1988 Mk2 Cavalier 1.8GLi

[sleag40]

Although the exhaust system is perfectly serviceable, it looks a bit shabby against the rest of the car. I could try painting it, but ideally would like a new one. I've tried asking local exhaust suppliers, but all that has yielded is a new back box. I found a new mid section in Poland, so I'll paint the rest as the front and rear parts are pretty recent.



Front wheels now on, should hopefully be sourcing oil, coolant and a battery over the weekend.

[sleag40]

All vital fluids have now been procured, but they're still in their containers. I want to bleed the brakes, then fit the exhaust so I can drop the car on the deck before attempting to start it. The gear shift linkage is now connected and adjusted up.



Tidying up the front and rear sections of the exhaust was next on the list. They were cleaned up with a wire wheel and drill attachments (missed those guys!) Then given a good clean with thinners.





So far, the front part has received a coating of exhaust paint at work (where its warmer than my shed!).



I'll paint the back box tomorrow. Hopefully the new mid section I've ordered doesn't take too long to arrive.

[sleag40]

Got a few more bits done on this, the brakes are now fully functional with a nice pedal, the throttle cable is now connected up and adjusted, and the freshened up front pipe is in position.



The rear section is ready to fit....



Just waiting for the new mid section to arrive. Once fitted, I can drop the car on the deck and hopefully run it up.

[sleag40]

Exhaust arrived yesterday - pretty good going taking just over a week from Poland. A side by side comparison shows the new item is a better quality product.



The bends are nicer, and the hangers are actually positioned correctly.



The only down side was they had to cut it to get the package size down, but they did supply a joining piece to make up for it!

It's now in position, but suspended by cable ties until the correct rubbers arrive.



The fit isn't bad at all considering it's all pattern parts.

[Duggy]

Coming together nicely now.

[sleag40]

Its alive! The video is too large a file size to upload, but its alive. So far just a small leak from one of the pipes to the fuel filter, an easy fix. Was running for about an hour and a half, then ran out of fuel.

Hopefully I'll make a start on putting the dash and interior back in over the Christmas break.

[shielsy68]

brillant to hear work was all worth it

[sleag40]

I found some grill grommets on Ebay (after none being available for months) No need for my improvised ones any more!



They arrived on Christmas Eve, along with a couple of these exhaust rubbers.



I'm gonna leave fitting these until I can get the car up in the air - exhaust fettling is so much easier when you can do it standing up!

Finally got round to fitting the front bumper today.



Then dug these out for fettling.



I'm hoping to get a bit more done over the next week.

[jmsheahan]

This really is looking so so good! Hats off to you, what a stunning resto!

I may have missed it when reading through but do you mind me asking what products you used on the underside? Always intrigued what individuals use on their restos to protect against the elements!

[stefan1971]

This is gonna be absolutely mint when it’s finished, I’ve got a big soft spot for mk2 cavaliers I’ve owned 3 back in the day, a Y reg SRI a D reg SRI130 and an E reg SRI130 so really love seeing them.
Keep up the brilliant work.

[grifterkid]

Glorious, glorious and triple glorious!!!

[sleag40]

Got the carpets and a few interior trim pieces back in this morning. 



I decided to have a search for the other two mudflaps in my assorted storage facilities - I found them, but one of the Griffins has escaped!



On the hunt for a replacement now. 

In the afternoon I gathered up a load of interior stuff from home, and carted it all over to the shed.



I wasn't planning to put the dash back in today, but thought that I may as well get it started.

Plonked in loosely to work out where the spaghetti needs to go.



Hardest part done now, even managed to tuck the dash under the screen rubber.



After a few more bits went back on, my time had run out.



Should be back on it tomorrow  with a little luck. 

[sleag40]

The rest of the dash gubbins are now back in.



I surprised myself by remembering how it all goes together!



A quick check of all electrical features revealed that everything functions as intended (for which I was most grateful!).





Not a right lot of jobs left to do now, I can take my time getting everything finished up as I have no intention of getting it back on the road until the Spring.

[victorbox]

Although this pair are sold picclick.co.uk/Classic-Vauxhall-Cavalier-Mk2-Front-Rear-Mud-262605090426.html the ad does give part numbers as 91130503 91130504. Happy hunting for the straight sided griffin badge on the flaps - took me ages!

[sleag40]

Found a little more time for this today, all the load compartment and rear seat belts went back in.







Just seats and door cards left to go back in here now, but I want to give them a decent clean before that happens. 

[sleag40]

A little more was put back where it belongs today. First up the rear seat backs were fitted, closely followed by the boot floor carpet and load cover/parcel shelf.





I've got so used to seeing the spare wheel through the hatch window that it looks odd to me with all this stuff back in position. 



Time was short on it today, so once the bits you sit on were fitted, I had to vacate.



Hopefully I'll get some more bits cleaned and refitted tomorrow.   

[rblote]

You just built yourself a better than new car. I love it.

[grifterkid]

Just superb...

You realise that once it's finished you cannot use it...?!?!?!

I jest, but such is the level of work that has gone into this it's just perfect!

[2p2g1m]

The MOT man will be speechless! Great work

[sleag40]

Jan 9, 2022 11:54:47 GMT grifterkid said:

Just superb...

You realise that once it's finished you cannot use it...?!?!?!

I jest, but such is the level of work that has gone into this it's just perfect!

Thank you kindly! It's by no means perfect, but if it was, I'd probably not dare to drive it!

Jan 9, 2022 18:11:09 GMT 2p2g1m said:

The MOT man will be speechless! Great work

Cheers!He knows whats coming!

Door cards were given a good clean yesterday evening,  and went back on this afternoon. 

Membranes fitted first with double sided tape.



Door cards and mirrors back where they came from. 





Front seats still need cleaning before they can be reinstated.