View Full Version : My soon to be a ZS replica... Ish.
I've been for years a die hard MK3 Astra fan. Had many of them in different models. But after years of rusty, tatty and knackered cars i've had enough!!
So when a good mate called me out of the blue about a 45 in a scrapyard. I bought it blind over the phone as it was too cheap not to turn it down....
So here is what £400 gets you. Also why I got it cheap, the OSF wing and door got hit and was scrapped just for that!!! It's still MOT'd too.
Pics*
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/2576/rover45b.jpg (http://img340.imageshack.us/i/rover45b.jpg/)
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/6366/rover452.jpg (http://img190.imageshack.us/i/rover452.jpg/)
A iXS 1.8 with 80k on the clock and seems to be in good nick.
I've got some bits coming for the car. A ZS leather steering wheel and gear knob, with a set of straights and some trick bits off a MB6 Civic VTi with more to come over a period of time.
I'm picking up the car at the end of the week, so there should be more to update with.
*I didn't take the pics, that was thanks to me mum i've got these alone!*
gsinclairzs
04-05-10, 09:45 PM
Thats a good deal you've got yourself there. Be sure to post some pics as you modify her. I'm new here too.
good stuff, any plans for it then?
Cheers folks.
I'll be taking regular update pics of when I do stuff to it. Also got an idea of what I want to do it, like....
Colour code the rub strips (more so after seeing Stephens' 45/ZS Saloon)
Monaco blue interior
MG Straights 17's in Satin black (which will look better than it sounds)
Lower it
Powerflow cat back system off a scrap MB6 Civic VTi-S (also found in a scrapyard).
Plus a shed load more things to do with another door and wing to tidy it up. Also going to add one or two things that the VTi had, but more on that another day.
looks like a good project look at this thread of my 45/ZS i to got mine from a salvage yard and also had the offside damaged but a lot worse than yours
http://www.themgzs.co.uk/vb/showthread.php?t=12123
stamford
05-05-10, 07:29 AM
Well done for saving it, bargin!
Hambo-180
05-05-10, 09:32 AM
looks like an excellent buy to me mate......
Cheers dudes.
I've been looking at your car Alan. If mine turns out the same way as yours, i'd be over the moon.
Talking of which, it's in my hands now and on the road.
Also done a couple of bits to it already. With sorting a common ZS/45 problem of a blowing centre section, fitted the Powerflow cat back. Then with a ZS leather steering wheel and gear knob....
But!
I had to get another set of wheels. The 'bargain' Straights I got turned out to have two wheels buckled, so a swap for another set of alloys I had about me got me a set of League 'black widow' 17's. So on with them for now.
That said I did pick up a bargain VVC inlet off a 200Vi for £20! But was half tempted to take the whole engine with it as the head gasket was on the way out. Might of got it stupid cheap maybe.
Anyhoo. Here's some pics of the car now.
http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/9550/abcd0001an.jpg (http://img7.imageshack.us/i/abcd0001an.jpg/)
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/4531/abcd00194a.jpg (http://img155.imageshack.us/i/abcd00194a.jpg/)
Before I got the car, I came up with an idea of doing a sticker that was fitted on the MB6 VTi Civic. But with a twist, came out well me thinks.
http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/621/abcd0002z.jpg (http://img684.imageshack.us/i/abcd0002z.jpg/)
peterzs
18-05-10, 10:08 PM
Cars looking good, what a bargain.
:):):):)
Cheers dude.
Just bought new front brakes for the car. So i'm going to do that tomorrow and then paint the cailpers black afterward.
I'll have to service the thing soon too. Well after seeing how much the service kits go for on Ebay I might as well get proper MGR stuff.
As for servicing part try opie oils in our site trader section just sign up on their site. i got oil and filter for the 180 for under £45 and it was delivered in a couple of days.Think they are doing a discount this month as well.
As for servicing part try opie oils in our site trader section just sign up on their site. i got oil and filter for the 180 for under £45 and it was delivered in a couple of days.Think they are doing a discount this month as well.
I'll have a gander at that.
Got the brakes on today and cleaned the rust and crap off the cailpers and gave them a coat of black paint to tidy them up. Rusty brakes behind quite opened spoked wheels looks nasty in my eyes.
Also had a gander for anything else needin doing. Found the pass. side diff oil seal needs doing. Did wonder why I had a bit of whining, hope the 'box isn't buggered? As this would really cut into my beer drinking time and beer tokens.
Then if it needs a another gearbox, i'll get one and fit it anyway. Going to try and source another drivers wing and door too, in the near future.
Quick update.
No pictures tho :laugh:.
After being advised by your good selfs. I ordered ABS rings, found them on eBay for £14 posted for the pair :thumbsup: and the gearbox seals for £28. Lucky for me, was the leaky diff seal and broken ABS ring. Both being on the pass. side.
So Yesterday after helping a mate to put in a engine into a ZR. I cracked on and fitted both the seal and ring. Didn't take long either and the car came apart nice and easy (except for the driveshaft). So no more juddering under light braking and the gearbox isn't as noisy now with the 'box topped up.
Then today I gave the motor a wash, polish and coat of wax. So it's a bit more respectable looking now.
Got a Cupra R splitter last week.
Thought it would look good on the car.
http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/1889/45withsplitter2.jpg
Glad it did. Was worried cutting about a new part with a hacksaw!!
The steelies are on the front as the 17's are in for a makeover....
After kerbing a wheel one day. I lost the rag with how minging the wheels looked.
So i'm in the process of tidying them up. Hence the steels in the last picture. Also thought i'd make use of the deep dish look to them by going for two-tone look.
I rubbed the front wheels down. Used a high-build primer with a thin skim of filler to be rid of any scrapes. Then paint the lip silver and went for a dark grey on the centres, for a bit of contrast. Took me the best part of week of evenings to get those two done. Not perfect but are a vast improvement from what they were.
http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/9113/abcd0019x.jpg
http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/5458/abcd0002a2.jpg
http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/7489/abcd00013.jpg
Started on the back two, so i'll do some work in progress pics. With quick CV boot change tomorrow.
*Can some very kind hearted Mod please move this thread to 'Build Projects' please?! Thank you.*
stamford
18-07-10, 09:27 AM
Looking good mate.
Duly moved ;)
Looking good mate.
Duly moved ;)
:)
Thanks on both fronts.
Start of next month i'm going to look at lowering the car. Might do a search on here to see what springs are best. Tempted to get the Xpowers, as I did once hear they were made by Eibach.
like what you have done wi the wheels there, looking good:)
Thanks bud :).
Also to update as well.
After owning the car for few months, i've a new (to me) problem to sort now....
The head gasket is weeping from the gearbox side. Wondered why it needed topped up every week. Not too bothered as pay day is around the corner and I had planned to fit a new cambelt and water pump anyway. Also good chance to fit a VVC inlet I picked up stupid cheap.
I'll use the MLS gasket with modified oil rail and i've already replaced the rad with a shiney new alloy and plastic job bought for ?43 :D.
Another bargain and another job to the list.
Set of Apex lowering springs, should drop it about 35mm and at a good price of ?55 delivered.
http://a.imageshack.us/img833/7514/abcd00193.jpg
Jay-ZS+
26-08-10, 08:10 AM
Looks like your making good progress with this. Unless you get the head ported to match the VVC inlet you will not see any increase in proformance.
I fitted one on my 120 as I got fed up of replacing the IMG on the crummy plastic ones :laugh:
Also if you havent serviced it yet Opie Oils have free shipping this bank holiday with orders over ?25 use code: BHFREE
Sign up as a member from here and you get extra discount on top :)
That's half the reason i'm fitting the VVC inlet. Those plastic inlets are pish!! :laugh:.
I have serviced the car already. But seen as i'm fitting a new oil rail as well, i'll change the oil and filter at the same time. Doesn't need it but can't hurt it.
Also i've paid my fiver so i'll see if I can get it back in discount :laugh:.
Been a bit busy today.
http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/9453/45lowering.jpg (http://img22.imageshack.us/i/45lowering.jpg/)
More pictures tomorrow.
stamford
19-09-10, 08:44 PM
What a coinsidence! I was doing the very same...........until the strut top sheared! Not been a good day for the ZS today.
What a coinsidence! I was doing the very same...........until the strut top sheared! Not been a good day for the ZS today.
Aye?!
That sucks, but i'm sure you'll get it sorted.
Mine luckly for me came apart easy enough. But been many times with sheared bolts in the pissing rain with the last few bailers i've owned :laugh:. So I feel your pain.
peterzs
19-09-10, 08:51 PM
What a coinsidence! I was doing the very same...........until the strut top sheared! Not been a good day for the ZS today.
Bit like Basil Fawlty bashing his 1100 with the branch springs to mind.
:clap::clap::clap::clap:
All lowered.
http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/3012/45lowered1.jpg (http://img696.imageshack.us/i/45lowered1.jpg/)
I can haz cookie now?
That looks pretty damn nice mate!!
stamford
20-09-10, 07:12 PM
Echo that, does look good! :yes:
Cheers fellas.
Makes the hard work worth it!
I'm think of going for the ZS skirts and front splitter. But i've got a pair of skirts and rear splitter off a MB6 VTi-S Civic like below. Might look good with a ZS front splitter on the 45?
http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/2853/civicvtimb6.jpg (http://img836.imageshack.us/i/civicvtimb6.jpg/)
I like that Civic, the skirts would look good on your car.
Might try 'em on for a bit of fun.
Just the rear splitter will be fun, it doesn't fit straight on. But it's kinda rare to chop to fit the 45 bumper. Might have a wee think about it.
Went to a scrapyard for parts today and couldn't help a wee cheeky photo when we were loading up the motor.
http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/2016/fromtheashes2d.jpg (http://img691.imageshack.us/i/fromtheashes2d.jpg/)
That looks like D&S Metals?
Not quite bud, a bit further up the country.
That's the yard in Muir-of-ord. A mate of mine was with me getting bits for his Glanza.
Been busy again with the 45.
I've been enjoying the car even more since I fitted the lowering springs. Rides really well and boy it handles nicely too. But I did throw on a Rear Anti Roll Bar off a early 45 saloon which helps too.
I will update very soon with pics of my last bit of work ot the car.
stamford
26-10-10, 08:45 PM
But I did throw on a RARB off a early 45 saloon which helps too.
That made me think for a second there!
That made me think for a second there!
I'm too used to typing in short hand :laugh:.
ZS Heatsheld.
http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/4597/abcd00195.jpg (http://img545.imageshack.us/i/abcd00195.jpg/)
Now the tailpipe doesn't look daft.
Dan1971
08-11-10, 08:03 PM
Good stuff .... :thumbsup:
Remind me why you didn't just buy a ZS again ????
Edit: Just read the first post again - Right time and place to get this one. All clear now.
:laugh:
I dunno why I didn't either!!
But as you also say about being in the right place and all that. I simply can't afford to buy a ZS outright. Then said i'd never modify it......
Which lasted all of five minutes! :laugh:
S7000EY
08-11-10, 08:21 PM
looking good mate, need to get some photos wi mine and urs and with curtis's zt
S7000EY
08-11-10, 08:22 PM
after nime is fixed that is :(
Aye, Curtis told me last night about your motor.
Gutted to hear about what happened. As it's a nice lookin' motor.
Would be cool to get a few photos of the car together. Planning to head down sometime next year when it's not AS cold :laugh:.
S7000EY
08-11-10, 08:40 PM
should have my car sorted by then and FINALLY have a zs bumper on it lol
should have my car sorted by then and FINALLY have a zs bumper on it lol
Now's your chance. DO IT!! lol
Quick update.
Got a new tyres for the front. Went for Maxxis MA-Z1's, all in for ?130. Thought that wasn't too bad. Car feels much nicer to drive now.
Also got a wee daft sticker for the car. I know that not everyone won't like it, but I LOL'd when I seen it.....
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/5633/dsc00339qj.jpg
coreygraham180
12-01-11, 08:51 PM
Quick update.
Got a new tyres for the front. Went for Maxxis MA-Z1's, all in for ?130. Thought that wasn't too bad. Car feels much nicer to drive now.
Also got a wee daft sticker for the car. I know that not everyone won't like it, but I LOL'd when I seen it.....
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/5633/dsc00339qj.jpg
i like that ......... havnt seen it on the back of a car before anyway.....lol
i personally like
http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx68/coreygraham180/gasorass.jpg
:yes::yes::yes::yes::yes::yes::yes::yes:
Ermmm....
Been away for a bit, thought i'd start off with an update on the 45.
For the most part the 45 has served me well over the last year. I've also done a few bits to the car. Some service items and some to improve the looks of the thing.
First off I changed the cambelt one weekend. Very surprised at how easy it was to do, just took my time and asked a few questions when I got stuck.
http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/8575/dsc00533i.jpg
http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/2091/dsc00532w.jpg
Found the cam locking tool wasn't helping much. Kept putting the cam timing out a tooth. But she runs perfect now, the old belt wasn't far off from snapping!!
Me and good mate had talked about going to U-Pull it in Fife. Just for a good look see if anything else. Didn't expect to find two Wedgewood blue 45's in. Feckin' result in my book.
So we got a good door, wing and bonnet. For ?84 with vat. Got the front bumper too, but found my orignal was in better nick so was left on.
Got my mate Curtis to line up the wing. Sorted the gaps in no time.
http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/7589/dsc00429ga.jpg
http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/5638/dsc00430x.jpg
Car's due MOT soon and it needing some niggles sorted. Sticking rear caliper and split CV boot. Might also invest in some 180 shocks to firm up the handling a touch.
Also done a daft thing and got another Vauxhall in my life. After saying i'd never have another....
http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/9962/dsc00469av.jpg
peterzs
26-07-11, 09:30 AM
Coming on, seems cheap for the wing and bits, your mate Curtis did a good job on the gaps by the look of it.
All the best with the other bits.
:wave:
haGGard
26-07-11, 09:16 PM
I like the look of that nova!
Supercharged_Z
26-07-11, 09:38 PM
I like the look of that nova!
do you know what you just said?
Peter- Thanks, he's a great guy to know. Quite switched on with sorting cars. He also found the car for me last year and helped me no end with getting it sorted. VERY glad I got this car, as it's done everything asked of it and more. Quite lucky to get panels in the right colour tbh. Not easy trying to get the same colour panels 'locally' to me.
HaGGard- Cheers dude. Picked it up by chance, like the 45 I always wanted one. Got a bigger engine for it, but not going for 'Redtop' though. Got sat a 1.6 16v with some tuning goodies to put on it. Bit of welding to do as well, a typical GM product :laugh:.
Done a bit tonight as well. The split CV boot changed and fixed another broken ABS ring. Glad they're quite easy to work on.
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