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Thread: My long term Nova rebuild (started in 1999!)

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    Default My long term Nova rebuild (started in 1999!)

    Thought I'd maybe show you my long term Nova rebuild. Some of you may of seen it on Migweb. I bought the car back in the last millenium/century

    It looked like so...






    It was a right shed but I got it for £850 after knocking them down from £3500!

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    so whats it look like after 12 years??

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    I drove it 8 miles home and then did this to it...





    I then chucked one of these into it. Now back then this was a bit special and not very easy like today. It took a whole heap of research and great expense for special parts like tapered drive shafts etc. Nobody knew about the inner CV's that let you use standard shafts etc. I was the first person to do a valver conversion in the area.



    Then I shamlessly copied that Mag featured one for the colour (65L Rio verde)




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    I drove it like that for about twelve months but I was never happy with it. The front end started to split so I started to collect some parts for a rebuild...








    It was real hard work to source all the parts from Vauxhall but I got them in the end!

    My mates said it was a giant Air-fix kit! On then to the next stage...

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    oooh, nice build - suppose back then you could get all the genuine panels without paying the NLS TAX!
    (┌∩┐(◣_◢)┌∩┐)

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    Next I sent the shell off to be shot blasted to see what the real condition was...



    As I suspected it was a little "soft" in some places









    It became apparent that as with all nearly novas they may look pretty on the outside but like so many women I've met they ain't so pretty with all the slap removed...

    I was going to have to remove every panel and basically start again. Pfft give me something to do I suppose.

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    So next a spit was cobbled together and the strip down began.





    The shot blaster couldn't get the stone guard off so the mint job of scraping it off by hand was done.

    Then The removal of the rotten panels started..





    Then the standard issue boot floor was cut out...




    This pile was destined to become bigger, much much bigger!


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    Now ripping cars apart is great fun. Cutting out huge chunks of rusty metal is very satisfying. But, alas, replacing the wanton destruction is a little more time consuming.

    So started to replace the metal I'd cut out with great enthusiasm..





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    More of the same...





    Then made a new lip to weld the back panel on and replaced the bumper mounting brackets..






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    A few pictures of the inner arches being repaired before the new quarters and back panel etc are fitted..





    Quick lick of primer..



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