Re-Shelling the Astra (pic heavy)

[Black Magic]

For those that havent seen it on Migweb, here it is.

there comes a time, when u just have to get rid of some things, & my old astra is one of them. Unfortuantley for me, my Shell is bent. :( Had it jigged twice, they say its fine, i no its not, & i can even see it with my own eyes it aint.

So ive bought me a new shell, & for those interested, got loads of parts for sale, like clusters/doors/tailgate/wheels/suspension etc.

So here are some pics, as ive stripped it, & what needs sorting before it goes in the body shop. Il keep u guys updated, as next week, ill be removing the engine which as it stands is below, & next to that, is the engine thats in my black one ;)

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_47_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_48_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_39_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_40_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_42_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_46_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_43_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_44_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_45_full.jpg

as u can see, the rust will need sorting, & it will. Its getting resprayed, all the arches done, undersealed as well as a few other things.

also, just got some Altezza rear clusters from Brazil, fitted em today to see what they'd look like. The car needsa clean, but theres no point if im reshelling, so forgive the dullness :rolleyes:
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_49_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_50_full.jpg

Another day over, & another Wishbone done. OMG how hard was it to take the track rod end/ball joint off the strut! took me 3 hours! :eek: :mad:

u can see my wedge in place below(silver circle left of spring)
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_53_full.jpg

after i got it off, started work on the red one, & took that apart, ready for the whole assembly from the black one to be moved across, & while that was being done, some fella turned up with my eibach Anti Roll bar from TMan (good timing that!) u can see it in the third pic down
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_54_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_58_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_56_full.jpg


now that was done, went to put the strut back on the black one, & put it all back together on both cars, so i could drop them both off the jacks & Axle stands.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_55_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_57_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_59_full.jpg

now all i gotta do is the engine removal tomorrow! lmao

ps: a proper lowrider now ;)http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_52_full.jpg


with anotehr day over, & anotehr task to do. Engine removal on both cars. I can now safely say, my back is phucked :( & thanks to gary, who did most of the work.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_60_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_61_full.jpg

engine in the car....

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_62_full.jpg
out comes the crane.... ;)


up goes the car, & out comes the engine :)
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_63_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_64_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_65_full.jpg



http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_66_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_67_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_68_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_69_full.jpg

thats one engine out.......

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_70_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_71_full.jpg

second engine out ( of the black one)

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_72_full.jpg

& a fairly empty engine bay. Just pull loom out tomorrow, & a few other bits n bobs. think im gunna go sleep now :p



yet another day out on the car, in the freezing cold weather. i cudnt hack more than ½hour at a time, plus i got a headache, as well as lack of sleep, shredded hands & the rest of aches & pains u get with cars.

enoy the pics, but basically, got the rear beams off, & on. Today, ive learnt 2 things.

1. Mk2 Rear beam bushes fit a mk3 beam, BUT its an extremly tight fit, & as it stands now, having a problem aligning the beam with the holes.

2. My 19s fit, with a few mill to spare with unmodded arches. for those interested, 7x19's w/ 215 35 tyre & ET45 offset
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_73_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_74_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_75_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_76_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_77_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_78_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_79_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_80_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_81_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_82_full.jpg

both cars loaded on scotts trailer, & off to the bodyshop. Should see it back in a month or so, ill update with pics, as & wen i get them

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_83_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_84_full.jpg

Got some updated pics on the progress of my car. Thort id share them with u.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_85_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_86_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_87_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_88_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_89_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_90_full.jpg

New Slam panel in
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_91_full.jpg
New vented Bonnett to let the heat escape
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_92_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_93_full.jpg

& finally, removed the gay Hump that bumpers seem to have in the middle these days http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_94_full.jpg

[Black Magic]

some more pics ive gotten today

my engine block sprayed
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_95_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_96_full.jpg

skirts, new arches & door from my old astra now on
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_97_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_98_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_99_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_100_full.jpg


just like to say thats tinted glass on the door, & the cops think thats illegal. I dont think its dark enuff, :confused: but there u go.


Some more piccies for u lot to ogle over lmao

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_101_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_102_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_103_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_103_full.jpg
New Slamp Panel & cross member in. Old one was a bit rotted
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_104_full.jpg
Bonnet Vent getting there, just smoothing off
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_105_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_106_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_107_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_108_full.jpg

think with all these new parts, cant be too far away from an '05 plate :cool:



I Got the Car back on this past friday, so i went down, to see how it was getting on. Off all week now, ready to start work on rebuilding it.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_109_full.jpg


I Absolutly love this now :D
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_110_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_111_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_112_full.jpg

Seems Cir2kuk liked my car that much, he blatted his load all over my bumper, u durty Bstard :eek: http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_113_full.jpg
Rear Bumper in case u lot didnt know what is was
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_114_full.jpg

Car in the Spray Booth
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_115_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_116_full.jpg

& Look, No more Rott! lmao
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_117_full.jpg


well, went shop on friday to go collect, looking good, but needs a few touches here & there to sort out.

Main thing at this point, being on a deadline, is get the car rebuilt. Its going back in tomorrow, as the bonnet & bumpers are still there.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_118_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_119_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_120_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_121_full.jpg

engines in already, took us 30 mins with no engine crane, & no scratches either! http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_122_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_123_full.jpg

heres some more piccys as it stands now.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_124_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_125_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_126_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_127_full.jpg

just anotehr week to go, & the last bits will be getting done, as well as the false floor thats being built :)

Saturday Gary & myself have done:

1. Loom
2. Dash
3. Pedals
4. oil pump & oil Cooler
5. Sump
6. Lower strut Brace
7. Handbrake cable fitted
8 Gear lever ( all gears selectable, didnt even have to align!)
9. Aerial
10. Brake servo & im stuck here, as there is no room to get the nuts on, let alone tighten them up :eek:

[Sipo]

I recognise that car from ebay - I was bidding on it till it shot sky high lol. Love the bodykit on it, i think it looks awesome especially the rear bumper. With how much work you have done and the initial cost of buying the Red one, would it not have been cheaper to keep the black one? Good work by the way, much Graft!! How long has it taken you to get all of the above work done?

[Ross_Mk2]

So you have 2 bodykits there right? what are you doing with the spare?

[Black Magic]

selling it. Well, the rear bumper & skirts off the red one, as well as the rear clusters. So anyone wishing to buy the bits, make reasonable offers.




I recognise that car from ebay - I was bidding on it till it shot sky high lol. Love the bodykit on it, i think it looks awesome especially the rear bumper. With how much work you have done and the initial cost of buying the Red one, would it not have been cheaper to keep the black one? Good work by the way, much Graft!! How long has it taken you to get all of the above work done?

couldnt keep the black one, the shell was bent. it was straighten twice (apparaently) & it was still out. look at the pic below, u can see that the wheel is quite some distance from the arch.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_49_full.jpg

its taken me 2 weeks to do all that u see, but 3 months hard grafting at work, & hundreds of hours of overtime to fund it. 6 day week incl. weekends :( sucked big style.

but soon itll all be over then i can work a 3 day week ;)

[Ian T]

Lots of work there and a massive undertaking in a very short space of time.

Respect to you for going so far.

When d'you reckon it'll be finished?

Ian.

[Black Magic]

thursday of next week, as i got tickets on friday for the nationals. tho, it dont take long to strip a car down, or even rebuild it, so when i see ppl with there projects in there garages for like 3 months, what is it that there doing?

talking probably, id rather just crack on with it, & get it finished, as so i can go enjoy driving it, like most ppl would.

[Ross_Mk2]

If you have some more in detail pics of the bumpers an skirts PM them me plz :D my car is red

[fluid]

Nice work!! as been said lots of hard graft there top job love those rear lights and the wheels :D one very tidy astra soon to be on the road :)

J

[Black Magic]

yes, i know. i cannot wait to drive the bloody thing!

[Sipo]

couldnt keep the black one, the shell was bent. it was straighten twice (apparaently) & it was still out. look at the pic below, u can see that the wheel is quite some distance from the arch.

its taken me 2 weeks to do all that u see, but 3 months hard grafting at work, & hundreds of hours of overtime to fund it. 6 day week incl. weekends :( sucked big style.

but soon itll all be over then i can work a 3 day week ;)

Hmmm I was under the impression it was a general fault to have the arch closer to the wheel on one side at the rear, as everyone that i speak to seems to have the same problem when putting large wheels on.

Fair play for getting on with the work so fast! Rocketing along :D

[Gander]

Looking great, what bonnet vent is that? It looks fantastic!

[Kris]

Looking great, what bonnet vent is that? It looks fantastic!


Its one of the Delta oines mate iirc ,there are two desings just the same layout but one has less fins at the vent .I thought about this vent a while back but didnt think it would tie in with the mk2 ,but seeing it in the flesh so to speak ,i think it looks awsome and it going on my shopping list :D .

Glad to see you made your way over here matey ,not before time anyway ;) :D

[richie00boy]

thursday of next week, as i got tickets on friday for the nationals. tho, it dont take long to strip a car down, or even rebuild it, so when i see ppl with there projects in there garages for like 3 months, what is it that there doing?

talking probably, id rather just crack on with it, & get it finished, as so i can go enjoy driving it, like most ppl would.

LOL, I'm on the other side. I always wonder how the hell people manage to do major jobs like building up a car for a show, in just a few days. I'm a perfectionist and I always like to check everything out and make sure everything is spot on and if it needs a clean and a coat of paint. Even to the point of cleaning up nuts and bolts. And every bolt is tighened to the correct torque.

[Black Magic]

well, looks like i wont be making the nationals, & it aitn gunna be finished. so thats a waste of my tickets.

Some guy i know, thought it would be funny to stick summat up my exhaust when i came home last nite. as u do, i called him a nob, & as it happens, they guy has the trailer.

hes now said today i cant have it cos i called him a nob, so i have no way of getting it to the bodyshop.

sorry guys, looks this is 1 project that aint gunna be finished

[Kris]

Thats a bit harsh just for calling him a knob ,or was there more said and your just sugar coating it for us ,lol.

[Dazzi-Gsi]

Looks good...but not a fan of the front bumper/bonnet etc

[Black Magic]

u cant please everyone, but thanks any way.

nope, i aint "sugar coating???" as u may put it, i called him a nob on MSN, so hes told me that.

how childish, some ppl really are just little kiddies. Im gunna find a way to get it bk to the body shop, but it aint looking promising.

[Sipo]

Where abouts do you live mate? I know the chances of you acctually living in Bristol are slim to nil, but if so i might be able to help.

[Black Magic]

warrington. Bristol is a bit far

[Tom]

Keep up the good work fella, Im lovin readin all this :)

Will be great when its all done :cool:

[Sipo]

warrington. Bristol is a bit far

Argh, ok mate. My old man has a tow truck i would have tried to "pinch" off him. I dont know how many trips you need to do to the bodyshop, but as mentioned in another thread you can hire a trailer for around £35 a day.

[Black Magic]

i dont have a tow hook on my car, so im a bit fukked.

& Tom, IF it gets done

[Black Magic]

Picked up my cam housing yesterday, & what a pukka Job RS Chrome did.

clik the pix to enlarge

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_128_full.jpghttp://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_129_full.jpg

[Sipo]

Ooooh thats pretty damn spangly :D :D

[Black Magic]

proof that u can chrome 8v too, instead of u all doing ur 16v's! all i see is 16v's! LOL

[Black Magic]

a trial fit of my parts today, checking ive got everything. Got my head bk from Headshop UK, £30 for skimming, least i know thats gunna be flat.

oh yea, i ran out of exhaust wrap, so ill get some more tomorrow :o

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_130_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_131_full.jpg

[Kris]

Pure filth fella ,8v look just as good as an XE .TBH its rare to see a tuned 8v it seems 16v XE's are the norm .

[Jon S]

trying to blind me? :D
i must admit thers nowt wrong with those 2 valve engines. so simple yet so effective

[Kris]

They also come with bags of tourqe

[Black Magic]

starting to get annoyed now, as thats another day wasted. Went to pick up my head bolts, 10 in the pack, went the garage with all my tool kit & eingine inhand, & as i get putting it back together, 1 bolt was the rong sizE!! :mad:

i thort it was a bit odd, 9 of them being 19mm, & this 1 in the pack being a 17mm. So now i gotta wait another day, before i can tighten the head up. ffs :mad:

but heres a few pics, sorry about the quality, as i 4got my camera, so Gary used his fone to take them.

ps: the bonnet is too heavy for the struts to hold up. any ideas? :confused:

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_132_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_133_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_134_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_135_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_136_full.jpg

[caul pope]

Looking sweet and your almost there now! Whenever I'm under preasure and have a time constrant things never go smoothly - just the way it is i suppose.

As for the bonnet lifters, u could always get a set of boot lifters dirt cheap from a scrappy. I'm sure some boots must be heavier than your bonnet?

[Black Magic]

yea, but not the same as the polished metal ones tho, are they? plus ive forked out a few quid for them too.

[Kris]

Venom motorsport do polished boot struts .

[Black Magic]

no more money tho

[Kris]

Is that the budget blown ,lol

[CraigGreen]

Not a fan of big body kits but well done!! Looks good so far.

Intrigued by those clusters too, Fair play with the 8v. I actually turbocharged my 8v Nova cos I didnt want to see an XE or LET under the bonnet.

[richie00boy]

Looking good. Where did you get the exhaust heat shield from? Been after one of those.

[_Steven_]

I've got a set of bonnet lifters you can have if you want them.. just need painting (currently green)... .

[Black Magic]

Is that the budget blown ,lolgone well over it. :mad:

if there free, sure, send away.

richieboy, thats off a 2.0l XE, & i cut it down. took me ages to get it lined up, fit, & mark it out.

& im sickj of seeing the Xe's everyone has one. So un-original. boring :rolleyes:

[_Steven_]

PM your address and i'll stick them in the post..

[richie00boy]

Thanks. Will have a bash at making one myself.

[Black Magic]

pi$$ed off now,cant go the nationals, as my car wont start. Summat on the electrics. As far as i can see, its all wired in, but its dead. no power to the dash, nowt.

so ive give up. some one else can have a bash at it. anyone with another 8v would be a great help, so i can see what i may have missed :mad:
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_137_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_138_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_139_full.jpg

[pajero1]

have you checked the earth straps on the alt/gearbox. get some one sit inside it and turn the bolt in the alt bracket with 2 spanners as my mk3 did the same and that was the problem, the wire just wasn't making a good enuf contact

[Black Magic]

i have just put the earth strap on the gearbox, as well as the alternator. All i noticed, was it was cranking over faster, but the pressure from the bottom of the engine is still there, so thats not helping on why its popping.

really isnt good this. got an oil leak now from sum where near the sandwich plate/oil pump housing. its just fcuked. all this money spent, & its not even payed off.

to top it all off, summats wrong with the steering rack. now i no there aint fluid in the rack, as i need the engine running for that, but when i try & turn the wheels, its slipping, so the wheels arnt turning, but the steering wheel is.

anyone know what ive missed bolting up there? :mad: im so mad with it. any one wanna take it away & fix it for me?

[Sipo]

Oooh that badboy bonnet is different, the way youve left the seam there i like that. You are nearing the end, where all the annoying bits pop up now mate, it always goes well upto now. You think it is flying in and you cant believe how quick its all going back together, then you get running problems etc. My dad had the same problem when we built our offroader, it ran for three days then just stopped, couldnt get it running for weeks and weeks. It is always always somthing stupid though. Ours was that the voltage wasnt taking from 24v to 12v somewhere along the line and it burnt the points out. I know a lot of people dont tend to use them (as it takes fking ages) but the Haynes manuals have wiring diagrams. Ive never looked into them with detail, but wouldnt you be able to trace everything with one ?

[Ian T]

Steering:

Is it possible you haven't bolted up the universal joint between the steering column and the rack input shaft?

Saw this on a Nova years ago after it had its rack replaced by a garage!

Ian.

[Black Magic]

cheers ian, that exactly wot it is! ive missed putting the bolt in. DOH!

im used to rushing things, & getting them done, seems ive missed that bit, must of got distracted at some point, & forgot to tighten that up ;)

also, another thing, fuel pump isnt working, tho the relay is fine. it worked last time i used it. strange. cud be immobiliser, but i have no wiring diagram for that, & chris was the guy that took all that apart, so stuff knows what its supposed to be doing.

i dont even think its working. the red LED aint comin on for starters

[richie00boy]

I was going to ask is you had an immobiliser earlier as that could be the cause of your starting problem. If the immobilisier is wired in but not functioning it would well be breaking the link.

Keep trying mate, you're near the end now and you will be rewarded :) I have just spent the last 8.5 days working my guts off fitting new suspension and brakes on to my car and cleaning up the underneath. I was totally sick of it mostly lying under the car with about 1ft of room getting covered in rubbish. However, driving the car today now it's finished I'm so happy with the results that it's all well worthwhile.

[Black Magic]

im just getting pissed off with things not working, ive had it with that car for like 6 years now. My cav never has a problem.

& if i gotta sort that immobilser out, means dash out & tracing all those wires, & i cant be arsed doin all that. i aint even got a wire diagram for the fecking thing.

i cant even tell if its working or not working. usually, wen its working, the dash dont even come on, but with this, well, it is, but stuff knows. Some one else can sort it, ive had enuff.

[Black Magic]

well, the immobilsier suddendly one day, decided to work, so thats confused me. & as for sum 1 else sorting it, well, i got that far, & they found out my block is duff.

seems it has been welded at some point for wotever reason, & not machined properly. so i need a new block, cos getting it welded up again & flattened would probably cost more than a second hand block.

anyone got a SEH/SER bottom end 4 sale?

[Black Magic]

putting the new block i got at the weekend in today, & took sum fairly recent pics of it out on the road.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_142_full.jpghttp://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_143_full.jpghttp://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_144_full.jpg

Becos the car has stood for so long, the brakes really are rusted bad. Ill be lucky if harsh braking will clean them up!

[Sipo]

I do like that spoilerless look mate. The car looks all round sweet imo. Good luck with that bottom end!

[richie00boy]

Yeah nice to see it's working out at last.

[Black Magic]

yea, im having trouble putting the bottom end in. its too heavy. I need a crane i think.....

[Black Magic]

got it in, wont start, ive give up this time. need a vaux mechanic or technician to get it to run.

[Ian T]

Where are you? I've got a Tech1 if that's any help...

Ian.

[Black Magic]

have no idea wot that is, but if its a fualt code reader, u can try, but i doubt itll work, as no codes will come up if it aint run yet!?

but warrington to answer ur question, & feel free to come start it/diagnose the slag.

i dont no if its the ECU, AFM ( got quite a few of these, about 3 of each), crank sensor, fuel pump relay, throttle position sensor or what. if it tells u what is wrong, feel free to try it.

My mum/step dad wrk in orpington Kent :)

[Ian T]

Well...

Warrington is too far, I'm afraid.

If you have fuel pressure (i.e. it spurts out of the rail vent), then you can probably rule out the crank sensor and fuel pump relay.

Tech1 is the bit of kit Vauxhall use and it measures everything - therefore it'll do more than get the codes out. On an XE you can get codes without it running anyway.

I dare say you don't want to trailer it down here then? ;)

Ian.

[Black Magic]

nope, trailerring costs me money, & far too much.

take it u dont want a day out then? :D

& its an 8v by the way, & yes, there is fuel coming out the end.

[Kris]

So there is a spark getting to it as is fuel .Did you do anything to the head when it was off ,ie cam it ,flow it ?.Did you get the injectors cleaned and were they the ones on the car before .
Sorry if this is all old news but i would need to have the facts to speak to the techs i know at Vaux

[Sipo]

if it initially fires up then dies, imm taking a random stab at a harline crack in the block, muahahaha feel my technical power :D :D

[Black Magic]

there is no hairline crack. Ive used 2 blocks now, so they both cant the problem.

head ran fine before it was off. Yes, ported & polished, very clean in & out, has a cam in there, the injectors have been cleaned as well as the ICV about 3/400 miles or so. no problems when they were done.

only the rebuild has changed, but like i say, im sick of telling peeps what there is, & isnt, sum 1 needs to lookat it themselves, & do the "hands on" problem solving on it.

to the best of my knowledge, it should start, no buts about it.

[Ian T]

Hmmm...

I want a go, but you're far too far away for me to come up to you I'm afraid. Have you got audio set up on MSN? A chat would at least go through what you've already done and give me something to cross off in the chain of faultfinding.

Is there another thread on here / MIG that's worth a read through?

Ian.

[Black Magic]

read thro MIG, & everything theyve said, i have new. just stuck on the differnt ECU's & why some have more pins than others.

all 8v's, but some ECU's wont fit my loom, due to the amount of pins on some of them.

Not got a mic on msn, sorry

[pajero1]

Have you tried the cold start sensor which is sat just behind the cambelt near to the alternator that can give that sort of problem.

[pajero1]

i could possibly come and have a look for you will pm my moby no.

[Black Magic]

its all new. & like i sed, ran ok before.

i did have one go, but with that cold thing, im sure last time it went, it started, but ran ruff, & ECU lite came on, till it warmed up.

this just doesnt seem to be the same.

so yes, come torrow please. u have a pm

[Black Magic]

okies, been out in the cold today. & how cold it was. Started with that bloody powersteering rack. as the one that was on it, was leaking.

so i put the new one on today, which i bought off someone on here, & now have got that fitted, & all in (just about).

cars coming on slowly. tomorrow, is to conect the the steering cloumn to the knuckle joint & the steering arms, & should all be well.

got a problem tho, & its to do with the alternator. Where does this wire go on the alternator, one with the ring (blue/white)

[Mark T]

The Blue/white goes to the D+ Terminal on the alternator.

Not sure where it is on that alternator with the external regulator.

It's really obvious on the enclosed alternators.

[Black Magic]

probably is. some one put a a bif phat arrow pls to where it goes, thanks. its been over a year since i took it apart, i cant remember where everything goes off hand.

[GazJevs84]

glad to hear some progress being made, 1st time i have read this thread and glad to hear you have not given up as it is a really nice car the only thing i would suggest is to put a boot spoiler of some sort and to change the car colour as i dont like black lol. :)
also where did you get your parts chromed and would they do it to a redtop etc cheers gaz

[Black Magic]

had a spoiler, i removed it as i wanted a smooth euro look. & no chance on the black, i love it!

as for the chrome, well, loads of ppl, mostly nikki & Tom2001 off Migweb. & yes, he has parts for a red top. hes selling a rocker cover in chrome, cambelt cover, pig springs, wing bolts, etc.

try these links:
Chrome Parts (http://www.migweb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=160896) Chrome Shop (www.leather-and-chrome.co.uk) Chrome Rocker (http://www.migweb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=240987&highlight=Chrome)

been to the car again, & getting that bolt in the steering rack that holds it in place to the dash(towards bulhead), was damn near impossible! finally got it in, after ½hour of pissin about. put the fusebox back where it should be, as it was danging near the pedals, & some of the dashboard trim is now in.

thats been about it, not much light or warmth these days, so only doing what i can, when i can. Also tried fitting my short shift, it doesnt fot, so 306Dynamics, ull be getting an email soom my friend :rolleyes:

[GazJevs84]

gd stuff it is too cold to do anything at the mo lol :)

[Black Magic]

it is, but nothing will get done, & my car never finsihed if i waited till the weather to warm up, so i just gotta crack on im afraid!

Does anyone one know what powersteering fluid im to use? & how many litres of it?

[GazJevs84]

i personally use slick 50 but there is probably better stuff around and one bottle should do mate

[Chris_H42]

anyone else not able to open the 1st page?

[Black Magic]

u can, but u have to wait 2mins. so be patient. i think it will never open, but it will, give it time

[Chris_H42]

it times out.

All the other ones work just page 1 of this one.

On broadband btw, all other pages load instantly.

[Mark T]

Several threads on here, take a while to respond on my PC. 10Meg connection FWIW

[GazJevs84]

yes it did it to me the first time i read this thread in the end it worked you just have to keep trying

[Black Magic]

for those that cant be bothered waiting for the first page to load up, click here (http://www.migweb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=190733), as this is a duplicate post on MIG for u to read, & reply to. only difference is there are different replies, but the pics & explanation given are the same.

[GazJevs84]

nice one mate

[Chris_H42]

mig one loads instantly, still can't open the 1st page here though! Dunno why.

[Black Magic]

u just gotta wait. it will. i still need to know what type of powersteering fluid i need, & how many litres are needded

[GazJevs84]

one bottle should do it mate as for the product i use slick 50 but not sure what ones are the best mate

[Tom]

Its about 1 litre I think normal powersteering fluid or ATF the red stuff.

[Black Magic]

k, i got some dexron II so im gunna fill it tomoro, but first, i need sum rubbers for my steering arms.

had a blast at putting some of the braided hose sleeving kit on today. bloody hell, that hard work, & hope itll look good.

some of the bigger sleeving i dont need, so if anyone needs it, give us a shout, or trade/swop for fuel line sized ones.

[GazJevs84]

good good mate glad u got it sorted

[Black Magic]

out in the cold again today working on it, so got some more pics for u lot to ogle over! :)

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_156_full.jpg

what i will say, is this. The worst design that vauxhall made on the 8v, was the stupid angles, & awkwardness of the fuel pipes into the rail. How the hell ur to get them on, without dismantling everything is beyond me. :mad:

This surely cant be a good sign, with brakes as rotted as this can it?? :confused:

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_148_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_155_full.jpg

& neither is my tyres, since the garage hasnt done what i asked them to do, as well as a crappy job on paint, forgot to roll the arches, & here, u can see the effect of what happens when arches arent rolled.


http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_149_full.jpg

the interior as it stands......

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_151_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_152_full.jpg

& the engine rebuilt, as it is. just needs coolant, the powersteering fluid, & got some now, than Dexron II i belive, & more Dot5.1 or a brake flush again.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_153_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_154_full.jpg

one question ppl. what am i missing off my rack? any spacers, brakets etc, as im not sure this is right :confused:
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_150_full.jpg

[Kris]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v311/K8CEE/untitled.jpgot all these bit on there ,if so nowt wrong

[Black Magic]

hmm, think i got the spacers on wrong there

[Black Magic]

went there yesterday, & put the coolant in, & powersteering fluid in, & started her up.

couple of questions......or problems even.

those that have digi dashes, well, its going above half way, the next block up, & then & only then is the fan cutting in, BUT it cuts in for 2 seconds, then turns off. about a minute passes before it does it again. what the problem here?

second, the powersteering fluid was put in, turned the wheels like it says in the haynes manual, but doesnt seem to be going down much from the Pot. the wheel on the pump looks buckled, & as u rev the car any more than tick over, a bloody loud squeeking is coming from it, or, from that area.

I hope it aint the crank pulley wheel, but do u think the punmps buggered? As to me, it dont feel like powersteering. feels like a normal heavy rack.

help guys!!! & if it is the pump, how much new? (not from vaux)

[Belmont_GTE]

i've just jumped on the back here, so i havn't read the rest of the post, but the fan cutting in thing doesn't sound too harsh, its just cutting in as soon as the temp is hitting that point, as soon as it cuts in its bringing the temp down that little bit so its turning off again?

The power steering wont go down much if there wasn't any air pockets in the system.. turning the wheel from side to side gets out the remaining air in the system, which, will be replaced by fluid and you'll see the fluid go down?

Was you turning the wheel with the cap off the fluid bottle? try that.

I cant help you on squeeks but i DID have another power steering pump here somewhere, not sure wether its hiding down the end of the garden or wether i scrapped it..

[GazJevs84]

to check the pump another way when you turn the wheels it will jump one minute it will be light and then it will go hard and it will keep doing that i think they are about £150 new

[Black Magic]

well, i expect air pockets, as ive fitted another one. yes the cap was off.

think i need to redo the coolant, Toms gunna show me on Saturday if i can get hold of him, as well as another pump. So i shall see how it goes from there, but the powersteering fluid wasnt going down, i must have been doing it for a good 5mins or so.

& herees a pic of the freshly rebuilt engine that causes me headaches every weekend http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_157_full.jpg

[GazJevs84]

looking good mate

[Black Magic]

let us know what u all think. put all the carpets in today, & seats. ur thorts?

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_158_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_159_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/598000-598999/598970_160_full.jpg

[GazJevs84]

look nice mate do they tilt?

[Black Magic]

no, rigid ones. sold be recliners. Just got back from sorting the Astra out with TomGTE, im sure hell put the pics up at some point.

The Powersteering it now working, i hadnt tightened the pump, so it wasnt pumping properly with a slack belt :o

Brake lights are now working as they should, Tom told me the bracket that the swich goes into, was bent :confused: somehow.

still got no reverse lights, so dunno wot that is. All other lights are working as they should. Horn is also working now.

got a small slight drip from the clutch plate (this doesnt sound good, ive hardly got it running, & its fukkin leaking bastard oil again :mad: ) so that now needs fixing. Id like an engine that doesnt leak oil please!


alternator now working properly, wiried in wrong didnt help :o

& last thing, a dodgy dash. it seems to turn off when it feels like it. so have no digi dash. Comes on randomly, bloody thing.

other than that, its ready to be finished off

[GazJevs84]

good stuff mate at least you are a couple of steps closer to completion

[westurbo]

that inlet looks sweet m8 ,,,

[Tom]

Glad I was of some use to you today at last lol :)

Did get some jobs done so I hope your a bit happier with the car now, apart from the oil leak :rolleyes:

Cant understand how the brake light swtich bracket was bent tho :confused:

Did spot the pinch bolt in steering coupling is missing so you need to find it before you go out in it :eek:

Alt and steering problems were easy fixes in the end, I thought we would be changing the pump but it was your fault for not tightening the belt up :p

[richie00boy]

LOL always nice to have a fresh pair of eyes look at problems.

[Black Magic]

yep, as others can see things i cannot.

thanks Thomas for ur help, a lot happier now that most of the things are working. except the cutting out, & that ****ing oil leak ffs 8v's alwyas piss oil, i wanna weld that son of a bitch up it pisses me off that much.

& as for the bolt, wot bolt? do u mean where the colomn goes into the kuckle? cos i did that wednesday, i know for a fact its in there tight. unless sum boon has took it out.

or am i completley wrong?

may need an AFM ppl, as its that, as well as dodgy fuel tank stopping it from running like it should

[Tom]

As for the bolt, wot bolt? do u mean where the colomn goes into the kuckle? cos i did that wednesday, i know for a fact its in there tight. unless sum boon has took it out.

or am i completley wrong?
The pinch bolt that goes in the flexy coupling to the rack is missing.

[Black Magic]

still means nothing to me :confused:
page 1 now working for those that wish to read & view