Rebuild of my Spider

[duick]

Hi
After 2 years, I finally got time to start the rebuild of my '85 Corsa Spider.
The front is ok, just some little rust
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_1.JPG
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_10.JPG
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_22.JPG

The rear arches are rusty, so I decided to fit complete panels and also replace the rear panel

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_28.JPG
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_29.JPG

someone already "tried" to repair the holes in the trunk, but it was that bad, that I had to cut out the complete corners
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_30.JPG

More pictures will follow

Cheers
Steve

[Novasport]

Nice one Steve, looks like you have a big project on you hands there.

[Steve]

Looks like a fair bit of work there but its worth doing for a convertable.

Have you got any pics of it before it was stripped?

[Matt2107]

A bare metal strip down... good going mate.
Its a lot less rusty than i expected.

[J4MES]

good luck with the work, will be well worth it!!!!

[Marsi]

Nice seeing one more spider comming up again.
Less work to do than most Spiders I've seen before.

[duick]

Long time ago since I did an update here :eek::eek: but a lot of work has been done

All new panels fitted

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_49.JPG

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_50.JPG

Built a turnover jig

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_53.JPG

Removed all underbody protection (HATE it!!!:mad::mad:)
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_57.JPG
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_58.JPG
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_59.JPG

[duick]

Repaired all holes in floor, applied 1 coat of rustproofing paint, 1 coat of primer and 2 of paint
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_62.JPG

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_63.JPG
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_64.JPG

This WE the shell will come of the turnover jig, and I'll continue with preparations for painting

[Martin]

Looking good mate keep it up..

[kevster]

sweet !!! love the jig

[Novasport]

Nice one Steve, looking good. You need to get this WIP on JOV ;)

[Steve]

Excellent steve, the underside is gleaming!

Will be ace when its finished.:thumb:

[paddy138]

looking good so far. rear quarter panels for a spider would be rare id say

[carls nova sri]

will look mint when done

[krobinson]

Saw this in steve's garage when I was in europe picking up my doors. It's an awesome built with loads of work put into the shell. Steve's doing a brilliant job of it :)

Keith

[kevster]

Saw this in steve's garage when I was in europe picking up my doors. It's an awesome built with loads of work put into the shell. Steve's doing a brilliant job of it :)

Keith

your right keith must say its dose look nicely done . :thumb: :thumb:

[shy witness]

amazing effort there mate
the rollover jigs seem to be an great jop.............

ive the body mounts made for mine...........all i'll need to do is knock up a we frame when the time comes

[duick]

rear quarter panels for a spider would be rare id say

I used 3-door 1/4 panels, had a to cut them and weld them on the complete side, NEVER will do that again, ****ty job.
apparently there were never 1/4 panels for the Spider, Irmscher also cut them :wtf::wtf:

[tom_beverley]

Looking ace Steve, looks like a hell of work has gone into that already! I hope I can get the underside of mine upto that top standard :)

[Riggy]

big thumbs up fella :thumb:

[duick]

Been a long time since an update ...

Preps on the body are nearly finished, I fitted all panels to see how good they fit. Had to adapt the Irmscher parts for hours!!! :mad::mad::mad:

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_84-1.JPG

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_72-1.JPG

Body will be brought to the painter at the end of this week (hope so)

[Welsh Dan]

Great work :thumb:.

[Dec16v]

Spot on Steve... :thumb:

[vaughanmc]

Stunning :)

[novautd]

thats goin to be stuning

[draper]

just like the opening credits of a decent porn film im getting excited by the pics and wanting to fast forward to the action shots !!

[krobinson]

This is going to be fantastic! I cant wait to visit again and hopefully see it complete.

Keith

[novacabrio]

Great work Steve, looks like your catching me up

[Bent]

Great work.
When I see this I wonder why I sold my spider last summer.

[NOV4_SPORT]

thats amazing mate, i would love a spider, i would swop my sport for a right hand drive one of the six made for the uk. cant wait to see it finished mate.


iain

[novacabrio]

thats amazing mate, i would love a spider, i would swop my sport for a right hand drive one of the six made for the uk. cant wait to see it finished mate.


iain

:D ok then lol

[duick]

And finally again some progress

What started with this
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_85.JPG

Yes, I killed 1 head bolt, but got it drilled out properly :roll::roll:

and this
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_89.JPG

became this
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_105.JPG

All parts painted, Irmscher cover and oil sump powdercoated

Belt has to come off again, is not yet tensioned, will fit an adjustable cam pulley. And cam needs to be balanced.
Used only OEM seals and parts (even the oil filter lollol )

Injection has to be reassembled and ports ported, all parts are already cleaned

[Plug]

Loving the spider Very rare and unique car.

Wish i had the time and space for a major rebuild like this

And well the cash lol Top Job

[krobinson]

Looks very well Steve!

[Dec16v]

Lovely Steve, top job :)

Did the spider come with the later metric engine, I see you're using a metric oil filter?

Dec

[Royston]

Keep at it Steve:thumb:

[CorsaBBoomer]

Superb job Steve!
And thanks for adding my spider to the list :thumbs:

[duick]

@Dec: I'm not sure yet, which engines came with the metric filter, but I think all of them except the UK ones came with the metric ones

[Riggy]

some good progress there fella :thumb: looks well

[duick]

Finished the engine

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_116.JPG
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_118.JPG


And the F10 is also nearly fininshed
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_111.JPG

Plus a few more parts ready

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_113.JPG

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_114.JPG
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_115.JPG

[novacabrio]

awesome mate, love the exhaust manifold

[blindside-retro]

excellent detailed work there, will look the business when all is finished, just a shame they did'nt make more of the spiders!!

[krobinson]

Looking fantastic Steve :D

[Dave.]

that gearbox and manifold is shhweeett!! :thumb:

[duick]

Finally some progress:
The bodyshop guy spent some more hours on the rear quarters (my welding was not that good :(:(), so that he could finally apply the primer

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_134.JPG

and then he painted he underfloor, engine bay, interior, bumpers and skirts

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_136.JPG

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_139.JPG

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_140.JPG
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_138.JPG

Hopefully the outside and all other parts will be painted this week

[novacabrio]

excellent!! How long till she is all bolted together

[duick]

Picked my shell up yesterday evening :D:D:D, here are a few pics.
Top quality work :thumb::thumb:

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_143.JPG
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_144.JPG
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_145.JPG
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_146.JPG
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_147.JPG

[duick]

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_148.JPG
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_149.JPG
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_150.JPG

[vaughanmc]

Looks awsome mate should be good to see it all built back up :)

[CorsaBBoomer]

Very nice indeed Steve! (wishing I was as far as that with my spider :cry: )

Keep us posted on the rebuildings! :thumb:

[novacabrio]

Your further on with yours now that I am with mine!!

[krobinson]

Looks really nice Steve, cant wait to see it come together :)

[Dec16v]

Nice one Steve, shell looks fantastic!

Didn't realise how beefed up the Spider floor pan was...

Dec

[duick]

Been a long time since an update here. The Spider is not finished yet, but here are some pics

Engine
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_216.JPG

in the car
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_218.JPG

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_223.JPG

rear suspension, fuel tank and fuel pump
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_226.JPG

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_227.JPG

Front suspension
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_229.JPG

Interior
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_201.JPG

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_235.JPG

Trunk
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_225.JPG

Since yesterday evening, the Spider is finally back on wheels :D:D
As the powdercoating guy messed up my wheels :mad::mad::mad:, I had to put on some old steel ones

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_238.JPG

[burgo]

OH MY :eek::eek::eek:

pure sex

[Cle]

Totally stunning :eek:

a thread thats over a year old and only 6 pages long ??

Superb work :thumb:

[Steve]

Well worth the wait to see how it is now! Looks stunning!

That engine and bay reminds me of decs sport, just as good.

[novacabrio]

Excellent steve, you've just given me the kick up the **** I need to get some more work done

[hendrix]

Awesome stuff there Steve!

[tom_beverley]

Wow, just wow.

I don't think I can say stunning enough times Steve, that really is exceptional.

[stuartyj21]

awsome job steve keep-up the good progress...

[ade]

as usual top work! Can I ask are you protecting the arches and wheel wells with anything other than paint (underbody sealer etc)?

[duick]

The underbody and wheel wells got 1 coat of rustproofing colour, 1 of primer, 2 of high resistent marine paint, again 1 coat of primer and 1 coat of colour
Completely nuts!!!!!!! I hope this will resist :roll::roll:

[paddy138]

is the fuel line running inside the shell, is it hard to come across them fuel pump brackets, looking well by the way, top work

[duick]

No, they're running outside the shell

[Breeny]

Looks awesome duick, keep it up! :)

What wheels are going on it?

[krobinson]

Absolutely beautiful!

[duick]

Wheels will be the Irmscher ones

[Benn]

Thats look stunning, you've done an amazing job. Well done.

[Pistol Pete]

Just had a look through this. Some serios rebuild went on to rid of the tin worm. Loving the freshenss of it aswell, new paint, parts, etc. Looks almost factory fresh!! Top work.

[Novaload_Nick]

thats seriously nice. my engine will hopefully look exactly like that! i dont suppose you have instructions or a guide to the injection system???
Nick

[John]

Looks stunning steve!

[Novasport]

thats seriously nice. my engine will hopefully look exactly like that! i dont suppose you have instructions or a guide to the injection system???
Nick

Ring Dan at Irmscher UK, they posted me a copy in English that Irmscher UK have knocked up back in the day.

[belly257]

awsome:thumb:

[Novaload_Nick]

cool, any chance of a copy of yours? lol

Ring Dan at Irmscher UK, they posted me a copy in English that Irmscher UK have knocked up back in the day.

[Dec16v]

Awesome work Steve.... well done!!!

[LEWI007]

Really nice build, is the head,and exhaust manifold bare metal ? wont they rust ?

[duick]

is the head,and exhaust manifold bare metal ?

No, I sprayed a coat of clear high-temp engine paint on the head. The manifold is ceramic coated

[Dec16v]

No, I sprayed a coat of clear high-temp engine paint on the head. The manifold is ceramic coated

Good move, my high temp paint is holding up nicely on the head and cam housing. I also had my manifold coated and it is ace :thumb:

[duick]

yes, agree, coating is the only fine solutions. Got all suspension parts coated and even the complete pedalbox lollol

[dj_wudgey]

this is top quality fella really looking nice!!!!

[nova_niek]

Steve, the length of your thread doesn't half give an idea of the amount of work that's gone into your Spider. Looks immaculate. :thumb:

As for rustproofing: you might want to consider waxoyling (or tectyl, dinitrol or similar) every possible cavity to keep the tin worm out. A well worth investment - especially after all the hard work that's gone into yours.

BTW Ellen and myself were in Luxembourg (Consdorf, near Echternach) last year. I was thinking of contacting you but didn't get round to it. Bummer. Anyway hope to see your Spider next year's summer. Cool.

Cheers,
Niek

[Matt Pickering]

looking good steve!!





Matt..

[duick]

As for rustproofing: you might want to consider waxoyling
Yes, did that already, used Fluid-Film, a German product, that after Mike Sanders got the best feedbacks in some longtime tests in Oldtimer magazines.


BTW Ellen and myself were in Luxembourg (Consdorf, near Echternach)
Consdorf is only 25 minutes away form my home, so let me know next time :thumb:

[ednovasr2]

wow love this car! really love the engine and effort that's been but into the car!

[duick]

Finished the interior this weekend, only thing missing is the steering wheel

Carpet in
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_239.JPG

and seats
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_240.JPG
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_241.JPG

I'm working on the fuel pipes and exhaust atm, so hope to get it started end of the week. Wish me luck :):):)

[novacabrio]

Excellent!

[LEWI007]

Looking excellent mate :thumb:

[krobinson]

Looks stunning Steve :)

[Novaload_Nick]

spot on, good work!

[small-block]

jesus thats a project and a half lol

[nova_niek]

I'm working on the fuel pipes and exhaust atm, so hope to get it started end of the week. Wish me luck :):):)

Good luck firing her up mate! :thumb:

Oh and don't forget to pour in some lovely synhthetic... engines love oil! :cool:

[Dec16v]

Fantastic mate :-)

What Steering wheel did the spider have as standard?

Dec

[duick]

They had the standard Opel steering wheels and could be ordered with the Irmscher ones as an option. I will fit an Irmscher one

[Simon 1867]

Credit where credit it due... Stunning springs to mind.welldone:thumb:

[draper]

more pics needed !!!

[C14se]

any new pics mate and how it all coming a long now

[Dave.]

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_239.JPG



gear gaitor on wrong way round dude :thumb:

looks brilliant steve.. will be stunning once done :D:thumb:

[duick]

gear gaitor on wrong way round dude

lollollol

Check on the next pic, there it's the right way :thumb::thumb:

[~~joycey~~]

Thats awsome! keep up the good work :thumb:

[vaughanmc]

Absolutely perfect mate :)

Do you think you'l ever bring it to the UK for one of the shows, possibly Billing VBOA ?

[duick]

No idea at all yet

[Riggy]

thats absolutly mint fella, a real credit to you :thumb:

[Smurf-Xx]

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_223.JPG

That looks awsome. wish mine was like that!

[duick]

Finally some updates:

I still had a NEW Opel radio, pure 80s, matches the interior
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_248_1.jpg

And now the Spider is nearly ready, took it out on Sunday for the 1st test drive :D:D:D
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_255_1.jpg

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_256_1.jpg

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_254_1.jpg

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_251_1.jpg

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_264_1.jpg

The drive was very fine, everything works perfectly.
As there's still a problem with the Irmscher wheels, I put on some steel wheels with some new covers (same as the Sport ones, but with Opel emblem).
What's lefts to do:
- Solve the fitting problem of the roof
- Fit the Irmscher skirts
- Get it polished
- Get it MOT'ed on the 20th

As there is a meeting at Irmscher on April 25th and 26th, I want the car to be ready and have it on the meeting

Cheers
Steve

[bmw156]

have never seen this lol. thats well nice dude

a credit to you. birng it overrrr please!!!

[sport]

Thats is stunning Steve, a real credit to your hard work.

[dj_wudgey]

very nice mate!! looks superb!!

[krobinson]

Beautiful Steve, thats really a stunning example. Hope it pass's the MOT and you get lots of summer enjoyment!

[NOVA13SPORT]

looking great steve:thumb::thumb:

[vaughanmc]

Oh my!!! That's absolutely stunning!

You need to bring this over to the UK at some point for us to see it :thumb:

[stuartyj21]

car looks awsome steve, youve done a great job...

[Leeboo]

Great project!

What type is that exhaust manifold?

[duick]

Thx for the feedbacks :):)
The manifold is from the german company "Iresa", they had 2 left in their stock. colleague took the other one. Cost me 50€ for the manifold and a little more for the coating

[~~joycey~~]

You got you wheels sorted yet dude?

[duick]

Well, here are the wheels
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_245.JPG

I also have already the tyres on them, but .... the rear right one is touching the wheel arch :cry::cry:, means I have to flatten the arch border. Yes, I know, I should have done that before, but forgot about it :(:( and I hoped, it would work.
As I want it now to be done properly, my painter will do this job, but he has no time until May. So therefor, the 1st drives will be on steelies with covers

[~~joycey~~]

Oooops!

[Dec16v]

Beautiful... will you be at Billing?

Dec

[John]

Sterling stuff Steve! Bring it over here for us to have a good look at!

[Benn]

Woe thats look fantastic dude, love the air box! And love the headunit.

[Cle]

hmmmmmmmmmm:cool: this is lovly

[dj_wudgey]

very nice isnt it!! if all your novas are like this id like to see your collection lol but definately get that over here for some shows i need to have a real good look!!

[RICKY132]

amazin

will it be at performance vauxhall?

mine wont be out this year oing bit of work to it

[duick]

I have no idea yet if I'll bring it to Billing or not. A lot of kilometers for a weekend and a view projects ongoing atm, so I don't know if I'll get the time to come over

[djbrowney]

truly stunning mate :)

[duick]

Got it MOT'ed yesterday, everything was fine, 3 testers were standing under the car, completely speechless :eek::eek:
lollol

Got me the time to take some pics :D:D

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_271_1.jpg

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_272_1.jpg

And here it is with the top and skirts

http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_269_1.jpg

Cheers
Steve

[Ernie]

hum lovely x x

Well done mate.

[twin40s]

stunning well done on a great project.

[Edd]

That looks truely amazing Steve, you must be pleased with the results!!!

[The Simps]

Only just seen this - awesome quality of work Steve!!

Spiders always look odd and dinky with the roof up but pure filth with the roof down :cool:

[Dec16v]

Awesome.... just like a convertable version of my Sport!!! :)

Dec

[Steve]

Agreed, does looks just as amazing as dec's. Would have love to have seen the mot guys faces! lol

[vaughanmc]

Beautiful :)

[nova_niek]

Steve, with the weather being all good down our end of the channel at the moment, the Irmscher do should be really good. Enjoy! And don't go wrapping your pride and joy round a lamp post will you?

[dj_wudgey]

thats just pure porn that man lol

[Novasport]

Looks great Steve, we need to see this at Billing this year I think :D

[Simon 1867]

Top work...amazing car steve