Brett's 1987 Mk2 Cavalier SRi

[Brett]

Just a small thread to track prgress of work carried out on my 1987 Cavalier 1.8 SRi.

Bought in October 2006. 5th owner 158,000 miles but immaculate throughout. I aim to keep it standard, most work will be maintenance rather than modification.
http://xs208.xs.to/xs208/06436/28102006340.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs208&d=06436&f=28102006340.jpg)
http://xs208.xs.to/xs208/06430/29102006343.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs208&d=06430&f=29102006343.jpg)
http://xs208.xs.to/xs208/06430/29102006342.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs208&d=06430&f=29102006342.jpg)

Work undertaken so far....

The original dials were to basic, and had no fuel light. With my memory it was only a matter of time before I ran it drylmaolmao To top it all off, I tried to use the trip milage counter for the first time and discovered it was broke, just ticking loudly every few seconds. A Digi Dash was called for:D

Originals -
http://xs410.xs.to/xs410/06500/06122006403.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs410&d=06500&f=06122006403.jpg)
fitted in a few hours, and modified to retain the brake fluid level warning light too...
http://xs410.xs.to/xs410/06500/10122006412.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs410&d=06500&f=10122006412.jpg)

it also came fitted with one of these usless mofo's...
http://xs310.xs.to/xs310/06500/16122006418.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs310&d=06500&f=16122006418.jpg)
Made a nice noise but I really do hate them, they have all the filteration capacity of a kitchen collander!! Luckily the lad I sold the XE out of my old GTE 16v to is a MK2 cav fanatic and has more than a few in his back garden... an original 1.8 airbox was sourced along with all the rubber gaskets and bracketery..
http://xs310.xs.to/xs310/06500/16122006420.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs310&d=06500&f=16122006420.jpg)

The single mounting bolt in the front had sheared off in the passed though, so until I can rectify that, in true MIG stylee I opted for the cable tie method of securing the front from rattlinglmaolmao
http://xs310.xs.to/xs310/06500/16122006419.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs310&d=06500&f=16122006419.jpg)

Its got an inner CV on the way out, just need to identify which side and pop in a new shaft at some point.

I'd like to maybe fit discs to the rear at some point, but that can wait till the Astra's done. Next on the list is to get hold of some of the original wheels again, MK1 Astra GTE style - but have them powdercoated white. SRi130/GTE alloys have no excuse or place on any car, I despise them with a passion!!

Back in my element here, loving this car like I loved my Mk1 & 2 Astra's. Old Skool cool!!

[astrachamp]

i love the mk2, they look alot better than the mk3 ever did

[bigdrifter]

Gorgeous motor you got there

[Brett]

Im a massive fan of all 3 Cav's tbh:D

Its a car that kept britain moving - an unappreciated superhero!!

[astrachamp]

Im a massive fan of all 3 Cav's tbh:D

Its a car that kept britain moving - an unappreciated superhero!!


the mk3 looks fat, the mk2 looks sharp and ready to pounce!

ok iv had to much beer:grinning-smiley-043

[jimbojetset]

Looks good dont see many about now

[Graham]

That looks well nice

[mking]

looking good. nice and clean aswell :)

[Harvey]

Looks to be a winner Brett, just keep it nice and no silly mods.

[Brett]

tyr finding a any parts to modify a Mk2 Cavalier with anyway!! Ive tried to find a strut brace with no luck so far!!

[Harvey]

Get an Astra mk2 item and redrill the holes!

[stt]

leave it standard brett, and put all your modifying efforts (and funds) into the yellow peril!

[Danny]

Very nice Brett.

I have a real soft spot for Mk2 Cav's and nice to see one being looked after.

Back in the day, my mate had a Mk2 Cav saloon. It was two tone, black top half, black bottom half with 17in Mim Raffino alloys and a 16v XE engine.

Very nice car and damn quick, although their getting rare now so hope you keep yours standard.

[Brett]

cheers for the comments mate!

dunno where the idea has come from Im gonna mod this LOL maybe Ive put something somewhere but this car is staying largly as she is with the exception of mods either in keeping or that improve it in my eyes! digi dash is period fitting IMHO and enhances the car.

spoke to stt on the phone ealier tonight, he thinks he's got some of the original standard wheels Im after for it:D

[Brett]

Just been lent an 04 reg Golf 1.9 TDi (110) for christmas and new year by work, its got to back in the new year but they dont like to have cars sitting around in the meantime!

As an added bonus, it means the Cav can go off to bed for a few weeks while this crappy weather sets in.

[Brett]

more effort on it today ahead of the bug SW meet tomorrow, and its only covered 100 miles in the last month due to the fact the Golf only went back to the leasing company on Thursday.

First job I wanted to do was swap the 2 front seats over to stop the drivers seat which has seen 160k miles getting much worse. Out come the 2 front seats, swap the subframes over and bolt them back in.
http://xs511.xs.to/xs511/07046/27012007487.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs511&d=07046&f=27012007487.jpg)

Its as clean inside as it is outside, everytime I take things out Im stunned at how the miles havent really worn her out...
http://xs511.xs.to/xs511/07046/27012007488.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs511&d=07046&f=27012007488.jpg)

With the passenger seat now on the drivers side it feels much better, much more supportive & comfortable
http://xs511.xs.to/xs511/07046/27012007492.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs511&d=07046&f=27012007492.jpg)

next up I wanted to get the SRi130 fogs working. They arnt standard and werent wired up by the person who fitted the kit. The car contained the loom for the fogs so all I had to do was fit a switch, bridge where the relay should be and connect the fogs into the loom

I love the retro toggle switches in this car....
http://xs311.xs.to/xs311/07046/27012007489.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs311&d=07046&f=27012007489.jpg)

Let there be light!!
http://xs311.xs.to/xs311/07046/27012007494.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs311&d=07046&f=27012007494.jpg)

Will wash her before the meet in the morning as Im off for a blast over the Mendip Hills in a bit to clear the cobwebs out of her:D

[Brett]

First time Ive had to do any maintenance on the car in ages today. Good old castle combe repairs!

Engine mounts were properly goosed after combe LOL! The car was impossible to enjoy, gear changes were really jerky so was throttling on/off. I found this site called http://www.vauxhall-car-parts.co.uk/ they are exceptionally cheap so I bought 3 new mounts (both near side, and rear offside) and 2 new top mounts at £4!!!

Set about working on it this morning. First up I decided I wanted to beef the mounts up a bit, stiffen it all up as I do enjoy some brisk drives on the mendip hills! I changed the anti-roll bar links before Combe so used the old bushes and rammed them in the gaps!!

http://xs119.xs.to/xs119/07390/290920071279.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs119&d=07390&f=290920071279.jpg)
http://xs319.xs.to/xs319/07390/290920071278.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs319&d=07390&f=290920071278.jpg)

First mount I changed was the NSR on top of the 'box. The old one looks really good so at the point I was thinking I might be wasting my time!! Next up I did the OSR. Its a b*****d to get to with only one jack!! I was much more happier when it came out the old one was split all over
http://xs319.xs.to/xs319/07390/300920071280.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs319&d=07390&f=300920071280.jpg)

Already the engine was feeling more stiff when I bolted it all up. I had one left to do. This one I didnt get on with. But I won! The old mount came out in to pieces.... more good news!
http://xs319.xs.to/xs319/07390/300920071282.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs319&d=07390&f=300920071282.jpg)

New one went in and I can say it drivers much better now, although its a bit more ratlly due to the extra stiffness!!

Front leg rebuild is hopefullynext weekend, and a TomGTE Corsa gear linkage mod:)

[Brett]

The Cavalier is back in my custody after an 820 miles round trip over the weekend!! To say I havent stopped smiling is an understatement, I sold this car as I had no choice at the time, the GTE was done and I needed the money and had nowhere for the Cav to be stored. Circumstances change though and to have the chance to buy it back was fantastic and not one to be missed. Thanks to Tony, the chap I sold it to for taking it off ebay and simply agreeing to sell it back to me without a bidding war, that was great. Heres the old 'last' ever pic I took of it, in the car park of the sevice station where I met Tony to sell it back in Feb 08.
http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr9/GTE16vBrett/003.jpg

I hired a flat bed to get it as I cant tow a trailer on my licence, and with the car in Grimsby I wasnt chancing it! I set of on Friday night and crashed at a mates in Derby before leaving at 8am Saturday to get it and head home. I got there, loaded all the parts into the car and loaded it up and started the 5hr trip home. Ive emptied all the parts into the garage at home (sorry GTE which is relegated to the drivelmao) and then took the car to a mates yard for welding. Im going over tomorrow night to talk to him as its been a hard year, living under a tarp and the winter salt never got washed off, not good. Its not the car it was... all the bits that were 'going' when I sold it are now 'gone' I guess its fair to say, the arches, rear valance, boot floor, one rear beam mount and the front panel all need replacing, may look for a new OSR door too. Im going to have my mate sort the underneath and am looking for a bodyshop to do the arches and valance, then respray the whole thing exactly as original. Anyway, some pics of it

http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr9/GTE16vBrett/714.jpg
http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr9/GTE16vBrett/721.jpg
http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr9/GTE16vBrett/716.jpg
http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr9/GTE16vBrett/716.jpg
http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr9/GTE16vBrett/722.jpg

Its early days for the plan but the picture for it is very clear. restore bodywork and interior to totally standard. Perhaps some stich welding. Powdercoat the beam and subframe etc. LET and F28 from the Astra, brakes from the astra, PAS from a late cally, new wheels, decent suspension..... enjoy:D

[laney]

very nice mate, i have a soft spot for the mk2 cav's, i had one for my 1st car, and still have a mint 1985 (b reg) saloon in the rear of the barn, unmolested too, lol

[Astra Dan]

This will be interesting. Good on you I say.

[Brett]

Had a word with my mate whos sorting the welding, all looking good he says, nothing major just lots of little bits really. Ive just told him to weld anything at all that is rusty.

Now I need to sort paint out, jave a number for a bloke who used to work for Ferrari and has done a fair few MK2 Cav's so am going to call him tomorrow.

[BazW]

there's quite a few mk2 astra owners that have a soft spot for mk2 cavs...still fancy another myself

[Brett]

yeah Baz I remember from first time, thats why update it on here.

This does pretty much mean the end of the road for me and the Mk2 Astra, come Sept/Oct the GTE will start to surrender parts, although there suprisingly not much I can use:(


Sad to be seeing the back of the Astra, Ive not been without a GTE for 6 years now, it'll be strange!

[BazW]

I've just give away a load of mk2 Cav bits too

[Brett]

d'oh! Im mainly on the hunt for suspension and mechanical parts at the moment. Freshen all that up. Im sorting out a 130 front ARB for it too, 2mm thicker. Got a plan sorted for mounting the F28 as well.

Ive been thinking how much I'd like to keep the SRi130 wheels, but the brakes even if I used 16v ones wouldnt be up to it with a LET in.

[untouchable]

Im sure once you have stuck the LET in the cav Brett, you won't miss the astra one bit lol

[laney]

brett, i would also like to know how to do the rear mount on the f28, may have a little project of me own, lol

[Brett]

I cant describe it without making it sound like a bodge so will find out properly!!

[laney]

ok cool, send me a pic??

[astrachamp]

i still stand by my original post, fantastic looking cars

[Brett]

Will do when its done Laney, hopefully wont be too long!!

[Astra Dan]

Ive been thinking how much I'd like to keep the SRi130 wheels, but the brakes even if I used 16v ones wouldnt be up to it with a LET in.

Didn't Ian T find a company willing to make a 16" set for £2-300?

[richie00boy]

Or you could fit 4 pots.

[Brett]

reading back on my first post in this thread 3 years ago, I said I hated the wheels! How times change!

Interesting comment there Dan, Richie I havent considered the 4 pot option but will have a look. It may be the same to buy the brakes as it would be to buy new wheels so well worth considering, and with small wheels I can have cheap sticky tyres!

[laney]

brett, will the 16v rear brakes bolt on the cav beam?

[Astranomical Lee]

I want one.

[Brett]

brett, will the 16v rear brakes bolt on the cav beam?

With some ****ing about I think, yeah, handbrake cable is going to be the harder part!! Think I have to use Mk3 Cav or something!

[laney]

i have done the rear beam before, but was 1993 lol, cant remember what we used before, think i used a mk3 cav sri hand brake cable, im sure i used the orig beam and bolted cav 16v hubs on.

[Brett]

Work has finally started on the car, have a good friend doing all the structural welding for me just now.

So far Ive had a complete new front panel put on, the whole thing. So many little bits of rust it didnt seem worth doing it any other way. A bit of patching on either side of the boot floor around the sunroof drains has been done too.
http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr9/GTE16vBrett/003-1.jpg
http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr9/GTE16vBrett/004.jpg
http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr9/GTE16vBrett/005.jpg

Work was going well, untill he got to the chassis legs. Got a text saying we had a bit of a problem...
http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr9/GTE16vBrett/011.jpg
http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr9/GTE16vBrett/008.jpg

The only hold bigger than that is the one fixing it is going to leave in my wallet! Basically, thats under the rear seat near the saftey belt anchorage, the chassis leg has toally dissolved, the bracket you can see there is actually the one for the rear beam. God knows whats holding it on!

I have managed to source a new and good chassis leg which from a car being converted to 4x4 (that thought crossed my mind but I cant keep it as original as I would like that way) will be fitted at the bodyshop.

More on Monday when I;m going down to strip the bulkhead back to see what thats like, followed by some stich welding and building a new rear mount for the F28 box.

[Astranomical Lee]

That is a fair sized hole Brett. It will be all worth it in the end.!!

[Brett]

The hole you see isnt really half of it, he just stopped breaking away the rust as whetever's left is somehow holding it all together. Theres no metal left at all.

good times!