Nova XE Full Restore !

Big_Chap · 28-12-2006, 14:42

bit of a mini-restoration at the moment, basically re-undersealing it and refreshing alot of the underside of the car which isn't really seen and basically checking it wasn't completley rotten before it fit new panels etc. Also including pictures of the replacement of the cross-member which i actually did around 2yrs ago. (and was fully documented on a previous thread)

8yrs of XE punishment certainly took its toll on the original crossmember and basically sheared it at the tie bar bracket. A strengthened and powder-coated (to seal the inside and stop rusting from the inside-out) replacement is now inplace along with a new set of avo's to replace the old ones which were 8yrs old and didn't have rear height adjustment.

extra strengthening, don't want it happening again!

that all seems like ages ago now!

Also in the middle of a restoration at the moment!

cant buy splash guards anymore so made my own!

bought a rollcage but for sale

a pretty rare set of opel badged cavy gsi wheels for winter etc

set of 4pots... (which may also get sold on)

a set of jenvey "direct to head" throttle bodies, over-sized stainless steel manifold, lairy cams with vernier pulleys, ARP con-rod bolts, heated windscreen and a quaiffe ATB Diff.

also have 2 brand new GM doors (still in stickers and bubblewrap!) 2 full size GM rear quarters, 2 GM wings and a tailgate!

better be f*ckin worth it!

should of bought a cossie!

AL · 28-12-2006, 17:52

That looks ace chap - should ben ice when its all done and back together

Keep the cage!

DaleScaife · 28-12-2006, 18:50

looking good, are your spraying underneath too or just keeping it black?

racingsnake2 · 28-12-2006, 19:49

looks very nice and some lovely bits to go on exactly how id love a nova maybe one day ill have another one

Kev_cav · 28-12-2006, 20:27

have u tried to fit the 4 pots? what are they off???

**Benn** · 28-12-2006, 20:48

very very nice dude!
keep the pics comming!

why are the rear calipars on the top?

and coilovers all round? nice!

rodgerq · 29-12-2006, 00:06

4 pots look like coupe turbo ones.

Benn, hes just put the backplates on 90 degrees round from standard

get pics of all the new panels and doors going on

rodgerq

Drizz · 29-12-2006, 22:19

Now that is dedication to buy new panels LOL

Big_Chap · 01-02-2007, 23:56

A wee update, sorry about some pics, were taken late at night with phone...

crossmember still looking strong after about 2yrs!

a few shots showing the splash guards after a few coats of seam sealer!

a few shots showing the work on the chassis rails, plated for strength and durability with thick guage plates at the main jacking area with some re-working done to repair damage caused by careless cowboy garages with axle ramps in the past

scraping all dirt and crap away left a clean (rust-wise) white finish, all that was required was to clean up and seal any areas that needed attention.

then chuck a few coats of underseal at it! 10ltrs infact! gonna weigh a ton!

some pics of the rear showing a new tank etc. which was done in the summer, need to touch up a few bits as it was done in a hurry and the anti-roll bar was scratched when re-fitting.

should be away for the new quarters and doors etc in a couple of weeks! roll on PV

**Benn** · 02-02-2007, 00:01

very very nice!
and mmmmm sealed up a treat!

Big_Chap · 07-02-2007, 18:00

thats it all built up and ready for panel work/paint, should be away in the next week and have it back about a month later hopefully.

fitted new trackrod ends, ball joints, and bearings. cleaned up the hub carrier and TCA, will give the coilovers a freshen up and fit the 4 pot calipers when back from paint

GaryVaux · 07-02-2007, 20:28

should be rot free for many years, Lots of underseal, lol

keep the updates comming, look forward to seeing it in the scottish pv convoy

Big_Chap · 25-02-2007, 12:27

update, fitted a new set of brembo 4pots with bells and rotors so the old ones are for sale!

answer to questions i missed earlier, thinking on selling the cage because of the whole "show cage" stigma, don't want any cheesy/chav bits on the car. was thinking of painting it white underneath back going to leave it black as dirty white looks terrible!

should stop it better than the old valver brakes!

Batfink · 25-02-2007, 15:19

Nice project there.

KeithRobinson · 25-02-2007, 16:34

How much were the brembos and do they need spacers?

**CraigGreen** · 26-02-2007, 10:34

Nice progress & good work.

Are those 40 profile tyres on the 16"s?

Big_Chap · 01-03-2007, 18:36

the brembo's on the car were 450 2nd hand although they are as new. they are 950 brand new though! i'm selling the other ones which were on the TV featured "olly tb"' mk1 astra with 280mm seat 4 stud discs.

yeah, 40 profile tyres, better looking, better arch clearance!

Big_Chap · 22-04-2007, 22:40

wee update:

car is now in the middle having the panels fitted...

GM 1 piece wings

GM doors, still in bubble wrap

GM full size rear quarters

and as the car sits at the moment

if you look through the windscreen you'll see a couple of dust covers, underneath is a Lancia Beta (never even seen one before) and a mint 3dr cossie. there is also am old benneton F1 car kicking around somewhere which gets used for hill climbs etc.

The guy who is doing all the panel and paint-prep work owns this extremely rare Lancia EVO, has a fairly long story behind it, found somewhere in italy with something like 9km's on the clock and imported here and is a 51 plate. poor camera phone pics do it no justice, this car is awesome!

and the 3dr cossie! but lairy under the bonnet!

RJM25R · 23-04-2007, 17:51

Lovin it, lose the rear lights though! VERY chav!

Still got the j222bhp plate?

**Benn** · 23-04-2007, 17:59

brand new gm doors? funk!

love the brakes...

and you're going to top...

Big_Chap · 23-04-2007, 23:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJM25R

Still got the j222bhp plate?

what you recommend ? fancy m3 style maybe fresh looking euro. yeah still have the plate

Tomm · 24-04-2007, 16:06

Looks great man! Would love to have a space that big to work in!

Big_Chap · 24-04-2007, 16:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomm

Looks great man! Would love to have a space that big to work in!

me too! thats just were its getting prep'd for paint! everything else you see was done in my driveway, rain or darkness! it was great!

Dave Dempsey · 24-04-2007, 16:59

Awesome prject, going to be nice once its all done. And that Lancia just makes me moist.

**Benn** · 24-04-2007, 17:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big_Chap

thats a rare one?
got one dumped at mt work thats the same...