Nothing at the moment but I'm looking at replacing the front brake discs and shoes => high performance brake discs for track use, replacing the shock absorbers => on which you can change the damping and get a second set of 18" wheels with hig performance tires.
What have you done to your car today?
- Thread starter Perfect Balance
- 6,673 comments
- 392,688 views
nd 4 holden spd
(Banned)
- 6,142
- GTP_nd4holdenspd
- No, another PSN: nd4holdenspd
How could something give birth to something bigger and better than itself?
nd 4 holden spd
(Banned)
- 6,142
- GTP_nd4holdenspd
- No, another PSN: nd4holdenspd
- 1,035
How do you know how long ago it was laid <?> <layed?>? Maybe it's just crawled underneath to suckle...
nd 4 holden spd
(Banned)
- 6,142
- GTP_nd4holdenspd
- No, another PSN: nd4holdenspd
Great, I'll never be able to look at that pic again now.
- 3,433
nice shiny radiator in the astra now yay
they didnt say anything else wrong so hopefully its all good for now!
they didnt say anything else wrong so hopefully its all good for now!
- 5,768
- Anoka, MN
Put on some extra backup/tailgater lights and repainted my light guards.
Before
After
MUCH better than stock, tried them out at night and had a much easier time seeing behind me. Can't wait to see just how good they are this winter.
Before
After
MUCH better than stock, tried them out at night and had a much easier time seeing behind me. Can't wait to see just how good they are this winter.
- 12,901
- Cambridge
- Moglet85
- Moglet
I backed it into a parking barrier in a hurry to turn round in the entrance to a carpark. 
The crunch was horrible, but it appears that there was no real damage, just the tow eye cover popped out. Luckily it's held on with cord, so I just popped it back in. I can't believe I didn't even scratch the chrome!
The crunch was horrible, but it appears that there was no real damage, just the tow eye cover popped out. Luckily it's held on with cord, so I just popped it back in. I can't believe I didn't even scratch the chrome!
- 2,312
- Misnblu
- Misnblu
First, 56k beware.
Second, I finally got the rear trailing arms in from Level Zero Motorsports and can say they're a thing of beauty.
Here's the bushing in a two part configuration. This should make installation much easier with stainless steel insert and grooved bushing to better hold grease.
Next, I bought a carbon fiber brake reservoir cover to make the underhood a bit prettier and coincide with all of the other carbon fiber all over the car.
Billet cap from MRZ Performance.
Since there's not much information on the Sunfire tail swap, I thought I'd throw in a bit of a how to in the installation of it.
In the pic, you'll see where all of the studs (in white circles) are cut off so that they don't interfere with installation on hoods without provisions for these studs.
Simple cutters will do fine when cutting them but make sure they're cut flush.
Another thing that I've been doing with all of the corners, tails, and center piece for the trunk is to take the stupid metal caps that GM so loves to use and replace them with real nuts. Using those caps does nothing more than stress the studs and they eventually break. I'm sure that most of you know about this breakage so here's the way to eliminate that from happening and it's been real successful with the 'blu so far.
First, you'll need a tap and die set. I use the 5/16 size as it fits the studs perfectly.
Here's a before pic of the stud with what the metal cap does for retention.
Here's the stud that's being tapped.
The finished product and this is now so much easier to keep tail lights mounted, bumper lenses, and most anything that uses the metal caps.
Well, without further ado, it was time for the DarkStars carbon fiber trunk to be installed.
A note to all. With the carbon fiber trunk, the springs that keep the trunk up will warp the trunk lid because of all the pressure when the trunk is closed.
I spent over 2 hours working with several different modifications to make the springs work but to no avail. I tried everything. I won't post them because the effort is futile so like most everyone with a carbon fiber trunk, I'll be using some kind of device to keep the trunk lid up when I need to.
I removed the bars/ springs since I didn't need them anymore.
Here's some of the first pics of the trunk through it's initial installation.
See part two below.
Part two.
Here is the trunk finally set and looking good.
I test fit the Sunfire tails to see how they look and I love it.
The GTC lives on in the 'blu.
DarkStars, I hope you see this as this is my commemoration of your meticulous work on your Cavies.
I also tried to fit both the Sunfire spoiler onto the hood along with the one that I had on the car before the install. Both looked ridiculous. I even tried to fit the little rubber lip onto the trunk to see how that looked and again, fail.
So this is how the 'blu is going to look from now on. Spoilerless.
I've still got some minor fitment issues to do on the trunk and to get some 5/16 nuts to bolt up the Sunfire center. I'll have that done tomorrow and am going to cruise it some tomorrow.
Here's some random pics for all to enjoy.
Comments welcome and criticism as well.
Second, I finally got the rear trailing arms in from Level Zero Motorsports and can say they're a thing of beauty.
Here's the bushing in a two part configuration. This should make installation much easier with stainless steel insert and grooved bushing to better hold grease.
Next, I bought a carbon fiber brake reservoir cover to make the underhood a bit prettier and coincide with all of the other carbon fiber all over the car.
Billet cap from MRZ Performance.
Since there's not much information on the Sunfire tail swap, I thought I'd throw in a bit of a how to in the installation of it.
In the pic, you'll see where all of the studs (in white circles) are cut off so that they don't interfere with installation on hoods without provisions for these studs.
Simple cutters will do fine when cutting them but make sure they're cut flush.
Another thing that I've been doing with all of the corners, tails, and center piece for the trunk is to take the stupid metal caps that GM so loves to use and replace them with real nuts. Using those caps does nothing more than stress the studs and they eventually break. I'm sure that most of you know about this breakage so here's the way to eliminate that from happening and it's been real successful with the 'blu so far.
First, you'll need a tap and die set. I use the 5/16 size as it fits the studs perfectly.
Here's a before pic of the stud with what the metal cap does for retention.
Here's the stud that's being tapped.
The finished product and this is now so much easier to keep tail lights mounted, bumper lenses, and most anything that uses the metal caps.
Well, without further ado, it was time for the DarkStars carbon fiber trunk to be installed.
A note to all. With the carbon fiber trunk, the springs that keep the trunk up will warp the trunk lid because of all the pressure when the trunk is closed.
I spent over 2 hours working with several different modifications to make the springs work but to no avail. I tried everything. I won't post them because the effort is futile so like most everyone with a carbon fiber trunk, I'll be using some kind of device to keep the trunk lid up when I need to.
I removed the bars/ springs since I didn't need them anymore.
Here's some of the first pics of the trunk through it's initial installation.
See part two below.
Part two.
Here is the trunk finally set and looking good.
I test fit the Sunfire tails to see how they look and I love it.
The GTC lives on in the 'blu.
DarkStars, I hope you see this as this is my commemoration of your meticulous work on your Cavies.
I also tried to fit both the Sunfire spoiler onto the hood along with the one that I had on the car before the install. Both looked ridiculous. I even tried to fit the little rubber lip onto the trunk to see how that looked and again, fail.
So this is how the 'blu is going to look from now on. Spoilerless.
I've still got some minor fitment issues to do on the trunk and to get some 5/16 nuts to bolt up the Sunfire center. I'll have that done tomorrow and am going to cruise it some tomorrow.
Here's some random pics for all to enjoy.
Comments welcome and criticism as well.
Rotary Junkie
Premium
- 9,810
- Canton, MI
- RJs_RX-7
Nice.
You've managed to make an ugly car look good. I'm not one for those Cavaliers, and what's normally done to them makes me want to puke, but yours I like.
You've managed to make an ugly car look good. I'm not one for those Cavaliers, and what's normally done to them makes me want to puke, but yours I like.
- 1,035
Not my cup of tea, but different strokes etc. It's a clean car though, as long as you're happy with it.
Only thing I dislike about it would be the bright red rear drums.
Only thing I dislike about it would be the bright red rear drums.
- 12,901
- Cambridge
- Moglet85
- Moglet
Got to agree with this, the rest of the car is really smart and the carbon fibre works well, but those drums just look cheap!
- 5,768
- Anoka, MN
Well not everyone has 800 bucks for rear discs! 
- 12,901
- Cambridge
- Moglet85
- Moglet
Well not everyone has 800 bucks for rear discs!
What about a few bucks for black paint instead of bright red?
- 5,768
- Anoka, MN
Some people like painting them to match the calipers rather then hiding them!
- 2,312
- Misnblu
- Misnblu
It's ironic that you mention the drums.
I've got a rear disc conversion from a Neon for the car, sitting in the garage. They're 10 inch and will go good with the WilWood 12 inch disc upgrade for the front.
Most of you don't know what's in this car or what 8 years of custom work is in it.
So I'll let you naysay it because ignorance is bliss.
With my turbo build and 5 speed tranny swap next year, this car will be track ready, autocross ready, and dragstrip ready.
It's ironic to think that most hate on Cavaliers but there are some Cavaliers out there that will take on most anything on the road. There are a few of us that know what we're doing and sometimes the work isn't apparent. The car above is one of them and I'm quite proud of it.
Don't think I'm knocking the comments, I'm not. I'm used to it.
But the plans are to have a one of a kind Cavalier (which it is already) and to complete the build that I've started in 1999. All this will have been built by me and no one else and that's something most can't say when it comes to their cars.
But the above is what I did today and next week, I'm installing the new T304 stainless exhaust from the cat back and finishing one of the last chassis stiffening braces on the subframe, the K-brace.
Pretty much every part on the car is new or modified in some manner except for the red drums. lol.
Thanks for the comments all.
Comments always welcome and criticism too.
I've got a rear disc conversion from a Neon for the car, sitting in the garage. They're 10 inch and will go good with the WilWood 12 inch disc upgrade for the front.
Most of you don't know what's in this car or what 8 years of custom work is in it.
So I'll let you naysay it because ignorance is bliss.
With my turbo build and 5 speed tranny swap next year, this car will be track ready, autocross ready, and dragstrip ready.
It's ironic to think that most hate on Cavaliers but there are some Cavaliers out there that will take on most anything on the road. There are a few of us that know what we're doing and sometimes the work isn't apparent. The car above is one of them and I'm quite proud of it.
Don't think I'm knocking the comments, I'm not. I'm used to it.
But the plans are to have a one of a kind Cavalier (which it is already) and to complete the build that I've started in 1999. All this will have been built by me and no one else and that's something most can't say when it comes to their cars.
But the above is what I did today and next week, I'm installing the new T304 stainless exhaust from the cat back and finishing one of the last chassis stiffening braces on the subframe, the K-brace.
Pretty much every part on the car is new or modified in some manner except for the red drums. lol.
Thanks for the comments all.
Comments always welcome and criticism too.
- 1,035
I don't think anyone here was knocking your car. It's very clean, and for the most part, tastefully done.
You have a disc swap waiting? Fantastic. Is there any way for us to know that based on those pictures alone? No.
The rear drums look kind of tacky compared to the rest of the car, which is why I brought it up in the first place. Looks out of place.
You have a disc swap waiting? Fantastic. Is there any way for us to know that based on those pictures alone? No.
The rear drums look kind of tacky compared to the rest of the car, which is why I brought it up in the first place. Looks out of place.
- 3,433
theres the much worrysome mayonnaise on the oil cap and the liquid in the expansion tank is looking pretty thick... 
- 2,312
- Misnblu
- Misnblu
Thanks and I apologize if I came off a bit defensive. You have to understand I do get alot of flack for having a cavalier.
Ane yeah, I hate drums and even have drums on the Paseo/ Cynos that I have for my daily driver. That's the yellow car in the background.
Anyway, I've got to do some minor adjustments to the trunk lid and it'll be set. Then, I'm going to cruise it for a bit to see how much weight has been removed and how it handles.
nd 4 holden spd
(Banned)
- 6,142
- GTP_nd4holdenspd
- No, another PSN: nd4holdenspd
Forgive me, but can you tell me some things about the Cavalier? I'm guessing FWD, 2.0L 4cyl, what else?
- 13,818
- Alabama
Pre scuff pad
Post scuff pad
Close up #1
Close up #2
Now at this point, I was *very* close to quitting. I LOVED the way it looked. I <3 brushed aluminum look. More cars should have brushed aluminum. Anyway, despite my love for brushed aluminum, I moved on.
Post masking
Now some of you may look at that image and say "WTF? Why didn't you take the grill out to paint it? Well uh...I didn't feel like taking the bumper off just to paint the grill. Why oh why Chrysler did you not make the grill just clip on like so many others?
I'll be honest. At first, I only intended to spray the chrome surround on the grill. I tried several differnt ways to mask the actual grill but nothing worked. I got the idea to just place something underneath the wing emblem as I sprayed (and down the side when I got to that part) but that didn't work and I ended up getting primer on the actual grill. At this I point I said "eff it, I'll do the whole grill" and prayed for it to turn out alright so I wouldn't have to drive around with an ugly thing on the front of my car.
To my surprise this was the result
Not the best picture. I will get more tomorrow for sure though. The Chrysler logo was not painted over. I had taped it off and painted over the tape and just hadn't taken it off as the paint hadn't fully dried yet. About an hour later I took the paint off to reveal the logo and it looks a lot better.
All in all I must say that I impressed myself. I think it looks damn good for $18 in supplies and rattle can paint.
What do you guys think?
Post scuff pad
Close up #1
Close up #2
Now at this point, I was *very* close to quitting. I LOVED the way it looked. I <3 brushed aluminum look. More cars should have brushed aluminum. Anyway, despite my love for brushed aluminum, I moved on.
Post masking
Now some of you may look at that image and say "WTF? Why didn't you take the grill out to paint it? Well uh...I didn't feel like taking the bumper off just to paint the grill. Why oh why Chrysler did you not make the grill just clip on like so many others?
I'll be honest. At first, I only intended to spray the chrome surround on the grill. I tried several differnt ways to mask the actual grill but nothing worked. I got the idea to just place something underneath the wing emblem as I sprayed (and down the side when I got to that part) but that didn't work and I ended up getting primer on the actual grill. At this I point I said "eff it, I'll do the whole grill" and prayed for it to turn out alright so I wouldn't have to drive around with an ugly thing on the front of my car.
To my surprise this was the result
Not the best picture. I will get more tomorrow for sure though. The Chrysler logo was not painted over. I had taped it off and painted over the tape and just hadn't taken it off as the paint hadn't fully dried yet. About an hour later I took the paint off to reveal the logo and it looks a lot better.
All in all I must say that I impressed myself. I think it looks damn good for $18 in supplies and rattle can paint.
What do you guys think?
- 5,768
- Anoka, MN
I think your headlights need to be cleaned up a bit!
Nice grille BTW!...though I would have used gloss black instead.
Nice grille BTW!...though I would have used gloss black instead.
- 13,818
- Alabama
I think your headlights need to be cleaned up a bit!
Been working on it. It's hard to get them perfect without an actual buffer, so I think that's as good as they are gonna get by hand.
Thanks! I don't like gloss black. I was looking at a flat black, but that gives off an "unfinished" look IMO so I went with satin black.
I actually wish my car wasn't black. It's a bitch to keep clean, and even harder to take proper photos of since when it is clean, the finish is like a mirror.
- 5,768
- Anoka, MN
Yeah I know what you mean by the headlights, my dad tried to clean up the lights on our Tahoe. They cleaned up pretty good but you can still see stains up close...they look almost like something was burning into the plastic!
- 6,769
- Little Elm, TX
- JCE3000GT
Cleaned up the interior in the Camaro a bit, resprayed some flat black to maintain a darker appearance. Also did an oil change.
That looks F'ing fantastic! I'd recommend to keep several layers of paint on followed by spraying some "plastidip" or ceramic paint to provide durability. I did that with my Focus plastic chrome grille and after about 6 months the chrome was showing through due to the rock/debris chips.
To my surprise this was the result
That looks F'ing fantastic! I'd recommend to keep several layers of paint on followed by spraying some "plastidip" or ceramic paint to provide durability. I did that with my Focus plastic chrome grille and after about 6 months the chrome was showing through due to the rock/debris chips.
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