Astra MK2 CD WIP

[BrightSpark]

Im new to this as i recently picked up a MK2 for £65 of ebay.

and have decided to keep hold of it.

today,

cleaned and undersealed front arches
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2091.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2099.jpg

removed all window trims
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2102.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2101.jpg

got told the wheels needed balancing but found out the tyre was fooked
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2098-1.jpg

fitted my old cav CDX 15" alloys for now
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2100.jpg

[BrightSpark]

fitted a new panel filter....other one was a bit dirty....
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2095-1.jpg

oh ye and the best bit, the tight motor (GENUINE 55K miles)

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2086.jpg

stay in tune, the grinder is coming to carve the sills and arches off

[Heathercdi]

Nice to see another CDi!! heehee

Have you checked that the floor is solid?

[BrightSpark]

inside or outside?
outside is fine, just the sills and arches

[rhydgte]

inside or outside?
outside is fine, just the sills and arches

Footwells are a good place to start ;)

Rip all the carpets up and have a look - I had a shock with mine..

[BrightSpark]

ive looked all underneath and its solid,

is there any specific places i should be checking inside which cant be checked from outside??

[James C]

A 55,000 mile motor for £65!? Thats amazing. I'm surprised (though glad that it hasn't) it didn't go for scrap at that price.

If the under side is solid bearing in mind the milage hopefully it'll be ok but as said - take up the carpets. It is certainly not uncommon for one or both of the footwells to get rather moist in times of rain.

[rhydgte]

Was it this one by any chance???

http://www.astra-mk2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8690

:thumbsup:

[bigdrifter]

Pretty sure I saw that on Ebay the other day, good to hear of others being kept on the road

[patrikbrunt]

is it safe to jack up the front end where you have?? i hate jacking up the front as im never sure if the jacks guna go straight through the jacking point!

[rhydgte]

is it safe to jack up the front end where you have?? i hate jacking up the front as im never sure if the jacks guna go straight through the jacking point!

Yeah it safe to jack on the wishbone mount, provided it's not rusted through into the footwell ;)

[Kris]

I always jack mine up on the wishbone mount but im sure youre not suposed t lol

[Heathercdi]

Just the whole floor to check tbh, mine was gone quite badly, see here http://www.astra-mk2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1353&page=11

[Orange Peel]

Top work mate :)

Keep the pictures coming!

[BrightSpark]

todays progress, some good some bad.

checked all the floor and its rock solid :)

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2104.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2103.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2106.jpg

then started hacking away at the arches and sills
one side has been replaced in the past, and its harder because they left the old one on

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2111.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2112.jpg

[BrightSpark]

found a few scary holes on the way

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2110.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2108.jpg

and took all the trim off ready for when i spray it

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2113.jpg

[Ian T]

Looks pretty good really. It's quite common to see skin sills fitted over the top of the original ones, saves a bit of work for the bodger. those lower rear quarters are among the best I've seen for original ones, plus that rear arch is much better than average - the inner arch doesn't look at all rusty, which is a huge plus for the repair.

Ian.

[James C]

Still though for your initial outlay, not bad at all :applause:

[BrightSpark]

thanks for the replies

bit upset when i first seen it, but for a 16 year old car it aint that bad

i knew the arches weren't as bad as they looked.

ha, poor dad has to do all the welding mmwahaha (lucky its his job)

[Heathercdi]

not too bad at all mate, should have seen mine!!

Good luck with her :)

[BrightSpark]

saw your pics .. wow it was like a tea bag.. in saying that it looks spot on now

[Heathercdi]

saw your pics .. wow it was like a tea bag.. in saying that it looks spot on now


lol.....it now actually has a floor whereas before it was a competition to find a piece of floor

[BrightSpark]

today we got one off the sills off and got rid of the rust :D i must say it wasnt all that bad!

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2118.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2120.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2124.jpg

looking a bit sad but it will get there

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2121.jpg

[Heathercdi]

Making good progress :)

[bigdrifter]

Getting there, looks like you still got plenty to weld to

[BrightSpark]

ye its pretty meaty, just near the back is a tad thin

[BrightSpark]

I need to get a inner sill plate folded to link the original stiffener to the lower lip to keep the integrity of the car (thanks dad !) :)

[Ian T]

Good work, and you're not hanging abut either!

Looks like you're going to fit a skin sill, considering all the lovely clean metal I removed when I did mine, I think you're doing the right thing - aving yourself from the welds across internal corners etc, got to be easier.

Yes, definately plate up the stiffener - when mine looked like yours it was really flexible, but with a bit of 1mm steel plate, with a fold along the bottom, it became pretty much rock solid, and remember it should be welded to the sill along the bottom too - a pain to judge really but self tappers will hold it while you tack it. :)

Ian.

[BrightSpark]

thanks Ian I will measure up tomorrow night and (dad)can fold one in work on wednesday he works as a fabricator so shouldn't be a prob .
I will try to get the front wing off tomorrow and finish removinig the last of the sill

[Danny]

Looks like you've had a result there brightspark.
Only £65 and your dad's helping with the work.
Good on ya, and nice to see another Mk2 being kept on the road.

Your definitely on the right site if your looking for inspiration.
Welcome aboard. :thumbsup:

[BrightSpark]

thanks danny

[BrightSpark]

update

took front completely off tonight .. might as well check the whole car and do the job right ... this is the result well chuffed!!!


http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2131.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2130.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2129.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2128.jpg

[Heathercdi]

looking good

[MK2-JOHN]

just surface rust on the front end then,

just clean it off & seal/paint it,
but looking @ the work you have already done then u already knew that, lol,

keep up the good work, nice to see another non gte mk2 being saved:thumbsup:

[Ian T]

WOW!

I've got to say you've done the right thing, and I'm frankly amazed it's in such good condition - are there any bad bits on the front at all?

As John said, just lay it bare, treat, prime and paint it.

Ian.

[BrightSpark]

theres a small hole that needs sorting..
thats all that needs doing on the front
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2133.jpg

[benji1987]

looking good mate at least your doing it properly unlike some one i no anyway keep up the good work..
ben

[BrightSpark]

quick update ....

finished removing all the crap off passenger sill.Cleaned primed and painted the few small scabs around the front and undersealed back lips of wings.
Front finished for now will post some pics soon

[Harvey]

You're not hanging about with it are you. I'm just glad the car has gone to a good home and hasn't been scrapped, keep it up and you'll have a lovely motor.

[BrightSpark]

thanks harvey :)
i hope so

[BrightSpark]

update, started some preparation spraying today as i cant get the sills and a arches until monday

front wing and bumper 99% prepped:D

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2221-1.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2221-1.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2218.jpg


Oh and lashed a bit of waxoyl on it :D
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2219.jpg

[BrightSpark]

Got my sills and arches yesterday, £33, which i thought was pretty good :)

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2235.jpg

[BrightSpark]

FAO admin Can you move this thread to projects and restorations please

[braders]

Making good progress here mate. I only live in chester if you fancy a hand or anything as i also work in a bodyshop. have a look at mine in projects and restorations.

[BazW]

FAO admin Can you move this thread to projects and restorations please

done :)

[BrightSpark]

thanks baz

[BrightSpark]

this weekend

cut away the old arch to suit the new arch, over lapped, lined it up and tacked it FOR NOW with the old arc welder :D (until i get a MIG)

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2275.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2274.jpg

also plated the support , and tacked to the lip

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2288.jpg

i lashed loads of waxoyl on and is now ready for the new sill :D

sorted all the patchy front and gave it a lick of paint

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2281.jpg

i should be getting a mig welder sometime this week, and hope to get at least one side done and dusted, in the next week...if the weather holds off.
its getting there slowly :)

[Heathercdi]

More progress, looking good

[BrightSpark]

thanks heather
trying to get as much prep work done as I can coz once it starts raining in blighty we all know it never stops

[Harvey]

You need to do the heat gun trick on your front bumper as it quite badly faded, should bring it up a treat. Get the welding done first as the cosmetics can wait a little longer.

[BrightSpark]

ye i done that harvey, its looks new again well happy with it. black now not grey :)

thanks

[GazJevs84]

excellent progress mate :grinning-smiley-043

you are not far from me at all keep us upto date mate

[BrightSpark]

more progress, we got all the welding done on one side, sills and arches.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2338.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2339.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2340.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2341.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2342.jpg

other side should be done tomorrow along with some treating and filling if im lucky :D

going to be a pig getting the crease that runs across the arch looking good
any tips??

thanks

[BrightSpark]

anyone know how to adjust your doors??? to get the gap right

thanks

[Gteman]

anyone know how to adjust your doors??? to get the gap right

thanks

I found when the sill was cut out the car sagged a little in the middle.

I spread the load with a block off wood and jacked on the floor until the door shut nice. Then the sill was welded into place.

There isnt any adjustment in the hinges. A little adjustment can be got by bending the hinges with strategically placed blocks of wood and shutting the door against them.

As for the seams , I hope you haven't done the same as me and warped the full panel by being to ****y and seam welding the full repair. I didn't notice until i got around to cataloying :hissyfit:

[BrightSpark]

arrr great 1 door is really ****ed compared to the other, i dont think anything has warped as such, the doors werent right when we got it :(

can u adjust the catch so it sits flush?

thanks

[Ian T]

There's a bit of give in everything.

It's possible to bend the door frame at the hinge end simply by lifting the rear edge of the door (or putting weight on it) when it's almost in the closed position. If the door is sitting too far in or out you can adjust the locking pin, which gets you some extra range (note this will also lift dropped doors as they close to maintain alignment.)

Hope this helps,

Ian.

[BrightSpark]

thanks ill give it a go when the rain stops :(

[Sipo]

Wow, how have I not come accross this thread?! Some great work matey and a nice restoration! Hope you get the niggly bits sorted, I'll be keeping an eye on this one :)

[BrightSpark]

quick update

started flushing and filling 1st arch but rain stopped play
hope to get the other side welded up this weekend

[BrightSpark]

clear skies!! done some filling and cut the old arch off

started filling with isopon p38
http://i10.ebayimg.com/04/i/08/0b/0c/85_1_b.JPG

was too thick, dried far too fast and wasnt smooth

got the upol easylite
http://bodyshopwarehouse.co.uk/products/UEL-ML.jpg

far far better nice and smooth, and you had some time to play

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2358.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2357.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2355.jpg

[Heathercdi]

More progress made, keep up the good work!! :)

[CavHopper]

Hi mate its Trav from over on vxon:thumbsup:

I never realised you and your old man were going this far with it- you should have said I could have been a great help- used to be a panel beater at Lookers many moons ago!

If you need any help lining up your doors let me know and I'll pop round one day. (When my head is not buried in my current project!)

Does your old fella still want those fogs for the cav, or is he sorted now?

[BrightSpark]

hi trav, didnt know you used mk2 :)

ye thats great that trav, as soon as i get all the welding done ill give u a bell

as for the fogs, its was me who was ment to be buying them, but all my money has been channeled into the astra now, ive got bored of the cav so thats on hold :D

thanks alot trav much appreciated

[BrightSpark]

im picking up a GTE spoiler and a few other bits from a lad round the back of you on friday
wastdale drive
just wondering if u know him

[CavHopper]

hi trav, didnt know you used mk2 :)


Looking for my next project ;)

[BrightSpark]

thought your mk3 was your next project ;)

[CavHopper]

im picking up a GTE spoiler and a few other bits from a lad round the back of you on friday
wastdale drive
just wondering if u know him
Erm, very possibly, does he drive a green mk3 with tinted windows? If so I know him cos he working in the car spares man(scrappy on cleveland street). Seems alright but he scratched one of the alloys on my cav trying to fit a tyre for me once. These thing happen though! decent enough lad:)

Mk3 is nearly finished- need my next fix lol!

[BrightSpark]

need my next fix lol!

haha, like a drug, once ive done this astra ill be getting another :Banane44:

i dunno, it was a small ad on ebay saying he had gte spares, so i just pm'd him

[BrightSpark]

update..... was getting a gte spoiler on ebay,
went round and i ended up coming back with gte bumpers and spoiler, some interior stuff, and a petrol cap. all of a sum of 40 notes :D

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2362.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2367.jpg

not keen on the petrol cap but i will need one for a MOT

so i have CDi front and back bumpers, with fogs but one of the rear fogs is broke and some clips are broke on the back outer skin
£15 for both

[Heathercdi]

bargain that :)

[BrightSpark]

finished welding the passenger side fully welding the top edge of sill and put a second coat of filler over the welded arch give it a cats like of primer ... still a long way to go getting it right

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2415.jpg


http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2416.jpg

[Ian T]

Looks to be coming on nicely that.

one way to make the filler easier inside the door shuts is to carry on so that it ends on the rounded section, rather than trying to sand it back into the flatter area - it's easier to get the flat join around the corner for some reason, and then there aren't any visible bulges.

Ian.

[BrightSpark]

Looks to be coming on nicely that.

one way to make the filler easier inside the door shuts is to carry on so that it ends on the rounded section, rather than trying to sand it back into the flatter area - it's easier to get the flat join around the corner for some reason, and then there aren't any visible bulges.

Ian.

Thanks Ian
I'll try that :thumbsup:

[braders]

looks like its starting to come together nicely now mate. so where you getting it painted then? you gonna be keeping it silver?

[Astra Dan]

Superb! Nice to see a 5 door getting some love. :)

[BrightSpark]

looks like its starting to come together nicely now mate. so where you getting it painted then? you gonna be keeping it silver?

yes, keeping it original colour and doing the spraying myself

[BrightSpark]

Superb! Nice to see a 5 door getting some love. :)

its a love hate relationship :D

[Dale]

good work mate keep it going

[BrightSpark]

good work mate keep it going

:thumbsup: will do needs the last couple of small holes in the floor where the brake/fuel lines run underneath and thats it for welding!!!

[Heathercdi]

Nice progress again!! :)

[dave448]

geee ..I got a 1.8sxi estate that needs this sort of attention ..when i get the nova going ..ill be back asking questions...top job that

[dave448]

and .. i found the reason why some floorwells are rusty ...if you look under the drivers wheelarch the radio aerial lead comes in the inner bit through a grommet ...if a repairer (!) or someone didnt replace it ..then when it rains water comes down the inner channels under the wing and runs along the wire through the hole and soaks the carpet. so the carpet stays wet ...forever ...and rusts from the inside ..

[BrightSpark]

and .. i found the reason why some floorwells are rusty ...if you look under the drivers wheelarch the radio aerial lead comes in the inner bit through a grommet ...if a repairer (!) or someone didnt replace it ..then when it rains water comes down the inner channels under the wing and runs along the wire through the hole and soaks the carpet. so the carpet stays wet ...forever ...and rusts from the inside ..

ahh thats handy to know that, i think mines loose, will use some silicone to seal its

nice one dave! :thumbsup:

[GroupB]

Thats gonna look smart, keep up the good work.

Dave

[BrightSpark]

Thats gonna look smart, keep up the good work.

Dave

thanks dave :thumbsup:

[BrightSpark]

Just striped most of my interior and stuck it in the loft safe for next year.

i found another hole :( thanks god its only a small 5p one :D

is it worth me taking up the floor sound proofing and checking under that??
i should imagine it to be ok

[BrightSpark]

rock solid!

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2446.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2445.jpg

[astrachamp]

is it worth me taking up the floor sound proofing and checking under that??
i should imagine it to be ok


i reckon if there was any nastys hidden under there you would prob be able to tell by look and feel

[astrachamp]

sorry im a million miles away, thought you were talking about that black tar stuff on the footwells lol :D

[BrightSpark]

:D

so its not worth me taking up the tar stuff aswell??

[astrachamp]

if there is anything bad you should be able to tell without ripping it all up

[BrightSpark]

ahh good one less job for me :thumbsup:

[BrightSpark]

today me dad patched up the small holes in the floor, and i primed and filled the gte front bumper ready for paint

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2453.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2454.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2458.jpg

[Ian T]

More lovely work going on there.

Looking to be a very thorough job. :)

Ian.

[Astra Dan]

Wanna sell the stereo?

[BrightSpark]

hmmm not really as i dont have another one, but if i get a new 1 ill contact you
why do u want it??

[CavHopper]

Coming along nicely there young man:thumbsup:

You aren't hanging about with this thing are you???:)

[BrightSpark]

Coming along nicely there young man:thumbsup:

You aren't hanging about with this thing are you???:)

thanks trav,

winters biting me one the backside, i just booked a week off work so i should get a fair bit done :D

ha, you had me thinking of spraying it the same colour as the cav :D but autopaint where waiting on a delivery, i had to get what i could which was aluminium silver, looks nice tho

[Astra Dan]

hmmm not really as i dont have another one, but if i get a new 1 ill contact you
why do u want it??

becuase I want to make my GTE 100% original and that is the correct model (Philips 681 I think).

When you say get a new stereo do you mean an all singin all dancing thing, or, say, a swap for a single slot CD player? ;)

[BrightSpark]

More lovely work going on there.

Looking to be a very thorough job. :)

Ian.

as you probably know one thing leads to another :)

[BrightSpark]

Got some silver on the bumper, looks nice.
still a fair few blemishes to sort our......and it bloomed a bit :(

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2467.jpg

primed some of the other side

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2464.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2466.jpg

[BrightSpark]

also, tried to start her but she was having none of it, gave what i think was the ICV a clean and it was still the same hmmm had a poke around and noticed a huge split around the induction pipe from the AFM to the throttle body.
bit of superglue and gaffa tape and wiz bang she works...... in a fashion

so thats another thing on the long list of things to-do

[CavHopper]

I had that same pipe split on mine- ran like shite and kept stalling:(

Finding another was a bit of a task, but I found one that wasn't split on a GTE in the scrappy in the end.

Good progress again- you are putting me and my Astra to shame matey!!!

[BrightSpark]

thanks trav, if i cant find anyone with one here looks like ill be doing the same, been trying to see if i can ponder something together for now but.....nope

there is still shed loads to do and a millon miles away from being roadworthy
but i aint in no rush..... £3200 TPFT... no ta, i think ill wait a year

[BrightSpark]

becuase I want to make my GTE 100% original and that is the correct model (Philips 681 I think).

When you say get a new stereo do you mean an all singin all dancing thing, or, say, a swap for a single slot CD player? ;)

if i change it you'll be the first ill contact :thumbsup:

[CavHopper]

..... £3200 TPFT... no ta, i think ill wait a year

HOW MUCH??? :eek:

That insurance company are really trying to do you up the wrong 'un!! :Banane56:

Surely you can insure it for less than that?? In you old mans name or something maybe??

[BrightSpark]

ye that was with endsleigh,

its IG 11.... and because im 17 its ridiculous

most insurers wont insure me at all,

i can get a good price with liverpool victoria, its alot cheaper than others but i cant insure anything over a IG 8

so im hoping to come across a little 1.4 for now

[CavHopper]

What you need is a Nova ;)

I had 3, and they are great little cars- and there are still bargains to be had, especially if you just want a runabout for a year while you tart up the Astra.

As long as you dont mind welding a few plates here and there!

[BrightSpark]

more welding ...dads gonna blow a gasket

[BrightSpark]

got all priming done, very thin coat just to see any imperfections,

the rear wiper has gone, not sure if i should get a proper gte hatch.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2599.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2469.jpg

[johnl]

Looking good. Are there many imperfections to sort out?

[BrightSpark]

just the odd ding, nothing really...

but want it perfect! :D

[Brett]

looking good mate, your putting a lot of people (including myself) to shame here with the progress!!

what else needs welding?

[BrightSpark]

thanks brett :)
welding is 90% done,

some more spots on the sill lip ( kept going on fire so i stopped :) )
bottom corner of the arch needs a small plate

and thats it !!

thanks for the replies :thumbsup:

[BrightSpark]

quick update,
thanks to heather for my 5dr side skirts

tucked up nice and warm under my bed

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSC00007.jpg

[CavHopper]

You not finished this yet then?????!

[BrightSpark]

You not finished this yet then?????!

lol ello trav :applause: welcome back and how's the forces treating you ? :thumbsup:

And no to your question, its winter and you cant spray a car in the rain .Saving the finishing off when milder sunnier weather arrives

[Dale]

progess is looking good! are you spraying the cr yourself?

[BrightSpark]

progess is looking good! are you spraying the cr yourself?

thanks dale
yep, sometime in the summer when there are a few dry warm days....and when the neighbours are out :D :wasntme:

[Harvey]

Buy yourself a gazebo and a space heater and you can spray it now!

[BrightSpark]

Lol!! I think It can wait a little longer harvey

[BrightSpark]

Christmas over ..so a quick update being a nice dry warmish day I decided to flush the weld on the drives sill and give it a coat of filler it was looking a bit rusty (surface)

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2791.jpg


Also need opinions on what to do paint wise with the astra .

The plan was to keep it the original colour but I bought a bag of metal flake to try out and had a quick go on the rear spoiler . I think it looks "ok" but the whole car I dont know ?

a quick coat of original base colour (no laquer)

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2797.jpg

and a small amount of flake with lacquer

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2799.jpg


http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2798.jpg

[Orange Peel]

Nice update mate. Personally I'd leave the flake well alone as it seems to only suit cars with big bodykits IMHO. Stick to a nice standardish colour :)

[BrightSpark]

couldnt agree more, more for the customizing....im not customizing
thanks for comment :thumbsup:

[Orange Peel]

No probs mate. I'm looking forward to seeing it compeleted. Will be nice to have another CDi to park next to at the shows :)

[BrightSpark]

yeh I hope to get it close to finished this year .

If i dont get it finished I will come down in the cav

[BrightSpark]

update.... removed rear axle cleaned and painted with black smooth hammeriite

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSC00013-1.jpg

for £20 a set of 60mm spax lowering spring from the same person i got the bumpers off, painting them silver

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSC00015.jpg

picked up a 75K 20seh with everything with it, inc f16cr box out of a cavalier calibre for £80
(its in this pile of bags somewhere)

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSC00014-1.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSC00012.jpg

sorry for the poor pics

im running out of control i must stop spending on stuff i dont need :)

[CavHopper]

Well well well! Interesting way of removing that driveshaft!!^^^^^

I vote no metal flake- keep the standard colour in my opinion.

Saw this in the flesh earlier today- it is going to be very tidy once its painted and back together......

[BrightSpark]

Well well well! Interesting way of removing that driveshaft!!^^^^^

I vote no metal flake- keep the standard colour in my opinion.

Saw this in the flesh earlier today- it is going to be very tidy once its painted and back together......


If it doesn't get nicked before hand ......The way my lucks going

[mick g]

The driveshaft was removed with a precision instrument called an angle grinder of the 9 inch variety, same as mine was..:)

[BrightSpark]

update........

got hold of my bros camera :)

ive had the struts, springs and shot blasted and painted with hamerite
along with the calipers

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2927.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2928.jpg

floor all welded and painted, again with hamerite

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2923.jpg

front wishbones

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2924.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN2925.jpg

had to order the front inserts, will be getting them tomorrow so it will be back on its wheels :bananajump:

[Dale]

looking good, great work!

[BrightSpark]

last thing i needed was a gte hatch.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=018&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=280078751907&rd=1&rd=1#ebayphotohosting

£5 for the hatch, spoiler, wiper/motor

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN3046.jpg

tiny spots of rust .....

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN3047.jpg

like the sticker :D

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN3048.jpg

[BrightSpark]

got boot hatch on and aligned up, and getting the wings aligned up ready for prep

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN3073.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN3074.jpg

[5 door sx 2.0l xe]

looking good am actually jealous of ur astra mine needs a shit load a work its lyin in ma drive with no wheels on it an on the floor lol looking for a new 5 door mate

[Gteman]

I'm glad to see a little rain hasn't put you off :applause:

What colour are you going to spray her ?

[BrightSpark]

looking good am actually jealous of ur astra mine needs a shit load a work its lyin in ma drive with no wheels on it an on the floor lol looking for a new 5 door mate

mine was the same, stick at it mate

[BrightSpark]

I'm glad to see a little rain hasn't put you off :applause:

What colour are you going to spray her ?

im sticking with the original silver, ive already bought the paint so no going back

[BrightSpark]

got some paint on her today, still needs some work to be perfect but gets me started

the arch line has a small hump that need sorting and inside the door shuts, few sanding marks and the odd chip and scrach to fill

ive decided to leave the wing on while painting but do the doors hatch seperate.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN3258.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN3259.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN3260.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN3261.jpg

[GazJevs84]

Looking good fella :grinning-smiley-043

[BrightSpark]

update, not done a great deal, spent a lot of time flatting and priming ready for paint

got the bumpers and spoiler completed and got some paint on the car

also get a set of 17s for her

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN3600.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN3599.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN3598.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN3597.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN3596.jpg

[bigdrifter]

Coming along well

[BrightSpark]

Coming along well

ta

hows yours coming on?

[bigdrifter]

Slowly, all in paint now though and ready for polishing so should be getting built up next week all being well. Can't wait to get it back on the road

[george124uk]

good to see a 5 door getting restored wish i had the guts to do my rear arches ,excelllent job m8 cant wait to see it finished.:grinning-smiley-043

[BrightSpark]

nearly there will be ready for show

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSCN3724.jpg

[uncanykadett]

Good job Dude! It looks ALOT better then some of the ones here in Germany! Keep it up!

[BrightSpark]

Good job Dude! It looks ALOT better then some of the ones here in Germany! Keep it up!

There are some nice "euro stye" ones I have seen, love the deep dish alloys they have

[Alex mac]

Looking good mate, top :grinning-smiley-043 for carrying out all the work yourself in the front yard, now that it determination

Look for to see the finished item :applause:

[CavHopper]

Carl are you bringing it to PVS? Looks superb in the pics mate.

[BrightSpark]

yeah ..up to now I'm going, there are the last few niggly bits to do then its mot time (hopefully next week)

[BrightSpark]

pvs this weekend and my astra fail the mot on play in top mounts..... must be assembled wrong or not tightened properly so Im panicing to get it fixed, 2days to get back the mot place and then tax it all before the show .... fingers crossed

[BrightSpark]

thought id post some pics of it mostly done.

ive kind of left it, now that im enjoying driving, which i know i shouldnt as it nerly done, need some motovation :)

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSC00061.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSC00060.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSC00059.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSC00058.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSC00057.jpg

[richie00boy]

CDi? Looks like a GTE :p

Tidy motor anyway. 5 door skirts are like rocking horse poo.

[BrightSpark]

CDi? Looks like a GTE :p

Tidy motor anyway. 5 door skirts are like rocking horse poo.

ta rich

ill have to make up some CDE badges :P

was lucky to get them really

[johnl]

liking it alot. You need to fit the bit for the front bumper though

[BrightSpark]

Im glad to see it on the road the neighbours were taking bets on if it would ever see the road again

[Heathercdi]

Looks great with the side skirts on, wish i'd gotten round to putting them on mine. Glad she's made it to the road :)

[BrightSpark]

Looks great with the side skirts on, wish i'd gotten round to putting them on mine. Glad she's made it to the road :)

thanks heather ... long time no posts where u bin?

[Heathercdi]

Spending lots of money on my 'other' none vauxhall car :eek:

Thought i'd better get back on here and see all the lovely mk2's, has been a while i'm no longer a member...oops. Great to see your progress :) will she be at Billing? would love a look around it

[BrightSpark]

Spending lots of money on my 'other' none vauxhall car :eek:

Thought i'd better get back on here and see all the lovely mk2's, has been a while i'm no longer a member...oops. Great to see your progress :) will she be at Billing? would love a look around it

I haven't any plans yet And the car is not quite finished , It needs the bonnet and roof painting and a strip for the front

[Heathercdi]

well keep up the good work with her :)

[BrightSpark]

bye bye astra :( it was good while it lasted )


http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/th_S7300083-1.jpg (http://s49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/?action=view&current=S7300083-1.flv)

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/mactheweld/DSC00038.jpg

[bigdrifter]

(dons cap and salutes) R.I.P Astra :angel:

[Astra Dan]

What's the story here?!!

[BrightSpark]

What's the story here?!!

run into the back of someone front.. bent drivers chassis leg, has been pushed back also needs slam panel bonnet wing radiator headlights bumper .

I have searched everywhere to see if the front chassis leg can be bought but no luck,(if I could get one I would rebuild it ) but as it stands it will have to go :hissyfit:

hoping to sell it in 1 piece (minus alloys ) would need a trailer though

genuine 55k 1800 engine and box with s/h
new arches
gte kit (5 door)
new front suspension inserts
new shocks
new brake pipes
loads of other stuff (really top class interior)
If it never sees the road again there are plenty of new parts less than 9 months old on it

anything close to £170 ???

[Gteman]

A good bodyshop will have pulling gear to straighten the chassis leg rather than replacing the leg.

[BrightSpark]

A good bodyshop will have pulling gear to straighten the chassis leg rather than replacing the leg.

can't see it being cheap though .. very specialized

[johnl]

Check with Pajero as I'm pretty sure he had one for sale last time I was picking some. Probably best dropping him a pm

[BrightSpark]

Check with Pajero as I'm pretty sure he had one for sale last time I was picking some. Probably best dropping him a pm

thanks john will do