248 replies to this topic

[-Dab-of-Oppo-]

Tues 15th - Thurs 17th March

Have mainly been busy ordering various bits in preperation for some time off I have next week when I hope to get quite a bit done. Mainly concentrating on the interior I hope to do -
> Remove dash and cover in alcantara
> Re-locate boost gauge
> Wire / plumb in a couple more gauges and custom mount them
> Make a custom housing for a new OBDII screen and mould it into dash
> Full oil and filter change
> Get TPMS sensors fitted to wheels and set the screen flush into the dash panel.
> ABS switch and vent tube mod
> Fit different side indicators

My new plate finally arrived so I cut the front one down rounded the edges and stuck it on -






Fitted a nice new style red metal Vauxhall badge to the steering wheel -





Today I also went for a drive to make enquiries at Janspeed for getting a new custom exhaust made. I go back next Thursday for a inspection and measure up. :-)

[fred666]

Looking great so far

[Graeme Lambert]

Regardless of what anyone says about the mods, you can't be criticised for effort - plenty done in such a short time. My missus would be going mental if i spent that much time with the car (she already calls it the one i love...) G

[redvts]

My missus would be going mental if i spent that much time with the car (she already calls it the one i love...) G [/quote] Mine says the same, I just tell her she's right!

[Andrew aka Stuwy]

great read

[-Dab-of-Oppo-]

Sat 19th March

Adapted the car/lenses to get these new indicators to fit.



(Did a quick guide for these hereif you want to know more.)

[VXT Tim]

I do like those side repeaters. Follow the cars lines really well.

[Zoobeef]

Steering wheel badge reminds me of thundercats. So its cool

[-Dab-of-Oppo-]

^^^ Me too.

Sun 20th March

Finally got round to replacing near side engine mount. Went for a drive where for the first time I could actually floor it in relative silence, bliss!

Mon 21st & Tues 22nd March

Fitted vent tube mod -



Removed dashboard and stripped it down ready for covering in Alcantara -







Removed start button and wired up an illuminating replacement one





Removed the heater controls and plate and started to work toward getting them illuminated from behind.

3mm Aluminium was a PITA to cut out -

[-Dab-of-Oppo-]

Fixed boost gauge tubing and started to route sensors for new gauges once they arrive -



Cut hole in dash and dash panel for setting a TPMS screen into and mounted switch -






Jobs for tmrw will largely depend on what gets delivered in the morning. I am hoping my OBDII screen will arrive from America as that is one of the bigger jobs moulding a housing onto the dash and is holding me up being able to do the upholstering.

[fred666]

2 VX's with those Side reps now, how come he doesnt get the slating i got first time round?? lmao Mine are facing the other way though

[-Dab-of-Oppo-]

Other way?! That's why you got the slating, you put them on wrong! They are marked L & R and seem to follow the wheel arch lines better my way IMO although I didn't even think to see what they looked like on opposite sides. Seriously though thanks for the inspiration and pointing me in the right direction they are 80% what I was after.

Edited by -Dab-of-Oppo-, 22 March 2011 - 07:48 PM.

[Mangham54]

Lots of progress in a short amount of time. Hats off to you.

[-Dab-of-Oppo-]

Thurs 24th March

Bit of a dissapointing day today this morning I visited Janspeed to have an inspection for a exhaust. (back box only at this stage) Turns out that although they are willing they would have to charge around 800 for a custom job as they do not have the jigs for a off the shelf turbo model one. :-( Gutted as initially they said it should be around 4-550 and their quality and reputation are superb. So my search continues on that front...

Jobs done today included removing the speedo cluster and dismantling the various brackets and components. Initially I tried wrapping the whole thing in red suede but the angle was just to tight around the innner bit to get it all to stretch over neatly so I carefully debonded and ripped off the shroud piece.

I covered the main speedo cover bit in red suede and the peak in carbon wrap. I am yet to stick the two bits back together but can see it being slightly awkward. I am not sure if I like the result of this or not, I will wait until its all fitted with the dark grey alcantara dash next to it and see what I think then.






The front bezel around the dials is a thin stick on shaped piece, I put a red sticker behind the VX220 cut out detail.








Still no sign of my OBD2 screen The tracking says it has cleared UK customs so it had better be delivered tmrw. One thing that did arrive today where my new gauges so I had a quick play with them and prepped them for an install.

Edited by -Dab-of-Oppo-, 24 March 2011 - 07:27 PM.

[Seb.F]

Very good thread, I like it! Will be keeping my eye on this.

[rob999]

I hope your finding some time to drive the car too!! Keep up the good work....

[Ben NA]

I've just bought some of that Carbon wrap. It looks great. One tip. Use the 3M 90 spray glue for mounting alcantara or suede. I used some cheap ebay stuff and a tiny bit of hot weather resulted in my alcantara becoming unstuck! So I need to recover them and use the proper glue

[2.2_na]

Nice pics and guides of your mods you are posting. Could do with seeing some pics of the finished products.

[Andrew aka Stuwy]

getting on really well!

[Ben NA]

I'm intrigued to see your alcantara dash. I've got dark grey alcantara door cards and dash plates with carbon door handles. Just bought some more alcantara to either put on the dash or the center console. Can't decide which at the moment. My center console is looking shite atm