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Sept 9, 2010 13:07:48 GMT
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That colour and the wheels really suit the 2 door shape, looks great. Not sure it would work so well on a 4 door, but hopefully this spares Viva I might be getting is a 2 door. My gf and I have agreed to make it into a track car so maybe we'll go for a similar colour scheme. Ah right, I'm in Pembury and Hawkenbury so go through there a lot. How long have you been commuting? few years ago I used to drive through there everyday in my mini ( s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh14/oli8925/Baby/ ) you might recognise.
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Last Edit: Sept 9, 2010 13:08:48 GMT by oli8925
Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Sept 8, 2010 17:32:14 GMT
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Cheers for the tips. Progress has been a bit slow this week cos of time and exams. Have finished all the switches and panel, electronic flasher units for hazards and indicators. Front bumper derusted and polished. Have bolted on the fog lights but I think they might be angled too high so will have to see about brackets I guess. Still to do rear bumper, rocker cover, front seats, boot board and sub, heater cable, dye carpet and a few other little bits. Got the car booked into the bodyshop in a few weeks (damn holiday got in the way ) Pics of new bits and seats to come soon. Am also considering getting another grille and looking at modifying it a bit. There are holes in the front panel and I used these holes for the fogs when I mock wired them in. The end result I rather liked for a pair of driving lamps. But that will be a future investment Cheers for the pic alex where in Kent are you from then? That must've been taken just after the hairiest drive of my life from my dads to my mums. Hate the car when it snows tbh, it's useless Jodie - yes they're all mini switches. Can't find any viva stuff and they're smart, compact and widely available, so perfect for the job. Headlamps are just as useless as mini sealed beam units, though I have upgraded to halogen so they're not that bad. But they're still the old round bulb style rather than the H4's I had in my mini. They were fantastic. Thanks for the kind words can't say I know of the persil car though. Got a link?
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Sept 1, 2010 23:01:20 GMT
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Love what you've done! I really want one as well now, could you squeeze one of those tiny but mad 600cc turbo lumps from one of those little japanese things in there? Ebay shows they're not as cheap as I would have hoped though, shame.
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Aug 31, 2010 18:24:23 GMT
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Now got these on their way to me, so will be polishing up my bumper and attaching everything again to fully test out the fog wiring. What's the best way to protect the underside of the bumpers? They've got a coating of surface rust at the moment and wondered if a coating of Kurust then Hammerite or underseal stuff would do it any good. Also found a cheap pair of uncracked front indicators which I'm pretty happy about, and cleaned up my vinyl rear seats and sun visors, they came up a treat. Cillit bang and a nail brush in a circular motion, wipe away excess, then vinyl and rubber care spray worked in with a sponge and wipe dry I've found to be the best way. SL grille is cleaned up best I can so will get that on when I make some new brackets for it. Switch panel has cleaned up beautifully with a bit of T-cut, now just need to work out how to securely attach it. Currently trying to free up the heater control valve and looking for someone who can make me a new cable for it. Pig of a job refitting it all so not looking forward to it but at least it will be done. The bracket I made ages ago for my aux gauges is out to be cleaned and painted so it ties in with the rest of the car. Rocker covers getting cleaned up (whats the best way to get rid of oil, rust and flaking paint?) and repainted black with a red or white 70's Vauxhall badge painted on when I find/make a template. What's the best paint to use here? Will Hammerite do, or is high temp paint better or is there something else I should use? Also drawing up plans to make a board from wood to go in the gap between the back seat and boot (was a bit of flimsy cardboard before), then I'll make a sub box to attach to it and can put my sub and amp in without making holes in the bodywork. Only problem is the board will be at an angle so I will need to make a sub box with an angled back - I don't know what this angle is yet and I HATE woodwork so I'm dreading doing this! Can be a longer term part of the project. (Or I'll pay someone to do it for me) All little things but it's keeping me from getting frustrated at the lack of real progress. Unfortunately still not been able to get hold of the guy with the spare Viva, starting to lose hope in that plan again
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Aug 31, 2010 18:15:38 GMT
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27/08/2010Got a fair bit done today. Finished off wiring for the rear fog lamp today. Forgot to wire in the tell tale so had to solder it to the connection rather than wire it in when crimping. With a curse word and broken soldering iron, this meant a lot of swearing, banging of head on steering wheel, and a very burnt thumb. But got there in the end, just hope it holds. With that all tested and working I worked through the day and finished the front fog circuit, hazard circuit and replaced the flasher unit with an electronic unit (would recommend this to anyone by the way!) So pretty happy with how it all went. Need to do a bit of tidying up of the switch unit, but couldn't be happier with the way it's turned out to be honest. Meanwhile still struggling to get the spares Viva, why does this bit never go smoothly? Some pics, Bare in mind the steering column is currently missing it's cowling, the switch panel needs a clean or replacing if I can find one, and it needs securing properly. Jobs for tomorrow.
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Aug 31, 2010 18:12:04 GMT
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Aug 29, 2010 16:51:30 GMT
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I grew up with Vauxhalls, first we had a Victor FB estate, then a FD saloon, MK1 Cavalier Coupe and so on. I can't believe just how clean and rust free your Viva is. By the time our '71 FD was ten years old it was pretty rotten, and it was kept in a dry garage all of the time we had it (apart from when it was being driven obviously!) My Dad only used it at the weekends really, only circa 60k when it finally had to go. Yet here is your Viva all these years later and looking lovely. I've had good results with Superflex bushes, you may think they were expensive but I reckon they are a really worthwhile investment. And a damn sight cheaper than Powerflex which are pretty much identical bar the colour of the Poly used. Keep us posted, the Viva looks great in white and don't you just have to love that blue interior? My Dad and his parents grew up with Vauxhall. His parents had quite a few Victors, mainly estates, and my Dad and his brothers had a few HB Viva's. Unfortunately they kept very few of the spares I definitely think the superflex bushes are worth it, only £50 more expensive than rubber when buying the whole set so it was a no brainer. Not looking forward to trying to get all the rusty bolts off now though! Thanks for the kind comments. Haven't caught up with this for a while but it's looking great. Did you get an alternator? If not, I have one knocking about. You gna be keeping those wheels? hint hint. I'm running a 1.75" Stromberg on my 1256 with a slightly opened up inlet and it goes really well with the timing advanced a little to compensate. A Weber should be great! Yep, got an alternator from SheffieldCortinaCentre. Will get my old one refurbished so I've got it as a spare. Wheels will be standard steels knicked off my spares Viva (if/when I get it) and banded. And yes I will be keeping them, had my heart set on them for a while ;D I was considering running something like that. Blydenstine recommended the 1.75 as a suitable upgrade or a Weber, but I just felt it was about time I got a Weber on something, so went down that route I will also take the engine from the spares car and rebuild it, getting the bottom end lightened and balanced, with the Weber 40dcoe, 4 branch manifold, stage 3(ish) head, and I'll whack an oil cooler on it to keep things under control. Should be fun
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Aug 28, 2010 21:41:52 GMT
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Just read through the whole thing, and after every little mod I was agreeing more and more. Love your style, it's like an 80's Capri version of what I'm doing with the Viva. So so cool!
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Aug 27, 2010 21:56:45 GMT
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Bit of an update on this. Still not got the major work done, but have lost patience so it WILL be in the bodyshop in the next couple of week, no matter what the cost. Currently trying to get another Viva that has been offered to me to use as spares - will be taking the bits I need if I still need them by then, and the engine, wheels and g'box. Have found out the g'box mount I have is the one that isn't made anymore (the later round type), so will have to find a way around that and modify something else. Now have a full set of suspension bushed thanks to superflex - wasn't cheap! Acquired an SL grille from ebay for what i thought was a bargain price but turns out it's really quite tatty, so will clean it up best I can and keep my eye out for another. Alternator has been replaced, but didn't cure the problem so still looking into that. Front and rear fogs and hazards were wired in today using Mini switches, really pleased with how this turned out, although still looking for a nice pair of fully working front fogs. Not much else has been done but feels like I'm slowly making progress again, hopefully won't be long before she's on the road again... ...and looking a bit like this
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Hope this is still going when I get the Viva back on the road. Only in Brighton from sept onwards so not far away
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Thanks for the offers but I want to keep my grille with the car for originalities sake, and the ball joints a some of the few things I've already aquired
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Time for an update. The Viva is off the road for a while now until I manage to find the parts I need and be able to pick them up. It's going into a body shop to get some issues sorted out here and there, so I've taken the opportunity to plan some upgrades. Parts I have:New Shocks -50mm Springs New Ball joints Stainless Braided Brake hoses Weber 40 DCOE Engine Mounts Suspension bushes SL grille with black slats Parts I need/wantFront crossmember N/S top and bottom arm N/S control rod Gearbox mount bush 4 branch manifold (on the way) Modified head (on the way) 2nd set of steelies to be banded Another 1256 to rebuild SL grille with black slats Pair of square 8's Brake pads, discs, shoes etc Heater valve and cable Door rubbers RR stickers Jobs to do stillWire up reverse light Wire up fog lightsReplace alternatorClean up appearance inside and out Pull out/fill in the dents Deal with the rust scabs Do something with the battery tray and accompanied rust Repair spare wheel well Replace door rubbers Waxoyl and protect Give her a bloody good clean inside and out Go to Ace Cafe Pretty much just a list to keep me organised otherwise I end up running around in circles. First priority is get her back on the road so I have a car, then deal with the visual mods and details, then wheels which will probably have to be towards Christmas so I can use my student loan; yes, that is what it's there for! Then it's on (again) to the true love of my life...the Mini! ;D
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Last Edit: Aug 27, 2010 22:53:42 GMT by oli8925
Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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In that case I'm interested in the grille, would it be possible to post/courier?
This is a bit hard to explain but, does the chrome surround on the lights wrap all the way around the ridge on the vertical sections? Or is there one side exposed? Does that make sense?
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Hi, Does anyone know if the front crossmember for this will be the same as that on a 1256? If they are the same I'm interested in that and the nearside susepension/hub set up if available.
Also the grille (if square headlights), heater valve and heat control cable, and a set of original steelies?
And what year was the Viva as may be interested in the N/S rear light surround if still there and in good condition.
Thanks, Oli
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Last Edit: Jul 5, 2010 16:56:35 GMT by oli8925
Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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The colour... I absolutely love it! ;D great choice and what a great looking little Nova!
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Would something like this do the job? I've got exactly that. Keeps everything looking nice and tidy. This is the best pic i can find to show it. since then the wires have been cable tied back. s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh14/oli8925/Viva%20HC/?action=view¤t=IMG_1929.jpgI'm so jealous! She looks in great condition too. I wanted a convertible Herald 1200 for my 1st car. Nearly got one too and looked at a few saloons but it didn't happen and got a Mini instead.
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Mar 13, 2010 13:54:52 GMT
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That is gorgeously 80's
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Mar 13, 2010 12:38:10 GMT
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Can i get some help from some Viva fans please.
Does anyone know what dimension tyres were used as standard on the GLS and Magnum with the 5.5" Rostyle?
I'm trying to work out what height drop springs I want. I'm planning to stick to the same height as I have running the superlights, which I've worked out to be about 35mm. So need to find out the difference between Rostyles and original steels to get the rest of the drop.
I think it should be a nice balance between looks and practicality. Would like to go lower but as a daily its probs not the best idea and it scrapes as it is. Hopefully stiffer springs, adjustable shocks, and a remade exhaust will sort most of that out. Also, will look better at that height but with well proportioned tyres tucked into the arches.
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Feb 10, 2010 23:46:02 GMT
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That's going to make one immensely cool motorhome
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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Life is going to be harder now I've seen this. Jealousy hurts
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Project Diary1975 Viva / 1988 T25 Camper / 1989 Mini / 1991 MX5 / 1992 Mini / 1994 Saab 9000 / 1997 Saab 9000 / 2008 Saab 9-5
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