Project Korean Cortina - going back in time!

[mat_the_cat]

Straight through the MOT today, which is the first time EVER in nearly 20 years of ownership that it hasn't needed some work

[mat_the_cat]

Oh, and I gave it a wash too!

 

[twosmoke300]

  On 16/07/2015 at 06:12, mat_the_cat said:

Interesting - why's that then? I'd never looked at them in much detail before and it amazed me the number of different styles there were!

Just so they fit correctly because one arm is usually cranked/ offset differently to the other

[mat_the_cat]

We went to a localish show today, and if I hear one more person say "These were based on the Cortina" I'll probably scream!

 

The car went well though, and attracted more interest than I thought.

 

 

 

Overheard one guy saying that he had one back in the day, and it was awful! A bit harsh maybe, as it's no worse dynamically than a Cortina. I suppose a generation behind current cars though.

 

Other things which caught my eye were this Jaguar V12 based trike - everything made from polished stainless!

 

 

And this truck...had what I can only describe as a mobile living room in the back!

 

[4wheeledstool]

I was at the same show today in my Cavalier - Stellar looked mighty fine!

[mat_the_cat]

  On 19/07/2015 at 20:55, 4wheeledstool said:

I was at the same show today in my Cavalier - Stellar looked mighty fine!

 

Was it this one by any chance?

 

 

If so we talked to you!

[mrbenn]

Bugger, normally do Bodelwyddan but the Minor has developed a noise from the gearbox so didn't fancy the trip.

 

Both Stellar and Cav look awesome!

[4wheeledstool]

  On 19/07/2015 at 21:22, mat_the_cat said:

Was it this one by any chance?

 

 

If so we talked to you!

Not me chief - my Cav is the invalid carriage blue ex-Cavcraft Mk1.

[DeeJay]

That is looking absolutely gorgeous.

My cap is well doffed for sticking with it.

[mat_the_cat]

The plan for this Sunday was to visit the Festival of the Unexceptional - unfortunately the plan was foiled by them actually holding the show on the Saturday. That'll teach me to read things properly!

 

Still, I managed 600-odd miles without any real problems, which has given me a lot more confidence in the car The only issues are that the cruise control isn't working, the oil temperature gauge is constantly reading off the scale high, and the windscreen wipers are a bit on the slow side.

 

The rain was pretty heavy on the way back, and I was glad the engine isn't in a high state of tune with all the roundabouts on the A5 coming through Shropshire! Took plenty of concentration...

 

The other pleasing thing was the fuel consumption; keeping to a steady 60-65 mph I managed three fills at 28 mpg, and one at 31 mpg!

[Anglevan]

Great rebuild and i've been an avid follower - glad it's now being used.

[RayMK]

You've definitely got the smartest, earliest Stellar in the country and on the road, and probably the most powerful. I must get to see it one day.  The Festival of the Inexplicable or unacceptable or whatever almost caught me out.  It was only when checking the weather forecast that I realised it was on Saturday.

[vulgalour]

You can't complain about a car that looks like a Maserati from the rear 3/4 view, you just can't.

[mat_the_cat]

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hyundai-Stellar-GSL-1-6-1986-/111727354817?

 

After seeing this on eBay I'm starting to wish I could find one for less money and in worse condition to use as a parts car! All I need is one of the sill trims which go under the doors, and the wheel centre caps.

 

Even half wondered about buying this and just removing the items I need before selling it on, but don't have a spare £500. Plus it kind of seems a shame to do that.

 

I started investigating the oil temperature gauge problem last night - looks like the gauge itself is at fault as even disconnected it sometimes doesn't return to zero. And earthing the sender wire to give full scale high often just sends it to exactly half way. So I stripped it down (getting the bezel off was fiddly) thinking there was something physically stopping the needle from moving. But no, you can move it just as easily whenever it sticks.

 

Found a replacement for £30, supposed NOS from a Land Rover military spares surplus place. Hopefully that will work OK...

[RayMK]

I haven't seen another Stellar on the road since 2005 on the Isle of Wight.  Judging by the response when I ask breakers if they have got any Stellars, " 'kinell mate, ent sin one of em for 10 years,"  you will be hard pressed to find one for the bits you need.  I suspect that the few remaining on SORN are dissolving on driveways.

 

Has the ebay Stellar got a dented front nearside wing or is it just an odd reflection? 

[mat_the_cat]

I thought the same about the wing - as it happens I have a perfect spare for that side! Wonder if the new buyer would fancy a swap for a few bits of plastic...

 

I suppose I could try a dealer on the slimmest of chances they're still available (some parts seemingly still are) but failing that I think it's a case of seeing if a rotten one comes up for sale. I guess they are becoming unusual enough for people to try listing on eBay rather than straight to the scrapyard, but on the other hand they may be completely non car orientated and see it as valueless.

 

Perhaps the one on eBay will go to someone who wants to de-trim it and stick big wheels on?

[mat_the_cat]

The replacement gauge arrived yesterday, so I've now fitted it. I don't really need an oil temperature gauge, but there was a hole in the dash to fill (used to have a vacuum 'economy' gauge), and an oil temperature sender on the engine, so a bit of a no brainer!

 

I calibrated it last night using a couple of resistors to create a 1.1 kohm resistance between gauge and sender, and with a break in the rain this afternoon I went for a quick drive to test it. It's always surprising how long after the water has warmed up that the oil gets to normal temperature, but after half an hour or so this is what it was reading:

 

 

I recorded a few video clips as it was quite a scenic route I took; however with the internet connection we have it will take a few hours to upload 8 minutes of footage Until then I'll have to make do with just a picture of the view:

 

[mat_the_cat]

Finally, we have a vid!

 

 

Not up to Dollywobbler standards by any means, and there is a distinct lack of any commentary whatsoever. Just a good, fun drive It may not be quick, or handle well, but it makes me smile every time.

[DodgyBastard]

No Levellers soundtrack in the video? Very disappointing!

[outlaw118]

Blinding work Sir, looks great, sounds great, is great.

 

I HAZ JELUS.

[mat_the_cat]

Epic collection thread?

http://autotradermalta.com/viewcar.aspx?id=9439

 

Air conditioning, which I'd like to fit at some point, plus I WANT THOSE SILL TRIMS! Wonder about getting one made up...has to be cheaper than buying an entire car!

[RayMK]

Nice scenery and V8 soundtrack on your video.  Where in Wales is that road? 

 

You mentioned air conditioning - but not power steering.  Has yours already got it, or are you a lot stronger than me?   Mine is very heavy at parking speed despite tyres being the correct size and at the right pressure.  I am sure my original Stellar was lighter at the helm.  I used to drive work's pool car Cortinas when on business and they seemed crude and unrefined compared to the Stellar.  I also owned a Ginetta G26 which had a V6 (Cologne) engine and automatic transmission squeezed in instead of the usual Pinto/ manual set-up.  The G26 used Cortina MK3/4/5 suspension strapped to Ginetta's own chassis.  Again, the handling and roadholding was awkward and inconsistant, wallowing on corners rather like the well worn pool Cortinas.  Modern stuff may be good on smooth roads, though potholes and the lack of ground clearance soon has them making expensive noises.

[mat_the_cat]

The first road is up Cwm Teigl, a little used dead-end road here:

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Blaenau+Ffestiniog,+Gwynedd+LL41/@52.9860087,-3.8910291,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x48650cd167441ae7:0xe9cce3c9627da57d

 

Mine doesn't have power steering, and yes, it would make parking easier. Especially now I have more weight up front! That said, the engine felt a similar weight to manhandle as the old iron block original. But the car weighs 200 kg more than standard, and the reinforcements I put in won't add up to that. I suppose the gearbox must be a contributor, as that was a lot heavier. That said, I do very little town driving so fitting PAS never really crossed my mind.

 

AC would be really welcome though - even with extra insulation there is heat soak through the bulkhead, and most of the wiring for it is already in place. I may get a universal kit from the States and adapt it to fit, hopefully invisibly once inside the cabin. I really can't see my finding a suitably equipped donor car over here!

 

Although I have found one potentially up for sale Just need to settle on a price, and I'll be a two Stellar owner...

[Parky]

Double the Stellars, double the pussay!

[mat_the_cat]

Hmmm. The seller wants a grand for a Stellar with no MOT, oil leaks from the engine and gearbox, and 'brakes needing bleeding'. Makes the one on eBay which finished at £510 (which was pointed out to him) seem rather cheap! Needless to say it won't be joining me at that price...

 

So I turned my attention to fixing up a piece of interior trim. This was the capping on the edge of the passenger seat, which had cracked around both screw holes:

 

 

I bent a couple of steel strips into a flattened U shape, and cut slots to clear the reinforcing ribs in the plastic. Then bonded them on with JB Weld, and drilled to match the holes on the seat frame. Surprisingly these were drilled and tapped into the frame, rather than the cheaper method of popping in a plastic plug to suit a self tapper. Another surprise for a car built down to a price!

 

 

And the finished job, although still needing a clean

 

[Felly Magic]

Someone I know has just bought a maroon/burgundy Stellar with a boot spoiler on. From the photo I saw of it, it looks fairly tidy. 

[mat_the_cat]

That's likely the one on eBay very recently - finished at £510 although reserve not met. Are they on here yet? Might have a passenger front wing if they need it to replace the dented one...

 

Mine had  the boot spoiler on originally, but being foam it soaked up the water and meant the lid wouldn't stay up in the rain!

[Felly Magic]

I think the owner may be on here as a lurker, he's a mate of Cyanide Steve

[RayMK]

  On 09/08/2015 at 19:09, mat_the_cat said:

That's likely the one on eBay very recently - finished at £510 although reserve not met. Are they on here yet? Might have a passenger front wing if they need it to replace the dented one...

 

Mine had  the boot spoiler on originally, but being foam it soaked up the water and meant the lid wouldn't stay up in the rain!

Risky thinking about offering a front wing.  In my experience, keeping it will ensure that you will not need it.  Sell it, and your Stellar front wing will attract loaded supermarket trolleys, old ladies will practise parking against it and badgers will fling themselves from the hedgerows to imprint teeth marks on it. 

 

People seem to think ANY old car in ANY condition is worth £thousands.  Well, sellers do.  Stellar buyers are an exclusive bunch, but not daft.

[mat_the_cat]

Probably very right about the wing! But it just seemed like fate that I have one spare...

 

I'm missing all but one of the wheel centre caps, and initially wondered about getting some moulded up, after a suggestion from Skizzer.

 

 

But I've persuaded Mrs_the_cat to model one up for me, with the plan to get a set 3D printed. Handy being married to a CAD designer!