My 1.2 > 20SEH > Rebuild

[Steve]

Thought i'd do a small page on my daily driver, nothing special really.

Bought a few months back with 29,000 on it.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/beigebeist2.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/beigebeist5.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/beigebeist4.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/beigebeist7.jpg

Surprisingly the std brakes work pretty well so they're staying for now, although one caliper is sticking like a bastid.

Not much planned for it as theres not alot of point due to its lack of use.

Fitted gsi seats which I think compliment the brown interior alot better than the crappy grey you normally see them with. lol

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/beigebeist42.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/beigebeist37.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/beigebeist36.jpg

Ok the bodywork is kinda dented but all the usual rot hotspots are clean as you like, just a shame the colour is so awful!

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/beigebeist33.jpg

[Steve]

Lowered it 60mm on g-max kit and it rides much better now.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/beigebeist29.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/beigebeist32-edit.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/beigebeist30-edit.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/beigebeist28-edit.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/beigebeist31-edit.jpg

Aside from the bodywork it really does drive like new.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/beigebeist35-edit.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/beigebeist34-edit.jpg

Comments.. just not about the colour please! lol

[scott.parker]

Not bad mate.

Scott

[vaughanmc]

Looks good - Keep the colour :)

[corsa_valver]

not bad for a nova runabout!! wheels are mint!!

[carls nova sri]

the engine bay looks in mint condition hope you keep the colour as its rare good luck with it

[shy witness]

looks like a good wee project i think


the old naff .rarer colours are becoming increasingly popular.....so i'd keep it myself

just keep the modifications 2 a minimum..and it could look real nice

[Steve]

Cheers chaps, engine bay was a real state when I got it, but underneath all the oil and crap its like new! The wheels are pretty scuffed but yeah, they do suit the novas.

The older colours definetaly are rare, seen a couple of low mileage ones in army green up for sale recently, but I dont really need more than two cars,

No real plans for it, probably fit my spare set of 16v brakes at some point, but as its only really used for going to work theres not alot of point!

[Steve]

Update time - well I decided as this shell was so solid that i'd treat it to an upgrade:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/3ef0_1.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/385b_1.jpg

Nice donor vehicle sri 130, just over 100,000 on it.

After speaking to Lee, he agreed to do the conversion over the weekend, once I had all the parts we went to pick up the cav and headed back to his place to get started.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/03-11-07_1215.jpg

Minor issue on the motorway of lee's trailer wheel nearly breaking off lol, was all sorted thankfully with some home made spacers.

Engine out:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/04-11-07_1526.jpg

Wish I had some better pics whilst the engine was out but my digi cam is totally fukked.

Anyway, new engine in place:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/04-11-07_1900.jpg

Hopefully update tomorrow with some more pics, going up hertfordshire to pick up a gsi tank, as im having fuel surge issues, then hopefully getting a 4-1 manny for it as well.

All in all im pretty chuffed with it, im currently borrowing lee's custom 16v exhaust till I can afford to either get one made up or buy it off him, but the engine seems really good, loads of torque, but should perform better once the new tank gets fitted, and then take it for a tune up.

Also, I dont need two cars so if anyone wants to buy my 1600, check my sig VVVVVV for more info.

Thanks for looking. :thumb:

Also going to keep with the 'sleeper' look, im even tempted to boot a couple more dents in it, just for effect! lol

[vaughanmc]

Should be some wagon now

Keepin it old skool ?

[Lee]

That is definately a good SEH, despite the water pump taking the pi55 out of us lol. Glad your happy with it :)

[peester]

rat look nova.. luv it.. dont change a thing - take the gsi seats back out lol

[just vaux trev]

put some vinyl on the lower and same as others said keep the colour!

[John]

nice steve! I have to agree with dave, take the gsi seats out and re-instate the brown! Need more finished pics steve! I trust you've upgraded the brakes too?
Love it, retro is the future imo!

[Steve]

Yep got 16v brakes on now, but the ebc pads and discs arent all that tbh, exterior will be staying the same although im probably going to put the cesaros on it now, got the fronts on as I needed to swap wheels aroung to get the a-reg through the MOT lol

Dont want to ruin in by putting vinyl on etc, as I was saying to lee it wouldnt be a bad idea to sand back some of the paint and/ or add some primer here and there! lol Gotta stick with the sh-it look!

Picked up a gsi tank today so hopefully have a crack at that tomorrow, john- was it you that was going to get a tank from bishops storford? As thats where I got mine from, the seller had an absolute minter, early 70s opel kadett, sky blue and a 2.0 turbo from an izuzu.. something!

I'll see if I can get a pic of it to post up.

[Lee]

Youll need some more petrol pipe as well steve, as the GSi outlet is on the opposite side of the tank!

[Steve]

Cheers lee, not going to do it today now as ive got a job interview tomorrow and i'll need the car to actually work! lol

Theres a post up about it in mechanical which I was looking at but I havnt really got a clue when it comes to fueling!

[Lee]

It'll be fairly easy, youll see when you compare the tanks. The GSi outlet comes out of the fuel level sender which is on the bottom but at the back of the tank. Youll just need a longer length of the thicker pipe which is currently coming out of the front that routes into the pump and route it round to the back of the tank. :) The return will plug back into the same place.

Theres only one really bitchy part of a tank swap and thats the breather which plumbs into the fuel filler neck. Its located on the top half of the tank above the filler and its a pain in the ass to relocate when you fit the new tank :(

[richmister]

Good luck with the project! :) Not a bad nova.

[Steve]

Quality aint all that but my digi cam isn't working right ever since I dropped it lol

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/18-11-07_1516.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/18-11-07_1532.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/18-11-07_1517.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/18-11-07_1531.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/18-11-07_1528.jpg

[Steve]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/18-11-07_1519.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/18-11-07_1522.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/18-11-07_1530.jpg

Gotta keep the 1.2 badge lol

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/18-11-07_1529.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/18-11-07_1524.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/18-11-07_1520.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/18-11-07_1533.jpg

[John]

Looks good! you have captured with your car what having a nova is all about, having fun! Odd wheels just adding to the appeal for me! solid but shonky bodywork is the future! What shafts have you used? gte 22 splines?

Nah i didn't get the tank from bishops stortford in the end. iirc he had a complete gsi for spares though.

[Steve]

Thats the one, he's broken a black gsi but not much left now, wanted the gsi rad but he's using that, yep just used gte shafts, the usual/ cheapest way!

On the lookout for a better steering wheel for it now, got a gte one but there a bit boring, possibly a cav gsi or sri wheel.

I will fit a 'complete' set of wheels at some point but not too bothered at the moment.

Besides it looking dodgy the shell is actually really good!

Also need to sort the front suspension out, it doesnt handle bad its just that the sump keeps catching on the smallest of speed bumps! lol

[Iain]

you have captured with your car what having a nova is all about, having fun! Odd wheels just adding to the appeal for me! solid but shonky bodywork is the future!

:thumb: I love the shoddy, almost "ratlook" concept. Your car looks great mate. :D

[Steve]

Cheers, hopefully ive inspired others to go for the 'beaten' up look.

Don't know if you can see it too well from the pics but I left it in sainsburys car park a while back and some thieves got chased through the car park and did a runner over the bonnet as it was parked next to the wall! lol

It would have bothered me if it was my white nova, but not this one! lol

[Dave.]

whack a steelie on there and take them cesaro center caps off, pop some more primer on somewhere and itll be spot on :thumb:

do like this an awfull lot, love the look

[Steve]

damn right! why spend hundreds on paint jobs and bodywork!?

A pot of kurust costs a couple of quid! lol

[Steve]

Small update: Not much really but robbed the strut brace off the sr,

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/20-11-07_1027.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/20-11-07_1028.jpg

Never really noticed a whole lot of diffrence but oh well, it looks good.

Got a minor grumble coming from near the nearside driveshaft now, hoping its just the exhaust mount vibrating and nothing more!

Lee - Finally got your exhaust to shut up! that blow where the manny meets the system has finally gone and it doesnt sound likea tractor anymore lol Just needed lots of exhaust paste.

Was going to change the tank over on sunday but gotta work now so have to leave it for now.

[Steve]

Still haven't done the tank but meh, cant be ****d!

Had my mate andy over at the weekend and we had the car up on axel stands, and turns out one of the gearbox mount bolts was too long and was vibrating on the casing whenever you revved it up.

Sorry john, but it now has all four cesaros on, also after a good beating the other night down some twisty roads ive definetaly gotta change the suspension, its alright for general driving, but got some nasty/ unpredictable understeer when you give it a real push.

Going to order some custom springs in the next couple of weeks, but can someone recommend the best poundage rate for a 2.0 nova? Ive heard 300lb springs but im sure someone else said something diffrent!?

[Plug]

Ya need to find a snowplow for it then will be ace

[Steve]

Got one, probably end up robbing that off the a-reg as well lol

[Lee]

Had my mate andy over at the weekend and we had the car up on axel stands, and turns out one of the gearbox mount bolts was too long and was vibrating on the casing whenever you revved it up.
!?

Ah yes, the front gearbox mount. Did notice that but the only other ones I had were the same poxy length lol

[Steve]

Thats cool lee, Im just glad it wasnt something major as a few people had said it might have been the cv joints.

New brake pads will be next I think, those greenstuff things are proper crap! as you pointed out, they're ok till they get some heat into them then they're just useless.

Not surprised they're designed for reduced brake dust, they dont wont properly in the first place! lol

[Lee]

They are proper poo! I managed to set mine on fire at Llandow and big chunks of them fell off. It would be more use using a block of ice as a pad IMO!

[Steve]

I've heard mintex 1144's are a good choice? I ran a set of them of my old gte brakes, but they were crap anyway, so couldnt tell whether the pads were at fault lol

[chubbston]

i like the old skool look shame mine didnt look like that

[Steve]

Not really an update but after messing around with the heater matrix for ages, I needed to replace my speedo cable, so while it was out I thought i'd treat it to my old sr clocks:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/06-01-08_1455.jpg

Not much else to do on it now, still needs proper suspension, which I should hopefully be getting in the next week or so.

Then just going to replace the lame std 2 spoke steering wheel with a 3-spoke. Job done.

[Steve]

As for the suspension I acquired a set of yellow bilstein shocks and springs for it yesterday although the springs will be replaced with courtenay sports custom 2.0 springs to really make it handle.

Other than that there's not relly alot else that needs doing to it, iam shortly getting a mountenay 3 spoke wheel for it as that 2 spoke has got to go! lol

[Steve]

Ordered my 2.0 springs today from courtenay so should be here for monday.

Just need to re-paint the shocks as the paints chipped off quite badly.

Hopefully get some pics up when ive done some work. lol

[Lee]

She's still going strong then. Told you it would be a belter :)

[Steve]

Yeah going good cheers, engine uses a bot of oil but no water strangely!?

Sounds good now the exhaust is sorted as well, try and get it down the garage at some point for a tune up.

[Steve]

Postman came today:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/21-01-08_1008.jpg

2.0 courtenay springs, now just waiting for my eibach rears then i'll get them on.

Also, started re-painting the b8s the other day, here's how they started:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/19-01-08_1538.jpg

Currently in primer, just needs flatting, then another coat of primer before I spray them up jamaica yellow, hopefully get them finished today.

[Steve]

Got the shocks painted up:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/28-01-08_1917.jpg

Had them built up yesterday:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/19-02-08_1835.jpg

And the new wheel arrived thanks to kev_turbo, was missing the horn and a few screws but luckily my old four spoke used the same bits.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/19-02-08_1839.jpg

Hopefully get the suspension fitted tomorrow, so should finally ride properly. :D

[John]

love the wheel! will suit your car perfectly!

[Steve]

Cheers john exactly whay I was thinking.

Well ive fitted the front suspension today but the ride height looks too high, they are courtenay 2.0 springs which are supposed to be 35mm drop but at the minute they look like std ride height, is there a wearing in period?

[1.3sr_kane]

courtenay springs are ****e in my opinion... saloonwoody had them on his corsa 16Vr and took back off as they werent lowered at all...

[Steve]

Small update, after selling the a-reg on saturday I managed to find a snowplough on here thanks to dandan:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/snowplough.jpg

Picked it up sunday and left it in the garage overnight with old alloys and suspension on it to straighten it out a bit.

Took it into the shed today and after about an hour or so with the hairdryer a couple of heaters and a couple of chairs it straightened out a bit better:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/03-03-08_1216.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/03-03-08_1322.jpg

Looks much better in the pics as its still quite badly kinked in the middle but hopefully once its bolted on it will sit a bit better.

Then mocked it up with an old knackered mk1 bumper

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/03-03-08_1750.jpg

Still missing alot of the clips so if anyone knows anyone that has any pm me.

Thats it for know, if I cant get any clips i'll have to make something up to mount it properly with.

[Steve]

Todays shenanigans involved spending ages trying to get the snow plough to fit, which it refused to do!

Speaking to steve (duick) atm about trying to get some of the brackets ordered so I can make it fit, its still quite twisted but once its all bolted its should be fine.

Need to get the steering wheel fitted at some point as well, but I think that'll be a job for the garage as I dont think it'll be coming off too easy.

Also decided to give the engine bay a good clean as it needed it:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/03-03-08_1425.jpg

[SRimon]

That rust on the turret?

Should look much better with the plough

[Steve]

That rust on the turret?

Should look much better with the plough
Yep, thats the one bit in the whole bay! lol

Lucked out as well, as the snow plough still has the towing eye cover on, bonus!

As clean as the engine bay is, it still doesnt make up for the state of the exterior! lol

[Steve]

Looking at getting a 4-1 manifold for it but ive been told that it doesnt come with the flange!?

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/4branch1.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/4branch.jpg

[Lee]

Thats no biggie. Just take it to an exhaust specialist, and they can either weld the correct flange to it, or weld new flanges to your exhaust and manifold :)

[Steve]

My local garage have been pretty good on welding in the past but with me starting a new job monday im gonna have to see whether they can book it in on friday in time for the RR day.

Also I want to get it in for a tune up just to see what power it'll make when its at its best. :)

[Nevo]

just keep the modifications 2 a minimum..and it could look real nice

well that went out of the window lol am not too keen on the colour myself but it looks a clean lil motor bet its a bit more nippyer with the cavi engine ! :thumb:

[Steve]

Nah I hate the colour but its cool though as its more annoying to everyone else!!

It still looks fairly std besides the wheels and thats how it'll stay, the gsi seats were a bonus as they worked out free.

The main reason I wanted to big block this shell is its so solid underneath and with a nova thats the main problem out the way.

[steve2006]

how much u spent on it so far bud??

[blue_peg_16v]

nice project mate just read through loving the sh@tter look

[madmack99]

good project is there any updates or ideas in the pipeline still

[Steve]

Might get some pics up later, t-cut the whole car as it had a matt finish before, and t-cut the alloys as they were coated in black crap.

[Steve]

Just sent payment for my manifold today so hopefully get it fitted at some point next week.
Then with that done I want to get the door bottoms etc painted up grey like on the sr's, then get some brackets made up so I cant mount the snow plough front bumper.
After that theres not much else planned for it really, maybe a few minor jobs but basically its done!

Comments welcome.

[Steve]

Thankfully as we had some good weather the last couple of days it meant that I could crack on with the spraying that needed doing to the doors etc.

Also recieved my 4-2-1 manifold yesterday and after lots of messing around trying to make up brackets for the front bumper I finally got that fitted as well.

Its never going to be a show car but it definitely looks alot better now:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/09-04-08_1439.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/09-04-08_1441.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/09-04-08_1437.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/09-04-08_1434.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/09-04-08_1436.jpg

Its only grey primer on the doors and ideally it will be re-done a much darker grey but that can wait for now.

[SRimon]

Match the colour and it looks a lot better.

[vaughanmc]

Awsome replica for an SR mate

Looks good - Straight to the point :)

[Steve]

Cheers vaughan, was thinking about an sr spoiler for it but that can wait for now, gonna decide what colour grey to use for the lower half of the doors.

[vaughanmc]

Rover Hurricane Grey is a good colour and there is also a Peugeot colour that can be used :)

[Steve]

Thats what iam deciding between! lol I used rover grey before so may go with cossack grey this time. But as iam skint/ unemployed (again) it can stay in poundland's finest grey primer! lol

And no.. im not joking lol ?2 job done.

[vaughanmc]

lol I have a can of Rover Hurricane Grey in the Nova lol

Brand new...

Could be brought to PVS haha

[Rickyb]

top work!

[Steve]

Cheers bud, just needs the steering wheel changing, some decent pads and finish off the grey on the doors and i'll be happy!

[Steve]

Possibly up for sale now, i'll put up a for sale ad once my minds made up.

[Steve]

Right, well some sort of update is in order, as its off the road for now and I am using the saloon ive managed to get a few bits sorted on it. The first was the grill badge, nothing special but the one I had was all scratched up and my mate andy just de-badged his.

Old one:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/23-07-08_1436.jpg

And the new minty mint one:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/23-07-08_1435.jpg

Was going to to de-rust the front end whilst the bumper was but, meh, too hot to be poncing around with rust.

Quite like the no bumper look though

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/23-07-08_1459.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/23-07-08_1458.jpg

Next up was the interior, personally I quite like the gsi seats with the brown interior but I've been on the lookout for some early sr seats for a while now and as I had the rear bench left from the a-reg I was quite chuffed to find these in really good condition.

Drivers bolster not ripped yet

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/23-07-08_2218.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/23-07-08_2217.jpg

Also going to re-paint the callipers and drums at some point as they're not looking brilliant.

Comments welcome.

[gazmorgan1985]

Quality Steve!

Fairplay!

[calibra-keith]

really like them wheels bud, were can i rob a set of them lol


damn right! why spend hundreds on paint jobs and bodywork!?

A pot of kurust costs a couple of quid!

lol i like it, :thumb:

[vaughanmc]

I want an interior like that lol

[Steve]

Cheers keith, the basic idea with this one is function over form, I don't want it looking sh!t, just presentable.

[Steve]

Mountenay wheel fitted

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/25-07-08_1528.jpg

And the interior now looking spot on

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/25-07-08_1536.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/25-07-08_1541.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/25-07-08_1531.jpg

Well chuffed with it now :D

[AlexW]

Looks Cool. I do like it. And im with the no bumper thing lol, got too used to mine being in bits.

Where in kent do ya live? Seem to be around there a lot picking up nova bits lol.

[euro-rat]

how easy did u fing fitting the engine any head aches?? do it in a day??

dan

[Cle]

dont no if its still there but i love the sticker on your glove box lol

[Steve]

Have a chat with Lee on here, he's responsible for the engine side of things, but if your good with the spanners you should manage it in a day, plus the 8v's have loads more room in the engine bay than the 16vs do.

Also you wont have to modify the bulkhead or the clutch cable outlet on the firewall as theres loads of room there.


dont no if its still there but i love the sticker on your glove box lol

Thats the glovebox from my old sr, must have had it for a good 3 years or more now! And no, its staying there lol

[Steve]

Been having with a chat with a guy over on migweb who conveniently lives local to me and he has got me a rocker box cover thats been highly polished, the only problem is that the breather on it was diffrent as this one came off an 1800 but he did it on an exchange basis so i'm gonna see if he can re-do the other one and i'll put that back on.

He also said if anyone else wanted one done he may well do a few more, they are sand blasted first then polished. There a few bits which will need a bit more polishing but overall i'm quite happy with it it.

Let me know what you all think:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/30-08-08_1522.jpg

[Steve]

Well ive got my original rocker cover back and just needs a bit more polishing and it'll look sweet.
No pics but its basically the same as the one above.

[AlexW]

Havnt checked back here in a while, would the guy be intersted in doing a standard OHC cam cover? Looks good.

[Steve]

Well, since billing back in july it hasnt really gone anywhere mostly due to the insurance being too much due to an accident that wasnt my fault. 13 months later, and my insurance company finally saw it that way too! lol

So, got it re-insured and taxed and went for a blast today, all I can say is ive forgotten how nice it is to drive, ive been crawling around in my std 1.2 saloon so its amazing in comparison! The courtenay springs are perfect for road use, not a harsh ride but still corners just as well as you need it to.

Next on the list is the MOT on friday for which it'll need two new tyres, then i'll be poly-bushing it front and rear and then getting my 4-2-1 manifold fitted. :cool:

[Ernie]

Good work steve.Keep it up.

[Rickyb]

some good work there :thumb:

[Lee]

Glad to see the old bus is still going strong :)

[AlexW]

Good luck for the MOT mate. Will have to have a meet soon then!

[Steve]

Skint! lol The MOT bills going straight on the credit card! lol lol but yeah I will be up for a meet when I get sorted.

Yeah going good lee, not given me any bother so far. One thing I was going to ask you about is the passenger side-light is missing, im sure I used to have one lol but only just checked it earlier for the MOT and the bulb had vanished.

Well the test is at 9:30 so hopefully i'll have some good news otherwise i'll be walking to work!

[AlexW]

lol let us know how it gets on. Its a shame the bits ive just bought are in the opposite direction to my usual kent travel for parts lol

[Steve]

Ahh balls! Did you speak to allan about get your rocker cover polished?

I'll get a better one of mine up tomorrow, got a few new pics the nova today, i'm borrowing novaboyleons black astra gte rims as mine wont pass the mot! Now contemplating getting a set in either black or white.

[AlexW]

Ahh balls! Did you speak to allan about get your rocker cover polished?



I did but decided il wait untill ive got the big things out of the way for both nova's.

Astra Gte wheels look awesome in black, That will be my next set of wheels.

[Lee]

The bulbs vanished? lol I cant think of any reason why we would have had to remove it??

[Steve]

Neither can I lol, well just got back from the MOT and it failed, thankfully nothing bad, the rear brakes when applied are un-even so ive got it booked into my local on monday to check it out. Other than the headlight aim being too low a bolt has disappeared from the front pipe to the downpipe! lol

Not bad going, the tester eben commented on how un-rotten the underneath was lol

[AlexW]

Sounds as if people have been stealing bits from your car lol

Shame about the fail but like you say its easy things. I had a comment on how un rotten my mk2 was when i had it up on the ramp the other day.

(Note my fast replys latly, subscribed and off work lol)

[Steve]

Had it down the garage today as the 4 branch manifold I bought for it didnt have a flange so they welded my old one on and also had to weld in a section as it was about 6" too short. :confused:

Anyway it seems to pull a bit better but gotta have a look at the ht leads tomorrow as they got a bit wet when I was de-greasing the engine bay and its now running a bit lumpy. :(

Other than that its happy days! :D

[maxonova]

nicely modified mate dnt supose youstill have those astra gte wheels do you???

[AlexW]

Good to hear its alright. I need to make time for a meet oneday.

[Steve]

nicely modified mate dnt supose youstill have those astra gte wheels do you???
The black ones are novaboyleons off here, but speak to rod249 as he's selling my old ones in silver.

AW06 - yeah should do mate, no chance you can make the bluewater meet on friday 7th?

[AlexW]

Nope, tis a shame!

[Steve]

After my bad running problems turned out to be nothing more than it not like super unleaded (and possibly the severe lack of oil lol) I did a mini service of new plugs (which were overdue) and switched to castrol gtx high mileage oil. My mate andy has an early mk3 cav seh and its clocked up just over 260,000 miles now on the original engine so took his advice for the oil! lol

Then got my 4 branch fitted by my local garage and as it turns out it didnt fit, about 6 inches too short so must have been for a mk2 cav. Anyways a few welds later..

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/04-11-08_1532.jpg

And today I got round to heat wrapping it

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/05-11-08_1239.jpg

Goes much better now :cool:

[KSRY]

Just read through the whole thread, love the car, definately think I'll go down the 20.0 8v seh route!

[MK999]

Just read through the whole thread, love the car, definately think I'll go down the 20.0 8v seh route!
20 litre engine will pull like a freight train in a nova i reckon ! lol

[KSRY]

20 litre engine will pull like a freight train in a nova i reckon ! lol

Yeah I bet it will, though I'm putting mine in an Astra Cabriolet!

[MyNovaSr]

I have the same engine and it doesnt pull like a train, it sucks like YOUR misses ;) ;) :)

[AlexW]

depends on the size of train. lol

[Southie]

Cracking work mate :thumb: MK1 ftw

[Allan223]

Looking good steve. i have to say im not all pleased on the finnish on the 2litre cam cover :( im going to invest on some new soaps and polishing wheels. so if any one needs any done you know were to come :D

Allan

[Steve]

I'm a bit disapointed with the finish as well, but it looks alot better than it did painted silver.

Anyway, after looking through retro rides website the other day I found a company called isle of wight graphics that do all sorts so I sent them an email with the dimensions and got two of these for £5 delivered

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/24-11-08_1319.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/24-11-08_1320.jpg

Really happy with the quality of them and at a very good price, I highly recommend them to anyone whos after so graphics made up. :thumb:

Thats all for now

[~~joycey~~]

Thats a nice touch i like that mate :)

[Steve]

Cheers mate, I had thought of doing them on the door bottoms like the sri 130s have but thought this would look better.

[Steve]

Got around to fitting my spoiler today, was too dark for a better pic when I had finished but it looks something like this..

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/15-12-08_1346.jpg

[AlexW]

Get the dents sorted lol, Whats left on it now mate?

[Ernie]

Looking good steve.
I thought that is why you bought the tailgate from me to get rid of the dents lol.

[Simon 1867]

Spoiler looks good matey, is that the one I gave you.

[Steve]

The whole car has dents! lol I was going to fit your tailgate ernie but then it wont match the rest of the faded paintwork. Plus its had a light shunt in the rear at some point and the numberplate light catches on the tailgate! lol

If I put your one on I probably wont get the boot shut.. I will swap it over at some point but then its gonna need repainting at about 8 or 9 dents sorting out at the same time.

Tbh im quite happy with 'character' it has at the moment, so many projects get thousands spent on them and then people dont want to drive them in case the paint gets scratched etc.

*Simon* yep thats your old spoiler :thumb:

[AlexW]

Just get the dents sorted and buy some paint from halfords, dont have to look good but i will look better untill you can find a cheap blow over. Or else il come down there and kick the dents out lol

[Allan223]

Looking good steve. i thought the rear end looked different the other day. you wanna go down kent paints and get a litre of yellow. specially as all the rust gets worse in this weather :)

[just vaux trev]

looking good any future plans for tuning body?
i run seh in mine never missed a beat once i got it all set up
you got pretty much same as me atm engine wise seh 4 branch system ect
love the sri 130 if mine wasn't gsi rep id be asking for some made up,
keep up the good work

[Steve]

Well, a good bit of news, ive spoke to simon1867 and he has a mate thats pretty handy with a welder so it looks like it might be getting fixed sooner than I thought. http://www.vodc.co.uk/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

Got alot of the parts soureced already but still need the front wings, a header tank and possibly a headlight. Luckily my mate andy has stripped a mk3 cav seh, so I can get the head, afm and inlet pipe off him.

Started stripping it down yesterday, got the front wings off and it wasnt any worse than it looked, but it still needs the slam panel cutting out and the engine rubber mounts will need replacing as the force the slam panel put on the engine has destroyed them.

http://www.vodc.co.uk/images/misc/progress.gif

[AlexW]

Header tank here too lol Freebie.

Waiting to hear back about the bits mate. Should know tomorrow.

[Steve]

Nice one chap, alot less hassle than going round the scrappys, although I might be heading up there anyway to get the front wings.

[Simon 1867]

Just goin through the diary for you matey...my friend has gone on hoilday so when his back the wheels will be moving. (no pun intended).:thumb:

Glad the rad was ok. if your goin to the scrappy i might tag along if thats ok.

[Steve]

Cheers matey, much appreciated, yeah I should have monday off and ive gotta drop the new runabout down the garage but should be free most of the day. :thumb:

[Steve]

Just won a flame red bonnet and both front wings off ebay. All look good from the pics so just need the slam panel and then it'll be ready body wise.

Still need to speak to my mate about getting the head off him and the afm and inlet pipe.

[Steve]

Went out and picked up my new complete front panel earlier :cool: still no word from the seller about the wings and bonnet though.

And have got a free header tank with free postage thanks to a chap with an sr on retro rides website! :thumb:

Gonna get a price for a head gasket and bolts then I can hopefully get the engine up and running again.

[Steve]

Picked up my head gasket, bolts and inlet manifold gasket today, spoke to my mate andy and we'll hopefully be doing that one day next week. The gear linkage still needs looking at as well as it wont select any gears atm, most likely bent something else.

Luckily he's broke a mk3 sri130 so i'll pinching the head and a few other bits off that.

Heres the reason I need a new head:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/02-03-09_1550.jpg

Bargain front panel at £47

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/novafrontpanel.jpg

Inner wing that needs straightening

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/02-03-09_1549.jpg

A nice bit of rot that I found earlier

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/02-03-09_1646.jpg

And a couple of pics from the last couple of days

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/19-02-09_1413.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/19-02-09_1412.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/02-03-09_1548.jpg

Getting there... slowly!! lol

Comments welcome.

[AlexW]

Looking good dude........... Yep im lieing lol.

Those bits are still here if you want any.

Thats the same strut brace than me too, first time ive noticed lol

[Steve]

Cheers mate I could do with a bonnet tbh, the guy on ebay is a complete toss! lol

[Sloth]

steve, you sure on the head? its the cam box by the look of it... the bit thats snapped pulls out of the cambox bud.

[Steve]

I don't see how as its part of the head.

[AlexW]

cambox is different part, just held together with the head bolts?

[Steve]

Hopefully have some good news at the weekend, we made a start on changing the camshaft breather but didnt have time to finish so hopefully get it done sunday, assuming nothing fell into the engine it will be pretty straight forward getting in running.

Then will just need to change the rear engine mount as thats creased and change the drivers side mount so the engines sitting straight again. Then it will be driveable again. Parts wise I have everything to fix it besides the bonnet hinges which I am waiting for from colin smith.

[Southie]

Nice to hear you progressing still :D How long do you think it will be till you get it on the road now???

Good lad :thumb:

[Steve]

God knows! lol Well not that long I hope, ideally if its running at the weekend I just need to speak to simon when his mate gets back from holiday to get the front panel welded on.

[Steve]

Well it all took longer than expected lol we were going to take the head off and do the gasket at the same time but then we realised that we didnt need to as the breather came without any hassle. Luckily none of the bits got into the engine so it was pretty straight forward re-fitting.

A few issues with the alternator as the engines gone back a bit so its sitting on the chassis leg! So next time it will be a case of changing the front and rear engine mounts so that the engines is sitting straight and get her running.

[AlexW]

Coming along nicly dude. Give me a shout if you need any bits.

[Ernie]

Glad to hear youve had some good news with the old girl.
Ive still got a mrk1 bonnet at mine mate.

[Steve]

Cheers guys but got all the parts now, just waiting for the bonnet hinges to arrive.

Got my college assessment tuesday for my body repair course, and hopefully will be cracking on with some more on the car in the week.

[Southie]

Cheers guys but got all the parts now, just waiting for the bonnet hinges to arrive.

Got my college assessment tuesday for my body repair course, and hopefully will be cracking on with some more on the car in the week.
Good luck with the assessment :thumb: you should have had some good practice :D

[Plug]

totally forgot you smashed this up.

Glad to hear you are repairing it thou as this is a true old skool'r :thumb:

[Steve]

Bit pointless but here's the breather after we changed it, I don't know why I was told the cam carrier etc had to come of to change it as all we did was remove the rocker cover and tap it out. Luckily my parts place gave me store credit on the head gasket and bolts I bought.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/22-03-09_1610.jpg

Today was fun! lol Recieved my bonnet hinges and then spent ages removing the old ones, neck is a bit achy after being kept in weird angles trying to see where to drill but finally got both the old ones off.

Heres the difference between the old and the new:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/26-03-09_1315.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/26-03-09_1314.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/26-03-09_1503.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/26-03-09_1504.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/26-03-09_1522.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/26-03-09_1523.jpg

Then noticed this afterwards

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/26-03-09_1530.jpg

6mm allen key bolt which is on the back of the hinge mounting, don't know why as theres no thread on it! lol

Thats basically it for today, gonna have a word with andy and see when he's free to help with changing the engine mount and then I can get her up and running again! :D

[Sloth]

just like i said with the breather, lol nice to see progress steve mate.

[Steve]

Cheers mate, why do you have to be right!? lol I was told by someone else on other site that the cam carrier all HAD to come off to remove it :roll: good thing we didnt get much further than removing the inlet manifold before we realised! lol

[Simon 1867]

Good progress, glad to see you got the bonet arms off after our chat about it.

My mate is moving things around to get you fitted in for the welding

[Sloth]

lol ive bust it myself before and stressedc bout it. whats left to do now bud?

[Steve]

Cheers simon thats much appreciated, gonna have a word with andy and see if he's free this weekend to help change the mounts. As you say it would be alot better if its driveable in case you're mate needs to move it about. Might even be able to drive it back after its welded.


lol ive bust it myself before and stressedc bout it. whats left to do now bud?

Change both engine mounts, make sure it runs ok, get the crossmember and rest of the front panel off and the inner wings need knocking straight.

[Sloth]

has it bent the mounts? short list that fella, done for pv/ nat meet?

[Steve]

The rear mount is kinked quite badly, most likely why the linkage is hitting the steering rack, and front drivers side mount rubber has torn, gone back quite a few cms. I can't see why it won't be done before pv but as the rest of the work needs people with a clue to do it it all depends when they're available to help out.

[Sloth]

like i said before, if i was closer dude....

[Steve]

Cheers for the offer mate, hopefully won't be long now.

[Steve]

Today shenanigans, basically a bit of a failure! lol

Got the rear mount off expecting it to be kinked in a bit as thats what it looked like when I looked under the car but on comparison to the spare one I had:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/29-03-09_1359.jpg

Its fooked! Then remembered that the rear mount needed modifying we drilled out the new hole for the rubber mount to attach, and then had to grind the bracing off the mount as it was fouling when we trial fitted it. Then got all but the top mount bolts to line up, then the spacers fell out! lol

So we ran out of time to get it finished but the good news is the engine is now sitting level and the alternator isn't sitting on the chassis leg anymore. lol Gonna have a play about tomorrow and hopefully get it running as andy has lent me his afm and inlet pipe till I get my new ones.

[7ova]

good progress mate,
sounds like nova bonnet hinges are not a nice job to change

[Steve]

Quite a good start today, postman dropped off my latest purchases,

Mintex brakes

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/01-04-09_1203.jpg

AFM and inlet pipe

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/01-04-09_1339.jpg

To replace these:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/01-04-09_1340.jpg

Then wanted to know why the engine ran like crap the other day, a few suggestions were either damp in the dizzy cap, which I don't have the right bit to remove, or a bad earth somewhere. So I checked the two earth from the injector plugs and one didnt look good so I cleaned it up and put them back and..

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/01-04-09_1326.jpg

Success! It runs perfect once again.

Quick video of it

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/th_01-04-09_1323.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/?action=view&current=01-04-09_1323.flv)

[Steve]

Im starting to get worried now, more than two updates in a week! lol
Today was mostly spent trying to sort out the rear mount, when we left it sunday we couldnt get the top bolt to line up then when we did the thread just wouldnt start, so had to take the whole thing off and start again.

Turns out the thread on the top bolt has had it so went out and got a new one. Sorted. Still a pig as now the mount is bolted to the box the rubber mount is still quite a way out. Needs the engine moving forwards a bit to get it to line up perfect, then the front mount will line up as well!

[KSRY]

Some good progress since I last looked, shame the engines not running smoothly, out of interest, how much did the mintex stuff cost you?

[Steve]

Engines running fine mate, that video probably doesnt do it justice! lol Discs were £40 from ebay Click Here (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=230221319923)
Had them before on my 1600 and they're excellent value, my ebc green stuff setup is nowhere near as responsive as the mintex stuff.

[Southie]

Not far to go now mate, you can see the light at the end of the tunnel lol

Still sounds well :D

What's next on the agenda then?

[Steve]

Finishing up sorting out the mounts and reset the gear linkage. Then it will be driveable and can get it ready for the new front panel to go on.

[AlexW]

Good on ya dude. Knew there was a reason i subcribed to this lol

Get it finished dude. Is it still MOT'ed/Taxed?

[Steve]

Yeah still MOTd till october, no tax though, i'm tight so I refunded it! lol

[AlexW]

lol Dont blame ya

Good luck with it dude :p

[Steve]

It now drives!! Well chuffed, spent a while getting the rear box mount sorted but got there in the end, chucked the linkage on, set it up, only drove it back and forth a bit in the garage but all the gears are there so at least thats one less thing to worry about.

The drivers side engine mount still seems a litlle bit out but not by alot but at least it s nearly ready for the new front panel to go on. Just need to drill out the spot welds for the crossmember and it should be good to go. Well happy.

[Sloth]

good going dude, will it be at pv?

[Southie]

:thumb: Good lad. That's what I like to here, a bit of good progress FTW :cool:

[Steve]

Cheers peeps, its was a good feeling seeing it move without me having to push it anymore! lol
Can't see why it won't be at pv, just need to see when simons mate is free to do the welding. Not sure what state it will be in for PV, think it might just have the new panels sprayed with rattle cans! lol

Otherwise it will be an unpainted front panel, wings in primer with a blue sr bonnet. Well I suppose thats one way to get it noticed at a show.

[Sloth]

steve, go hood ride mate, just get a roof rack....

[AlexW]

lol Good on ya dude.

Mine is problery going to be falling to bits at PV anyways lol

Il have to get my car finished and pop down for a meet hehe

[Ernie]

getting there steve well done mate.

[Steve]

Had alot of fun with the bonnet hinges today! The bracket they attach to has a different size hole for a bolt than the actual hinges do so im thinking the easiest way around it is to get a fat enough bolt to go through the bracket, but where there will be some movement in the hinge im gonna get a washer welded on so it will be a good fit.

Got a nut the right size but its too long and you cant get the bolt on as the bulkhead is in the way. Hopefully cut it down and put a nyloc nut and should be done. Real pain in the **** as the access is so awkward.

[AlexW]

Aye they seem a bugger to do. Should be all good in the end. You doing any mods apart from just returning it to back it how was before?

[Nobby]

gutted matey thank god you have repaired it and not sent it ti the sky!!

[Steve]

Cheers mate, well ive decided to repair it, but haven't quite got there yet. lol
One of the brackets thats hold the hinges got a bit mangled when I drilled them out so thats the main problem at the moment. Just waiting for my new spot weld drills to get here then i'll finish getting the crossmember off.

Really don't know if it will be ready for pv or anything yet but im hoping so.

[~~joycey~~]

I tried getting the hinges off the nova i scrapped for ya mate but it snapped all my drill bits :(

[Steve]

Cheers anyway mate, I tried keeping the drill dead on it, but it must have moved a bit and drilled another hole next to the original, so im either gonna get a bit of weld in there, (if possible) or chemical metal so the new bolt is nice and snug.

Its always the small jobs that are the biggest pain to sort!

[Steve]

Todays effort:

After listening to the advice of many people that a battery drill would be better for removing spot welds I gave up after spending ages on one of them and not really getting anywhere!

Enter the hammer and chisel technique lol Didnt take long to do most of them but got defeated by the last 3 so given up for today, note the headlight panel partly attached, really cant see where the spot welds are on that side lol

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/15-04-09_1520.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/15-04-09_1519.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/15-04-09_1518.jpg

[Pistol Pete]

Good effort. You are going to support the car on jacks, remove front suspension and continue? Could get abit messy otherwise lol

[Rich]

Get underneath, the spotwelds should show up with a quick sand with sand paper.

Under the chassis leg theres quite a few though. Battery drills are crap, get one with a lead on it much better! will be a pain getting the last ones with a chisel!

[Southie]

Good effort. You are going to support the car on jacks, remove front suspension and continue? Could get abit messy otherwise lol
Steve listen to Pete and ask him questions on lining it all back up ;)

It looks so painfull seeing it in that way mate :cry: but as D ream once said ....


... things can only get better :thumb:

[Pistol Pete]

lol you bast....;)

I had major headaches when it came to rebuilding my front end. The right way to do it (i was wary if this in the first place!) screw everything in place and double check fitment and then weld.

Mains powered drill is the best for this sort of job BTW.

[Steve]

Good effort. You are going to support the car on jacks, remove front suspension and continue? Could get abit messy otherwise lol
Whys that? I was supposed to be getting it prepped ready for the new front end, then when my mates mate is available I was going to get it transported to his place as I don't weld.

I was told by someone else to use the battery drill as I knackered my spot weld drill bit by using the electric drill. But the battery drill is crap hence the chisel method! lol

[Steve]

What fun lol Eventually got the hinges on, but... looks like the drivers side bracket is slightly bent as when the hinge is down its hitting the engine loom, where it wasnt before.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/17-04-09_1613.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/17-04-09_1612.jpg

Passenger side was fine.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/17-04-09_1611.jpg

Hopefully have that done tomorrow so I can cross it off the things to do list.

Good luck to the next person that has to change hinges, its alot of fun. lol

[Pistol Pete]

Whys that? I was supposed to be getting it prepped ready for the new front end, then when my mates mate is available I was going to get it transported to his place as I don't weld.

I was told by someone else to use the battery drill as I knackered my spot weld drill bit by using the electric drill. But the battery drill is crap hence the chisel method! lol

The tie bars mount to the front panel. Remove that and the lower arms, wheels etc will not be supported. I removed all running gear and made a roll bar type thing.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/Pete_58/Nova/novaenginebayprimer007.jpg

[Steve]

Ahh I see, not a bad idea what you did there. Don't really fancy taking all the running gear out though so I might just get a few axle stands under there to support it.

[Pistol Pete]

I did that so i could roll it in and out the garage. Once the front cross member comes off the car will not move! Hence me making the bar.

[Steve]

Yeah I see, but the car won't be leaving the garage now till its road legal again so im trying to find someone that can come to me to fit the front end.

[Pistol Pete]

Ah, fair enough.

[Steve]

Fitted the bumper yesterday whilst I tried re-pairing it but the glue I got was pretty much useless so ive left that for now. Not exactly important in the scheme of things. lol

Sorted out the hinge, pretty simple stuff, just bent it back into the right position. Then decided to fit the bonnet (on my own) got it on the scuttle panel and used some string to hold it up in the air using the garage door, I bolted it into place and got it sitting straight, then trial fitted the wings which are actually a pretty good fit, gaps look pretty even so pretty chuffed with that.

Now just gonna have an ask around to find someone that can beat the inner wings back into shape for me then it will be ready for the welding.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/18-04-09_1355.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/18-04-09_1449.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/18-04-09_1458.jpg

[AlexW]

You get those wings off joycey?

[Steve]

Yep, your old ones, bit of a bugger about that dent though.

[AlexW]

Yep lol that was the day i found out i needed to setup the gears lol

Should pop out though?

Edit: There ages old aswell, seemed thicker than my mates replacment ones.

[buzbi]

just read through the whole thread mate, we'll have to get a load of kent novas togeather for a meet in ashford or somthing when we're up and running

[Steve]

Yeah sounds good mate, theres quite alot of us although a few are off the road atm having work done.

Well thanks to buzbi I now have something that looks like a car again! lol Just needs a polish and one wing needs a bit of rust sorting. Well chuffed to have the panels in my colour.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/26-04-09_1637.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/26-04-09_1638.jpg

[Novaboi_1991]

well, count me in too then :)

[Simon 1867]

That looks much better steve....End of next week is looking promising to sort your inner wings out for you, im hopeing i can get out of the wedding fair my fiancee wants to go to.lol

[AlexW]

Stick some lights in and take it for a drive lol

[Novaboi_1991]

Stick some lights in and take it for a drive lol

PMSL!

[Steve]

Could do but they'd just fall out and smash on the floor! pmsl lol

Cheers simon, will be a great help if you could sort it out for me, just the welding after that and it will be back on the road. :)

[Steve]

Spent the best part of this afternoon trying to get the rest of the crossmember off, its pretty stubborn though but nearly done. The last couple have got really bad access so its going to be fun! lol

Im itching to have it ready for billing.. but who knows.

[John]

Spent the best part of this afternoon trying to get the rest of the crossmember off, its pretty stubborn though but nearly done. The last couple have got really bad access so its going to be fun! lol

Im itching to have it ready for billing.. but who knows.

Go for it!

[Steve]

Will do but its not just having it ready, ive gotta re-tax, then change the insurance over which will cost a bit more. I think it could be ready in time but whether or not i'll have it on the road is another matter.

[Damo]

looking good steve really like the look of this good sleeper.:thumb:

[Steve]

Cheers buddy :thumb: got hold another tailgate in beige, thanks again to buzbi for that. needs a good t-cut then i'll be getting a 1.3sr vinyl made up for it.

Todays work was a real pain but im glad I got there as its a big step towards getting it finished.

Going...

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/n752373506_1979391_3868173.jpg

Going...

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/4478_86503293506_752373506_1979393_.jpg

And gone!

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/4478_86503298506_752373506_1979394_.jpg

The huge piece of fail

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/4478_86503303506_752373506_1979395_.jpg

Then trial fitted the new panel.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/n752373506_1979399_4814593.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/4478_86504903506_752373506_1979401_.jpg

Its a pattern part so not 100% perfect but fresh metal either way.

Still got a lot of prepping to do as alot of the spot welds didnt come off cleanly, hence the hammer and chisel method! lol But were getting there.

[Novaboi_1991]

whoooa!, thats come along so much since i last checked!,

nice one dude!

[Steve]

Noticed something weird yesterday, if you look at the pics of the front panel where the bumper irons go through, drivers side looks ok but passenger side doesnt't quite line up and you can see the chassis leg behind it :confused: im assuming/ hoping that its just the fact that its a pattern part and was made that way, if not then its the chassis leg thats buggered!! lol

Anyway I spoke to an old buddy of mine the other day who know works as a panel beater on classic cars and he's going to pop round saturday to have a look at the inner wings, so basically it won't be at pv :( but im going to aim to have it done for billing.

[AlexW]

Thats a good point there!! It might just need shifting over slighty.

Are You going to PV?

Good luck with it dude.

[Steve]

Not sure about shifting it as the bonnet stay is perfect where it is and the wings line up fine, as do the tie bars. :confused:

Yeah im going pv but sold the nova runabout and don't want to turn up in the micra lol so i'll be getting a lift in a mates cav sri.

[Steve]

I've spoke to an old mate I grew up with who does panel beating and welding and he's happy to do the whole lot over one weekend.

A little bit of prep needed before hand but nothing major. Hopefully if he can borrow a welder he should be able to do it towards the end of the month. Pretty chuffed, but its still gonna be real tight for the billing deadline!

[AlexW]

lol Get it done mate! Take it to billing in primer lol

[Steve]

Again, nothing else I can really do, panel beating and welding is a job for someone else, i'll be helping out though but its as and when he can pop over to do it.

Its only the front panel that will need paint now ive got the panels the right colour so it wont even be in primer, just a bit of hammerite over the welds will do for now lol

[Steve]

Job done!

[AlexW]

Pics or GTFO lol

Get it all backtogether (presuming its not already) and get it back on the road!

[Steve]

Too tired, can't be arsed with pics, well its welded up but having a few issues getting the wings to line up. Were ok before we started welding but not looking so good now! lol

Won't even be back on the road for a bit once its ready anyway, tax, insurance, saving for college etc etc..

[Steve]

Hmmm, slight problems, it looks as if the drivers side is on slightly wonky as that was worst affected by the shunt, it didnt look too bad until I put the headlights and bumper on earlier. but looking at it now it looks like im gonna have to remove the welds for the slam panel to the inner wings and have it re-done.

Other than that it went pretty well, my mate baz did a good job welding wise but I think we just rushed it slightly although we did trial fit everything properly before welding. Also got a bit of a gap on the drivers side between the inner and outer wings as the screw for the wing nearest the headlight doesnt actually reach! lol

Anyways its nothing too bad and at least the car is moveable again. Will get pictures up tomorrow as my new gay phone wont let me upload..

[Steve]

A few pics..

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/welded101.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/welded103.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/welded104.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/welded108.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/welded107.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/welded109.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/welded110.jpg

Will speak to my mate in a bit and see about getting aligned properly and maybe repositioning the drivers side inner wing so it sits better.

[AlexW]

Nova build quality lol

[Steve]

lol not really, its down the fact that the drivers side was worse affected and I dont think we spent enough time triple checking the fitment before and during welding, that said, the rest of the job went well, spoke to him earlier and he's gonna pop round wednesday to have a look at it and see where exactly it needs re-adjusting.

[Steve]

Update (from sunday)

Got the engine bay back together, re-fitted the wings and sorted out the shut lines.

And today picked up a grey mk1 bumper from rich. Cheers for that mate.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/welded1015.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/welded1016.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/welded1017.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/welded1018.jpg

Hoping to get it insured by the weekend and get the most out of it whilst its still summer lol

[Simon 1867]

Looking good matey..sorry i didnt get over to you, im having a few problems with mine..again....

[scott.parker]

Good on you, put that money i gave you to good use i hope? lol

[Steve]

Looking good matey..sorry i didnt get over to you, im having a few problems with mine..again....
No worries mate, my mate just phoned me up at the last minute saying he could weld it the next day so I was well happy. Whats up with yours? engine troubles again?


Good on you, put that money i gave you to good use i hope? lol

Nah still trying to save up the £1200 to go back to college this year! lol lol but yes, it did help, :d and made yours look alot better.

[KSRY]

nice progress fella!

[peester]

glad u still got this dude, good going.

[Southie]

Nearly there mate. Should be on the road by next week then. :d

[Ernie]

you still not finished this yet steve ?

[Steve]

Was on the road with it earlier. Spent most of the day trying to find somewhere that sells new side repeaters as both the brackets on mine were buggered, luckily my mate andy came through as he broke a ca sri a while back. Will need tracking at the very least, the drivers side rear brake was stuck on but that soon sorted itself out a few metres up the road lol

But got a weird vibration when I brake and it feels like the discs are slightly warped. Still need to loosen the rear engine mount and move it forward as its not sitting right and is causing the linkage to be slightly out, and its hitting on the tunnel slightly. The manifold is still blowing, the rear box has a slight crack in it so thats blowing as well. And it might be an idea to get the front end checked over to make sure everythings still in the right place. Not sure if its the tracking or maybe the front callipers are sticking slightly thats making it pull to the left. Other than that its fine! lol

[Simon 1867]

Glad you got it sorted mate and managed to get out for a drive.. at least you have identifed what needs doing.. wish i could on minelol
Be good to see it again...get that picture of both cars too

[Steve]

Well I think I have.. it could be a couple of things causing it so hope to at least figure out what it is first then see ive got any money left to fix it! lol

Yeah I was thinking of organizing something local for sunday, ideal for us as I dont suppose either of us wants to chance driving too far! I reckon you should find a 1300 engine for yours and tweak that. :thumb:

[Ernie]

cool

[Steve]

Well its been on the road a couple of days now and im pretty happy with it. Still got a list if things to sort but mostly just niggly little things.

Took a few pics yesterday as the weather was good.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture003.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture007.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture010.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture011.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture012.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture013.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture014.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture016.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture020.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture026.jpg

Also painted the bottom of the wings in grey now. :thumb:

[novaguy08]

Oooo nice!

[AlexW]

Good to see it back on the road. Now keep it that way lol

[Simon 1867]

Looks nice steve..glad its back on the road

[Southie]

Ahhhhh it's back ;) Looking good Steve. Does it drive any better then?

[Steve]

Ahh funny you should ask that nbc, I had it tracked yesterday, they said it was about 6 degrees out. ?? Which seems alot when we only disconnected the tie bars for fitting the new crossmember, anyway it still pulls to the left, hoping it might just be a sticky calliper.

Had it out again last night and now I hear a 'knock' when braking hard, normally from the left when your going in a straight line by when turning right you can hear it on the right side as well. Also think the headgasket might be on its way! lol

So basically its coming off the road, its got insurance till the end of the month and MOT time is october and basically I can't afford to run two cars, this one obviously being the money drainer lol

Bit gutted really but hey, at least i'll get some use out of it.

[speedyd]

i just my nova 2.0 8v on the road but no speedo at the mo. i just wanted to know what the fasted u got out of urs. i still to hit the limter in 5th very quickly. im not shaw if it has a small gear box on. it seem like i get the 100 and thats it. the clutch is not sliping.

[novaguy08]

you should fix ya speedo mate!!

[speedyd]

i have a digi dash and cant get the speedo work mate! i just wanted to know what his did.

[Steve]

Yours an sri130 engine? they should have the close ratio box on although ive heard so do and some dont. Well it goes off the clock easy enough but as they're nova dials you don't know the true speed as thet were never that accurate. My used his sat nav in his cav sri 8v and I think 70mph on the sat nav came up on the clocks as about 78mph!

[speedyd]

cheers. i think it is the close ratio box because of the way it goes through the gears.

[Steve]

Few bits to update with, still got the linkage hitting on the rack when you engage 2nd, 4th and 5th. Andy came round and we moved the rear mount about but its still doing it, so im wondering whether its to do with when we replaced the mount after the accident? This is the old twisted mount which lee modified when the engine was originally fitted. The new hole is slightly higher and further forward, is it possible to use the original one? as i'm thinking that when we replaced the mount I may have drillled the new one slightly out. Any opinions people?

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture1023.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture1024.jpg

The other bit is my new rocker cover, been after the early type for over a year! and finally got one!! Gonna give it a good polish before it goes on.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture1022.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/3Picture1022.jpg

The other thing is my new tailgate, got it off buzbi along with the bonnet and wings, should be getting it back in the week as its having a replica 1.3sr vinyl made for it.

[Steve]

Got my tailgate back on tuesday, the colour is the closest they do. Matt grey isnt very popular so just chose the darkest one. The only problem was the lettering, they couldnt match it as it must have been a custom font vauxhall made up. So I think im going to get an original vinyl traced and have it re-done exactly right :thumb:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/3Picture1025.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/3Picture1026.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/3Picture1027.jpg

[AlexW]

That^ dont look too bad, Your not going to notice that its different unless you park next to a SR anyway.

Like the early rocker cover too.

[muzzy]

Most folk wont notice that its not the same. What are the 2.0 8v's like in a Nova?

[Steve]

Yeah I know most won't notice but I will! I might leave it as it is, but I don't really wanna put all the glass and everything back on to decide I want it re-done later on. lol

Ive always preferred the 8v's, don't really care that redtops make more power because even then, most people only want more and go turbo! But yeah, it goes well for what it is. Going to get a lightened flywheel when its back on the road just to get a bit more acceleration but i'm pretty happy with it the way it is.

[speedyd]

is the manifold u used a 16v one like a xe one or will that not fit. i want a 4-branch for my 2.0 8v.

[Steve]

16v have different shapes ports so I doubt they would work. Mines a cav 2.0 8v one. Unless you buy new you'll have to be quick if one comes up secondhand as they don't stick around for long.

[speedyd]

ok u just said when u first put it in u used a 16v one off ur mate?

[Steve]

Nah thats a custom exhaust which lee had on his 16v nova, but the 8v downpipe fits the same.

[scott.parker]

Boot looks good mate, the only difference is the 3 as it's slightly too round , other than that it looks fine.

Scott