Kelly
Part of things
Posts: 24
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Jul 28, 2006 17:09:20 GMT
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I have been offered an MOT failiure Mk1 Astra by a young woman near me. Kelly found it and it doesn't look too bad (of course, with Kelly's superb taste, it wouldn't), the odd bubble of rust but the sills and arches seem solid and the paint is quite good! It's been sat around for a couple of years but it had a brand new exhaust system which is still shiney now and the interior is near perfect bar the odd tear. So... what else should I watch out for. For £50 I cant go much wrong but just incase. I will ask to see the MOT failiure sheet as I'm not sure what it failed on at the moment.
Adam
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Last Edit: Jul 28, 2006 17:39:31 GMT by Kelly
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Jul 28, 2006 17:10:17 GMT
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Sorry, that was by me! I'm on Kelly's computer.
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Last Edit: Jul 28, 2006 17:40:05 GMT by Adam
1997 TVR Chimaera 2009 Westfield Megabusa
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Jul 28, 2006 17:26:38 GMT
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Get it bought! They are 100% w00t. I've loved bombing about in my one for the last few weeks. Not fast but very fun. mega neut handling makes for 'no fear' aggressive cornering Rust is the enemy - if it's failed on something mechanical you're laughing as they are so damn simple. Is it the 1200 OHV or 1300 OHC type? Here's a pic of mine. Soon to be off to a new home & currently hocked out to berlinetta / commer-chameleon for the week.
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Last Edit: Jul 28, 2006 17:35:43 GMT by arthurbrown
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Jul 28, 2006 17:35:16 GMT
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It's a 1.2 A reg. I'll stick some pictures up when I get back on my computer, but it's light blue and quite dirty at the minute. I think it must be something mechanical because there doesn't appear to be much rust at all!
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1997 TVR Chimaera 2009 Westfield Megabusa
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Jul 28, 2006 17:36:31 GMT
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They are a crack to hack about in. The 1200's are a bit lame, but 1300's and up are great.
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BenW
Part of things
Posts: 145
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Jul 28, 2006 17:38:11 GMT
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I like 'em, but I'm biased ;D
The major rot areas to watch for are the front floorpan sections (although Hadrian sell pattern replacements for a tenner per side) and the bulkhead, especially where the wishbone mount can eventually be seen to flap in the breeze if left rusting for long enough.
Also if it's a GTE (in which case, for £50, snap her arm off as they're going for silly money now), the rear valance and just about any other area under the bodykit is likely to be a crumble-a-thon.
These cars handle really well, feel pretty modern to drive, are good fun, mega cheap to run, and nowadays scarce enough to turn a few heads. Do it!
EDIT: just seen it's not a GTE but I'll leave the above info in
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Last Edit: Jul 28, 2006 17:39:17 GMT by BenW
Mk1 Triumph 2000
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Jul 28, 2006 18:52:05 GMT
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Thanks for the advice guys. Are there any places that rust majorly that I should look out for?
Adam
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1997 TVR Chimaera 2009 Westfield Megabusa
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Jul 28, 2006 19:32:18 GMT
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just show her this adam ;D, note the lack of bodykit
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"quote hairnet"
I'm not paying nine pound for a pi$$!
[/quote]
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Jul 28, 2006 20:02:31 GMT
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watch the sills as the go rather quickly, and the turret tops too!
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Jul 28, 2006 22:53:54 GMT
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Here it is! Sorry about the curse word quality. Even comes with the retro stickerage! And the brown stuff on the last 2 pictures is bird curse word not rust Adam
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Last Edit: Jul 28, 2006 22:54:59 GMT by Adam
1997 TVR Chimaera 2009 Westfield Megabusa
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Jul 28, 2006 23:03:41 GMT
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I'm thinking leave it fairly as-is but with 15" steels and lowered! Maybe a 1300 from a later Astra or Nova. Any other ideas?
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1997 TVR Chimaera 2009 Westfield Megabusa
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Jul 28, 2006 23:17:30 GMT
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Looks KOOL!!! Get it bought! And DON'T wash it!
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1972 Fiat 130 1985 Talbot Alpine 1974 Lancia Beta Saloon 1975 + 1986 Mazda 929 Koop + Wagon 1982 Fiat Argenta 2.0 iniezione elettronica 1977 Toyota Carina TA14 BEST CAR EVER!!!!!!!! 1979 Datsun B310 Sunny 4-dr 1984 Audi 200 Quattro Turbo 1983 Honda Accord 1.6 DX GONE1989 Alfa 75 2.0 TS Mr T says: TREAT YO MOTHER RIGHT!
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Jul 28, 2006 23:21:10 GMT
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It has six years of 'sat under birds nesting tree' patina, it's not something that can be bought in halfords I think my dad's come round to the idea! I have to chop up the old caravan chassis first, then move the trailer round the side of the house where the caravan chassis currently is, then the Astra can be parked there! Or thats what I'm telling my dad.
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1997 TVR Chimaera 2009 Westfield Megabusa
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Jul 29, 2006 12:49:20 GMT
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wax over the bird poop. perfect. and don't you dare remove the stickers.
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Never trust a man Who names himself Trevor. Or one day you might find He's not a real drug dealer.
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Jul 30, 2006 13:22:59 GMT
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the 1200 engine is the same block as the 1275 chevette if I'm not mistaken, and the difference in performance between the 1200 ohv and the 1300ohc isnt actually worth changing it in my opinion! i prefer the ohv noise too and you would need a new exhaust if you changed it! only thing id be concerned about is the brake lines, and make sure the calipers are free (same with anything that has been stood a while!) give the disks a good look over while your there too, and driveshaft rubbers while your there!
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2006 Audi A3 2003 Fusion 2 looking for a project....
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Jul 30, 2006 13:26:27 GMT
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the only sensible engine swap for an increase in power would be a 1600 ohc, (as used in the astra SR) too many have gone the 2.0 red top route, altho tried and tested, is hard to find an un thrashed one, and it would mean uprating all brakes, suspension, exhaust etc. if it works as it is, use it! u will be suprised at how much fun the 1.2 is to drive
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2006 Audi A3 2003 Fusion 2 looking for a project....
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MWF
Posted a lot
Posts: 2,945
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Jul 30, 2006 13:47:24 GMT
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I think you can whack the bigger Cav disks straight on the Astra hubs but I'm not sure.
2.0 8v SEH lump would be a good cheap alternative to the XE.
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Jul 30, 2006 16:38:06 GMT
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I've heard that due to Vauxhall's money saving schemes a lot of parts are similar to newer stuff like Cavaliers and Vectras. Is this true?
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1997 TVR Chimaera 2009 Westfield Megabusa
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MWF
Posted a lot
Posts: 2,945
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Jul 30, 2006 17:17:26 GMT
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Yeah it's very true, most late 80's and early 90's Vauxhalls are like LEGO.
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Jul 30, 2006 17:19:03 GMT
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Ah good, so I take it that means easy bolt on suspension upgrades / rear discs etc!
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1997 TVR Chimaera 2009 Westfield Megabusa
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