Lovely build and read mate, one nice little nova that :)
Printable View
Lovely build and read mate, one nice little nova that :)
My custom full system inc mods to the 3inch downpipe, twin box in 2.5inch was only £300 and that's fully stainless inc stainless welds.Quote:
Originally Posted by Liam
Go custom everytime, better fit, better made and you can have the pipe just how you want it...
Not a big update but an update at least!
Gary kindly made me up a spark plug cover and I quickly got it sorted and fitted. I did think about polishing it up or painting it but decided to go the easy and more affordable route and vinyl wrap it. I purchased some of that new 4D carbon wrap on eBay and got the cover wrapped. I also added an SBD sticker to it as it was looking a bit bland.
I also purchased an oil cap off eBay and try and make a 'custom' one using the original black insert one. After measuring the inside of the black cap, I searched for a 'screw type' cap with about the side thread diameter and got one ordered. Once it arrived I just bonded/glued the new cap inside the original black one and *tada* I now have a custom oil cap!
I then turned my search to eBay again and got myself some countersunk bolts and red anodized countersunk washers to replace the rocker cover ones. I think these look much better than the original ones I had and tie in well with the oil cap and hoses etc.
I've also had thoughts of changing the front end back to mk2 and fitting a GSi bumper. The GTE/SR front end is OK but I just love the GSi front. I've still got my original wings and lights etc so would just need them painting and then get hold of a GSi bumper and grill. The only thing is, I really like the look of the rear of the car but don't know whether the front GSi and GTE rear bumpers will go? I'd probably get the bumpers done in an anthracite colour if I decide to go ahead with it. What's people's thoughts?
Some pictures:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...37895826_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...24442572_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.n...45459267_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...78857628_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.n...83826917_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...63652551_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.n...74155316_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.n...74156252_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.n...51824516_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...76249858_o.jpg
I also forgot to add that I attended a couple of shows. Last Wednesday I header over to Brands Hatch for the 'Summer Wednesdays' show and on Sunday I attended a local show with Rob (who painted my car) with his Simmbugghini.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.n...71124652_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.n...07207835_n.jpg
https://sphotos-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/h...03743324_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.n...50468551_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.n...98746659_o.jpg
Looking great, love the plug cover. What's the 4d wrap all about? I have some 3d, just cause you can feel the weev (sp)
The 4D smells like real carbon too.
Sorry, didn't see your reply until today.
The 4D carbon is textured differently (curved but straight) and when the sun or light hits it, it turns glossy looking like real lacquered carbon fibre. It also looks more realistic out of the light than the 3D stuff.
On to today...
I spent a little while on the Nova today after neglecting it for a couple of weeks and having thoughts of selling up and getting something AGAIN! I've had a think and once I get a job (made redundant in June!) I think I'll have more of an interest in the car and save up for some throttle bodies and other goodies like I originally planned to.
But whilst having no money, there isn't much I can do! A few months ago now I purchased a stainless steel heat shield for an XE/LET and never tried fitting it, until today. It wasn't too bad a job and I only had to drill one new hole. As there's no mounting points on the head itself I had to use the two outer exhaust manifold studs/bolts. I replaced all four of the top studs with bolts and used a spacer between the manifold and heat shield (also longer bolts) on the outer ones so they clear the inner bolt heads. It's a vast improvement and covers up the flaky manifold where the heat temperature paint flaked off under [sigh]heat[/sigh].
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.n...86706964_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...00551228_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...33806954_o.jpg
spark plug cover and the heat shield look good liam
Not a lot been happening lately but have managed to tidy up the engine bay a bit more. I decided to paint my thermostat housing and wiper motor/backing plate in VHT wrinkle paint. I've managed to pick up a spare rocker cover so will be wrinkle painting that and then getting it painted yellow again.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...14964407_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.n...64482151_o.jpg
I've also replaced the grill, headlight and header tank bolts with some countersunk ones with anodized washers like the rocker cover.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.n...95759130_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...55217305_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.n...11885159_o.jpg
I also removed the header tank the other day and took it down to get polished on a proper polisher. Should be ready to fit late next week and will look much better than it being full of water stains and small scratches.
To try and tidy up the rear window surrounds until I can find a mint set a decided to spray them satin black (fronts will be painted and fitted soon!). They look good but not ideal. But as I said, they will do for now! Whilst I had the paint it I also decided to quickly spray up a spare grill in gloss black to see what it looked like. After some reassuring feedback, I'm going to be getting it professionally sprayed gloss black when I get my other bits done which brings me onto the following.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...44677523_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.n...78867977_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...79572511_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...37746675_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.n...57619643_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.n...12482986_o.jpg
After having a word with the bodyshop, he said that he would give me hand fit my cage and make all of the spreader plates and platforms. He's currently in the middle of having a baby any day now so should hopefully be able to get the car down and get it fitted in about a week or so time. Whilst it's down there i'm going to see if I can get the interior painted the same colour as the engine bay and remove all of the carpets etc. I'll also get my rear brace fitted at the same time.
Also, he's some pictures of how the engine bay currently is. Just need to do and fit my new rocker cover and then it should be pretty much finished... Until I get some Jenvey throttle bodies!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.n...50562258_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.n...80565376_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.n...14312389_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.n...86482563_o.jpg
And some general pictures of the car at the moment (before I painted the rear window surrounds). Will hopefully be coming off the road at the end of this month as well for winter. The tax and insurance runs out then and I should hopefully be able to pick up a cheap daily that I can sell on in the spring!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...46372824_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.n...53144670_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...52612918_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...53378288_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.n...66926615_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.n...17122746_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...13534580_o.jpg
Really liking the photos Liam, a nice use of your camera.
Also loving the attention to detail in the engine bay, cracking build :cool:
Very nice pics, looks stunning mate :)
Fantastic photos.
This is a great project. The nuts and washes you have for the grill and headlamps are really neat. It just shows that all the small attention to detail gone into this car makes an impact on it as a whole. keep up the good stuff liam :thumb:
Updates please! Just read the whole thread and still love this car!
its sat under a cover in storage over winter but couple of things are in the works for it ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by M Sutton
Cool!
As Connor has said, the Nova was put away in October for the winter and to do some bits to it. I've been buying and collecting lots of parts over the past few months and will be doing bits to it very soon.
I actually worked on it for the first time since it went away today, getting the interior partly stripped ready for the cage to be fitted/welded in. Once that is done I shall be taking it to the bodyshop and getting the inside painted the same colour as the engine bay (anthracite). I'll also get the cage painted as well but not sure whether to go matt black (original colour), anthracite (same colour as inside) or red (same colour as the car?).
Then, when it's back i'll get it up on axle stands and remove everything underneath. I'll then get the floor undersealed and painted and get everything powdercoated red/black. I'm also going to be fitting polybushes throughout which I bought a couple of weeks ago.
I'm also on the lookout for a mint drivers door as mine is starting to rust again everywhere! Or, I'm contemplating getting some fiberglass ones from Chris at CMComposites?
(The only part of the car that's still white!! Not for long though.)
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.n...52942122_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...71958179_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.n...54528671_o.jpg
Very nice pics, I love your wheels !! ;)
If your going with grey, keep the colours to red and grey. Matt black will look toss.
GRey floor with a red cage would look cool.
Is it gonna be all stripped out and caged up look then...
I had a grey floor and black cage in mine before i painted the floor red. Looked rubbish grey tbh. Why not just paint the floor red and leave the cage black?
Pic of mine! ;)
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u...v/novabtb5.jpg
That's what I was thinking, plus it'd be easier to just paint it grey rather than masking it all off etc. But then red would look cool too. Hmmmm!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Benn
And yes, going for the caged up, basic look. Getting the bare dash flocked so will have a fully flocked dash, full carbon interior panels etc.
I'm not to sure why I want to go anthracite really lol I think it's because the engine bays the same colour and it would tie in with that. Plus with the red seats, it'll probably be a little too much?Quote:
Originally Posted by GDN16v
Is the cage removable? If so remove it, paint it then refit. Will/would look ace.
It's a Safety Devices bolt in cage but i'm getting it welded in to save the hassle of drilling holes and bolting in it. So unfortunately not :(Quote:
Originally Posted by Benn
Although, I could get it painted and then respray the feet once it's been welded in? I'll see what the body shop say!
just spent half an hour in work reading from the start
i was a bit unsure at the start but the car looks immaculate now
all the little touches definately help
will it be at billing this year?
Didnt realise youre seats were red...that maybe a little to much then lmaoQuote:
Originally Posted by Liam
My engine bay is grey too, but as soon as the engine comes out its going back red ;)
Thanks for positive feedback! At the start of the project I was young (16) and didn't have any ideas on what I wanted to do with the car... lol lolQuote:
Originally Posted by jafanan
I will be at Billing, yes. I shall also be at PVS and maybe RetroRides Gathering depending on if I go to Nurburgring in the Nova or not!!
The main reason I decided to paint my bay anthracite is if I decide later on to change the colour of the colour (which is rather likely in say 2-3 years!). That's why I'd also like to get the inside painted the same, plus it ties in with the rally/track look!!Quote:
Originally Posted by GDN16v
Fingers cross I will see this at PVS this year, I'm probably going with a mate your designing a web site for :)
A quick little update!
I stripped the rest of the inside ready for the cage fitting and painting. I'm debating on whether to remove the headlining as well but not too sure yet! I've got to decide quickly though as the cage is being fitted on Sunday!!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.n...82155462_o.jpg
I also set about removing the radiator and middle support bracket (should make installation of the new one easier and non-damaging with the exhaust manifold still in place) ready for the new GSi/GTE full height replacement.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...98052917_o.jpg
And finally, I also got together all the bits I've been collecting for the Nova over the past 3-4 months. When it's back from paint, then I'll crack on with the underside and get everything fitted!!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.n...17351717_o.jpg
https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/...73877252_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...12770907_o.jpg
https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/...17188038_o.jpg
https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/...39547496_o.jpg
https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/...50130901_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...69825805_o.jpg
https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/...42788739_o.jpg
https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/...75792015_o.jpg
It's all about the touches! Nice pressed, all black number plates for shows, photo shoots etc.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.n...76147054_o.jpg
Some nice parts there mate, similar to what I'll be buying for my underside/front end rebuild
Good stuff of parts, im waiting for the rebuild:thumb:
Stonechipping the underside after paint! Sounds scary! Nice collection of parts, I like the cage gusset things
Nice little collection. Are you planning on doing the whole underside and up in the arches with the Gravitex? If so you will need a bit more. I used 5,5l on mine.
Also, trial fit both of the seats. I bought and sold a set of Pro2000's as they were too wide for the car.
Plans sound good
What rear brace is that?
Seats are very nice. Very nice collection of parts too.
Looking good Liam!
As always Liam, The cars looks absolutely mint! I still regret selling you those wheels! they look awsome!
Keep up the progress dude..
Dion.