Lovely build and read mate, one nice little nova that :)
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Lovely build and read mate, one nice little nova that :)
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:
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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.
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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].
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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.
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I've also replaced the grill, headlight and header tank bolts with some countersunk ones with anodized washers like the rocker cover.
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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.
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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!
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