Craig's XE track Nova

[Craig-S]

Just a small update, Found these in a scrappy yesterday. Practically threw the money at the guy.

Although fitting them is a bit backwards, as id rather bust a headlight than one of the protectors......

[turbojolt]

nice touch mate, was a good vid aswell sounded mega

[daddy cav]

Fitted those protectors before , don't they lift up from the top ?

[Craig-S]

nice touch mate, was a good vid aswell sounded mega

Sound quality is even better when your sat behind it, the video sounded a bit strange i reckon

Fitted those protectors before , don't they lift up from the top ?

Yea the only way to get them off without breaking the clips is with the bonnet open. I might still use a discrete line of silicone though cuz ive heard of lots going missing.

[Craig-S]

Decided to go out in the cold and do a few jobs today, Re-wrapped the mini loom from dizzy to coil, Fitted single V aux pulley from mk2 cav.

Then decided after sequring the seats properly to make changes to the seat belt clasps. Ive had the ignis recaro's in a few novas and never liked the way the nova belt holds you in the seat. It seems to go across your lap and barely even touches your left hip (as driver).

Always had the same remedy for this.... a set of floor mounted clasps from a rover metro. The nova clips fit straight in and they can be mounted right far back in the rear for a better fitting seat belt. (which i always wear).

Heres how they were,



So just a case of marking and drilling the floor (exhaust and heat tray off)



And bolting them down with a steel plate on the underside



Now the belts wrap round you and make you feel a lot safer.



Have been considering stripping it out fitting two buckets with harnesses and fabricating a cage. But at least for the time being this will do.

[Craig-S]

Small update with a few new bits i got lucky with from the scrappy this week. New trays as previous owner painted mine black, and a Mint grille. Just a shame the drivers door was f****d as ive been wanting a good one for over a year now. Also got the sun visors, hazard switch, roof lining and speedo cable.



And had another inlet flange delivered. Can crack on and make a new manifold now - Its cut by " lazer "



its just hard getting motivated right now.

[Craig-S]

The trays have been getting in the way out in the shed so thought it best to fit them before i bend them. Went out today and cracked on.

Before.... Horrible black painted trays



After.... Nice fresh ones. Glad thats out the way. Its the only job i could do though without my tools as i lost them last week. (dont ask)



Also picked up this old school Momo wheel last week, Love it, its well chunky and doesnt instantly stand out as a mod. Just need a suitable boss now. Sure il find one soon. Might send it off to be re-covered too as it was cheap enough

[Craig-S]

Oh and remember the solex locks ??? Great job they did. Someone tried to steal it again and just bent the drivers door frame out. Now i have a nice rusty crack (see photo above)

[corsadonk]

Nice steering wheel

What did you do with your tools?

[Craig-S]

Thanks, Its the one off that old 5 series.

Not sure about the tools... its my big Socket / torque and hex set. Its possible i left them in a scrapyard somewhere but i visit so many i couldnt imagine where. Or they may have got nicked out the back of the van, Which sometimes gets left unlocked.

Either way its my own fault. Ordered a nice new set today from screwfix.

[corsadonk]

I know it is.

I've left my socket sets on site too many times, always got it back, scrappies ain't the same.

[Craig-S]

Nice little update today. Although i was thinking about making the new manifold i just so happened to come across these in a scrap yard down portsmouth today. They are matched Dellorto 40's with genuine dellorto airbox.





I cant believe i was going to pass them up. The guy started at £100 then immedietly dropped to £80, i didnt even really want them. But after driving off realised i was being stupid so turned round and cheekily offered him £50...... Ended up getting them for £60!!!

Then stopped off at another yard in southampton and got the Elusive drivers door.... Not quite a colour match but a good straight door for £25 cant be bad.





Now im going to completely strip the carbs down and see whats what. Rebuild them with new service kits and maybe look into using them. Just a little worried that with them being 40's they may run out of puff on the 2.0

Obviously wont be using the airbox but may get a few quid for it on ebay.... who knows

[Craig-S]

Had a bout of enthusiasm this morning so went out and got the rear tyres changed over. Then as the wheels were off i thought i might as well remove and paint the rear bumper to match the front and side skirts, Pics of that tomorrow

Its the first time ive had the rear bumper off since ive owned it and was shocked at just how clean the rear panel is... Look....



Had to leave it on stands for tonight as i didnt want to rush the paint and would rather leave it to harden overnight, Should look good when its all back together, Spoke to MOT man today and he sort of nodded his head and said, "we'll get it through its emmisions" so really want to get it in before he changes his mind.

[Craig-S]

Another bout of enthusiasm today, Re-fitted the rear bumper and boot handle... Looks a million times better than faded grey



Now nearly all the trim matches... Just need to do the door handles



Got the 45's on the rear's



Then started on the exhaust. Made a new de-cat pipe and took the magnex apart, cleaned up all the fittings and sealed it all up. Its a MUCH better fit now, Very pleased. (No pics but visible in pic 1)

Even tidyed the shed and started rubbing down one of the 16" comps.... Dont know whats come over me.

[corsadonk]

Must be the sun.

Got any pictures of the carbs?

[Craig-S]

Nah i think its because ive kept off the beer, (1 whole week)

Pics of the damage?

[corsadonk]

Yeah the drill marks.

I haven't had a drink in over 3 weeks. Some sort of a record for melmao

[Craig-S]

Il get some up soon, Although its a bit embarrassing.

Another productive day today, Got the front brakes bled (with the help of my Girlfriend on her day off), Front headlight bulb replaced and booked it in for its test this friday.

Ive taken the headlights out to dry them out before MOT as there is a bit of condensation in each. Then couldnt resist polishing the front panel. Its actually in quite good nick..



Also fitted some nice clean sunvisors as it never had any (stripped out when i bought it). Not sure if that was a fail or not.

All thats left to do before friday now is Fit a rear view mirror, as mines cracked. Underseal the arches, Wire the fan into a switch inside the car and give it a good polish.

[corsadonk]

Ohhh, nothing like MOT time.

[Craig-S]

Unfortunately had to cancel fridays MOT as i broke the hazard switch at about 4pm thursday! Although thats been replaced now, as has the rear view mirror. Also had time yesterday to underseal the front arches, wire the fan into a switch inside the car, and fit the new speedo cable. All "little" jobs that seem to take ages.

Il book it in for wednesday.

[Craig-S]

Big update today. Il let the pics do the talking.





And just recently bought this...... Going to pick it up on friday morning.

[corsadonk]

You never said

[Craig-S]

Haha no but remember i said on the phone i didnt have a lot to do..... Dropped in at the garage at 3 o clock and they said if i could get it there by 4 theyd do it.

Bit of a rush putting the dash back together and finding a battery clamp but got it there on time.

Just got an advisory on the wipers.... The guys in the garage loved it.

[Kev_G]

just read the thread. I bet this flys as there dam good engines and good to see a SEH being used. Love the car

[Craig-S]

Thanks its been a bit of a headache at times but its getting there now. It does go well considering the budget.