Vauxhall PA Cresta

GALLERY 10

Well here we are at the start of a new year, January 2007. Things are steadily progressing after me having a spell of no enthusiasm. I am now feeling quite good about the chances of our PA Cresta being on the road by May 2007. All door glasses are in place as is the mechanism's, locks etc. As you will see from the photo's below she is really begining to take shape. I am reconing on having the engine in place by the end of february, another milestone.



	Update as of 17/02/07. I have been doing some fiddly jobs lately, the boot lid wouldn't line up for some reason so i have had to alter the slam bracket slightly. I have fitted a new boot seal so perhaps that has made things more awkward. I have arranged an engine lift for 26/02/07 so hopefully that should get fitted in a couple of days. That will be a milestone to me, although today has been very enjoyable. I have finished the steering gear assembly and fitted all 4 wheels and lowered her back down to ground level.
17/02/07	17/02/07	17/02/07	17/02/07
26/02/07	26/02/07	26/02/07	26/02/07
I was up at the crack of dawn Monday morning ready to go collect the engine hoist. The day couldn't have gone better with everything falling into place nicely. Graham (My Brother) came over to give me a hand, we first had to load engine into trailer. Once the engine was down at the garage we got it on the hoist. I fitted the bell housing along with the clutch slave cylinder and the engine mountings. The only slight problem we had was getting the engine over the slam panel. We achieved this by lowering the car on the trolley jack after removing the front wheels. Maneuvering the engine into place went well with no scratches to paintwork, i think the secret is to take your time and think every move through. Engine was in by mid day.
17/03/07	02/04/07	02/04/07	04/04/07
04/04/07
Steady progress is being made as you can see from the photo's above. The front panel had been sprayed grey in error, i decided to spray it black as it should be, looks better when the grill is on. I had loads of fun with the exhaust, which just did not fit. The down section from the manifold had to be shortened and i had to cut 3 bends to properly route then weld up. Turned out well in the end that's the main thing, there will be no clunks or bangs that's for sure. I have a week booked off work commencing 16th April, i am hoping to have her completed at the end of it, getting very near now.


Work between the 12th and 18th April 2007 has shown good progress. The fuel tank and fuel line have been fitted, i now have fuel up to the pump. I have filled the brake fluid up and bled the system, although i seem to be having some problems with an airlock. I am going to try an easy bleed kit to see if that will shift it. Front and rear bumpers have been fitted, this took more time than i thought it would but its paid to take our time and the bumpers are good and level. The bonnet is now fitted, although i may need to take the springs off again and have another go. The bonnet lined up pretty well until i put the springs on, now she stands proud a little. Thanks Graham and Katie for your great help during the last few days.
			This is how she's looking on 21st April 2007. Getting very near now.
SEE VIDEO OF FIRST RUN CLICK HERE		5Tth of May saw the first movement under her own power and everything seems fine. Took her out for a 5 mile run on Sunday 6th May, only thing to report is a noisy speedo, i will have to look into that one.
Well the big day arrived on Tuesday 8th May 2007, the MOT test was booked for 3pm at my local garage. The weather was dry and bright as i drove her to the garage, running very nicely. The garage owner was quite impressed and he said part of the test was to drive it up the road ( yeah!!! :-) ) Anyway half hour later i had the pass sheet in my hand and was driving away from the garage with a large smile on my face, great feeling.
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