View Full Version : Rebuild of my Spider
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
23-04-07, 11:02 PM
Nice one Steve, looks like you have a big project on you hands there.
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
30-04-07, 04:50 PM
A bare metal strip down... good going mate.
Its a lot less rusty than i expected.
good luck with the work, will be well worth it!!!!
Nice seeing one more spider comming up again.
Less work to do than most Spiders I've seen before.
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
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
Looking good mate keep it up..
kevster
12-10-07, 10:50 AM
sweet !!! love the jig
Novasport
12-10-07, 11:25 AM
Nice one Steve, looking good. You need to get this WIP on JOV ;)
Excellent steve, the underside is gleaming!
Will be ace when its finished.:thumb:
paddy138
12-10-07, 05:09 PM
looking good so far. rear quarter panels for a spider would be rare id say
carls nova sri
12-10-07, 05:54 PM
will look mint when done
krobinson
12-10-07, 06:11 PM
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
12-10-07, 06:15 PM
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
13-10-07, 04:24 PM
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
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
16-10-07, 11:31 AM
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 :)
big thumbs up fella :thumb:
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
04-02-08, 09:53 AM
Great work :thumb:.
vaughanmc
04-02-08, 04:49 PM
Stunning :)
novautd
04-02-08, 08:42 PM
thats goin to be stuning
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
04-02-08, 09:10 PM
This is going to be fantastic! I cant wait to visit again and hopefully see it complete.
Keith
novacabrio
04-02-08, 10:22 PM
Great work Steve, looks like your catching me up
Great work.
When I see this I wonder why I sold my spider last summer.
NOV4_SPORT
05-02-08, 07:11 PM
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
05-02-08, 10:14 PM
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
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
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
05-03-08, 07:05 PM
Looks very well Steve!
Lovely Steve, top job :)
Did the spider come with the later metric engine, I see you're using a metric oil filter?
Dec
Royston
05-03-08, 08:04 PM
Keep at it Steve:thumb:
CorsaBBoomer
05-03-08, 09:39 PM
Superb job Steve!
And thanks for adding my spider to the list :thumbs:
@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
some good progress there fella :thumb: looks well
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
05-04-08, 06:04 PM
awesome mate, love the exhaust manifold
blindside-retro
06-04-08, 09:50 PM
excellent detailed work there, will look the business when all is finished, just a shame they did'nt make more of the spiders!!
krobinson
06-04-08, 10:54 PM
Looking fantastic Steve :D
that gearbox and manifold is shhweeett!! :thumb:
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
06-05-08, 08:51 AM
excellent!! How long till she is all bolted together
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
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
20-05-08, 11:38 AM
Looks awsome mate should be good to see it all built back up :)
CorsaBBoomer
20-05-08, 03:33 PM
Very nice indeed Steve! (wishing I was as far as that with my spider :cry: )
Keep us posted on the rebuildings! :thumb:
novacabrio
20-05-08, 04:54 PM
Your further on with yours now that I am with mine!!
krobinson
20-05-08, 06:33 PM
Looks really nice Steve, cant wait to see it come together :)
Nice one Steve, shell looks fantastic!
Didn't realise how beefed up the Spider floor pan was...
Dec
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
OH MY :eek::eek::eek:
pure sex
Totally stunning :eek:
a thread thats over a year old and only 6 pages long ??
Superb work :thumb:
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
28-10-08, 11:55 AM
Excellent steve, you've just given me the kick up the **** I need to get some more work done
hendrix
28-10-08, 01:23 PM
Awesome stuff there Steve!
tom_beverley
28-10-08, 02:46 PM
Wow, just wow.
I don't think I can say stunning enough times Steve, that really is exceptional.
stuartyj21
28-10-08, 02:57 PM
awsome job steve keep-up the good progress...
as usual top work! Can I ask are you protecting the arches and wheel wells with anything other than paint (underbody sealer etc)?
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
28-10-08, 03:44 PM
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
No, they're running outside the shell
Looks awesome duick, keep it up! :)
What wheels are going on it?
krobinson
28-10-08, 06:32 PM
Absolutely beautiful!
Wheels will be the Irmscher ones
Thats look stunning, you've done an amazing job. Well done.
Pistol Pete
28-10-08, 08:28 PM
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
28-10-08, 09:40 PM
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
Novasport
28-10-08, 10:06 PM
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
28-10-08, 10:35 PM
awsome:thumb:
Novaload_Nick
29-10-08, 10:24 PM
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.
Awesome work Steve.... well done!!!
LEWI007
30-10-08, 08:38 AM
Really nice build, is the head,and exhaust manifold bare metal ? wont they rust ?
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
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:
yes, agree, coating is the only fine solutions. Got all suspension parts coated and even the complete pedalbox lollol
dj_wudgey
01-11-08, 01:11 PM
this is top quality fella really looking nice!!!!
nova_niek
01-11-08, 05:10 PM
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
02-11-08, 11:34 AM
looking good steve!!
Matt..
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
03-11-08, 01:58 PM
wow love this car! really love the engine and effort that's been but into the car!
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
04-11-08, 09:32 AM
Excellent!
LEWI007
04-11-08, 10:46 AM
Looking excellent mate :thumb:
krobinson
04-11-08, 07:01 PM
Looks stunning Steve :)
Novaload_Nick
04-11-08, 07:02 PM
spot on, good work!
small-block
04-11-08, 07:03 PM
jesus thats a project and a half lol
nova_niek
04-11-08, 09:25 PM
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:
Fantastic mate :-)
What Steering wheel did the spider have as standard?
Dec
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
05-11-08, 12:48 PM
Credit where credit it due... Stunning springs to mind.welldone:thumb:
any new pics mate and how it all coming a long now
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:
gear gaitor on wrong way round dude
lollollol
Check on the next pic, there it's the right way :thumb::thumb:
~~joycey~~
06-11-08, 11:02 AM
Thats awsome! keep up the good work :thumb:
vaughanmc
09-11-08, 10:17 PM
Absolutely perfect mate :)
Do you think you'l ever bring it to the UK for one of the shows, possibly Billing VBOA ?
thats absolutly mint fella, a real credit to you :thumb:
Smurf-Xx
10-11-08, 10:34 AM
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Spider_Resto/Spider_223.JPG
That looks awsome. wish mine was like that!
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
have never seen this lol. thats well nice dude
a credit to you. birng it overrrr please!!!
Thats is stunning Steve, a real credit to your hard work.
dj_wudgey
14-04-09, 11:29 AM
very nice mate!! looks superb!!
krobinson
14-04-09, 11:52 AM
Beautiful Steve, thats really a stunning example. Hope it pass's the MOT and you get lots of summer enjoyment!
NOVA13SPORT
14-04-09, 12:34 PM
looking great steve:thumb::thumb:
vaughanmc
14-04-09, 12:50 PM
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
14-04-09, 01:04 PM
car looks awsome steve, youve done a great job...
Great project!
What type is that exhaust manifold?
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~~
14-04-09, 01:34 PM
You got you wheels sorted yet dude?
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~~
14-04-09, 02:34 PM
Oooops!
Beautiful... will you be at Billing?
Dec
Sterling stuff Steve! Bring it over here for us to have a good look at!
Woe thats look fantastic dude, love the air box! And love the headunit.
hmmmmmmmmmm:cool: this is lovly
dj_wudgey
14-04-09, 10:36 PM
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
14-04-09, 11:04 PM
amazin
will it be at performance vauxhall?
mine wont be out this year oing bit of work to it
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
15-04-09, 08:38 PM
truly stunning mate :)
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
hum lovely x x
Well done mate.
twin40s
21-04-09, 09:12 AM
stunning well done on a great project.
That looks truely amazing Steve, you must be pleased with the results!!!
The Simps
21-04-09, 10:40 AM
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:
Awesome.... just like a convertable version of my Sport!!! :)
Dec
Agreed, does looks just as amazing as dec's. Would have love to have seen the mot guys faces! lol
vaughanmc
21-04-09, 04:08 PM
Beautiful :)
nova_niek
21-04-09, 07:14 PM
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
21-04-09, 10:20 PM
thats just pure porn that man lol
Novasport
21-04-09, 11:43 PM
Looks great Steve, we need to see this at Billing this year I think :D
Simon 1867
21-04-09, 11:48 PM
Top work...amazing car steve
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