After an "incident" on the Bloodhound Stages (in the UK) in 2004 the decision was taken to reshell the Nova into a Corsa. A little while later a prepped but unused shell came up for sale and was bought.

Due to other commitments and lack of motivation the project was put on hold and was started back on this summer. Heres a few more pics of the original state of the car but made rolling with std front suspension and rack.

Since the beginning of July the work has really started properly. First the bulkhead was modified and battery tray etc removed.

Bottom of car has been stonechipped and sprayed (by hand) Rear beam removed thens ome bits ordered and fitted - new tank, a tankguard, filler etc.

Fuel line run to tank, rear brake lines fitted and bias box fitted.

Rear beam cleaned and painted, fitted with polybushes, new discs, pads and fitting kit, converted to studs and refitted to car. (Piccie before new parts fitted)

Front suspension - Bilsteins, Uniballs etc stripped, cleaned and reassembled with polybushed arms etc

Front turret tops modified to take adjustable top mounts then full suspension legs fitted to car along with front sumpguard mounts.

Twin Fuel pumps and Filterking now in location (though not yet configured)

Main work has been on wiring loom. It started a bit like this..

but I have disassembled everything, got rid of everything I didnt want and converted virtually everything to standard fuses and relays which means its all easily interchangable if needed. Note the location the relays, fuses etc are in the dash. The fire/cutoff will be located in a panel in the stereo location. Toggle switches for fuel pumps / spots / rad fan etc to be located in the top unit (where the clock usually is) Various panels to be made up to locate relays / fuses / switches in properly.

Shows more of the front of the car. Have currently wired in lights, indicators, brake, fogs, fuel, rad fan and run wires for a few other things.

Shows part of the rear wiring etc - and no the lights arent going to be located inside. Theyre just there for testing the wires.

Finally an overall shot of the car from outside as it stands.

This week and next weekends plans are to finish the wiring loom completely... Then we start on...

Clean and reassemble engine.

Bought the engine complete previously - discovered it has mahle pistons which were a surprise when we disassembled it - not sure what cam it has yet as havent looked but its had a fair bit of headwork done and has ARP bolts etc. Not doing any upgrades on it, just new gaskets, rings etc. Though we do have to work out how to mount it in the Corsa - using as many Nova mounts as possible

Decide which Box / Diff to fit.

Used to run a std F13 with 4.3CWP and a 70% diff. Bought a dogbox and 90% diff but dont have the quaiffe linkage at the moment or the power steering and want to get the car finished so will probably refit the std box and get the diff plates redone on the 70% diff then sort the dogbox and diff after its done an event.

Seat rails / positioning:

Seats to be positioned onto the existing seat rails and vertical handbrake to be positioned where comfortable.

Plus 1001 other things to do - guarding of fuel filler, front brake lines, dashboard instruments, bodywork etc etc etc...