1994 Astra 1.4 GSi...ish and Vectra 2.5 SRi

So been using this more or less daily for the past few weeks, that wasn't the plan, but it's such a nice drive over the mondeo that it's just the go to car. So what's occurred. Well I had a slight coolant leak which turned out to be the reservoir, swapped that over, flushed put what I could and refilled with fresh anti freeze... and then it started misfiring. Nothing had got wet that shouldn't, was working so bought plugs and leads, and fired it at my mechanic, as the back 3 cylinders are an to get to. All that done, still misfiring, turned out to be the coil pack. No outside evidence it was broken but it was manky, and a make called QX Automotive which didn't inspire confidence so it got a brand new Bosch one.

Was also sick of tripping over the Recaro sears I bought for the ST, so stuck them in today (got soaked as well, was sunny when I started) but they're all done now, and stuck in the new carbon wheel I got for the ST as well while it's not been used. Also stuck a discounted Richbrook gear knob in from Halfords as well, as since I swapped the stick the original worn one wouldnt stay on.

Got some new wheels last night, another set of Supertouring wheels. Was a set of 5, curse word tyres but I have tyres to go on, undecided on colour so I painted the rough spare a gunmetal grey, I've cleaned them up, getting tyres on tomorrow and get them fitted white, and if I get annoyed with how dirty they get so quick I'll be doing the rest grey as well. Just not keen on the ph1 alloys, and they're a really random not white not grey colour so always look dirty.

Got some bits for Xmas, wind deflectors and some cleaning gear, had to use it daily for work and the handbrake cable went so its in the garage atm for that. Friend of mine had some Morette headlights spare, so I've bought them off him, they were white, I've painted them satin to match the trim, may go gloss though once I sort the body work out

Another little project I have been doing while the weather is curse word, since I can do it indoors, 1 scrap BMX, 1 tin of Vauxhall Flame red paint, cheapo stickers, cheap ebay tyres and pads, rides great also polished the car today after a wash and changed the oil again, runs properly quiet now

Also I know its not a real Raleigh Burner, but since I'll never buy one, it's the next best thing

I own 2 90s Vauxhalls, I'm not averse to rust. But both are fairly clean. Imagine my surprise when this was discovered by my tame mechanic..







07 Mondeo, yes it's an ST and has skirts, but they don't actually touch the sill and there was nothing built up. They're also galvanised, never seen one of these rust like this, other side/rest of car is rust free. I've left him crying and grinding for today 🙄

Got sick of seeing the lacquer peel on the doors, went to get some quotes to sort it out, 2 wouldnt do it as it wasn't through insurance, the last guy would but was booked for months. So grabbed a rattle can and did it myself. Passenger side went a lot better than the drivers which reacted so will have to redo, but at least its not peeling and all one colour now.

your probably aware - there was an msd3000 version of this car done with the x30xe v6 and some nice bits - only one was made in this color. would be good to see a replica. my uncle ran a vaux dealer in the 90s - i have good memories of vec b's and astra f's and corsa b's

Been to a couple of cars and coffee meets with it in the last few weeks, the EGR blank failed (Relentless cans font last who knew) so I refitted a new one which tool care of my annoying engine light, but my gearbox has developed a very noisy whine. We've dropped the oil and replaced, nothing out the ordinary, tried some MolySlip stuff in there which helped a bit but its still there. Drives fine, no metal etc just really noisy which is annoying.

Started to get a bit of wheel wobble when breaking which I put down to warped discs, so finally time to free the 308s and stick them on, just a case of changing carriers and discs as the calipers are the same, so here's a before




And here's an after




Very snug behind 16s need to tidy up the calipers at some point soon, they're annoying me now. Anyway we did the ns last and found the lower arm balljoint was absolutely knackered, how I haven't felt it while driving I don't know, it definetly feels tighter now there's a new lower arm on it, not sure if that would give the vibration but either way I like big brakes