Vauxhall Cavalier mk2

I love these old Cavaliers, I had a mk2 sri many years ago and it was great.

Had a good look over it when I got it home and it needed two small bits of welding. One on lower bulkhead and one on front of passenger sill which is fairly standard for these cars.

Overall it was a pretty good honest car that had been in the same family since new and just needed some tidying up



Some surface rust but nothing to cause problems



I started by sorting out a few minor issues and fitted a new heater motor, radio, and a full service. At this point it was running great and I had intended keeping the 1.6 and autobox in it for a bit but unfortunately an inner cv joint needed replaced which was specific to the auto box and I couldn't find one. So this happened



On the plus side it gave me better access to weld the bulkhead.

Gazz81. Yeah they are great old cars especially the Sri models.

JohnD. Your cd was very smart mate and bulkhead is a weak point on a lot of old Vauxhalls unfortunately.

So with the bay nice and tidy it was time for a new engine and box



That's the 1.8 injection engine from the CD that I mentioned earlier. These engines were also fitted to Cavalier sri's and mk1 Astra GTE's so a decent enough unit. Required new fuel lines and tank, pump etc but it was all parts I had so no real cost , only time. I did stonechip and waxoyl the underside whilst I was there and everything was nice and solid.

At this stage I also converted to manual transmission. Again not difficult and I had all the necessary bits to hand so it now has a 5 speed manual and 3 pedals fitted.

Engine now fully fitted and running



Ran ok but burned oil slightly. More on that later.

Turned my attention to the interior and decided to fit a few upgrades to the basic L spec.

6 dial gauges, leather 3 spoke steering wheel, and a cassette holder in centre console - even though I don't own any cassettes



The seats from the CD were a rather nice dark coloured velour and were in very good condition. However, they were taken from an early mk2 Cavalier and don't fit in my car without a lot of work. Fortunately these turned up and not only are they in good condition but they bolt straight in and are a good colour match



They're Recaro's from a mk3 Cavalier GSi so don't stray too far from the car's origins. I got a full GSi interior and by the time I sold the bits I didn't need the fronts turned out to be free which was nice.

Rears from the CD fitted



Need a clean but match the fronts quite well I think



I need to change the door cards to the darker set from the cd which again in very good condition. They are for electric windows though so until I get round to fitting the motors and regulators the old door cards and manual windows can stay.

Liking this.

Vader and Biscuit.
Thanks for comments. Much appreciated.

I really like ride height of your car. It's exactly what I would love for mine. Good job you told me your secret.

Really nice MK2 Cav. I will be following.

Baggabones - thanks

Blacksaff - they do sit a lot better lowered. On the above photos beside my mates saloon which is on standard suspension you can see the difference.

MK2VR6 - the 1.6 is surprising for its size. That's what mine currently has albeit with the 1.8 injection fitted.

I don't have any major plans for the near future. I've got electric windows and central locking to fit when I get a chance but I intend to use it for a year or two as it is then I'll replace the sills, sort out any bodywork, and fully respray it. The rears of both sills have previously had repairs which are of a decent standard and are good enough for now.

It does need an mot right enough but I'm sure it won't throw up anything to worry about and I'll need to get the 1.8 rebuilt and back in so enough to keep me ticking over.