pillars? was thinking of getting a set made but not too fussed about pillars. you like them or just doing it for originality? might sell the vinyl actually, its the one with the vauxhall badge on the right though

[wilson_sri]

Got them from Duick on here, think there is more if you want them. Both really, originality and i like them. Are they not genuine then?

[Big_Chap]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/RJM25R/2b34cf1d.jpg



yeah its GM, still in GM box etc, not sure why there's two types though!

how much were the pillars?

[Big_Chap]

ooooo..

do i spy Rick M's old nova in the reflection pic?



nova look's stunning :cool:


yeah think you do there ste , nova does look wikid :thumb:

yip, is k95vhd. cheers for the comments :thumb:

[wilson_sri]

yeah its GM, still in GM box etc, not sure why there's two types though!

how much were the pillars?
Didnt even know there was two types! Guessing it doesnt have the 16v bit though? How much would you be wanting?

The pillars are ?80, plus p&p.

[Big_Chap]

Didnt even know there was two types! Guessing it doesnt have the 16v bit though? How much would you be wanting?

The pillars are ?80, plus p&p.

you still have the red rear lights? maybe do a deal with them?

[belly257]

awsome project:thumb:

[vaughanmc]

Looking awsome mate - When do you think she'l be done?

[Big_Chap]

Looking awsome mate - When do you think she'l be done?

hopefully next month!

Engine re-fitted

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00627.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00630.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00631.jpg

[trackdaynova]

Big Chap, see the for sale forum on VauxSport, ben21 is after some 45mm trumpets, in return for his 90mm's... straight swap...

[krobinson]

Looks awesome, good work mate :D

[wilson_sri]

Getting there mate!

[fjc]

looks mint bud, ill need to come round for a sneak preview

[Big_Chap]

Big Chap, see the for sale forum on VauxSport, ben21 is after some 45mm trumpets, in return for his 90mm's... straight swap...

cheers for that, they're on they're way!


looks mint bud, ill need to come round for a sneak preview

no problem mate, fire down anytime.

more progress, should be going away to have the throttle bodies wired in etc later in the week.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00632.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00637.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00635.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00642.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00646.jpg

[vaughanmc]

Getting there now :)

[Big_Chap]

thats it all wired in and turning off the key! sounds good, tempted to take it for a thrash but no windows mot or tax!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00658.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00660.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00661.jpg

[wilson_sri]

Looks outstanding man! Any luck finding green tinted windows? Been looking aswell, but no luck!

[C7LJN]

Looking mint big chap. I will need to pop down for a look. I dont see i vin plate on the slam pannel tho lol :D

[Big_Chap]

Looks outstanding man! Any luck finding green tinted windows? Been looking aswell, but no luck!

yeah, try heated windscreens.com, very cheap compared to autoglass etc, they wanted a grand for the full hit! i don't know if these windows are of poorer quality than the stock stuff though! :thumb:


Looking mint big chap. I will need to pop down for a look. I dont see i vin plate on the slam pannel tho lol :D

thats cause its a ringer! need to get one made up, the one i took off is howling!

[wilson_sri]

cheers man il give them a go.

Cant be much longer now anyway?

[Big_Chap]

i could have it on the road for the end of the month but i'm waiting on the guy who did all the panel work to come down and adjust all the panel gaps, build up the doors (so the windows actually go up and down themselves without assistance!) and wax the insides of the doors, quarters and cills etc. still, it'll be ready for pv anyway!

[turbodrew1]

for f##k sake is comrie coachworks advertising reebok classics in your pictures? f##kin chav ha ha!!

[Big_Chap]

not much has been happening but when touching up the ream beam i notice a couple of bubbles under the hammerite (of only about 1.5yrs ago!) so and could see surface rust up the inside so decided fack it and rip it all out for shot blast and powder-coat (which i wanted to do to begin with but didn't bother!).

i cut the bottom plate out to allow access for the shot blaster as this was the easiest place to re-weld plates back on and also thought it be an idea to add some extra plates for strength, just to be safe! kind of forgot about pictures but here are some poor one from my phone. its now away to be re-shot blasted and then coated, should have it back next week some time and will get pics then :doh:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00668.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00667.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00669.jpg

here you can see the "access cuts" this was needed to allow all the rust to be blasted away!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00679.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00680.jpg

[Big_Chap]

got the beam back and a few other bits done at the same time

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00681.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00682.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00683.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00684.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00685.jpg



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00687.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00688.jpg

[novacabrio]

Nice, you cant beat the nice details like powder coated beams

[C7LJN]

Looking good Big chap
Did you get Davie to do it for you???? Ive never seen him to ask

[vaughanmc]

Good work mate

The back beams don't stay shiney for long lol

[Big_Chap]

Looking good Big chap
Did you get Davie to do it for you???? Ive never seen him to ask

nah mate, got a guy in leslie to do it, did it the next day, top bloke! blasted it before and after welding. he does all the work for IPF and was just finishing a manta!

got the speedlines painted...


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00691.jpg


and a bit of old skool...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00690.jpg

speedline badges or courtenay ones?...:confused:

PS wheels look much better in the flesh!

[joff-turbo-nova]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00685.jpg

I see you have extended the beam up around where the stub axel bolts - I take it this is to give more suspension travel but a low look from the outside???

Joff

[Big_Chap]

I see you have extended the beam up around where the stub axel bolts - I take it this is to give more suspension travel but a low look from the outside???

Joff

hello, it was done to the car before i bought it so not really sure what the reasoning behind it was, probably to lower a bit more but in saying that, it doesn't sit that low on the old coilover setup (non-adjustable ones.)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/Picture.jpg

[Big_Chap]

beam pretty much assembled now and will fire it back on the car later today. plan to have it on its wheels tonight and providing its good weather we'll get it wheeled out tomorrow to fit rear windows and build up the tailgate and doors...

not really been into red calipers on nova's, probably because all the chav's done it to death back in the day but with the brembo's being red they got a quick blast.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00693.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00694.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00692.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00696.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00700.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00702.jpg

[wilson_sri]

That beamn looks great man, how much did ipf charge you?

[C7LJN]

Big Chap
I remember stevie doing the rear axle on the nova like that cause he was trying to stop the front wheels spining so much.
The way he looked at it at the time the rear was dipping which was lifting weight of the front of the car. So he did the rear beam like that and ran rear nova towing springs so it didnt drop as much but still looked lowered at the same time..
It was back in 1995 or something so may not have had much options at the time

[Big_Chap]

made a lot of good progress this weekend, got the rear beam assembled with brakes etc, brakes all bled up, gear linkage fine tuned and today we got the doors quarters and tailgate all waxed up and started building up the doors and windows, they're all inplace now except the windscreen which will hopefully be done this week. should have the internal wiring tidyed up and the carpets down with dynamat etc also this week and might even get the leather recaro's in this weekend!...


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00705-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00703-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00704.jpg


don't have many pics but here are some halfway through! rear speedlines are still away getting painted and i'm not sure about the rear lights, opinions please! i was thinking of perhaps painting the red surrounds gloss black to look more factory?

[vaughanmc]

I'd opt for twin fog lights if it was my car :)

Looks nice all the same

[wilson_sri]

I like the lights the way they are, think they should look better once everything is back together.

[wilson_sri]

Actually i wish id never gave you them lol the more i look at them on it the better it looks.

[Big_Chap]

i'm still not sure, i have new gm originals along with brand new clears that i'll mess about with with red paint but will see with time! barry thinks they're great though.

you need to get cracking with yours when you get it back, be cool to have our 2 white GSi's and K95 in convoy to pv! (if your coming with us, andy said he mentioned it to you?...)

[wilson_sri]

Aye man, going to be a few late nights me thinks! Fancy giving me a hand if i need it? Aye was talking to him about it, il tag on with you as im leaving Saturday aswell. What stand you on?

[Big_Chap]

vauxhall sports car club, east of scotland, are you not a member? me, andy, baz, deek (v6 gsi), stevie (baz's bro with the white mk4 astra van and tb'd saloon track car) are all members so good crack at the meets and big shows etc, infact, heres last years convoy and show pics andy's nova is at the back with deeks old v6 vectra, barry's astra and baryy n steve's track car at the front (featured in the next total vauxhall btw)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00061.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSCF0027.jpg

[wilson_sri]

Yeh im a member, never really on the site or been to any meets. Might pop along for one when my cars done though.

[Big_Chap]

cool, i'm hoping to have mine there for this months (last sunday of each month) which will be the first time i've taken it, been a member nearly 2 years! lol

[Big_Chap]

more progress, got the other speedlines back from painting, fitted the interior and finished off the wiring problems, now have working electric windows, central locking and indicators! not a great deal left to do now and have it in for an mot a week on saturday.

excuse the poor pics, forgot to take any and it ended up dark when i remembered :roll: ...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00708.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00710.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00709.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00707.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00714.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00711.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00712.jpg

[Big_Chap]

better pics in daylight...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00715.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00716.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00718.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00719.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00720.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00721.jpg

it needs a good clean inside and out! oh and the inner quarter trims and door cards aren't all clipped in right!

[wilson_sri]

**** aye mate, getting there! How long you reckon it will be now?

[Big_Chap]

MOT on friday! not touched it since thursday but only really waiting on the windscreen & door seal and it can go for mot, decided to go for 3" outward rolled tail pipe too which makes the rear bumper headache easy. the bumpers etc will be getting painted tuesday & wednesday night (nightshift homer) and if i don't make friday i have saturday morning too but will be pushing it for road tax! heard anymore about yours?

[vaughanmc]

Looks minted mate - I'm a wee bit in love with the interior

Can't wait to see it at some meets or shows :)

[wilson_sri]

MOT on friday! not touched it since thursday but only really waiting on the windscreen & door seal and it can go for mot, decided to go for 3" outward rolled tail pipe too which makes the rear bumper headache easy. the bumpers etc will be getting painted tuesday & wednesday night (nightshift homer) and if i don't make friday i have saturday morning too but will be pushing it for road tax! heard anymore about yours?
Cool man, you will need to bring it by the house when its on the road. Mines is getting dropped off at Dougies next Monday! About time to.

[Big_Chap]

nae problem mate, i'll be cutting about in it like, making up for the last 2 years! hopefully you get it back and running no probs, you should fire along to dougies when its back with boot fulls of bit amd start building it while its there! if he's at the front you'll not get in the way!

[wilson_sri]

Never thought about doing that, good idea. Means i can try and get it straight away for mot.

[Neil 08]

Just read the whole thread, project is outstanding, she will be some tool

[Big_Chap]

cheers for comments, been busy working on other bits tonight with mates ready for MOT tomorrow! all i need is the windscreen in (the guy is coming early to fit it) and i'm having bother getting the horn working! only have this pic!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00722.jpg

also, found this pic from around 10 years ago, i think its the original builder driving it and when it had the SBD'd engine in it...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/aug99_photo02.jpg

[craig green]

Looking great Big_Chap. Interior looks the bo11ox.

Good luck with the MOT.

[Big_Chap]

cheers craig

well, never made mot today but will be there in the morning, just got the windscreen in there and not enough time. better pics... (new plates still to go on and tailgate isn't closed correctly)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00723.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00724.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00725.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00726.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00727.jpg

[wilson_sri]

Looks great man! Really kicking myself now that i gave you those rear lights lol

[andybishop]

That looks awesome!! Good luck with the MOT, sure it will go well!! :)

[wilson_sri]

BTW what colour tape you putting on the bumpers if any? Think you should put red on, would go well with the lights

[Big_Chap]

cheers for comments! dunno about stripe, not normally a fan of red on GSi's but it would tie in with the brakes and lights, think i'll go for black or dark grey. also, dunno about the cambelt & rocker covers, was all for white but now i'm also thinking diamond black, dark grey or red?

[wilson_sri]

Whats the crack then man, is it on the road?

[krobinson]

Looks absolutely stunning now! Good work :)

[Adam]

That looks awesome :cool:

[vaughanmc]

Looks minted :)

[Big_Chap]

cheers for comments!

long story but basically set off for mot last saturday and was a bit sluggish pulling away (i hadn't driven it beyond my drive/garage for fear of getting caught with no mot or tax) but thought it was either the new clutch needing a little bedding in or i had 3rd where 1st should be. anyway, having been certain the gears were set correctly i put it down to dodgy clutch, nursed it home and parked in the garage in disgust and left it till around tuesday. while off on the 'pat n mick' i got bored and started fitting a new clutch thanks to c7lin (of 4x4 cossie nova fame). the clutch was fine friction plate-wise bar a few battle scars from trying to drive it which ultimately knackered the plastic ring around the spline. so it was something else, turns out the lightened flywheel was to blame, had been done wrong but sourced soon after thanks to fjc and set about fitting it, didn't realise i would be able to pop it out the access hatch so that was a bit of a brucie bonus! then i noticed i'd been given the wrong clutch kit! turns out the pot type had found its way into a flat type box so couldn't finish it til the next day. got the correct one yesterday evening and set about fitting it, eveything went fine til i tried to drive it, no gears and clutch cable was slack as fook! wound it right back and managed to get 1st -5th but no reverse! and the lever had too much play which meant it was probably release bearing related although i had replaced it when doing the first clutch and looked fine when doing the clutch earlier. so the bastid had to come apart again, was absolutely raging and almost found myself writing an 'unfinished project for sale' thread.

anyway two mates said they'd come along and have a look today as i was back at work today and initially couldn't see anything wrong even after comparing the two release bearings, anyway they refitted it and it was fine so feck knows what caused it, perhaps i dis-lodged it when changing the clutch?

anyway i arrived home with the car done and this time i just drove it along the street and was fine so its parked up til saturday!

thanks to turbodrew1 & daz along with C7LIN for tools and advice!

[wilson_sri]

Shame that mate. Checked the car park a few times this week when iv been out, to see if you were there. Wondered why i hadnt seen you. Ah well hopefully all will go fine on Saturday!

[Big_Chap]

pics of it as it sits just now, couple of things still to be done. Getting a new exhaust made tomorrow! needs mapped, going through a stupid amount of fuel!!! :eek:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00733.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00737.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00736.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00740.jpg


can go this low without scraping but look daft

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00728.jpg

[novacabrio]

What calipers are they? Do you use much of a spacer with them?

[vaughanmc]

Minted mate - Need to get another Scottish Nova / PNG meet going

[sport]

Stunning mate, says it all!

[Big_Chap]

What calipers are they? Do you use much of a spacer with them?

not sure mate, they are a kit from Godspeed iirc.


cheers for comments

video from earlier...


http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/?action=view&current=video-0001.flv

[Big_Chap]

got a new exhaust system fitted yesterday, its soooo quiet! all you hear now is TB roar!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00742.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00741.jpg

[krobinson]

New Exhaust is much better, was never a fan of center exits on Nova's, its perfect now mate :)

[Neil 08]

spot on,

[Adam]

Liking the new exhaust.
Cars looking awesome :cool:

Nice flameage on the vid lol

[wilson_sri]

Exhaust looks great, is it a hooper special?

[novaowner999]

cool thread matey

[vaughanmc]

New exhaust system really tidy's the car up now mate :)

[Big_Chap]

Cheers for comments!


Exhaust looks great, is it a hooper special?

c'mon man! its a marc milne special, used mvm's gear and materials though!

[wilson_sri]

lol didnt think it would be hooper aka bodgy tek lol

[Big_Chap]

ok, update, had a bit of trouble getting it mapped last friday, had to abandon 1/3 of the way through due to a fuelling problem, its now fixed and going back first thing on saturday!

a couple of pics...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00752.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00764.jpg

made it to PV relatively trouble free except a pin hole in the water hose that goes from the head to the heater matrix after sitting in the M6 tail back after an hour or so but was fixed no problem.

nicked pics from pv... (thanks to craigsri from jov)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/PVS200848.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/PVS200847.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSCF1307.jpg

also, was in seeing the guy who built the car originally on friday and gave me this, think its from around 1997, can just about make out the tb's!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00767.jpg

[wilson_sri]

Looking good bud. I couldnt get down, my head gasket went right after i got tax!

[Big_Chap]

yeah i heard, pain in the ars£ but atleast it didn't happen 3/4 of the way down the road! i was in two mind whether to take mine aswell, wasn't until the friday night when i got the fuelling problem sorted that i felt comfortable about it! still, thats it got another 800miles under its belt!

you hope to have it fixed for the weekend? we'll be kicking about.

[wilson_sri]

A ken man thats exactly what i thought. I have a day off tomorow and all the bits should be here in the morning. So should hopefully have it back up and running by night.

Did you get a power run on the rollers?

[Big_Chap]

cool, hopefully its trouble free!

it made about 40bhp! but he only mapped as far as 2.5k iirc, going back on saturday morning for another go, hopefully be ok this time, can't be bothered with the drive! not too fussed about the peak bhp tbh, aslong as it has a good curve and makes decent torque

[Big_Chap]

some new pics, now mapped and with engine bays changes, GSi decals & gutter rails.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00855.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00849.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00846.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00843.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00845.jpg

[Adam]

Perfect

[SRimon]

Aiii definitely.

One to own a TB'd XE'd White GSi for sure.

[Neil 08]

sweet, looks ace

[Big_Chap]

cheers for comments! :thumb:

[Riggy]

looks wikid mate , all these white novas around now lol

[moffat]

looks really clean mate. i see you going about in rosyth with it and k95 and wilson_sri's. good to see such a fine collection of novas going about my area. mine will be sorted soon, so there will be another nova going about soon.

[Big_Chap]

looks really clean mate. i see you going about in rosyth with it and k95 and wilson_sri's. good to see such a fine collection of novas going about my area. mine will be sorted soon, so there will be another nova going about soon.

aye, theres getting to be quite a few going around here now! :mad:


Just found this, i'd forgot to upload it from the mapping sesh...

[/URL]

[URL="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/?action=view&current=MOV00869.flv"]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/th_MOV00869.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/?action=view&current=MOV00869.flv)

[marS]

It is too beautiful I love it too white !

[Big_Chap]

not much been happening, pretty much finished now except some interior tidying up and get the heated windscreen wired up.
some billing pics...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/billing08057.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/SS100467.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/IMG_0556.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSCF1446.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSCF1447.jpg

and a couple with wilson...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/DSC00894-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/SS100494.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/SS100500.jpg

[Big_Chap]

also got some more scanned pics from the guy who built it the first time round...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/bay4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/bay1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/car4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/car1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/car2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/bay2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/bay3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Big_Chap/car3.jpg

if only i could have bought it from him in the first place! lol

[wilson_sri]

I was wondering on sumday if that was a heated windscreen! lol

Funking quick, weapon! Only a few months untill you get the doors ripped aff you though! ;)

[krobinson]

Oooo it used to be all white underneath, plan for the future?

[Big_Chap]

Oooo it used to be all white underneath, plan for the future?

not alot to be honest, 222bhp would be nice and i fancy a sccr box but tbh i'm more than happy with the way it goes just now and the quaife diff helps alot! plus i could be spending my money on my house etc. just be enjoying it and getting it to as many shows as i can. you making the trip to trax or png national day?

[vaughanmc]

Will be nice to see it at the Meet if you decide to go mate :)

[adam c]

looks very nice!i saw this and k95 in the hotel car park when i went to pvs and was really impressed with it!i would of came along and said hi but didnt know which scottish guys owned what?lol

[Cle]

Looks Stunning !!! love how white it is lol

[Riggy]

lol i want to get mine , yours and wilsons together , that would be a good photoshoot lol

[turbodrew1]

lol i want to get mine , yours and wilsons together , that would be a good photoshoot lol


no, that would be a gay photoshoot lol

[Stoo]

love it

[Riggy]

no, that would be a gay photoshoot lol


lol well you can join in aswell then lol

[Big_Chap]

love it

cheers, not seen you on here in a while, brakes are good!

[Big_Chap]

lol well you can join in aswell then lol

don't listen to that faggot, he's just jealous because his car ain't glacier anymore!

thanks for all comments

[Stoo]

cheers, not seen you on here in a while, brakes are good!

Ill be on here more often from very soon
Wrote off my DC5 in a big big way last week, and im on the hunt for another nova!

glad the brakes are doing well, car looks awesome!

[Big_Chap]

Ill be on here more often from very soon
Wrote off my DC5 in a big big way last week, and im on the hunt for another nova!

glad the brakes are doing well, car looks awesome!

sh!te, thats not good, no injuries etc though? every cloud... lol

[Stoo]

broken both feet, suspected fractured thigh and hip, bruised shoulder and hips from the seatbelt, cut left foot to the bone, cracked 3 ribs, bumoed head, concussion, whiplash and back pains

but im ok lol

[Big_Chap]

broken both feet, suspected fractured thigh and hip, bruised shoulder and hips from the seatbelt, cut left foot to the bone, cracked 3 ribs, bumoed head, concussion, whiplash and back pains

but im ok lol

fooking hell! sounds like you were lucky really! out of action for a few weeks then?

[sport]

Had a look round this today at knockhill, looks amazing really liking the seats.

[Stoo]

fooking hell! sounds like you were lucky really! out of action for a few weeks then?

had a week off work
back in this week, albeit hobbling!! haha

[Big_Chap]

Had a look round this today at knockhill, looks amazing really liking the seats.

Cheers mate!

[moffat]

hows the nova doing mate still see you going about with it?

[dalenova]

i need to get back in a nova

[wilson_sri]

hows the nova doing mate still see you going about with it?
Word on the street is he has painted it pink to suit his new lifestyle.

Nah, think its away for the winter due to salty roads!

[moffat]

Word on the street is he has painted it pink to suit his new lifestyle.

Nah, think its away for the winter due to salty roads!

lol a am sure i seen it the other week