The Vauxhall Fastra 1.7d Shed of Justice
Discussion
Dull? Check.
Diesel? Absolutely.
Three figure price? That's right.
Bought in the dark? Of course.
All the hallmarks of a true shed.
With a looming house move, comes a necessity - lightening the load on the old wallet. As such, with deep regret it's time to let go of my beloved F30 320d and downsize to.....well....a shed.
Whilst the move comes with it's obvious costs, there is a considerable saving that has influenced this decision, I will be able to walk to work in 10 minutes so won't need a car Monday to Friday. Whilst I'd love a true weekend car, the timing isn't right but that's the plan for the future.
For now, a shed is in order and I'm somewhat excited by the man-maths inspired budget motoring concept. I've tried it before but always spent a bit too much that I'm disappointed when costs come about.
With a budget of just £1,000 the possibilities are endless in theory but when it comes to parting with the cash there's not actually that much about that seems worth the risk. Fortunately for me, a chap at work just splashed out on a lease and was letting this puppy go, I secured a deal allowing him the flexibility of keeping it a couple of weeks till the new car arrives, works for me too as I need to sell the F30.
For those still reading, here is my previous car history which I'll be sure to update to include my 22nd car.
So the shed.
A 1.7 diesel Fastra/Gashtra, 93k, had the belt done at 50k odd so less likely to go pop, has a full history,various repairs done properly at a garage.
A few scrapes here and there, in desperate need of a wet vac and clean but a straight and honest motor. The chap at work bought it off his dad who had it from 6 months old, so it's been in his family since almost new which is always a bonus.
Test drive was good, solid clutch, no knocks or rattles - I'm very pleased with the purchase, at least for now. The half leather seats had supportive bolsters and were really comfy, albeit in need of a good clean.
The plans :
- Buy a service kit so I can do it myself from herein
- Proper deep clean
- Have the seats wet vacced as they have kids drink stains
- Buy some new mats
- Replace head unit - I know it's a shed but I'll miss modern infotainment so I'm considering the £250 android Pumpkin unit specific for Astra's to look OEM and have all my mod cons. For starters though, I've bought an FM/Bluetooth transmitter
Here are some terrible teaser pics, in the dark....what am I doing?
Diesel? Absolutely.
Three figure price? That's right.
Bought in the dark? Of course.
All the hallmarks of a true shed.
With a looming house move, comes a necessity - lightening the load on the old wallet. As such, with deep regret it's time to let go of my beloved F30 320d and downsize to.....well....a shed.
Whilst the move comes with it's obvious costs, there is a considerable saving that has influenced this decision, I will be able to walk to work in 10 minutes so won't need a car Monday to Friday. Whilst I'd love a true weekend car, the timing isn't right but that's the plan for the future.
For now, a shed is in order and I'm somewhat excited by the man-maths inspired budget motoring concept. I've tried it before but always spent a bit too much that I'm disappointed when costs come about.
With a budget of just £1,000 the possibilities are endless in theory but when it comes to parting with the cash there's not actually that much about that seems worth the risk. Fortunately for me, a chap at work just splashed out on a lease and was letting this puppy go, I secured a deal allowing him the flexibility of keeping it a couple of weeks till the new car arrives, works for me too as I need to sell the F30.
For those still reading, here is my previous car history which I'll be sure to update to include my 22nd car.
So the shed.
A 1.7 diesel Fastra/Gashtra, 93k, had the belt done at 50k odd so less likely to go pop, has a full history,various repairs done properly at a garage.
A few scrapes here and there, in desperate need of a wet vac and clean but a straight and honest motor. The chap at work bought it off his dad who had it from 6 months old, so it's been in his family since almost new which is always a bonus.
Test drive was good, solid clutch, no knocks or rattles - I'm very pleased with the purchase, at least for now. The half leather seats had supportive bolsters and were really comfy, albeit in need of a good clean.
The plans :
- Buy a service kit so I can do it myself from herein
- Proper deep clean
- Have the seats wet vacced as they have kids drink stains
- Buy some new mats
- Replace head unit - I know it's a shed but I'll miss modern infotainment so I'm considering the £250 android Pumpkin unit specific for Astra's to look OEM and have all my mod cons. For starters though, I've bought an FM/Bluetooth transmitter
Here are some terrible teaser pics, in the dark....what am I doing?
Nice Ashtray.
When I last had a Vauxhall, a Chevette back in the late 80's I got some mini baby bell cheese wax and fashioned it into the shape of knob. I stuck it onto the Griffin and drove round for ages in a car with a bright red priapism stuck out front.
What are your plans for it?
When I last had a Vauxhall, a Chevette back in the late 80's I got some mini baby bell cheese wax and fashioned it into the shape of knob. I stuck it onto the Griffin and drove round for ages in a car with a bright red priapism stuck out front.
What are your plans for it?
I’ve you want to fit a DIN head unit, I’ve just sold my Astra H and kept the facia and Autoleads wiring kit for a Kenwood head unit I had in it. You’re welcome to them if they’re any use to you
I haven’t got any use for the head unit itself, now I think about it. I might as well offer that too!
I haven’t got any use for the head unit itself, now I think about it. I might as well offer that too!
colin_p said:
What are your plans for it?
joropug said:
The plans :
- Buy a service kit so I can do it myself from herein
- Proper deep clean
- Have the seats wet vacced as they have kids drink stains
- Buy some new mats
- Replace head unit - I know it's a shed but I'll miss modern infotainment so I'm considering the £250 android Pumpkin unit specific for Astra's to look OEM and have all my mod cons. For starters though, I've bought an FM/Bluetooth transmitter
- Buy a service kit so I can do it myself from herein
- Proper deep clean
- Have the seats wet vacced as they have kids drink stains
- Buy some new mats
- Replace head unit - I know it's a shed but I'll miss modern infotainment so I'm considering the £250 android Pumpkin unit specific for Astra's to look OEM and have all my mod cons. For starters though, I've bought an FM/Bluetooth transmitter
AS62 said:
colin_p said:
What are your plans for it?
joropug said:
The plans :
- Buy a service kit so I can do it myself from herein
- Proper deep clean
- Have the seats wet vacced as they have kids drink stains
- Buy some new mats
- Replace head unit - I know it's a shed but I'll miss modern infotainment so I'm considering the £250 android Pumpkin unit specific for Astra's to look OEM and have all my mod cons. For starters though, I've bought an FM/Bluetooth transmitter
- Buy a service kit so I can do it myself from herein
- Proper deep clean
- Have the seats wet vacced as they have kids drink stains
- Buy some new mats
- Replace head unit - I know it's a shed but I'll miss modern infotainment so I'm considering the £250 android Pumpkin unit specific for Astra's to look OEM and have all my mod cons. For starters though, I've bought an FM/Bluetooth transmitter
Jimmy Recard said:
I’ve you want to fit a DIN head unit, I’ve just sold my Astra H and kept the facia and Autoleads wiring kit for a Kenwood head unit I had in it. You’re welcome to them if they’re any use to you
I haven’t got any use for the head unit itself, now I think about it. I might as well offer that too!
That's really kind, thank you - I'm going to stick with the OEM unit to start with and see how I go, I'll let you know if I decidedl to go DIN in case you still have it .I haven’t got any use for the head unit itself, now I think about it. I might as well offer that too!
Thanks for the replies. I'm really looking forward to cleaning it weirdly. I'll be sure to do some before and afters!
joropug said:
- Replace head unit - I know it's a shed but I'll miss modern infotainment so I'm considering the £250 android Pumpkin unit specific for Astra's to look OEM and have all my mod cons. For starters though, I've bought an FM/Bluetooth transmitter
Nice shed.On the point above, don't waste 1/3rd of the car's value on a bloody stereo! You can find plenty of <£100 Android units on Ebay that will fit with a double-din adaptor.
C70R said:
Nice shed.
On the point above, don't waste 1/3rd of the car's value on a bloody stereo! You can find plenty of <£100 Android units on Ebay that will fit with a double-din adaptor.
You're absolutely right , not sure what to do but I'm holding fire for a while. The cheap android ones all have bad reviews !On the point above, don't waste 1/3rd of the car's value on a bloody stereo! You can find plenty of <£100 Android units on Ebay that will fit with a double-din adaptor.
Looks like collection will be wednesday/Thursday next week!
Phase 1 of the initial clean is complete:
-Insane amount of hoovering
-Upholstery cleaner on the rear carpet (not particularly effective)
-Wiped down all plastics
-Dash cleaner on all plastics.
-Fitted OEM mats
-Stuck on phone holding magnet
-Destroyed boot liner!
It came up really well actually, there's still some work to do as there are lots of flecks of household type paint on the plastics and steering wheel but I'm confident it will all come off. The boot carpet has a lot of paint marks - any ideas to get rid of this ?
I haven't touched the seat faces yet they're getting professionally cleaned due to the stains.
Tested out the Bluetooth FM transmitter but wasn't that impressed and worse still, the 12v is not switched with ignition so I'd have to remove and install each time.
So I did the obvious thing and splashed out on a Vauxhall specific Pumpkin Android head unit. They're £289 on Amazon, managed to get it for £220 on eBay brand new. I can sell it when I sell the car I guess.
The car is SORN at the moment whilst my current car is for sale, so going to try and do the following whilst it's not in use:
-Polish one headlight that's a little discoloured
-Source 4x roof bar hole covers
-Buy a new boot liner (will be handy for the tip)
-Polish scratches on doors and wing
-Fit android HU
-Glass clean (interior)
-Professional seat clean
-Fix slight sag of headlining at rear
-Replacement gear and handbrake gaiter due to splits
Here are some before and after shots !
-Insane amount of hoovering
-Upholstery cleaner on the rear carpet (not particularly effective)
-Wiped down all plastics
-Dash cleaner on all plastics.
-Fitted OEM mats
-Stuck on phone holding magnet
-Destroyed boot liner!
It came up really well actually, there's still some work to do as there are lots of flecks of household type paint on the plastics and steering wheel but I'm confident it will all come off. The boot carpet has a lot of paint marks - any ideas to get rid of this ?
I haven't touched the seat faces yet they're getting professionally cleaned due to the stains.
Tested out the Bluetooth FM transmitter but wasn't that impressed and worse still, the 12v is not switched with ignition so I'd have to remove and install each time.
So I did the obvious thing and splashed out on a Vauxhall specific Pumpkin Android head unit. They're £289 on Amazon, managed to get it for £220 on eBay brand new. I can sell it when I sell the car I guess.
The car is SORN at the moment whilst my current car is for sale, so going to try and do the following whilst it's not in use:
-Polish one headlight that's a little discoloured
-Source 4x roof bar hole covers
-Buy a new boot liner (will be handy for the tip)
-Polish scratches on doors and wing
-Fit android HU
-Glass clean (interior)
-Professional seat clean
-Fix slight sag of headlining at rear
-Replacement gear and handbrake gaiter due to splits
Here are some before and after shots !
Edited by joropug on Saturday 9th February 16:54
That's how shed men roll...Phase 2 of the clean is complete!
Totally recommend thecarseatcleaningcompany.com, my seats are transformed with a deep anti bacterial clean and wet vac. It was insane how much grime came out of them he went over it 3 times to get it all out !! I also had the carpets and headlining deodorised with anti bacterial solution for good measure. All in it cost £45 an absolute bargain and what a difference.
Before:
]
After:
Before:
After:
Totally recommend thecarseatcleaningcompany.com, my seats are transformed with a deep anti bacterial clean and wet vac. It was insane how much grime came out of them he went over it 3 times to get it all out !! I also had the carpets and headlining deodorised with anti bacterial solution for good measure. All in it cost £45 an absolute bargain and what a difference.
Before:
]After:
Before:
After:
Next on today's list of jobs was the audio install
Prior state:
FM and CD, No aux
12v is always in which is annoying for dash cam
Current State:
Pumpkin Vauxhall Specific Android HU
4gb Ram, Octocore processor, 32gb memory.
64gb SD card
32gb USB stick (Audio)
Wiring was super easy. It's canbus compatible so OEM screen and steering controls work too.
Really handy hole in glove box to feed wires through. WiFi antennae in glove box, GPS antennae is in the bottom of windscreen with concealed wires. Dash cam I have powered off one of the 3 usb ports at the rear of the unit so now it's switched on and off with the unit and wiring concealed .
Buzzing. Spotify, Waze , any android app there to use. Great first impressions and super simple install.
Before:
After:
Here is a clearer picture of the Fastra in all its glory. Still SORN at the moment so haven't started on the outside.
Prior state:
FM and CD, No aux
12v is always in which is annoying for dash cam
Current State:
Pumpkin Vauxhall Specific Android HU
4gb Ram, Octocore processor, 32gb memory.
64gb SD card
32gb USB stick (Audio)
Wiring was super easy. It's canbus compatible so OEM screen and steering controls work too.
Really handy hole in glove box to feed wires through. WiFi antennae in glove box, GPS antennae is in the bottom of windscreen with concealed wires. Dash cam I have powered off one of the 3 usb ports at the rear of the unit so now it's switched on and off with the unit and wiring concealed .
Buzzing. Spotify, Waze , any android app there to use. Great first impressions and super simple install.
Before:
After:
Here is a clearer picture of the Fastra in all its glory. Still SORN at the moment so haven't started on the outside.
Straff99 said:
Fingers crossed for your new purchase OP. You'll be surprised at the colour of those seats - I did a wet vac on an Astra Twin Top last year, with cleaner seats than yours, and the amount of crud that came out was amazing. 
Very satisfying!
Very satisfying!
Only a complete idiot would say I told you so.
(Cough)
Put the first few miles on the Astra today and it drives great.
I made a cheeky offer on eBay that was for some reason accepted...£25 for an SRI leather wheel with airbag. The current wheel is badly worn and rubber like so this will be a great upgrade for peanuts. I aim to make the best of both wheels using the parts between the two.
I made a cheeky offer on eBay that was for some reason accepted...£25 for an SRI leather wheel with airbag. The current wheel is badly worn and rubber like so this will be a great upgrade for peanuts. I aim to make the best of both wheels using the parts between the two.
Edited by joropug on Sunday 18th August 18:13
I fitted the new wheel today:
First I disconnected the negative on the battery terminal just in case.
You then use a torx Allen to release two pins for the airbag , disconnect the same and put to one side:
Before:
Airbag removed (will be used on new wheel):
The point of no return. To get enough leverage with the torx I had to hack away the wheel!:
Transplanted my buttons across for the trim to match (also in better condition). Note, new wheel had the same part number on the circuit boards however I could see two cables going into the back of it rather than the one on my wheel. As such I moved the buttons and fascia but left the circuitry plugged in:
Voila! What a difference in both look and feel. Such a bargain upgrade for £25.
First I disconnected the negative on the battery terminal just in case.
You then use a torx Allen to release two pins for the airbag , disconnect the same and put to one side:
Before:
Airbag removed (will be used on new wheel):
The point of no return. To get enough leverage with the torx I had to hack away the wheel!:
Transplanted my buttons across for the trim to match (also in better condition). Note, new wheel had the same part number on the circuit boards however I could see two cables going into the back of it rather than the one on my wheel. As such I moved the buttons and fascia but left the circuitry plugged in:
Voila! What a difference in both look and feel. Such a bargain upgrade for £25.
Edited by joropug on Sunday 18th August 18:15
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