View Full Version : My Projects thread
Pages :
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
[
9]
10
11
its a shame to change anything on this! Stunning car, couldnt get over the condition of it when i saw it (when brian had it)
Standard isnt for me Im afraid not with a nova anyhow. No offence to anyone but I just find them boring tbh.
its crazy that thing, it just lights em up in every gear lol
Hell aye! lol.
Burn out !!!!
We may just have to do that before the current engine goes in the bin. If it has the power that is lol.
Nick.
scott.parker
09-01-12, 07:01 PM
About time Nick!
I for one did see this at Billing a few years back, had a good look round it, Hartley asked a few times for the wheel trims to suit this car as Ive got a set NEW lol Im sure it had a small pin stripe on it too? Has it been de-badged on the boot Nick?
And as for the 1 owner log book thing, um i happen to own two Nova's with that on! lol
Hope you sell the Mini and sort things so you can get this up to speed mate, will be a nice project for you.
Scott
Jeff16v
09-01-12, 07:42 PM
Fantastic shell Nick, honestly not seen one that clean for a long time.
Who wants a corsa anyhow!!! :)
Joe Richardson
09-01-12, 08:47 PM
Hi nick looking good, good news that you are going ahead with it , my main soul reason was not to have it because of space issue and and i need to get rid of my corsa lol, good luck with it :thumb:
About time Nick!
I for one did see this at Billing a few years back, had a good look round it, Hartley asked a few times for the wheel trims to suit this car as Ive got a set NEW lol Im sure it had a small pin stripe on it too? Has it been de-badged on the boot Nick?
And as for the 1 owner log book thing, um i happen to own two Nova's with that on! lol
Hope you sell the Mini and sort things so you can get this up to speed mate, will be a nice project for you.
Scott
Hey Scott, Yeah its deffo had a pin stripe on it at some point. I think Brian must have removed it but theirs still a slight residue in a few places. Wont take much to sort though. The boot still has its badges for now but when I paint it to correct what some monkey has done before I wont be putting them back on.
Fantastic shell Nick, honestly not seen one that clean for a long time.
Who wants a corsa anyhow!!! :)
Cheers Jeff! hope your looking after HUA! :)
Hi nick looking good, good news that you are going ahead with it , my main soul reason was not to have it because of space issue and and i need to get rid of my corsa lol, good luck with it :thumb:
Hey Joe, Its no problem mate....... You knew how I felt but I was just trying to do the sensible thing thats all. Im glad I still have it and Im looking forward to making a start whenever that may be!
Nick.
Ah-Ha! We finally have pictures! Looks superb Nick! Let sleeper Ftw! I have probably missed it but what are your plans for the exterior? keeping it stock, or sr etc?
Jeff16v
09-01-12, 10:29 PM
HUA all good, for some reason I dreamt you'd got a saloon, thank god NO!!!
scott.parker
09-01-12, 11:05 PM
HUA all good, for some reason I dreamt you'd got a saloon, thank god NO!!!
whats wrong with Saloons? lol
LEWI007
09-01-12, 11:09 PM
Wow that is clean.
Not a fan of the black cesaros though they kill the old skoolness lol
Are you planning on changing the bumpers for GTE ones or keeping the sport ones? maybe a snowplough even...
Whatever happens im positive this will be a great car, look forward to following the progress. Good luck.
Tommy_nova
09-01-12, 11:21 PM
Awesome to see you now own this Nick,, i have sat in and looked around this nova as
my friend Lyndon owned it before Hartly, its one of the cleanest i have ever seen was so shocked on how clean it is
was also very temped myself when i first seen the car on lyndons driveway.
anyways i look forward to seeing what you have planed Nick all the best :)
LEWI007
09-01-12, 11:55 PM
so the 2 previous owners didnt sign the logbook over ?
nova_pipi
10-01-12, 01:25 PM
looks really good nick, cant wait to see how you make this into another fantastic nova :)
L33 LEG
10-01-12, 02:46 PM
so the 2 previous owners didnt sign the logbook over ?
Seems to me that the last owner did but Nick hasnt done.
Probably the cleanest nova i have seen, would be good to see how you can improve it and make it your own :)
Ah-Ha! We finally have pictures! Looks superb Nick! Let sleeper Ftw! I have probably missed it but what are your plans for the exterior? keeping it stock, or sr etc?
Hey John, It depends if I can get a front mount behind the bumper tbh as that will decide if it gets sr bumpers or not. Id like to stay stock if I can and go for a Radtech system like Andy/Keith etc.
HUA all good, for some reason I dreamt you'd got a saloon, thank god NO!!!
No saloon for me Im afraid! Glad HUA is all good mate.
Wow that is clean.
Not a fan of the black cesaros though they kill the old skoolness lol
Are you planning on changing the bumpers for GTE ones or keeping the sport ones? maybe a snowplough even...
Whatever happens im positive this will be a great car, look forward to following the progress. Good luck.
I dont agree their.......How many max power/old school era novas had cesaros? Many! and I quite like the wheels GREY as I think they suit it. Each to their own though!
Awesome to see you now own this Nick,, i have sat in and looked around this nova as
my friend Lyndon owned it before Hartly, its one of the cleanest i have ever seen was so shocked on how clean it is
was also very temped myself when i first seen the car on lyndons driveway.
anyways i look forward to seeing what you have planed Nick all the best :)
Im rather glad you didnt buy it tbh! Its good to hear a little more of its history etc.
so the 2 previous owners didnt sign the logbook over ?
The picture I put up was before the logbook was sent off etc. Tommys mate cant have registered it though as the original owner was down as the previous keeper before Brian etc.
Seems to me that the last owner did but Nick hasnt done.
Probably the cleanest nova i have seen, would be good to see how you can improve it and make it your own :)
Its in my name now etc. I will do my best to come up with something new!
looks really good nick, cant wait to see how you make this into another fantastic nova :)
Hopefully mate!
Nick.
matthew172
10-01-12, 06:03 PM
keep it and turbo it or turn gay
keep it and turbo it or turn gay
You only wish I was gay! Ive heard about you farming cumbrian homos lol......... I did think about having an xe in their for a while but I dont see the point. May as well do it once and do it right with an let.
Nick.
Nick, have a look at this intercooler
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Medium-TwinPass-intercooler-76mm-same-side-inlet-and-outlet-/220923517292?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item337011596c
there alot like that if you search 'intercooler twin pass', differnt sizes to suit needs, fits a treat behind the early mk1 grill/bumper, i have one for when i turbo the 1300 in the Sport
Edd
matthew172
10-01-12, 06:10 PM
lol, turbo FTMFW
Nick, have a look at this intercooler
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Medium-TwinPass-intercooler-76mm-same-side-inlet-and-outlet-/220923517292?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item337011596c
there alot like that if you search 'intercooler twin pass', differnt sizes to suit needs, fits a treat behind the early mk1 grill/bumper, i have one for when i turbo the 1300 in the Sport
Edd
Cheers Edd, Ill take a look!
lol, turbo FTMFW
Hell Aye!
Nick.
krobinson
10-01-12, 07:13 PM
Nick, have a look at this intercooler
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Medium-TwinPass-intercooler-76mm-same-side-inlet-and-outlet-/220923517292?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item337011596c
there alot like that if you search 'intercooler twin pass', differnt sizes to suit needs, fits a treat behind the early mk1 grill/bumper, i have one for when i turbo the 1300 in the Sport
Edd
Good call!
dont change a thing mate looks wise!! Tipton is 20mins from mine and was Bickenlls Vauxhall until it close around 2 years ago!!
staggy_gsi
20-01-12, 02:44 PM
looks an absolutely cracking motor that mate!
brainsnova
20-01-12, 03:03 PM
I'll pop back next year to see it finished / pics lol
This project is now in full swing......... I really need to find some time to upload 100 plus photos! Update coming soon chaps.
Nick.
Novasport
01-05-12, 07:37 PM
Get uploading, we need an update tonight!
matthew172
01-05-12, 07:46 PM
get uploading instead of polishing your wellies
kevster
01-05-12, 07:58 PM
well want pic's nick lol , hope all is well pal.
Jeff16v
01-05-12, 08:11 PM
Project stealth!
On the basis its invisible due to no pics, :)
fearless
01-05-12, 08:12 PM
Keep pressing the 'refresh' button but nothing seems to be happening - must be something wrong with the button :)
SimonTW
01-05-12, 08:17 PM
Great news. Was going to stick a post up asking if you had any updates on it the other day!
Awaits.................... :)
Patience chaps! We move house this week so things are a bit manic at the moment. But a good update with plenty of pics will soon be posted. I just wanted to let you all know even though things have been quiet for a while I have recently being putting some major graft in and the novas looking fantastic for it! Roll on billing! :)
Nick.
Novasport
01-05-12, 10:27 PM
Booo :(
Southie
02-05-12, 02:38 PM
http://www.city-data.com/forum/members/jill61-603505-albums-emoticons-pic59015-rubbing-hands-smiley.gif
Hi chaps,
So time to start an update then! Due to other things happening since I purchased this car I didnt have any major funds that I wanted to spend on it or a huge amount of time available for it either! But a while back I decided that It was about time I made a start....... First things first was to see how well I could bring the original paintwork back to life. I think Brian had tried with various polishes/waxes to keep the car tidy but what It needed was an in depth renovation to remove as much surface scratching/traffic film and so on as possible. Then I would know how little I could get away with painting or not If the case may be this year! After the car was cleaned I degreased It panel by panel to remove as much contamination/old polish/wax and so on as I could. This was followed by clay bar session using a 3m clay bar and soapy water in a squirty bottle to lube the surface at all times when claying..........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip001-6.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip005-8.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/mothersdaymar2012021.jpg
By the time all the claying was complete I could see I had quite a job ahead of me in order to get the paintwork up to scratch. So I made a start wet flatting using 2000/3000 to remove surface scratches and to flat down old touch ups too.........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/mothersdaymar2012032.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/mothersdaymar2012005.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/mothersdaymar2012029.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip010-4.jpg
Good old 2k solid colour!..............
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/mothersdaymar2012001.jpg
This was a painstaking job and took weeks to do but I eventually got it all machined back up with great results.......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/mothersdaymar2012033.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip002-6.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/mothersdaymar2012010.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip007-6.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip005-7.jpg
By the time a three stage machine detail had been carried out I sealed the paintwork and waxed it all up. Badges were removed from the rear and the original dealer plates that were on the car had seen better days so I got some more made up and fitted them to the car........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/mothersdaymar2012028.jpg
And back outside in the sun looking much better...........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/mothersdaymar2012038.jpg
Vlietje
02-05-12, 09:52 PM
Great!!
Looka Amazing Nick! Will you be out in it this summer? :)
Acerliam
02-05-12, 09:54 PM
Looking very shiny mate , Keep it up !
Looking stunning Nick, doesnt look like it will need painting to me there, would you like to come over and do the Antibes for me as it looks better after ive mopped it at the weekend, but nowhere near your standards lol
Jeff16v
02-05-12, 10:02 PM
It's a beautiful example Nick, rare in that condition. Did you run a paint micrometer over it for paint depth and repairs? How did it come out?
A little more..........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/mothersdaymar2012040.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/mothersdaymar2012039.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/mothersdaymar2012037.jpg
Im sure you'll by now have noticed my ebay.de bargain of a euro cluster! £12 shipped!! Once I'd got to this stage I thought It would be wise to paint up a couple of test cards for the carmine red and see how I was fixed using todays waterbase schemes. Sometimes the old school solids can be a pain to match and are not as readily available nowadays so I thought I may be in for a hard time.......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/mothersdaymar2012023.jpg
Doesnt look much in it above does their? But below you can see the clearer better option to go for........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip012-3.jpg
With a good match sorted I started making someplans with my foreman. Now Im sure you can see were this is going but I'll have to leave it at that for tonight! Hopefully more tommorow.
Nick.
That is bloody awesome, well done Sir!
scott.parker
03-05-12, 12:24 AM
Dude i reckon it would be ashame to respray it as its got such good condition body work thats all original and not resprayed..
Looks amazing btw.
Scott
I'd be happy if one of the panels on my car was as good condition as your whole car, definitely got a gooden there nick :thumb:
Southie
03-05-12, 08:18 AM
Wow it's cleaned up brilliant, love red Novas when they DO actually look red, top job Nick.
What wheels have you decided on with this as somehow I don't think the cesaros suit it?
Looka Amazing Nick! Will you be out in it this summer? :)
Thanks John and yes I hope to make it to billing to see you all this year. I Just have loads on thats all but fingers crossed!
Looking stunning Nick, doesnt look like it will need painting to me there, would you like to come over and do the Antibes for me as it looks better after ive mopped it at the weekend, but nowhere near your standards lol
Cheers Spud but I think Ill leave the antibes to you! Going that in depth is a real chore and not something I fancy doing again for sometime. However Im sure you will have done a top job yourself and It'll be looking great anyhow!
It's a beautiful example Nick, rare in that condition. Did you run a paint micrometer over it for paint depth and repairs? How did it come out?
Yes I did Jeff....... The cars paint was completely original apart from some dodgy work just below the rear windscreen on the tailgate Which has since been rectified.
That is bloody awesome, well done Sir!
Thanks fella!
Dude i reckon it would be ashame to respray it as its got such good condition body work thats all original and not resprayed..
Looks amazing btw.
Scott
Yes I agree Scott but......... Some work was needed to better the car and benefit it for future mods. But you'll see that soon enough!
Wow it's cleaned up brilliant, love red Novas when they DO actually look red, top job Nick.
What wheels have you decided on with this as somehow I don't think the cesaros suit it?
It has indeed fella and I agree Im a big fan of red novas myself. Hmmmmmm wheels wheels their is a possibility you read my mind but you'll have to wait and see!
Thanks all for comments!
Nick.
So on with a little more today then........
The engine bay/ancillaries then recieved a similar going over that the outside had. A huge degreasing session on everything I could get my hands to followed by clay bar then compounding via a damp cloth and by hand. This was then also sealed and waxed..... small block novas are so easy to work with as I could get my hands in almost everywere which was a bonus!
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/mothersdaymar2012044.jpg
Then with the bodywork massively improved I turned my attentions elsewere sourcing a low mileage gear linkage. Broke it down and left it to soak in vinegar for a week or so which resulted in it coming out like so........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip011-3.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip168-2.jpg
Works well that old vinegar trick! I finished it with a wire wheel/brushes at work then etched it up and sent it out to Swedge with the nylon bushes for rosejointing. Then with the future conversion in mind I bought this little lot below. Almost new hardly used Gaz coilover set and a built up set of David Dixons equal length shafts with conversions flanges etc. All were degreased and cleaned up before storing as you can see their looking pretty spanking! All were sourced second hand to keep costs down as Id said initially I dont want a huge costly build and dont mind using second hand quality parts as long as their in good condition........
The gaz's came spec'd with 250lb front springs and 180lb rear so Ive ordered some 300lb springs that Ill use for the front and swap the 250's to the rear..........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip166-2.jpg
Also for sometime I had been considering wheel options........ Ive always liked cesaros but with them being only fifteens theyre a little too small for my liking but I was willing to consider fifteens If I could find an uber rare set like speedline mistrals or similar. My thinking was as I want the car to stay almost identical exterior wise to how it is now Id need to add a good set of wheels to make it stand out from the rest with it being so simple looking etc. Then talking to Colin smith a few months ago I hit the jackpot and had these from him.............
6.5J - 16" Raceline RL7's in et49.....
As they'd been rallied the condition wasnt fantastic and all paint was flaking but I had them acid dipped for a bargain of £10 per rim and they came back looking like this...........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip167-2.jpg?t=1336043992
Ive only seen one set of RL7's in 16" on a nova in fifteen years and that was Gary hopes old motor shown below which I think they look fantastic on........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/7bc4b6c6.jpg
Only thing was they wouldnt go under the stock wheel arches so work was required............. More soon!
Nick.
SimonTW
03-05-12, 01:01 PM
Things just got even more interesting!
Where did you get the linkage nylon bush from too please?
Lmf sell them i think
EDIT:
& Nick what intermediate shaft and mount do you plan on using? Astra z20let ones?
Things just got even more interesting!
Where did you get the linkage nylon bush from too please?
Here you go Simon...........
http://www.lmfvauxhall.co.uk/M-Tech-Shift-Shortener-Nylon-Bushes.html
Lmf sell them i think
EDIT:
& Nick what intermediate shaft and mount do you plan on using? Astra z20let ones?
Exactly the same as I ran on my last project fella being the dummy shaft/bracket available from most vauxhalls that ran the c20xe's in the 90's.... Calibra, Astra gsi and so on. Same principle as the zlet item but Im unsure If one would fit or not. where as whats shown below is a direct fit.
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip070-3.jpg?t=1299434324
Stunning stuff Nick
All looks very very nice
Big block then?
Got much planned for the interior?
Think maybe the wheels might looks a little large with the small bumpers tho ? Just imo, but with wheels most peoples opinions are different :)
Edd
matthew172
03-05-12, 06:03 PM
i like it alot
great work as usual nick
your cars are built to such a high standard
cheers stu
Stunning stuff Nick
All looks very very nice
Big block then?
Got much planned for the interior?
Think maybe the wheels might looks a little large with the small bumpers tho ? Just imo, but with wheels most peoples opinions are different :)
Edd
Cheers Edd, Looking at c20tbo which runs 16" mo's with small bumpers I think I'll be ok as long as the stance is right. Interior wise It will always be a complete full interior for this build. Maybe a gte one If I can find one in good enough order so its in keeping with the mk1 theme. That will be later into next year though with other goodies etc.
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/TotalVX39.jpg
i like it alot
Cheers Elvis!
great work as usual nick
your cars are built to such a high standard
cheers stu
Thanks Stu, such a shame to see you sell up! Hopefully not the end of the road for you though.
Nick.
i cant see it being the end of nova's for me nick
i'm always looking!
cheers stu
MARTIN KELSON
03-05-12, 08:24 PM
Whels will look rubbish Nick.
As your a mate i'll take em of your hands so you havent lost out :)
Dude as i've been saying it looks stunning! Awesome work bring the paint back up, wheels will look fantastic!
What colour for the wheels Nick?
kevster
03-05-12, 09:49 PM
I have a complet set of equal length shafts off a calibra nick , what would I have to do to use them on my nova build ??
The car looks stunning pal .
Thanks Kev
I have a complet set of equal length shafts off a calibra nick , what would I have to do to use them on my nova build ??
The car looks stunning pal .
Thanks Kev
The outer shaft needs to be shortened. Cant remember by how much tho..
kevster
03-05-12, 10:10 PM
Oh right thanks Ben , will have to look into it .
Thanks again
Great work Nick :D
Hopefully see it at Billing :)
Great work Nick :D
Hopefully see it at Billing :)
Thanks Si Im quite confident we'll be their as usual.
i cant see it being the end of nova's for me nick
i'm always looking!
cheers stu
Im sure hope It isnt!
Whels will look rubbish Nick.
As your a mate i'll take em of your hands so you havent lost out :)
I thought you may like them!
Dude as i've been saying it looks stunning! Awesome work bring the paint back up, wheels will look fantastic!
Cheers dude!
What colour for the wheels Nick?
You'll see that soon enough John.....
I have a complet set of equal length shafts off a calibra nick , what would I have to do to use them on my nova build ??
The car looks stunning pal .
Thanks Kev
The only shaft you'll use is the intermediate/dummy Kev Id buy a pair of David dixons off ebay and make life easy for yourself fella.
Nick.
Interesting, a build worth watching! what engine are you going for?
Todays update then.........
With all the work that went into detailing the body I really wanted to paint as little as possible to keep the originality of the car and due to the fact my time was very limited over the past few months. But one thing I did want to do was sort the small amount of corrosion on the rear arch lips and repair the bodge work someone had done on the tailgate. So a short while back the nova went to work........
Stands under the beam with wheels ready for coming off.....
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip011-5.jpg
Perfect rear panel........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip012-5.jpg
Then a little stripping and I cut back the area's we were looking to replace........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip016-4.jpg
By the time all the paint was removed you can see their is very little corrosion but I wanted it gone for good so replacement is the only way.......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip017-4.jpg
The other side was very similar however the corrosion was lower down the wheel arch. My foreman arrived soon after and cracked straight on cutting out as smaller area as possible and welding in the new arches........
N/S arch welded in and ground back.......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip019-4.jpg
Followed by the O/S.........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip022-3.jpg
Like the last project the inner return lip has been removed so Its effectively a single skin lower down the quarter. To get some strength back in this area and to give more clearance the lips have been rolled over. But before this happened a metal to metal bonder was applied inside so once the lips were rolled back on themselves inbetween the two surfaces is the bonder that will glue the lip back on itself.
Lips rolled and tapered off at either end for a factory look.......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip021-4.jpg?t=1336126019
As you can see we've fitted as little as possible fresh metal which in my opinion is the way forward when fitting nova arches as you want to also keep the filler work to the flat part of the arches making it much easier to level up perfectly.
On to the filler work then........
O/S arch complete........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip026-4.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip027-3.jpg
N/S arch finished.........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip029-4.jpg
Along the sills were a couple of chips that had slightly started to spider so these areas were sanded to bare metal to be found perfect underneath........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip028-4.jpg
As you'll have read previously the tailagate needed repairing too so that was also sorted whilst filler was going into the arches....
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip024-4.jpg
Car prepared and masked for primer.........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip034-4.jpg
As I mentioned earlier the filler work has been kept to the flat area of the arch below the first swage line. Once primed It leaves you with a lovely flat area to block at which gives you a great chance in getting the surface 100% level and making the new arches invisible which is what were after.
Nick.
Once in the booth stands were back under the rear for easier access and the car was bagged up/masked and degreased ready for etching then high build primering. Foam edge tape was used along edges to keep the primered areas as small as possible and also to stop primer getting on areas I didnt want it........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip038-4.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip039-4.jpg
And a few primed up/guidecoated shots..........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip041-4.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip043-4.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip040-4.jpg
Once the foam tape is removed you can see primer hasnt managed to get into these areas which means you can keep the topcoats contained easier on specific edges giving a much better overall finish once the job is complete.
The morning after the arch lips/sills were scotched and an overpaintable stone guard applied. Ive taken this right up to edge of the sill which is further than the factory area but will give much better protection for the future..........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip045-4.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip047-4.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip049-4.jpg
This type of stoneguard is oil based so it doesnt matter if you get it on areas you dont want to as it washes off with solvent cleaner. I find it much better than gravitex/graviguard as its a lot thicker and has a rubberised texture to it which will be better for reflecting the areas that are going to get battered with stone chipping etc. Thats it for today chaps I hope you enjoyed the read!
Nick.
M Sutton
04-05-12, 01:12 PM
Awesome work as usual! Will be a minter when its done!
SimonTW
04-05-12, 01:21 PM
I'm in awe! Would love to have the skills to do stuff like this!
Great great stuff. It seems only your thread now gets my nova heartbeat going!
NOV4_SPORT
04-05-12, 01:31 PM
Hey nick,
Your updates never disapoint, amazing standard of work as always, a lot of people would have been happy with flattening back the paint a polishing it up, but you wanted it perfect ! Epic work as always nick.
Cant wait to see the car's progress and also see it at billing .
nova_pipi
04-05-12, 06:57 PM
looking good dude, top work as always and the paint works come up loads better just after the sanding that you did, can't wait to see what the rest of your plans turn out like
Novasport
04-05-12, 08:11 PM
This is what makes me wish I was better at doing bodywork as I have difficulty trusting other people to do work to the standard I want. You have shown the high standard your work is at and doing it yourself you know it is 100%
Interesting, a build worth watching! what engine are you going for?
It'll be a c20let and f28 paul.
Awesome work as usual! Will be a minter when its done!
Hopefully fella!
I'm in awe! Would love to have the skills to do stuff like this!
I guess we all have our own abilities! I like some of your work on the mini!
Great great stuff. It seems only your thread now gets my nova heartbeat going!
Get another si you know you want to!
Hey nick,
Your updates never disapoint, amazing standard of work as always, a lot of people would have been happy with flattening back the paint a polishing it up, but you wanted it perfect ! Epic work as always nick.
Cant wait to see the car's progress and also see it at billing .
Cheers Iain and thanks again for your help on the fab work recently!
looking good dude, top work as always and the paint works come up loads better just after the sanding that you did, can't wait to see what the rest of your plans turn out like
Cheers pip! Fingers crossed I can make it into something special.
This is what makes me wish I was better at doing bodywork as I have difficulty trusting other people to do work to the standard I want. You have shown the high standard your work is at and doing it yourself you know it is 100%
Cheers rich! I used to be exactly the same with the mechanical aspect until two guys from work set up on their own. However I still wish I could do more myself!
Nick.
Novasport
04-05-12, 08:54 PM
Ade Culley did a cracking job of the shell as he has a passion for a perfect finish and not just in it for the money. Not sure if he is doing jobs like this anymore though.
There is a lad at work who is a painter in the bodyshop and he is into his cars in a big way, hopefully if his work is spot on I will get him to do the Swing.
I am getting him to paint a new bootlid for the 888 so will see what the standard of his work is like
Novasport
04-05-12, 08:58 PM
Just a quick question on the stone guard, why did you spray it as you did instead of masking off?
Impressive stuff once again!
Ade Culley did a cracking job of the shell as he has a passion for a perfect finish and not just in it for the money. Not sure if he is doing jobs like this anymore though.
There is a lad at work who is a painter in the bodyshop and he is into his cars in a big way, hopefully if his work is spot on I will get him to do the Swing.
I am getting him to paint a new bootlid for the 888 so will see what the standard of his work is like
Yeah test the chap out with a small job then if your happy you know you can trust him with something bigger etc.
Just a quick question on the stone guard, why did you spray it as you did instead of masking off?
I prefer to do it this way as the stoneguard is oil based and can be washed back with solvent cleaner to the exact area you want it. You'll see this with the next update etc.
Nick.
Great work Nick.
I cant believe how well even the original paintwork mopped up!
MARTIN KELSON
04-05-12, 09:56 PM
Ade Culley did a cracking job of the shell as he has a passion for a perfect finish and not just in it for the money. Not sure if he is doing jobs like this anymore though.
He still does small jobs. He painted the wing on my Golf few weeks back.
Garage he works for now he cant do foreigners so its all booked through the garage
krobinson
06-05-12, 03:44 PM
stunning work Nick! This makes me want to get stuck into my mk1.
Joe Richardson
06-05-12, 05:22 PM
lovely work as always nick
Hey guys,
A little update then...............
After demasking from the primer stage I left the car in the booth up on stands for easy access to the inside of the rear arches. This way I could get them etched and sealed up......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip076-4.jpg
A little etch........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip050-4.jpg
Then once that was dry sealer was applied right the way round the inner arch.......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip051-4.jpg
Following this the wheels went back on and it was rolled outside so I could wash back the stoneguard and block the high build repair areas......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip052-4.jpg
Stoneguard washed back to lip and sill edge areas........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip054-3.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip055-3.jpg
Then onto the blocking the tailgate repair......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip058-4.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip059-4.jpg
Then the quarter repairs followed.........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip060-3.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip061-3.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip062-4.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip070-5.jpg
Close up of wheelarch clearance and stoneguarded areas.........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip072-5.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip071-5.jpg
Once I was happy all repairs were completely level I stoppered up a few pinholes and had the car back on stands at the rear for an overpaintable stonguard to be applied over the sealer inside the rear wheel arches.......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip077-4.jpg
Leaving this to dry all was left until the day after. More coming soon!
Nick.
krobinson
06-05-12, 06:38 PM
Win:)
Now as I explained earlier I didnt want to go overboard with what we were doing this year but with my purchase of the 16" wheels and the gaz coilovers which Id like to run pretty low I did think as per my previous builds Id have a problem with front wing clearance. So to combat this I cleaned out the inside of the front arches in preparation for rolling......
Car up on stands and wheels ready for the off........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip086-3.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip085-3.jpg
My foreman then gently rolled the arches over and I got busy preparing the wings for primer...........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip088-3.jpg
As you can see I also bare metalled the arch lip right around the wing to double check for corrosion as I dont want to be re doing any of this next year!
Nice straight/rolled front arches tapered off at either end........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip089-2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip091-3.jpg
From the previous picture you'll also have seen my next port of call being the front valance. I really didnt intend of going this far but as always things tend to grow! It had quite a few chips that had been touched in really badly some of which had tiny spidering so just to make sure no real corrosion was hiding under their I took it back to the bare metal to find as was well......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip090-3.jpg
With the wings and valance prepared back into the booth we went for primer.......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip092-3.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip093-3.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip094-3.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip095-3.jpg
Again I wanted to keep the repair area as small as possible so I used foam edge tape off the first wheel arch swage line.......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip096-3.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip097-3.jpg
Once I'd guidecoated the primer and it was dry the stoneguard was back out on the front and rear edges. Id have done right the way round but theirs hardly any lip to roll off once the front arches are folded!........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip098-3.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip099-3.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip100-2.jpg
From the above pics you can see the primer and stoneguard has been contained which will mean the repaired areas can be coloured afterwards without any need for basecoat to be up near the bonnet or A pillar areas etc.
Nick.
krobinson
06-05-12, 07:26 PM
Great work Nick :)
kevster
06-05-12, 07:27 PM
Nice work nick as always , wish I had your skills .
Great work Nick.
I cant believe how well even the original paintwork mopped up!
Cheers Ad.... You and me both tbh! However once the first panel had come up so well I knew I had to go right round it!
stunning work Nick! This makes me want to get stuck into my mk1.
Im sure you'll be on with it soon enough mate. Wait until other things are out of the way and you can get cracking again. :)
Nice work nick as always , wish I had your skills .
Cheers Kev.......Im always wishing I had other members skills!
Nick.
kevster
06-05-12, 07:58 PM
Wish I had the old red one off you when I had the chance. Instead of getting the ford lol
Nova_Tek
06-05-12, 07:59 PM
Looking sweet. Those Cesaro's look good too.
Looking good dude, lots of arch room now for some real good slam.
Good be another stunning nova.
nova_niek
07-05-12, 12:03 PM
Right, I feel like running off to the loo and intensely love myself for a few minutes. Blimey this thread is amazing! :-D
Jeff16v
07-05-12, 12:19 PM
Looks fantastic Nick, so the arch repair was an actual repair panel or something made specific?
krobinson
07-05-12, 01:06 PM
I hope you're going to absolutely nail this :)
Novasport
07-05-12, 07:09 PM
Nice progress, wish I had the room to get cracking on my red one. There is loads I want to get done to it.
What are you plans for the under floor & under arches? You going for practical finish or perfect finish. I am undecided what to do with mine as it is so good but want to make sure it stays that way without covering it in black underseal.
krobinson
07-05-12, 07:41 PM
From experience I recommend practical. I gave up cleaning mine underneath 3 years ago.
Novasport
07-05-12, 07:54 PM
Maybe Teflon is the future lol
Looking good dude, lots of arch room now for some real good slam.
Good be another stunning nova.
Cheers Benn, fingers crossed eh! parcel will be in the post tommorow.
Right, I feel like running off to the loo and intensely love myself for a few minutes. Blimey this thread is amazing! :-D
Calm your passions Niek! lmao!
Looks fantastic Nick, so the arch repair was an actual repair panel or something made specific?
Yeah proper repair panels Jeff......... not worth making them for the £22 it cost for the panels!
I hope you're going to absolutely nail this :)
Coilovers will be utilised to the full!
Nice progress, wish I had the room to get cracking on my red one. There is loads I want to get done to it.
What are you plans for the under floor & under arches? You going for practical finish or perfect finish. I am undecided what to do with mine as it is so good but want to make sure it stays that way without covering it in black underseal.
Cheers Rich, At the moment Im thinking I will paint the inner arches before billing if I get time for a cleaner look etc. Long term plans do include painting the underside too as Its something I havent done before so would like to.
Nick.
Hey guys,
So whilst I was waiting on things curing on the car I focused my efforts on one or two other sets of parts............... The first of which was the RL7's. Id already decided on my colour scheme sometime ago which was to use the same one off semi matt grey we made up for my last project A6VXL. Now the wheels did come back looking a lot better after Id had them dipped but as they'd been rallied they had some major gravel rash and needed a fair bit of work still. After a bit of sanding/rubbing they were looking pretty good.......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip065-3.jpg
As I said above their was many minor imperfections so I did my best to fill as much as possible........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip015-5.jpg
A few days later I had them all filled/rubbed and ready for paint...........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip067-3.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip066-3.jpg
First up I painted the insides.........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip073-4.jpg
Leaving them like so........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip075-3.jpg?t=1336504919
Then later once Id re rubbed then to remove overspray from the faces the fronts saw the same action.......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip081-3.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip080-4.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip084-3.jpg?t=1336506053
Considering the pretty poor state I recieved them in Im happy with how they've finished up. They're not totally imperfection free but maybe next year Ill re do them and make them perfect. But they still look well so for now they'll be getting fitted. I'd previously had a post up asking for some used 195/40/16 tyres and Graeme came up trumps and dropped me off some dunlop sport jobbies that had hardly been used for a very reasonable price. I've always found previously that the 40 profiles always seem to leave you with much more room that the 45's so Im glad I found some and didnt have to shell out full price for new!
Lastly for this eves.......... whilst I was painting the wheels I had a little room in the booth for a few smaller parts so I got these painted too..........
Drop glass dividers finished in black with matt clear finish....
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip074-4.jpg
And this little lot too also finished in the same grey as the wheels with the same semi matt finish..........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip079-3.jpg
Thats it for this eves chaps more soon!
Nick.
kevster
08-05-12, 08:58 PM
I spend most of my days checking to see if this gets any up dates lol
Nick if you ever need any pj's let me know lol
Great stuff nick.
I'd really really go for a SR 1.5 Front but that'd basically replicate Karl's I guess....!?
LOVE the wheels...
Loving your work again. As said, wheels look great. I like this grey over the bluer grey used on A6.
Proper eye for detail again, very good work. And you gotta paint the under side... I've been looking in to so many different spray waxes to help keep things clean too...
Acerliam
08-05-12, 10:49 PM
Great work mate !
gary_126
09-05-12, 12:09 AM
This is going to loom fantastic! 6.5 x 16 et49 with 195/45/16 tyres cleared the std rear arches on my sri.... just (as i was running alessio 2's in that size, but i suppose the beam mounts tolerance, or lack of it comes into play)
The bodywork done looks great,! For the grey, Is it a matting agent you add to the lacquer? As ive seen them before, but have yet to try them.
Looking good Nick
You should consider a Z18XE turbo ;)
krobinson
09-05-12, 09:33 AM
Love the wheels :)
This is going to loom fantastic! 6.5 x 16 et49 with 195/45/16 tyres cleared the std rear arches on my sri.... just (as i was running alessio 2's in that size, but i suppose the beam mounts tolerance, or lack of it comes into play)
The bodywork done looks great,! For the grey, Is it a matting agent you add to the lacquer? As ive seen them before, but have yet to try them.
The Mk1 rear arches are something like 8mm narrower. I couldn't get Speedlines with 195/45s on at all.
Great stuff nick.
I'd really really go for a SR 1.5 Front but that'd basically replicate Karl's I guess....!?
Thanks Si, I want to keep the early look of this one as I've done all the other styles and in some ways just want something a little different and in keeping with the originality of this car etc. Must be getting old lol!
LOVE the wheels...
Me too! I imagine they'd suit a mk2 better but Im sure they'll look good once its quite low.
Loving your work again. As said, wheels look great. I like this grey over the bluer grey used on A6.
Proper eye for detail again, very good work. And you gotta paint the under side... I've been looking in to so many different spray waxes to help keep things clean too...
Cheers dude, the colour is the same as I used on A6VXL though! Lol. Underside is one for the future though deffo.
Great work mate !
Thanks fella!
Looking good Nick
You should consider a Z18XE turbo ;)
Cheers! I'll be happy with a phase two c20let. If I wanted to go different Id have opted for same as heds with a z20 etc.
This is going to loom fantastic! 6.5 x 16 et49 with 195/45/16 tyres cleared the std rear arches on my sri.... just (as i was running alessio 2's in that size, but i suppose the beam mounts tolerance, or lack of it comes into play)
The bodywork done looks great,! For the grey, Is it a matting agent you add to the lacquer? As ive seen them before, but have yet to try them.
Im unsure on what Si says below but with the 15" cesaros and 45 series tyres they were catching the rear arches over bumps with the lower springs on! So maybe their is some truth in it!
The Mk1 rear arches are something like 8mm narrower. I couldn't get Speedlines with 195/45s on at all.
Ive never heard that before but If you read my reply above I guess their could be some truth to that!
Nick.
scorge01
09-05-12, 09:40 PM
[QUOTE=Nick J;2027762]Me too! I imagine they'd suit a mk2 better but Im sure they'll look good once its quite low.
I think they look good on mk1's aswell pic of one I had :) hope you don't mind
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab268/scorge01/BzIrBQBGkKGrHqMOKjkEN1p4lc5BMUrNR4lw_12-1.jpg
nova_niek
10-05-12, 06:50 AM
Nick, had a conversation with Vlietje (Jeffrey) the other day about fitting tyres to freshly painted alloys as opposed to powder coated alloys. 2K paint is softer than powder coat and more prone to getting damaged when subjected to a tyre fitting machine. How do you go about this? Do you have a proper tyre fitter who understands painted alloys? In my experience, most tyre fitters are utter monkeys and don't care one bit about one's pride and joy...
Nick, had a conversation with Vlietje (Jeffrey) the other day about fitting tyres to freshly painted alloys as opposed to powder coated alloys. 2K paint is softer than powder coat and more prone to getting damaged when subjected to a tyre fitting machine. How do you go about this? Do you have a proper tyre fitter who understands painted alloys? In my experience, most tyre fitters are utter monkeys and don't care one bit about one's pride and joy...
Ive really never had a problem Niek, I leave them a couple of weeks to make sure they've cured properly and use a tyre fitter that I know is considerate. Its even harder with matt finishes as small marks/scratches cant be polished out afterwards!!
Nick.
Come on nick more photo's
I need my nova fix,
I havent got one to look at in my garage no more
g111mds
12-05-12, 12:11 AM
nice work as always Nick.
Come on nick more photo's
I need my nova fix,
I havent got one to look at in my garage no more
lol coming soon mate.........
nice work as always Nick.
Thanks fella........
Update on route chaps...........
Nick.
So on to an update then guys......
Things have been a bit crazy recently as we've just moved house so I didnt even have chance to upload any more pictures until yesterday eves. But here we go......
After the front wings were primed I got the car back out of the booth and blocked the primer level leaving it like so........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip109-4.jpg
The insides on the wings were then treated the same as the insides of the rear wheel arches. Etched and then sealed..........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip105-2.jpg
Once the sealer was dry stonechip was applied over the top...........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip107-2.jpg
Whilst the car was back up in the air I was considering whether or not to stoneguard the whole lower front valance and overpaint it or just to do the lower edge? But as its all in full view I decided that it would look neater just to chipcoat the lower edge so it would look almost stock.........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip106-2.jpg
Then whilst the above was drying I was on with a little something else........
A corner of the front bumper had a little damage so this was sanded and filled with plastic filler to reshape it....
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip103-2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip104-2.jpg
Now I was going to re texture it and find a similar colour to paint the corner in but Ive never really liked textured bare plastic so I made the decision to go smooth. The bumpers were then baked to remove any release agent and then degreased before I hit them with plastic primer.......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip110-4.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip111-3.jpg
The lower valance trims and the badge were also treated to the same ........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip112-4.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip113-2.jpg
Nick.
krobinson
13-05-12, 07:45 PM
Superb!
kevster
13-05-12, 07:51 PM
Well nice bud
I'd love the access to some of the tools/equipment you have :cry:
So you'll be finding a nice smooth grey?
Hey guys,
A little update this eves then.........
After all the primer was flatted I got the car degreased and masked up in the booth. As usual I spent quite a while backmasking so no edges are visible afterwards. As the quarter repairs were kept to a minimal area it allowed me to keep the paint to the swage line instead of doing the full panels. By the time the edge left by the foam tape is flat and polished it will be invisible anyhow. Here it is in the booth almost ready to go...........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip118-3.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip119-2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip114-2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip115-2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip117-3.jpg
Old solid colours like this can be awkward to work with so the idea is to keep the basecoat strictly to repair areas were it was needed and not near adjacent panel edges which cause a colour mismatch etc.........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip124-2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip125-2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip123-2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip121-2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip120-2.jpg
Im really pleased with how its come out as its perfectly straight which was something I was aiming for due to the rest of the car being in such top order. I removed the foam from the swages and left it overnight to airdry. The following morning saw it demasked and edges wiped down.........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip127-2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip126-2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip128-2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip129-2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip132-2.jpg
Nick.
MARTIN KELSON
15-05-12, 08:33 PM
You make me sick Nick :)
So wish i had the skills to do something like that other than working in a boring office all day!
great work as usual nick
such a high standard
does your bodyshop only work on nova's!!!!!!!!
SimonTW
15-05-12, 08:40 PM
Looks great! Looking forward to seeing it all built up with the bumpers on. When are you planning to tackle the engine conversion?
A few more.........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip128-2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip129-2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip130-2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip131-2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip132-2.jpg
After work that evening I flat/polished the paintwork to remove the gun finish and any minor dirt inclusions. Then I turned my attentions back to the bumpers.......
I painted these once only to find they just werent smooth enough as some texture was still visible. The only way to fix this was to rub them down and go again. You can see just how heavy the texture was if you look closely at these pics as Ive rubbed back through the colour coat to the primer in some areas........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip134-3.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip133-3.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip135-2.jpg?t=1336942658
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip137-2.jpg
But after another shot at these I did get the results I was after......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip144-2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip145-2.jpg
I decided to go for black on the badge with a matt finish. I thought silver may look odd with my colour scheme but didnt want everything grey so tried to break it up a little!
Nick.
Novasport
15-05-12, 08:44 PM
Freshly painted shells look great, top job as usual :thumb:
Now you have got the colour match when do you want the Swing for some paint ;):d
M Sutton
15-05-12, 08:46 PM
Lovely!!
Again perfect work are you taking it to billing? And when you put c20 let in?
andybishop
15-05-12, 09:11 PM
Looks stunning mate!!
Southie
15-05-12, 09:18 PM
It's a little naughty really, awesome work as ever Nick :cool:
Awesome stuff Nick
Think ive said it before but id LOVE to have bodywork skills like that
Bumpers look good
Vlietje
15-05-12, 09:42 PM
OMG I've just wetted my pants... This is soooooooo good!
You make me sick Nick :)
So wish i had the skills to do something like that other than working in a boring office all day!
You'll probably laugh at this but some days I so wish I had an office job!!!
great work as usual nick
such a high standard
does your bodyshop only work on nova's!!!!!!!!
Thanks fella.... You know Im actually glad that the only novas we work with are my own! Modern day cars are sometimes so much easier to work with!!
Looks great! Looking forward to seeing it all built up with the bumpers on. When are you planning to tackle the engine conversion?
Cheers Simon..... Hopefully If I can fund it next year will see another motor in.
Freshly painted shells look great, top job as usual :thumb:
Now you have got the colour match when do you want the Swing for some paint ;):d
Cheers Rich, Im sure your paint guy will come up trumps for you however If he needs colour info I can always help with that just give me a shout.
Lovely!!
Cheers!
Again perfect work are you taking it to billing? And when you put c20 let in?
With a bit of luck I will make billing!
Looks stunning mate!!
Cheers mate!
It's a little naughty really, awesome work as ever Nick :cool:
Glad you like fella!
Awesome stuff Nick
Think ive said it before but id LOVE to have bodywork skills like that
Bumpers look good
We all have our specialitys dont we Edd.... Im sure once I get to see yours It wont dissapoint after all the effort you've put in.
Nick.
Rick Draper
15-05-12, 10:56 PM
Looks stunning Nick, what are your plans engine wise?
Sisters Mini is still looking great. Looks so much better with the black roof on it that it did with the white.
krobinson
16-05-12, 04:08 PM
Love it long time!!!
OMG I've just wetted my pants... This is soooooooo good!
Lol, thanks!
Looks stunning Nick, what are your plans engine wise?
Sisters Mini is still looking great. Looks so much better with the black roof on it that it did with the white.
Cheers Rick, Its coming on slowly...... Im guessing your sisters luck has changed with that car as I havent seen it for a while!! Hope she's still enjoying It and you got sorted with your new car ok in the end?
Love it long time!!!
Cheers mate!
Nick.
Jeff16v
16-05-12, 08:48 PM
Superb Nick, I'm learning just watching this progress, so you base coated over the primer area only with a slight overlap (blow in) onto the old red, then lacquer over the entire panel and finish. Do you flat between coats or just lay several base coat then flat the whole base before lacquer?
Pistol Pete
16-05-12, 08:55 PM
Loving your work. As always!!
As always your work is perfect.
Christ that is a fantastic finish. More so as it's out of the gun...
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip121-2.jpg
Superb Nick, I'm learning just watching this progress, so you base coated over the primer area only with a slight overlap (blow in) onto the old red, then lacquer over the entire panel and finish. Do you flat between coats or just lay several base coat then flat the whole base before lacquer?
Thanks Jeff, Im glad your learning a little...... I was beginning to think people would find my thread a bit boring after all this time hence why I wasnt going to bother really! I actually use a tintable surface primer (red in this case) over the top of the grey primer you see in the pictures. The car then saw four coats of red base and two clear over the top of that. As our basecoats are water based we dont flat them unless its absolutely necessary etc. I know a lot of the American resto programes and so on show (colour sanding) which does give great results but their all still on solvent basecoats over their so much easier to do so. But again not really needed in my opinion as similar results can be found by just flat/polishing the clear afterwards.
Loving your work. As always!!
Cheers Pete!
As always your work is perfect.
Christ that is a fantastic finish. More so as it's out of the gun...
Cheers Dude! It did come out well but no better than anyone else's really Its just the pics!
Nick.
As our basecoats are water based we dont flat them unless its absolutely necessary etc. I know a lot of the American resto programes and so on show (colour sanding) which does give great results but their all still on solvent basecoats over their so much easier to do so. But again not really needed in my opinion as similar results can be found by just flat/polishing the clear afterwards.
.
See know i've wondered about this before, as i was tough that you only sand between base coats if you have a prob (run/dirty/hair or something) and then you need to base over it to cover scratches... But then is it cause they are using a direct gloss? Using a really high grade paper, Then lacquer over it?
See know i've wondered about this before, as i was tough that you only sand between base coats if you have a prob (run/dirty/hair or something) and then you need to base over it to cover scratches... But then is it cause they are using a direct gloss? Using a really high grade paper, Then lacquer over it?
Yeah thats pretty much how it is with nowadays paint systems...... Waterbourne bases do not flat easily and can be a pain if you have an imperfection that needs removing. Sometimes its actually easier to clear over and then just repaint later. From what Ive seen on american hotrod and similar they use solvent base and clear or solid colours. Which is why they sometimes apply as much as say ten coats of basecoat as they need the depth not only to achieve opacity but for when they wet flat it all before clearing. Obviously the solid colours are much easier as their a one stage hit and a flat/polish afterwards. Hopefully that makes sense!
Nick.
Fantastic work as always mate.
Jeff16v
18-05-12, 08:06 PM
Thanks Jeff, Im glad your learning a little...... I was beginning to think people would find my thread a bit boring after all this time hence why I wasnt going to bother really! .
I doubt most of us bored of the details you post, I'm planning on re-painting the black one myself next time and the info you post is invaluable.
Jeff
SimonTW
18-05-12, 08:41 PM
I agree with others posting. The information is a great read. You can go more technical if you wish as I'm really interested in the techniques involved! They make a great read!
Nova_Tek
18-05-12, 08:43 PM
Just look gorgeous that... great work.
My NOva was painted with waterbased paint and it was base coat colour first and then lacquer directly on top with no sanding.
matthew172
19-05-12, 12:20 PM
do you want to buy my car? if yes than thats great as a few months of your ownership should see a top notch respray on it then i could just buy it back!! lol
Rick Draper
19-05-12, 01:54 PM
Cheers Rick, Its coming on slowly...... Im guessing your sisters luck has changed with that car as I havent seen it for a while!! Hope she's still enjoying It and you got sorted with your new car ok in the end?
Sister has been avoiding carnage thankfully!
Yep I got a 123D Sport Plus edition Coupe in the end, its brilliant.
Fantastic work as always mate.
Cheers fella!
I doubt most of us bored of the details you post, I'm planning on re-painting the black one myself next time and the info you post is invaluable.
Jeff
I try to keep my posts informative yet not too long and boring! I guess the only way to learn is to be hands on however you've got big balls if you go for it lol.
I agree with others posting. The information is a great read. You can go more technical if you wish as I'm really interested in the techniques involved! They make a great read!
Cheers Simon, I think If I went more technical some wouldnt understand and find it boring. I just try to explain the basic theory behind why I do things the way I do. However I know some would go about things differently but If the end result is the same then so be it. Everyone has their own preference/methods etc.
Just look gorgeous that... great work.
My NOva was painted with waterbased paint and it was base coat colour first and then lacquer directly on top with no sanding.
Cheers!
do you want to buy my car? if yes than thats great as a few months of your ownership should see a top notch respray on it then i could just buy it back!! lol
Theirs only one problem with that........ Id never be able to afford it in the first place lol!
Sister has been avoiding carnage thankfully!
Yep I got a 123D Sport Plus edition Coupe in the end, its brilliant.
Nice choice Rick, Glad alls well!
Nick.
staggy_gsi
19-05-12, 06:32 PM
awesome work mate, as usual. looking forward to seeing it in the flesh sometime
Hey guys,
This eves update then.......
After all flat and polishing was complete the car literally went back together within a few hours. The rear screen went in and the tailgate was built up followed by doors,wings and later I got the bumpers back on. Here's a few shots.......
Front.......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip149-2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip150-1.jpg
And the rear.........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip148-2.jpg
In the meantime Graeme had dropped my 195/40 tyres off so I left these with my local tyre fitters to be built up onto the RL7's. That eves I had the rear of the car up on stands waxoiling the insides of the quarters so thought It would be an ideal opportunity to see how one looked........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip171-2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip172-2.jpg
The morning after I still had some paint to complete being the wing mirror covers,petrol flap,no plate light and front toe eye cover to complete all the grey plastics. Once they were back in place I really needed to get the car cleaned as it was a mess and covered in allsorts. So I bolted the rest of the new wheels on and then a good jetwash was in order......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip153-2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip158-1.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip155-2.jpg
Later once Id got it clean and dry I spent the afternoon sealing,polishing and waxing the paintwork to great effect. Here are some shots........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip160-2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip161-2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip162-2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip164-2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip165-2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip163-2.jpg
I was really pleased with how it was now looking...... All the grey plastics were now smooth and the same colour as well as the wheels. Which I also think look really well. I know Its still a bit high at the moment but once the Gaz coilovers/eccentric topmounts are fitted we should see a change to that.
Nick.
sparkie1401
19-05-12, 07:53 PM
hi Nick, hope you r well
bit out of touch here n im watching the footy, is the red one your new everyday run about? looks tidy
what colour are the rims?
Looking good I bet your pleased with it? What the plan next with it?
A few more parts had recently turned up too........
Rose joint linkage with nylon bushes fitted came back from Swedge. I dont really see the point in fitting this at the moment so Its gone off to Benn who's going to shorten the necessary part of it as needed for the let/F28 conversion etc.....
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip-2.jpg
Once I get it back I'll strip and paint it etc. A few more parts were the Rose joint tie bar brackets and spacer kit........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip174-2.jpg
And lastly I purchased one of the small pipercross filters that quite a few use on the let conversions due to their small size and great fit. I used one on A6VXL and they dont take over the engine bay like some of the larger filters so thought It would be a good buy for what they cost......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip175-2.jpg
Lastly as some of you know we've now actually moved house! Its been rather tiring but one benefit is the nova now has a much better home......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip178-1.jpg
I have had many more parts arrive recently including the vast majority of conversion parts however many are in storage at various family members homes due to our move so no pics yet but these will follow later. Were now almost up to date so I hope you like how Its coming on and hopefully I'll have more updates soon!
Nick.
krobinson
19-05-12, 08:41 PM
Looking good Nick! Garage looks a lovely size too :)
fearless
19-05-12, 08:48 PM
Get them coil overs on - I want to see it slammed !!!
krobinson
19-05-12, 09:05 PM
It needs to be lower than shagging your own sister!
Looking good Nick! Garage looks a lovely size too :)
Yeah Its pretty good.... perfect for nova!
Get them coil overs on - I want to see it slammed !!!
Thats the plan!
It needs to be lower than shagging your own sister!
Lmfao!!
Nick.
Southie
19-05-12, 09:13 PM
Lovely job Nick, the wheels do look odd with it not lowered but will undoubtably look the business once dropped and the LET is in the bay ;)
The question is are you going to keep this one though? I know with every build your Novas get better and better but surely it's got to end one day with your perfect motor lol
dannymcc
19-05-12, 09:18 PM
That looks absolutley fantastic! Well done. :thumb:
Acerliam
19-05-12, 09:29 PM
Great work mate !
Stunning Nick
Surely this is a keeper ? lol
Jeff16v
19-05-12, 09:40 PM
And lastly I purchased one of the small pipercross filters that quite a few use on the let conversions due to their small size and great fit. I used one on A6VXL and they dont take over the engine bay like some of the larger filters so thought It would be a good buy for what they cost......
I need one of them, any chance of letting me know the part no?
Lovely big garage there dude. You want that all painted too soon.
hi Nick, hope you r well
bit out of touch here n im watching the footy, is the red one your new everyday run about? looks tidy
what colour are the rims?
Thanks but Ill never have a nova as a daily again as I dont have the stomach for it nowadays.... gone are the days I want to bounce down the road! Only occasionally now lol. Wheels and exterior plastics are a custom grey with semi matt clear on top.
Looking good I bet your pleased with it? What the plan next with it?
Hi and yes Im pleased with what Ive achieved so far..... Early june should see the Gaz suspension/eccentric topmounts and Bigger brakes/servo on the front. New rear brakes and painted inner arches will hopefully follow before billing If I get chance. I have other goodies waiting but we'll see what happens!
Lovely job Nick, the wheels do look odd with it not lowered but will undoubtably look the business once dropped and the LET is in the bay ;)
The question is are you going to keep this one though? I know with every build your Novas get better and better but surely it's got to end one day with your perfect motor lol
Cheers Southie..... Its actually has 60/80 springs fitted at the moment! But Im sure It'll look much better with the new suspension on. Im confident this car will be a keeper as Im really happy with it.
That looks absolutley fantastic! Well done. :thumb:
Cheers fella!
Great work mate !
Thanks mate!
Stunning Nick
Surely this is a keeper ? lol
Hey Edd and thanks. As above yes I do plan on this one being a keeper. Ive never owned a nova as original and In such cracking condition as this one so I doubt Id ever find one as good If I did sell.
I need one of them, any chance of letting me know the part no?
Of course Jeff, Once Ive dug the box out I'll let you know.
Lovely big garage there dude. You want that all painted too soon.
Cheers dude, Its much better than my old prefab at our previous house so Im very happy with it. Once I get chance I'll have it painted up and some more lighting fitted etc.
awesome work mate, as usual. looking forward to seeing it in the flesh sometime
Sure I'll see you at a meet sometime fella If us N east chaps ever have another that is!!
Nick.
So onto a little update then as its been a while. Here's how its currently looking wih some new additions and a little more graft........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip198-2.jpg
Sometime ago I purchased some rebuilt v6 calipers/meriva disc combo from Mike. I got cracking taking apart the calipers before nitromorsing them to later prep,prime and paint them in carmine red. The discs centres/edges were cleaned, prepared then primed before being finished in silver. Id also acquired an excellent gsi servo and some goodridge braided flex hoses to much improve the front brake setup. Cosmetically some black receline decals have also been added to the wheels heres how it all looks.......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip194-2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip196-2.jpg
With the front brakes sorted I ordered new for the rear all round. Drums were finished in the same colour/finish as used throughout........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip195-2.jpg
Inside the car has seen an omp boss/seude steering wheel added as well as an ebay bargain (£30) alpine cd player so Im now able to play my cd's which is a bonus! Period stereos suck!........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip197-2.jpg
Lastly I've been thinking for a while what to do to freshen up under the bonnet. Here's what I came up with........
Wiper motor/backplate,gsi servo and bailey header painted up and fitted......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip191-2.jpg
Then I decided to do the airbox,dizzy cap,dipstick and filler cap grey too. To compliment these the rocker cover was painted up in carmine red......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip190-2.jpg
Heres how the bay looks on the whole now........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip193-2.jpg
Im quite pleased how its looking now. It may be sometime until I can fund the conversion so I thought It may as well look tidy until then! More soon.
Nick.
Wheels and brakes look great, will you be running a center cap? Bay looks tidy.
matthew172
27-06-12, 10:02 PM
wheels look the bollox but u have copied me on the wheel bolts flol
Vlietje
27-06-12, 10:04 PM
wheels look the bollox but u have copied me on the wheel bolts flol
Scrolling through your thread I was waiting for that comment... lol
steering wheel is the nuts! What you doing suspension wise then if you're selling the gaz? :)
Wheels and brakes look great, will you be running a center cap? Bay looks tidy.
The wheels were rally issue so didnt come with centres. I know from last time I tried their is little to no chance in finding a set unfortunately. Bay looks cracking in the flesh its my poor pics that dont show It very well thats all!
wheels look the bollox but u have copied me on the wheel bolts flol
Lol.
Scrolling through your thread I was waiting for that comment... lol
If only I had the cash these cumbrian farmers had I maybe able to copy some of his larger purchases! lol
steering wheel is the nuts! What you doing suspension wise then if you're selling the gaz? :)
Cheers John, I really like the wheel as Its much better than the stock bus item! The gaz kit is sold so a replacement kit will be on route shortly keep your eyes peeled!
Looking the nuts so tidy
Thanks fella.
Nick.
Didn't someone like Martin use Mo ones or RX ones?
dannymcc
27-06-12, 10:51 PM
Looking great Nick, love your attention to detail. How are you finding the 16's driving wise with the 1.0 engine?
davidfox280585
27-06-12, 10:55 PM
Awesome work on this nick,I appreciate how much time and effort you put into your cars, I do not know how you find the motivation buddy
the usual very high standard nick,
you have to much spare time on your hands!
Acerliam
27-06-12, 11:10 PM
Looks great mate, what grey is that mate
NOV4_SPORT
28-06-12, 09:39 AM
Looking really good nick attention to detail as always really like the wheels and engine bay detailing mate.
Can't wait to see it in the flesh so to speak
Iain
M Sutton
28-06-12, 11:18 AM
Looks awesome!! Cant believe how clean it is!
Didn't someone like Martin use Mo ones or RX ones?
The wheels on Martins car are my old ones! They actually had the caps supplied months after me buying them as the previous owner couldnt find them initially. I tried everything at the time to get hold of some to no avail. Not that fussed though If Im honest as I feel the wheels look great regardless.
Looks amazing Nick.
Cheers Si.
Looking great Nick, love your attention to detail. How are you finding the 16's driving wise with the 1.0 engine?
Thanks Danny, If Im honest I couldnt really say as Ive hardly driven it!!
Awesome work on this nick,I appreciate how much time and effort you put into your cars, I do not know how you find the motivation buddy
Cheers David, Its hard sometimes but ambition wins me over! I dont think Ill stop with this one until its at a similar level as my previous efforts which is way off yet.
the usual very high standard nick,
you have to much spare time on your hands!
Thanks and I wish I did!!!
Looks great mate, what grey is that mate
Cheers Liam, The grey is actually a custom mix base using a custom clear too.
Looking really good nick attention to detail as always really like the wheels and engine bay detailing mate.
Can't wait to see it in the flesh so to speak
Iain
Cheers fella and likewise with your own project!!
Looks awesome!! Cant believe how clean it is!
Thanks and yes the shell is practically unbeatable for a nova nowadays when it comes to clenliness/originality.
Nick.
Long overdue update coming soon...........
Nick.
M Sutton
08-12-12, 08:52 PM
Looking forward to it!
looking forward to see what you've been up to Nick
NOV4_SPORT
09-12-12, 09:41 AM
Update !!!!!!!!!
If you still have the RL7's Nick you can get centre caps for them. I did.
I have a number here somewhere. It was for Speedline, but they were proper Raceline caps. Plain black plastic, domed type.
I too am looking forward to an update!
tahir868
09-12-12, 11:44 AM
Looking forward to seeing what you have done :thumb:
JASON CAINS76
09-12-12, 03:45 PM
Come on Nick you are just teasing
matthew172
09-12-12, 06:38 PM
come on farmer boy, update instead of spending every night rustling peoples sheep ffs
staggy_gsi
14-12-12, 09:54 PM
Nick, whats your idea of 'soon'? Lol you have everyone in suspense here!!
LEWI007
14-12-12, 11:26 PM
^ +1
Sorry guys I've been very busy of late.......... When I get chance I will take a few pics and update a little further.
Nick.
And can i just add, i know from personal experience, that twenty people saying 'bump' or 'any updates' or just needling the OP for LOLs and rofls, isnt particularly amusing after the first few have done it, you come back to your thread to find two more pages of people asking the same thing, just with a a few different smileys on their post each time!
So can we calm down guys, i removed my wip thread at one point because of this as it makes you not want to update it!
Im sure Nick has some new enthusiasm after last weekend when i took him and Joe for a little squirt in my xe, so be patient peeps :thumb:
Nick, send me the pics and i'll update for you..lol
matthew172
15-12-12, 10:36 AM
im getting angry now
ive just (well friday to now) read the whole of this thread and i must say you are absolutly awsome at what you do these cars are an utter credit to you and i hope you dont sell this mk1 its awsome.
rick
matthew172
23-12-12, 08:01 PM
think he must have already sold it as no updates, he probs bought a rover
Hi guys,
My apologies Its been a while but Ive either been really busy or the weathers been too poor to take photos of what little I had achieved! I started a new job a while back which has kept me busy 7 days some weeks so nova time has been little to none for months! The purchase of a new daily also severely zapped project funds too but I am a little further on with the project so I'll update with what I have. After trial fitting the last Gaz suspension kit I bought we realised the kit wouldnt run as low as Id like without practically running on the bump stops. So after speaking with a few who run the Gaz short bodied ultra low kit with higher poundage 9" springs and hearing how much nicer they ride I made the decision to speak to Gaz direct and order the said kit with 300lb springs throughout. Once that arrived It was fitted with compbrake roller bearing top mounts. The inside rear arches had already been modified from when the first kit was fitted so It was pretty straight forward but once back on the floor I noticed the 195/40 dunlops were incredibly close to the already folded rear arches this was due to the side walls of the dunlops having a large rim protector that sticks right out! Although they didnt rub I think If I had a car full of passengers then their would of been a possibility of It so I changed back to the old faithful combo of Toyo 195/40 which now gives a few extra mil clearance. Here's how it now sits........
Front.........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip253-2.jpg?t=1357402394
And the rear.......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip251-2.jpg?t=1357402410
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip252-2.jpg?t=1357402399
Nice topmount kit shot.......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip271-3.jpg
I'm happy with the front staying as they are however I may go for just a little more of a drop on the rear yet. Once the edge of the tyre rim protector is up and under the edge of the wheel arch due to my rear arches being single skinned/folded it looks like their will actually be even more clearance between the tyre and arch If we lower the rear a little more etc.
Also a little while back I decided Id like an interior change. I wanted something that sort of represented the cars age/eira however Im really not a fan of the burberry or sport trims so thought a gte interior would suit rather well? After putting a wanted advert up Edd got in touch to offer a mint interior he had stashed away a deal was later done and up North it came. I had a valeter from work give it a real good going over with fantastic results and later trial fitted it........
"Mint" and I mean "Mint" rainbow sr trim and genuine rubber mat set from the 2k mk2 I sold on sometime back........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip259-2.jpg?t=1357402379
Now I didnt actually realise until it turned up that this trim used a 60/40 rear split bench so I wasnt ready for it but got it in for mocking up purposes.....
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip243-2.jpg?t=1357402200
I later sourced the rear seat brackets from a gsi project of Phil lofthouses who wouldnt be needing them. Big thanks to Phil who relieved his shell of the needed parts of floor section that the brackets were on! I had one of the panel guys from work very neatly seperate the brackets from the floor section so they could easily be re used. I then cleaned them up and painted them in carmine red. Now as many of you know the rear bracket can be easily bolted in but the front one needs to be fitted via weld/rivets or run completely without the front bracket as Ive seen some do in the past. However I wanted it to be done neatly and properly so thought out my options and one of the guys from work came up with idea of using a proper 2k adhesive bonder to effectively glue it down. Now I know this may sound dodgy but the product we used is the same gear we've been using to fit Bmw roofskins/quarter panels for years and it sets like concrete and is the official repair method/product so Im sure it would suit a bracket that doeant really take any load. So with the rear seats in position I could mock up exactly were the front bracket needed to be marked it out and rubbed this area back to bare metal. The rear of the bracket was treated to the same and the next time we had a car in for a quarter I used a little left over product to glue the front and rear brackets into position and left a heavy weight on the front one overnight so it didnt move. With the brackets succesfully in place the only last thing to sort was a smaller bracket that sits in the centre/left of the rear bench area. This sticks up and prevents the rear bench sitting down fully as you can see in the picture above on the left side. To fix this I cut the top off it then ground/sanded the remainder until it was flush with the floor and finished by re painting it. Below you can see how they look........
Front bracket.......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip262-2.jpg
And the rear which was glued as well as bolted. The smaller bracket is the one which I mentioned I trimmed flush so the seats sit down perfect etc.....
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip263-2.jpg
With the above sorted I could then re install the rear seats properly for the final time.......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip260-2.jpg
I also found their was no need to trim the carpet around the bracket as It will neatly sit under it without sticking out so didnt bother. All thats needed now is another bracket cover which is on the way as I already have one (cheers to Rich for that!) Then I can pop the screws in and clip the covers on to finish the job!
Whilst on with the above I also had this F28 6 speed with quaife/2wd arrive.......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip265-2.jpg
Id also spoke with Shaun last year who cut me out the basic shape of a scuttle cover from his template. I wanted another of these due to their great fit so once it arrived we measured up/cut the hinge slots. I then added a thick sound deadening pad on the underside over were the battery sits and painted it. Heres how the engine bay looks with that added.......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip270-3.jpg
Lastly for today then..... I always like how some subtle or small touches can make a car unique or even ledgendary in some cases. With that in mind I came across something a while back and decided even though Its early project days I didnt want It to be unavailable at a later date so had an impulse buy! ............
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip247-2.jpg
With It having a 'D' prefix which I wanted to retain for its original age to show and then obviously 20 TBO for 2.0 Turbo which one day it will have I thought It would look great. I would have rather bought it at a later day once the project was complete but their was no guarantee It would still be available. Its also cheaper to put the plate on the car as oppose to retention so Its now legally changed over. D20TBO is born chaps! Heres how Its looking on the whole........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip267-3.jpg?t=1357402336
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip266-2.jpg?t=1357402342
Then tucked back up for now......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/nj_photo/novaturbowip272-2.jpg
Hope you've enjoyed the brief update! Next up is an engine purchase which no doubt will be a c20let. However people keep trying to tempt me with the Vxr's z20leh idea! Im just unsure if I want to have the additional cost of a custom Loom and aftermarket management to run one. But we'll see what happens! Oh and big thanks to those who have helped with parts so far!
Nick.
Looking very good them seats are so mint I bet your pleased with how whole car looks c20 let would be best as I think it would suit car so well
kent14sr
05-01-13, 06:58 PM
Another stunning build in the making!!!
may only be a small update but is always a quality one, nice work.
whats the scuttle cover made out of?
The car looks fantastic, The use of glue for the seats is a nice touch, when a friend told me a while back that on his training for using the glue that it's far better than welding new panels onto a car,
On a side note I think the 1.0 engine looks so retro in there lol
scorge01
05-01-13, 07:42 PM
Looking awsome mate is there much more to do apart from engine an finishing touches?
ive just (well friday to now) read the whole of this thread and i must say you are absolutly awsome at what you do these cars are an utter credit to you and i hope you dont sell this mk1 its awsome.
rick
Cheers fella Its always good to hear nice comments... Glad you enjoyed the read!
Looking very good them seats are so mint I bet your pleased with how whole car looks c20 let would be best as I think it would suit car so well
We'll see what happens motor wise.... and yes Im very happy with the seats!
Another stunning build in the making!!!
Thankyou!
may only be a small update but is always a quality one, nice work.
whats the scuttle cover made out of?
Cheers! Unsure on the scuttle but once shaun comes online Im sure he may gen you up.
The car looks fantastic, The use of glue for the seats is a nice touch, when a friend told me a while back that on his training for using the glue that it's far better than welding new panels onto a car,
On a side note I think the 1.0 engine looks so retro in there lol
Thanks fella....... Yeah the adhesive is an epic product and made the job quite easy! Bare metal surfaces, degrease and stick!
Looking awsome mate is there much more to do apart from engine an finishing touches?
Cheers dude........ Exterior and Interior and 95% finished now as it has the look I want outside and the functional but tidy trim on the inside which is just what Im after from this build. Just under the bonnet that will change from now on.
Nick.
Novasport
05-01-13, 07:52 PM
Looking good. What was the job change? Are you still with BMW?
By the way If anyone wants the old interior I still have it but dont hang about as It will be skipped very soon!
Nick.
Looking good. What was the job change? Are you still with BMW?
Cheers and yes Rich still with the brand just another local dealer.
Nick.
Novasport
05-01-13, 08:12 PM
Nice one, I still miss the brand. Just a pity that the Management and the company that run the dealer I worked for are a bunch of dicks.
The other BMW dealers aroun here are too far to travel otherwise I would be back with the brand like a shot.
I see you have a 118d, what have you got, an M-Sport?
The missus loves her Coupe
Awesome Nick! (Lower!) :)
All looks very nice Nick
Glad your happy with the seats, I did say they were mint mint lol they suit the car nicely
What engine plans you got for the future?
Edd
M Sutton
05-01-13, 08:26 PM
Love it, looks lovely!! Will be awesome with a bigger engine in and the plate will compliment it well ;)
NathanKirkpatrick
05-01-13, 08:34 PM
Thats just fantastic lookin :)
Nick just a quick question are they the GAZ GHA's? ive got a set of them and im just wondering would i have to change the springs to get my nova as low as yours?
Southie
05-01-13, 08:46 PM
Happy New Year Nick, this is bound to be a build to remember for 2013, nice as well to get a numberplate for everyone to remember it by for the future :d
tahir868
05-01-13, 09:17 PM
That is looking awesome, and them seats are like brand new!! Keep the updates coming :thumb:
Nice one, I still miss the brand. Just a pity that the Management and the company that run the dealer I worked for are a bunch of dicks.
The other BMW dealers aroun here are too far to travel otherwise I would be back with the brand like a shot.
I see you have a 118d, what have you got, an M-Sport?
The missus loves her Coupe
The brand isn't all it's cracked up to be is it! At the end of the day it's just another garage with a different sign above the door. The company that own our dealership however are good to work for and have their fair share of good points so not all bad. We've bought a 118d se as the m sports within our budget were rough as hell or had mahoosive miles. I have however acquired a full m sport kit and 2 genuine 18" rims so two more and it's getting a facelift! Lol
Awesome Nick! (Lower!) :)
Cheers John!
All looks very nice Nick
Glad your happy with the seats, I did say they were mint mint lol they suit the car nicely
What engine plans you got for the future?
Edd
Cheers Edd, you always come to my rescue with your parts stash! You must read again as engine plans are stated!
Thats just fantastic lookin :)
Nick just a quick question are they the GAZ GHA's? ive got a set of them and im just wondering would i have to change the springs to get my nova as low as yours?
You would need the short bodied ultra low coil over kit which uses 9" springs fella. Rather pricey though!
Happy New Year Nick, this is bound to be a build to remember for 2013, nice as well to get a numberplate for everyone to remember it by for the future :d
Same to you and family mate! I hope time will turn it into another quality project etc.
That is looking awesome, and them seats are like brand new!! Keep the updates coming :thumb:
Cheers fella.... I see your acquiring more tasty parts for your own project! Stick with it as one day it'll all be worth it!
Nick.
Novasport
05-01-13, 10:20 PM
I have a spare rear M-Sport rim(17"). Mint condition & straight just a slight kerb mark on it. I bought her a new wheel because I am fussy.
I have a spare rear M-Sport rim(17"). Mint condition & straight just a slight kerb mark on it. I bought her a new wheel because I am fussy.
Thanks Rich, however I was just editing my post.... The wheels I have are the 18" option set cheers though!
Nick.
Novasport
05-01-13, 10:27 PM
OK, no probs. You best get saving for the tyres! I am glad the missus had 17's, still cost nearly £600 for four Michelins with my discounts.
davidfox280585
05-01-13, 10:28 PM
stunning as always nick
Rick Draper
05-01-13, 10:36 PM
That looks bloody stunning Nick.
matthew172
06-01-13, 01:21 AM
looks tidy that does mate
Kev Turbo
06-01-13, 06:16 AM
Well done Nick, great work as always!
Hello mate
Car looking's cracking already mate,gonna be yet another stunning car,reckon this ones gonna be the vest one yet,keep it up mate
Cheers
Tony
Funk me dude shes looking great, the ride height is just right, loving the ruck on the rear. Glad you got the Gaz set up all sorted, top mounts look very sexy.
Loving the seats! They look awesome.
Whole car is looking fantastic!
kevster
06-01-13, 09:20 AM
Well nick the nova look's amazing, so clean and crisp .
blue_peg_16v
06-01-13, 09:31 AM
Looks awesome mate can't wait to see it in the flesh
Also think Phil may be at a few more events next year so should be a good laugh
OK, no probs. You best get saving for the tyres! I am glad the missus had 17's, still cost nearly £600 for four Michelins with my discounts.
I know I'm hoping I can slowly come across a few spares!
stunning as always nick
Cheers dave..... Gutted to see you breaking the s1!
That looks bloody stunning Nick.
Cheers Rick, good to see you online! Have a word in your pals ear and tell him to sell me his motor!
looks tidy that does mate
Cheers farmer hope your happy now lol!
Well done Nick, great work as always!
Thanks Kev!
Hello mate
Car looking's cracking already mate,gonna be yet another stunning car,reckon this ones gonna be the vest one yet,keep it up mate
Cheers
Tony
Cheers Tony, I will drop you a pm soon mate.
Funk me dude shes looking great, the ride height is just right, loving the ruck on the rear. Glad you got the Gaz set up all sorted, top mounts look very sexy.
Loving the seats! They look awesome.
Whole car is looking fantastic!
Ah cheers dude! Thanks for the help with the gaz by the way between you and Keith we got it sorted!
Well nick the nova look's amazing, so clean and crisp .
Cheers Kev!
Nick.
Any time dude you know that. Always here to help.
Looks awesome mate can't wait to see it in the flesh
Also think Phil may be at a few more events next year so should be a good laugh
Thanks Rich, be good for phil to have yella peg back out at a show. I think he did them for that many years he's not fussed anymore and gets his kicks from the strip/track days etc. Always good to get together and have a beer though. I prefer that to looking at the cars nowadays!
Nick.
krobinson
06-01-13, 02:23 PM
Love it Nick, looking stunning as always!
blue_peg_16v
06-01-13, 04:17 PM
Yeah think the beer will be flowing freely again lol
Dave isn't breaking the s1! But ill leave what he is doing to him
peester
06-01-13, 04:41 PM
Super top tidy work, as echo'd..
With the aftermarket management mentioned with z20let/h engine choice - or indeed on a c20let; would give you a power gaining modification, trendy gimmicks and useful extra features, maybe more reliablity - as mapping can be more precise than off shelf chips, over std. tired old o.e management..?
Not to mention the custom loom can be super tidy, hidden etc; to keep to your usual standards of work.. An all new, safe, fit n forget wiring loom.
Love it Nick, looking stunning as always!
Cheers Keith!
Yeah think the beer will be flowing freely again lol
Dave isn't breaking the s1! But ill leave what he is doing to him
Oh ok I saw the shell for sale and presumed he was breaking. Lets hope he comes back with something even better (4wd?)
Super top tidy work, as echo'd..
With the aftermarket management mentioned with z20let/h engine choice - or indeed on a c20let; would give you a power gaining modification, trendy gimmicks and useful extra features, maybe more reliablity - as mapping can be more precise than off shelf chips, over std. tired old o.e management..?
Not to mention the custom loom can be super tidy, hidden etc; to keep to your usual standards of work.. An all new, safe, fit n forget wiring loom.
Cheers fella....... Yeah I know exactly what your saying. I wouldn't use a custom loom/ecu with a Clet although I understand the advantages but for what I'm after (phase 2/3 spec) I feel it's not needed as if set up correctly and monitored via wideband it should be fine. The zleh route could be a good idea and should be safer on aftermarket management due to it being able to be carefully mapped however it's still uncharted territory apart from a select few and I wouldn't want to open a tin of worms that involved huge costs as I will stick to a very sensible budget regardless. It would make the car rather unique though which would nice but I think it would double the costs involved...... A rebuild forged Clet with a hybrid turbo,phase software and maybe even a good spec Coscast could come in second hand for 1500 easily nowadays. A zleh looking at prices would be approx 1700 plus say 1000 for loom and management then mapping on top too. I have heard it can be done on stock zlet management too but whats involved with the wiring im unsure. But I have plenty of time to think about it so we'll see what happens.
Nick.
staggy_gsi
06-01-13, 05:42 PM
Fantastic work as always Nick!
black death
06-01-13, 07:40 PM
Nice job mate good to see so many novas geting what they deserve.instead of looking like they just crashed threw halfords.
stu
Fantastic work as always Nick!
Nice job mate good to see so many novas geting what they deserve.instead of looking like they just crashed threw halfords.
stu
Cheers guys!
Nick.
therealnovaboy
07-01-13, 06:53 PM
wow. looks cool as bits.
Sorry to hear its going big block really eith such a clean and standard look.
Will you be able to hide the inter cooler with that front bumper?
maddogdaz666
07-01-13, 07:10 PM
Looking very nice nick!
wow. looks cool as bits.
Sorry to hear its going big block really eith such a clean and standard look.
Will you be able to hide the inter cooler with that front bumper?
Yes custom rad/cooler setup should go behind without any issues hopefully!
Looking very nice nick!
Cheers Daz!
Nick.
Looks fantastic Nick :) Absolutely love the Racelines in that grey.
Just to echo what you said on the 2 pack adhesive and maybe inspire some more confidence! Adhesives nowadays are incredibly useful and stronger than mechanical fixings in many cases, there are composite strips and adhesives I know of holding up a failing stone bridge in Oxford, and you also won't see rivets on modern jumbo jets or fighter planes, the panels are glued on!! Done properly I'm sure those brackets would even hold up to an accident with luggage in the boot better than the original spot welds.
Plate certainly sets it apart, which isn't something I say often as I'm not normally a fan of private plates! Possibly a pointer towards this being your most impressive project yet too?
Oh my word, how did i miss your update now youve finally put it up lol
Thats some impressive work, it only took a passenger ride in mine to make you finally crack on then, coming out again next meet, might end up with you sourcing a lump and getting started on fitting :p
Looks fantastic Nick :) Absolutely love the Racelines in that grey.
Just to echo what you said on the 2 pack adhesive and maybe inspire some more confidence! Adhesives nowadays are incredibly useful and stronger than mechanical fixings in many cases, there are composite strips and adhesives I know of holding up a failing stone bridge in Oxford, and you also won't see rivets on modern jumbo jets or fighter planes, the panels are glued on!! Done properly I'm sure those brackets would even hold up to an accident with luggage in the boot better than the original spot welds.
Plate certainly sets it apart, which isn't something I say often as I'm not normally a fan of private plates! Possibly a pointer towards this being your most impressive project yet too?
Thanks fella and yeah I'm confident with the adhesive as we've been using it with great success for years now so I'm sure it will be absolutely fine. On the plate note I just thought it would be a nice touch! Surpassing what I did with A6VXL will be a task in itself but I'm taking my time so hopefully it will come together in the end as a well built example. I have many ideas so we'll see how they pan out!
Oh my word, how did i miss your update now youve finally put it up lol
Thats some impressive work, it only took a passenger ride in mine to make you finally crack on then, coming out again next meet, might end up with you sourcing a lump and getting started on fitting :p
Cheers spud! Yeah it did push me on a little.....It feels like ages since I was behind the wheel of a big block nova and forgot how much fun they can be!
Nick.
Good to hear i gave you a little nudge in the right direction then Nick, i cant wait to see the way this turns out, will be epic no matter what :thumb:
Be nice to see a ZLET engine in it IMO Nick, 99% sure if you use a early mk4 Astra Coupe ZLET engine loom you don't have all the grief with management etc, use the standard one
Novasport
09-01-13, 08:36 PM
Edd, recommending a Z20LET lol lol.
I love the Z20LET in my Coupe, it's a very torquey smooth engine as standard.
Good to hear i gave you a little nudge in the right direction then Nick, i cant wait to see the way this turns out, will be epic no matter what :thumb:
Lets hope I don't disappoint you all lol!
Be nice to see a ZLET engine in it IMO Nick, 99% sure if you use a early mk4 Astra Coupe ZLET engine loom you don't have all the grief with management etc, use the standard one
Lol at you recommending a zlet! I wouldnt actually do a zlet it would have to be a zleh as they don't have the balancer shafts and so on that cause the bottom end bother and suppose to be a stronger engine so I've read. I've also heard zlet management can be used but unsure if it will run an leh? I know lomas uses zlet management to run his c20let so guess it may well be possible. Thing is this project isn't about pushing barriers or breaking a sensible budget which I think may happen if I go down that route as theirs too many unknowns. I will be more than happy with a c20 truth be told. Andy bishop and rob would be doing the transplant for me and they know what their doing with novas and let engines so it would be an easy task as oppose to something they haven't tackled before too.
Edd, recommending a Z20LET lol lol.
I love the Z20LET in my Coupe, it's a very torquey smooth engine as standard.
I had to read Edds comment twice too lol!
Nick
This is unbelievably clean!
Jeff16v
09-01-13, 09:47 PM
She's a beauty Nick, I vote, leave the front engine in as standard............................then slap a LET over the rear but hide it, lol
Edd, recommending a Z20LET lol lol.
I love the Z20LET in my Coupe, it's a very torquey smooth engine as standard.
I absolutely hated mine lol but that's because it kept breaking lol with one thing after another, loved it when it worked tho
Guess fitting a CLET is alot easier tho as you say Nick
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.