My 1987 Nova 1.2 > 2.0 8v SR replica.

[Steve]

Originally it was bought as my daily driver with 28,000 miles on it.

Heres how it started:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/beigebeist2.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/beigebeist5.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/beigebeist7.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/beigebeist4.jpg

Originally it was just going to be a run around but even still, anything standard on novas mean its crap so I got a cheap gmax 60mm kit for it:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/D-reglow1.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/beigebeist30-edit.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/beigebeist33.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/beigebeist35-edit.jpg

And then got a gsi interior for free to go in it:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/beigebeist36.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/beigebeist37.jpg

[Steve]

Then along came the donor car, 1990 cavalier 2.0 8v sri130

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/385b_1.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/3ef0_1.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/4afb_1.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/5878_1.jpg

Only 103,000 miles on it so the engine and box are in great condition.
Thanks to my mate lee who was carrying out the conversion we loaded it onto his trailer and headed back to his lockup.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/03-11-07_1215.jpg

Disaster struck as one of his trailer wheels tried to fly off down the motorway as the bolts loosened themselves, but after a 'quick' roadside fix we were back on our way.

Didnt get many pics of the build as I only had my camera phone but, here it is with the 1200 out:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/04-11-07_1526.jpg

And the 2.0 sitting snuggly:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/04-11-07_1900.jpg

Anyway got it running fine, but only briefly as it was too noisy with only the downpipe on.
And seeing as I had to drive from bristol to kent lee sold me his custom 2.0 16v nova exhaust, stainless steel and made by powerflow it sounds all good.

Anyway, no engine swap is ever that easy as we were about to find out, went for a test drive and besides the fact that we didnt have time to change the 1.2 brakes and that with the extra weight plus all the cav parts I had loaded in the back it was grounding out quite easy!
Got back from the test drive getting ready for the long drive back, and we noticed that the water pump was leaking! quite rapidly with the engine running!

So the only option we had was to bung in some rad weld hoping that it would stop it... which it didnt! >:( So we had no other choice but to drive it and stop and check every so often that there was still some water in there, easy enough??

No, the gearbox decided to pee oil out everywhere down the M4, and I thought it had seized up as it got real stiff all of a sudden.
So there we were at the services at about 8pm in the pitch black trying to figure out what was going on.. Turns out lee had cut a small notch of the end of the gearbox as otherwise it fould the tie bar but had cut a tad too much and the gearbox was emptying itslef in front of us!!
So, carefully drove it back to the lockup where he gave me a lift back to his place and borowed his backup car to get me home.
One week later, I popped back up after he had changed the cambelt/ water pump and a good old bit of chemical metal had sorted out the gearbox.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/18-11-07_1519.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/18-11-07_1532.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/18-11-07_1528.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/18-11-07_1531.jpg

Had a set of 2.0 16v brakes fitted so it now stops, and the next upgrade will be to sort out the suspension as its way to bouncy on 1.2 springs!
Only other upgrade was the sparco strut brace, which, in my opinion, looks more effective than it actually is!

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/20-11-07_1028.jpg

Final bit for now is my old sr clocks as the std clocks didnt have a rev counter.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/06-01-08_1456.jpg

[Steve]

I then realised that gmax were useless for the conversion so I got some bilstein shocks

Before refurb:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/19-01-08_1538.jpg

And courtenays sports 2.0 front springs

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/21-01-08_1008.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/19-02-08_1835.jpg

A couple of random pictures

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/16-02-08_1521.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/16-02-08_1508.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/03-03-08_1425.jpg

Then by chance I found an early sr valance on performance nova group for £20

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/snowplough.jpg

And all straightened out and fitted:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/09-04-08_1439.jpg

Then did the side in grey primer (for now)

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/09-04-08_1437.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/09-04-08_1436.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/09-04-08_1441.jpg

Got my mountenay wheel fitted now.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/25-07-08_1528.jpg

Also managed to get a new grille badge as the old one was all scratched up

Old one

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/23-07-08_1436.jpg

And the new one kindly donated from andy as his nova is de-badged

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/23-07-08_1435.jpg

And managed to get hold of a pair of early sr front seats, all good as i've still got the rear bench from my a-reg project.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/23-07-08_2217.jpg

Really chuffed at there condition considering they've came from a 1984 car.

Little wear on the drivers bolster

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/23-07-08_2218.jpg

[Steve]

And all fitted:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/25-07-08_1536.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/25-07-08_1541.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/25-07-08_1531.jpg

Been meaning to update this, got my 4 branch fitted by my local garage and as it turns out it didnt fit, about 6 inches too short so must have been for a mk2 cav. Anyways a few welds later..

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/04-11-08_1532.jpg

Then heat wrapped it

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/05-11-08_1239.jpg

Pulls mich nicer now and the exhaust tone is much deeper.

After looking through the retro rides website the other day I found a company called isle of wight graphics (that do graphics funnily enough) so

I sent them an email with the dimensions and got two of these for £5 delivered

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/24-11-08_1319.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/24-11-08_1320.jpg

Really happy with the quality of them and at a very good price, I highly recommend them to anyone whos after some graphics made up.

I then fitted a Mk1 sr rear spolier

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/15-12-08_1346.jpg

[macca]

Nice little project, thanks for sharing :D

I imagine it's a little pocket rocket with the 2.0 lump in it? Would look good with a pair of Recaro's in it too ;)

[Steve]

Well I started off working on the nova, the winter has been harsh and it need a few bits re-painting, so popped out to get some more primer and...













































I was following a 4x4 when the car in front of them broke suddenly and I went into the back of it.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/27-01-09_1559.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/27-01-09_1600.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/27-01-09_1601.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/27-01-09_1607.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/27-01-09_1608.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/27-01-09_1609.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/27-01-09_1610.jpg

Anyway I didnt want that to put me off so I went out on the hunt for all the parts to rebuild it.

Bargain front panel at £47

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/novafrontpanel.jpg

Inner wing that needs straightening

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/02-03-09_1549.jpg

A nice bit of rot that I found earlier

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/02-03-09_1646.jpg



http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/19-02-09_1413.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/19-02-09_1412.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/02-03-09_1548.jpg

Bit pointless but here's the breather after we changed it, I don't know why I was told the cam carrier etc had to come of to change it as all we did was remove the rocker cover and tap it out. Luckily my parts place gave me store credit on the head gasket and bolts I bought.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/22-03-09_1610.jpg

Today was fun! lol Recieved my bonnet hinges and then spent ages removing the old ones, neck is a bit achy after being kept in weird angles trying to see where to drill but finally got both the old ones off.

Heres the difference between the old and the new:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/26-03-09_1315.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/26-03-09_1504.jpg

Got the rear mount off expecting it to be kinked in a bit as thats what it looked like when I looked under the car but on comparison to the spare one I had:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/29-03-09_1359.jpg

Its fooked! Then remembered that the rear mount needed modifying we drilled out the new hole for the rubber mount to attach, and then had to grind off the bracing out the mount as it was fouling when we trial fitted it. Then got all but the top mount bolts to line up, then the spacers fell out! lol

So we ran out of time to get it finished but the good news is the engine is now sitting level and the alternator isn't sitting on the chassis leg anymore. Gonna have a play about tomorrow and hopefully get it running as andy has lent me his afm and inlet pipe till I get my new ones.

[Steve]

Postman dropped off my latest purchases,

Mintex brakes

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/01-04-09_1203.jpg

AFM and inlet pipe

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/01-04-09_1339.jpg

To replace these:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/01-04-09_1340.jpg

Then wanted to know why the engine ran like crap the other day, a few suggestions were either damp in the dizzy cap, which I don't have the right bit to remove, or a bad earth somewhere. So I checked the two earth from the injector plugs and one didnt look good so I cleaned it up and put them back and..
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/01-04-09_1326.jpg

Success! It runs perfect once again.

After listening to the advice of many people that a battery drill would be better for removing spot welds I gave up after spending ages on one of them and not really getting anywhere!

Enter the hammer and chisel technique Didnt take long to do most of them but got defeated by the last 3 so given up for today, note the headlight panel partly attached, really cant see where the spot welds are on that side

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/15-04-09_1520.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/15-04-09_1519.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/15-04-09_1518.jpg

Eventually got the hinges on, but... looks like the drivers side bracket is slightly bent as when the hinge is down its hitting the engine loom, where it wasnt before

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/17-04-09_1613.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/17-04-09_1612.jpg

Passenger side was fine.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/17-04-09_1611.jpg

Hopefully have that done tomorrow so I can cross it off the things to do list.

Good luck to the next person that has to change hinges, its alot of fun.

Fitted the bumper yesterday whilst I tried re-pairing it but the glue I got was pretty much useless so ive left that for now. Not exactly important in the scheme of things. lol

Sorted out the hinge, pretty simple stuff, just bent it back into the right position. Then decided to fit the bonnet (on my own) got it on the scuttle panel and used some string to hold it up in the air using the garage door, I bolted it into place and got it sitting straight, then trial fitted the wings which are actually a pretty good fit, gaps look pretty even so pretty chuffed with that.

Now just gonna have an ask around to find someone that can beat the inner wings back into shape for me then it will be ready for the welding.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/18-04-09_1355.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/18-04-09_1449.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/18-04-09_1458.jpg

[Steve]

Well thanks to buzbi from png I now have something that looks like a car again! Just needs a polish and one wing needs a bit of rust sorting. Well chuffed to have the panels in my colour.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/26-04-09_1637.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/26-04-09_1638.jpg

Just waiting to hear back from my mate about getting the inner wings sorted then its basically ready for the new front end to be welded on.

Going...

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/n752373506_1979391_3868173.jpg

Going...

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/4478_86503293506_752373506_1979393_.jpg

And gone!

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/4478_86503298506_752373506_1979394_.jpg

The rotten crossmember

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/4478_86503303506_752373506_1979395_.jpg

Then trial fitted the new panel.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/n752373506_1979399_4814593.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/4478_86504903506_752373506_1979401_.jpg

Job done! well.. kinda.

My mate popped over sunday and we got it sorted, but found a few problems today, it looks as if the drivers side is on slightly wonky as that was worst affected by the shunt, it didnt look too bad until I put the headlights and bumper on earlier. but looking at it now it looks like im gonna have to remove the welds for the slam panel to the inner wings and have it re-done.

Other than that it went pretty well, my mate baz did a good job welding wise but I think we just rushed it slightly although we did trial fit everything properly before welding. Also got a bit of a gap on the drivers side between the inner and outer wings as the screw for the wing nearest the headlight doesnt actually reach!

Sorry if this doesnt all make sense but most of it has been copied from other forums.

[Steve]

A few pics from having it welded

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/welded101.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/welded103.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/welded104.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/welded108.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/welded107.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/welded109.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/welded110.jpg

Will speak to my mate in a bit and see about getting aligned properly and maybe repositioning the drivers side inner wing so it sits better.

Well it turns out that it needed the bonnet adjusters lowering on that side (didnt even know what they were for!) so its now sitting more level, the shut lines are pretty good but the passenger side is a bit close at the bottom so it will be modified a bit to get them just right. Hopefully have a crack tomorrow and get it out the garage for the first time since jan lol.

The rear brakes are still slightly stuck on so hopefully get them freed off as well, once thats done i'll be getting my new taligate fitted with a 1.3sr vinyl and fit my sr spoiler.

Ok this is where i'm at with it now

Update (from sunday)

Got the engine bay back together, re-fitted the wings and sorted out the shut lines.

And today picked up a grey mk1 bumper from rich. Cheers for that mate.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/welded1015.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/welded1016.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/welded1017.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/welded1018.jpg

Hoping to get it insured by the weekend and get the most out of it whilst its still summer lol

Comments welcome :d

[Steve]

Nice little project, thanks for sharing :D

I imagine it's a little pocket rocket with the 2.0 lump in it? Would look good with a pair of Recaro's in it too ;)

Yeah its good with the 8v, everyone else fits redtops because they make more power, but I love 8v's because they're so simple and they have more room in the engine bay than 16v novas do.

Hopefully have it back on the road this weekend, will be shocking to drive again as ive been driving a 1.0 micra since the crash in january! :d

[Ang]

Wow now that's what I like to see on this forum, dedication, well done for getting that all sorted, many people would have scrapped it, know that feeling. Typical vauxhall brakes ;):innocent: I know what they are like.

[lambo-lude]

welcome aboard steveeee u lil tinker u ! .. another nova dude :):)
guess george n mildreds got some competition :d
the 2.0 engine fits well shame i wasnt the gsi lump but good work mr dude :)
shame about the shunt but nice repair ;)

[Steve]

Thanks guys, nice to know some non vauxhall people like it as well.

Well I finished it up today and went out in it earlier. Spent most of the day trying to find somewhere that sells new side repeaters as both the brackets on mine were buggered, luckily my mate andy came through as he broke a ca sri a while back. Will need tracking at the very least, the drivers side rear brake was stuck on but that soon sorted itself out a few metres up the road :D

But got a weird vibration when I brake and it feels like the discs are slightly warped. Still need to loosen the rear engine mount and move it forward as its not sitting right and is causing the linkage to be slightly out, and its hitting on the tunnel slightly. The manifold is still blowing, the rear box has a slight crack in it so thats blowing as well. And it might be an idea to get the front end checked over to make sure everythings still in the right place. Not sure if its the tracking or maybe the front callipers are sticking slightly thats making it pull to the left. Other than that its fine! :D

[nunchukhamster]

Truly warped discs are actually very rare, trust me, I've tried very hard LOL Lapping tracks in a heavy, FWD, 280+ bhp gives you plenty of chances to try :D

Based on the fact that the car has been sitting a while they are probably just covered in crud. Get them off the car and clean them up, takes minutes to do and may save you a few quid.

[lambo-lude]

jack it up and check the track ends and give the wheel a spinn on both sides see if theres a difference ..we get back about 15 20 sets of disks out of 10s of thousands back that are warped and under warranty a year so as hamster says it would be rare to have warped disks :)

[Steve]

I think it was just alot of crud and rust on them, gave it a good run and they don't have that warped disc feel when you brake anymore, but they feel like they have lost there bite. No biggy really as ive got new discs/ pads to go on anyway.

Will update with some pics in a bit as ive covered quite a few miles in it today and everything seems ok, still going to get the tracking checked to be on the safe side.

[Kerry_T-5R]

Interesting project, have you got many more plans for it?

[Steve]

Not really, besides having the odd bit of rust on it and quite a few dents this is basically how I want it to look, at some point im getting a nova sr vinyl made up for my other tailgate, then get that fitted. Oh, and it needs to be lower. :)

I had it tracked the other day, they said it was about 6 degrees out. ?? Which seems alot when we only disconnected the tie bars for fitting the new crossmember, anyway it still pulls to the left, hoping it might just be a sticky calliper. If not could be the lower arms.

Had it out again last night and now I hear a 'knock' when braking hard, normally from the left when your going in a straight line by when turning right you can hear it on the right side as well. Also think the headgasket is on its way!

So basically its coming off the road, its got insurance till the end of the month and MOT time is october and basically I can't afford to run two cars, this one obviously being the money drainer http://www.migweb.co.uk/forums/images/smilies/lmao.gif

Bit gutted really but hey, at least i'll get some use out of it.

Here's some pics from sunday, have since painted the bottoms of the wings grey.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture003.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture007.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture010.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture011.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture009.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture013.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture014.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture016.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture020.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture026.jpg

[Ang]

If I remember correctly from the lude being done up to 9 degrees is ok. I know it sounds silly but I know its an obvious thing but tyres? Are they all ok and good pressure?

Head gasket won't be too bad and might be something that we can help with at some stage. What, out of interest, makes you think the head gasket is on the way out?

[Steve]

I know its stupid, but I haven't checked the tyres! Should really but the front ones were both new 1000 miles before it came off the road and the steerings no heavier so didnt think they needed checking. :rolleyes:

Well for a while its been using a fair bit of water and oil, but ive just refilled the system with water and the waters gone a bit brown and theres a little bit of mayo round the cap :no:

So basically its off the road from the end of the month, im trying to put some money aside for my college course next month (vehicle body repairs) and this cars is just gonna rape my wallet if I keep it on the road. As for the knocking my mate had a similar noise with his nova and it was the track rod ends, and it sounds like its coming from the steering/ suspension.

[Ang]

Well that's helped the curiosity. Cars don't half cost to keep going don't they! Even with new tyres on they can leak around the rim, its just a good, mostly free thing to do to check tyre pressure. I get told off for it all the time ie I keep not doing it.:rolleyes:

It sounds like its other things though. Good luck with it and that course sounds really handy.

[Steve]

Few bits to update with, still got the linkage hitting on the rack when you engage 2nd, 4th and 5th. Andy came round and we moved the rear mount about but its still doing it, so im wondering whether its to do with when we replaced the mount after the accident? This is the old twisted mount which lee modified when the engine was originally fitted. The new hole is slightly higher and further forward, is it possible to use the original one? as i'm thinking that when we replaced the mount I may have drillled the new one slightly out. Any opinions people?

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture1023.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture1024.jpg
The other bit is my new rocker cover, been after the early type for over a year! and finally got one!! Gonna give it a good polish before it goes on.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture1022.jpg
The other thing is my new tailgate, got it off buzbi along with the bonnet and wings, should be getting it back in the week as its having a replica 1.3sr vinyl made for it.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/3Picture1022.jpg

[macca]

New bits are always good! :)

What's the difference with the rocker covers?

No idea about the mount, sorry :(

[Steve]

The new rocker cover was fitted to mk2 cavs, whereas my engine came from an early mk3. I just prefer the simple look of it, and its old skool cool! Should be a picture of my engine bay somewhere on here. Anyway i'll have another update later hopefully.

[Steve]

Got my tailgate back on tuesday, the colour is the closest they do. Matt grey isnt very popular so just chose the darkest one. The only problem was the lettering, they couldnt match it as it must have been a custom font vauxhall made up. So I think im going to get an original vinyl traced and have it re-done exactly right

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/3Picture1025.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/3Picture1026.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/3Picture1027.jpg

[AW09]

As i said on PNG, the font isnt really noticable unless you park next to another.

When do i get to see this car at last?

[macca]

Why only grey in parts? Is this to match the grey on the car?

[AW09]

Why only grey in parts? Is this to match the grey on the car?

Its standard fit to SR novas, and the reason its only in parts is due to the 'wrap' around spoiler :)

[macca]

Ah, I see :)

[Steve]

All shall now be revealed lol

Got back from my first day at college yesterday as im now doing vehicle body repairs Level 1, and cracked on with the tailgate.

Only took a few minutes to get the glass out, tailgate off then put my new one on. But me being an idiot and wanting to see what it would look like once the spoilers on (having not made holes in the new tailgate yet) managed to scratch the vinyl. So going to take it back to get the top bit re-done. Quite happy with how it look though.

I was going to get the lettering re-done but as its only a replica and im quite happy with it, im gonna leave it as is.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture1025.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture1026.jpg

Alex, you can look at it whenever you fancy the treck down here! lol When its back on the road for good i'll get it along to some meets.

[macca]

Ah, makes a bit more sense now! :D

Vehicle Body Repairs sounds like a really good course. Do it well and you'll have a job for life and be able to earn some very good money. Best of luck ;)

Wish I had the skills!

[AW09]

I dont think you would like the tigra lol

Shame about the inpatiance lol, shame to get rid of the old boot tho, it has some histroy on it lol

[Steve]

History indeed! it pretty rusty under the window seal as well, gonna keep the glass from it as its has the original dealer sticker on it, but the actual tailgate is pretty useless.

Thanks macca, yeah im looking forward to the course despite that 50% of the class are the usual dumb 16/18 year olds who think they know everything but actually don't have a clue. But im gonna make the most of it.

[macca]

Oh bugger.. Still, it gives you a chance to shine above them.

[Steve]

Finally had a bit of free time yesterday so I finished off my tailgate, popped the glass back in, stuck the spoiler on etc.. then re-fitted it back onto the car.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture1030.jpg

My mate should be popping round later to change my cv joint then i'll try and look at getting it mot'd.

[macca]

Good work mate, getting there :)

[Ang]

Good job there! Good to see the updates.

[Kerry_T-5R]

Looking good - bet you will be glad to have it back on the road!

[Steve]

Hopefully lol, got the nova mot due this month and my micra is due on the same day next month, but as the micra is my daily thats gotta take priority, so assuming the micra passes i'll get the nova in as well. Just had the novas inner cv joint changed yesterday and needs a small bit of welding doing, which i'll hopefully be getting done wednesday.

[Steve]

Really lost motivation at the moment! can't even look at getting the nova mot'd till the new year and theres loads I need to do to get it ready.

Only recent changes are my new rocker cover

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture1002.jpg

And ive removed my old door cards in favour of these sr cards I got from john h, cheers for that, although they still need a good clean!

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture1003.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture1004.jpg

Its actually a good thing they have holes for the speakers in as I wanted to put some decent ones in and this way I dont have to hack up the mint original ones.

Well, for the MOT what I know will need doing is:

Rear brakes, uneven application and the right side always sticks on.
Front brakes possibly, since the accident they've lost their feel and the pedal seems to travel further.
Exhaust, backbox has got a massive crack on it so either needs welding or replacing.
Manifold to exhaust system join keeps blowing.
Under heavy braking you hear a metal sounding clonk from the n/s front wheel.
Then theres whether they have anything to say about the repairs its had since the accident. It wasnt reported through the insurance so would it need a VIC check?
On the plus side (if there is one!?) the chassis is fine so it shouldnt need any welding!

[AW09]

Shame you dont live closer mate, most of those MOT things sound easy. And i get a discount at my local MOT place lol

It wont need a VIC check because it wasnt through the insurance, thus wasnt a write off.

The clonk is problery a balljoint/lose bolt/top mount.

At least you wont be making it rust more by using it over the winter (Hence mine isnt done yet)
Getting there though mate.

[Steve]

Well I dropped her in for the MOT the other day to see what was needed and she passed with no advisories, well chuffed! Got my insurance all setup and as of 1st jan i'll be back on the road. The guys that MOT'd it said they can write me a covering letter for the dvla so I can get the logbook updated with the new engine size.

Haven't really got any money for upgrades but tbh i'll just be happy with it back on the road, although its a 2nd car as my micra is my daily ride When money allows i'm gonna get a lightened flywheel and ive got another exhaust I need to modify as its a tad quiet atm.

Well happy!!

Oh and Merry Christmas to all

[AW09]

Good news. Get out and use it.

[Steve]

Oh, I will, just not till 1st jan lol

[AW09]

Wouldnt blame you for not using it anyway.

Roads around here are deadly atm, been sliding all over the place.

[Steve]

Yeah ive been sliding everywhere in the micra but all of which were intentional lol

[Steve]

Well, she's back on the road! Needs the brakes doing so I haven't been driving it too crazy but it does go well!!

Got new discs and pads to go on and it should be good to go, otherwise i'll be changing the servo as well.

[AW09]

Good news! Get the brakes sorted before you end up having to re-do all your work.

[Steve]

Exactly what I was thinking! lol

[Steve]

New brakes were done the other day at my local garage along with topping up the gearbox oil after we did the cv joint and the clonk turned out to be the tie bar bolts not being tight enough (my fault) so still need the brakes running in a bit more then should all be good.

[AW09]

Im sure i said that about the knocking :p I had the same

[Steve]

Couple of pics of me and my mates nova, he had a small feature on his in retro cars magazine the other month. :D

http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq105/simon1867/HPIM1441.jpg

http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq105/simon1867/HPIM1443.jpg

http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq105/simon1867/HPIM1442.jpg

Were both gonna take them to a few shows this year so keep an eye open.

[AW09]

When do i get a ride? Looks good.

I really want some Cesaros for my corsa, Kinda tired of my 5spokes lol

[Steve]

Update from last time, had my new brakes fitted and thats all sorted now, but developed a bit of an exhaust blow and turned out alot worse than I thought

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture1041.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/novamyth/Sr%20Pics/beige%20beast/Picture1042.jpg

When I crashed her last year I put a dent in the top of the manifold when the bonnet folded up and squashed everything in the engine bay but its obviously done more damage than I'd thought and now it needs welding up. Hopefully I can get it done at college, if not i'll ask my boss at the bodyshop if I could do it there sometime.

[AW09]

Thats some cracks, when you said about it to me i wasnt thinking big cracks like that lol

Deffo worth repairing?

Good luck welding that up so it dont blow haha

[Steve]

I know lol, ones completely snapped and the other one is real close, gonna be tricky getting the welder in there tbh.

[AW09]

I doubt you will. If its only a temp mesure it shouldnt be too bad though.

[Steve]

lol all done mate, got the welder in pretty easy tbh, get it back on tomorrow and see if she blows. You going to the ace cafe on monday matey?

[AW09]

Ahh well nice to be proven wrong once in a while haha

I wont be there :(, Once again ive got no money, maybe once the summer hits in full force and ive sold the tigra il maybe come along to some. Most likly in the 12v of doom though lol