Partyvan
Banned
Registered: 21st Feb 09
Location: Nottinghamshire
User status: Offline
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Unfortunately I now have to endure a Vectra C as a daily driver. For those of you who haven't driven one, they are bad.
I picked it up standard, a 2004 SRi with 64k on the clock. I've since treated it to some refurbished 19" snowflakes, a debadged grille and coilovers. Here it is now
Here are the wheels that went on (to replace the factory 17s)
It's got a few small issues that need sorting, or have been sorted. First off is the common heater blower problem. The heater blower resistor pack can fail on these randomly (or through water ingress) and leave you with blowers working only on setting 4.
Here's the lazy fix
Alternatively you can just solder a new 10p resistor on from Maplins. This all plugs in under the motor (accessed from behind the glovebox). I did mine the other day.
I gave it a mini service too...
Pollen filter (old one was RANK)
Air filter
Oil (GM semi synthetic)
Oil filter
Check it out, it's a cartridge thing that just unscrews 8-)
Next, the paint was a few different shades of red. So out came the G3 compound today. I started on the roof
Boot...
Here you can see the difference between front wing (done) and doors/bonnet (not done). I put some Mer polish on top which gave it a better shine. I'll wax it when I get the chance.
I'll do the rest on the next dry day.
Finally there is a crease in one of the doors, I'm just gonna replace it rather than f*ck about with dent pullers or filler.
Handling wise, I found the standard car to be quite wallowy, so bought coilovers to try and correct this.
They are easy enough to fit, being split struts on the front as per most newer Vauxhalls. Now the ride is a little harsh, but probably the lesser of two evils.
My only other main gripe is the dualmass flywheel. This means you do not feel any engine power or pull whatsoever. It's all muted. If i get an excuse to whip the enigne or box out, I'll look into a flywheel deletion kit.
On the plus side it's very roomy inside, does good MPG and feels fairly stiff.
That's all for now
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Jon_C
Premium Member
Registered: 7th Dec 05
Location: Suffolk
User status: Offline
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Looks cool. Did you G3 that by hand? Will it not take ages to do the whole car like that?
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Partyvan
Banned
Registered: 21st Feb 09
Location: Nottinghamshire
User status: Offline
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quote:
Originally posted by Jon_C
Looks cool. Did you G3 that by hand? Will it not take ages to do the whole car like that?
I have a buffer but it only takes 5 mins per panel by hand. G3 is as easier to take off than super resin polish
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Jon_C
Premium Member
Registered: 7th Dec 05
Location: Suffolk
User status: Offline
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Really? Thought it was really heavy going and takes ages. I have a seriously faded red Golf that i wanna tackle but not sure what products to use
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derick-sport
Member
Registered: 11th Sep 10
Location: Kendal, Cumbria
User status: Offline
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love the look of these! want one after my corsa only driven a 1.8
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Partyvan
Banned
Registered: 21st Feb 09
Location: Nottinghamshire
User status: Offline
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quote:
Originally posted by Jon_C
Really? Thought it was really heavy going and takes ages. I have a seriously faded red Golf that i wanna tackle but not sure what products to use
Get a bodyshop to mop it for £50, or have a go yourself with some G3. Just do it panel by panel, take your time.
quote:
Originally posted by derick-sport
love the look of these! want one after my corsa only driven a 1.8
Do yourself a favour and test drive an Astra Mk4 as well :thumbs
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Gareth T
Member
Registered: 14th Feb 06
Location: newcastle
User status: Offline
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I like these, seem cheap to buy and look good with a few mods.
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