1987 Saloon Re-build.

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Cheers for the comments guys.

Was a bit concerned about the colour to be honest, but I'm loving it now that it's on the car.

[NOV4_SPORT]

looking good mate, good choice of colour, will be good to see it all painted and bolted back together soon


iain

[Count Vaux Alot]

Top job sweet colour!!

[SRimon]

I think its gonna need metallic anthracite bumpers wheels n stuff IMO

[Leeboo]

It's nice to see a Nova being done like this, shows how good a saloon can look, and most of all, a 1.0:cool:

[DW-Nova]

Good to see the paint is being put on now, starting to look tidy, good choice of colour, one thing i agree with SRimon, it'd look even better with some anthracite to break it up a bit, perhaps the front and back bumpers, wheels and bottom of the car, like the vinyl on SR's would make it look really retro, what do you think?

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Shell comes home on Saturday - Re-Build starts then....

[The Simps]

Looking forward to it!

[vaughanmc]

Looking forward to it!

2nd that :)

[DW-Nova]

bet you cant wait till tommorow hey mate! the hard work starts again then hey. whats going back in first then? running gear or interior? best of luck with the rest of the project and cant wait to see it back from being painted.

[Count Vaux Alot]

Best of luck hope all goes to plan....

[craig green]

Paint work so far looks great.

[Steve]

Excellent, will be good to see how it looks, ive just done my shocks jamaica yellow and i'd forgotten how good it looks!

[burgo]

come on its saturday afternoon, wheres the pics??

[Steve]

Must still be putting it back together, but we still need pics lol

[5doornovaboy]

i love that colour great project will look forward to see the final result

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Will get pics up hopefully today, but may be hindered as it's the wife's birthday, but she has said it's ok to work on the car. Taking her out for dinner this evening so will post up the pics when I come back. Going food shopping just now, back by 10am, engine WILL be running by midday. Progress is steaming along and it's looking great. Was out at the back of 5 this morning puting the loom in.

Please bear with me......

[DW-Nova]

Sounds like your making excellent progress mate, best of luck with the re-build and cant wait to see some pictures of it with the paint on, whats the finish like? are you pleased with all the work?

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Went to collect the car at 10am on Saturday, was home with it and ready to work on it by 11am, engine was in by 12pm. Then in went the rear brake pipes & brake master cylinder, fuel tank, exhaust, pedal box, steering rack. Wiring loom went in this morning at 5am along with the radiator. Had to go shopping but got ?5's worth of fuel, back at 10am, engine was running at 11.40am after having to suck the fuel through the lines as the pump was taking forever and draining the battery due to cranking over for ages. Then onto the A & B pillar trims which is accoustic cloth, then on with the roof lining which is only fixed on the passenger side, waiting for this to dry before tensioning across to the drivers side. Will fit the passenger door rubber and rear passenger window first before doing so. Rear bumper is on along with the rear lights (cheers Steve for the Euro-Fog). Pretty much that's it so far.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60009-4.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60010-5.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60011-2.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60012-3.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60013-1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60014-3.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60015-2.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60016-2.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60017-2.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60018-2.jpg

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60019-2.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60020-1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60021.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60022-1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60023-1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60024-1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60025-1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60026-1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60027-1.jpg

[burgo]

:eek: you on some sort of drugs or what?? thats some crazy progress

[Dec16v]

Good choice of colour mate, and a tidy engine install :)

...You don't hang around, this should be fully built by the end of the week LOL!!

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

:eek: you on some sort of drugs or what?? thats some crazy progress

Ha ha, not quite. Just keep everything tidy and no time is wasted searching for things. Also everything was cleaned and/or painted before the car came back.

Have still to get the panels and doors back so getting as much done in the meantime.

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Good choice of colour mate, and a tidy engine install :)

...You don't hang around, this should be fully built by the end of the week LOL!!

Cheers, can't complain with only 5 wires to hook uplol

Roof cloth is taking it's toll though..........

[Matt2107]

Looks stunning so far Shaun.

Edit: I would actually consider buying this from you... but I'm sure you won't sell. ;)

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Looks stunning so far Shaun.

Edit: I would actually consider buying this from you... but I'm sure you won't sell. ;)

Cheers Matt, there is a Chevette for sale that got me slightly excited the other week and I only have a 1 car garage.........

[Matt2107]

Is that first refusal your offering me?

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Is that first refusal your offering me?

Aye, why not. and I'll knock the cost of the headlamps of it too for you :thumb:

[peester]

fook its like new... better... yay, good times.

[DW-Nova]

Looks mint mate, your progress is amazing, you dont mess round (Unlike me lol) bet you cant wait to get it all re-built hey.

[vaughanmc]

Stunning mate - I know the interior will be covered up but will you not see some blue still ?

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Stunning mate - I know the interior will be covered up but will you not see some blue still ?

No, no blue at all. The only original exposed metal was above the rear passenger door cards, I have a set from a GTE to go which come right up to the window.

The boot, well, you'll see when it's done...................

[Steve]

Thats some goos progress shaun, really like how well the colour suits it.

Not sure about the rear bumper though, I think the mk2 looks a bit more manly lol but its all good. Are they my old rear door cards your referring to? as im not sure they come right up to cover the metal, thought that was just gsi's?!

[krobinson]

Looking very very good indeed! You don't hang around mate :D

[Dave.]

thats lovely shaun, its nice to see a 1l engine egtting re-built, alot of people think theyre crap, but theyre bloody good engines

keep us updated wont you :thumb:

[craig green]

Mad progress.

Looks great.

[ednovasr2]

Why take the whole car apart if was only having the outside of the car sprayed? little confussed:confused:


http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60019-2.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60020-1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60021.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60022-1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60023-1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60024-1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60025-1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60026-1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60027-1.jpg

[NOV4_SPORT]

looking very good shaun mate, good choice on the colour.



iain

[Count Vaux Alot]

top job love the colour!

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Got a new thermostat, alternator (& water pump) belt and new jubilee clips today so I could get some coolant in there and get the engine running for good. Started first time, then started smoking like a chimney. As expected, the paint on the manifold was not up to the job and is starting to blister. Anyhoo, got up to temp and all the air is out the coolant system now.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60011-3.jpg

Got the carpets in and trimmed around my boot release handle.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60009-5.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60010-6.jpg

Then in went the passenger door seal and rear side window to keep the roof cloth in place.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60012-4.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60013-2.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60014-4.jpg

Happy so far with how the roof cloth is looking.

Have glued the drivers side roof cloth down around the windscreen and fitted the drivers door seal. The windscreen is going in tomorrow. Then the rest of the roof cloth will get glued down.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60015-3.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60017-3.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60016-3.jpg

Getting there......

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Why take the whole car apart if was only having the outside of the car sprayed? little confussed:confused:

Why not?:thumb:

[Cormac]

I love this car, think attention to detail is super but why didnt you get in around the boot sprayed too??

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

I love this car, think attention to detail is super but why didnt you get in around the boot sprayed too??

I'm going to panel & carpet it all out, so no metal will be seen.

Cheers.

[novacabrio]

It looks great, can understand on not getting the inside painted as its hidden but the boot has puzzeled me

[Cormac]

Same as myself, wouldnt have been hard to blow in round the boat, but Ignore me, fantastic project, looking forward to seeing finished pics!!

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Been a little disheartened last week as on Tuesday, broke the windscreen whilst fitting it. Also had a few electrical gremlins that took unexpected time to sort.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60010-7.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60011-4.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60012-5.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60013-3.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60014-5.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60015-4.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60016-4.jpg

New windscreen supplied, fitted and guaranteed by Autoglass:

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60018-3.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60019-3.jpg

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Got a nice little pair of speakers for the dash - Blaupunkt BGx 402 HP, very nice speakers.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60020-2.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60021-1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60022-2.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60024-2.jpg

Got the rest of my panels home on Saturday, stored them inside out the way "Yeah Right!" said the wife!

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60025-2.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60026-2.jpg

Will probably get a stainless exhaust made up, but this'll do in the meantime.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60027-2.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60028.jpg

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Start puting the panels on:

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60029.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60030.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60031.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60032-2.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60033-1.jpg

New Headlamps, cheers Matt2107

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60034-2.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60035-1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60036-1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60037-2.jpg

Seats in, they are a little lighter than the rears, so will probably have the rears done to match.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60038-2.jpg

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60039.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60040.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60041-2.jpg

Just got the drivers door left to fit, drill a hole for the drivers side-repeater, then I can start on the boot.

Cheers again for all the comments.

[Matt2107]

That brings back fond memories of my first car. :D

[rdznova16v]

looks minty mint fella love it:thumb:

[craig green]

Looking ace. Shame the seat fabrics dont match.

[The Simps]

Looks really Great Shaun, very impressive.

Can I recommend a set of eccentric top mounts:- http://www.rallydesign.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=907_909&products_id=7380

Besides given you a bit more to play with in respect to geometry they will bring the strut up so you haven't got the spring platform wound right down to the bottom you can bring it up and put more load on the spring. Was suprised what a difference it makes to ride quality (and you can get it lower! lol)

[lj]

looks mint mate....good work.....

[Steve]

Love the way this is turning out, wasnt sure whether the yellow valance would go with grey bumpers but that really does look great!

Are they just gte seats you've got re-trimmed?

[paddy138]

looking well, the colour is class

[Count Vaux Alot]

TOP BANANA! as it were, super job i love it, the colour is so so nice

[Adam]

That is looking proper cool :cool:

[Dave.]

this is looking brilliant shaun, gotta let me have a wee sit in this at pvs lol

[scott.parker]

Jesus! Ive missed this progress..lol

Flying now mate!

Good work...

Scott

[ANDYRACER]

Awesome, the front end looks mint.
Not keen on the seats without the headrests but i see the style your going for.
Keep it up fella. :thumb:

[Dec16v]

The colour looks really nice now that you've started bolting bits on!!

Love the stealth stereo install :)

A retro brown interior (Swing / Sport seats) would look sweet in this, not mad about the grey...

Well done though, great little project.

Dec

[peester]

awesome awesome; im dead excited bout this one lol

[LEWI007]

just read the whole thing from start to finish Love it mate very good work what kind of rims you using?...slabs?

[belly257]

one word Awsome!:thumb:

[NOV4_SPORT]

stunning shaun mate.


iain

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Well, not got a lot left to do now.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60015-5.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60016-5.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60017-4.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60022-3.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60023-2.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60024-3.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60025-3.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60026-3.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60027-3.jpg

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Took a half day off work today since it was decent weather. Finished up the last few little jobs that I would struggle to do in the garage due to lack of space. Washed the car down, hoovered inside and cleaned all the glass.
Took it for a wee test drive (just up the street and back), brakes needed bleeding slightly, then got some almost finished pics.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60028-1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60029-1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60030-1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60031-1.jpg

The last 2 jobs to do are:
1) Sort out my boot install (will start it this weekend)
2) Finish re-furbing my Cav GSI Alloys, which will need spacers to clear the coilovers.

Once again, thanks very much for all the comments.

Shaun.

[BigStan]

That looks awesome :thumb:

[Adam]

Properly cracked on re-building it.

Those last pics look cool as f**k :cool:

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Properly cracked on re-building it.

Those last pics look cool as f**k :cool:

Cheers very much.

Had to just get stuck in once it was back from paint and have thoroughly enjoyed it with just the windscreen breaking being the only pain in the ar$e.

[saloonwoody]

O M G that looks sooooooo frickin awesome ........ we are all not worthy enough to baske in its greatness , top job shaun hat off to ya mate :):):)

[burgo]

desperetly needs the cav slabs, but when they are on it will be perfect

[vaughanmc]

Will be proper old skool mate - Looking forward to seeing it in person sometime :)

[Steve]

WOW! really looks good now, is it still MOT'd or have you got to re-take it?

What colour are you doing the slabs? personally I think it would look best with corsa c sri rims but still.. Looks amazing as it is. :thumb:

[armour88]

love it!! interior really goes well and the front end colour coded is mint

well done full respect

[Dave.]

what wheels you going for shaun?

[belly257]

awsome car mate

[maxlee]

very hight stranded of work you done there

boot install will be intresting make sure to get lots of pictures :D

[craig green]

I feel totally embarassed by the progress you have made with this.

You've stripped it, turned it around & rebuilt it in the time its taken me to sort out my rear beam.

All credit to you Shaun. It looks stunning as it is & can only get better as you nail the final details.

CG :thumb:

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Finished up the boot this weekend.

Started by making a timber frame for the side panels.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60001-2.jpg

Then made up some cardboard templates

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60002-2.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60003-1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60004-1.jpg

Transferred the outines onto 18mm MDF along the back of the seats and 4mm Hardboard for the sides.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60005.jpg

Carpeted it up and fitted the subs and amp.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60006.jpg

Carpeted the arches then fitted it all in.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60007-1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60008-4.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60009-6.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60010-8.jpg

The side panels are held in place with velcro to so visible fixings are seen. You can still see a little blue behind the hinges, so next time I have nothing to do, going to take the sides back out and carpet behind there.

Cheers for all the comments,

Shaun.

I'm away for a sleep now. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[krobinson]

Looks stunning mate! Really really like that!!

[Adam]

Top work in the boot, very nice fit.

[Lee]

Lovely work :) I take it they are free air subs then?

[burgo]

that install is very neat indeed

[Dec16v]

Love the quality of this build, well done mate, very tidy...

[stuartyj21]

top job mate well done turned out really well, give yourself a well deserved pat on the back.....

[nov4801]

****ing awsome mate. cnt wait to see it with the slabs on

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Lovely work :) I take it they are free air subs then?

I was waiting for someone to ask or spot that they are not free air subs.

They actually have less air to move in due to them being sealed against the MDF. They'll do for the time being (more for show than sound if I'm being honest) and I'll enquire about a pair of more suited subs in due course.

They still give you a good back massage when you're sitting in the back and Elton John, I mean Dr Dre is in the CD player..........

Cheers for the comments guys.

Just got the wheels to get stuck into now.

Shaun.

[J4MES]

fantastic mate!! the whole car looks spot on!!!

[Martin]

looking great shaun, i notices the subs ast nite but was to tird to post lol, a mates got the same subs there good subs if powerd right and set up etc..

you doign anythind special with the slabs?


martin

[shy witness]

great work mate..

nice tidy install too.

its all looking really well.

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

you doign anythind special with the slabs?


martin

Not really Martin. I bought them in mid restoration with the intention of having ago at finishing them myself, but they've been taken beyond restoration and require filling to remove the dimples and dents left from a wire wheel or angle grinder.

I decided yesterday after clocking up 20 hours worth of work (that's just on one wheel) that it's not worth it. They are currently on eBay at the moment.

My mate Alex, who is selling his XE saloon has a set on his car and we're possible going to do a swap. His GSI wheels for my Team Dynamics. Will see next weekend if it's feasible as his car is lower than mine was on normal suspension and may rub as they are 1" wider than the GSI wheels.

Anyhoo, not having much luck in the wheel department at the moment which is getting me down a bit and may pospone puting the car on the road until it's sorted.

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

The only update since the last is I've fitted my pressed plates, but made up some brackets to accept allen key bolts that I salvaged from Specialized bikes (water bottle mounts etc).

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60009-7.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60010-9.jpg

Now twiddling my thumbs....

[Count Vaux Alot]

Really love how this has turned out i hope mine looks half as impressive! well done.

[Steve]

Nice plates, are they legal? I thought they were only legal for 1970s cars?

Love the front valance though, looks much meaner than the snowplough. :thumb:

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Nice plates, are they legal? I thought they were only legal for 1970s cars?

Love the front valance though, looks much meaner than the snowplough. :thumb:

No, they're not. I think pre '73 would be legal, but they'll be coming off when it goes for testing and put back on again and fingers crossed I don't run into the constabulary.

I'm very pleased with the zender valance too, was a great find.

Cheers for the comments.

[General Lee]

lovely rebuild what wheels are you finally settling on

[Dave.]

i reckon either:

silver 16" allesios
white 16" allesios
black 16" allesios

silver 16" softstars
white 16" softstars
black 16" softstars

[Leeboo]

Maybe my favourite saloon yet, due to the colour and stance.

However you might lose the nice low clean look if you fit anything over 13/14", please don't!

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Maybe my favourite saloon yet, due to the colour and stance.

However you might lose the nice low clean look if you fit anything over 13/14", please don't!

I want to fit bigger wheels so I can get my bigger brakes on. My head's buzzing just now with wheels......

Cheers though,

Shaun.

[vaughanmc]

14" Revo RFX's - Thats the wheel I would go for :)

[nova_niek]

Shaun, first of all thumbs up on your amazing rebuild. Having done one rebuild myself - which took over a year and induced more grey hair than I really like - your work and the quality thereof leave me gobsmacked. Ace!

As for the boot install: how much time did you put into knocking up all the panels, and making them fit? From my own experience, I'd say at least 40 hours of solid messing about. Lots of sawdust, MDF chips everywhere, many cups of tea and at the end of the day still not the end result I had in mind. Yours looks like a pro install... again, amazing. :-)

Also, the door cards are very nicely executed. Couldn't have done that myself. (well not without excessive swearing anyway... hehe) Mint.

Schmidt in Germany (they're at german-wheels.com) have some nice alloys on offer. Alloys are obviously a matter of personal taste. Anyway, their TH line are my hoops of choice. They can be custom made to meet your needs (offset, width, diameter, colour etc.) but they do come at a price I'm afraid...

Are you going treat your saloon to some rust proofing? Taking the typical British weather into account (which is pretty much like ours, mind) it would help preserve your yellow peril.

That'll be all for now. I could rant on about your saloon for hours but that'd soon end up in senseless gibberish. </rant mode>

Cheers,
Niek

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Niek,

That was the reason for the cardboard templates, the MDF and hardboard sheets were cut once and fitted straight away. I've done a few builds in my time, this being one of my most proudest and easiest I may add.

I am very pleased with the doorcards, for what was a very simple process, the result is very rewarding.

I'm going to stick with GM wheels for the time being, never been a huge fan of aftermarket wheels.

Cheers for the comments and queries,

Kind Regards,

Shaun.

[Jack]

Niek, did you used to be on the Nova_Owners yahoo group? I'm sure I recognise your name.

Shaun, I'd say go for some 15" wheels - 14" would look a little lost in the saloon's larger arches IMO.

Also, what size are those subs in the boot, are they 10"? I'm thinking about having a single 10" sub in mine, but I have two amps to go in - judging by your pics I may have enough room to put one amp either side of the sub.

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

The subs are 12".

Will be going with 15" wheels eventually.......

Cheers,

Shaun.

[Riggy]

just caught up on the progres here , ****ing awsome mate , truely mint :thumb:

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Thanks V.much Riggy.

[Cormac]

Feck that was a quick build, you dont hang about.. Question has to be tho..... whens the bigger engine going in??? You know you want to..

[blue_peg_16v]

not been on here for a bit just had a read through and a catch up awsome saloon mate well done

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Feck that was a quick build, you dont hang about.. Question has to be tho..... whens the bigger engine going in??? You know you want to..

Cheers Cormac.

The 1.0 OHV will be in there for a good wee while, not even thinking of puting something else in.......yet!

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

not been on here for a bit just had a read through and a catch up awsome saloon mate well done

Cheers :thumb:

[Al1exx]

Sorry m8 but in those pics your car looks pretty pants to me....








... compared to how it looks in the flesh!! lol
What a machine, if anyones close enough you have to go round and see it in the flesh, absolutely unreal how clean it is.
A credit to you Shaun, keep up the good work!!

[saloon-boy]

very nice saoloon mate, absolutly love the colour

[walshc]

Awesome mate, just read it all, really put me in the mood for starting my resto (be it a golf lol ) too :cool:

The yellow and grey works well together :thumb:

How low do the avo coilies go on the rear? theyre different to my cheapo TA Technix ones :(

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Sorry m8 but in those pics your car looks pretty pants to me....








... compared to how it looks in the flesh!! lol
What a machine, if anyones close enough you have to go round and see it in the flesh, absolutely unreal how clean it is.
A credit to you Shaun, keep up the good work!!

Ha ha, cheers Alex, had me going there for a second lol

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Awesome mate, just read it all, really put me in the mood for starting my resto (be it a golf lol ) too :cool:

The yellow and grey works well together :thumb:

How low do the avo coilies go on the rear? theyre different to my cheapo TA Technix ones :(

Cheers Mate,

There is still about an inch left to go down on the rear. I'm going to adjust them when I get my wheels sorted as I think it is sitting just a tad too high at the rear.

The fronts are as low as I'm willing to go, there is still a couple of threads left, but it's fine at the front me thinks.

Cheers again for all the comments, should have som more pics and progress this weekend.

Shaun.

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Since last update, I have went round the car touching up (oooeer) any imperfections in the paint, I have fitted a red stripe to the bumpers and the most noticeable is the wheels.

Thanks to Vaughan, they fit a treat, no spacers on the rear and only 3mm on the front. I will probably space out the rears 5mm to increase the track width, still plenty of room under those arches.

I'm chuffed with how it looks.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60006-1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60005-1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60004-2.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60003-2.jpg

Almost finished........

[Ash]

That looks amazing! Can not wait to see it at the shows. It all looks so crisp and fresh. Credit to you :thumb:

[Leeboo]

Wow that looks great... I wouldn't change a thing!!

[walshc]

That looks amazing! Can not wait to see it at the shows. It all looks so crisp and fresh. Credit to you :thumb:

2nd real nice loon :cool:

[Adam]

That looks SUPERB

The colour is perfect :cool:

[brucer]

fxxx me thats amazing!!!! spot on,absolutely gorgeous!!

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Cheers guys.

I wasn't prepared for how much the wheels complemented the looks of the car.

I'm like a kid in a sweet shop just now....

[peester]

choice modding. Like no other.

[novautd]

wow your car looks amazing, and its the first time ive seen those wheels looking good on any car.the only thing i would do is upgrade the engine to either a 1.4 or 1.6 but if your happy with the 1l then :thumb:

[novacabrio]

Your gain Vaughans loss, I have 2 brand new wheels like these if your interested still in boxes

[cavlad]

that looks soooooooooooooo nice buddy

[Count Vaux Alot]

Very nice indeed the wheels work well and really finish the car off IMO

[SRimon]

Shaun

Read all your post this morning on my Sunday morning wake up, really inspired me to do another build rather than buy one done...

Then I come home tonight to see the latest pics, absolutely perfection!

The whole car is a credit to great attention to detail. I assume it'll be at billing and PVS?

[Steve]

Wow that looks ace! the wheels really set the whole car off.

Is it back on the road yet or you still got a few bits to do?

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Still got a few bits and bobs to do, got an early SR steering wheel heading my way, got a small blow in the exhaust at the join - just have to dismantle and putty it, the wheels could do with a paint, tax and test and that's about it.

I'm not expecting to be at any shows this year, with our first baby on the way in 7 weeks, my time this year is pre-occupied. I just wanted to get the car finished so as not to loose interest or have my interests elsewhere when the time comes.

I really appreciate the comments.

Shaun.

[ade]

Shaun - just read the thred start to finish and you've done a cracking job mate!

I now know what colour my rebuild's gonna be in! lol

Have you considered adding the side skirts on again? The front bumper is nice and deep but the middle seems a little high. Skirts - even if not the original saloon ones (another sfter market set perhaps) might give it a bit of side depth.

Either way it's a great result to a project! Will need to meet up sometime!

Ade

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Cheers Ade,

Nah, the skirts went in the bin. I know what your saying about the middle looking high, but I don't want to spoil it. I like the cleanliness of it.

Just have to lower the rear more, ha ha.

Defo have to get a meet sorted.

Cheers,

Shaun.

[sport]

Shaun have you thought of a yellow pin stripe in the bumpers like the early SR had? The wheels really suit it and i think the zender spoiler you should give to me lol

[vaughanmc]

Those wheels really set if off mate

Nice to meet you today as well :)

[Dave.]

looks top shaun, them wheels look ace.. although i did pester vaughan to keep them lol

imo needs a windscreen liek mine (not sri, slightly shallower tint), some saloon rear window and front frames and some sort of bumper extension on the rear, as i think the valance on the front shows off the f/end too much :thumb:

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Shaun have you thought of a yellow pin stripe in the bumpers like the early SR had? The wheels really suit it and i think the zender spoiler you should give to me lol

The pictures of early SR's that I could find had an orangy/red stripe on the bumper. I like the red stripe, it's really made a difference I think.

I'm keeping a firm hold of the zender for the time being:thumb:

Cheers very much,

Shaun.

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Those wheels really set if off mate

Nice to meet you today as well :)

Thanks mate and cheers again for these. Can't thank you enough.

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

looks top shaun, them wheels look ace.. although i did pester vaughan to keep them lol

imo needs a windscreen liek mine (not sri, slightly shallower tint), some saloon rear window and front frames and some sort of bumper extension on the rear, as i think the valance on the front shows off the f/end too much :thumb:

A full set of frames would be nice, anyone got any and willing to post?

I agree with everyone about the rear end not being as low as the front, hmmmm.....

Cheers,

Shaun.

[nova_niek]

Niek, did you used to be on the Nova_Owners yahoo group? I'm sure I recognise your name.
Yep, it was me! Still around, Nova's are in the blood mate. :-)

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Puting the car on the road next week so need to finish up the last few jobs so:

16v brakes fitted back on...

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60003-3.jpg

My early SR steering wheel which arrived yesterday..

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60004-3.jpg

Is now fitted.....

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60005-2.jpg

Which just leaves me to sort the slight blow from the exhaust centre join tomorrow evening. Then it's insurance to sort, MOT to book then get Tax and it's back on the road.

[ian.sutton]

Just read through your posts.

youve done a great job.

Well done mate.

[DW-Nova]

Virtually done now then hey, good job you've done!! the car looks excellent, are there any plans to do anything else with it in the future or just leave it and enjoy using it? are you just going to take it to shows and the like?

[Christ]

That looks great mate, you have done a great job!

[vaughanmc]

Good work mate - You should come down with it once its on the road and we'l get both of our Nova's out for a run

[craig green]

Quite why you'd want that thin rimmed steering wheel is beyond me.

Any plans to paint out under the arches?

[areofall]

she's a credit to you, very original but she'd make a great street sleeper! Had a sallon for about a year 1.2i and it was a great driving machine much better than a hatchback, what size are the wheels?

[Martin]

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60003-2.jpg

Almost finished........

I'm Spent..


**** me mate that looks ****in mint

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

she's a credit to you, very original but she'd make a great street sleeper! Had a sallon for about a year 1.2i and it was a great driving machine much better than a hatchback, what size are the wheels?

Cheers mate, wheels at 15"

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

I'm Spent..


**** me mate that looks ****in mint

Thanks very much Martin, it goes back on the road tomorrow.

[5doornovaboy]

that car is f***in amazing mate it is priceless

[krobinson]

Absolutely love this Mate, a true credit to you!

The wheels refurb'd next? Centers darker silver with the lip polished would look superb.

Keith

[peester]

feature feature feature feature feature mushroom mushroom feature feature...

this the idea with the wheels keith??
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/peester/shauns.jpg

think i prefer them as they are tbh..

[John]

Awesome car shaun!
Polished lips/dark centres would look excellent!

(ps who did the front seats shaun?)

[Ste L]

Since last update, I have went round the car touching up (oooeer) any imperfections in the paint, I have fitted a red stripe to the bumpers and the most noticeable is the wheels.

Thanks to Vaughan, they fit a treat, no spacers on the rear and only 3mm on the front. I will probably space out the rears 5mm to increase the track width, still plenty of room under those arches.

I'm chuffed with how it looks.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60006-1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60005-1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60004-2.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60003-2.jpg

Almost finished........



that is just porn...


me want, me want, me want, me want :eek: :cool:

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

(ps who did the front seats shaun?)

It was an Upholsterer just a few miles away and lucky for me the only one within 50 miles that would do car interiors.

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

feature feature feature feature feature mushroom mushroom feature feature...

this the idea with the wheels keith??
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/peester/shauns.jpg

think i prefer them as they are tbh..

Patience......

I do like the wheels like that.

Cheers:thumb:

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

M.O.T. at 10am today. Taking it to my local Vauxhall dealer to see if I get any comments, ha ha.

[Nazza's Nova]

good luck mate she will sail thru her MOT and i love this. it should of been a valver altho the 1.0 looks sweet

i always wanted a saloon but could never find one

nice job lovely colour and contrast real old skool

[Prey]

D......D......D......D......D......


Sorry, that car just looks perfect.

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Cheers Guys,

Well, the car passed with flying colours and generated a lot of interest.

Only down side is, it was pi$$ing with rain on the way home so had to wash it, move it into the garage and then dry it before it made a mess of my floor.

Also, insurance certificate hasn't arrived so can't tax it, hoping it falls through the letter box tomorrow morning.

Cheers again,

Shaun.

[vaughanmc]

Let us know how she gets on Shaun mate :)

[vaughanmc]

I didn't see this page till I went back out

Good news on the pass mate :)

[The Simps]

Good news. Another quality nova on the roads!

[Adam]

Nice news on the mot mate.
A mint condition nova always attracts attention at mot places(ive found that anyway,Lol)

[CorsaBBoomer]

In a way I've always seem to love those yellow nova's...
Nice job!

[walshc]

Not suprised it got alot of attention, its mint :cool:

Tax it online mate :thumb:

[John]

What's it like to drive shaun?

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

What's it like to drive shaun?

It's a bit of a pig at the moment, the tracking's a bit out cause it's been lowered just a tad lol. Other than that it's great fun, really have to dodge the pot holes in the roads as it's solid - glad I don't have man boobies otherwise I'd have black eyes.

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Insurance certificate just fell through the door - see ya!!!!!!

[Martin]

nice one mate.. Enjoy...

[Martin]

nice one mate.. Enjoy...

[scott.parker]

Since last update, I have went round the car touching up (oooeer) any imperfections in the paint, I have fitted a red stripe to the bumpers and the most noticeable is the wheels.

Thanks to Vaughan, they fit a treat, no spacers on the rear and only 3mm on the front. I will probably space out the rears 5mm to increase the track width, still plenty of room under those arches.

I'm chuffed with how it looks.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60006-1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60005-1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60004-2.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60003-2.jpg

Almost finished........


Not looked on the thread for a while...wow!

Looks ace now, see arent you glad i showed you that pic of the saloon in Jamaican yellow now lol
Really good looking car she is now mate.

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Cheers Scott :thumb:

[moffat]

i really like your nova in yellow shaun good work mate

[P Whack]

That is a total stunner! makes me want to spray mine that colour but wont cause will never look as good as that! lol

[*brunette_barbie*]

you getting new wheels?

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

you getting new wheels?

No, just tarting them up a bit.......:thumb:

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60005-3.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60006-2.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/STA60007-2.jpg

Still got the other 2 to do........

[krobinson]

Thats the Shizzle right there. Perfect mate!!

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Thats the Shizzle right there. Perfect mate!!

Thanks mate.

I was worried all the effort would not be worth it, but it sooooooo is.

Cheers again:thumb:

[vaughanmc]

Any pics of it out on the road yet Shaun ? :)

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Nah, not yet. Only just got it proper finished about an hour ago.

[Count Vaux Alot]

Love the wheels mate good choice in the colour!

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Love the wheels mate good choice in the colour!

Cheers very much. I'll get some pics of the car today and post them up.:thumb:

Glad it's finished and I can start worrying about our new arrival next month.:eek: :cry: :cry:

[walshc]

Cheers very much. I'll get some pics of the car today and post them up.:thumb:

Glad it's finished and I can start worrying about our new arrival next month.:eek: :cry: :cry:

Where are they? :eek: :cry: :D

[Dec16v]

Oh yes... the painted wheels look so much better.... excellent!!!


Dec

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Cheers for all the great comments & inspiration guys.

[CorsaBBoomer]

Nicely done, as before, love that yellow and the colors on the wheels are a perfect match to the car. :thumb:

(Hope to find the same frontspoiler for my Nova... one day...)

[shy witness]

looks greatmate.


really well done and finished b y the looks of things.

[Steve]

Just noticed your feature will be in next month, really looking forward to seeing it.

Well done again mate, top job on it even if it is just a 1.0 :thumb:

[Sturge]

Car's looking fantastic but the very first picture still makes me want to cry :(

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Cheers guys. Really looking forward to it myself if I do say so.

Cheers again,

Shaun.

[CorsaBBoomer]

Another issue of TV that I'm going to get :thumb:

[Cormac]

Well done with feature, Looking forward to see it!

[GTE999]

amazing!

[henny]

baught tv today im hooked on saloons now looks absalutly stunning

[llcc]

hi mate do the side skirts fit straight on the saloon 3 doors or do u hav 2 lengthen them cheers?

[Pistol Pete]

Sideskirts should fit without mods.

That is a stunning Nova 'loon. Congrats on the feature.

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

hi mate do the side skirts fit straight on the saloon 3 doors or do u hav 2 lengthen them cheers?

They do need lengthened as you will see here

http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=70614&page=4&highlight=owned+weeks

Shaun.

[Pistol Pete]

Sideskirts should fit without mods.

llcc, I was wrong. Apologies. :)

[Benn]

Just found this thread, and read it start to finish, Fantastic build and fantastic work on doing everything. You've done agreat job, Love the small touches, like the boot pop, seat retrim, and boot and door builds.

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Just found this thread, and read it start to finish, Fantastic build and fantastic work on doing everything. You've done agreat job, Love the small touches, like the boot pop, seat retrim, and boot and door builds.

Cheers mate, comments appreciated.

[Spudly]

Congratulations on your feature mate it looked ace, i wasnt all too keen on loons before but after seeing robs (novafusion69) arden blue four door XE and yours, im converted its truly stunning, really well thought out and put together absolutely spot on bud.
I hope you can sit back and see your car the way everyone else does, as with your own car you always just see the niggly annoying bits that most people miss but i cant see anything amiss with yours its perfection on four very sexy looking wheels:thumb:

[krobinson]

Love'd the feature on this, looks immaculate! Will you be doing the show's next year? It said in your feature you prefer not to?

[Ernie]

Hi shaun
It said in the feature that it was bought from swindon.
Can you remember were abouts in swindon it came from as i was keeping an eye on one for ages that was near to the crown pub just of swindon road and was the same blue.
Just wondered if it was the same car as one day i went pass and it had gone.
Good feature tho mate and hopefully see you at some shows next year.
Chris.

[Thundersmurf]

awesome build - just finished reading this start to finish and on the first page I thought that you couldn't improve the car that much as it was already great - that said, you have done an unbelievable job - my hat goes off to you!!

what you getting as your next project??? LOL

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

awesome build - just finished reading this start to finish and on the first page I thought that you couldn't improve the car that much as it was already great - that said, you have done an unbelievable job - my hat goes off to you!!

what you getting as your next project??? LOL

Cheers very much. I have been keeping an eye out for a Chevette:thumb:.

[Thundersmurf]

wow, my first boyfreind had a chevette - he drove it into the back of a lotus elite that he was admiring.....
I'd love a HS/HSR chevette but they go for silly money now....

[wiseboy]

awsome car mate, seen this in tv

[nuno_gt]

Congratulations m8 for building this absolutely fantastic Nova. I saw it on TV and i get like :p :eek: .

For now, keep it rolling like that and keep it for many years.

[AlexW]

Sorry to bump but ive just read this from the very 1st post to the last.

I really love this loon, colour, wheels, everything. I have to take off my hat to you.

I think this car needs a 1.3 on twin 40's, would make it sound and go like it looks.

:thumb:

[stevie-p]

have you sold it yet saun or are you keeping it now buddy?
have not seen the thread

[stevie-p]

Sorry to bump but ive just read this from the very 1st post to the last.

I really love this loon, colour, wheels, everything. I have to take off my hat to you.

I think this car needs a 1.3 on twin 40's, would make it sound and go like it looks.

:thumb:

http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=107451
you sould like that bud

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Huge thanks to NOVABIKECARBED who Photoshopped out the camera boom from the photoshoot pics:

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/Finished%20Saloon%20Pics/0147NOBOOM.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/Finished%20Saloon%20Pics/0143NOBOOM.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/Finished%20Saloon%20Pics/0135NOBOOM.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/Finished%20Saloon%20Pics/0133NOBOOM.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/Finished%20Saloon%20Pics/0132NOBOOM.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/Finished%20Saloon%20Pics/0149NOBOOM.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/Finished%20Saloon%20Pics/0152NOBOOM.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/Finished%20Saloon%20Pics/0156NOBOOM.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/Finished%20Saloon%20Pics/0157NOBOOM.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/Shaun_ODonnell/Finished%20Saloon%20Pics/0158NOBOOM.jpg

[Southie]

They look more at home now on your thread Shaun :thumb:

[Shaun_O'Donnell]

Cheers again mate.

[Jay]

Loving the motion shots shaun.

[dj_wudgey]

motion shots look ace!!!