My Nova 16v Project

[Ernie]

I was thinking the same Benn

[trackdaynova]

unfortunately the standard clocks don't sit at the correct angle, as they look up (ie: too tilted back), so they're not parallel to my face/ seating position as I sit fairly low down in the car... and because the SPA is an LCD display, it's not at the right angle, the digits go very faint... have I explained that right?

[Benn]

Yep i get ya. Wasnt sure if you couldnt have sit it in the plastic at an angle facing towards you.. If that makes sence..

[Lee]

You mincer, you should have left the wing as a battle scar lol

Enjoyed catching up with you yesterday mate. You were properly flying :)

[trackdaynova]

Thanks Lee :)

Battle scars don't 'do' it for me unfortunately... so I wanted it to look reet again :)

[nova ian]

Good stuff Olly, looks like the old girl went ok yesterday, good stuff mate:thumb:

The mirrors look good, can't wait to see them on, nice job on the speedo too:D

[ade]

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1022.jpg

Love this pic - perfect panning - make you feel dizzy!

[trackdaynova]

tis aye - Chris Harrison is ****-hot at motorsport photography, well, any infact! check out his smugmug site to see others...

[trackdaynova]

10:00 video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LRX2EKAySk

13:15 video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLBvx9lM264

15:30 video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHzPlY9xW5E

[Ernie]

which one did you bump it in as i cant find it ?

[trackdaynova]

lol it was the first lap of the first session, it was pathetic, so didn't put it in lol

[LiquidPug]

What was your quickest lap time Olz - any better than last time? (even with the weather)

[Ernie]

lol it was the first lap of the first session, it was pathetic, so didn't put it in lol
The first lap lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol

[trackdaynova]

1m 21s I think was my fastest single lap, with no traffic

Chris - k'offff lol caught me unaware, locked up the wheels, the car stalled leaving me with no servo and no brakes lol and i said in a girly voice "wehhheyyy, oh deary me" in a very 'Cheggers; way lol

[Ernie]

post it you know you want to lol.

[burgo]

i will set up a petition if need be to get you to post it lol

[Adam]

and i said in a girly voice "wehhheyyy, oh deary me" in a very 'Cheggers; way lol
lollol

[trackdaynova]

Do you remember me saying that Ad? lol

Seriously looks like a joke on camera

[Adam]

I think i remember the Deary Me bit yeah lol

[LiquidPug]

1m 21s I think was my fastest single lap

What about last time?


......and i said in a girly voice......
How can we tell the difference? lol

[trackdaynova]

dunno, and har har

[marS]

In view videos it is very effective :thumb:

[BRoadGhost]

Would you want the turn in even sharper olly?

[trackdaynova]

not really lol i personally love the way it drives now

all the little bits on it, coupled with the rack makes it uber responsive

or have i missed another sarcastic funny comment? lol

[BRoadGhost]

Some people do take it further running the steering arms parallel with a similar drop.

Used to always scare me at speed but Lowering the back more can reduce it.

The videos make it appear neutral at high speed - is that first right hander after the main straight 130mph?

[Adam]

It must be around that speed, because i was doing about 100 in mine

[BRoadGhost]

I guess it's the short wheelbase that lends itself razor sharp turn in - Have you measured what yours is atm? I know you've achieved big castor on the front.

[trackdaynova]

Where can I measure exactly Si?

[BRoadGhost]

http://www.desertrides.com/reference/images/terms/wheelbase.gif

[trackdaynova]

Oh sorry Si, I've done that measurement yeah, and gained a considerable amount of wheelbase.

I was meaning the parallel steering arms, wasn't sure how to go about it

[BRoadGhost]

All depends on how low you run it and if you would want it even sharper.

Could get a rose jointed setup onto drilled out knuckles or keep the standard TCA's and machine the knuckle to accept a reverse taper insert.

You might think about binning the standard column in favour of an adjustable astra / cav item too.

[The Simps]

Oh sorry Si, I've done that measurement yeah, and gained a considerable amount of wheelbase.

I was meaning the parallel steering arms, wasn't sure how to go about it


Someone on here raised the whole steering rack, was it cp? Don't know if it made much difference? I've got the engine and box bare in my engine bay now and just need to put the suspension together then I'm gonna start looking at steering arm angles. I was hoping that by raising the rack mounts it would have a decent effect.

[trackdaynova]

Si - Yeah totally, I already have RJ'd setup on the TCAs etc, but I'm not planning on dropping it any further, so maybe I'll just do little tweaks to perfect it now.

Si - I'd be interested to see the raised rack, sound like a fair amount of work - but possibly worth it.

Rather than spending on the car now, I'm ploughing all my money into trackdays now I have it doing what I want it to do :)

[loggyboy]

Just spent the whole afternoon reading this... (shhhhhhh... dont tell the boss!) Is a great read and makes me more eager to get out and do more on mine. I must have had about 6 or 7 comments/queries/suggestions, but ive forgotten them all now, and theres no way im going back reading thru to remember and note them all down now!! lol

Good luck with the rest of the build!

[Jonlem]

I had some inverted hub carriers made a while back, nobody wanted them doing in the end so I sold them to Austin.

They were done as described, moving the column down isn't such a issue, I've got some pics of how Ben done his if you need some pics to help you in the right direction.

I do agree with the get it on track rather than keep fiddling attitude though, I think there is LOADS more to come just from dialing the geometry in better and the only way you will do that is to alter it at trackdays to see what works and what doesn't, what works for one person won't always feel good to the next person and although its clearly fast on circuit it could and will be quicker when you spend your time adjusting things.

[MC]

http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=91275

If you can weld its relatively straightforward and will drastically reduce bump steer.

[trackdaynova]

Jonboy - are those the ones from Ads car?

Mark - which bit? thats just the main thread page and no pics :(

[Jonlem]

Yes mate, we removed them when we had the issues with the original tie bars as at first we thought they "might" of been the cause of the handling fault, due to other issues we never got them back on the car so Austin had them off me.

[MC]

Try pages 11 and 12.

[turbo gav]

Cool car! Engine has held out well...... must be the top guy you bought it from;)

[trackdaynova]

Cheers Jon, MC :thumb:

Gav - yeah its going alright thanks... and you're right, James is alright isn't he :)

*olly in styling shocker* lol

Decided to go for a one piece front end, but not for styling reasons, although I do think they look 10x seperates do, but it's quicker to remove should I need to, in a hurry lol thats my excuse anyway...

one bumper bought from fairy145
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1037.jpg

the old
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1038.jpg

pins changed over, drilled, metal bracing removed, grill backing removed, side brackets added, oil cooler cutout made... finished
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1040.jpg


much smoother looking, and it weighs less lol

[nova ian]

Looking good Olz, looks smart and as you've said smoother too.

have you fastened the sides with the original clips?

[trackdaynova]

yup, the plastic sliders remain on the sides of the wings, then as you know the bumper has metal female sliders, so it just slides on and off :thumb: :)

[Andy_L]

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1040.jpg




Looks smart. Are you still pushing ahead with the wide arch plan over the winter?

[trackdaynova]

no, i bailed out from doing that because of the "cost vs gains" scenario, and worked out at "alot vs none" lol

i have however sourced some saloon *shudder* round front wings, which will enable me to drop the whole car a considerable amount more with no scrubbage problems...

that inturn i shall be doing what JB said above and inverting my hubs and TREs so my steering arms are parallel again :thumb:

[draper]

do you still want me to have a look for them wings then ??

car looks good as usual pal

[Andy_L]

Round arches are the way forward :thumb:

Another suggestion would be to keep your original wings and have the arch cut and spaced further out? Thus keeping the poxy box arches but giving you some more space?

[trackdaynova]

if you can hold off for the mean time, then yes please then pal.

although please keep my number and let me know if there are any decent ones there, as i have some coming which are free... but should i want some in better condition, then i might be on the hunt again :)

[MC]

Any more pics from different angles. You must have! Looks good.

[trackdaynova]

lol you know what, i haven't lol how rubbish is that!

sorry mark, i have failed you :(

[Adam]

That "in 1" bumper/grill does look miles better, nice choice :cool:

[trackdaynova]

styling eh... next thing you know i'll have clear front indicators and side repeaters lol

i don't agree with this 'spending on stuff that doesn't make me faster' lark lol

[General Baxter]

can i have your old grill :p

[burgo]

thats looks the shizle

[trackdaynova]

i was gonna back-to-black it, or spray it black but i don't think it'll suit the look of my car tbh

i think it works to be the faded grey that it is :thumb:

[Ernie]

That looks so much better mate.
Also when did you make yours into a pop off bonnet as i thought it was on hinges ?

[trackdaynova]

Cheers everyone :)

Yeah Chris, I did the bonnet completely removeable when I changed over to fibreglass... see here: http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showpost.php?p=918019&postcount=1440

Don't regret doing it, but I do regret getting such a cheap and flimsey bonnet tbh

[corsakid]

look good olly looks 1000x times better 1 piece is what all mk1's should have lol good work

[Benn]

pins changed over, drilled, metal bracing removed, grill backing removed, side brackets added, oil cooler cutout made... finished
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1040.jpg


much smoother looking, and it weighs less lol


Got enough wheels? lol

Love the 1piece! Looks tastey. No air holes?

[MC]

The one person we can normally count on to take too many pics......

[trackdaynova]

4 full sets and a spare lol

No air holes just yet, as with it being a skinny bumper, the air gets under it anyway... saying that, if i get bored tomorrow, i'll probably get the hole saw out lol

[trackdaynova]

The one person we can normally count on to take too many pics......Mark - was your first reply sarcastic then? as I genuinely thought you wanted another angle of it lol

[trackdaynova]

so more Cadwell preparation goes on, albeit boring and tedious

take one light flimsey cheapo fibreglass bonnet that flaps around like paper, with a hollow leading edge
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1041.jpg

get a 1 metre length of 1mm wall alloy U from B&Q, weighed 90grams dagnabbit
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1042.jpg

place across bonnet
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1043.jpg

cut V out dead central
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1044.jpg

bend to shape
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1045.jpg

then realise that thats probably over kill, and fibreglass goes off pretty damn hard anyway, so scrap that

fill hollow leading edge with fibreglass resin, the complete width of the bonnet
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1046.jpg

leave to dry (will be left a few days just to be sure, to be sure)
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1047.jpg

lets hope that goes off dead hard and that alone should keep the bonnet from flexing in the middle now :thumb:

Oh, and Mark, whether it was a pith take or not, I took another shot anyway lol
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1048.jpg

[MC]

It was meant from the heart of my bottom!

Seriously, I love mk1's and wanted to see how it all looked.

M

[Adam]

You scrapped the idea because you didn't want to add 90grams, go on admit it :p lol lol
Aye, the FG should be strong enough, its hard stuff when set :cool:

[trackdaynova]

Mark - you git lol

Ad - lol well, not completely, altho that 90grams i didn't want to add, you're correct... but tbh, it didn't fit quite as snug as i'd have liked in the little hollowed out bit... so was a bit cumbersome...

We'll see how the rock hard fibreglass holds up, if it doesn't.. i'll either sell this one on and get a decent fibreglass bonnet... or add a 5th pin, which'll look cack, be more **** ache to get into etc

[Adam]

I bet something ligher, like a flat piece of plastic/perspex, then f/g over the top, would work in place of the alloy bar.

[Ernie]

You could always buy my old f/g bonnet with a free nova shell atached lol.

[Rick Draper]

How do you find the seats olly? Need to buy a pair of seats for my corsa and not sure what ones to go for.

[ace-media]

Looking good Mr H - like the grille :)


Cool car! Engine has held out well...... must be the top gay you bought it from;)

;)

[Jonlem]

Gavs not the only one in this thread with a gay side lol

Seats are REALLY good Rick, no doubt Olly will say the same, very comfy and well protected

[Count Vaux Alot]

Hi mate love the new look, very smooth...gave the wings a wipe over today all ready for delivery!

[nova ian]

Good work Olly:D

Glad to see you recycling left overs from the bathroomlol Lets hope theres no nova parts been used to finish the bathroom:p lol

Hopefully the fibreglass plan will work:D

[dhdev (Oli)]

Good work Olly, dunno where you get the energy from to be constantly modding!

[trackdaynova]

Thanks all, for the comments... Oli - I ain't a clue either, as said via text, drop me a line should you need a hand with your Tomy Car :)

So tonight was the first step to my Novas new look, and also the beginning of me lowering the COG, I had sourced some saloon front wings, from no-one better, no other sexier brown saloon... James (Count Vaux Alot) - nice to meet you again chap.

So prior to James turning up, we had a pretty standard looking Nova
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1049.jpg


10mins late were half way there
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1051.jpg

Off with the front wings, ready to trial fit my round ones, to give me extra clearence so I can drop it a little more... wingless wonder
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1052.jpg


Mean rod looking car lol
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1055.jpg

Then James arrived, no sooner than me getting the camera out
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1056.jpg

This front clearance should see me a further 2" drop I reckon, which is 50mm or there abouts
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1057.jpg

New look
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1058.jpg

Side on
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1059.jpg

[trackdaynova]

The problem I have, is that I am currently on 8", 313lb front springs, and they're right at the top of the thread on the height adjustment. Now I want to up the front poundage anyway, so no better time to do it.

Reason for this, is because of the bulgy sidewalls of the 888s, and the S9Bs the height adjuster has to remain above the tyre profile else it fouls, it is not a problem with the Rainsports as they clear.

As you can see in this pic, they're right at the top of the thread
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1053.jpg

So my thinking is, with these new round front wings, I can now drop the car moreso, but in order for me to drop it enough, for the tyres (888s/S9Bs) not to catch, I'd have to drop it the complete profile of the tyre, which is the best part of 3 inches, or there abouts - too much.

So my thoughts are, to keep the adjusters where they currently are, and buy some 6" open length 350lb springs, which means my adjusters will stay where they are, but I have no upward adjustment... and my car will be lowered 2 inches (a further 50mm)

Alternatively, I can run slightly less camber, so the top of the tyre isn't so close to the spring.

Thirdly, I can run a 7mm spacer, instead of a 5mm to create that wee bit of clearence I am needing, then I'd order a 7" 350lb pair of springs.

For anyone that has come across these problems, or feel that they have had experience in this, and have some suggestions, please feel free to give me some pointers... not just finger in the air schnizzle!

I'm personally feeling the 7mm spacer, 7" 350lb springs to give me the adjustability up and down, should I want to/ need to change it.

But as always - would like your views.

Oh - and don't forget, the smaller the spring, the less unsprung weight :D lol

[The Simps]

spacers.

[Daniie]

coming along very nicely mate

[corsakid]

5 door arches look good imho loads more clerance! you know i am running my nova on same front shocks at max height adjustment with the 6" 350lb springs and mine is low the height you want i think!

this is how mine sit (took me ages on paint) just above the tyre and thats on 16's with 40 profile so with 15 inch and 50 profile 888's should be pretty much in same position

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/RSGBodystylingska/6inchsprings.jpg

i presume you would have to lower the 7" spring down to achieve you 2 " drop you want!

and i get no scrubbage on standard arches and on 16" wheels

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/RSGBodystylingska/DSC00278-1.jpg

so with the bigger arches and on fatter tyres but on smaller alloys you shouldnt have a problem imho

7" springs could be an option but then isnt it goimg to be even closer to the sdie wall as its an inch lower and at the tyre wall is convex in shape so narrow at the tread and the seating line but wider and bulgier in the middle

adjusting your geometry personally i woulnt adjust it as you have got it at place where only fine adjustment are needed

just my opinion people will say different i am sure! hope the pics help back up what i have said

[trackdaynova]

Hiya Kris, thanks for replying... very helpful in deedy!

My only concern with running a 6" spring, is if I wanted to raise the car (for whatever reason, I couldn't possibly do it...

I might reduce the -2deg neg camber to only -1.5degree, it certainly doesn't sound like much, but that half a degree will give me the millimetres I need for the height adjuster to clear the bulgy side wall of the slick (i think)

I like the stance of your car, love the height too, but without trying the same height on the 5door wings, I wont know if it can go even lower!

Thanks for your input mate, really appreciate it, and its nice to know that someone else experiences the same problem (if that makes sense)

Gonna be trimming the lip completely off the front wings to give me that little extra, I think the 5door wings gives an extra 10mm clearence either side by the look of things, as me and James (CountVauxAlot) compared last night.


ADDED: Just re-read what you said about the 7" spring... I would only get these if I was to space my wheels out a further 2mm, and reduce the neg camber to 1.5, that way the bulgy sidewall shouldn't be so much of a problem, but I'm going to get the height I want first, on the RainSports, as clearence isn't a problem, then work out how much it has dropped by, then order the spring length to suit :thumb:

[corsakid]

i see where your coming from olly could you not lower the car down 2"'s on the current springs so you would get the height that the 6" spring would give you and then see how much clearance you have on the front arches and if you can go lower

[The Simps]

this is the ballache with 888s, great tyres tho! I've gone with a048r's and hoping not to have this problem.

With chopping some old springs down might came down this low on the 205 a048r's before it was hitting on the lip. I think with rolling the lip and bringing out the straight down edge on the lip it will come down more on the coilovers.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/28-05-084.jpg

[The Simps]

Also, I don't know if this helps you any? But with 16s this is the rear spring gap with the wheels hitting the top of the arch.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/05-05-084.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/19-04-081.jpg

[trackdaynova]

Ahh nice one Simps, that certainly puts things into perspective! :thumb:

So are they a a 205/50/16 tyre you have on there?

[The Simps]

Just edited the above. The 2nd pic is the wheel right in the arch. The beam will go up ever so slightly higher but your talking 5mm maybe (mine was catching on my handbrake guide in the pic on the chassis so couldn't go any higher).

They're 205/50s yeah. Expensive new and I think thats why people go for the 888s but I got these 2nd hand at a good price.

I think I've said to you before but how I plan to set my height is lower the car as fa as possible on the front with mininmal arch rolling then set the car level at the rear and tub the arches if necessary. I'll prob raise the car for driving but at least I'll know it'll clear going really low.

[Adam]

Are you spraying the wings Olly?

Id go with 7" springs, so you still have a bit of adjustment if needed

[trackdaynova]

Yeah I remember you saying, thats brill :thumb: thanks for the info.

I also remember you saying about how you're going to do your car, which i seems ideal, as its at the front where all the problems would lie, should you get any, with suspension travel, steering etc.

I worked out that my 195-50-15 Toyo 888s are £60 each, and a Yoko A048R equivelant is £118 + VAT each, now, I know people say they're better, but I can't imagine they're twice as good, and I doubt I'd get twice as many trackdays out of them.

Anyhooo, for dry days I now have the Michelins so it shouldn't be so much of a problem anymore.

Once again - thanks for the help and the pics, the rear certainly looks awesome :thumb:



Are you spraying the wings Olly?

Id go with 7" springs, so you still have a bit of adjustment if needed

Yup, Me & Ian are spraying the wings and bonnet (again) on Sunday, using a 200litre compressor this time, so at least we can hold the trigger for longer than 10seconds without the compressor recharging (poxy 25litre job lol). Plenty of paint and lacquer this time tho! :D

First of all, as said above, I'm going to see the height I want the car at, with my current 8" springs on my Rainsports, then work out how much exactly I've dropped it by. :)

[corsakid]

if he goes for 7" he might as well have 8" springs as he will have to space it out weather he uses 7s or 8" springs and have more adjusment

[trackdaynova]

Ahhh yeah, totally hear ya - as it'd still fall within the profile of the tyre wouldn't it... hmmmmzzzz

Either way, I want to up the front poundage rate anyway, so it's just a case of working out what length to go for :)

[corsakid]

thats the way ol lower it as it is measure and see how much you have lowered it thus what spring size to go for

i am sure youll sort it out

[Benn]

If you find out the measurement for standard nova heights let me know, i cant find the info anywhere..

Mines on 8" rears springs with a bout 2"s of thread left(thread cut lower) you know where mine sits on the rear.

[Lee H]

Mine is running 6" coilover springs with Speedlines and this is how it sits with the adjustor above the tyre. Can go about 3 turns up further on the coilover but mine are Gaz.

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z163/Lee_H25/003-4.jpg

[trackdaynova]

thats a nice stance, I think GAZ threads go much higher up the strut though don't they?

[Adam]

Think do they yeah. And the strut body is shorter too iirc

[Lee H]

The strut body on the Gaz i've got is an inch shorter than the Avo's I used to have. Think the Spax are longer too so not sure i'd have more thread.

Probably a bad comparison really as my car is on 195/40 R16's. Had some 195/50 R15 888's and the car would have needed raising more than an inch to get them on so I ended up selling them on. Shame they are so damn big.

[Count Vaux Alot]

Hey dude!

Firstly i would like to say what a top bloke you are Olly ;) only having met you for the first time the other night you were nothing but friendly and very welcoming (we ended up chatting for hours and delaying dinner thats true dedication) so cheers bud :thumb:you could have just said thanks and told me to fu7k offlol although i now know you wouldnt.

Secondly i can only praise you for the awesome animal of a car that you have created, Mightly impressed even if i did need new pants :eek: especially as you arn't in the trade or have access to a huge cheque book. Its a huge testement to yourself and all the hours/hard work you have put in well done buddy.
You know were i am if ever you need any thing ;)

Verbay BJ over.......lollol

Thirdly


First of all, as said above, I'm going to see the height I want the car at, with my current 8" springs on my Rainsports, then work out how much exactly I've dropped it by. :)

I totally agree with what you have said above. As we discussed you need to start from the beginning (what you already have to work with) and go from there. So lower the car to were you want it check your clearances and figure out what you need to buy....:thumb::thumb:

[BRoadGhost]

You could buy some universal threaded tube and sleeve the strut; keeping the longer springs or use them in conjunction with helper springs and platforms

[Paul]

Interesting I've never seen Saloon arches on a hatch before!

Sorry to hijack,

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z163/Lee_H25/003-4.jpg

Still got something about it this car, love it!!!!

[trackdaynova]

Lee - nice one mate :thumb:

James - thanks for the kind words, although lose the verbal next time I see you lol

Simon - certainly an option that I'd definately look into :thumb:

Paul - probably because it looks pap - but we'll see on Sunday after they're been sprayed lol

[Lee]

So, will it be a simple registry office or a full church do for you two then? lol lol

[Ernie]

Arhh sweet aint it lol.

[Count Vaux Alot]

So, will it be a simple registry office or a full church do for you two then? lol lol

Blah blah lol

[Count Vaux Alot]

James - thanks for the kind words, although lose the verbal next time I see you lol



You can talk you cheeky bastid lol

[trackdaynova]

I meant lose the "verbal", out of the "verbal BJ" lol ;) oi oi

[Count Vaux Alot]

/\ :tard: SORRY....received and understood lol

[The Simps]

ah, the 1st lovers tiff

[trackdaynova]

lol anyway enough of the flirting dagnabbit

in preperation for respraying the front two wings and bonnet again tomorrow, i shaved the lip off the wings completely, so its left with a vertical edge, rather than a horizontal edge (| instead of L) so should my tyrewall touch (which it will) it will only rub up against the metal, rather than the metal digging in.

i took a few pics anyway despite not doing much lol

the side lip that needs to be removed
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1060.jpg

front edge is most important due to how far forward the wheel sits
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1061.jpg

gonna do the rear part anyway so it looks the same
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1062.jpg

inside
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1063.jpg

with the wing lying flat on the floor, the leading edge is 15.5cm from the floor, after the trimming i'd have like to gain the full 10mm as you can see thats where the outer edge is
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1064.jpg

all done
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1065.jpg

leading front edge
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1066.jpg

outside
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1067.jpg

w000t, 16.5cm now, so another 10mm gained
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1068.jpg

sprayed the insides gloss black, filed down all the edges so they're smooth
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1069.jpg

mmmmmmzzz
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1070.jpg

[Count Vaux Alot]

looking good!

[Adam]

Run it that low :cool: lol

[novashed]

mmmmmmzzz
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1070.jpg[/quote]

that looks the dogs!

[krobinson]

haha, that looks MINT :)

[The Simps]

did you grind it then Olly? I was gonna take a hammer to mine but grinder might be a better idea.

Should get my coilovers back tomorrow nite :D

[trackdaynova]

thanks for the nice comments, I'm hoping to run it as low as possible, and alter everything to make it handle too. definately going to be running inverted hubs to keep my steering arms as horizontal as possible, to reduce/ eliminate bumpsteer

spraying is tomorrow, spent around £100 on a litre of white high build primer, a litre of basecoat, litre of clear lacquer, 5 litres of thinners, some grey scotch, and a moisture filter... lets keep us fingers crossed.

Simon - yeah mate, just used a grinder with a metal grinding disk, in the 'shaving motion' so you take bit by bit off until you can close your eyes and not feel a lip at all :) nice one about your coilovers :thumb:

[The Simps]

Simon - yeah mate, just used a grinder with a metal grinding disk, in the 'shaving motion' so you take bit by bit off until you can close your eyes and not feel a lip at all :) nice one about your coilovers :thumb:


In a fight - Hammer vs Grinder

Hammer wins.

I know they're a bit more expensive, but have your ever tried using the flappy grit discs? SOOOOO much better for removing metal than a normal grinding disc.

[Benn]

Arcges look good.

[Paul]

So Olz, how di the painting go?

[Count Vaux Alot]

I know they're a bit more expensive, but have your ever tried using the flappy grit discs? SOOOOO much better for removing metal than a normal grinding disc.

Agreed they are much much better!

[trackdaynova]

hey y'all... so today was spraying day - hoping for a better finish than the sandpaper-esk that we had the first time around...

difference being... better preperation this time, and we used a 300litre compressor today, as opposed to the 25litre jobbie last time, and boy oh boy does that make a hell of a difference.

once again, i sing the praises and mahoosive thanks to nova ian for helping me out, and the loan of the garage and compressor - cheers bud

as you can see, this time with have polythene, lights, and everything lol
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1071.jpg

first drivers wing covered liberally in white high build primer
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1072.jpg

placed on ians car once it was touch dry, we took our time and it was applying lovely
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1073.jpg

liplessness
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1074.jpg

then on with the passenger wing, same applies - everything went to plan
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1075.jpg

we then primered the bonnet and left it... then cracked open the E112 50L Platinum Metallic paint, and again, put plenty on, as we made the mistake of not putting enough on the bonnet a few months ago
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1076.jpg

once again, once touch dry hooked it over ians car to completely dry off
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1077.jpg

lovely deep shine of the colour going on
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1078.jpg

drying
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1079.jpg

then we ran out of time (before we lacquered) but finish is mega smooth and shiney even without lacquer, so knowing its only going to get shinier makes me happy
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1080.jpg

as we left it... just needs a liberal coat of laquer, and we should be reet... dead happy
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1081.jpg

[BIGS]

looking good and great job with the spraying!

[021-bennettt]

Where did you get the paint and where would you get lacquer??
also great project:)

[trackdaynova]

Cheers BIGS, my only second proper attempt really (first being my engine bay last year at the start of this project) so I'm over the moon with it :thumb: but I must re-iterate, it's soooo much better having a compressor that doesn't recharge two seconds after pulling the trigger :)

021 - I got the paint from Nottingham Bodyshop Supplies, and same with lacquer. Good thing about the lacquer is that its ready mixed, so goes straight into the airgun, which should make it trouble free - that should be done mid week ish. Cheers for comments :)

[021-bennettt]

Thanks for the info,i have stripped out the back of mine and want 2spray the insade the same as the outside even tho it wont b seen fairly soon i still want 2do it lol
Thanks again.

[BIGS]

and whats the finish like on the f/g panels? im going to do mine soon and hoping they will come out ok

[trackdaynova]

not quite as good as metal, but then again we didn't prepare the FG panels months ago when we first sprayed them... good enough for me :thumb: or will be once they have a mega shine from the lacquer :)

[BIGS]

as long as it looks good and the track thats all that matters. not that they have time to look lol:thumb:

And was speaking to Rob with the mark2 white astra let known as sbd16v on the sites. and he said how impressed he was with the car and driving. so your getting noticed which is always a good thing.

anyway enough of me going on keep up the good work :thumb:

[Iain]

Woohoo glad the painting went well.

[nova ian]

Well chuffed with how we got on yesterday mate, No worries on giving you a hand, anytime mate:cool:

It made such a difference with the bigger compressor as said, looking forward to having ago at my car now!

Pannels should look really good when you've lacquered them:thumb:

[corsakid]

looking good paint finish looking good aswell

[Jonlem]

Definately liking the 5 door wings, that should solve a few issues.

Paintwork has come out well too mate !

Well done the pair of you

[Adam]

Nice one, good work.
Flatting it off before laquering?

[trackdaynova]

apparently not on metallic paintwork? :confused:

[Adam]

Oh right, was just thinking if the laquer will take right onto shiny paint.....?

Wheres Benn when you need him lol

[Benn]

Sorry here, well you both have me on msn for questions...

Dont flat off base! Anless you'll be re painting more base on..

You've put the base on nice and nicely wet, with lacquar on it should look very. Base is ok for about 8hours before it will lose its grab.
After that you'll need to flat it off then rebase before lacquaring.

Shouldnt really leave base unlacquared tho..

Love the round arches... very sexy.

[Count Vaux Alot]

but I must re-iterate, it's soooo much better having a compressor that doesn't recharge two seconds after pulling the trigger :)


What did i say?? I told you it would be much better with a larger compressor and to just give it a try, you should have a little more confidence in your abilities (they are better than you think) besides is you funk it up you can always knock it back and try again.....:thumb:

As for the bonnet did you use the 40 grade on it thats for sanding the splinters off wood?! lol lol if you do do it again take some more time with the prep and use something finer 150/180 and then 240 before you high build this will get rid of the large scratches....job done

Loving the wings in colour they look cool as btw

:thumb:

[Adam]

Sorry here, well you both have me on msn for questions...

Dont flat off base! Anless you'll be re painting more base on..

You've put the base on nice and nicely wet, with lacquar on it should look very. Base is ok for about 8hours before it will lose its grab.
After that you'll need to flat it off then rebase before lacquaring.

Shouldnt really leave base unlacquared tho..

Love the round arches... very sexy.
So if he leaves them a few days he will have to flat them off, re-colour, and then laquer?

[Benn]

Yes, the base loses its addeasion(sp?) if its left to long, so a light 1000grit flat off, then re base, then lacquar.

[Benn]

Yep, if your gonna go over deeper scratches you might wanna look in to some green stopper, its a putty that air drys and is ment to fill deeper scratches and chips that you can base over..

[trackdaynova]

which I presume is better than normal filler?

[Benn]

Yeah, as you'll need to primer over normal filler, before paint.

[Count Vaux Alot]

Yep, if your gonna go over deeper scratches you might wanna look in to some green stopper, its a putty that air drys and is ment to fill deeper scratches and chips that you can base over..

seconded:thumb:

[Paul]

polyester filler is the name of stopper.

Is good stuff.

Paint looks cool from pics matey :)

[Benn]

No its not, its green stopper or green putty, 3m make it.

[burgo]

no you apply in with a stanley blade, leave it for 5 mins and the a quick light wet and dry over and your ready to paint

[Paul]

so in theory its exactly the same as polyester filler.
removes pinholes, scratches, cracks etc.

[trackdaynova]

So, its been a week since they were painted, and we decided not to re-base coat them and then lacquer them, we just hit it straight with the lacquer, and it took to fine.

One wing in for the shine
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1082.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1083.jpg

One lacquered, but not flatted off, one not
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1084.jpg

Bonnet before and after lacquerage
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1085.jpg http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1086.jpg

Got them home tonight, bolted them all up, refitted bonnet pins and catches, and decided to take some pics...

So then... 3 door hatch with front loon wings - you decide (I personally like it lol) - oh, they've still not been flatted back, gonna give it a couple of days to go 'ard

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1087.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1088.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1089.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1090.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1091.jpg


w000t, despite neither of us ever sprayed properly before, I'm happy with the results, thanks once again to nova ian for the help today.

I think the main aim has been acheived, as you can see I could drop it another foot at the front without it catching like it used to lol

Would like your comments :)

[corsakid]

looking good! paint job is better than some of the bodyshops i know lol looks good wings seem to work aswell! 1 peice bumper looks loads better imo

[John]

olly, i've missed the reason why you've gone to loon wings? Thought you had f/g front wings?
lookin hard as btw! (front bumper needs heat gunning/painting imo.)

[trackdaynova]

Kris - yeah, they're by no means perfect, but 10x better than I ever thought they'd come out, and still more to come with some flattage. The colour match is spot on aswell, which is always a gamble with such a peculiar colour, metallic, and the rest of the car being 20 years old lol

John - I had FG wide wings, well I actually still have them in my shed, but decided not to fit them due keeping standard rear width. Wide fronts, standard rears works so well on Oli's car, but didn't look right on mine. So I've gone for loon wings which are widee as standard than 3dr wings, and the fact they're round enables me to lower the car even more to lower the COG, and clearence is much better now they're lip-less, all function orientated :)

I don't think a darker front bumper would look that nice with the colour of my car, I like it light grey - but I might 'shop it, and see how it would look :thumb: Also I like the retro-ness of it being faded as hell, I wouldn't want it looking new

[John]

Ahh i see! i never knew loon wings were wider than hatch!

[Adam]

Top work on the spraying. Can do some mega slammage with those wings now :cool:

Personally i dont like the look of them, just doesn't go with box/square rear arches... But thats a minor thing considering they've solved a few problems for you :)

[Benn]

Paint looks good dude, come up quite flat good work.
I really like the loon/5door front arches on there.
Looks tastey.

[Count Vaux Alot]

Love it! the wings look good and the whole car looks purposeful like it could rip you in half. The paint came out really well and you deserve a pat (just one though) on the back for your efforts top job!

Did you get my PM?

[trackdaynova]

Adam - I've just asked the wings, and they said they didn't like the look of you either lol lol

Benn - so would you recommend me using 1500 grit to get them shiney shiney... will this also reduce the little bit of orange peelyness I have?

James - thanks pal, function over form :thumb: and PM replied... took me an age to do! lol

[Count Vaux Alot]

Thanks for the reply mate i appreciate it was a pain in the ass to answer but great info :thumb:

[Benn]

Benn - so would you recommend me using 1500 grit to get them shiney shiney... will this also reduce the little bit of orange peelyness I have?


Yes, being very carefull of all edges and swages lines, and anywherre you flat off you need to be able to polish up, so dont go in to any hard to get to areas you cant get in to.
A foam block will also help makes it easier to flat no finger marks. (can lend you mine if you want)

[Benn]

Try a bit of 2500grit paper, start on a bigger bit of the pannel, you want it to look like this when youve flatted it back.
You can see the orange peel going.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/bennh2/Flat%20and%20polishing/IMG_4232.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v321/bennh/Car%20updates/carupdatesaug.jpg

Dont need to be a dull looking. All depends on how flat(shiney) you want the paint. If its not working so much with 2500 then try 2000 or 1500 (can send you a sheet if you need) Ues warm soapy water and keep it wet.

[Count Vaux Alot]

Good advice there Benn!

[Count Vaux Alot]

Cheers for the group buy link BTW Olly great idea IMO!

[Benn]

Cheers J

[The Simps]

Colour match looks great in the pics Olz!

You just need to weld the next bit on the back and slam it ;)

[trackdaynova]

lol @ weld the next bit on the back! te he he

Cheers Si, yeah, I'm happy with how the match turned out, will take a couple of daylight pics over the next couple of days too...

I hear you need some help on yours, no?

[The Simps]

I hear you need some help on yours, no?


Not sure what you mean unless you're referring to the comments to Benn in the winter thread? I've been down to see Benn and the mincers several times and he's never been up to me and seeing as I'm getting bored of drilling spot welds out now would be a good time! lol Got to take out all the seat rails and the bar that runs from side to side across the tunnel.

[trackdaynova]

Ahhh gotcha, yeah I knew I'd read something about you getting fed up of something else lol

[The Simps]

I'm just getting bored of drilling directly over the spot weld and still missing and end up going thru! Gonna just use the grinder from now on lol

Got a welder sorted out today too so will be handy to have in the shop.

[Mazz]

Looking good Olly, the wings look weird and kinda cool at the same time! In one of the those pics its looks like your o/s rear window has popped out :)

[nova ian]

Wow wow weeeee waaarrr, wings and bonnet look wicked on the car! :cool:

I know we were a little concerned about colour match, but I don't think we could've asked for better

Looks top notch, and as for helping out, anytime mate:thumb:

[burgo]

i think it looks ubber hardcore with those wings and actually doesnt look that weird with the different style arches front and back

[Adam]

Adam - I've just asked the wings, and they said they didn't like the look of you either lol lol

lol lol lol :p

[trackdaynova]

OK then, so today I achieved what I have been working towards for along time now, that it's all worked out fine, apart from uncovering some more problems that I will need to sort out.

Some daylight pics of my car to show the colour match and 'un flatted' finish on the wings and bonnet...

As you can see - I have been playing with the ride height just to see what my options are available to me, and I'm pleased to say that even at the height below, I get no scrubbing problems on either lock, or when just driving (albeit, only to my road and back, due to being full race slicks lol)

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1095.jpg

So in a straight line, you can see that the lipless round arches are a godsend when it comes to clearence, as they'd usually have hit
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1097.jpg

Still have circa 8mm outwardly clearence, which could enable me to up my 5mm spacer, to 7mm, to aid spring clearence
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1098.jpg

Lowwwwwwwwww, Benn would be so proud
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1099.jpg

So... my right lock isn't a problem, it only stops night of "full lock" due to the inside of the rear part of the tyre hitting the inner arch, or the passenger tyre hitting the end case of the gearbox, neither of which is a problem
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1100.jpg

As you can see, I could afford to drop it even more should I want to, but I probably wont... or might lol
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1101.jpg

Left lock is the same as it always has been, just stops when the front leading inside edge hits the inner wing, which is also fine
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1102.jpg

Increased the castor again, now this is the absolute maximum you can achieve with running an XE, with the oil filter in the standard location, so without going to a remote filter, this will do for now lol
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1105.jpg

TCAs are now rising towards the outside of the car, as opposed to going down, but the tiebars would now plunge down towards the front of the car, so I will remove my lowering block to bring them back level, should I decide to stay at this height
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1104.jpg

And my new fave pic of the car...
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1103.jpg

[Adam]

OMFG, that looks awesome. Theres something about it that looks cool as fook :cool:

I spose the 5dr wings are ok, in that pic anyway :p

[Welsh Dan]

Looks the danglies.

[trackdaynova]

OK, so the problems are what I already knew I'd come across.

Having it that low, on my current 8" springs leaves the tyre wall resting against the spring, and rotating the spring every turn of the wheel.

So I could possibly run 6" springs, which will drop the car exactly 2" which is 50.8mm lower, with the adjusters in the same location as they are at the moment.

However, in those pics, which is about right, height wise at the front, that is 68mm lower than previously, so 6" springs wouldn't be low enough. Going down to 5" spring would make the drop circa 75mm lower than it currently is, which is too low. lol

The ID of my springs currently is 63mm, now I could run some universal 2.25" ID springs, which are 58.5mm ID, which saves me 5.5mm ID total circumference, which is only 2.75mm on each edge, which is negliable.

So I could increase my spacers, whic could give me another 2mm... but again not a great deal.

So Me & Kristan have been chatting, and I might alter my suspension leg to enable the lower part of my shock to sit more inwardly towards the car (Kristan to supply excellent picture lol) this will solve all problems, and I could make it so it sits miles inwards away from the tyre so I'd never have problems again.

So for now, until I've decided what I'm going to do, I've raised it back up again, to do some workings out - and then I'll start the development of that.

Kris - away you go with our suggestion picture lol

[Pistol Pete]

Car is looking gooood! Proper track day whore!! Wings looked odd at first, but are growing on me! If they help with wheel clearance then its got to be a good thing!

[The Simps]

God I hope I don't get all this grief when I go to put my coilovers on!

[corsakid]

yeah me and olly have been discussing a few things and the way i see it is he could do a few things to help solve his clearnce issues at the lowest height oe any height were the adjuster is inline or below the inside tyre level

these are just quick rough sketches to try and illustrate my point not sure if it they would work cant see why not as olly runs solid top mounts with the rose joint centre so would allow shocker to move inwardly whilst pivoting

my first suggestion would be to make the brackets that come of the shock that bolt to the hub carrier longer thus moving the shock from \ plane to a more vertical plane and with the smaller id springs almost 3mm clearance just form the springs i think it could result in quite a bit of added clearence between tyre side wall and the shock/spring, and i know the spring seat adjuster is still the original diameter but that would be below the level of the rim lip so below top of wheel level :confused:

anyway heres how i see if could be done quite easily

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/RSGBodystylingska/shockdiagram.jpg


and a very exagerated pic just to illustrate my idea

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/RSGBodystylingska/untitled.jpg

another issue we could see possibly would be that moving the shock back would hit the mounting bracket where the metal brake pipe meets the goodridge sticks out but that could easily be moved and relocated further along out of the way and a new metal brake pipe made up

another way that could help with the clearance and not to sure on the consequences onthe handling weather it would be detremental to the handling and geometry setup but as olly has fully ajustable everything on the front i cant see it casuing to many serious issues, would be to move the shocker mount point turret inwards towards engine bay bit like cp has done iirc, i amsure theres an easy way to solve the clearnce issues escribed by olly

heres my view and opinons but think it could work and be a relatively easy fix,

[trackdaynova]

The good thing about what we've got planned with the lower shock mounts, is that the leg doesn't sit vertical anyway, as we all know, it sits top inward, and bottom outward, so extending the "arms" so to speak, would help alot.

And I've checked clearences, and there is no way you could possibly get the shock absorber mounted in the lower "to scale" picture that Kris has drawn, which is good news.

[corsakid]

cant see a reason why it shouldnt work mate see a pretty easy and straight forward fix to me, little gains form little things like 3mm on the springs and a few mill on the lower shock absorber mounting arms and possibly space will add up to a lot of clearence and hopefully solve your problems with tyre spring contact

[Paul]

That does look the fuc.king bollocks Olz!!

[Benn]

As the tyre touches the spring could you not run the 1.9mm spring?

[Benn]

Lowwwwwwwwww, Benn would be so proud
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1099.jpg


And my new fave pic of the car...
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc1103.jpg

I'm deffo pround, thats a nice ride height.... Ooo i think i've cum.

Car looks funking ace! Colour match is perfect! Funking good work dude.

[vaughanmc]

Looks awsome down that low!

Wings look good as well :)

[Lee]

That looks evil as feck!!!!!

[Count Vaux Alot]

I'm deffo pround, thats a nice ride height.... Ooo i think i've cum.

Car looks funking ace! Colour match is perfect! Funking good work dude.

You think you have come but i know i have all over the lap top bugger! lol lol

[Count Vaux Alot]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/RSGBodystylingska/shockdiagram.jpg



The general idea its self i like....but in reference to the top right pic especially the 'weld' part (and please correct me if i'm wrong) you will need to be very careful about how you go about the welding the extension on given the extream heat transfer caused when good penetration is achieved (you can't piegon sh+t it on if its essentially holding the hub/wheel to the car) and the chance of blowing holes in the shock body that welding would cause (i don't think Olly wants to be buying new shocks for experimental purposes! lol)

This is only my opinion and i'm not an expert in exactly what is in that part of the shock but i bet it doesn't take kindly to that sort of heat and neither would the seals ect so not 100% sure :confused: :confused:

[Benn]

hahahaha thats so sexy.

[Adam]

The general idea its self i like....but in reference to the top right pic especially the 'weld' part (and please correct me if i'm wrong) you will need to be very careful about how you go about the welding the extension on given the extream heat transfer caused when good penetration is achieved (you can't piegon sh+t it on if its essentially holding the hub/wheel to the car) and the chance of blowing holes in the shock body that welding would cause (i don't think Olly wants to be buying new shocks for experimental purposes! lol)

This is only my opinion and i'm not an expert in exactly what is in that part of the shock but i bet it doesn't take kindly to that sort of heat and neither would the seals ect so not 100% sure :confused: :confused:
Adding on to the welding bit, lengthening that bottom part will also mean that more stress is put onto the weld/bottom of the strut (think of it like a lever point....)
Not sure how much your planning on changing it though, few mm should be 'reet.

Id be tempted to leave the standard bracket on the shock body, and then weld an extension piece on the end, drill two new holes for the bolts. That way you have plenty of thick metal to play with, and could even cut off and start again if something went wrong.

Like so:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v86/Nova-crew/shock111.jpg

If you will be adding enough metal to drill new holes in that is.

[trackdaynova]

James - we (Me & Kris) totally agree with you, and also mentioned about the problems you could incur when welding the shock body itself, and as you say - I wouldn't like to do this.

I was thinking like Adams diagram, but as he's stated... if we're only looking for mm, then you'd struggle, as the hole is 10mm in diameter I think... so you'd need the "tab" to be at least... 14mm in width (at a minimum)

[Ernie]

hubba hubba me like's.
I wish you would stop raising the bar as i will never reach it now gggggrrrrr.

[chris gsi]

that looks sweet :thumb:
with the options on the shock/spring probs would it be posible to elongate the holes on the hub or the shock and run a spacer to give it more support?
might be a rubbish plan its been a long day:tard:

[burgo]

welcome to man sized lowness mr olly

[trackdaynova]

elongating the shocker holes could be a viable option, the top one as been slightly done already to get my camber.

the easiest option would be to not run as much camber, which'll bring the top of the wheel / tyre out... but i want to retain the camber.

burgo - lol @ man sized lowness :cool:

[Lee]

the easiest option would be to not run as much camber, which'll bring the top of the wheel / tyre out... but i want to retain the camber.



In that case do a CP and rework the strut top to allow the shocker to take up the camber you lose from the hub carrier :)

[Count Vaux Alot]

James - we (Me & Kris) totally agree with you, and also mentioned about the problems you could incur when welding the shock body itself, and as you say - I wouldn't like to do this.

I was thinking like Adams diagram, but as he's stated... if we're only looking for mm, then you'd struggle, as the hole is 10mm in diameter I think... so you'd need the "tab" to be at least... 14mm in width (at a minimum)

Remember the welded point will be brittle due to the heat so a welded tab with holes through may not be ideal....esp given the 10mm hole 14mm tab and the thickness of the metal to begin with 5mm ish perhaps less if i remember right.

Would an extension of the hub be possible :confused:....Along the same train of thought but there is more material there to weld to and no real danger of w@nking anything important or expensive but (and there is always a but~) there is the leaver point issue again.

Isn't it about time some one made custom hubs (runs off to get the tape measure and set square lol lol lol)

[Lee]

This is definately the way to do it instead of mincing around with the fecking shockers or hub. Doesnt have to be as complex either.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb125/cpnova/novaturrets011.jpg

[trackdaynova]

Lee I understand what you're saying, but my car is regulary used as you know... and I think that that is a major operation which means time out for my car which I don't intend on doing.

I'll keep taking in options, and then work a way around.

Don't get me wrong, I agree its a great way of doing it, the best in fact, but I just need to think viability, and when I can do these things.

I have Cadwell booked two weeks on Sunday, Donington booked four weeks on Sunday, which is the 9th November, then probably won't have another until January as December is already busy for me, but you know me lol

I'll probably book a December one next week lol

[Benn]

In that case do a CP and rework the strut top to allow the shocker to take up the camber you lose from the hub carrier :)

Thats what i just thought, move the hole over towards the bay, thus moving the shock over to wards the bay..

[BRoadGhost]

Are you on eccentric top mounts olly?

If not combine that with eccentric camber nuts & bolts on the strut bottom to fine tune the height / camber / spring platforms. Give Leda a call if you can get the struts off to be machined to accept them…

Or just invest in some replacements ;o

[Count Vaux Alot]

The best idea Benn in IMO as well but i also think Olly is talking sense as he wants to use it and it would take time to sort out the strut tops

[trackdaynova]

Sorry, I thought Lee was meaning to re-fabricate the whole strut top again, ala CP/MC/Jim...

I obviously wouldn't mind just elongating/ reworking the top strut hole, and re-drill the two holes either side...

Simon - yeah I'm using eccentric top mounts :thumb:

[trackdaynova]

Ahhh I know why CPMCJIM has refabricated their hole strut top now, I think its because obviously if you just elongate the holes inwards, you will lose space to mount the topmount...

Does that make sense? as the edge of the topmount will be hitting the inside of the turret?

[Count Vaux Alot]

Ahhh I know why CPMCJIM has refabricated their hole strut top now, I think its because obviously if you just elongate the holes inwards, you will lose space to mount the topmount...

Does that make sense? as the edge of the topmount will be hitting the inside of the turret?

:tard: :tard: :tard: yes dear it does and that is why it needs re fabing lollollol

[novashed]

mate, what can i say!! strength to strength on this one, your learning so much from this motor and the results are speaking for themselves!

[Benn]

:tard: :tard: :tard: yes dear it does and that is why it needs re fabing lollollol

No, ally top mounts the center bit where the nut is is offset, so set that so the smaller side in towards the bay and you canthen move it over..
Olz will only need what 5mm?

[trackdaynova]

James - not necessarily, because now the topmounts aren't used to add / reduce camber and castor, due to my other bits and bobs... I can run the off centre closest to the bolt holes on the inside edge

So don't laff at mr brown boy ;) lol

Paul - why thank you sir :)

Benn - posted at the same time! jynx... ermmm... 5mm would be plenty, as I'd never run any tyres bigger than those Michelins lol

[Count Vaux Alot]

People people you have got the wrong end of the stick here i wasn't saying Olly needed to re fab the top mounts just stating that olly was stating the obvious in post 1950 thats all...

[trackdaynova]

lol i'm great at stating the obvious :p

[Count Vaux Alot]

If we are being pedantic it should have read


:tard: :tard: :tard: yes dear it does and that is why they needed to re fab their strut tops lollollol
Happy lol

[Count Vaux Alot]

I think the idea of elongating the strut top and locating the top mount in the position previously stated will give to the needed clearance and consist of the least amount fafery (time off road or track in your case ;))

You can but try and see!

[trackdaynova]

so what ya suggesting...

two angle grinder slots in towards the bay, followed by jigsawage?

and also, straight in at a 90degree right angle? or in and back for increased castor ala CPMCJIM?

For simplicity, symetricalness, I'd say a right angle, straight in. lol

When you coming up and giving me a hand James? lol

[Benn]

No, do like i said, use the beltsander you did your arches with, and use that to elongating the hole.. That way you dont need to be cutting anything.

[trackdaynova]

I used a grinder on my wings lol

I think the belt sander pic you spoke of earlier, is you getting me confused with Spanish, he used a hand held belt sander

[Benn]

I knew some one did.... Either way get a belt sander...

[Count Vaux Alot]

Belt sander? As in air type 10mm wide belt type belt sander? How much elongation are you planning? I take it you dont need much elongation as you only want the clearance for the tyres, so your tool of choice doesn't need to be that heavy handed but any of the above will achieve the desired effect.

I have an air die grinder with dimond edged metal cutting elongational type tool on it that would mash up your strut tops no problem in it proper bo style!

But anythin will do as long as you can get it in the whole i can assist you when ever bud!

[Benn]

I'm saying belt sander as its easy to do it with. Have done it in the same way on a 1/4oval track nova..

[trackdaynova]

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/turret01.jpg

or

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/turret02.jpg


However, I think thats a drastic over exageration to what I need lol

[Count Vaux Alot]

perhaps a little but for illustrative purposes its spot on do you need the extra castor pic 2 would give?

[The Simps]

I take it you've already got your eccentric mounts positioned fully inwards and backwards?

[trackdaynova]

Yep, certainly have, and upside down ;) lol :D

James - not really, so for ease, I might just go straight in...

What you upto at the weekend? lol

[The Simps]

Have u still got the full lip or have you filed it out?

[trackdaynova]

My turrets are currently 100% standard, and untouched. Not even got the plates on top...

Just thought, by doing the above, I'll have to ditch my strut brace, which isn't so much of a biggie :)

[BIGS]

Loving the new look :cool: the things you come up with puts us lot to shame.

I can see the 5 door wings catching on soon

[The Simps]

just try filing it out 1st (you'll probably then be able to run the bearing the right way up! lol

[Welsh Dan]

Another option...

Could you get some blocks made up, one to bolt inside the shock lower mount where the knuckle would to stop it closing up while... you use a block either side with 4 holes in to join the strut and knuckle? This way you wouldn't need to cut the shell or weld the shock, and its completely reversible.

Excuse the blatant image theft, but something like this:
http://www.xen0phobiak.f2s.com/novaload/shockdiagram.jpg

Top down exaggeration:
http://www.xen0phobiak.f2s.com/novaload/shockdiagram2.jpg

[trackdaynova]

Going for the turret work, starting today :cool:

[NovaGuy1400SRi]

Looking good Olly! :thumb:

been watching some parts of this topic, just never posted before.

Wish i had the money to build a car like this :cool:

[The Simps]

What are the driveshaft angles like running that low Olly?

[Martin]

this last few pages nearly killed my brain with all the thinking lol


Looks good mind. well done

[Lee]

OK, here I come to the rescue to make your life easier again lol.

Instead of having to drastically rework the turret to allow the strut top to move inwards, just grind a slice off the strut tops themselved to allow them to sit further in without fouling the inside of the turret.

As you said, you dont use them to adjust castor anymore so it wont matter if they're no longer round.

[ace-media]

MY Dad has given the latest pics his seal of approval Ol...lol.

That looks fan-fapping-tastic dude! Starting to look like a lairy BTCC racer (ish)!

Hope you have no nasty speedbumps between you and Donington though....!

[krobinson]

That is AWESOME olly, really love the look of it now :)

[m17tty]

Olz my man,it has to be said that that pic of the nova is absolutely awesome mate!!! I take it back,it looks the dogs!!!!

[trackdaynova]

Al - all speed bumps have been taken into consideration lol, luckily there are none in between Me & Donington, apart from those on the actual entry to the circuit itself.

Between Me and Cadwell though, is another story, if my plan comes together, it will be a case of setting up circuit side :thumb:

Cheers Keit', "have you still got water, on the murrr?"

Matt, thought you'd like it lol

[trackdaynova]

OK, so the plan was for James (The Count) to come over tomorrow night for a bit of a session on the car with modifying the topmounts, and/or turrets if need be... but the plans changed, as I hadn't prepared for it enough.

Thats now happening possibly at the weekend.

But whilst the leg is off, and the topmount off for modification, I thought I might aswell up my spring rate, and reduce the length for the unsprung weight advantage which I wanted to do aswell.

So tomorrow I will order my new front springs, I'm going to change from 8" 313lb, to shorter, but higher poundage spring at 7" and 350lb, I'm also going to reduce the diameter from 2.5" to 2.25" again to aid more tyre/ spring clearence, so I'll take the spring seats on the coilovers to get turned down to 58.5mm to accept the narrower spring. Like I did on the rear adjusters.

Whilst everything is off, I'm also going to take my hubs to get the TRE hole drilled out to 12mm, ready for the rosejoints.

And so I'm not taking things apart over and over, I'll also cut down my steering arms to give me the full tracking ability that I've lost with the positive castor.

Makes sense doing it all in one go, as the leg would have to come off, and the top mount off the leg to do the original clearence mod anyway!

[peester]

it can get a 'melee' with coilover springs, ull soon have as many springs as you do wheels n tyres..
I have to say i am a bit suprised youve stuck with the spax and not gone with a more track-based make/model of coilover, but i guess theres probably not a lot of difference..
Its hard to keep up with your thread so sorry if ive stated the obvious/ repeating.. Spax still going arent they?.. as a company..?

[trackdaynova]

Until Spax fail me, or they're not upto what I class as acting how I want them to act, then I'll keep them.

The only "Spax" part of the coilover 'kit' I bought now are the shock absorbers themselves, all the springs have been upgraded along with topmounts.

I hear what you're saying, but I won't spend on things that don't need spending on, but then again, I'm not too sure what other coilover kits are around, and how they differ/ are better, than what I have.

I know GAZ are around, Leda are no longer I hear, and Avo I used to have and hated them which only leaves FK... which are very entry level...

Not stating the obvious pal :thumb: tis whats forums all about :)

[corsakid]

top work olly

[m17tty]

ill probably pop over on the weekend olz,once ive done a bit of spraying!

[DaveyLC]

Not sure if anyone else has said this but If you are going to extend the tabs on the shock go easy because the heat build up might cause it to explode lol

[dhdev (Oli)]

You've been busy as a beaver! Looks superb Olly, I hope it all pays off where it counts, On track! :D

[trackdaynova]

Peester almost cost me a lot of money today lol i called Leda for some prices on their coilovers, and for two front legs alone, shocks only, no springs, no topmounts were £350 per leg, plus carriage, plus VAT totalling £840 to my door lol :eek:

Needless to say I didn't go ahead, kinda dawned on me that this car is simply "only a track car" it's never going to be competing, but we all know its easy to get carried away, or at least, our minds do!

Hmmm, in the cheaper world of Olly, I ordered my 7", 2.25" ID, 350lb front springs today which came to £49 which was nice... also arranged with machine shop to drill my TRE hole out to 12mm, and get my spring platforms turned down to 58mm tomorrow :thumb:

So we'll be 'at it' at the weekend :)

[Adam]

There was some 2nd hand Leda's on mig tother week
Not that im trying to tempt you lol

Spax seem to be fine round the track anyways!

[trackdaynova]

Well the only reason I called them is because they're only custom build, so I could choose the length of my shock body, because I'm running my car so low. So buying a second hand set, would be defeating the object of their appeal to me, unless someone has done the same (ie Rick Draper) and had particulary short bodies.

That said, after talking to both Leda & Gaz today, they brought to my attention that the amount of my shocker travel remaining isn't so much of an issue for me due to my spring poundage.

I mean, say I ran my car high, and had 8" of shock travel left, or I had it low which meant only 3" shock travel was left - it bares no relation to how the car will handle due to the fact I havr 450lb rear springs and it'd never droop that low anyway.

Same goes for the front really, now I'm upping the rate again everso slightly...

So my mind is at rest again, that these will do me fine for now :)

[trackdaynova]

Something else I found intersting whilst on the phone to Leda especially, is the fact they no longer deal in gas filled shock absorbers, oil only.

Second to that, they no longer sell the double adjustability ones with the remote canister for rebound rates as they said "it was just a gimmick" and didn't do too much anyway.

And just because I asked, they also no longer produce the three-way adjustable shocks.

[Riggy]

sounds like you have been a busy boy then , plans sound good though :thumb:

[The Simps]

where do you buy your springs olz? I may need to get some better ones for my rears as they're currently standard.

[trackdaynova]

Faulkners, whom are the people that supply DT, RD & PLR :thumb:

Both Andy & Dave are considerably helpful chaps :)


http://www.dfaulknersprings.co.uk/

[The Simps]

Added to favourites, cheers.

[Count Vaux Alot]

Ow er 200 pages of trackcarness love it..... bring on the weekend!

[trackdaynova]

balls, failed to see the 200 pageness.

you got plans tomorrow night babe?

[Count Vaux Alot]

I have a text waiting to send to you on that exact subject once i know what i'm doing...i had no plans and the missus was out so i thought i would see what my mates were up to, then you said you had no plans and Shell was out so would be getting on with the car so now i would like to help you but my mates haven't replyed so i don't know what i'm doing! RUBBISH!