Orange Peel's Astra CDi Diary [Archive]

Orange Peel

12-02-2006, 09:23 PM

Hi folks.

Thought I'd start a diary to document the goings on of my newest CDi.

1990 G reg with 24K miles (currently), full service history and one owner from new.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/Picture124.jpg

12/2/2006

As the temperature had risen a little above freezing I decided to take the car for its first official wash since the trip back from London. I spent the best part of an hour giving it a good going over including a quick jetwash around the arches and underside. Nothing much to report besides a bit of dirt from around the lip on the rear arches. I was pleased to see plenty of undeseal but did notice some areas that had been missed. These spots were clean and painted so no cause for concern however I'll be dabbing some sealent over them soon.

About 6pm I decided to go out and see what the car looked like under the lights in the garage. On close inspection the paint was overall very good with a few minor scratches. The main issue was the dirt that had dug its way into the paint over the years. I believe the previous owner washed the car alot and garaged it when not in use but don't think she polished/waxed it very often. For the next two and a half hours I lightly T-Cut about half of the car (bonnet, roof, hatch and wings) then polished it up. The difference between the original look to the maintained areas was amazing. I'll finsh car on Wednesday and apply wax etc. So far I'm chuffed with the results and looking forward to spending some money with Meguiars. I'm hoping to get it all done this week ready for the East Midlands MIG meet on the 18th.

Other jobs to do in the near future:

Clean the carpets and boot
Air gun the grey bumper trim to restore the colour
General dash clean etc
Make a start on the engine bay. Mainly removing the yellow spray on gunk and clean some of the dirty areas + washer bottle etc.

Finially finished up at about 9pm as my wax on, wax off circles had rendered my wrists usless and I needed a cuppa.

I'll get some pics of the before and after when the suns out :)

Stay tuned :)

mking

12-02-2006, 11:02 PM

that picture looks like it's come from a brochure. good luck with getting all that yellow oily stuff off from under the bonnet, i imagine it will be a right ball acher to get totally rid of. looks and sounds a minter :Banane44:

Orange Peel

16-02-2006, 09:46 PM

15/2/2006

I had a couple of hours free so I hit the garage again hoping to finish off the car!!! How wrong was I!! About 30 minutes into getting started a mate turns up and stands chatting to me for over an hour. Despite this I still managed to get a couple of hours in finishing off the bonnet, roof and hatch with a coat of Wax. These now gleem under the garage lighting, so I'm looking forward to seeing it when the suns out. I've noticed a few chips that need touching up, nothing major but still needed attention. Called it a day when my arms started to drop off!

16/2/2006

Had more some free time so decided to go out for a few hours (3.5 IIRC) and do some more cleaning/waxing etc. This time I managed to T-Cut/Polish and Wax the whole right side of the car. I also cleaned all the glass inside and out except the windscreen as its got some sticky stuff on I need to attack with thinners. I've purchased the 3 stage Meguairs Crystal kit (Cleaner/Polish/Wax) which works well, however the cleaner seems to struggle getting some of the dirt out so I've been using the Turtle Wax T-Cut carefully. The polish and Wax do a top notch job leaving the surface feeling like polished glass!

I was going to tackle the left side of the car but I can't feel my arms so I'm giving up for the night!

Here's a couple of pics that kinda show its shineyness! Not great as the lighting is artificial but you'll get the idea.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/cfa49f55.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/7452e380.jpg

I'll be going out there tomorrow night to do the left side and hopefully the bumpers, however I don't think I'll do them before the MIG meet on Saturday as I need to clean the interior (dust around electrics etc) and hoover the carpets.

bigdrifter

16-02-2006, 09:51 PM

Like a shiny new pearl

untouchable

16-02-2006, 10:13 PM

thats cracking Neil....look foward to seeing her at the shows :D

Dan Gliballs

16-02-2006, 11:32 PM

Ridiculously mint!!! :)

GazJevs84

17-02-2006, 04:23 AM

looking nice and shiny mate

Harvey

17-02-2006, 10:03 AM

Great stuff Neil, clean is good.

Orange Peel

17-02-2006, 01:10 PM

Thanks guys. I was amazed at the amount of dirt the T-Cut removed. The polish and wax really make it shine :)

Still got the left side and bumpers to do, not to mention the interior plastic and carpets and engine bay!!!

Orange Peel

18-02-2006, 08:35 PM

Thought I'd post some pics taken while the sun was out (MIG meet) Since buying the car the weather has been really dull so I took a few snaps.

Tried to take an arty pics!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/1Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/2Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/3Medium.jpg

This shows the only rust (besides the other side) I've found on the car. Since taking this pic I've T-cut more of the surface corrosion away. I'm after advice on what to do next though, however I'm thinking about booking it in for some professional care.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/4Medium.jpg

This is how both front and back doors look. I've not toched them yet!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/6Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/5Medium.jpg

The sills are in the same condition

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/7Medium.jpg

One of the other jobs is to try and get the yellow crap off the engine bay etc.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/8Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/9Medium.jpg

Lastly, this show the condition of the paint before I went to work earlier this week. Still got the bumpers to do!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/10Medium.jpg

Orange Peel

07-03-2006, 06:58 PM

Mini Update.

Went out at the weekend armed with a hot air gun. Went over the grey bits on the bumpers to get them a deeper original colour. Worked very well although I did have a few close calls when I got a bit carried away.

Been thinking about the conversion and have made a few decisions about what I'm aiming for.

As I'd like Cav/Cally Turbo Rims I enquired about brakes etc. It seems 308's will fit behind the 16's so I'm planning on a set of those when work begins. I know smaller disks would offer good stopping power but thought why the hell not go for some biguns :)

johnl

10-03-2006, 10:38 PM

Sounds good. What is it you actually do with the hot air gun to get the colour deeper?

Orange Peel

10-03-2006, 11:52 PM

Sounds good. What is it you actually do with the hot air gun to get the colour deeper?

The idea is to warm the surface up to the point where it softens up. This then alters the structure of the plastic and brings back the dark colour. You have to be careful not to heat it too much as its very east to melt it. If you can practive on something out of the way or a spare bit of trim.

I found the best technique was to set the gun to low heat and hold it about 2 inches away from the bumper. As soon as it started to turn dark I moved along a little slightly overlapping the area I'd just done. Then when I got to the end I went back to the begining and repeated. Basically so it allows the plastic to cool slightly before giving it more heat.

Some areas are quite difficult, especially near the headlights as there is sum rubber under the light unit that can easily melt. After I did the two bumpers I let them cool. This exposes any areas you've missed etc. Then touched them up with a quick blast of the gun.

After I was satisfied I applied a layer of back to black and wiped it off. I'll get some pictures posted tomorrow of the before and after.

Orange Peel

11-03-2006, 02:02 PM

Update.

Went for its MOT today and flew through. There were a couple of the mechanics frineds there who didnt believe it was an original car. Let them look around it etc until they believed me lol. Up on the ramps it looks clean and tidy.

OP = Happy Chappy :)

Orange Peel

29-03-2006, 08:59 PM

Mini Update.

Not much to report on the car as I've been busy for the last few weeks.

However... I've managed to pick up a 1989 & 1990 Astra Brochure of ebay. Something I can stick on the parcel shelf at shows etc.

Been really interesting looking at it. Makes the 89/90 range of astra sound really advanced, if you know what I mean.

Brett

29-03-2006, 09:31 PM

Orange Peel

29-03-2006, 11:32 PM

glad to see its going well mate!! 308's are fecking massive, just fitted them to my GTE, its like having slabs of metal behind your wheel!

interested to see some pics of your work with the heatgun too mate!

I'll get some pics taken as soon as the suns out. Really need good light to show off the full effect of the heatgun. Can't recommend it enough! as long as you don't get carried away!

Tony K

30-03-2006, 03:51 AM

However... I've managed to pick up a 1989 & 1990 Astra Brochure of ebay. Something I can stick on the parcel shelf at shows etc.

*Cough* A Retro show?

Orange Peel

30-03-2006, 07:39 AM

*Cough* A Retro show?

I'm 99% sure I'll be going mate :)

Not sure how many tickets I need though as I have to speak to my gf. She's in America at the moment visiting her brother, so as soon as I know I'll let you know :)

Harvey

24-05-2006, 04:30 PM

Orange Peel

24-05-2006, 04:45 PM

Done anymore with the CDi lately?

Was down at Looms last Saturday and they had a near mint polar white J reg saloon CDi. Robbed a few bits and pieces but couldn't bring my self to harm it any further.

Hi mate,

Not done alot to it at all for nearly 6 weeks. Had alot on with the house and stuff so the car is resting in the garage.

My brother spotted the CDi at Looms the other day. I asked him about the Gear gator as mines an Auto but he said all the good bits had gone lol.

Before the next show I've got to clean the carpet and polish the bumpers, then she's show fit.

The rear arches have been polished down to remove the rust 'stains' but still need doing. I'm waiting until its stopped raining and warmed up a bit before I book her in for some paint and TLC :)

Looking forward to the shows :)

Harvey

25-05-2006, 09:15 AM

I'll have a look through my box of bits as I'm sure I have one of the very high spec mk2 fake leather gators for the none 16v ;) even managed to get a decent rubber gator that had no spits a while back, it's now in my trusty Starmist.

Belmont turbo

25-05-2006, 01:56 PM

rodg98133

25-05-2006, 01:58 PM

I might be going down tommorrow. If I do i'll have a look for you.

Harvey

25-05-2006, 09:59 PM

All panels and doors were mint as it had been looked after, was surprised to see it in a scrappers to tell you the truth, I nearly had the wings as spares but not really got the room at the moment.

Belmont turbo

26-05-2006, 03:09 PM

All panels and doors were mint as it had been looked after, was surprised to see it in a scrappers to tell you the truth, I nearly had the wings as spares but not really got the room at the moment.

sounds like a road trip then have you got an address for the place please so i can go and have a look
cheers

sorry for the thread hyjack OP

Orange Peel

22-06-2006, 09:25 AM

Update + Advice needed :)

I'm going to attempt a minor repair on the rear arches intime for the Retro. The corrosion is only light besides on area at the bottom of the rear passanger arch.

My plan is to lightly rub the rust surface rust away with some fine wet and dry, then paint on 3M Rust 'Beater'. I'll then let it go off , sand down and paint with a rattle can so it doesnt look too gash! I'm then going to spray the inner arch etc with WD40 to keep any moisture away.

Does that sound about right?

Will take pics, should start it at the weekend!

Orange Peel

23-06-2006, 09:14 AM

/\ As above guys :)

Harvey

23-06-2006, 01:51 PM

Paint some proper under seal or black hammerite on the inner arch as WD40 will just wash off, rest of it sounds OK. I painted the outer lip with red hammerite and it got the SRi through winder with no further rust monster. To be honest if the inner and outer arch haven't started parting company yet I would get them properly sorted ASPA so save any big expense in the future.

Brett

23-06-2006, 02:54 PM

as harvey says, I wouldnt rattle can straight onto the bare metal even with primer though, I'd put some sort of heavy duty protection on then spray onto that, provided it wasnt going to compromise the final look!!

Orange Peel

23-06-2006, 03:03 PM

Its going to the body shop as soon as I get a chance.

The rust beater stuff I've got is supposed to seal the metal and leave a surface that you can paint on?

This is only going to be a tempory 'fix' the car will be having surgery within the next 6 weeks. Besides the shows and a couple of meets it will be in the garage at home resting.

Harvey - May have to have a trip upto your bodyshop mates sometime soon. Would be good to get a price for the arches and bumpers/wing morror covers being resprayed.

Then besides a few minor scratches the car would be as near to showroom condition as possible (without going mad)

Orange Peel

24-06-2006, 12:23 PM

Update 24-6-2006

Spent a couple of hours having a go at 'fixing' the rear arches today. Also managed to remove the remaining stickers from the windows and give the carpets a clean!

Here's some pics!

Passanger rear arch. The worst of the two!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/8e085521.jpg

This is the main rusty spot :(

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/ff729948.jpg

Driver side rear arch

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/24e07f64.jpg

As you can see there's a fair bit of surface corrosion. I've investigated the inner lip which seems to be OK so hopefully I'll only need a minor repair (just the outer arch skin)

I used some of this stuff for the short term. To get me through the next two weeks of shows until I get her book in at the body shop.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/f037da9a.jpg

Took the mats out. Original from new, they still clip into the studs!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/ec4fac2b.jpg

Drivers side

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/2e73f548.jpg

Passanger side

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/4f2b92c5.jpg

Not too shabby :)

The main offending sticker. The old dear who owned the car previously had many stickers plastered over the windows. Time to get them off!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/a153b604.jpg

All gone!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/18f03f8b.jpg

The windscreen had a number of tape marks, it was a right graveyard of old stickers. Got most of them off!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/5454f2d5.jpg

Resting back in the garage until mid week when I'll give her another wash, polish and wax.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/adc34238.jpg

James C

24-06-2006, 08:46 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/2e73f548.jpg

:eek: You're missing a peddle mate!!

Seriously clean car there though buddy. Need to have a proper look at it at retro. I think its worth doing the short fix repairs as it should hold it back. When I bought mine the rust had got a bit further through. But i still think that it is only outer arch corrosion so may have a go at repairing before its sold.

Orange Peel

25-06-2006, 12:17 PM

lol the pedal fairys came and took it away :)

I'm really looking forward to Retro. Will be my first year there :)

Harvey

25-06-2006, 09:47 PM

I'm a Retro virgin to Neil. Get those arches sorted properly before it's to late, I left the SRi a bit to long but they are all sorted now :)

Orange Peel

25-06-2006, 10:52 PM

I'm a Retro virgin to Neil. Get those arches sorted properly before it's to late, I left the SRi a bit to long but they are all sorted now :)

Its the first thing I'm going to sort after Retro/Billing. Once they are done it should be totally rust free :)

Orange Peel

10-08-2006, 04:21 PM

Mini update...

The car hasnt moved since Retro due to work commitments and generally having no time! I've set myself a target to get the arches prices up and it booked in before the end of August!

In the mean time.... I've been having a real headache trying to find out what combination of polish/wax/goats cheese and black magic to use in order to get it nice and shiney. Now I know its clean and shiney, but I've seen better!!

I've purchased no end of stuff, mostly Meguiars but I'm getting confused with all this sealing/waxing/polishing blah blah blah. I dont want to apply one product for it to be removed etc but adding another.

Products I have currently are...

Quick Clay
3 stage systems
NXT Wax
Numerous AutoGlym products

So, what do I do. Some say stage 3 Megs isnt good for white cars because its a Carbunara (or whatever!)

All I want it a really deep (yes I'm asking for alot lol) shine that lasts and doesnt get washed off easily.

Please help!!!

Tony K

10-08-2006, 06:52 PM

All I want it a really deep (yes I'm asking for alot lol) shine that lasts and doesnt get washed off easily.

Please help!!!
I find Autoglym Super Resin Polish followed by Extra Gloss Protection for the "show shine" is the best for reds but unsure about white cars as I've never cleaned one.

White car owners, step forward.

Orange Peel

13-08-2006, 11:59 AM

I've tried Autoglym in the past and been quite happy with the results. Then I was told about Meguiars being the uber product so I've given that a try.

IMHO most of the products are the same as AG for finish etc, the only Meg's product that has really impressed me is the Quick Clay. Its made a huge difference to the feel of the paint, much more than I thought it would!

Just spend 2 hours claying, polishing and waxing the bonnet and wings!! It does look spankingly good but I want more!!!

Orange Peel

18-02-2007, 11:42 AM

Bit of an update.

The Astra has been resting in the garage for a few Months so I though I'd go an do the weekly move so the tyres are rotated and take a few pics.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/IMG_6514.jpg

The engine's still there.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/IMG_6519.jpg

As are the headlight covers.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/IMG_6518.jpg

The battery was a bit low so I removed it to take to my brothers who has a decent charger. First time the battery has been removed while I've had the car so I was a bit worried I may find some nasties under it however I was pleasently surprised.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/IMG_6517.jpg

Random under bonnet shot

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/IMG_6522.jpg

Finially one of the interior. I've got to get the mats cleaned as they still have some ground in dirt. I'll do this when its warmer.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/IMG_6524.jpg

I've still got the electronic adjustable headlight brackets to fit that I bought off Harvey, so that will probably be the next job on the list.

BrightSpark

22-02-2007, 10:22 PM

top job orange !
I'm jealouse and can't get my cdi done quick enough :(

martybelfastSRI

27-02-2007, 09:53 PM

lookin very nie mate very nice love the cdi,s!!!!

Orange Peel

05-05-2007, 03:22 PM

I've finally got round to getting the car out of the garage to see if its need anything doing pre-MOT. Overall it looks OK but there are a couple of issues I need to sort. I noticed there was a slight water leak when the engine is running. On closer inpection it looks like the water pump or pipes to the pump are leaking. I've phoned Vauxxhall who want £60 for the pump and £24 for a cambelt. These will be done within the next week or so. I also noticed the bottom pulley doesnt spin very true. It has a 'wobble'. I've asked around and it seems these have a rubber bush so its usual to have some 'wobble' but I'm going to get my bro to have a look.

Here's some pics I took while having a look around.

The leak is coming from the left side of the oil filter.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/AstraUnderside027Custom.jpg

Bottom pulley with wobble

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/AstraUnderside033Custom.jpg

Bit of rust on the brake pipes. Going to give them a rubdown to see if its an MOT failure.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/AstraUnderside032Custom.jpg

This is the general condition of all the arches

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/AstraUnderside023Custom.jpg

New fuel pump hoses to fix leak

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/AstraUnderside014Custom.jpg

This one shows the only bit of rust on the floor plan. It looks like the half arsed underseal attempt missed this bit :(

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/AstraUnderside026Custom.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/AstraUnderside009Custom.jpg

Tank and rear look clean.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/AstraUnderside025Custom.jpg

Noticed the bung was out!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/AstraUnderside017Custom.jpg

Does she look lovely :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/AstraUnderside001Custom.jpg

So jobs to do in the near future are:

Fix coolant leak
Cambelt change (unknown if this has EVER been done!)
Brake pipe investigation
Clean patch of rust and seal
Clean, polish and wax
Change wheels over
MOT
TAX
Enjoy.

BrightSpark

11-05-2007, 10:12 PM

great stuff ... love the cleaness of it

Alex mac

11-05-2007, 11:24 PM

Looking good mate, I do like the Vinyl on the boot lid, something different

Excellent condition, :grinning-smiley-043 :grinning-smiley-043

Orange Peel

14-05-2007, 11:37 AM

Anyone recomment a decent trolley jack and axel stands? My tool collection is limited to the Halfords Pro 150 tool kit lol.

richie00boy

14-05-2007, 12:16 PM

Looking good. Get the pump and cambelt on Trade Club, it's about 30% cheaper ;)

Just been given the Clarke (Machine Mart) CTJ2LR trolley jack for my birthday. Seems a good solid jack that also goes down pretty low and up pretty high.

Orange Peel

14-05-2007, 12:22 PM

I phoned Vauxhall who said the pump isnt a Trade Club item. They wanted about £60 for one!

richie00boy

14-05-2007, 01:16 PM

Hmm, bit hazy memory but I didn't think I paid that much, thought it was about £45. They get them from Quinton Hazell, so if you can get that make from another source jobs a goodun :thumbsup:

Harvey

14-05-2007, 01:43 PM

OP you wil need to sort the rust on the brake pipes as it'll be a MOT failure for that, just give thana good sand paper attack and black Hammerite them. Txt me over the part numbers you need and I'll get a price from my mate who works in Vauxhall parts at Smiths of Ilkeston.

Orange Peel

14-05-2007, 02:50 PM

Orange Peel

19-05-2007, 12:46 AM

I managed to get into the garage tonight to start stripping parts off so I can get to the water pump.

First thing was to remove the airbox. This was tricky because the original cold air feed was attached. This had stuck to a clip behind the bumper. After I managed to free the box I checked the air filter!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/AstraEngineBayCleaning015Large.jpg

Think its time for a new one!

Inside the air box was more nasties. It was full of grit and dust!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/AstraEngineBayCleaning016Large.jpg

At this point the stripping down took a breather. The engine bay had been coated, from the factory in some kind of yellow wax that discoloured the inner wings and engine.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/AstraEngineBayCleaning006Large.jpg

I've tried numerous things to get it off in the past with no luck. Someone recommended Methylated Spirits, so I gave that a go. After about an hour this is how it looked!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/AstraEngineBayCleaning017Large.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/AstraEngineBayCleaning018Large.jpg

Much better :) However I now have a banging headache and feel quite light headed lol.

You can see where I gave up for the night!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/AstraEngineBayCleaning019Large.jpg

Next stage is to get the alternator lose and to remove the belts so I can get the cambelt cover off. This will be tackled early next week as I've got a busy weekend!

I'm getting quite into this car lark :)

Dale

19-05-2007, 06:42 PM

i had thats yellow stuff in same place on my 16ver!

Orange Peel

28-06-2007, 10:28 AM

Spent a few hours today changing the water pump and cam belt. Well I was there while my brother did it!

Here some pics!

As the car had stood for a couple of months the pump had started to corrode from the inside.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/IMG_7785Large.jpg

New pump. I went for a look-a-like pump as the Vauxhall jobbie was £57 compared to £17 from the autofactors. The engine should be coming out sometime soon so I wanted to save as many pennies as I could.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/IMG_7793Large.jpg

It rained, then stopped, then rained all the time we were out!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/IMG_7787Large.jpg

All done and tested so looks like I've only got the MOT to face then its ready for Billing!

Harvey

28-06-2007, 11:10 AM

Good to hear she'll be showing her face at the best show of the year.

Orange Peel

28-06-2007, 11:53 AM

Good to hear she'll be showing her face at the best show of the year.

Just need to give her a wash and wax plus a quick vax over the mats and she's ready. MOT is Saturday at 11:15 and TAX afterwards.

MOT should be OK. My brother says the fuel pipes are OK (he's attended to them) and says that they arnt a failure unelss they leak!!

Quite looking forward to going for a drive. She's not been on the road since October last year!!!

Harvey

28-06-2007, 04:48 PM

My Vectra ST200 has covered 0.2 miles since then when it showed its face at PV!!!

richie00boy

28-06-2007, 04:56 PM

Orange Peel

28-06-2007, 10:16 PM

Good work dude. Have you changed the coolant? The pump should not rust like that even sat. Usually a sign of weak/old coolant.

Don't worry about the air box, mine looks like that every time I change the filter and I change it to schedule.

Does look better with the wax removed, but it will need more looking after now!

The coolant looked and tested OK but I think they used cheap antifreeze which eventually caused the problem!

When all the wax is removed I'm going to Meg' the entire bay. If I have my way it wont ever see rain, well except at shows (if it rains lol) so it should be OK. The next main area is to underseal the car as its not been done since new! I'm thinking about spraying the arches with Hammerite White rust proof and undersealing the floorplan etc.

I've noticed that the only sign of rust is around the welds. So a stiff brush and some antirust stuff should help to protect it.

richie00boy

28-06-2007, 10:23 PM

Don't put Hammerite (Smooth) anywhere near the car mate, it's silicone based and will give you big problems should any further paintwork be required.

Orange Peel

29-06-2007, 09:01 AM

Don't put Hammerite (Smooth) anywhere near the car mate, it's silicone based and will give you big problems should any further paintwork be required.

Thanks for the info mate. I'm a n00b at most car related stuff and dont want to cause any future problems by making a mistake now!!!

Just wish it would ry up so I can get cleaning the underside etc!!!

Orange Peel

09-07-2007, 03:21 PM

As I didnt take the Astra to Billing I decided to go for a drive last night while the sun was out to get some pics.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/IMG_8217.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/IMG_8225.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/IMG_8229.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/IMG_8233.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/IMG_8273.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/IMG_8292.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/IMG_8332.jpg

Old sticker to be replace with new design as soon as I can find the heat gun!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/NASOP1975/IMG_8313.jpg

Since the water pump was replaced its not lost a drop of water and runs as good as it used to. I'm going to strat undersealing it as soon as I get a weekend free so watch out for more updates!

Brett

09-07-2007, 03:36 PM

Cant believe you didnt bring it you sodding fairy! Was good to see you again though mate:)

Orange Peel

09-07-2007, 03:46 PM

Cant believe you didnt bring it you sodding fairy! Was good to see you again though mate:)

I know mate :o

Good to have a natter with you too. I must make more of an effort to come and chat with everyone. Trouble is not knowing what people look like lol.

I was under the weather Saturday so didnt come then, otherwise I'd have driven it down and camped. On Sunday I was feeling alot better but didnt feel like driving so came down in my mates Astra Mk5.

Seeing the others there did make me regret not bring it!

I'd love to be on the MK2 stand but have duties over on the MIG stand. however next year I may have a year off and come along with you guys.

Brett

09-07-2007, 03:53 PM

I know mate :o

Good to have a natter with you too. I must make more of an effort to come and chat with everyone. Trouble is not knowing what people look like lol.

I was under the weather Saturday so didnt come then, otherwise I'd have driven it down and camped. On Sunday I was feeling alot better but didnt feel like driving so came down in my mates Astra Mk5.

Seeing the others there did make me regret not bring it!

I'd love to be on the MK2 stand but have duties over on the MIG stand. however next year I may have a year off and come along with you guys.

Divided loylaties like me mate. I stuck the car on MIG and camped on astra-mk2! It was wierd not having a car on the stand I was on most of the time though!