Spaceframed SR20DET RWD Nova

[The Simps]

Just a couple more pics. One of the front of the new tub, really was a bastid compared to the otherside but he's done an ace job -

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/06-07-092.jpg


After slapping on some primer I got it back to the floor tonigh, slapped the bumper & lights in and couldn't resist taking this pic! lmao

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/06-07-09.jpg


Bits at the powder coaters should be done tomorrow. Its starting to come together :)

[Cle]

wild project, and i love it :D :thumb:

[vx kev]

Awesome work that, Growing ever fonder of the old Saloons :thumb:





http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/06-07-09.jpg



Thats just cheeky that pic lol

[The Simps]

Starting to get there now! Picked up bits from the powder coaters.

Re-fitted all the wiper mechanism then the scuttle cover fitted...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/07-07-093.jpg


Inlet bolted on with new mikalors on the rubbers...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/07-07-09.jpg


Wings back on and headlights in...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/07-07-094.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/07-07-095.jpg

[Pillar]

looking good mate

[Count Vaux Alot]

Scuttle covers are for bummers! Saying that bulk heads are for bummers too lol lol












Seriously though it looks sweet

[trackdaynova]

looks very very nice!

i just hope the front is gonna be as low as the back, else it'll be understeer city!

[djbrowney]

porn

[The Simps]

looking good mate

Thanks bud.



Scuttle covers are for bummers! Saying that bulk heads are for bummers too lol lol

Shut it homo! lol



looks very very nice!

i just hope the front is gonna be as low as the back, else it'll be understeer city!

The rears are just the std shocks sat on the bumpstops at mo. When I get my coilies back they will go up a touch. The fronts, again are on std dampers with chopped 60mm springs to move it round and will go down a bit with the coilies on. My ground clearance looks absolutely fine, even at the back so thats good! Currently working on a way to drop the front a little further and gaining more shock travel. ;)



porn

u selling? lol

[trackdaynova]

do a similar thing to James, should you want to take a grinder to your freshly painted engine bay lol (raise turretts)

[The Simps]

Na, not raising the turrets.

[Johnny A]

Is it going to stay that low at the back simps?

[The Simps]

Na, needs to come up a touch, about 10-20mm. Its almost right at the top of the arch so there's no real travel left.

[Count Vaux Alot]

Na, not raising the turrets.

You scared? lol

[Johnny A]

Na, not raising the turrets.

don't be a homo, as a rule of thumb - if you can see light or a shadow underneath your car it's not low enough!!!

[The Simps]

You scared? lol


Won't need to hopefully ;)

[The Simps]

don't be a homo, as a rule of thumb - if you can see light or a shadow underneath your car it's not low enough!!!

You know I'll have it as low as possible ;)

[Johnny A]

You know I'll have it as low as possible ;)

lower damn you!!

[The Simps]

are ur wheels 15s?

[Johnny A]

yes chap, vxl did do 16" versions of my steelies on the veccy but the offset was too low to fit. So I went for the 15s

[The Simps]

so yours will sit lower anyway..

I havn't got any driveshafts fitted yet either so the fronts aren't cambered in to help with clearance.

My current coilies bottom out sit like so on 16s...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/27-03-096.jpg

[Johnny A]

have it that low all the time, just live with them being bottomed out lol

[Benn]

Makes me feel sexy seeing that.

[The Simps]

have it that low all the time, just live with them being bottomed out lol

Hopefully I'll be able to run it like that and not bottom out ;)

[The Simps]

Makes me feel sexy seeing that.

Gives me the horn too.

[auzzy-b]

AWESOME bud!! only just read through.. never been a fan of loons but this looks great:) keep it up. O and luvin the decks/laptop shelves:thumb:

[The Simps]

AWESOME bud!! only just read through.. never been a fan of loons but this looks great:) keep it up. O and luvin the decks/laptop shelves:thumb:


Cheers mate :thumb:

[nova ian]

:eek: :D :D Woooo man, Simps is catching m up now!!

That looks smart as mate, bet your happy with that.

Good times on the manifold, looks good from what I can see of it, and glad its fits with the bulkhead in place as I know it was touch and go there!

Are you taking the car to VBOA then? Would be good to meet you and have a chat, I'm going Thurs-Sat so hopefully see you there:thumb:

Good progress, loving them rear arches... Top top stuff

[trackdaynova]

I'm going Thurs-Sat so hopefully see you there :thumb:hardcore camping crew with the tent the size of your average Holiday Inn :D

[The Simps]

I'm leaving friday morning and staying til sunday so would be good to meet you. You taking your nova?

[The Simps]

I would just like to say a big thanks to everyone who came over to say hello and chat about the car over the weekend. It was good to meet some new and old faces and for me it was especially nice just to have a car at a show, albeit not finished, but just to be able to walk people round the car and talk about my plans. Its been 2 years since my last show. I had some interesting comments over the weekend and many are looking forward to seeing it finished next year so the bar has been set!

It was amusing as people walked past and the simple, clean bay catches their eye and they walk over. After snooting around the bay they then look inside the car and think "wtf is that big hole in the boot floor for?!". Had to of been the top question of the day! lol

It wasn't a weekend without problems however. Friday morning as we were pushing the car out of the shed the front left hub popped out of the carrier. Luckily the front arch caught the tyre the car didn't hit the floor. We then had to drag the car out of the road then try and sort 2 outer cv's and a new bearing and get it all fitted. 3hrs later we were on the road again. Lesson learned.

Here's the only pic I took all weekend (not a big camera person) but I'm sure there will be otheres floating about....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/12072009192.jpg

[Benn]

Car looked fantastic dude, i love the tubs. Sorry i didnt come back, i wanted to get a load of pics of it.

[The Simps]

You mean you didn't take any pics?! I was relying on you for that! lol

[nova ian]

That Bay looked top notch man! was really good to meet you and be able to speak without a keyboard!!

Keep up the good work man, looking forward to seeing it done :thumb:

[The Simps]

Cheers Ian - its a race to the finish with us now! lol

[Benn]

You mean you didn't take any pics?! I was relying on you for that! lol

I'm sorry :(

[The Simps]

A few more pics from the weekend seeing as it is my thread! :p

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/5652_100205351731_658016731_2203250.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/5652_100205566731_658016731_2203287.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/6400_103241767738_710152738_2133119.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/6400_103241932738_710152738_2133145.jpg


And the hole that got them all talking! lol

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/6400_103242082738_710152738_2133174.jpg

[Count Vaux Alot]

Nice to meet you again Simps and i'm more than pissed that i missed you car it looks very interesting from the pics

[The Simps]

always the way being on the vxlscc but its such a good crack with some great people. Shaun's nova always gets missed too. Suprises me with it being next to the auto jumble tho. Apparantly they used to have the field where the manta's are and it used to be really busy.

[craig green]

Good to see you buddy. Car is very interesting.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/turbocraig/Billing09/VBOAbilling09095.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/turbocraig/Billing09/VBOAbilling09102.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/turbocraig/Billing09/VBOAbilling09101.jpg

[MK999]

Is there a for sale sign in that? :(

[craig green]

Cage.

Common sense tells you Simps isnt selling & creating his car at the same time.....

[The Simps]

Is there a for sale sign in that? :(

As Craig says, was for the cage. Not impossible that it would be up for sale I suppose but doubt it would sell in that condition! lol

[The Simps]

Great pics Craig and like the use of the word "interesting" lol

I didn't have enough time to get everything I wanted done so had to concentrate on getting the important things done. Decided the other tub and engine bay where those things.

[craig green]

doubt it would sell in that condition! lol

Nah, the suspension has collapsed!

[The Simps]

lol

[Jonezy]

Cant wait to see this finished matey! Some really good fabrication skills too! Keep up the top class work :)

[MK999]

Cage.

Common sense tells you Simps isnt selling & creating his car at the same time.....

How many started projects end up being sold halfway through?

I can't read the small print in a photo from that distance. Simps also had health problems recently with his hand (for want of a better phrase, not like he's gonna collapse on us with carpal tunnel lol)

Glad to see you're still cracking on with it though simps :thumb: Is the bay going to stay cleaned out/smooth or have you just not put all the gubbings back in yet?

Is the hole just for the wheel well replacement? It looks too far back to be related to your RWD master plan to me?

[The Simps]

mjwales - I'll try mate!

mk999 - hand seems to be much better. Resting it up has helped no end. I was happily using tools last week getting the car ready. Only area I struggle is strength ie I can't hold the grinder or welder for long. But I'm working on building up the strength in it ;)

Engine bay is fairly done. To finish it needs:-

- coilpack which will sit tidily on the side of the head
- Clutch cable
- gear linkage
- header & breather tanks (want bailey ones in black)
- air filter

Thats should be it.

The hole is for wheel well replacement and for diff/box room. The 924 gearbox is shaped like an aliens like in the pic below. So won' go as far back as the hole and I'll probably have to make it bigger ie into the rear seat area.

http://www.924.id.lv/Heynes%20Manual%20924/07_Transm01_files/image004.gif

[MK999]

Good news on the hand then :thumb: Just wondering, what kind of direction is the car going in now? Is it still to be a dedicated track weapon, that happens to look good, or have you been tempted back to your show car ways a little bit? lol Well set up RWD would be an interesting example of either though! :)

[The Simps]

Its going to be a track weapon but no reason wy it can't all be laid out tidy. I'm a firm believer that if something is neat and tidy its easier to work on.

Definately not back into my show ways! lol Didn't touch a polishing cloth all weekend lol

[The Simps]

So to update this then.

Not much has actually happened on the nova. It was put back in the shed after Billing and tucked away. The carbs have come back off and are with Larndersport to have the spacers made. The rest of the time has been spent looking & acquiring parts.

The porsche was stripped last weekend tho and this is what I'm working with...

The short bell housing. Its only 150mm deep.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/09-08-09.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/09-08-092.jpg


This then goes onto the torque tube.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/09-08-098.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/09-08-093.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/09-08-094.jpg


At the end of the torque tube as you can see in the above pics is another bellhousing that mates up the box. (The black tube is what the gear linkage rod passes through).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/09-08-095.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/09-08-096.jpg


Here is an XE clutch on the end of the torque tube - that was a nice bit of luck :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/09-08-099.jpg


Need to sort the bellhousing to work with the XE now. Its a fair bit out but I have a few ideas on the subject.

:cool:

[djbrowney]

http://www.titan.uk.net/products/8.37/gm/bellhousings

get on the dog a bone and find out, i can always pick it up for you if they can sort you out x

[The Simps]

SBD prices look cheaper than titan. They do a 150mm vertical version. I just need to mod the end to fit the torque tube.

http://www.sbdev.co.uk/Gearbox/Bellhouses/BELH1-sideview-edited.gif

[The Simps]

This weekend work had to be turned away from the nova and onto my daily the vectra. I was in need of 4 new tyres (205/55 16s) but didn't really want to part with £200+ without upgrading something! lol

Seeing as the nova isn't going anywhere I decided to fit the turbo rims off that as they had really good tyres albeit they are 195/45 16s meaning the speedo would be 8% out at 60mph. So on they went anyway...


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/13082009208.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/15082009210.jpg


The car did sit a little lower but the arch gap was greater. It drove SOOOOO much better tho!! It turns in so much sharper and the firmer ride is a lot more positive. However, I had just saved myself around £200 not buying the tyres so bought a set of coilovers instead lol

I'm really happy with how it sits now and drives really nice. Just need to get the tracking done in the morning. I may drop the front a little more slightly to give a little nose dive as I do carry a lot in the boot so should level it out a little. I may also fit some 10mm spacers to push them out a little.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/23082009212.jpg


Ref: the nova I'm just gather lots of different parts at the mo and trying a few different ideas before I commit to chopping out anymore of the floor! Update maybe at the end of bank holiday week, we'll see.

[robertdevlin69]

top work,and the veccy looks cool

[The Simps]

So after this mighty steak saturday nite....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Steak2.jpg


...I was ready for some car action today!

Starting out by working on a friends engine out of her mk3 astra GSi turbo. Just after a full rebuild she melted piston no.1. My diagnosis was that she was running evo5 chips but hadn't upped the fuel pressure. The head came off first and got that checked and bar a light skim amazingly survived. All valves are now lapped in. Onto the bottom end and I'm fairly confident the block is scrap! lol

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Badbores2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Badbores.jpg


Fortunately I've got a spare block she can have off me and a spare piston. Need to get the crank checked for her next as its slightly scored.

[The Simps]

So onto the nova.

The f28 came out and the engine swung round...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/13-09-092.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/13-09-093.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/13-09-094.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/13-09-095.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/13-09-096.jpg

[The Simps]

As you can see its tight up against the rack at the moment but room to move another 10-15mm back which will give enough room at the front. There's also plenty of room side to side.

In this position I could check the clearance on my current custom manifold setup and all looks good!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/13-09-098.jpg


From underneath the sump will be above the line of chassis, just, in this position. I will be using an SBD westfield sump with a 100mm height which will be similar to the bottom right of the sump in the picture. I plan on running a sump guard plate aswell on this car just to be cautious.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/13-09-097.jpg


I then laid out the gearbox and torque tube to see where they come to with the driveshafts level with the wheel centres. With the help of a couple of pieces of would theres' approximately 280mm gap. The bellhousing I'll be using is 150mm. Hmmm.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/13-09-09.jpg


The options I've currently thought of are to:-

- Move the engine further back into the bulkhead which will have better handling characteristics with the weight further back but I was hoping to keep the engine within the current bay and infront of the smoothed bulkhead.

- The torque tube and box are joined with a coupling which I could extend by 130mm and make a sandwich plate.


I'm leaning towards the latter as it will also mean less tunnell chopping!

The bonnet will also need some form of bulge towards the front for clearance.


That was it for the nova today as a new project rolled into the shop...

[The Simps]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Shaun%20Chevy/ChevyPickup3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Shaun%20Chevy/ChevyPickup.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Shaun%20Chevy/ChevyPickup2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Shaun%20Chevy/ChevyPickup4.jpg


Chevy 1949 sidestep with small block 5.7 v8. Mustang front suspension setup and 9" shortened rear end. Boxed chassis and smoothed cab. Its very much a big lego set! Most parts were included. Just needs brakes, lines, wiring and the finishing touches. Sadly its not mine but Shaun Larnder's new project after selling his Skyline & Nova. I'll put a seperate project thread up at a later date.

[MK999]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/13-09-092.jpg


Mmmmm right way round engine porn lol

[Benn]

As said on Mig, looking damn good dude... Now just gonna build it rwd then?

[The Simps]

yeah, no point wasting anymore time with fwd. Was hoping to get a year out of it doing trackdays before putting it under the knife this autumn/winter but time was just against me.

[Benn]

Cool, get cutting!

[The Simps]

Getting a jig made up to weld it to first then welding in the main parts of the cage (main hoop, front feet and dash bar). Then I can start cutting :D

[Benn]

Good plan, combe yet year? I wanna come out in it.

[The Simps]

Good plan, combe yet year? I wanna come out in it.

combe is quite a treck for me tbh but we'll see. gotta lot of work and ££ss to spent ahead. I think time could be against me again but oh well, I enjoy building it.

[Nick J]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Shaun%20Chevy/ChevyPickup3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Shaun%20Chevy/ChevyPickup.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Shaun%20Chevy/ChevyPickup2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Shaun%20Chevy/ChevyPickup4.jpg


Chevy 1949 sidestep with small block 5.7 v8. Mustang front suspension setup and 9" shortened rear end. Boxed chassis and smoothed cab. Its very much a big lego set! Most parts were included. Just needs brakes, lines, wiring and the finishing touches. Sadly its not mine but Shaun Larnder's new project after selling his Skyline & Nova. I'll put a seperate project thread up at a later date.

What can you say to that but WOW! After what Shaun was saying to us I certainly didnt expect him to roll up with that! Looks like a hell of a project and it will be good to see what happens with it! Top work on the coupe as per usual fella. :thumb:

[djbrowney]

looks very good buddy :thumb:

what you doing with the F28 lol

[shaun larnder]

Yeah Nick, just wanted somthing abit different tbh, been a fan of the old pick ups for a while now, just didnt think i would be able to get one as they arent all that cheap now. should be a good bit of fun when done, the chap said its a freshly rebuilt race spec chevy 350 small block. Might take a little while to get it together tho as you know the baby is almost here, good thing tho is that most things just bolt on, about 8 bolts and all the front is back on.

[The Simps]

looks very good buddy :thumb:

what you doing with the F28 lol


Could be for sale... text me with an offer.

[djbrowney]

Could be for sale... text me with an offer.

i cant be the buyer and the seller, you text me your offer lol

[Mazz]

Looking good Mr.Simps, what sort of power you hoping for with the bike carbs?

[The Simps]

Its a standard XE lump so realistically 170-180bhp wouldn't be too unexpected. I will be running megajolt (mapable ignition) to get the best from it. That should be enough power to begin with while I get used to the car and its charateristics.

[MK999]

Its a standard XE lump so realistically 170-180bhp wouldn't be too unexpected. I will be running megajolt (mapable ignition) to get the best from it. That should be enough power to get it sideways but not bin it straight into the first tree

lol

[The Simps]

lol very much so! driven & owned a few rwd cars so should be ok. Will need to perfect my drifting technique tho :cool:

[L14MNP]

Looking awesome mate! My favourite active build on here ATM.

Fettle the steering lock too so it turns further! A drifting Nova Coupe will be epic! lol

[Iain]

Quality work, looking forward more progress. Engine looks nice sitting that way round :d

[The Simps]

Spent a few hours on the car this weekend, first time in weeks!! Was good to be up there getting dirty again!

First job was to get the car on the floor for the ride height I want. I was going to set it up with the front chassis being 3" off the floor but seeing as I had 2 railway sleeper cut offs that were 4" thick I'd see where that left me first.

So down it went...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/25-10-092.jpg


Car didn't look too low tbh then I put a wheel into the arch...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/25-10-094.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/25-10-095.jpg


If I keep these 16s and the 195/50 A048s I will need to cut away some of the inner arch to make more room.

With the bumper on there's 5" clearance in the middle 4 1/2" on the corners...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/25-10-096.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/25-10-097.jpg


I then started playing around with the bottom arms, hubs etc. My 1st choice is omega hubs and run vectra bottom arms to mock up with (will then make my own to those dimensions). I can then keep a normal strut but its mounts slightly lower on the omega hub so I can get more shock travel. The bottom arms fowl on the chassis sadly so will be looking at a little bit of spaceframing which with having to trim in the inner arch would make sense just to space frame the whole front end. It then leaves me with the option of ditching the macpherson strut setup and go with the manta hubs that use double wishbone then I can mount a coilover at 45deg.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/25-10-098.jpg


The problem with the manta hubs is that they are 4 stud which means a change of wheels unless I can find a bearing to fit the omega/senator hubs. But thinking about change of wheels I have been thinking about it and running a much fatter rear like a 225/235, nothing crazy, just a little wider to give it a bit of stance. I've always wanted to fit some Azev As to a nova..

http://www.carshine.com.au/Pictures/AZEV%201PCE%20Type%20A%2017x7.5%20to%2018x10.jpg


Decisions, decisions.


I then dropped the engine back in to look at what room I have to run chassis rails etc. You can see from the pics too how I will have to bulge the bonnet a "wee" bit!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/25-10-099.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/25-10-09.jpg


Gonna order my cage sometime mid november after payday the get that in place. Then I can start cutting away!!

:)

[Plug]

looking good mate :thumb:

finally an update :d

[krobinson]

Good times, really looking forward to seeing this take shape!

[The Simps]

Woosing out at the mo making the first major incision! lol

[Benn]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/25-10-094.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/25-10-095.jpg

:)


Funking awesome! She's comming on, are you gonna make a cradle for the engine like Johnny? Or mounts like RC?

[Joe Richardson]

Ive never really been a 'loon' man,but this looks like it will be something special:thumb:

[The Simps]

Funking awesome! She's comming on, are you gonna make a cradle for the engine like Johnny? Or mounts like RC?


The main plan was as below.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/ProposedBay.jpg


First off is to chop front crossmember in favour of a straight piece of box (still keep the valance tho). Then weld in the 2 bars to the bulkhead. The engine can then be mounted to that along with the bottom wishbones. Kind of like a subframe but permanent.

The shaded bits have ultimately got to be removed to let the bellhousing through. I'm hoping the bellhousing will fit in the recessed part of the bulkhead that you can see in the pic.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/25-10-0910.jpg


All the side chassis bits are coming out. I'll then frame it as needed.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/07-06-0912.jpg


I don't want to start doing too much metal removal until I've got the cage in place so the shells a bit more rigid and it has less chance of moving about.

[The Simps]

Thanks for the comments. Easy to lose enthusiasm especially when you don't get much free time and the car is 20min drive away. Its not like I can just pop out to the garage in the evenings.

[djbrowney]

i really do need to some over and see this car lol

also come give you some money lol

[The Simps]

Ok, so I'm after some wheel & tyre guidance!

At the moment I have 3 sets of turbo rims with the idea being that I have a set of a048s/888s, set of wets, set of road tyres. I could possibly double up on the last 2 to save dosh if I'm honest. But with having to do some outer arch work to get the wheels to fit and run the height I want I thought why not go wider.

As I posted a few pages back I'd always wanted a set of Azev As on my red nova but never got round to it. Now is my chance. With being rwd it would actually make more sense to have the chunkier rear.

In 15s they only do 7" & 7.5" which is too small. In 16s they do 7.5" & 9" - thats better!

Using this calculator (Wheel Offset Calculator (http://www.1010tires.com/WheelOffsetCalculator.asp)) it tells me that from running the 6" turbo rim at et49 and going to a 9" rim and no protruding into the arch I need to run an offset of et11 which will give an extension of 76mm.

First question is how can I expect this to alter the characteristics of the car? I'm sure I've read somewhere that going outwards and not inwards ie evenly, will make it handle like a bag of nails - any gen?

On the subject of tyres. Ideally I'd want to run a048s or 888s. The fronts can be as now and run 195/50s and the largest rears they do are 225/45s which come out at very close diameter specs. Only thing is the maximum recommendation for the width is 8.5". I know a lot of people stretch tyres but whats the view of using a stretch on a track tyre for track use when the loads are likely to be greater?

Thanks in advance.

[djbrowney]

**** me you think to much lol

[The Simps]

I've been off work all week with flu - I've got nowt else to do! lol

[MK999]

wider track all round will make it more responsive, but less stable. Basically it'd feel twitchy, best thing is maybe talk to Dan and find out what his real experience with going wide and and high offset was? Overall he found it pretty good iirc, but pretty sure he mentioned using slimmer fronts as it didn't feel right on the front end.

[The Simps]

I've been told if I go too wide on the steering wheels I will notice the difference as its more likely to tramline etc but the rear should be fine.

The fronts will be 7.5" et30 but I'll likely stick to 195 tyres.

[MK999]

Could be to do with the scrub radius, I'm no qualified expert but I can have a bash at figuring out all the effects on some paper if you like.

[scott.parker]

Well have you ever drove a nova on 17-205/40 et45 ?

i use to have that off set once, and it was ****! truly horrendous handling, use to pull all over the road, you touch a white line and it would just pull the car like the tracking was out, or like a poltergeist was driving! lol

So think how bad it can get the wider/lower off sets etc..

Scott

[LEWI007]

I think this is the best nova saloon there is, keep the turbo wheels they look awesome, and keep up the great work mate.

[The Simps]

So why does the lower offset cause it to drag around so much? Whats the science behind it?

[The Simps]

I think this is the best nova saloon there is, keep the turbo wheels they look awesome, and keep up the great work mate.


Very kind of you to say so :thumb:

[MK999]

So why does the lower offset cause it to drag around so much? Whats the science behind it?

You know nova steering is stupidly light despite the fact it's not power steered and all the weight is on the front end, and it doesn't return to centre well?

The distance between the centre of you wheel and the point at which is steers around (I.E the point that stays in the same place as you steer left/right when not moving) is called the scrub radius, on a nova it's pretty close to 0, to make the steering lighter, which has the negative effect of it not returning to centre so well. This also means when you hit something/get grip at the centre of the wheel it tries to turn against you less.

If you imagine having a massive scrub radius that isn't even within the width of the tyre (think home made go kart with wheels on the end of a board and a bit of string style, scrub radius being the track width/2) I'm sure you can imagine it will handle like utter turd, an exaggeration but hopefully it helps you picture it.

[sparkie1401]

this will be a great car intime, great welding fabrication

mmmmmmmmmmm Azev A's my bro had them on his slammemed E36 BM in 1996 they are a stunning rim

[The Simps]

You know nova steering is stupidly light despite the fact it's not power steered and all the weight is on the front end, and it doesn't return to centre well?

The distance between the centre of you wheel and the point at which is steers around (I.E the point that stays in the same place as you steer left/right when not moving) is called the scrub radius, on a nova it's pretty close to 0, to make the steering lighter, which has the negative effect of it not returning to centre so well. This also means when you hit something/get grip at the centre of the wheel it tries to turn against you less.

If you imagine having a massive scrub radius that isn't even within the width of the tyre (think home made go kart with wheels on the end of a board and a bit of string style, scrub radius being the track width/2) I'm sure you can imagine it will handle like utter turd, an exaggeration but hopefully it helps you picture it.


Hmmm. Thanks for taking the time to explain that.

How important is it that the strut points at the bottom ball joint? Say for example you add a bracket between strut body and carrier to push the strut inwards for clearance. So your line from top mount to ball joint is the same but the strut has obviously moved away from this line - any effects?

[MK999]

Hmmm. Thanks for taking the time to explain that.

How important is it that the strut points at the bottom ball joint? Say for example you add a bracket between strut body and carrier to push the strut inwards for clearance. So your line from top mount to ball joint is the same but the strut has obviously moved away from this line - any effects?

It's set by the king pin inclination, so in the case of a nova, it's the angle between the bottom ball joint and the top of the damper piston where it's in the top mount. So the only effect of changing that would be a slight change in the way the spring/damper compresses.

edit: angle meaning relative to flat ground. Draw a line through that angle, where it hits the floor, that's the point you measure scrub radius from. Forget what the point is called now tbh.

[The Simps]

Thats what I thought. Cheers.

[Nick J]

Although it looks awesome on the cav turbo rims...... Azev's Im sure would knock their socks off, A stunning set of wheels imo. Keep up the good work fella.

Nick.

[The Simps]

The massive downer to fitting the azev's tho appart from their own cost is the fact that the tatty bodywork just wouldn't fly anymore and it would then start turning into a show car.

[The Simps]

Spent some time up the workshop tonight. Got a frucking rat problem which is annoying! Stinks of rat pooh & pish. Need to go back up there tomorrow and get it sorted. :(

Other than that I made these brackets up...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/06-11-093.jpg


To be used like this for the ground clearance I want to set up for the car...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/06-11-092.jpg


Wheels then in place...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/06-11-094.jpg


I then couldn't help but mess around...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/06-11-095.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/06-11-09.jpg


The car is off to Lee at Fusion in 2 weeks to have the cage made and welded in.

[Nobby]

mate this is funking awesowe even for one of those non novas with the bit added on he back!!

[Benn]

Can i touch it?

In the last pic it gives me a btcc feel...

[MK999]

With it sat like that, I can just imagine it rolling out towards track, bobbling over all the little tiny bumps track-weapon style :cool:


I can also imagine it scrubbing on the corners, but 1200lb springs will fix that lol

[Adam]

Those last pics looks fcuking awesome. :cool:
They are a stunning wheel in a decent size (i hate them in 15"), but they look sweet in that size (17"?)

[t45_ste]

That looks fooking amaizing :thumb:

How have you managed to get a 17" wheel under the front? and sit it that low?

[Count Vaux Alot]

Very very nice i wish i lived closer so i could come and help! Seeing that makes me want to grind and weld lol

[burgo]

saloons are the mother funking future. this would be proof

[scott.parker]

Nice!

[The Simps]

mate this is funking awesowe even for one of those non novas with the bit added on he back!!

Cheers.



Can i touch it?

In the last pic it gives me a btcc feel...

I'd love to use them wheels. With 205/40 R17s 888s they're actually 1mm smaller in diameter than the 195/50 R16s! I might be coming down to 15s yet, not sure.



With it sat like that, I can just imagine it rolling out towards track, bobbling over all the little tiny bumps track-weapon style :cool:


I can also imagine it scrubbing on the corners, but 1200lb springs will fix that lol


The arches would need a little fettling yeah!! lol



Those last pics looks fcuking awesome. :cool:
They are a stunning wheel in a decent size (i hate them in 15"), but they look sweet in that size (17"?)

:thumb:



That looks fooking amaizing :thumb:

How have you managed to get a 17" wheel under the front? and sit it that low?

Theres no suspension or anything on the car. Car is on those blocks and the wheel just pushed up in the arch. The arch lip obviously needs tweaking but with space framing the front end and running double wishbone setup and 45deg shocks it would all clear etc.

[The Simps]

Very very nice i wish i lived closer so i could come and help! Seeing that makes me want to grind and weld lol

I used the grinder & welder to make those bracket stands up and my right hand got the shakes straight away when pulsing the welder trigger :( Its a good job I'm getting Lee to do the major welding work now as I think my carpal tunnel would come back.

[yellowsrnova]

very nice indeed
like the fans on it :)

[greg1.4]

that looks awesome!

is going to be nicest saloon around imo..

love the 17's on it,a and the fact that it is so looooooow! cool!

[hc coupe]

I want a white Saloon now !!

Hope the progress keeps coming, looks very "ghetto" lol

Tom

[Count Vaux Alot]

I used the grinder & welder to make those bracket stands up and my right hand got the shakes straight away when pulsing the welder trigger :( Its a good job I'm getting Lee to do the major welding work now as I think my carpal tunnel would come back besides he is a lot better than me anyway.

lol

[The Simps]

Cheeky monkey!!! But so true lol

My mate made a very good point - I could spend the next 6mths making mistakes and wasting money on materials or hand to him, help out along the way, and get it right 1st time. I know the fun is doing it yourself etc etc but sometimes you've got to know when your beat.

[The Simps]

Thanks for the comments gents. Just got to sort the front hubs out now to see whether I'll be running 4 or 5 stud. I want to find a way of getting an omega hub to find a manta spindle.

[bmw156]

good work dude, loving the progress

[The Simps]

Done a deal with Shaun on a set of 5 17" speedline mistrals in 4 stud that are all mint and in anthracite so thats that decided.

The car isn't going up to Fusion next weekend now. I'm going up there first to meet with him face to face and chat through exactly what I want so he can price it up better then we'll go from there.

[The Simps]

Not as much of an update as I'd hoped this weekend. Got the grinder basket out friday and went and bought a handfull of cutting discs...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/22-11-096.jpg


Sadly I didn't get up to the shed until 7.30 tonight for various reasons and with it being a sunday I knew the old dear next door wouldn't take well to the grinder! So I done a bit of measuring instead!

Laid the gearbox out so the shafts are inline with the centre of the wheel (roughly)...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/22-11-09.jpg


Put on the torque tube and I was expecting to have to move where the gearstick mounts (2 bolts at the bottom of the pic) but looks like its gonna be perfect for where I'll be having the seat position (as far back as possible). As you can see its inbetween where the handbrake & gearstick would be.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/22-11-092.jpg


The torque tube then finishes and the bell housing (150mm deep) starts here...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/22-11-093.jpg


Which is about the bottom of the windscreen in the middle of the car. I then did some working out where the engine will sit in the bay and where to cut out on the bulkhead initially. I ended up with this...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/22-11-094.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/22-11-095.jpg


The square is obviously where the engine will sit (based upon the cam cover), which puts it pretty much bang inbetween the struts.
Roll on next weekend when hopefully I can get my grinder out and cross the commitment to rwd threshold!!

[Bubba]

measured with bungee cords...epic

[The Simps]

lol I measured with a tape measure, marked it out then laid it out in string to get a better perspective!

[Nobby]

quality work mate keep it coming!

[bmw156]

looks good matey. will be cool to see it being chopped lol

[burgo]

looks perfic :)

[The Simps]

looks good matey. will be cool to see it being chopped lol


I've been dreading it but was well fired up this weekend! Just wanna drive it now. Sideways.

[ben doodar]

good work simps looking forward to further progress.

[craig green]

Cool wheels. Thats all that matters anyway.

[Count Vaux Alot]

Now your getting close to cutting stuff (after all your careful measurements on the car) you could always use a drop line from your marked points on the car to transfer those points to the floor, this would then allow you to draw any changes (cuts or areas you were going to remove) on the floor in chalk etc to see what they look like/if they look right before you go grinder happy.

I hope that makes sense?

[The Simps]

How's this for commitment! Finished with a client early and my next one postponed on me so I had about a 2-2.5 hr window until the next appointment. I had the overalls in the boot and an itchy grinder finger! lol Drove the 25mins over to shed, slipped off the suit & tie and into the overalls, grinded away for an hour using up 7 cutting discs somehow, cleaned up with some wet wipes, on with the suit and back out to work!! lol

Considering I used 7 discs it doesn't look to impressive! I'm gonna pick myself up a 9" grinder during the week and I better get Shaun to supervise me and be ready with the first aid kit when I come to use it! lol

So far...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/23-11-092.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/23-11-09.jpg


I want to cut out the lower panel centre section but leave the valance. Both inner wings are coming out along with the turrets.

[The Simps]

Now your getting close to cutting stuff (after all your careful measurements on the car) you could always use a drop line from your marked points on the car to transfer those points to the floor, this would then allow you to draw any changes (cuts or areas you were going to remove) on the floor in chalk etc to see what they look like/if they look right before you go grinder happy.

I hope that makes sense?


Makes perfect sense, good idea :thumb:

[Plug]

looking good mate :thumb:

Im waiting to see the bulkhead out :d

[djbrowney]

good work sugar plumb, remind me to give you a couple of cutting disks i buy they last fookin ages lol

[The Simps]

I bought them from machine mart and they're usually ok but they wen't bloomin quick this time!

How different is a 9" grinder to use? Much more of an animal? I just need to be able to get in deeper. The grinder head was in the way most of the time.

[Count Vaux Alot]

Very impressed with your commitment top work but 7 discs lol

[The Simps]

Lower crossmember was a real test of my patience and discs! lol

[The Simps]

My 50 pack of cutting discs arrived today :)

[Plug]

get on cutting then :d and taking pics lol

[The Simps]

hoping to get some free time on friday afternoon :D

[burgo]

the trick with cutting discs is to not put to much pressure on them, let the disc do the work and they last alot longer ;)

[Sloth]

cheaper to buy a plasma cutter imo dude.

[AlexW]

Grinder is more fun :d

[burgo]

or hire one for a day

[bmw156]

why you chopping the inner wings simps?

and the turrets? have i missed soemthing lol

[The Simps]

cheaper to buy a plasma cutter imo dude.


The discs only cost me £23 delivered. Don't think I'd get much changeout of several hundred for a plasma cutter! And think of the medical bills lol

[The Simps]

why you chopping the inner wings simps?

and the turrets? have i missed soemthing lol



Inner wings are going as is all the front end. Gonna end up with something like this...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/05072008200.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/30062007190.jpg


With it tieing up into the front cage legs and obviously a double wishbone setup rather than normal macpherson strut. The thought was to remove the lower panel and the inner wings leaving just the main chassis legs. I can then take the shell to have the cage made & fitted and they can put in the main bendy bars at the same time (easier obviously with their machinery) and I can add any straight bits later.

[Plug]

that looks spot on not seen that car before any other pics?

[The Simps]

They're too different cars mate. Top one is an ax the bottom is a mk2 golf that was having an audi lump put in it. I've got some more pics somewhere will post them later.

[The Simps]

Now shooting up the shed :)

[bmw156]

looking good simps, when can i come around and have a looky lol

[scott.parker]

Now shooting up the shed :)

Make sure the car is out of it first, and dont hit any innocent bystanders, you'll go down for years!




lol


Progress looks spot on, and the front end idea on the AX is a good choice, gives more room, and options for mounting things etc. :thumb:

[The Simps]

Make sure the car is out of it first, and dont hit any innocent bystanders, you'll go down for years!




lol


Progress looks spot on, and the front end idea on the AX is a good choice, gives more room, and options for mounting things etc. :thumb:


Ya silly billy you! lol

[The Simps]

looking good simps, when can i come around and have a looky lol


Anytime mate, there's really not much to see! lol

[The Simps]

Only used 8 discs tonight but got what I wanted done! Still need to run over the front panel with the flappy disc a bit.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/26-11-09.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/26-11-092.jpg


It felt bad cutting up a perfectly good solid shell tho. The turrets weigh a ton!

[bmw156]

lol ok cool maybe when there is some more progress. my brother live in norwich as well so i can visit him as well lol.

JESUS lol just saw the updated pics

p.s do you still have the innger wings as panels? as i would be interested in buying them lol

also, you cutting out the headlight panels, as i would be innterested in them also lol

[The Simps]

p.s do you still have the innger wings as panels? as i would be interested in buying them lol

also, you cutting out the headlight panels, as i would be innterested in them also lol


There kind of in pieces! lol

I might keep the headlight panel, not sure yet.

[bmw156]

There kind of in pieces! lol

I might keep the headlight panel, not sure yet.

ok thats alright, ill just patch it, also outer wings are they staying for the mo, i need the bits by the outside of the turrets lol

[The Simps]

I've kept anything I've cut so far so you can help yourself mate! lol

[Iain]

Good chopping! I hate the metal shards that go everywhere when doing stuff like that tho, look like they've collected in your scuttle area. Seems a shame chopping up the bay since you spent time welding/strengthening/boxing out/painting it but oh well!

[djbrowney]

There kind of in pieces! lol

I might keep the headlight panel, not sure yet.

if you take out the headlight panel can i have it please as mine is missing sugar plumb :thumb:

[t45_ste]

Good bit of progress. :thumb:

What weight you aiming for?

[The Simps]

Oooh! Headlight panel offers left right and centre! lol

If I do chop the front panel out I'll probably just chop through at the chassis legs near the bulkhead.

[The Simps]

Good chopping! I hate the metal shards that go everywhere when doing stuff like that tho, look like they've collected in your scuttle area. Seems a shame chopping up the bay since you spent time welding/strengthening/boxing out/painting it but oh well!


Tis a shame but oh well - thats life!!

[The Simps]

Good bit of progress. :thumb:

What weight you aiming for?


Pretty light? lol No idea mate. Whatever it works out to be.

[t45_ste]

Pretty light? lol No idea mate. Whatever it works out to be.

Same here. I was aiming for 600kg but think im going to be a fair bit over with all the tubes being put back it. Quite suprising really.

[The Simps]

Yeah, cage is all gonna be quite heavy but with our spaceframed front ends we should be pretty similar to most track novas. I wish I had a jig to work on like you.

[The Simps]

that looks spot on not seen that car before any other pics?


The Ax...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/100_0362.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/DSC_0098.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/100_0322.jpg


The Golf...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/14022007190.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/20042007078.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/picture015qm8.jpg

[Graeme]

Omfg that golf is mint

[Count Vaux Alot]

Same here. I was aiming for 600kg but think im going to be a fair bit over with all the tubes being put back it. Quite suprising really.

I think its a common misconception that space framing is super light as you need to add a reasonable amount of tubing back in to gain the desired strength and the tub its self tends to be thicker walled also!

It will be interesting to see how these do weigh in.

As said on mig Simps good work and no turning back now - RESPECT :thumb:

[The Simps]

Engine is quite far forward tho!

[The Simps]

Cheers James.

Weight wasn't really something I'd thought about tbh. Just wanna go sideways! lol

[Count Vaux Alot]

Those pictures - oh dear tissues again.

[Count Vaux Alot]

Cheers James.

Weight wasn't really something I'd thought about tbh. Just wanna go sideways! lol

I think it would be best to go with over engineered and a bit heavier rather than under engineered and erm death imo, sideways it will be im sure of that!

[t45_ste]

I do have the old front i cut off in one piece. Could weigh it lol

I think the most important factor is getting the weight balanced front to back / left to right.

[t45_ste]

I think it would be best to go with over engineered and a bit heavier rather than under engineered and erm death imo, sideways it will be im sure of that!

Very good point

[t45_ste]

Yeah, cage is all gonna be quite heavy but with our spaceframed front ends we should be pretty similar to most track novas. I wish I had a jig to work on like you.

As for the jig, if you could get hold of some rsj's you could knock yourself one up quite easily.

[The Simps]

Little bit more done this afternoon. Braced the chassis up at the back before I cut out the tubs along with the chassis. It attaches just above the old beam mounts on the chassis and then across at the rear. I could of put in a diagonal brace but it then seriously restricts my movements "in the hole". I doubt its gonna move anyway but I'd guess this would be enough to hold things were they should be.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/27-11-09.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/27-11-091.jpg


Was also playing around with my manta hub & stub axle arrangement. I'm going to have to drill out the top and bottom wishbone mounts to remove the taper to fit RJs. Looking at the hubs the won't fit inside the centre of my wheels. There's literally only 1-2mm to come off but why did vaux make them different???

[djbrowney]

This is going to be an expensive build lol

[scott.parker]

Your a brave man! im wishing you all the best on it mate, really want to see this come together and make a dam nice car in the end.

Scott

[The Simps]

Fingers crossed. Need to finish before 2012 when the world ends! lol

[Plug]

lol @2012

keep the updates coming :)

[scott.parker]

lol Good film, bit far fetched at times though.

And i say you need it running under it's own steam for Billing 2010!

Challenge set.

[t45_ste]

Progressing well, you seem to get on it every day.

[The Simps]

lol Good film, bit far fetched at times though.

And i say you need it running under it's own steam for Billing 2010!

Challenge set.


Possibility of trailoring it there but with several holidays on the cards next year and the shear amount of work I can't see it happening.

[The Simps]

Progressing well, you seem to get on it every day.


I've had a quiet week this week but normally it could be 2-3wks before I even see her!

[Count Vaux Alot]

And i say you need it running under it's own steam for Billing 2010!



Steady on man, you do want him to actually finish it don't you? If you carry on like that he will have a heart attack just thinking about it then it will never get done lol






Good work chap, try and cut the tubs out whole and folg them :thumb:

[The Simps]

Good work chap, try and cut the tubs out whole and folg them :thumb:


Thats a good idea! How much would you say they're worth? Do you think anyone would actually buy them? :confused:

[burgo]

to be honest im suprised there isnt someone like burton power selling ready made tubs. i think you'll deffinetly get a buyer

[Count Vaux Alot]

Thats a good idea! How much would you say they're worth? Do you think anyone would actually buy them? :confused:

As burgo said i'm surprised someone doesn't offer ready made already, given the time and skill it takes to craft them i'm sure some one will buy them.

It would be far easier to install a ready made item (that is known to fit) than fab some up from scratch, so cut them out carefully and try selling them - if they don't sell nothing lost.

[burgo]

i may even be interested ;)

[Count Vaux Alot]

i may even be interested ;)

lol me too

[Ben]

Tubs?

[scott.parker]

Tubs?

Rear arch Tubs ;)

[The Simps]

I started chopping out the rear turret today. Trying to get it in one piece is quite tricky! Got two small incisions to make to get it out but couldn't get the grinder in. Gonna have a stir on it and attack it later.

[Count Vaux Alot]

The prospective 'buyer' would still need to weld them in so a small amount of repair work is going to make fap all difference.

[The Simps]

This is how I've cut it so far...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/06-07-092edit.jpg


I couldn't retain the bottom piece at the front as I need to keep the part of the chassis its attached too. I've then cut up inside the arch on the outer part of the inner arch if that makes sense?

[The Simps]

Got in another hour today. More choppy choppy!

A quick pic of the front wheel arches... you can see how close the wheel would have been to the turret etc...


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/01-12-093.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/01-12-095.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/01-12-096.jpg


Then I made the last few incisions to take out the 1st turret...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/01-12-097.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/01-12-098.jpg


Leaving me with this, and again you can see why they needed to be raised...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/01-12-0910.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/01-12-099.jpg


Then got a bit more choppy! lol

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/01-12-0911.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/01-12-09.jpg


Picking up some more angle on friday to add in some further bracing. May work on it sunday but may also be going to Brighton saturday night so possibly not. We'll see. Thanks for looking.

:thumb:

[Nobby]

mate i love this cant wait to see it finished!

[Plug]

starting to crack on with it now mate :thumb:

this is going to be one nova i would love to own at the end of it :d

[The Simps]

mate i love this cant wait to see it finished!


Hope you're a patient person! lol



this is going to be one nova i would love to own at the end of it :d

Even if it ends up not working and crabbing down the road! lol

[MK999]

Even if it ends up not working and crabbing down the road! lol

I thought the objective was to get it sideways?

[The Simps]

lol

[Count Vaux Alot]

I hope you know what your doing lol




















Good work chap!

[Plug]

if it crabs it crabs lol only adds abit of character :d

[The Simps]

I hope you know what your doing lol


Its quite the learning curve! ie I'm making it up as I go along!

[philly nova van]

this looks mental!! what a toy this will be!

[andrew1988]

You not done this yet, Simps? Hurry up!!

Its looking shexual

[burgo]

there is something so satisfying about cutting up novas. purhaps its because they are ****

[alan b]

good to see your not afraid to get stuck in with the grinder!lol i love this thread everytime i look at it the car gets lower and more metal is cut off! legend! but on a serious note this thing is going to be savage when its done! crack on:thumb:

[The Simps]

good to see your not afraid to get stuck in with the grinder!lol i love this thread everytime i look at it the car gets lower and more metal is cut off! legend! but on a serious note this thing is going to be savage when its done! crack on:thumb:


:thumb:

[The Simps]

Another 3hrs in this arvo, had a few visitors so didn't get a huge amount done but did what I wanted to achieve this weekend.

Started with some bracing using inch angle 3mm thick. Front cross...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/06-12-091.jpg


Followed by another...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/06-12-092.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/06-12-093.jpg


I then turned my attention to removing the passenger side tub. This was easier than the other side as its not as complicated with the filler neck and managed to get it out using only 3 1/2 discs this time...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/06-12-097.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/06-12-095.jpg



So 2 wheel tubs for sale now then if anyone wants them. PM me if your interested with your offer.


I then put in another section of bracing to tie in with the rear (only clamped in at mo) but not sure if its needed. When I put in the rear grid I neglected the fact that the front link will be in the way of the gearbox :doh:. Someone may be able to correct/advise me whether it will make any difference or not?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/06-12-094.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/06-12-096.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/06-12-09.jpg


I plan to tidy up and plate the ends of the chassis rails then link them up with some inch box temporarily. I can then chop out the link I put in between the beam mounts then start to look to chop the tunnel and bulkhead up to test fir the box, tube & engne :D

[Ben]

I think the visibility will be lost with them x braces in!

lol

[craig green]

Cracking on now mate. Good stuff.

[Benn]

Why have you remove the roof panel bracing?

[corsakid]

awesome good bit of fab work watching this

[The Simps]

I think the visibility will be lost with them x braces in!

lol


Silly billy! lol



Cracking on now mate. Good stuff.

:thumb:



Why have you remove the roof panel bracing?

The roof is covered in dents, in particular a large bow in the middle (someone stood I it I'd guess) which has bent the middle brace and detached it from the skin. So it wasn't actually doing anything.



awesome good bit of fab work watching this

Its been more de-fab work so far! lol

[scott.parker]

Humm getting interesting now...

[The Simps]

Getting really excited to cut the bulkhead and tunnel now! :D

[Edd]

crazy project, totally different to anything else which is good to see.

[The Simps]

Lets just hope it all works! lol

[L14MNP]

Amazing mate. I echo the above sentiments. This thing is gonna rawk!

Does the Porsche torque tube have a 'weak' coupling where it mates to the gearbox at all dude? Just a thought if it's going to be seeing a Ph3 LET? lol

[The Simps]

Amazing mate. I echo the above sentiments. This thing is gonna rawk!

Does the Porsche torque tube have a 'weak' coupling where it mates to the gearbox at all dude? Just a thought if it's going to be seeing a Ph3 LET? lol


Cheers for the comments.

The tube does connect up with a coupling yes but if I go turbo power I'd need to uprate the box anyway which would mean a different torque tube setup anyway. From what I understand some of the 2.5 V6 & turbo 924/944s had lsd's fitted aswell so that would be the next progression. But as this current setup was free its what I'm going to start with!

[fearless]

You've probably already mentioned in your thread - but how are you mating the torque tube upto the engine ?

[MK999]

You've probably already mentioned in your thread - but how are you mating the torque tube upto the engine ?

He was rather jammy and it happens to just fit iirc lol

[fearless]

He was rather jammy and it happens to just fit iirc lol


Not too familiar with torque tubes and gearboxs at the back - How does the torque tube fix to the C20XE ? - Is there some sort of adaptor that bolt to the Crank/flywheel :confused:

[MK999]

Not too familiar with torque tubes and gearboxs at the back - How does the torque tube fix to the C20XE ? - Is there some sort of adaptor that bolt to the Crank/flywheel :confused:

Believe it needs some sort of adapted short bellhousing, but the torque tube fits straight into a normal XE clutch setup... now I think about it I'm not entirely sure any more, there was definitely something splined that he found just happened to fit straight in lol

[scott.parker]

Was it not off the salvaged 944 (if thats what it was?)

[The Simps]

Engine end of the torque tube looks like so...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/09-08-093.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/09-08-094.jpg


Which mated to this bellhousing...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/09-08-092.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/09-08-09.jpg


This is where I got lucky and the XE clutch is perfect fit! I'm just hoping that when I upgrade to the turbo/V6 box with LSD that its the same as f28!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/09-08-099.jpg


The plan for fitting it to the engine is hopefully going to be simple. The 924 housing is 150mm deep. SBD sell a 150mm deep ford to XE bellhouisng...

http://www.sbdev.co.uk/Gearbox/Bellhouses/BELH1-sideview-edited.gif


I'll either chop the end plate off the torque tube and fit a plate that suits the bellhousing or preferably sandwich an adapter plate between the 2 if there's enough on the shaft to do so. That way it can be kept fairly retro fit.


I done a bit more on the car tonight but no pics as camera battery was flat! :idiot!: I welded in some further bracing so I can cut away the parcel shelf next time as I'm fed up with it being in the way! I spent most of the time tho cutting some of the excess away from the inner arches and working out what to do moving forwards.

[The Simps]

Little bit more choppin & bracing tonight. Added another cross brace from the B pillar to the bottom of the C which meant I could cut out the majority of the rear shelf like so...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/09-12-091.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/09-12-094.jpg


I then chopped out some more of the old inner arch and tidied up where the chassis ends...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/09-12-095.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/09-12-096.jpg


Shaun then came up and we got chatting about ideas moving forward and we have a few now :D

A few last pics...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/09-12-097.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/09-12-09.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/09-12-092.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/09-12-093.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/09-12-09.jpg

[bmw156]

looks good simps! how many disks lol

and just a thought about the torque tube/clutch/bell housing.

will there be enough splines showing once the new bell housing is on. and will there be enough space for the clutch to spin around? with the pressure plate on as well? and where does the release bearing go?

just a few ideas you might not of taken into consideration:)

[Count Vaux Alot]

Good work buddy!

[Benn]

Could you not use your tubes but extend them over to meet the outer skin?

[Plug]

cracking on now mate :thumb:

can wait to see this out on track Sideways :d

[The Simps]

looks good simps! how many disks lol

and just a thought about the torque tube/clutch/bell housing.

will there be enough splines showing once the new bell housing is on. and will there be enough space for the clutch to spin around? with the pressure plate on as well? and where does the release bearing go?

just a few ideas you might not of taken into consideration:)


Now used up the first 20 of the pack of 50 discs!

Hopefully there will be enough splines showing. The both the old & new bellhousings are 150mm depth and flywheel were pretty similar. If it isn't I've got room to chop down the tube until I do have enough as the 1st bearing is quite some way down as shown in the pics above.

The SBD bellhouisng is designed to fit the XE flywheel so clutch should spin fine.

I'm converting to a hydraulic clutch and using floor mounted pedal box :D




Good work buddy!

All this cutting work is easy! lol




Could you not use your tubes but extend them over to meet the outer skin?

As per my reply on MIG mate - potentially yes but not worth it. The main curve was up against the straight edge and only halfway across the wheel so I would still need to put in the other side, which is the hardest bit as its shaped to the wing. It would be easier in making that piece just to simply make it wider and cover the whole wheel! Also, I'm not running my shocker vertical anymore it will be at 45deg angle (probably).




cracking on now mate :thumb:

can wait to see this out on track Sideways :d


Me too mate, me too!

[The Simps]

I did have another result today too.

An irritation has been that I don't have a tube notcher/profiler or a pipe bender (or the experience!) so I have to send it out to have the cage & spaceframing done. I really like the quality of Browney's fabricage cage and its reasonably price & their workshop is near cambridge, so a little over an hours drive there. Great. But I've been thinking how I can do it so I only have to make one trip to them and they can finish the whole lot, but the supsension for example needs a lot of the framework in place to be mocked up, but you can fit the framework until I know where the supension needs to go. lol Needs to be done in conjuction but getting them to do it will be big bucks!

I remembered today that the local Powerflow place (15mins from me) who done my nova system about 4 years ago used to do a lot of hotrods, grasstrackers etc and alot of cage work. Gave the guy a call and had a really good chat. He said he'd happily fit a cage if I supplied it and can bend & supply any pipework I needed. He invited me down to familiarize myself with their setup and before signing off just asked my name and within seconds said "oh you've got that red nova" - good friggin memory or what! Was well impressed. Unless my phone number was on his computer or something! lol Anyways, gonna go down there and have a chat, show him what I'm doing and listen to what he has to offer.

[Nova_Tek]

Very interesting build Simps and a great WIP thread. This should be a sweet Nova when done and if everyting goes well. :thumb:

[1.3sr_kane]

great work here simps looks impressive. i spent hours last night reading this whole thread i had match sticks holding my eyes open as wanted to read it all must have crashed out last night so didnt reply.

cant wait to see this completed.

good luck.

[The Simps]

Very interesting build Simps and a great WIP thread. This should be a sweet Nova when done and if everyting goes well. :thumb:


Thats the key bit isn't it! lol




great work here simps looks impressive. i spent hours last night reading this whole thread i had match sticks holding my eyes open as wanted to read it all must have crashed out last night so didnt reply.

cant wait to see this completed.

good luck.


Thanks for taking the time to read it. Its nice comments that give you that extra push to go down the workshop on a cold december evening! In some ways I wish I was married - I'd have more reasons go get down there out the way then! lol

[The Simps]

Bellhousing ordered, should be here tomorrow. Shame I'm away this weekend to offer it up :(

[1.3sr_kane]

well reading your thread has given me some more inspiration to complete / start the 3 nova's and the escort and finish my turbo golf.
lol

will be keeping a eye on your project to pick me up when i feel like cant be bothered to do mine

[The Simps]

Had to head up the unit tonight because all tho it dosn't leak water up there for some reason the snow gets in everywhere so I had to cover the car up. Before I did tho I couldn't resist getting the grinder out again so I chopped out the last bit at the rear...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/17-12-091.jpg


I then put on the bellhousing and slid in the torque tube. Just got to work out the best way to mount it all up and how now. The end plate on the tube is 10mm thick. I think I might get Shaun to make me up an ally plate that suits the contour of the bellhousing. I can then make a hole in the centre just enough the shaft to pass thru then I can drill & tap the plate for the holes for the slave cylinder to mount. I'll then have to grind off the welds on the torque tube end plate, slide it back, trim down the tube, weld it back up then bolt the lot together.

Anybody else got any other ideas?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20Coupe%20Project/17-12-09.jpg

[djbrowney]

have i got much snow to look forward to at work tomorrow ??? x

[bmw156]

simps, could you not, cut of the mounting plate on the torque tube, and make another steel plate, possibly the same thickness and make it to the same shape as the bell housing and weld it to the torque tube? seems a good idea :)

[Sloth]

it would stress frqacture imop. id make a mini convertor plate to go between the bellhousing and torque tube. have you figured a clutch? is it a porker tube?

[The Simps]

simps, could you not, cut of the mounting plate on the torque tube, and make another steel plate, possibly the same thickness and make it to the same shape as the bell housing and weld it to the torque tube? seems a good idea :)


That is the other option, and probably the easiest. The plate is 10mm thick after all!

[The Simps]

it would stress frqacture imop. id make a mini convertor plate to go between the bellhousing and torque tube. have you figured a clutch? is it a porker tube?


Its a 924 tube yeah. clutch is a normal XE one and going to convert to hydraulic