Not been posting on here for a while. I did start a thread years ago when I first started this but time, money and life hindered progress. However now is the time for it to finally happen.
I have owned my GTE 16v since January 1997.
It was the first and only one I saw and wanted a white one so wasn't thrilled with this one as it is red, but after a test drive and a bit of negotiation it was mine. I guess I grew to love it as I couldn't part with it ever, even though I have thought about it when all seemed lost I couldn't get rid.
While in my ownership I have
Taken it around Silverstone in 1998, Up the drag strip at Santa Pod and been to a rolling road day where after the engine had been screemed upto it's maximum with just over 196,000 miles on the clock and only having two valves and a clutch I was expecting a bang or hoping for about 130bhp.
Instead I got 157bhp.
However as with most Vauxhalls rust is the killer.
After a spot of welding to fix a dropped passenger side door the side indicator wire kept shorting out blowing the fuse so after a look and pull back on the carpets I thought a bit of TLC was required so out with the interior and carpets and boy oh boy was a bit more than TLC needed.
Scrap or repair?
Probably scrap was the best option but the fun and enjoyment I've had with this car it's not going anywhere, Anything can be repaired if you really want it to be.
It's being done for me, not to make money but for me, so all the comments of "is it worth it" float over my head and beyond.
Anyway I will try and post up some of the old pictures and will post all the pictures of it's progress.
The plan - I want the standard look but with a few tweeks like the wheels, Speedlines will be added. They could be classed as standard as they look so good and so many other Astras have them.
Inside will be the black Rainbow interior as I sold the grey laser cloth many years ago but prefer black than grey.
It will also have a few toys added like electric windows and sunroof, heated seats, cruise control plus the trip computer.
Engine will be fitted with new bearing, rings and seals and gaskets, as it has covered 201,000 miles and was making factory power it's probably ok but may as well freshen it up whilst it's out of the car.
Eibach springs and B6 Bilstein shocks will sort out the handling and I already have a front top strut brace.
Everything will be cleaned and painted before fitting back to the car.
The car is currently away to be dipped in acid at Surface Processing Ltd and once done will go to a local restorer for all the welding and panel work as I can't weld. I have ordered loads of new panels as pretty much everything needs replacing.
So far I have a complete new boot floor from Germany, Front floors, Both outer sills, rear corners, rear inner wings, rear panel, front panel where the headlights go, A piller repairs, front inner wing repair panels. I think that's it. So if anyone has any new panels I could be interested.
Once welded and looking complete again it's back to Surface Processing Ltd for a re dip and E coat, then off to be sprayed in red. May not go for it's original Carmine red but something like flame red.
I have new bushes etc for all the suspension and engine mountings.
I will then have the pleasure of putting it all back together. As I can do that bit.
I'm hoping to have it all complete by 2018 so the car can be back on the road for it's 30th birthday.
Pictures to follow.
I have owned my GTE 16v since January 1997.
It was the first and only one I saw and wanted a white one so wasn't thrilled with this one as it is red, but after a test drive and a bit of negotiation it was mine. I guess I grew to love it as I couldn't part with it ever, even though I have thought about it when all seemed lost I couldn't get rid.
While in my ownership I have
Taken it around Silverstone in 1998, Up the drag strip at Santa Pod and been to a rolling road day where after the engine had been screemed upto it's maximum with just over 196,000 miles on the clock and only having two valves and a clutch I was expecting a bang or hoping for about 130bhp.
Instead I got 157bhp.
However as with most Vauxhalls rust is the killer.
After a spot of welding to fix a dropped passenger side door the side indicator wire kept shorting out blowing the fuse so after a look and pull back on the carpets I thought a bit of TLC was required so out with the interior and carpets and boy oh boy was a bit more than TLC needed.
Scrap or repair?
Probably scrap was the best option but the fun and enjoyment I've had with this car it's not going anywhere, Anything can be repaired if you really want it to be.
It's being done for me, not to make money but for me, so all the comments of "is it worth it" float over my head and beyond.
Anyway I will try and post up some of the old pictures and will post all the pictures of it's progress.
The plan - I want the standard look but with a few tweeks like the wheels, Speedlines will be added. They could be classed as standard as they look so good and so many other Astras have them.
Inside will be the black Rainbow interior as I sold the grey laser cloth many years ago but prefer black than grey.
It will also have a few toys added like electric windows and sunroof, heated seats, cruise control plus the trip computer.
Engine will be fitted with new bearing, rings and seals and gaskets, as it has covered 201,000 miles and was making factory power it's probably ok but may as well freshen it up whilst it's out of the car.
Eibach springs and B6 Bilstein shocks will sort out the handling and I already have a front top strut brace.
Everything will be cleaned and painted before fitting back to the car.
The car is currently away to be dipped in acid at Surface Processing Ltd and once done will go to a local restorer for all the welding and panel work as I can't weld. I have ordered loads of new panels as pretty much everything needs replacing.
So far I have a complete new boot floor from Germany, Front floors, Both outer sills, rear corners, rear inner wings, rear panel, front panel where the headlights go, A piller repairs, front inner wing repair panels. I think that's it. So if anyone has any new panels I could be interested.
Once welded and looking complete again it's back to Surface Processing Ltd for a re dip and E coat, then off to be sprayed in red. May not go for it's original Carmine red but something like flame red.
I have new bushes etc for all the suspension and engine mountings.
I will then have the pleasure of putting it all back together. As I can do that bit.
I'm hoping to have it all complete by 2018 so the car can be back on the road for it's 30th birthday.
Pictures to follow.
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