Nova Saloon Build

[Austin_Nova16]

Well; new nova build on the go. Hopefully sort it for the summer...

Couldn't resist a bargain 500quid cally T last summer so had to buy it.
I've now been the owner of this saloon for 3 weeks which I couldn't resist buying either. Cheap at 50quid and from only a couple of miles away..
Here it is in all its glory...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/aoriginalsaloonside.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/aoriginalsaloonfront.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/aoriginalsaloonback.jpg~original

So started off getting the engine out. Took the wings off to be chucked, chucked the seats and most the interior aswell.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC00977.jpg~original

As I intend to use a corsa pedel box, I plated over the holes that the pedel box mounts too, and also modded the clutch pedal so that it is fully supported again.

There has been a replacement battery tray welded onto of old rot, which must have been done a while ago, but it will all need chopping out and replacing soon..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC00973.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC00974.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC00975.jpg~original

[Austin_Nova16]

Stripped back the inner wings of all underseal etc, then welded up the seams, and cut out any patches of rust and plated it up. The wing bit that sticks out was too far gone, so had top be chopped out and replaced with one I cut out..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC00980.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC00981.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC00982.jpg~original

Next up was getting the O/S mount in the right place (lowering 1.5") and sorting the alternator bit, as well as a small rot hole on the tuirret and a bit of stich welding..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC00985.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC00983.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC00984.jpg~original

All welded
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC00986.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC00987.jpg~original

[Lee]

Look forward to this Austin, its always a pleasure watching what you come up with!

Whats that crap down the bottom of the doors??

[Austin_Nova16]

The Front Pannel was in pritty bad condition, and the bits where the tie bars bolt on to were well gone.

So with fitting a decent size intercooler in the front in mind, I decided to weld in a bit of 50mm box instead, but try and keep the lower front pannel part.. So I got the brackets bolted up (10mm ower) and welded some bracking to them, so I couild cut the pannel off, and everything would stay in the same place..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC00995.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC00996.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC00999.jpg~original

little bit of repare work before offering up the bar...

Well thats all for now, quite a bit more to add at the moment,. shall hopefully do that tomorrow..

[Austin_Nova16]

That brown stuff is some sort of primer. God knows what the guy who I bought it off was thinkin! Shall be having a go at spraying the whole car, so we shall see how it ends up!

[kevster]

nice one dude !!!!!!!!! you could of cleaned it lol

[kevster]

loveing the timeing on the slam lol

[Austin_Nova16]

Welded plates at the far end of the bar each side with 2mm sheet after bolting the box section down. Then added some small plates on the inner part which will be double skinned with the larger plates I cut out to stregthan the whole joint up.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01003.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01004.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01005.jpg~original

I then boxed out the front and rear faces of the guttet bits then sorted them ready for some primer; just to cover it for now.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01008.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01009.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01010.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01011.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01015.jpg~original

[Austin_Nova16]

Next off was to chop off the old slam pannel part. Used a proper spot weld drill which was so good, it was off in a couple of minutes.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01020.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01021.jpg~original

Got a GM lower front pannel to replace the original with, so finish off the main chassis leg stich welds which I couldn't get to before, and then welded the lower pannel on.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01025.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01026.jpg~original

The areas around the headlamps needed a bit of plating, so sorted them and got on to fitting the other GM panel I got for the top. All went together nicely. Then gave it a bit of primer.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01029.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01031.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01030.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01032.jpg~original

[andybishop]

Looks like its going to be another awesome build again!! Can't wait to see more progess!

[craig green]

Aye. Looks like its got the makings of a cool project.

[lee coley]

looks good,nice work

[burgo]

thats proper **** hot, loving the new cross member

[kevster]

looking good dude

[trossnova]

looking great mate cant wait to come up and have a propper look. had fun with my seam wealding and even after your advice i still managed to have a fire inside the car lol ow well the under florring was comeing out anyways

[SUP4NOV4]

Looking good mate, it's a joy to watch and see how things progress.

[Austin_Nova16]

Small update of what I've been sorting this week.

Wanted to get all the battery tray out where it had been previously plated over with a replacement pannel.
The top inch of the bulkhead on the drivers side was rotten so chopped that out along with all the other parts.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01033.jpg~original

Wanted to keep the drain hole working, so cut the gully bit out of the pannel I had chopped out, and welded that in along with a 2mm plate behind the turret.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01036.jpg~original

Then I cut out pieces of 2mm sheet to weld either side of the gully part, and welded them in place.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01037.jpg~original

Next was to sort the main plate, again out of 2mm steel to give the whole area some strength. Cut the hole out for the corsa pedal to go through.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01038.jpg~original

Next Up, I got Iit all in place and then decided to weld the corsa servo mounting plate in place so that it is all rigid.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01039.jpg~original

Then mounted up the servo ready to sort the pedal out.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01040.jpg~original

Pedal shortened and slightly straightened.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01044.jpg~original

Next Up I weleded in a small bracket to mount a corsa wiper motor. Just need to modify this to single...

Well thats it for now, shall postmore up soon.

[mikey14sr]

How I wish I could get a shell in my garage to do things properly! That method of sorting out the front crossmember is the future for any conversion I think.

[Saloony]

Isnt clearance going to be a problem with the servo and m/c were it is now??

[Martin]

Remember seein that on ebay..


looking good so far mate keep it up..

btw did you build that blue nova witht the all-in-one bonnet,wings etc front engined rwd? stillgot it?



How I wish I could get a shell in my garage to do things properly! That method of sorting out the front crossmember is the future for any conversion I think.

we can giv it ago on mine when we dot he front pannel if you like mate..?

use my car as the guine pig

[Austin_Nova16]

After 8 or so years of doiing conversions etc on my old dears' drive, I think its about time I got somewhere to do it! lol

Saloony - aredon't think clearance should be an issue really; bonnet fits on fine...

[Saloony]

Just making sure. Dont want to see another saloon wrecked.

[kevster]

Just making sure. Dont want to see another saloon wrecked.


moody lol lol lol

im shore he knows what hes doing i hope lol jokeing :thumb:

[craig green]

fail to see how a car could be wrecked by the bonnet not shutting on a master cylinder cap!

Nice progress though Austin. Keep at it.

[Austin_Nova16]

Cheers for the comments.
Especially Saloony.. Your the best! :thumb: :thumb:



Well, quick update the car car:
Been really busy with other stuff over the past couple of weeks, but have got some done this weekend.

Recieved a few bits in the post, ready to sort the engine out, also got some tyres, a new tank and a new std front bumper.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01053.jpg~original

Finally got around to sorting out the passenger side front inner wing, althouigh there are a couple of bits yet to do.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01055.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01056.jpg~original


To get to all the seams underneath, I decided to make up a simple roll over Jig. Got myself 30quids worth of box section and set about making the two frames.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01058.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01059.jpg~original

Bolted them up to the car and then raised the car to a suitable height, ready for turning over

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01057.jpg~original

With a mate helping, we then flipped it over and moved it around.
Was well happy with the strength of it and also how easy it was to move like this.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01061.jpg~original

...And got an hour in stripping the underside ready for some stiching.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01062.jpg~original


Well, thats my lot for now. Going to try and get the underside sorted this week, and turn it back over to finish all the boot seams..

Rallycross today anyway....

[Saloony]

Wicked frame work fella. Me, i totally bodged it by laying a mattress down and rolling the car onto that. YEEEHAAA. Keep up the good work.

[SRlew]

this is nuts! i love a thread like this lol

good work tho fella

[Rick Draper]

Is that a cossie rear axle i spy there?

Looking good.

[kevster]

went a saw the car last night looking good !!!! stand is the nuts this nova will be a head turner !!!!! keep up the good work !!!!!!!!

[Austin_Nova16]

Yeah thats right rick. Just needed somewhere to store it, so its under the saloon for now..

Small update:
Been working on the underside at the rear of the car this week. Getting all the seams cleaned up reading for some welding.

There was very slight surface rust around the holes on the chassis legs, so I took them back to bare metal, and the surrounding areas.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01063.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01064.jpg~original

All welded
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01067.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01068.jpg~original
and painted
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01070.jpg~original

Then made up some axle mount braces and repaired the small bit of rust on the corner of the floor.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01071.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01072.jpg~original

Hopefully get the front plates sorted today, and get it back onm the ground for some turrets.

Laters

[SRlew]

bloody hell your cracking on with it aint you! good work

[kevster]

keep it up mate :) will pop up see how your getting on

[Matt2107]

Austin, you never do things by halfs.

How much did it cost you in total to make up the frame? Including man hours? ;)

[Austin_Nova16]

Cheers guys.

Matt - Metal was 30quid cash, plus a few cut offs I had lying about. Probably took an hour in total, so not too bad.

If space is tight, I would spend 60quid on steel and make a rollover one. I may cut up this one and make it in to one of those in the future.



Well, few more bits to do before putting it back over and fisnishing inside, and getting some turrets in there (the existing rear spring seats will be cut out as they are well gone).



Got the welding done on the front part of the floor around the bottom arm mounts and chassis legs. The legs were in really good condition, with only one tiney bit of rust emerging.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01073.jpg~original

Then cut up some 2mm strengthening plates, which will really beefen up this area.

Plate cut and drilled
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01074.jpg~original

Bent them up
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01075.jpg~original

..And all welded
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01077.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01076.jpg~original

Next is to plate up the support bit that comes from behind the bottom arm pickup point, and the 16 holes in the floor - which I have been putting off cutting the discs out for.

More updates when they come...

[Marsi]

Very good work Austin, seems as you are some kind of thorough with
your rebuilding. I like that. :thumb:

[craig green]

Good progress that man!

[Austin_Nova16]

Have been trying to get at least one thing done a day at the moment. Even if its just 1/2 hour cuting out plates.


Another small update:

Welded up the 16 drain holes and other small holes which had gromets in.
Also cut and folded some plates to beefen the TCA pick-up points.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01079.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01078.jpg~original

Now just need to clean up all the plates and primer for now, then get the bits of rusty floor that you can see in the top photo sorted once the cars back over the proper way round...

[Rob77]

Awesome work Austin!

What engine is going in this?

[KPautomotive]

Another Mental Austin project i'd imagine!

lol

You going PVS Austin?

Rob

[Austin_Nova16]

Got an 80000miles LET engine to go in. Not sure what spec at the moment, but it won't be megger power as it'll be on 13's. lol

Will definatly be up at PV, but the wheels for the saloon are turning up at the end of May, so not a lot of time to sort the arches out before spraying it.. So it probably won't be done...so willl either be in the blue one (which needs MOT) or my XE GTE...

Then we can have the re-match!! lol :wtf:

[craig green]

Good plans for it Aust', like the sound of the 13"s.

Wish I could weld like you.

[KPautomotive]

Then we can have the re-match!! lol :wtf:

Your on :)

PS.. dont bring the LET so i have a chance! haha

[Ste L]

any updates on this austin???

[Austin_Nova16]

Plenty of updates to follow.
Been really busy lately; re-shelling a mates cossie...then having to re-re-shell it so DVLA could inspeect it... long story.
Also been stitch welding and spraying the bay/inside of a mates mint RST. Reg no AAR for those ford peeps in the know... was one of the first decent 1900's back in the day i believe..

Anyway... on to the Saloon...

Had much more to do than expected, so hoping to get it to PV was a joke..
Tried to take so decent photos, although forgot the camera most days, so not that many photos, but lots of work!


Got all the welded bits covered for the mean time and put the car back over..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01083.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01084.jpg~original

A few views of all the burn paint on the inside..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01085.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01087.jpg~original

Then time to think about the rear suspension.
Mocked up a cardboard turret..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01090.jpg~original

..then cut out some 2mmand 3mm steel to suit and then bent them up in a vice and welded them. Came out nice considing this time I didn't have a big bit of bar to beat them round.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01092.jpg~original

Finished off the welding around the inner archs and cut the holes. Also Drill out the spot welds of the rear bulkhead, as access was ****e.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01093.jpg~original

[Martin]

wow liking this one mate...

[Austin_Nova16]

Welded the turrets in (leaving the underside to do later, and then put a brace in...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01095.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01108.jpg~original

I then continued to sort the small rust patches on the front floor above the chassis legs. Cut it all out, and replaced with 1mm.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01116.jpg~original


Missed out a load of pics at this stage...

I want to keep the front fairly standard looking, so to leave room in the front for a decent size intercooler, I'm putting the rad in the back.

I started off cutting out the wheel well, then made a frame out of 10mm box to house the rad. Then covered it in 1mm sheet and welded in a simi-circle for the remaining hole left.
Also made up a battery tray and welded that in.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01119.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01120.jpg~original

Then welded the rear bulkhead back on and covered any bare areas with some primer..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01121.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01091.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01122.jpg~original

Next up I welded in an early mk2 golf handbrank set-up which I chiselled off at the scrappy.. ready for the golf braked beam.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01129.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01128.jpg~original

[Austin_Nova16]

Then flipped the car back over to attack the underside once again..
Rad mountings from underneath
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01127.jpg~original

The rear spring plates were rotten through (as you might be able to see on previous pics), so cut them out and replaced with 2mm sheet.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01131.jpg~original

Then gave it a bit of primer..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01130.jpg~original


More updates to come, just need to upload some more pics..
Wheels hopefully come this week (after a 9week wait so far), Now to get RKR MOT'd for the weekend ..

[burgo]

i wish i had your fabrication skills. the boot is mint

[tom reid]

Lovely job!!

[Austin_Nova16]

Folowing on a bit;

Fininshed up all the remainig bits to weld, also put a recess in the rear 1/4 panel/sill for the exhaust and opened out the exhaust tunnel where the old handbrake previously came out. Also put in some jacking points as it might be a little low. Then sealered the whole lot.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01139.jpg~original

Rubbed all the floor back down and then gave it a zinc primer.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01140.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01141.jpg~original

Then a coat of Holts stone chip to help protect the floor from a batering.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01142.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01143.jpg~original

Then another primer
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01145.jpg~original

And the top coat
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01148.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01147.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01149.jpg~original

Just one more coat, and i'll put it back over and sort the bay out..

[Mike]

fcuking top stuff that is! Excellent fabrication! Totally excellent!

[Ste L]

**** hot work that...


and eta for finishing this?
cant wait to see the end product

[KPautomotive]

Dont know what to say.

Awesome as always matey!

have to catch up with you at santa pod!

[Ash]

:eek: http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/8158/untitled1fr4.jpg (http://imageshack.us/) :eek: http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/8158/untitled1fr4.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)

stunning work dude.

[Rob77]

Looking amazing!

[Lee]

as always, loving your work Austin. The rad pod is just genius. Its gonna get hot in the car though i imagine lol

[draper]

some top work there, im well impressed

[Rick Draper]

Austin i wish i had 1/10th of the fabrication skills you have. This shell looks spot on.

[bigbened]

one word...stunning

[neil66]

that is quality

[kevster]

omg will have to pop up and have a look see :)

[shy witness]

ffs mate.................thats outstanding

the workmanship is great

i take it(by the look of things) your from a motorsport background or wotever lol


i'll b keeping tunes in2 this thread........as its great to see someone putting the full effort in


well done mate

[hybridturbo]

Another top class build, ideas and prep are spot on

Joe

[Haynzee]

Looks great. real nice work

[philipyates]

looking good! what are the 2 holes where the battery sits, theyre in later pics but not earlier ones?

phil

[R1CH]

If your rwd beast is anything to go by then i'm sure this will be spot on when finished, whats with the boot mounted rad tho ? will having a scoop underneath not affect the aero dynamics abit ? take it your gonna be having some kind of vent in the boot lid ?
Keep up the good work, good to meet you at PV.
:thumb:

Rich

[Austin_Nova16]

Cheers for all the comments guys!
Just taking it slowly at the minute, still waiting for the wheels to get on with the body..

Should have some more progress pics soon - just sorting out the n/s gearbox mount for the 6-speed.


Shy - I'm a Fuel Cell Design Engineer, so all this car stuff is a hooby really, although i'd love to do it all the time - if there was any money in it..

Phil - the holes are for the Rad pipes, but havn't sorted any of the routing yet. I've got a new petrol tank, so will be chaopping that up to make way for teh exhaust and teh rad pipe runs.

R1CH - Cheers for the comments! I'll hopefully be cutting some slats out of the back pannel for the Rad venting, then make up some sort of Fan shroud to route the air directly out of the boot space. Hopefully should get enough air flow under there....I'll be adding some sort of undertray too hopefully! :thumb:
Was loving that race up the 1/4 at the pod...you passed me like I was standing still!... bring on the turbs!


Cheers once again peoples, will try and update soon!

[Gunzi]

A1 work as ever, awesome :thumb:

[Mike.]

stunning work, this is going to one great car :thumb:

[hybridturbo]

Any updates?

[EdnovaScooby]

This build is off the chain, your a really skilled man you should be working for Aerospace or Nasa with those skills!

[Austin_Nova16]

Ok; finally got around to uploading some more photos..

Thats a lot for all the comments. :thumb:

So; got the car turned back over, and knocked up the rear gearbox mount. Also drilled and tapped the F28 to locate the M12 bolts for this.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01152.jpg~original

All painted
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01153.jpg~original

Then time to get the engine in there for a trial fit.

Mount bolted up
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01157.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01158.jpg~original

Used an astra GTE drivers side alloy mount, and then started to make the gearbox mount.

Taking the unconventional rounte....cut some steel out..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01159.jpg~original

Welded this in, and started to modify the OEM mount
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01162.jpg~original

Mount sorted
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01163.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01170.jpg~original

[Austin_Nova16]

Finished off the body mount
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01167.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01168.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01169.jpg~original
Now the front cover part welded on.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01179.jpg~original


At this point, I tried the vinigar thing on a few brake components:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01161.jpg~original

But then opted for the soda crystals/old metal and car charger method (with -ve on the brake parst)
Works a treat and changes iron oxide back into iron.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01175.jpg~original

Next intercooler fitting.
Its going to sit behind the bumper to keep the car looking not too lairy. Big holes will provide the airflow for this..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01178.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01176.jpg~original

[craig green]

Interesting looking mount. Didnt realise this was having a LEt power plant?

[Austin_Nova16]

Intercooler mounts cut from 50mm Box section

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01192.jpg~original
Fitted to I/C
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01195.jpg~original

In and painted
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01197.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01196.jpg~original

And some piping to go on at a later date
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01201.jpg~original

Also made up a gear linkage from 20pounds of e-bay rose joints. Bargin!
(Have modified this since taking the pics. Now has the calibra end to link up with the gearlinkage rod)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01190.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01189.jpg~original

[Austin_Nova16]

Tried out the rear beam in the soda crystals - worked a treat!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01193.jpg~original

Also got the engine back out ready to sort the bay out.


Got myself some 'lead filling kit' from frosts.co.uk, and started filling...

..the bits where the servo came through previously, and the part on the drivers side of the bulkhead...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01200.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01199.jpg~original

....petrol cap...
plate welded in
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01202.jpg~original
and filled
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01203.jpg~original
Will give that a thin slither of Normal filler when preping the car..

wiper motor holes and wiring hole welded then lead filled
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01224.jpg~original

[Austin_Nova16]

...And so we are pritty much up to date.

Am working on smoothing the upper bulkhead at the moment, and the turrets and seams, so will post pics as they come.


Have lead filled the main seams, and put in hours of sanding so far..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01223.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01222.jpg~original

More updates to come soon hopefully!
Must get the bay painted this week!!

[craig green]

Lead filled. Nice touch!

Is the inner wings & under bonnet being fully smoothed?

[edit] pics up now. Looks good.

[Adam]

OMG, your fabrication skills never cease to amaze me :eek:
I really dont know how the hell you think things up, put into metal and make it look so good,Lol.

Top work, look forward to seeing it painted.

[burgo]

that gearbox mount is the tits

[shy witness]

some super progress again mate

what way does that body soldering work????

do u use a blow tortch/oxy accetaline ..and how much is the actual solder

ive heard it can b quite tricky...but im good enough an welding and brazing....so id b willing to give it a go to do my door locks

[Austin_Nova16]

Cheers for the comments.

The kit for the lead filling is:
Lead (in 0.5kg rods)
gas torch (cheap type)
Maple (wood) scraper thing
Zinc chloride (a gray paste which you can brush on)
Tallow (a lubricant for the wood which you heat up and then put the wood in)

All here: http://www.frost.co.uk/productList.asp?catID=29&frostCat=Fillers (http://www.frost.co.uk/productList.asp?catID=29&frostCat=Fillers)

You get it all back to bare metal, paint on the zinc stuff. 'Tin' the zinc paste with the torch, put the scraper in the Tallow, then heat the lead stick and push it in lumps on to the pannel. Then go over that with the torch and spread it all out.

Its a little trickey at times, as the lead either runs off, or its hard to get the initial lumps on to the panel. You soon enough get the feel of it though..

Give it a go. Its only 30quid for the basic kit.. :thumb:


Got a couple more photos from the weekend.

Lead filled the seam on the upper part of the bulkhead to smooth it out a bit
The photo is after a go over with a sanding bit on the grinder.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01227.jpg~original

I've cut the upper panel part around where the wiring comes out into the bay, and then welded a plate to carry on the line of the upper bulkhead part. Have spot weled it to the inner arch parts and seamed it up the pannel.
Lead filled and starting to sand this back now. Will give it a bit more lead, then a thin skim of normal filler..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01229.jpg~original

[twin40s]

are you not having wipers

[Adam]

Corsa wiper motor i expect/

[twin40s]

hows that work then

[burgo]

hows that work thensearch for my wip thread as i have pics of my corsa wiper motor

[tom_beverley]

Awesome build Austin, really inspiring, so much work done there and the quality looks top notch :thumb:

[trossnova]

great to see it comeing along so well is one big magic show. hopefully im going to get my old purple nova started this weekend and work out how im going to fit the rear axle on etc.. might pop up the barn if your around mate

[blue_peg_16v]

AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

makes mine look crap

[peester]

god-like
lol

[novashed]

very nice touches there with the fabrication, setting the standard.

[hybridturbo]

Any updates austin?

[Austin_Nova16]

Thanks for all the comments lads...hopefully I can get my **** in gear and get it done soon!
Been a busy summer, with more 16v novas to build aswell as many other bits and bobs.
Just having a day to get my head straight today after an amazing weekend at Bestival, so perfect time for an update...


I've been doing some more smoothing on the seams in the bay, trying to get them as straight as poss..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/pirates009.jpg~original

I cut and welded the lip on the underside of the passenger chassis leg to allow room for the F28

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01238.jpg~original

...and then started lead filling the area around the g/box mount and the strengthener plate I had welded in to smooth it off.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01240.jpg~original

Next up was the inner arch part on the passenger side.
A while ago, I chopped the complete drivers side one out and replaced that. All this side needed was a new top section - which was cut from 1mm sheet, and then a stich weld of all the seams...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01246.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01247.jpg~original

[Austin_Nova16]

Next up, I was getting a bit bored of sorting the enigine bay, so started on the vents in the rear panel.
I measured it all up and cut 18 holes in the pannel, then carefully cut with the grider to link up the holes to make 9 elongated holes..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/pirates010.jpg~original

At siome point once the rad is in, I'll make some ducting to flow the air from the rad out of these..

Another job which distracted me from the bay was painting the inside. I bought far too much paint for the car, so thought I may as well paint the inside up, even though there will be an interior.
So spend a long while getting all the bits of adhesive off of the rear inner arches, and the remaining tar in the front foot wells from the sounds deadening. Then sanded it all up and got it in primer..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01248.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01249.jpg~original

Then slapped on the colour

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01252.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01253.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01254.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01260.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01257.jpg~original

And thats all about it for now..
Next up is the bay, battery tray area and inner arches all round, then its time to sort the lip on the arches for the wheels and paint that up...

[craig green]

Great work Austin. Bay looks as though it will be very smooth.

Like the vented rear panel too, this should be a show stopper when complete.

[tom_beverley]

I can't wait to see this finished, I always keep an eye for updates on this because I can't rate your quality of work high enough Austin. Really imaginative too.

[Ash]

This is going to be unreal! By far the best WIP thread i've read and with an awesome idea behind it.

PS. Admin, we need a 'jaw-dropping' smiley just for this project lol

[Adam]

Top work as usual

[vaughanmc]

Lookin well good :)

[Martin]

great stuff. i spy some mini lites, am i right? (sorry if its already been said) are these the choice wheels?

[burgo]

i hope he is keeping the mini lites they look lush

[LLUDA]

Reading through this thread and seeing the level of workmanship has me thinking about rebuilding my nova next year kudos man

[kevster]

keep up the good work mate i spot the new bike in the backround too !!!!
i will give you a call soon dude to have a cach up drink !!!!
you alway blow my mind your workmenship !!!!!

[Lee]

You irritate the hell out of me Austin.

Statements like 'I just drilled 18 holes and linked them up with a grinder' followed by a group of perfectly formed ovals that may as well have been punched out by a machine.

I would have ended up with what can only be described as 'Leerdammer' lol

I hate you.

[krobinson]

Car is simply awesome Austin, cant wait to see the finished product!

Keith

[hybridturbo]

Top work as usual Austin!

Keep it up

[The Simps]

Awesome work and project.

[Austin_Nova16]

Thanks fopr the comments . Always helps to get moral up and get cracking on it!

Lol BT! The holes were actually cut with 'Q-max' cutters which sort of punch a hole out by doing up a bolt... makes it alot easier than using hole saws!

The Superlites are deffo staying... had to wait 3+ months for the feckers! lol

:thumb:

[Andy_L]

Just read this from start to finish, absolutely bloody fantastic.

You need to be cloned!!

[shy witness]

great progress again mate

such attention to detail and everything..............this will b a crackin car when finished

what coulour is that(excuse the beer/hangover goggles)
is it yellow??

[peester]

superlites are perfect.. awesome work.

[nathan.]

Top work Austin. :thumb: Great workmanship.
Minilites look very cool. Anymore pics of them?

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

no offence mate but that welding is sh*t!!

You're going to be popular!

[NASTYNOVA]

yeah but at least im honest!!

[KPautomotive]

You're a cock




At least im honest

[NASTYNOVA]

thanks!! i spend 10 hours a day 6 days a week welding, i think i know what good welding looks like boss, unfortunatly my welding is sh*t also

hey, at least im honest!!

[Nick]

Nastynova, you're a complete T-wat.

[NovaLad]

Atleast your honest nick.

[NASTYNOVA]

the weldin i don on my car is much worse, that why i not post pics of it

[KPautomotive]

Well shut up then and stop ruining this thread.

[R1CH]

AFAIK Austin isn't a welder and doesn't spend 10 hours a day welding, its just summet he does in his spare time, sure some of the welds might not be the prettiest in the world but i'm sure there all up to the job, if you have a look at his other build then i'm sure you'd be pretty impressed with his workmanship !

[Kev Turbo]

austin has prob got more of a brain than to sit there welding all dayas a full time job!

[Dave.]

austin has prob got more of a brain than to sit there welding all dayas a full time job!
at least kevs honest

looks like a great project. keep the mini-lights they suite it loads

[Dan 130]

lolanywayz it dont relly matter what it looks like as long as its strong enough these are not ****ing ferrari's, austins work is second to none and the quality is a **** load higher than most so .....zip it and zip it good

[Austin_Nova16]

Lol at this kiddy. He says he spends 10hours a day welding but can't even do it! pmsl


the weldin i don on my car is much worse, that why i not post pics of it

Great English as well...cream of society :thumb:



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01068.jpg~original


Cheers people!

[Martin]

Austin what welder do you use? i'm on the look out for one myself..

are your fab/welding skills all you own teaching or have you done any course's?

i did 2 1/2 years at collage(2days aweek while stil at skool) and 2years welding Alloy& Steel trailers for Weightlifter Bodies(damn i miss that job) my weldings about on par with yours but i havent the fab skills like you or that i need to get back into the game..

mite go back to school...


Keep up the good work man..

[Eastham]

the weldin i don on my car is much worse, that why i not post pics of it :wtf:

If you cant weld your own car up, why say that? :confused:

Muppet :tard:

[Lee]

LMFAO lol

Probably the funniest comments ive read today. You cant script stuff like this.

[beef@novadose.net]

lol

My first run welding was superb, only problem was it was three inches left of where it should have been :D

[kevster]

whats going on here then!!!
i think you doing great mate keep it up

[Austin_Nova16]

pmsl @ Beef...done that a few times! lol

Have never professed to be a brilliant welder. Have improved a lot over the last few years, but still a way to go to get anywhere near professional!! More time needed!
All the welds I have done have shown good penetration through the metal and 'm confident with their strength. Where some have ended up a bit chunkey, i've grinded them down? would love to get every single one spot on, but that will take time..

I use a Snap-On 150 amp machine which I got off ebay a year ago or so when my last one packed up. I put a 'euro-torch' on it as it?s a much better gun to use. I run it on 0.8mm wire and BOC 'Argoshield light' gas.

cheers lads


pop up sometime Kev... :thumb:

[KPautomotive]

Shut up Austin and stop mincing!

We need more pics damn you!

:)

[Austin_Nova16]

Less mince..more doing..

Right..
Got on with the front inner arches so far this week.

Gave them a good rub down, bit of zinc primer on the seams, then seam sealer. Then gave the whole lot some primer

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01270.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01271.jpg~original

Then some stone chip..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01274.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01273.jpg~original

Then another coat of primer.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01275.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01276.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01277.jpg~original

Now ready to finally sort the bay, and get that and these inner arches in paint.

I've also cut some bits out to allow the boost pipes the clear the front panel. Just need a quick go over with the file to mint these up.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01278.jpg~original

thats it for now.

[Dan 130]

good work as allways austin what colour is the shell going i cant quite see if its white or light biege sort of colour

[Adam]

Nice work, its going to be a right minter.

[trossnova]

mate that is looking so nice! have to pop up and see you soon been a while now

[Novadaftman]

good job mate a project too give me the need kick in the rear to get mine underway

[Austin_Nova16]

Onwards with some updates...its been a while..

Decided to get the tyres out from underheath the car and utalise the jacking points I had welede in when the car was on its side.

Made up four sill stands like this:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland1007001.jpg~original

much better
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland1007003.jpg~original

Have now started the long task of flairing out the arches.
Strated with the rears and paint stripped the matalwork
Then drilled out all of the spot welds around the arches
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland1007005.jpg~original

Then cut the atch with the grinder to make a load of tans which I could then beat out..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland1007007.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland1007009.jpg~original

Then welded the lines up...leaving the last cm or so, so that I can fold the lip back under and then weld to finish.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland1007017.jpg~original

The arches fit the wheels just nicely now, although this pic is a bit dark..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland1007016.jpg~original

Then started the fronts...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland1007064.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland1007066.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland1007065.jpg~original

[Austin_Nova16]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland1007067.jpg~original

I've left these now. Just waiting for some more body solder so I can finish then off..

Then moved onto the petrol cap location.

Got a mk1 golf repair panel off ebay
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland1007019.jpg~original

Cut panel to shape and cut the hole in the rear panel
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland1007020.jpg~original

Tack welded in the recess and then continued until the whole perimeter was welded...had to take time so that there was no distorsion in the panel
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland1007022.jpg~original

Ground back..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland1007024.jpg~original

Cap fitted up. The other holes in the panel have now been welede up aswell..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland1007026.jpg~original

View from the inside after strengthening the rear pannle (as I've gut half of it away, and most of the top section.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland1007029.jpg~original

I have welded a bit of 10mmbox along the edge of the top of the rear boot panel to strengthen it, and welded the latch to this..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland1007056.jpg~original

Boot shot
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland1007055.jpg~original

Put in some brackets for the washer tank.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland1007063.jpg~original

[Austin_Nova16]

Now the boot.
Welded a plate in the lock recess, then lead filled and sanded back:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland1007053.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland1007057.jpg~original

Moded the lock part to allow use of a central locking door motor.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland1007060.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland1007061.jpg~original

I've also weled in a bracket to hold the motor and connected in up, but no pics of that..

Have cleaned up the sills with thinners which came up well, and are priytty mint
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland1007010.jpg~original

Whilst waing for the lead to turn up, I got on with cleaning a few engine bits:
dizzy stripped:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland10073001.jpg~original

A few bits cleaned up
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland10073010.jpg~original

Also got hold of this orbital sander last week, which should make the prepping for paint a lot easier.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/holland10073006.jpg~original

Just need to crack on with the arches now before getting ready for paint...

[kevster]

not bad mate !!!! i really must get on with the blue one .
lol i can wait to see this done :)

[vaughanmc]

Top work that - Good attention to detail!

[Ste L]

cant wait to see this one, bloody awsome fella :thumbs:

[shy witness]

i really like your style mate to be honest

a great project............with a different approach in most cases

great progresss thread aswell......and 1 i'm always interested in reading/looking at

[Adam]

As always, awesome work.
Properly unique stuff.

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Absolutely fantastic. Attention to detail is amazing. There'll not be much Nova left at the end of this, it'll be all be-spoke fabrication.

Top work.

[krobinson]

Awesome work Austin, This is gonna rule when its finished!

[Rob77]

Spot on!

Love the new location for the petrol cap.

Thumbs up from me!

[KPautomotive]

Looks awful matey...



















lol only joking... looks great matey!

[saloonwoody]

this car is gonna be the tits :) makes me want to bolt my 7x13 starmags on my saloon :):):):):):)

[novacabrio]

Awesome project cant belive I missed it

[Pillar]

looks like an awsome build! well done with the lead filling thats relly hard tried it many times before its not the easiest job!

[paulnova]

i need to get myself a garage to do this sort of stuff soooo bad!!! this build looks absolutely ace, your fabrication is unbelievable, keep up the good work :thumb:

[kevster]

loveing it matey :)

hope to pop up and see her soon

[The Simps]

come on austin! wanna see pics with the wheels on!!!

[scott.parker]

Any updates Austin?

[NovaNeil]

Wow! This is the first time i've read this thread. Fantastic amounts of Fabrication going on there. Awesome! Absolutely love it. And the Rad in the back is Genius. Seen it done on a few cars before.... but a Nova saloon :thumb:

Keep up the great work Austin!

Neil

[The Simps]

with having a much larger cooling system is it going to require a beefier water pump or a 2nd inline one??

[scott.parker]

Neil you have PM

[Austin_Nova16]

Thanks a lot for the comments guys!



Update time....


Been busy since the last update getting on with the saloon, although some stuff has taken a long time to not a lot much different! lol

Still a few pics to log the progress..
Have started to clean a few bits of the engine up to have a change of scenary.
Gave the tophat a clean up...just need to finish that on the wheel..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01431.jpg~original

The gave the rack a going over.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01433.jpg~original

Next I wanted to rebuild the head, so chucked it ina mates parts washer for an hour then set about with 'Frosts' Ally cleaner. Did this about 10 times until the finish was mint. Didn't want to paint it as it just doesn't look right..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01454.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01460.jpg~original

Next I got back on with the arches, which seem to be taking forever, but i'm sure they'll come out fine in the eand

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01462.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01468.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01469.jpg~original

front passenger side after sanding the lead filler down
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01470.jpg~original

At this point, I stopped for a week to build this little beauty with a mate... nice workhorse sleeper...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01471.jpg~original

[Austin_Nova16]

Next up, I got a brand new VW golf mk1 fuel filler neck and chopped it to fit the back of the saloon and teh mk1 golf filler neck replacement panel which I welded in earlier..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01482.jpg~original

View from back
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01483.jpg~original

View from underneath
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01484.jpg~original

Also picked up these from Steve and Arne who did the panel missions to the UK. Cheers Lads!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01480.jpg~original


Gave the gearbox a clean with some petrol, then the ally cleaner a further 8 or so times...still just needs a bit more though, but looking good anyway..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01485.jpg~original

Also paint stripped the rocker cover and cambelt cover, then preped ready for painting - which I'll do when I get round to doing the car..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01493.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01492.jpg~original

Next I trial fitted the front wheel for the 1st time... Looks like some custom shocks are in order, as the damper was fully compressed at that height...
Also I'm going to mak up some adjustable tie bars and arms to bring the wheel in a little..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01498.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01505.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01502.jpg~original

[Austin_Nova16]

and a couple of shots of my dialy run-about I broke for parts last month due to rot and possible h/g issues.... Was a great car, and cost 500 in total to build a couple of years ago... Bargain GTEXE.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01440.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01445.jpg~original
ready for the scrapper
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01446.jpg~original


I really want to get teh saloon in paint by the end of Jan, so lots to do still to get it sorted by then....

[shy witness]

superb work again mate

this is my favourite thread on the planet...........coz your going for a different approach in most cases

some great workmanship

and some great ideas aswell

cant wait to see the finished article

[craig green]

My fave WIP thread too. No option in the PNG awards for this one I noted.

Keep at it Austin & hope to see more updates throughout Jan prior to painting it.

Wheel arches look ace btw!

[Paul]

as said before, awesome project!!!

[ace-media]

Well that was a hell of a read! Absolutely stunning project - don't know where you get the idea's from Austin!
If the colour that you have used on the interior/underside is destined for the exterior then it really is going to look stunning! Pastels ftw lol

Am slightly disappointed its not going RWD - but i'm sure it'll be pretty sweet regardless :D

[cavlad]

i been looking at this to i have always liked the saloon and i think this one will look the nuts wen done great job matey

[AlanH]

just read all of this post, very impressed with the level of workmanship. i worked in vehicle body repair for a while and i'd be very happy to put my name to those welds. you're an inspiration, look forward to seeing the finished article

[walshc]

Just read all through this thread and had to sign up to say WOW :eek: top job youre doing there mate :cool:

Im wanting a 2 door nova loon at the minute (damn rare cars) and actually only looked on here for high res pics so i can photoshop my ideas lol
But i just had to keep reading this

I read you`re putting a mk2 golf rear axel on, just wanted to know why? and what suspension setup do standard nova saloons have? Im a Vauxhall noob, more a vee dub geek :roll: Got an early 84 mk2 golf and a mk4 polo (i spy a mk1 on teledials in them pics :cool: )

Minilites will look sweet on that, im wanting to go full on euro stlye running a SR lump on TB`s (if thats poss????) with mine.

Anyway, good luck with the rest and i`ll be keeping my eye on this one :cool:
(and hey, you got my first post in your thread - yeee haaa!! lmao ;) )

Craig

[Jack]

and what suspension setup do standard nova saloons have?
Same as the hatchback, although 1.2-1.4 saloons have front and rear anti roll bars too iirc.

[scott.parker]

Nice update mate,looking really good, love the arches.

[ade]

great WIP - just read it all - love the arch work...

[nick c]

WOW,im new to this site and just read this thread,truelly stuning mate well done you.

[ashtal]

Nice work mate. Cant wait to see it finished.

[DW-Nova]

How's the car coming along mate? good luck with the rest of it.

[Austin_Nova16]

Thanks again for the comments...


ACE - originally I did want to do something like that, and I've got a chopped and stiched sierra XR4x4 chassis sitting there waiting, but the callyT came along so cheap that I couldn't resist doing a FWD as I've never even been in a LET Nova yet...

Walch - I normally use the golf stubs as you can just re-drill two of the holes and they bolt up to the nova beam - saves on having to weld different plates on there (when the astra/cav items are used). Although with this car, I'm going to have to raise up the stub axles as the beam hits the chassis at the height I want to run.
Anyway, I don't this the astra/cav items will fit under 13's.

Arches are coming along nicely now. Just finished the lead filling on the NS/rear so just a few more goes with teh P40 and it should be looking good.
Got myself a 350,000BTU space heater now, so roll on the spraying...

[gunny]

just read this through mate and i am absolutely gobsmacked, your workmanship and ideas are amazing, if only i have the space to do things like this rather than on my mum and dads 'crazy-paved' drive-way!! honestly mate hat off to you and cant wait to see the end result, im jealous! makes me want to put my nova into a wall for not being upto your novas standards! lol keep it up pal :thumb:

[shy witness]

how's this coming along now mate??

its always my favourite progress thread.

[kevster]

how's this coming along now mate??

its always my favourite progress thread.

same as above

[Austin_Nova16]

Well, a few weeks passed since the last update. Car still isn't painted, but have spent a while getting it ready for it. Havn't been able to upload all teh pics yet and my comp keeps crashing, but heres a few for now...

cleaned engine up a bit
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01521.jpg~original

polished the sump, although its quite dusty now.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01523.jpg~original

skimmed the o/s rear quarter:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01533.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01534.jpg~original

...and the boot:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01535.jpg~original

Then gave it a coat of primer
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01540.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01541.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01545.jpg~original

...and boot:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01542.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01543.jpg~original
hopefully!!

[Austin_Nova16]

Also primed the rocker cover and cambelt cover after paint stripping:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01550.jpg~original

Also sorted the exhaust cut out in the rear panel:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01553.jpg~original

bit to weld in:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01554.jpg~original

welded in:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01555.jpg~original

After this I lead filled the area before skimming and priming.. Pics to follow of this.


skimmed rear panel:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01551-1.jpg~original

I've also primed the passeneger side and bay; will hopefully get some pics up soon of this. Spray this month

[vaughanmc]

Good work there - What colour will it be painted ?

[Rick Draper]

Very nice Austin. Cannot wait to see this in one piece.

[Austin_Nova16]

Cheers lads! I can't wait to start putting it together, but a fair amount still to do with getting it ready and in paint!

Got a few more pics:

Filed the rear vents to get them ncie and mint:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01557.jpg~original

rear exhaust cut-out lead filled
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01559.jpg~original

...and filed back ready for a small skim of filler
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01566.jpg~original

Passenger rear arch skimed
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01570.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01571.jpg~original

then some primer
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01568.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01569.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01575.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01576.jpg~original

rocker cover after etch primer and 2kprimer
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01573.jpg~original

[Austin_Nova16]

gave the bay a clean up and a bit of primer
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01580.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01579.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01582.jpg~original


turned the bottom pully down
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01574.jpg~original

Have now started going over parts of the bay and rear arches again as its not 100% there just yet....

[gregs]

on post 182 whats the car in the background with the cage in?

[burgo]

did you find it hard to get right where the filler cap was. i know i did

[shy witness]

fantastic stuff again....

a nice extra bit of effort going on for sure.


keep the progress pictures coming mate.

[vaughanmc]

Engine bay looks minted - Should be stunning with some paint on it :)

[gunny]

engine bay looks gorgeous, done a really good job so far mate keep it up! im guessing your going to make your own brake pipes due to using the corsa servo/master cylinder set-up? wish i had the space to start a project like this, got all the right ideas in my head and know exactly what i want to do, just no space to do it :( lol

[nov4801]

jus spent the past 40 mins reading through this and cant believe i have missed it before. only 2 words can describe this project...


**** hot

[ashtal]

on post 182 whats the car in the background with the cage in?

At a guess a mk4 5 door golf/bora !

[CP]

:thumb: good work buddy!

[Austin_Nova16]

Thanks for the comments!

Yes its a Mk4 golf in the pics as ash said. Full weld in cage and Jabbasport 1.8T to fit.

Lol Burgo, yeah took a bit of time!

[maccas]

absolutely jaw-dropping stuff, the smooth inner wings look amazing, i debated having a go at smoothing mine when i did all the stitch welding but thought it was too much work, but after looking at that it would so be worth doing! you are due masses of respect for the work you have carried out so far, i'm sure that the finished product will be brilliant! looking forward to next update

maccas

[craig green]

Been checking this build, daily for updates.

Bit dis-satisfied just now...

Come on Austin!

[peester]

meh... CG!.. i thought there had been an actual update :(
bet he'll surprise us one day soon n Kapaaooowww!
itll be done lol.

[novacabrio]

Been checking this build, daily for updates.

Bit dis-satisfied just now...

Come on Austin!

ditto:thumb:

[hybridturbo]

Carnt wait it see it painted lol ..................

[ace-media]

Any new updates on this? :)

[Austin_Nova16]

Having issues with the computer and cant upload pics at the mo. Going to do a final coat today/tomorrow...

Hopefully photos soon! :thumb:

[kevster]

i saw the car last week !!!!! paint work looks spot on austin mate:)
she is going to be one sweet ride :)

[Mike.]

awesome thread and the car will be first class when complete, can't wait to see it finished

[DW-Nova]

Cant wait to see some pictures of the car mate, all the work so far looks to be spot on! my favourite touches are the way the rad has been mounted and the flared out arches, Excellent. Good luck with the rest of it.

[Austin_Nova16]

Thanks for the comments! Finally, some more photos of the progress!

Have spent a lot of time going over areas of the bodywork and engine bay which needed a re-going over, then re-primed again..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01585.jpg~original


Cut out the middle of the turrets to make room for some eccentric top mounts, and bent up some rings of 1mm steel to beefen up the turret.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01584.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01586.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01598.jpg~original


More primering and sorting the loose panels out

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01599.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01602.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01603.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01611.jpg~original

Very manky bonnet
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01612.jpg~original

All cleaned up before rubbing down
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01614.jpg~original

[Austin_Nova16]

bootlid
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01615.jpg~original

bonnet nice and sorted
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01618.jpg~original

Front wings in primer
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01620.jpg~original

stone-chipped
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01621.jpg~original

Engine bay sealed up
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01623.jpg~original

Rear inner arches primed then stone-chipped
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01625.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01624.jpg~original

Filed the front panel a bit for a better fit with the boost pipes.....getting all the small jobs sorted
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01627.jpg~original

sill all sorted and ready
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01630.jpg~original


Masked up the car for some stone-chip around thebottom inch or so of the car
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01632.jpg~original

[vaughanmc]

Good work mate - When will it be painted do u reckon ?

[Austin_Nova16]

Ready for another priming
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01634.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01635.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01636.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01637.jpg~original

Set up the 'ez-up' marquee as my temporary spray booth.. Works very well with a couple of heaters in there. I wetted the floor before de-dusting and spraying , and this worked very well.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01638.jpg~original

panels in primer
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01639.jpg~original


I sprayed the door inners, bonnet underside, bootlid underside and the inners of the front arches off of the car and sprayed the rest of the car
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01644.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01650.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01653.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01654.jpg~original

[Austin_Nova16]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01656.jpg~original


???..then fitted the doors, boot, bonnet and front wings and gave the whole lot a go over.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01667.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01660.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01661.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01664.jpg~original

Rocker and cam cover
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01659.jpg~original

Waxoiled behind the front arch bits before fitting the wings, as this won?t see the light of day ever?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01670.jpg~original

New bolts all round
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01671.jpg~original


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01676.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01675.jpg~original


More photos to come! I?ve blocked the whole car down again with 600grit and am waiting for good weather then I?ll give it a final coat. As you can see, there are a few places which missed teh paint first time round. Also spotted a couple on dings which i've now sorted and re-primed.

Just a clutch and flywheel to buy for the engine, then that can go in asap

[novacabrio]

Fantastic, love it!! What colour is it?

[DW-Nova]

Looks awsome mate. You have made some kind of progress too! the colour is spot on! really nice and understated, what kind of finish are you managing to get on the paintwork with your homemade booth? Best of luck and look forward to the next update.

[Austin_Nova16]

Cheers guys!

The paint is the classic mk2 escort 'hearing aid' beige (cordoba) :thumb:

Really happy with the outcome. Very little dust at all, and only a bit of overspray to contend with.
Now its all perfectly flat, the last coat should sort it right out

[CP]

Excellent work! I like the idea of using a marquee as a paint booth:thumb:

I haven't checked if you are going to but I really hope you can get this done and on the stand at PV? You look like you are cracking along with it pretty quickly now:D

[Austin_Nova16]

Definatly hoping to get it done by PV! Once all this paint stuff is out the way it should be a lot less hectic and hopefully quick progress will be seen!

[Adam]

Thats an awesome job for where your spraying it.

Look forward to seeing it complete :cool:

[BRoadGhost]

That colour with dark grey wheels will own in terms of style.

Nice to see another side exit used.

Keep the high standard up.

[vaughanmc]

This is one clean motor - Can't wait to see the final outcome of it

[shy witness]

smashing project.


all the nice touches seem to be turning out really well mate.


great skills indeed.

[John]

Awesome work as always! Can't wait to see it finished!

[nova_niek]

Drool dribble :-)

[Austin_Nova16]

Few more updates on some other parts on the car.

Got the head bolted back on and moulded sump gasket/wantage plate.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/2008-03-24001.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/2008-03-24015.jpg~original

Gave the starter a mint up, although its fairly new. New water hose.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/2008-03-24016.jpg~original

Cams in with an XE inlet fitted.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/2008-03-24017.jpg~original

I’ve re-drilled the inlet pulley on the mill to retard it. New timing mark also scribed in
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/2008-03-24018.jpg~original

Have been thinking about what mirrors to fit. But thought I’d give the stubby mission a go and see how that went. Manage to get the use of a plastic welder which made the job a lot easier!

Covers cut and welded up
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/2008-03-24014.jpg~original

Then the main bodies... Shortened by 50mm
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/2008-03-24019.jpg~original

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/2008-03-24020.jpg~original

[Austin_Nova16]

Nearly ready for some paint. Just a bit more sanding required.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/2008-03-24024.jpg~original

Back on to the engine, Cam cover on. Gave it a coat of weld seal just to make sure there isn?t any leaks! A few bits to clean off?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/2008-03-24026.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/2008-03-24030.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/2008-03-24031.jpg~original

Inlet mid polish. Didn?t go too mad on, just a spruce up.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/2008-03-24032.jpg~original

Inlet all fitted up
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/2008-03-24033.jpg~original

Flatted the car back ready for some good weather, then I?ll finish it off.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/2008-03-24027.jpg~original

[burgo]

i cant get over how perfect that colour is

[The Simps]

i cant get over how perfect that colour is


I cringed at it at first the other day but on reflection I think its gonna really suit the car and look classy.

[scott.parker]

Ummm... WOW!

not looked for a while now and im very impressed with the progress, looks like this is going to be an amazing saloon, cant wait to see it finished.

(2008 the year of the saloon?? )

Scott

[Aamir]

Looking good mate, reminds me of my fave saloon....

http://aycu05.webshots.com/image/50284/2001578011590104548_rs.jpg

[scott.parker]

Looking good mate, reminds me of my fave saloon....

http://aycu05.webshots.com/image/50284/2001578011590104548_rs.jpg

Why is there a VW badge hanging from the rear bumper? lol

[Adam]

Nice work as always Austin.
The shorty mirrors look a good job.

[vaughanmc]

Stubby mirrors look good - I'd love a set for mine :)

[Neil 08]

quality nova,
loving the short mirror idea.

[krobinson]

Car is looking awesome Austin, here's hopeing you can have it ready for PV!

[nova_niek]

Why is there a VW badge hanging from the rear bumper? lol

Scott, something to do with Opel-loving Germans hating vee dubs and vice versa. Bit like what you Britons have with Fords and Vauxhalls I guess. :-P

Cheers,
Niek

[blue_peg_16v]

awsome makes mine look pathetic

[novait]

great work mate...i really like thos arches...just read the thread really good build..keep up the great work

[elgan]

surley some good progress been made by now austin?

get some more pics up!

[kevster]

austin my man looks top doller :)

i will pop up one night this week :P

[scott.parker]

Scott, something to do with Opel-loving Germans hating vee dubs and vice versa. Bit like what you Britons have with Fords and Vauxhalls I guess. :-P

Cheers,
Niek

lol cheers for that, i though i was the only person who could see it! :wtf:

[loggyboy]

Completely missed this thread for the past 8 months!. Gobsmacked!

to say great work would be an enormous understatement. WOW

[DW-Nova]

Any progress made recentley mate? Great car, cant wait to see it.

[Austin_Nova16]

Cheers Geezers! :thumb:

Will try and get some more pics up this week.

Ended up giving the outside/bay/boot/underside another coat as I've got loads of paint... Got the engine in now. Just sorting interior and wiring at the mo... Then it'll be suspension / beam / tca's etc..

[Austin_Nova16]

Bit of an update:

Cut up a new 5dr tank ready for the side exit exhaust. Welded in some 1mm sheet and gave it an etch prime and paint
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01722.jpg~original

Gota bargin lightweight XE flywheel off the bay. Swapped the ring gear from the old pot flywheel then bolted up with some new bolts.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01720.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01721.jpg~original

Got a technicluch paddle clutch bolted in, although no camera that night..
Gave the manifold/turbo a bit of heat wrap... Bit of a fiddle that..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01712.jpg~original

Back onto the shell, and gave it another bit of paint
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01716.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01714.jpg~original

Also gave the boot another go over and bay and underside.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01746.jpg~original

Tank in
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01745.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01751.jpg~original

[Rob77]

Looking AMAZING dude!

[Neil 08]

stunning work

[Austin_Nova16]

Managed to finally get the engine and box in..... filled the chassis legs with waxoyl before getting it in there..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01724.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01737.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01738.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01730.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01728.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01733.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01735.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01727.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01726.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01734.jpg~original

[TIDGE]

looking good mate like the the attenion to detail

[Austin_Nova16]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01749.jpg~original

Made up a mount for the corsa power column
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01739.jpg~original

....and started getting the wiring in
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01744.jpg~original

shifter in
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01757.jpg~original

Lights loom re-covered and extended to run in the inner wings
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01752.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01754.jpg~original

Carpet and rear seats next. I retained the saloon frame bits from the back of the old seats, and attached the, to the cally foam/leather
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01758.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01760.jpg~original

golf filler neck in with cap fitted
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01762.jpg~original

[Austin_Nova16]

carb throttle mech with bracket - to kepp it nice and tidy.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01763.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01764.jpg~original

bits for the rear beam i shall b finishing off this w/e hopefully.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01767.jpg~original

wing mirror bits painted
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Austin/Nova%20Coupe/DSC01742.jpg~original


Thats about it at the mo. Just cracking on to get it sorted for pv...

[The Simps]

Looking good austin. Looking forward to a good sniff round at pv.

[John]

wow awesome work! Love it!

[saloonwoody]

awesome dude ... just awesome !!!!!!!