[VXR (H) calipers painted]

I'm not sure I've ever seen red on red coming to think of it

Trying to keep the car as original as possible and I like the contrast of red with blue - almost tempted to do them yellow right enough. Back calipers done now too. They were really crusty so took a lot more effort but, worth it I think.

[VXR (H) calipers painted]

Painted my VXR calipers today.

Equipment wise:

Hot water.

Bilt Hamber degreaser.

Halfords 6 piece mini brush set. 

Wynns brake and clutch cleaner.

Halfords blue caliper paint x2 coats.

[2nd time VXR owner, 1st time club member]

Thanks Andy. Yes, they're pretty decent motors as stock, parts are getting harder to get a hold of which is my worry/challenge

[Astra VXR Engine bay clean]

Thanks Andy.

Not too much covering to be honest.

The battery was removed and cleaned externally so that I could tidy up the battery terminals. I covered the alternator with a bag throughout. When I was jet washing the underside of the bonnet and the tops of the inner wings, landing panel etc I also covered the whole engine with a black bag. 

I had the crossover off along with the tophat pipes at one point so that I could get in about the back of the engine. Any open pipes like the valve cover inlet/outlets and the coolant and air intakes were covered using good quality nylon gloves. They're very versatile and always a good fit ... cut fingers off to cover over smaller pipes and use whole gloves to cover over the larger ones(always at least two layers

It was a sunny day when the job got done so when it was finished the bonnet was left open for everything to dry. Car's been out for a few runs and is ticking over nicely. 

 

[Astra VXR Engine bay clean]

Spent some time cleaning the engine bay on my 2010 Astra VXR.

Everything was degreased with a soaking of Bilt Hamber Surfex HD at 25% dilution, scrubbed with brushes and rinsed. I then finished with a spray and rub and then spray and leave coating of AutoFinesse Dressle. 

I took some time to polish up the actuator and the manifold cover before cleaning. Replaced the spring clips with fresh black ones and shrink wrapped new jubilee clips.

I repainted the crossover using Hycote VHT black + lacquer as the original crossover coating was bubbling off. It's okay, but I think I'll have a hunt for an original to replace it. 

Coolant changed. Now just to hoover and wash

 

[2nd time VXR owner, 1st time club member]

Hi all,

I purchased my second Astra (H) VXR at the end of October 2021. I owned a black Irmscher kitted one about 5 years ago but sold it for the cash when my wife was given a company car ... I've missed it every day 

Anyway, getting back behind the wheel feels great. I picked this one up from MW Performance in Chester. It's very low mileage and in great condition inside and out. It has a stage 1 blufin superchips remap taking it to 280bhp. Since purchasing I've had the tailgate struts replaced as they were rusty, a hole in the dashboard repaired and currently, I'm working my way through the engine bay replacing rusty clips, pipes and bolts and cleaning as I go. I plan to keep it as original as possible. Currently 43k on the clock. 

Great to be back