Firebrand

Went for a WOF today, got a bit of a list to work through but nothing unexpected: I'm going to need a set of rear struts if anyone has any, as well as a Wiper motor and linkages. Most of the other bits should be OK.

It's really time I got my arse along to another meet, this looks ace...

A few weeks back I ended up buying a complete black interior from a guy in Auckland, I was heading up there for work anyway so it worked out well. My current interior was looking rather tired, so it's definitely an improvement. Over the last couple of weeks I've stripped out most of the old interior and put the new stuff in, not quite finished yet but it's looking good so far: Best thing is the door cards have survived nearly 30 years without someone cutting speaker holes in them: I haven't had time to get the dash swapped over yet, I think it's going to be a mission, but will be worth it, the new one is mint: So just a bit more stuff to do, then time to book it in for a WOF and see what's wrong with it...

I think the little vacuum lines are all to do with the EGR/emissions system, but i can't remember which ones go where. The little extra tube running to the sump is probably for the drain that runs from the bottom of the factory oil catch can (which is attached to the airbox)

Almost back in business. I put on the late model (Widebody) tail lights I imported from japan a couple of years back. Still haven't fixed the dented rear corner properly, but I don't care right now, I just want to drive it... Just a bit more reassembly to do, then in for a WOF, hopefully no major work needed... Also picked up these nice old Clarion speakers (used but still in original box). I only got two, but I have 4 speaker holes to fill, so if anybody has a matching pair let me know:

So I've been making slow but steady progress, new door is on, rust free and straighter than the previous one. I've repaired both front fenders. Pulled off all intercooler piping, repainted everything and replaced all silicon joiners. New spark plugs & leads, gave engine bay a general tidy up. Replaced the gear shift bushing & changed trans fluid, gearbox feels much tighter now. There's so much more stuff I've forgotten about, but it's getting there. I fixed up a whole lot of surface rust and flaking paint around the rear of the car. I've decided against getting a full repaint for now, I don't have enough money at the moment, and I really want to just get the car back on the road. So today, I put in a new battery, and fired her up for the first time in 6 months, started fine without too much complaining Just need a bit more paint work, mostly in the rear lower fenders, then to reassemble everything. Once ready I'll book it in for a WOF, also needs new tie rod ends (and probably more), and the clutch is engaging with the pedal really close to the floor so I'll get that checked out too. All going to plan it should be ready by the end of May (famous last words!)

I love that blue vinyl! such a tidy looking car

Shit that was a good day, really eclectic selection of cars there, I was impressed by the workshop area also. I wasn't feeling great so couldn't stay around anywhere near as long as I wanted to. I'm definitely planning to have my car there next year.

I'm definitely going to come check out the open day (Southwards is incredible), my car is still in pieces sadly, but I'll come and say hi.

cheers guys! hoping to get a fair bit done over the break, really want to drive it again soon!

My Starion discuss here if you want?

I've owned my 1983 Starion GSR-II for almost 5 years now. This is taken earlier this year: Bought it sight-unseen from Christchurch and drove it back to Wellington. I moved to Dunedin in 2010, so drove it all the way down packed full of gear. Spent the next three years tinkering with it and driving it all around Otago, it was pretty solid and reliable considering 80's, turbo etc. but the paint was flaking badly in places (from a poor respray sometime in the distant past), heaps of play in the steering and it was getting a bit of rust in sills, doors etc. So at the start of 2013, I returned home to Wellington, got a better job and the last couple of months I am finally starting to make some progress on the car. I hauled it into my garage and went over it with a fine toothed comb, noting down every flaw to be fixed and improvement to be made. I ended up with a list of around 160 items! The major ones are a repaint (properly this time),new wheels (probably 15" this time), getting steering sorted, LSD (if I can find one), and just a really good tidy up of everything else. So the tear-down begins : Found a bit of rust so far (mostly in the rear corners), but not as bad as I expected. Paint is flaking off all over the place, it looks way better in the photo than in real life. Pulled off the fenders: I think I've saved about 2kg in weight just from dirt and dust I've removed from underneath panels and other places. Luckily very little rust on either fender, which I am really happy about, as starions usually rust like crazy there. Underneath the fenders looks pretty good too. Just needs a cleanup and a coat of paint. The door in the background of the second photo is rust free and almost ready to go on the car also. discuss here

I always had bloody good service from Mark at Car Connection in Kaikorai Valley when I was down there. Reasonable prices too.

Looks awesome mate. A bit of inspiration to get my one sorted for summer.

Was cool to meet some of you guys, will be coming to future meets for sure. Pretty random selection of cars, was great!

Really looking forward to it

Seriously considering coming along for this, been lurking on here for long enough...

Looks pretty staunch on those wheels mate, good luck with the build Have a look at austarion.com if you haven't already, there's a lot of info there...

Man, awesome! I drove one of these when I was in Serbia a few years back, every second car over there is a Yugo/Zastava . .

I'll keep my eyes peeled for it down here, that sucks mate.

Keen to bring the Starion along, haven't met many decent car folks in Dunedin since I've been here..