1978 Vauxhall Cavalier GL (Updated 23/04)

[blacksaff]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to RetroRides forum but as you'll see from my next few threads I'm not new to owning them.

I'll kick it off with this one. As you can see it's as the title says. I picked it up from Watford about 3 years ago from a guy in to his Vauxhalls. It's in very good condition with 76k miles on the clock.

I have been working on it for a couple of months and it's currently on the road and driveable but by no means complete.

So far I have;

40mm lowering springs (it looked like it was on stilts but I didn't want to go too low)

New front callipers (due to being seized)

SFS/HEL flexible brake lines throughout

SFS black silicon hoses throughout engine bay

Rocker cover and air cleaner repaint

Engine service

Future plans;

Original steels to have a conservative steel banding to fill the arch space

Interior to be completely refurbished

Let me know what you think and all opinions welcome

[andeh]

You must like yellow cars!

[breadvan]

solid old machines these it looks a cracker

[Vintage75]

What ever you want to do to it just keep it subtle, that looks to solid and original to go mad with mods.
J,M,T,P,W

[grifterkid]

Love it...!!! I used to have one of these (TMG 111S) but some git pinched it before I got a chance to get stuck in with it! I will have another one day, one day...!!!

I think you have achieved perfection with what you've done but do you have further ideas/plans for it?!

[blacksaff]

Went to Billing Aquadrome today for the annual Vauxhall show. Was a good day, I've never been before. I was lucky enough to be parked on the Vauxhall Drivers Club stand.

Here's some pictures of her on the stand.

Would be nice to know if anyone spotted it.

[breadvan]

looks great keep up the good work

[blacksaff]

A small update on this one.

I saw these on EBay and managed to win them for the princely sum of £20! UPS Express then collected and delivered them to me for £13.

Standard Vauxhall 13" Rostyles.



Having measured them on the car I've decided on my band size. The next plan is to get them sandblasted and cut.

[breadvan]

bargain did you get the center caps too

[Rusted Pistons]

Looks mint - makes mine look like a banger!

[blacksaff]

Breadvan - I didn't get centre caps unfortunately but I'll be looking for some.

Daveyboy - She just photos really well, yours is far from a banger!!

[georgeb]

Do have a soft spot for these old Cavs.

Back in the day I used to work for a showroom and we'd buy these as ex-reps cars from a local sportswear manufacturer. Normally had stellar mileage, never been cleaned inside or out but were always fully serviced.

We used to mint them to death and they sold like hot cakes. Pretty much bombproof if looked after, to the extent that we'd even put our own 12 month warranty on them, rather than an insurance based one, that's how confident we were. Never used to see them until again the owner came back to update!

You've a nice one there and I like the sound of gentle banding.

[WheelsonCanvas]

How did I miss this? Beautiful, one of my favourite cars! Can't wait to see it on the banded Rostyles, they're one of my top 5 wheels as well

[grifterkid]

This is a gorgeous machine...

Strangely enough I clocked a lovely Mk1 Cav' in Mill Hill the other day and I forgot just how good they look in the metal as it were...!

[SmokeEm]

Those Rostyles will band up nicely

[blacksaff]

Small update time,

Wheels bought from EBay have been sandblasted and cut ready for banding. Going to mock up a few widths and see which is best suited to car. Hope you like.




Hopefully update to follow soon however she's now SORN till next Spring.

[blacksaff]

Ok so I've been over to the workshop,

We've decided to do two different types of the wheel and see which I prefer. Here are the two examples.

Type 1

This type has the 1.5" band cut in to it in the middle. This is means you have the step effect on the dish and would allow me to still keep the chrome belishers.

Type 2

We've put the 1.5" band next to the outer bead, this way when you look at the dish it's totally straight and I think it actually makes the wheel look bigger, it certainly gives the impression of being wider. Fitting and removing the tyre is done from the rear though.


Obviously they are both a Long way from being finished yet! However this was to decide which way I wanted the wheels to be. So we did both types as a mock up. What are people's opinions? Type A or B?

[WheelsonCanvas]

B for me, although I think it'll look cool on either.

[Rob]

oh god, this isnt helping me not buy one......

[madwelshman]

Most definitely B for me. That deeper dish looks A-ma-zing!!