Brett's GTE 16v - Project Pineapple

[Brett]

Oh, believe me I'll try and get it running before taking it out!!

I should keep it I suppose, but I have found a way of having the Mk2 Cavalier accept the F20/F28 without having to do any welding on the chassis legs or bulkhead which I wouldnt want to really.

MK2 Cavs dont have a rear gearbox mount like Astra's, they have a 2nd on the passenger side chassis leg, it bolts to the top of the 'box.

I need to get round to making an offer!

[johnl]

Oh, believe me I'll try and get it running before taking it out!!

I should keep it I suppose, but I have found a way of having the Mk2 Cavalier accept the F20/F28 without having to do any welding on the chassis legs or bulkhead which I wouldnt want to really.

MK2 Cavs dont have a rear gearbox mount like Astra's, they have a 2nd on the passenger side chassis leg, it bolts to the top of the 'box.

I need to get round to making an offer!

Aren't mounting points cast in the f20 casing already next to the selector on the top of the box? I could have sworn I had an f20 from the local scrap yard that had mounting bracket attached around that area.

[Brett]

No there arent mate, at least not to my knowledge. You can fit the F20 internals into the F16 casing, but tbh Im not convinced how good the design of mounting it from the top is in the first place, I dont see it being as strong as mounting from the back.

Idea has been given to me that involves welding the cross beam part of a Mk3Cav/Astra sub frame where the rear engine mount is onto the MK2 Cav subframe:D

[johnl]

Here's a picture I'm thinking of but it's possibly the f16 box and I'm getting muddled up. http://www.valver.co.uk/astramk2/rebuild/rebuild2.jpg

are the bolt holes near the selector where the mk2 cav mount attaches?

[Brett]

yeah that ones got the holes, think that must be an F16 then.

I'd use the F28 from the GTE though thinking about it, and that deffinatly doesnt have them!!

[Brett]

We have two pages of MOT failure points to deal with.

Oh the sheer, rapturous joy.

[richie00boy]

Well what did you expect from a 20+ year old car sitting unused an a barn for how many years?!!

Or is this on the GTE?

[Brett]

GTE LOL!

Sounds like the quik rak has had it, thats got me seriously ****ed off:(

[Brett]

highlights of the fail sheets.....

- Rear offside seat belt mount prescribed area is excessivly corroded (FFS no rear seats)
- Offside steering rack is missing a bolt (wtf where did that go!!)
- windscreen has damage to Zone A (they passed that last year!)
- Windscreen washers broken (great)
- Front Anti-roll bar bushes worn(not bad for 1 year 6k miles)
- Top mounts worn (see ARB bushes)
- handbrake defficent (new cable, suspected that)
- Steering system is excessivly rough (maybe new rack)

All in all fed right up, Im checking the DVLA website to see if I need to MOT it to get my plates of it.

[Brett]

Christ and just then out of the blue, call from the owner of the Cavalier saying he will sell it, but for £500. Ive told him I wont pay that but hes gonna have a think and see what he feels.

[richie00boy]

What make pattern parts were those then, must steer clear! Can't believe after a year it's got that many faults, and rust??? Unfortunately you do need MOT to transfer plates, it's something I've been worried about. Thankfully my GTE has just passed another MOT thanks to dad having it for 2 weeks work of work.

[Brett]

Its a very small patch of rust by the back bolt hole just in front of the osr inner arch. Its just a few bubbles really, its very harsh imho especially as its not in use and isnt ever likley to be!!

Not sure what make the pattern parts were, random motor factor crap came in an unknown box. Still didnt have the money for GM parts at the time:(

The work needed isnt really a lot of money, its time. I'll probably re-test it somewhere else now as feel its a bit of a **** take.

[richie00boy]

Does sound a bit harsh, and how bad can it be really after such a short mileage even if they are rubbish pattern parts? Do the mounts etc look/feel gone to you? I'd defo take it somewhere else, I bet they don't come up with half the faults.

[Brett]

oh jesus yeah they are all completley shagged, Im booking it in elsewhere.

I know its not the tidyest car but I think the MOT tester took one look at it, formed an opinion and then went after faults. They wont be seeing it again!!

[Astra Dan]

What a bummer! Stick with it Brett.

[_SBD16v]

We have two pages of MOT failure points to deal with.

Oh the sheer, rapturous joy.

lol i had 5 pages of failure for the gte on its last mot

was mot'd at 4 on the friday and the bloke laughted when i said it would be back for a retest in the morning

and it was lol

[James C]

Yeah stick with it.

I'm bringing forward the MOT on mine this year as the clutch cable snapped this morning.

Going to book it in and have it all done! Will see how many sheets I get (fingers crossed none at all)

[DarrenH]

i had a week off work, did 16 hour days for 7 days welding my bulkhead and floorpan, then it failed the mot the very next week, requiring more welding lol

stick at it matey

[Brett]

Had a bit of time, got over the rage now, so am going to keep cracking on with it. You are all correct, I will carry on with it I think.

Tomorrow I'll inspect the steering rack and sort some of the smaller problems, have to order the new suspension parts.

[GTE16v]

Keep up the good work Brett.


I don't think taking it to another MOT place will make much differance as the failures will now be logged on the computer system. The new MOT man will see what to look for if you get me drift.

[Brett]

Its almost ready for the MOT now. Basically, I think the MOT man had some sort of problem with the car and went after problems. Its certainly the worst MOT Ive ever experienced.

First up, Motor factor bushes. 1 year, 8,464 miles to be precise...

offside - this passed!!
http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr9/GTE16vBrett/12042009706.jpg
Offside ARB bushes. Its not very clear but the top ones is cracked to blazes and hard as hell. Same with the nearside.
http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr9/GTE16vBrett/12042009707.jpg

Steering rack was described as 'excessive worn', and 'insecure from Offside bulkhead' apparently, theres an important bolt missing.

Here's my 'missing' bolt.............
http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr9/GTE16vBrett/12042009708.jpg

What I dont understand is how a mechanic thought that was a crucial part of the sterering system? In case you dont know, its where I have removed the little shock absorber thing that reduces bump steer, quikrack doesnt suffer it so bad. You have to question how good the test was if the rack is described as loose when its quite clearly not, and would never be with that bolt missing as its utterly obvious its not there to hold it to the bulkhead. FFS.

And finally, my 'rust' I had to work really hard to get a picture of it as its only a tiny prick. Its nothing. Not to mention its by a rear seatbelt mounting hole and this car cannot have rear seats in it again very easily!! This car is as solid an example of a Mk2 as you will find!!
http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr9/GTE16vBrett/12042009710.jpg

Other things have been easily cured, the addition of some water the windscreen washer tank sorted the problem they had with them not working, The front strut brace was loose (big whoops, my bad) headlight aim.

Im not sure about the handbrake. They have recorded it as having 'little or no effort'. It does work, youve just got to really pull it up strong as its stiff as hell. Its not more than 5 clicks though. Its brilliant then... does the mech have to be free or is this another example of the MOT man being over zealous?

[DarrenH]

some of those things are just ignorant tester, you are right, especially the rear seat belt mount. the MOT is a test of operation and condition, if something is not even fitted to the car, it isnt testable, ergo seat belt mounts cannot fail. however that area is probably in the prescribed area of the beam pivot/mounting which is an issue.

poly ARB link bushes are cheap as buttons, false economy to fit rubber imho. top mounts are shocking, the kind of wear youd expect from 80k tbh !

[Brett]

I've given it a good inspection and it seems ok around the beam but youre right it could be an issue in the future. Im not dropping the tank again to weld it yet though!! Its such a small amount though, its nothing. They often go here from what I have seen over the years too.

Im going poly on the front links now, and having some solid top mounts of Steve too. Must try and get them on before Combe in a few weeks.

[200TS EC]

Love The Pineapple Yellow !!! Im busy Painting my Kadett the Same.

[Brett]

Well, closer inspection of the rack reveals it is very grindy when being turned, and there is about 2 inches free play in the steering wheel before anything transmits to the wheels. So, its shagged IMHO. Really annoyed about that, its not worth taking on Castle Combe like that and I dont have a spare anymore. Also cant get an MOT in time which which makes Combe impossible. Ive sold all my track time as a result.

Some good news though, I can retain the plate from the car as it is if I want to:D

Becuase I was a good boy and decalred SORN straight away when the tax expired naturally, they will process my application.

Rules are as follows;
Taxed within the last 6 months. Tax must expire naturally NOT be recalimed!!
MOT within the last 12 months.

Ive now got a decision to make. Carry on spending money on this, MOT it and break it at the end of summer, or save a load of hassle and do it now, but have no play thing over summer. It needs a new rack to be any use to me really so that counts against it.

Need to think hard, its possibly only the hassle of shifting all the parts thats stopping me getting shot which is pretty telling really.

[James C]

Its just such a shame that what with all the time off the road etc it's still not a easy task to keep it going.

What are the real barriers? Is it time and funds or is it mechanical competency or have you rushed to get it working in the knowledge that its good enough for now??

I'm not trying to be hash or anything as I respect you for the time and effort put into the project.

I would never undertake anything similar as I wouldn't know where to start. Im an Business analyst and no mechanic though I like tinkering.

What would the Mk2 Cav entail though in order to be a decent and fun motor?

I think you need to get to the point of knowing exactly what you want and then go from there.

[richie00boy]

I have a spare PAS rack if that's any good to you.

[Brett]

Its just such a shame that what with all the time off the road etc it's still not a easy task to keep it going.

What are the real barriers? Is it time and funds or is it mechanical competency or have you rushed to get it working in the knowledge that its good enough for now??

I'm not trying to be hash or anything as I respect you for the time and effort put into the project.

I would never undertake anything similar as I wouldn't know where to start. Im an Business analyst and no mechanic though I like tinkering.

What would the Mk2 Cav entail though in order to be a decent and fun motor?

I think you need to get to the point of knowing exactly what you want and then go from there.

No mate, its fine, Ive been asking myself the same questions.

Barriers are; Motivation to get on with it because of a lack of desire to own the finished car, change in funds available, knowledge it'll always be a money pit....

I was 21 when I stared this car, Im now getting on for 26, a yellow astra was once the coolest thing I could imagine, now.... Im not sure. I'd probably be happier if it was a standard colour tell the truth! Time has changed things, when I built this car it was my only car, I now have a compant car to use, I get hassle for it being on the drive at home too.

Funds are absolutley not an issue, and thats the other part of it suprisingly. I changed my job after christmas and I can already afford to finish this car with the LET, perspex windows, the lot - everything I once planned for it. But the moneys just sat there. I now ask myself, do I want to spend all that money on an Astra? I dont know. Perhaps I should get a VX220, it'll be a better track car then the GTE ever would be... breaking the GTE would give me almost half the price of a VX220 and in the time taken to sell all the bits I could save the rest.

I wouldnt say the car was rushed in a bad way, mistakes have been made, taking the LET apart was utterly stupid and the worst of the lot I should never, ever have done it. I should have lobbed it straight in but, I got carried away. Now Im left with a pile of bits and no interest in buliding it. The quik rack is a complete shitter, to pay for it twice and then it only last 8k miles is gutting tbh. Saps the motivation.

Im certain the Astra is no longer what I want and I wont own it come this time next year. I know that, its just working out the details of getting from where I am.... to where I want to be. Theres only so many times I can sit in it and try to persuade myself its worth sticking with, its not working as I just yo-yo around making my mind up one way then the other.

As for the Mk2 Cav, Im cautious because its more of some of the same as what I dont like with this car, thats why I havent bought it yet, on the other hand it wont be anything like as modified......

Richie - need manual mate, dont want to convert it if I decide too MOT it.

[James C]

I think you have made up your mind then Brett.

Get rid and ASAP - if you have to fix it in order to MOT for it to be moved about then fine, but based on your post above, I would spend minimum time, effort and cash on doing it if its only going to get broken.

You and I are basically the same age and i can totally understand that there is a difference in 21 and 25! I too keep wondering how many MK2 years are left. However I did try another car and I came back.

I want from my GTE the practicality of it being a car for going to the station and Tesco and do 200 mile round trips as well as belting up to the pod.

You are in a different market though as you have a company vehicle. A 2nd 'fun' car in my opinion should be just that. You take it out on the weekend and it works, you have fun then you put it back.

P.S. I want the piper please :wasntme:

[richie00boy]

Why wont you want to own it this time next year? If these are good valid reasons and not just something to come up with as an excuse, then yep get breaking it.

Must admit I'm in a very very similar boat at the moment. Things being positive for me is my dad telling me to keep it as I'll regret it and it's a decent original example, and I would love to own a minted GTE to take to shows etc, it's just the time and effort and garage space required in getting there, I could have lots of fun just tinkering with sound cars really.

[Astra Dan]

Brett, try a motor factors? The manual rack in my 1.3 Mk2 was £45, which included a £21 surcharge! Stupidly cheap!

[Harvey]

Sounds to me like you have already made your mind up that you won't be getting it through the MOT. It you are having doubts now and have for sometime then I don't think it will change.

Manual racks can be had for peanuts from the scrappers and will only take you a few minutes to remove. I had a good chat with Rob (sbd16v) yesterday and we both came to the same conclusion that the quick racks supplied by RSC and built by power steering systems are not hardened like RSC was advising. My quick rack has only covered about 1,500 miles so still has lots of life left in it.

My first car was a mk2 and I owned it for just over 6 years and hated it when I sold it. I lasted just over a year before I could afford a second car, you guessed it, a mk2. I love them and will always own a mk2 in some guise or other. My GTE took dedication and commitment to complete with no corners cut and everything on my wish list purchased. I'm so pleased with the finished article but it did take me nearly 4 years to complete, a bit more than my initial estimate of 1 year.

Anyway, whatever you decide best of luck to you as your banana was a huge inspiration to me when I was building mine.

[johnl]

As people have said it does sound like you've made up your mind. Some of your points sound similar to the issues Darren had with his grey one and modified cars aren't always all they are cracked upto be. I get the impression with some of your post's on mig you be happier with the Astra if it was more standard. If you are going to be breaking it then it does seem pointless to fix it for the MOT.

[Astranomical Lee]

Will you still be attending coombe in as a spectator?

[Brett]

Yeah its deffinatly going, tbh having made the decision its a weight lifted of my shoulders. I will start stripping it as soon as the plates have succesfully been retained. I dont feel sad about it which seems strange, perhaps I should? Im glad it inspired those of you who read this thread, makes me feel proud of it a little!

Im happy to start putting peoples names on things, I think Rob wants the eibach anti roll bars, and James your welcome to the exhaust. Everything else is available, including the shell if someone wants it. Its totally rust free, well theres a bit by the saftey belt if your a really fussy MOT man!! I wont want much for it, as its now been through 2 big projects and really there are holes drilled everywhere now! I filled many with weld but then the car moved and they ended up being fillered. Would be a shame to scrap it but I dont want it kicking around.

Been to look at the Cavalier this morning, its very very very good, needs 2 patchs of welding and minimal work to return to the road. Its really a question of keeping this one much much more standard, maybe put the LET in there I dont know. But its going to be far less in depth, some parts may come accross from the GTE, not sure what I can use yet though. Ive made an offer, now Im waiting to see if the guy will sell it or puch it back in the garage for another god knows how long. I hope not!

Lee - Yes Im going to Combe, will take my company car whatever that is!!

[DarrenH]

sounds like the kind of questions i was asking myself 2/3 years ago when i broke/sold the mk2 track car, which i thoroughly regret ever since. i regret not owning that car anymore.

if i had kept it, theres no doubt in my mind it would'v be on a 2 car basis. i modified it so much i hated driving it daily, even the time taken to get in it and do up harnesses was a deterrant, in the end !

much happier place now, current astra has enough choice mods to make it a very competant and fun car, but standard enough to not be on my mind, or burdening my thoughts on a daily basis ! it sounds like the mk2 cav offers you that route, which is good for you, but a shame for the mk2 astra community :(

[untouchable]

sounds like the kind of questions i was asking myself 2/3 years ago when i broke/sold the mk2 track car, which i thoroughly regret ever since. i regret not owning that car anymore.




Totally agree with Darren on this one. Everyone nows how much I regret breaking my white tubby.

No car will ever replace her, and if I had had a second 'daily' sensible/child friendly car and the room to store it, that car would still be about :(

Have a long hard think about it before you start to strip the car Brett, because once its gone, its gone.

[Brett]

I really have given this so much thought over the last few months, Its gotten to the point where I needed to decide something, else you spend forever umming and ahhing.

Thinking about it, there are many many parts I can probably use on the Cavalier, so breaking this become less of a problem.

I spent yesterday working on a very tide burgandy GTE 16v with steve, belongs to a lad he knows from Weston. It needed a dash putting in and we offered to do it. Was good to be working on a standard one again, everything in the right place, doing the right job reliably. I was envious!!

[astrasteve23]

yeh even the check control unit worked! its quite a nice straight car really. just needs a bit of tiding up. oh yeh remember i want the exhaust if you break it and the lower brace.

[richie00boy]

What will you do for track days though? How long has the GTE been a second car? Maybe it will be easier to manage if you use the company car a bit more?

[Brett]

I have only had time to do two in the last year, and those were only short sessions at Combe which the Cavalier should be up too.

It hasnt been my second car at all yet, its been out of tax/MOT since january!

[Brett]

Why am I being such a girl about this?

Got someone coming to look at a few parts later, and now Im feeling a little wierd about breaking it.

Plate retention forms came back today, forgot to sign the cheque, d'oh!

[vauxmaster]

Why am I being such a girl about this?

Got someone coming to look at a few parts later, and now Im feeling a little wierd about breaking it.

Plate retention forms came back today, forgot to sign the cheque, d'oh!lol... everything points to your subconcious telling you to keep it! :thumbsup:

[Brett]

everything points to me being a fanny who cant make his mind up!!

[richie00boy]

Maybe its because you have not given it much chance as a second car? Without the need to half-ass jobs because you need it in 2 days time to get to work, it's probably going to be a lot better to work on and to actually enjoy driving. Your in the luxurious position of having a new company car so you don't even need to worry about working on that or anything going wrong with it.

[Brett]

I guess that true Richie. I dont like it at the moment so have left it broken and its been fine, it doesnt matter.

Ive just had a couple of lads over to buy a few bits of me, a spare bonnet I bought of TomGTE and changed my mind on (LOL, becoming a habit) and they loved it. Couldnt believe I was getting rid. Kind of nice to see a couple of people who havent seen it before pouring over it and say 'what have you done here?' 'can i buy this bit?' and so on. One of them was even talking about money for the complete car, was willing to pay GOOD money for it too if I was prepared to let him save. I wouldnt want anyone else having her exactly the way I built it though I reckon. I'd be fine with the shell finding a new home, but the whole thing..... dunno!

Combe tomorrow, will see how I feel after that.

[richie00boy]

I get the same Brett, when you try to use it as an everyday car and something goes wrong with it, that's IT DAMN CAR lol. But I think that having it as a second car when you are not reliant on it and can get the jobs done better, will boost the spirits. Also not driving it everyday, when you do drive it it all rushes back :)

Get it fixed and see how you go from there. I've got myself a mk3 now which just needs a few little bits doing then will be on the road, and has no rust to worry about lol. I'm going to not rush into anything with the GTE just let it lay for a bit while I gather my senses on whether I want to get rid or rebuild it, now that the pressure is off by having another car.

[Brett]

After a day at Combe Ive warmed to it a little more.... The thought Ive never driven it with road legal slicks and I always wanted to do that was running through my mind!

[mick g]

After a day at Combe Ive warmed to it a little more.... The thought Ive never driven it with road legal slicks and I always wanted to do that was running through my mind!
Stick with it mate, you will need to buy a flat cap and tartan slippers to drive the cav sri:)

[The Griffin]

Sounds to me like you should keep it. I wish i'd left my gte on the drive and forgotten about it for a while instead of breaking it:(

[himselfunknown]

If I were you, I'd take whatever tax etc is on it, leave it on the drive for a few months and forget about it. Don't rush into a decision. I've been in a similar position before myself where a load of faults occur on a car and it seems like it's a money pit and you're under it more than driving it. Take a step back and give yourself a chance to forget the heartache, then make a decision.

One of the issues with owning an older car is that you can drive it fault free for months and all that is forgotten when the b***er breaks down three times in a week!

Plus you can pretty much guarantee that the Cav with be as much of, if not more, of a pain in the backside over time. At least with the Astra you know it inside out and know what faults are lurking.

Don't make a hasty decision or you may regret it.

[Brett]

massive deep breath, another change in mind coming up.

Im keeping it. The guys dragged his heels over the Cavalier and with the summer coming I want a car to enjoy. Ive got a ready made one sitting here for me so it would be daft to destroy all that good work, then endure a boring summer.

I spent last Saturday at Castle Combe and was chatting Astra Dan and a few others, they all seemed to think I was mad to get rid when its not done. Plus, I really wanted to be out there thrashing something! Then a day watching Astrasteve23's mrs competing in a mini cooper at Wiscombe Hill Climb in devon convinced me, not saying I'll do it in the GTE... I may do as there are 2 GTE's that compete everytime and are very fast, but I can do a lot more to enjoy this car and Im not really one to stand back and just polish away.

Im moving out tomorrow, have a garage at the new house so the Astra's going to come along, have PAS fitted as I found a M reg calibra with the rack I want at a local scrappy and Im probably going to invest in some road legal slicks to spruce the handling up a bit. I'm going to convert to solid top mounts too that steve has. Poly windsows too I reckon! I can do all this now I dont have to use the bugger everyday!

Sorry to those who were after any bits.....

[Astra Dan]

Ive got a ready made one sitting here for me so it would be daft to destroy all that good work, then endure a boring summer.


I've not heard that much sense spoken for a good while.

Good call.

[Brett]

:D

Its not often I speak sense mind!

[himselfunknown]

Good call mate! You would've regretted braking it a month afterwards. Get the jobs on it sorted and enjoy driving it!!

[Brett]

booked in for another MOT attempt on Monday evening:)

[mick g]

The pineapple survives:)

[Brett]

Untill something else breaks I expect!! lol!

Im looking forward to getting some trackdays done. Have been speaking to a mate about finishing my LET too. Im just going to do stuff to it when I please now and see where it ends up!

[astrasteve23]

is ben doin mot? oh yeh just to add the mini is a MK1 cooper 's'
you will have to have a go in it one day, its nice to drive.

im glad you are keeping the pineapple, when i get front suspension sorted on the van i wouldnt mind battleing it out on track with you. should be a good battle.

[Brett]

I would be dissapointed not to spread you all over a track tbh, with the diff etc I should beat you! But, that said Im not likley to be as mental as you behind the wheel which will mean it probably will be even! Best fit the LET and slicks to be sure:p

still need they solid top mounts btw. and yeah its our Ben doing the MOT!

[Brett]

Spent all afternoon working on it, fitted the new arb bushes to the drivers side, wires brushed everything, new lick of underseal, it was looking really good!! Found some rust though which was a bummer, near where the bracket for the oil cooler pipes hooks up, a common place.

Went to move it so I could so the same on the passenger side. Turned the key. Click. Click. Click.... hmmm, started an hour ago.... never mind its done it before and a bit more juice in the battery sorted it. Charged it, clearly didnt need it but was the same as last time. Reattached it. Turned the key. Click. Click. Had a play with wires, nowt wrong though, rocked it back and forth in gear. Click. Bastid Click.

RAGE!!!!! you bastiding clicky starter motor!!

Cars sat there, going nowhere and Ive got to cancel the MOT tomorrow.

Im a little displeased about it all shall we say.

[GTE16v]

Put a Jump lead from the Neg terminal on Batt to the block and try it. sounds like a duff ground to me.

[Pigeonrat]

My GTE 16V was doing exactly that a couple of months back, started fine for ages and then would suddenly refuse to turn over, usually in a busy petrol station, usually late at night with no passengers to help push and without any warning, just to be as irritating as possible. It was a knackered solenoid, a new complete starter was about £65 on Trade Club I think, exchange. Solved the problem for good...

[Gander]

You can bypass the solenoid to get it running, had to do this to a 2.8 Shogun which had a supposedly reconned started but the buggers hadn't changed the solenoid:mad:

[richie00boy]

Hit the solenoid with a wheel brace, but it does need replacing.

[Brett]

I tried all the tricks to get it going last night believe me, did I ever smack the solenoid, but to no avail!!!

[Brett]

Battery is back on charge, a vain last ditch attempt to coax some life out of it.

Havent chancelled the MOT, figure its 30mins work to change the ARB bushes so wil leave it to the last minute. I insured it and everything for today, not wasting all that time and money quite so easily!

[James C]

Well fingers crossed for you mate

[Brett]

It started!!!

What could cause a problem where the battery clearly has enough juice in it to start any other car, but not mine? Is there an additional draw on the battery having it in the boot with the long thick cables? I dont know. Anyway, its going now. Thats all I care this afternoon!

Off to the MOT station shortly:D

[astravanmk2]

good news Brett I had the same problem with my van where it wouldnt engage the starter unless the battery had accepted a full charge. the starter would click but wouldnt spin up as soon as we charged it over night it went and has done ever since.

[GTE16v]

I still think its an earth (ground) issue.

[Brett]

I have an MOT!!!!

Summer starts here folks! Gave it some real beans coming back from the test station to clear out a few cobwebs. Think I may have forgotten how fun it is, and it feels so much faster then the Passat!!:D

Essentially, everything I didnt fix from the last MOT that I thought was to harsh has passed today, that is handbrake, windscreen, top mounts, rust. Handbrake was a joke, I was there today when they tried it and it locks both sides. Its stiff but it works. On the brake tester when they tested the front brakes it jumped out of the rollers, the chap said he wasnt expecting them to be that good on an Astra LMFAO!! My back brakes record as much stopping power as Saxo front brakes apparently!

Well chuffed, tax tomorrow and off we go:D

[Mr-G]

Good on ya ! :D, see its all worth it in the end, you would have only regretted it massively if you had broken the car and then you would have to have started from square one again to build a new one.

[johnl]

Glad to hear it pass. On the none starting side of things does your still have the ingition switch? As mine used to do a similar thing. Even fitted a known good starter but had no joy. As a last ditched attempt I bought a replacement ignition switch from Vauxhall and it's never given any issues since.

[Brett]

Its not the inginition switch I dont think, it wouldnt click otherwise would it?

Im certain its down to draw having the battery in the boot tbh, not enough power to get it cranking?

[Anthony]

woohoo, top work mate. Glad to hear your keeping it too! :-)

[Harvey]

Nice one Brett, good to hear it's got ticket again. Whip the handbrake cable off and spray loads of WD40 down the cable, did this on mine and it was like new again. Got a brand new spare in my shed though just in case.

[Brett]

It really needs the rear brakes sorting, they may work well but the discs need doing so I was thinking of doig the cable too. Shoes didnt need doing last time I had the discs off so a bit of grease here and there and it'll be good as new I hope.

[Brett]

New rear discs will be here next week sometime, they really need seeing too! Can feel they are knackered when I brake now Ive put the new rear pads in!

I took it for a 40 odd miles drive the other night with no problems to report:D Its good to have it back and drive it again. Steering is properly strange though, I dont know if its been like that for a while and as it was a gradual wearing process I never noticed happening when I was driving it every day, or if it was always like that and its placebo effect from being told its duff. Or perhaps driving a modern car so much makes old steering feel really strange.

Its a job for the engine swap time though, its not dangerous thank god.

[Harvey]

Your starting issue may well be the engine earth so get a better one fitted. My mate had exactly the same issues as you and his battery is mounting in the boot. He replaced the engine earth strap and hey presto the car fires up just fine now.

[Brett]

Ive just seen someone do this on retro rides, got me thinking.

Take the rubber joint between the sterring column and rack out and replace it with poly. Now, I can recall the design I think and this may make some difference to how direct the steering feels. Apparently Beetles have a bush that is similar and can do the job.

Ive always wanted to remove any play from my steering and wiuth current problems have spent some time trawling ideas and this could be worth some thought, best of the bunch really... after replacing the rack LOL!

[Brett]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1987-VAUXHALL-CAVALIER-SR-I-WHITE_W0QQitemZ170338313959QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAuto mobiles_UK?hash=item27a8f466e7&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1683|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 18|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

Look whats on e-bay!! Am rather frenzied at the moment trying to buy it back!! Should NEVER have sold it tbh.

[richie00boy]

Be wary of taking on too many projects Brett! It does now need a fair bit of work to bring it back.

[Brett]

I cant let this chance miss without trying! Total no brainer for me this one, I would restore it to mint as humanly possible if I get it back. I love my GTE but that was the best car I ever have ever owned.

[Astra Dan]

Gah, why did the new owner scrap the engine and box, it went OK didn't it? Just confirmed the reg from pics of it flying around Combe in Spetember 07! Did it have a digi dash when you had it?
Seems a shame.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/DanSilvester/Car%20Stuff/Coombe07025.jpg

[dava]

i know what you mean brett i love my gte but mk2 cavs are the dogs danglies
i would love another 130 saloon some day ive had 1 130 saloon , 2 sri saloons,a glsi saloon, a cdi saloon and a lxi saloon can you tell i liked cavs back in the day.
if i was you id go for it you know you want to i would be tempted if it was a saloon never really liked them in hatch form though
i have a pic of one of mine somewhere if i can find it i will scan it and post it for you to see it was white too, lowered on cav slabs had so much fun in it back in 97 the good old days before speed cameras and speeding was considered antisocial

[GTE16v]

:hissyfit::hissyfit:

[Brett]

I know what the chaps plan for it was when I sold it to him, seems he started but didnt get very far. Its a shame to see it like that but I'd use it as a chance for a full repsray etc.

Still waiting for him to get in touch or will be forced to join the bidding on e-bay!!

[Brett]

Had a phone call this morning from the chap, all is in place now, Ive found somewhere to hire me a flatbed lorry that I can insure for £25! It'll cost me about £200 to bring it home I estimate, then its storage at about £20 a month for now.

Just got to ring back later and agree a price if we can!!! to say I am excited does not even half cover it!!

[Gander]

LoL, 2nd Ebay pic has Ollies GSi in the background!

[untouchable]

I bet you are nearly peeing your pants Brett lol

[Brett]

LOL I know Joey, all the pics of a car in a complete state are mine.

Ive made what I consider to be a very good offer on the car. We shall see what happenes tomorrow, never thought this chance would arise TBH but at the same time everything has its value and I think Ive offered all its worth.

Going to be a long old day fetching it if I buy it!!

[Brett]

well..... Ive bought it back!! Going to fetch it next Saturday:)

Chuffed yes, did I think twice no, will I regret it no!

I'll run the Astra on till the tax expires, then strip it come Autumn. The LET, brakes and rear beam will all be used on the Cavalier. By Autumn the Cav should be welded and painted at least:D

[Brett]

Vultures at the ready!! Work on the Cavalier has started, and I moved the Astra to a unit I'm sharing with Steve earlier and will start breaking it now, not really in a hurry though.

Some parts are gone;
exhaust
anti-roll-bars
5 stud and brakes
gearbox and driveshafts

absolutley everything else up for grabs though, custom dash, good XE, bumpers, seats, suspension, cage, the lot. Shell to perhaps, plan on scrapping it though tbh.

[astrasteve23]

remember the manifold is mine on that engine brett. i might want suspension too.

[Brett]

LOL oh yeah forgot about that!

[Astra Dan]

Is the shell that bad?

[Brett]

Not really, does need welding though. Its just hassle to have it costing me to sit somewhere. Considering the worth of a bare shell, it'll cost me its worth in storage costs inside a month or so!!

[Astra Dan]

Where does it require welding?

[Brett]

back of the sills, where it joins the rear wheel arch, probably in the car on the floor under the rear seat above where the rear beam mounts, some on the bulkhead, drivers side inner wing.

The rear arches are showing signs although they have never got worse in the whole time Ive had it!! boot is weeping a bit on the lower lip left rear corner it polishes out though. Its got slight slight damage from a brush with the gorge to the towing eye hook area of the front lower front valance.

Thats about it... thats a very thorough description for anyone reading this, sounds bad but its just detailed and none of it major in any form. Its presentable and polishes up well but its no minter!!

Ive had a PM about it as a whole car minus the bits I want already!

[Trish]

Blimmey cant believe your selling it Brett, last time I saw you (all those years ago LOL) I think you'd only just got the car!!

[James C]

absolutley everything else up for grabs though, custom dash, good XE, bumpers, seats, suspension, cage, the lot. Shell to perhaps, plan on scrapping it though tbh.

I may be interested on the seats

Are they on standard subframes and are they still adjustable?

TA

[Brett]

The seats aint mint James, and they are bodges onto the standard frames although they have remained adjustable. Really the way they are mounted onto the frames needs modifying so its a bit less of a bodge.

I bought them that way and decided they were good enough to do what I wanted them to do as they were.

[James C]

Not to worry then matey - cheers

[Brett]

I thought so mate! They are budget track car stuff!

On another note, I just got confirmation of my new company car on order! Insignia sport tourer CDTi 160:D 5 month waiting list though!

[Pigeonrat]

Hope you like the Insignia, I enjoyed wafting about in one for a weekend. Nice cars, as good if not better in most areas than my mate's 56-reg A4. Of course many people will still pay a huge chunk extra for the Audi badge LOL...

[Brett]

Ive driven an 07 reg Audi A4 and have to say my 56 reg Passat is far better too. Insignia feels better again and its even ahead of the new Mondeo and Ive driven one of those too.

Oddly, I think the Toyota Avensis is the best car of that size that I have driven. Was a real nice car.

[Brett]

wohhooo first few parts appear to be selling, all needs to go quick so PM me if theres anything you fancy.

Suspension is sold too now!

Anyone want my dash, complete?

[Brett]

dead chuffed with how much stuff is selling already, the roll cage is off to a new home already this weekend!

Time to waive a spanner at it for one last time!

[Ian T]

Sad to see it coming to bits again. Is it as therapeutic taking it apart for the last time as it was building it?

As the v6 conversion gets commoner, I'm thinking of reverting mine to standard though, so I'll probably experience some of that too.

Ian.

[Brett]

Nah, it still looks a nice car so its not gonna feel to good I dont think!! I just need to get rid and move onto something more in keeping to what I want these days.

Keep the V6, even if its just for the caravan!! Its a shame the 1.8 from the Cavalier was binned though, I know what you mean. It would be nice to have the option to go back one day!