It's a beautiful example Nick, rare in that condition. Did you run a paint micrometer over it for paint depth and repairs? How did it come out?
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It's a beautiful example Nick, rare in that condition. Did you run a paint micrometer over it for paint depth and repairs? How did it come out?
A little more..........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...mar2012040.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...mar2012039.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...mar2012037.jpg
Im sure you'll by now have noticed my ebay.de bargain of a euro cluster! £12 shipped!! Once I'd got to this stage I thought It would be wise to paint up a couple of test cards for the carmine red and see how I was fixed using todays waterbase schemes. Sometimes the old school solids can be a pain to match and are not as readily available nowadays so I thought I may be in for a hard time.......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...mar2012023.jpg
Doesnt look much in it above does their? But below you can see the clearer better option to go for........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...bowip012-3.jpg
With a good match sorted I started making someplans with my foreman. Now Im sure you can see were this is going but I'll have to leave it at that for tonight! Hopefully more tommorow.
Nick.
That is bloody awesome, well done Sir!
Dude i reckon it would be ashame to respray it as its got such good condition body work thats all original and not resprayed..
Looks amazing btw.
Scott
I'd be happy if one of the panels on my car was as good condition as your whole car, definitely got a gooden there nick :thumb:
Wow it's cleaned up brilliant, love red Novas when they DO actually look red, top job Nick.
What wheels have you decided on with this as somehow I don't think the cesaros suit it?
Thanks John and yes I hope to make it to billing to see you all this year. I Just have loads on thats all but fingers crossed!Quote:
Originally Posted by John
Cheers Spud but I think Ill leave the antibes to you! Going that in depth is a real chore and not something I fancy doing again for sometime. However Im sure you will have done a top job yourself and It'll be looking great anyhow!Quote:
Originally Posted by Spudly
Yes I did Jeff....... The cars paint was completely original apart from some dodgy work just below the rear windscreen on the tailgate Which has since been rectified.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff16v
Thanks fella!Quote:
Originally Posted by Balley
Yes I agree Scott but......... Some work was needed to better the car and benefit it for future mods. But you'll see that soon enough!Quote:
Originally Posted by scott.parker
It has indeed fella and I agree Im a big fan of red novas myself. Hmmmmmm wheels wheels their is a possibility you read my mind but you'll have to wait and see!Quote:
Originally Posted by Southie
Thanks all for comments!
Nick.
So on with a little more today then........
The engine bay/ancillaries then recieved a similar going over that the outside had. A huge degreasing session on everything I could get my hands to followed by clay bar then compounding via a damp cloth and by hand. This was then also sealed and waxed..... small block novas are so easy to work with as I could get my hands in almost everywere which was a bonus!
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...mar2012044.jpg
Then with the bodywork massively improved I turned my attentions elsewere sourcing a low mileage gear linkage. Broke it down and left it to soak in vinegar for a week or so which resulted in it coming out like so........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...bowip011-3.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...bowip168-2.jpg
Works well that old vinegar trick! I finished it with a wire wheel/brushes at work then etched it up and sent it out to Swedge with the nylon bushes for rosejointing. Then with the future conversion in mind I bought this little lot below. Almost new hardly used Gaz coilover set and a built up set of David Dixons equal length shafts with conversions flanges etc. All were degreased and cleaned up before storing as you can see their looking pretty spanking! All were sourced second hand to keep costs down as Id said initially I dont want a huge costly build and dont mind using second hand quality parts as long as their in good condition........
The gaz's came spec'd with 250lb front springs and 180lb rear so Ive ordered some 300lb springs that Ill use for the front and swap the 250's to the rear..........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...bowip166-2.jpg
Also for sometime I had been considering wheel options........ Ive always liked cesaros but with them being only fifteens theyre a little too small for my liking but I was willing to consider fifteens If I could find an uber rare set like speedline mistrals or similar. My thinking was as I want the car to stay almost identical exterior wise to how it is now Id need to add a good set of wheels to make it stand out from the rest with it being so simple looking etc. Then talking to Colin smith a few months ago I hit the jackpot and had these from him.............
6.5J - 16" Raceline RL7's in et49.....
As they'd been rallied the condition wasnt fantastic and all paint was flaking but I had them acid dipped for a bargain of £10 per rim and they came back looking like this...........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...g?t=1336043992
Ive only seen one set of RL7's in 16" on a nova in fifteen years and that was Gary hopes old motor shown below which I think they look fantastic on........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...o/7bc4b6c6.jpg
Only thing was they wouldnt go under the stock wheel arches so work was required............. More soon!
Nick.
Things just got even more interesting!
Where did you get the linkage nylon bush from too please?
Lmf sell them i think
EDIT:
& Nick what intermediate shaft and mount do you plan on using? Astra z20let ones?
Here you go Simon...........Quote:
Originally Posted by SimonTW
http://www.lmfvauxhall.co.uk/M-Tech-...on-Bushes.html
Exactly the same as I ran on my last project fella being the dummy shaft/bracket available from most vauxhalls that ran the c20xe's in the 90's.... Calibra, Astra gsi and so on. Same principle as the zlet item but Im unsure If one would fit or not. where as whats shown below is a direct fit.Quote:
Originally Posted by _Jake
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...g?t=1299434324
Stunning stuff Nick
All looks very very nice
Big block then?
Got much planned for the interior?
Think maybe the wheels might looks a little large with the small bumpers tho ? Just imo, but with wheels most peoples opinions are different :)
Edd
i like it alot
great work as usual nick
your cars are built to such a high standard
cheers stu
Cheers Edd, Looking at c20tbo which runs 16" mo's with small bumpers I think I'll be ok as long as the stance is right. Interior wise It will always be a complete full interior for this build. Maybe a gte one If I can find one in good enough order so its in keeping with the mk1 theme. That will be later into next year though with other goodies etc.Quote:
Originally Posted by Edd
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../TotalVX39.jpg
Cheers Elvis!Quote:
Originally Posted by matthew172
Thanks Stu, such a shame to see you sell up! Hopefully not the end of the road for you though.Quote:
Originally Posted by 7ova
Nick.
i cant see it being the end of nova's for me nick
i'm always looking!
cheers stu
Whels will look rubbish Nick.
As your a mate i'll take em of your hands so you havent lost out :)
Dude as i've been saying it looks stunning! Awesome work bring the paint back up, wheels will look fantastic!
What colour for the wheels Nick?
I have a complet set of equal length shafts off a calibra nick , what would I have to do to use them on my nova build ??
The car looks stunning pal .
Thanks Kev
The outer shaft needs to be shortened. Cant remember by how much tho..Quote:
Originally Posted by kevster
Oh right thanks Ben , will have to look into it .
Thanks again
Great work Nick :D
Hopefully see it at Billing :)
Thanks Si Im quite confident we'll be their as usual.Quote:
Originally Posted by SRimon
Im sure hope It isnt!Quote:
Originally Posted by 7ova
I thought you may like them!Quote:
Originally Posted by MARTIN KELSON
Cheers dude!Quote:
Originally Posted by Benn
You'll see that soon enough John.....Quote:
Originally Posted by John
The only shaft you'll use is the intermediate/dummy Kev Id buy a pair of David dixons off ebay and make life easy for yourself fella.Quote:
Originally Posted by kevster
Nick.
Interesting, a build worth watching! what engine are you going for?
Todays update then.........
With all the work that went into detailing the body I really wanted to paint as little as possible to keep the originality of the car and due to the fact my time was very limited over the past few months. But one thing I did want to do was sort the small amount of corrosion on the rear arch lips and repair the bodge work someone had done on the tailgate. So a short while back the nova went to work........
Stands under the beam with wheels ready for coming off.....
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...bowip011-5.jpg
Perfect rear panel........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...bowip012-5.jpg
Then a little stripping and I cut back the area's we were looking to replace........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...bowip016-4.jpg
By the time all the paint was removed you can see their is very little corrosion but I wanted it gone for good so replacement is the only way.......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...bowip017-4.jpg
The other side was very similar however the corrosion was lower down the wheel arch. My foreman arrived soon after and cracked straight on cutting out as smaller area as possible and welding in the new arches........
N/S arch welded in and ground back.......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...bowip019-4.jpg
Followed by the O/S.........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...bowip022-3.jpg
Like the last project the inner return lip has been removed so Its effectively a single skin lower down the quarter. To get some strength back in this area and to give more clearance the lips have been rolled over. But before this happened a metal to metal bonder was applied inside so once the lips were rolled back on themselves inbetween the two surfaces is the bonder that will glue the lip back on itself.
Lips rolled and tapered off at either end for a factory look.......
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...g?t=1336126019
As you can see we've fitted as little as possible fresh metal which in my opinion is the way forward when fitting nova arches as you want to also keep the filler work to the flat part of the arches making it much easier to level up perfectly.
On to the filler work then........
O/S arch complete........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...bowip026-4.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...bowip027-3.jpg
N/S arch finished.........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...bowip029-4.jpg
Along the sills were a couple of chips that had slightly started to spider so these areas were sanded to bare metal to be found perfect underneath........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...bowip028-4.jpg
As you'll have read previously the tailagate needed repairing too so that was also sorted whilst filler was going into the arches....
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...bowip024-4.jpg
Car prepared and masked for primer.........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...bowip034-4.jpg
As I mentioned earlier the filler work has been kept to the flat area of the arch below the first swage line. Once primed It leaves you with a lovely flat area to block at which gives you a great chance in getting the surface 100% level and making the new arches invisible which is what were after.
Nick.
Once in the booth stands were back under the rear for easier access and the car was bagged up/masked and degreased ready for etching then high build primering. Foam edge tape was used along edges to keep the primered areas as small as possible and also to stop primer getting on areas I didnt want it........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...bowip038-4.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...bowip039-4.jpg
And a few primed up/guidecoated shots..........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...bowip041-4.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...bowip043-4.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...bowip040-4.jpg
Once the foam tape is removed you can see primer hasnt managed to get into these areas which means you can keep the topcoats contained easier on specific edges giving a much better overall finish once the job is complete.
The morning after the arch lips/sills were scotched and an overpaintable stone guard applied. Ive taken this right up to edge of the sill which is further than the factory area but will give much better protection for the future..........
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...bowip045-4.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...bowip047-4.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2...bowip049-4.jpg
This type of stoneguard is oil based so it doesnt matter if you get it on areas you dont want to as it washes off with solvent cleaner. I find it much better than gravitex/graviguard as its a lot thicker and has a rubberised texture to it which will be better for reflecting the areas that are going to get battered with stone chipping etc. Thats it for today chaps I hope you enjoyed the read!
Nick.
Awesome work as usual! Will be a minter when its done!
I'm in awe! Would love to have the skills to do stuff like this!
Great great stuff. It seems only your thread now gets my nova heartbeat going!
Hey nick,
Your updates never disapoint, amazing standard of work as always, a lot of people would have been happy with flattening back the paint a polishing it up, but you wanted it perfect ! Epic work as always nick.
Cant wait to see the car's progress and also see it at billing .
looking good dude, top work as always and the paint works come up loads better just after the sanding that you did, can't wait to see what the rest of your plans turn out like
This is what makes me wish I was better at doing bodywork as I have difficulty trusting other people to do work to the standard I want. You have shown the high standard your work is at and doing it yourself you know it is 100%
It'll be a c20let and f28 paul.Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul
Hopefully fella!Quote:
Originally Posted by M Sutton
I guess we all have our own abilities! I like some of your work on the mini!Quote:
Originally Posted by SimonTW
Get another si you know you want to!Quote:
Originally Posted by SRimon
Cheers Iain and thanks again for your help on the fab work recently!Quote:
Originally Posted by NOV4_SPORT
Cheers pip! Fingers crossed I can make it into something special.Quote:
Originally Posted by nova_pipi
Cheers rich! I used to be exactly the same with the mechanical aspect until two guys from work set up on their own. However I still wish I could do more myself!Quote:
Originally Posted by Novasport
Nick.
Ade Culley did a cracking job of the shell as he has a passion for a perfect finish and not just in it for the money. Not sure if he is doing jobs like this anymore though.
There is a lad at work who is a painter in the bodyshop and he is into his cars in a big way, hopefully if his work is spot on I will get him to do the Swing.
I am getting him to paint a new bootlid for the 888 so will see what the standard of his work is like
Just a quick question on the stone guard, why did you spray it as you did instead of masking off?
Impressive stuff once again!
Yeah test the chap out with a small job then if your happy you know you can trust him with something bigger etc.Quote:
Originally Posted by Novasport
I prefer to do it this way as the stoneguard is oil based and can be washed back with solvent cleaner to the exact area you want it. You'll see this with the next update etc.Quote:
Originally Posted by Novasport
Nick.
Great work Nick.
I cant believe how well even the original paintwork mopped up!
He still does small jobs. He painted the wing on my Golf few weeks back.Quote:
Originally Posted by Novasport
Garage he works for now he cant do foreigners so its all booked through the garage