Vauxhall Cavalier MK III Hatchback 1.8 LSi CAT 1994

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awoolford
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Jul 01, 2017 9:31 am

Vauxhall Cavalier MK III Hatchback 1.8 LSi CAT 1994

Post by awoolford »

Hi there,

Just signed up as a new member because I would like to restore my old "L" reg Vauxhall Cavalier to mint condition.

My car is currently in Central London, but its usual home is in Reading, Berkshire.

I bought this car 2nd hand from a Car Dealer in Catford South London around the year 2000, with about 75000 on the clock. It is now at 198000 miles. I have for many years done my own maintenance but I currently live overseas and getting older don't have the stamina or the time. My sister in-law has been looking after it in my absence, but she doesn't drive it much and the last 2 MOTs have seen quite a lot of rust setting in which has required some welding. The car has had new brake pipes, disks and drums, exhaust front NS spring. Front shocks and steering top bearings are about 3 years old. The wheels are not original. Cheap Alloys which look rather out of place and which are a little out of shape due to potholes. They don't balance easily and I wouldn't mind replacing them with something more robust. Distinctive as they are, I am not a fan of the original cavalier steel rims and plastic hubcaps though.

Now my son is learning to drive and I would like to pass it on to him eventually, but first I would like to give it some beauty treatment to stop the rust and make it look like the cool classic car it really is! But more than that I am really fond of it and I don't mind putting some money into it - even though it's probably only worth scrap value at present.

This car has served me well and I believe that the ones in good condition may become quiet collectible. I am not overly concerned about keeping it all original, but at the same time I don't want it to be a hot rod!

The main bodywork problems are a variety of panels showing some rust, e.g. rear quarter panel, rear sill, inside door bottom. The bonnet is very chipped and there are a number of small shopping trolley dents over the sides. The roof lacquer is peeling off. The front radiator grille attachment is broken (loose) and all the badges are faded and need replacing. I did get a quote from a trusted local body shop in the region of £4,500 to deal with the bodywork, including replacing the quarter panel, grille and bonnet. It sounds a lot and I don't know if that sounds a reasonable ballpark figure or not. I could probably build a kitchen for that money...

On top of that, the interior needs a lot of work. The headliner is hanging down at all corners and dropping away from the windscreen. The foam insulation behind it is flaking and turning into dust. The front seats have sagged and the material is loose. The back seat fabric has a slight tear, but that will get worse if it isn't fixed. Many of the plastic components are not only dirty but in quite poor condition. In particular:

1) There is a crack in the plastic panel at the rear of the dashboard where it runs along the bottom edge of the windscreen.

2) The internal rear view mirror is loose and the silver is rusting at the edges.

3) The driver's door panel has a cut in the vinyl and the plastic door tray is split. Furthermore there are plastic hooks on the inside face which lock onto plastic tabs to hold the panel securely in place and these have broken off.

4) The steering wheel surface is peeling and "sticky" to the touch

5) The gear shift knob is similar condition to the steering wheel and the leather skirt if cracked and flaking.

6) Window rubbers are deteriorated and allowing considerable wind noise through - also the door weather linings which are no longer available from Vauxhall.

7) The internal door pull handles and latches are badly pitted and scored.

Ideally I would like to replace all these panels and plastic / rubber components but with my limited knowledge of the industry I have no idea where to source such components.

The 1.8L petrol injection engine was rebuilt at 120,000 miles after it threw a piston ring and a new crankshaft was fitted. I removed the EGR valve and had a superchip fitted quite a while ago to improve driveability. (Frankly it doesn't seem to give it any more power, but the acceleration is smoother and more responsive and it idles better).

I replaced the water pump and timing belt about 30000 miles ago and I think the engine is in pretty good condition, despite the aluminium surfaces looking quite pitted, white and tarnished. She certainly drives very well for her age. The engine bay needs a good clean up, but that is just cosmetic. The Power steering rack is showing some leaks and probably needs a new seal kit.

Going beyond a basic refurb, I would also be interested in finding out if it is possible to upgrade the interior to a higher standard than before. For example electric / leather seats and dashboard, and wooden components instead of some plastic ones. Perhaps someone could kindly advise me how I might go about doing this, or if there are specialists that you know of in car renovations and customization who I might approach? It may be that the top of the range versions of these vehicles may have had some of these features? I would like to use original features where possible, but am not averse to a little discrete customization where it would really enhance the vehicle - providing it is in keeping with the car. I am not a fan of digital dashes and LED lights everywhere.

I am mechanically quite competent, (I teach engines - piston and gas turbine), but not experienced with the car industry - especially the business of restoration and refurbishment. Therefore I would be very grateful for some advice about when I might go to get these works done to a high standard at a fair price. I'd like to spread the work out over maybe a couple of years tackling the "essentials" first like bodywork, headliner and seats, then moving on to the "nice to have" items later.

I am sure there would be plenty of people who will say "don't waste your money" as it is such an old car. I do understand that; Cavaliers aren't exactly in the same league as a 1920s Oldsmobile. Nevertheless, please kindly indulge me and any positive advice would be gratefully received.

Kind regards

Andy Woolford
Mazza
Registered user
Posts: 258
Joined: Thu Nov 03, 2016 11:00 am

Re: Vauxhall Cavalier MK III Hatchback 1.8 LSi CAT 1994

Post by Mazza »

Welcome to the forum Andy!

I'm sure the rest of the folks would agree it's trade off and a love for the car. You won't get the money back that you put in and it's the desire or the dreams that you have for the car.

You can get the valuation of the car when works done. some insurance companies do look at that as an agreement valuation. A lot better then there current market value, which is pretty poor.

Parts wise - they are a bit thin on the ground. Ideally a get a doner car for parts/interior - best if it's the same shape (saloon:hatch)

There's a few companies that do restoration over an agreed period and they will give you a good valuation of restoration (usually top end but may go up). Do your research beforehand talk to them or pop down, inspect their work. Most are booked up, generally 6months wait. Also these guys are now working more of 70-90 cars as before it used to be 1950-70 range. Also they will provide proof to the insurance company on work done

I've got a satin red cav turbo and white gsi and they both have their problems... such as you've mentioned.

Engine work - take it to good mechanic, ideally one who knows about cavaliers. Local vauxhall Dealer are often a waste of time - personal experience!

Facebook and other vauxhall site for parts. The guys here are knowledgeable and do help out.

Most parts are transferable but be on the guard as the scrap yard do charge a lot more now a days!

Alternatively, not one you may agree with - source another car in a better condition and upgrade that??? If you do, I strongly recommend you take some good pictures of the old one --- we all get attached!!! Mentally it's a good idea!

Welcome and good look with journey ahead!
3cav3
Registered user
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Joined: Sun May 22, 2016 6:07 pm

Re: Vauxhall Cavalier MK III Hatchback 1.8 LSi CAT 1994

Post by 3cav3 »

Welcome to the forum. It really comes down to had bad the rot is and how deep your pockets are. In the past I got frustrated with not being able to weld so enrolled on a night course at my local college. The best £200 I ever spent, has already saved me this cost many times over.
I think most people on here are probably like me and in the past have carried on spending money when in reality it was time to bail out. Only you know when this time comes, but if you really like the car then go for it.
awoolford
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Jul 01, 2017 9:31 am

Re: Vauxhall Cavalier MK III Hatchback 1.8 LSi CAT 1994

Post by awoolford »

Mazza wrote:Welcome to the forum Andy!

I'm sure the rest of the folks would agree it's trade off and a love for the car...
My reply is over a year late and I do apologise. My excuse is that I was expecting an email to tell me if there had been any replies and, as I didn't receive one, I assumed there had not been. I just logged in today as I am on the hunt for a heater control panel and found my previous post and your good advice.

Despite the 16 month delay, your advice is still valid and greatly appreciated.

I am pretty sure there are better condition cars around and I can perfectly understand that it would make sense to buy a donor vehicle. I am reluctant only because we have traveled our lives together. This car has seen the birth of both my children and my youngest seems quite keen to inherit her after he takes his driving test next year. (My eldest, sadly, is lured by the latest hi-tech and my 1994 cavalier doesnt quite tick the right boxes).

Anyway, the rust isn't too bad - at least nothing structural. A new rear quarter panel and a new bonnet should do the trick, together with a complete re-spray. But if I were to go down that route, it would make sense (to me anyway) to gut the interior, remove the engine and perform a bare-metal refurb of the chassis so she comes out looking like new. I know from my local bodyshop that there are some pattern panels still available for the Cavalier, so I wouldn't mind using those.

The main injury she has suffered is to the interior. The foam insulation in the roof has turned to dust and the headlining itself is hanging down in the corners. The carpet is worn out, the seat cloth has holes in it and the driver's seat has a spring poking up in exactly the wrong place! Door and window seals are letting air and noise (and water) in, so these all need replacing. I would be glad to spend good money on the interior and this is where I need the services of a specialist - especially if I go down the route of upgrading the interior with some electric or heated seats, some leather and wood features.

You mentioned there are a few companies who might be able to do this, and spread the work over a period of time - but I was wondering if you could recommend some to me by name? Perhaps you might PM me some details if possible?

Many thanks again, and I promise I will come back to check my replies this time!

Kind regards

Andy Woolford
Mazza
Registered user
Posts: 258
Joined: Thu Nov 03, 2016 11:00 am

Re: Vauxhall Cavalier MK III Hatchback 1.8 LSi CAT 1994

Post by Mazza »

Welcome back

Original parts have shot up in price and decent parts get snapped up quickly.

Also some sellers don’t bother with eBay, additional costs and lame buyers.

I’d say make a list of what you like to do and some budget. If you’re keeping the car,.. then that not an issue.

Sometimes You’ll see some decent parts on sale on this site, but predominantly on Facebook pages.

Personally I’ve picked up some on my work travels, but it’s for new boxed parts but some other good quality original parts.

You’ll be surprised once you start, ... the list will start growing beyond your original plans.

As you mentioned, if you stripping the interior, then check and address any issue there and also good opportunity to clean out / repair interior parts.

There’s plenty of cars being broken and some recently have been pretty decent looking from the pics.

You may decide to remain stock to the original or add a few creature comforts - personal preference. I’m any case, nice to see any cavalier back on the road.

I’d say don’t rush it, take your time. Do your investigation, so it’s done right first time. Some issue you mentioned are normal for the age of the car - my turbos are no exception. A good quality interior trimmer job or a replacement.

There’s some clever bunch of guys around who are happy to give advice.

Good luck and keep us posted!!!
iangsi
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Location: Bromley, Kent.

Re: Vauxhall Cavalier MK III Hatchback 1.8 LSi CAT 1994

Post by iangsi »

A full interior will have to be second hand, heated seats only came with the leather from a Diplomat or a Turbo. Original vauxhall alloys come up quite regularly in various sizes. Bits & pieces of new trim can be sourced from Genuine Parts Search or Vauxhall Green Parts.
awoolford
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Jul 01, 2017 9:31 am

Re: Vauxhall Cavalier MK III Hatchback 1.8 LSi CAT 1994

Post by awoolford »

Thanks for that info. I’d say I can allocate a budget of £5K. The car is (believe it or not) still roadworthy despite the interior peeling off the roof, and yes I do intend to keep it.

My problem is that I now live and work overseas and my sister in law is currently using it. Therefore I need to pass this onto a vauxhall specialist to source the components and fit. I would like to undertake the work in manageable chunks, (say up to £1000 each time), and return the car to service between maintenance cycles, starting with repairs and upgrades to the interior.

You mentioned there are some talented guys out there, and that leather trim
may be available from a Diplomat. I’d love to fit air con and cruise control too, which are both features this model of Mk3 never had.

If you can not recommend any firms by name, (forum rules?), perhaps you could point me to the places where they advertise their services?

Very grateful for your advice. :)
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