LHD Corsa to RHD Nova Sport Replica Track Car

So we've had a track Mk2 Nova for 2 1/2 years now and its gradually getting to the point where the shell is getting very crisp. Plan A was to pull it apart and restore it, but Plan B came in to action when this little beauty came up for sale.

She is a 1984 Opel Corsa 3dr, and I'll let the pics do most of the talking. To say its solid is a complete understatement. Although the Southern French sun has taken its toll on the paintwork.

The initial idea is to do the exterior as a Sport replica, stonechip and paint underneath and under the wheel arches too - make a really nice track & show car for Dad's business doing the Polycarb windows (see sig). We are in debate whether to convert it to RHD too.

And here's the photos.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps5eaa7906.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps8860f794.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps5dbd5fea.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps30e835e3.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...psabc36fad.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps11609f2c.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps76716808.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...psa2ecfcd2.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...psea6a7339.jpg


Such a shame the laquer has all fallen off! Never mind, bring on the summer project...

very nice. would be a shame to change it to much, to find one as clean as that is rare.

I was under the impression LHD was better for track due to the brake servo and MC being on the 'correct' side?

That is a clean shell!

I would leave it LHD, better weight distribution and as mentioned already pedal closer to MC and servo.

Yeah, but driving it today is a very odd experience. Im not 100% what to do. It needs a full repaint though, the paint is a lot more flakey than it looks. But its all original and solid which is the main thing, and would make a lovely Sport Rep.

Best colour! not that im biased..

It's the same colour as my first Nova from 18 years ago lol

Looking forward to seeing progress on this, when's its first outing planned?

Its not being started on until I come back from Uni for summer, I doubt itll be completely finished in time for anything this year but it'll be ready for next year. I don't want to rush it and cut corners, the whole thing will be stripped to a bare shell and painted inside and out before reassembly with my early XE engine.

Did you not have this up for sale??

Lee

Nope, only bought it yesterday! It came up late the night before and it was an opportunity not to be missed.

Here's the state of the paint and the rear arches. The only spot of rust can be seen bottom left of the picture which will be ground back to metal and treated when it goes for paint.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps8ecdb2af.jpg