Abandoned for 30 years 1975 Vauxhall Viva HC - Will it drive?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ต.ค. 2022
- In this video I reconnect the accelerator and clutch cables and the prop shaft. I attempt to see if she will drive under her own power for the first time in over 30 years
- ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
![[UNCUT] ฝันรักห้วงนิทรา | EP.8 (4/4)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RDYJYiDwsj0/mqdefault.jpg)
Passed my driving test first time in one of them vivas, it was 17th April 1975 I only had 3 driving lessons @ £2.50 a lesson .
Ah brilliant memories! Wow £2.50 a lesson! 😀 Thanks for watching 👍
To tutsywutsy. Oh my god! Passed your driving test after THREE lessons?
My Father had the same model, same colour, and it was my dream car as a 8yr old....Would love one today...Great videos....Oh, drove a Vauxhall Senator, in my career, back in the 90s. THE BEST of all time....
Thank you very much! Ah your Father had good taste! I also love the Senators, big old luxury cruiser, its on my wishlist 😀 Thanks for watching 👍
To tx3851
Yes, I think this colour suits it TOO!
Brings back memories, an Aunt had one like that from new for about 15 years. Never reliable at all....
I enjoyed driving it, the steering was nice and not too heavy, the engine was sweet and the controls were well thought through for the era. It was also comfortable and roomy inside.
Ah great memories! You're right, for having no power steering the steering is very light! Thanks for watching 👍
@@RetroRebuildthe reason the steering is light - without power steering - is because it ISN'T FRONT WHEEL DRIVE!
That's why they didn't have it at first, but now there IS power steering heavy steering is a thing of the past!
I had a HC circa 1987 to 1995 as a skint college / post college kid - it took me from Portsmouth to the highlands of Scotland - I camped in it and it didn’t let me down (too often ;-) great to see the love still out there
Ah brilliant mate! Great memories! Love stories like that. Thanks for watching 👍
Great To see another old British classic brought back to life. 😊
Thank you very much! Thanks for watching👍
@@RetroRebuild You are very welcome. I have subscribed and I am looking forward to watching further posts.
My 1st car was a HC Vauxhall Firenza, same colour as yours. Brings back memories of many hours spent keeping it on the road.
Very cool, love the Firenzas! Appreciate the comments! Thanks for watching 👍
Thanks for the video. It brought back a lot of memories, I had a 1971 viva SL my first car. I learnt a lot about machanics and life in general back then. R.
Great memories! Thanks for watching 👍
My Nan had a green Viva, the reg was OLD 446L, really enjoyed watching this, thank you.
Very cool! Great memories! 😀 Thank you for watching 👍
@@RetroRebuild My pleasure! I didn't realise exactly how big it was until you were trying to back out of the drive! Strong work Sir!
It's lovely to see classic cars like this being cared for and looked after. All the best to you for the rest of the project.
Thank you very much! Appreciate it. Thanks for watching 👍
Never, in my lifetime, did I ever think anyone would call a HC Viva a classic car!
@@Biffo1262 well they are now, and they are much loved thanks for watching
Takes me back to helping my dad with his Hillman Hunter 1725cc.
Ah brilliant, great memories. I love a Hillman Hunter! Thanks for watching 👍
@@RetroRebuild Build quality was great. Served us well but front wings rotted as there were no wheel arch liners! Handbrake on right was quirky too,
Sweeeeet! She's alive now and I'm loving this build, regards from sunny Stockton, keep on keeping on neigbour 👋
Thank you very much neighbour! Appreciate it. Thanks for continuing to watch 👍
The first drive is always a big moment, even if it's only the length of the driveway. Nice one. And thanks for fixing the indicator, man. I'm made up. 👌😊
Thank you very much and you're very welcome 🤣 Thanks for continuing to watch 👍
@@RetroRebuild 👍😊
Fantastic to see the old girl moving under her own steam. The best new TH-camr of the year by far. Have recommended to everyone I know. Keep up the great work 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
😀 Thank you very much! Appreciate it!! Yes it was great to get her moving, even if it was just on the driveway. Thanks for watching and recommending 👍 👍
What a car.. Took me back... Loved watching this, really admire anyone who can do mechanical work... Loved the accent, lovely family, loved the traditional Englishness about the whole video... What a joy!!! 👍 👍
Thank you very much! Really appreciate your comments! Thanks for watching 👍
I had two ha vivas, one hb and two hc vivas such a simple car to work on and maintain, biggest fault was clutch cables shearing and corrosion of the inner wings.
@@bernardrandles8013corrosion of inner wings, and PARTICULARLY the front panel on old MINIS, is because not many cars had mud shields inside the wings. A firm on the internet, called LOKARI can make them to order, for all makes!
Great viewing !
Fun, simple retro mechanics.
Fair play to you ! 🔧🔨🔩🚗
Thank you very much! Thanks for watching 👍
Project has really turned a corner now, well done, and nice to see her drive again, no matter how short the distance is!
Thank you very much! Appreciate it. Can't wait to take her on a proper drive. Thanks for watching 👍
Zenith Stromberg CARB? dx
@@davidwaterhouse2552 yes mate stromerg thanks for watching 👍
My dad had a Viva, I can still remember the reg. NCX 282 M... This looks in better condition than his did, and he had that in the early 80's...
Ah brilliant! Thanks for watching 👍
Your camera work was great good old vintage fix loved this video you could see your hart was in the job loved the joy on your face doing this car great job.
Thank you very much! Appreciate it! Thanks for watching 👍
So Many memories , served my time on old Vauxhall’s
Very cool! Thanks for watching 👍
Fantastic to see the old girl being restored to her former glory, all the best with this.!
Reminds me in the 90s, i nearly bought a vauxhall magnum 1800 auto, with velour seats! Wish i had now, was only £180.!
Thank you very much! That sounds like it would have been very nice! 😀 Thanks for watching 👍
@@RetroRebuild pleasure my friend.! Looking forward to seeing more of your restoration, yes, that magnum i nearly bought had the black vinyl roof, rostyle wheels, and twin front headlights, it was the poshest viva you could get i think.! It was a 79 T reg if I remember.!
My 72 viva, bought in 77 has now sat in the garage for 17 years. Sitting next to my late father’s 73 avenger. Would so love to have them running again.
Wow thats great that you've had it for so long! And very cool that you still have your late Fathers avenger. 2 great cars! Hope you get them running. Thanks for watching 👍
@@RetroRebuild as soon as I saw the picture of the HC, a 4 door at that, DNR 503K is only 2 , I just HAD to watch the video.
What a lovely old girl , can't wait to seecmore episodes, keep up the good work
Thank you very much! Appreciate it! Thanks for watching 👍
I had one of those for a while, my endearing memory was driving along, when the whole gear lever came off in my hand, and having to push the thing down on to the changing mechanism , and having a go at finding the gear you think you need.
Luckily I had a mate who drilled holes and screwed the thing back on, unluckily forget a "gate" system on the gears , it was like a pudding bowl spoon.
🤣 that gave me a good chuckle! Thanks for watching 👍
Stumbled across your channel and really enjoying it. Great stuff and fair play to you. Really looking forward to continuing following you on your journey with the Viva. Brilliant to see it moving under its own steam after so long.
Thank you very much! Appreciate it! Thanks for watching 👍
Being a complete Vauxhall addict, I love watching your videos, great to see her moving under her own power, I could see by the smile on your face how satisfying it was, fair play to you mate and keep up the good work 😁
Thank you very much! Appreciate it! 😀 Thanks for watching 👍
Well done big man. Good luck with your youtube journey I think you will go far 👍
Thank you very much! Appreciate it. Thanks for watching 👍
Thanks. I love 1970s cars, then again I'm nearly 70! Also, we only landed on the Moon between 1969 and 1972. So, the gear must have been better....because we have never been back! Peace be unto you.
Love 70's cars too! Thank you very much for watching 👍
Had one of these as first car he viva had small sports steering wheel, sideways every wet roundabout. 1256cc ohv. Rolled it after clipped a kerb going sideways. If had passenger they would have been squashed flat. I got out unscathed car wrecked and bill withers playing “lovely day” mine was a 1971 and i crashed it in 1977. Still fresh in my mind. Thanks for sharing
Wow lucky to walk away from that unscathed! I can imagine that will stay fresh in your mind! Thanks for watching 👍
Wouldn't be Sunday without the viva. Massive achievement getting her moving.
Thank you very much! Thanks for continuing to watch 👍
A true North East Viva! With its proppa PT North East (Durham) Reg number. Fantastic, and a good watch! I remember these in this colour being everywhwre in Newcastle Durham and Sunderland!
Ah brilliant! Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching 👍
This took me back to when I were a kid.
My dad had a viva and remember helping him work on it..
Thanks for bringing great memories back to me. Brill video 👍
Thank you very much! Great memories! Thanks for watching 👍
Absolutely fantastic to see it driving after all you've done. Best youtube channel by far mate.
Well done 👏 ✔️ 👍
Thank you very much mate, appreciate it! Thanks for continuing to watch my journey 👍
Wow!. My dear old Dad had a metallic green three door in about 1977. Nice one!.
Brilliant! Your Dad had good taste, sounds nice! Thanks for watching 👍
Love it, the noises take me back.
😀 Thank you very much! Thanks for watching 👍
Brilliant to see her move under her own power, fantastic achievement. Well done Steve! 👌👌👌👍
Cheers Chris! I was well chuffed 😀 Thanks for continuing to watch 👍
Great video, brings back fond memories of my Dad’s J Reg gold Vauxhall Viva
Ah brilliant! Your Dad had good taste! 😀 Thanks for watching 👍
Excellent Sunday morning entertainment again fella and she is alive breathing and moving, little steps and looking forward to seeing her going along the street, it's nice to see the basics on the old cars so simple and not a computer or sensor in sight awesome mate
Thank you very much mate, appreciate it! Old school engineering is a pleasure to work on, as long as nothing is seized or rounded off 🤣 Thanks for continuing to watch 👍
Used to have one of these in a field in Boro when we were 16 in the 1990s. Amazing car!
Ah brilliant! Sounds like great memories. Thanks for watching 👍
Fair play. Nothing more rewarding than getting an old car going again..and even more bloody rewarding when it works. This was awesome to watch, and I can see how bloody chuffed you were to get it finally running and driving. Well done that man...well done :)
Thank you very much Alex! Yes I was well chuffed 😀 Thanks for continuing to watch 👍
Great job marra! My first car was a 72 Viva SL in garnet starmist. Brought back so many memories. Cheers from Rowlands Gill.
Thank you very much mate! Sounds like a lovely car. Don't know what garnet starmist is but it sounds good! Going to check it out now! 😀 Thanks for watching neighbour! 👍
@@RetroRebuild Garnet Starmist is the metallic paint colour. It was a gorgeous car - FDC 788 K, 1256cc engine. I could go on for hours, neighbour. 🤓
Ah yes I do know that colour, just had a look. Lovely!! 👍
I had one of these car back in 1973, soon after i pass my test, it was my first car, i can remember the gear stick is always coming undone, and the float in the petrol thank, never seems to work properly, i can remember putting a radio in it and a sunroof, also i had problems with the engine mount, its the csr i learn on to be a d i y mechanic, i will be watch this car progress, they are so easy to work on.
Ah brilliant! Great memories! Thank you for watching 👍
God that took me back to some very happy memories,,,,the viva c was my very first car,,thankyou
You're welcome! Thanks for watching 👍
Great video, brilliant to see the old girl move again.
Thank you very much! Thanks for watching 👍
Absolutely fantastic to see it running and moving under its own power after all those years. I passed my driving test in 1980 in my Dad's 1968 viva HB so always had a soft spot for the cars. Looking forward to more episodes, just subscribed to your channel thanks Mike.👍
Thank you very much Mike! Appreciate your comments! Great memories, also love the HB's! Thanks for watching 👍
Great to see the old Viva moving, great channel mate, keep going!
Thank you very much! Appreciate it. Thanks for watching 👍
Nice one mate, brilliant video :-) Gonna go back and watch what I've missed now lol
Thank you very much mate! Appreciate it. Thanks for watching👍
That brings back memories. I used to love those Viva's. Shame they don't make cars that easy to work on anymore
Not as many about as there once was. Agree! Thanks for watching 👍
Awesome video, popped up as recommended after I watched a Hubnut video. Going to go back and watch from the start. Love this sort of thing, nothing better than seeing the old girls awoken from their slumber to do what they were designed to. I always think that old abandoned cars get sad because they no longer work 🤣 It’s what keeps me going with keeping my 32yr old Mk3 Granada on the road. Keep up the good work 😎
Thank you very much! Appreciate your comments. Yes I agree entirely, nothing better than seeing a survivor back on the road. Love the Mk3 Granadas, my Dad had a couple. Lovely big, comfortable cruisers! Thanks for watching 👍
It sits well, having survived for so long it deserves nothing but the best.
👍she'll be loved and driven. Thanks very much and thanks for watching 👍
I used to have a Viva, one of my favourites cars. Took it over the tank ranges of Salisbury Plain once.
Ah very cool, mine too! Thanks for watching 👍
Wow, this brings back memories. My first car was a HC (well first one on the road). Wedgwood blue, 1256 with a slight knocking bottom end. Hats off to you and thrilling to see her move.
Thank you very much! Great memories 😀 Nice colour! Thanks for watching 👍
Well done for getting this far . Between work, sleep and family life you've done great . Can't wait to see it flying roun Gateshead in the near future . 😊😊
Thank you very much, appreciate it! Can't wait to be flying round Gateshead 😀 Thanks for continuing to watch 👍
My dad bought one in the 70s. For weeks beforehand he walked around the house singing Viva Espana. He bought it home and to his horror discovered that the clock stopped when you switched off the engine. And that was the end of the Viva! For those who are interested it was a deep copper colour. Quite nice really.
😀 Great memories! Sounds like a lovely colour! Thanks for watching 👍
I live in New Zealand, and these Vauxhalls were a common sight on the road back in the 1970s. They were assembled here. The vinyl roof was such a seventies thing on cars back then. You are getting it going. It will be on the road in no time.
Thank you very much! Yes I've had a few people from New Zealand telling me about the history of Vivas over there, very cool! Thanks for watching 👍
Another kiwi here.yeah one of the first cars I had.hate to take the wind out of ya sail's but was the worst heap of 💩ever! I swore that I would never own another one,and never did!!! Spent more time pushing the fuckin thing than driving it!!! good luck with the bastard!😁
GOOD VIDEO ENJOYED INTERESTING BRINGS ME BACK IN TIME HAVING THE SAME VIVA WAS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE CARS RELIABLE LOVED IT
Thank you very much! Thanks for watching 👍
Well done. Great achievement and look forward to seeing her properly on the road
Thank you very much! Thanks for watching 👍
What a classic my dad had one in the 80s
Thank you! Your Dad had good taste! 😀 Thanks for watching 👍
Amazing what a little indicator cover can do to the look of a vehicle 🤗 makes it look like progress!!
Thank you very much mate! Thanks for continuing to watch 👍
Well done - what a thrill for you!
Thank you very much! I was well chuffed 😀 Thanks for continuing to watch 👍
Got the exact ramps myself with the label on as well.Got them for my dad in early 70’s.Went round asking if I could have folks coupons when I was a kid,took me years to collect enough.Think it was a few thousand .Great content,keep up the good work
Ah very cool! the good old days 😀 I did the same thing when saving up for a walkman though my Dad was a heavy smoker at the time so didn't take too long 😀 Thanks for watching 👍
Me Dad had a white Viva HC GDM363N god he loved that car and so did I , thanks for sharing she is a beauty, take care mate.
Thank you very much! Great memories 😀 Thank you for watching 👍
My Dad had a 1974 viva sl in exactly the same shade of yellow 💛 insects were attracted to it in the summer 🪰. He had it for years when I was a kid, I remember helping him drop in a reconditioned chevette engine and gearbox in the mid eighties. He squeezed a few thousand more miles out of it before the bodywork finally let go. Amazing to see an almost identical car all these years later 🙌
Thank you very much! Your Dad had good taste! Sounds like great memories. Thanks for watching 👍
Hello I've recently been watching these videos and great progress on the Viva HC,I've just subbed to the channel,it's brilliant to see it running on its own power.
Thank you very much mate! Appreciate it, thanks for the sub! and thanks for watching 👍
Very well done Alex, you've gained a sub from a fellow Geordie from Gatesheeed!!
Its Steve but thanks for the sub fellow Geordie from Gatesheeed! (where abouts are you?) Thanks for watching 👍
Ah brilliant. Won't be long before you're flying down the Coast Road for a trip to the seaside in her! I've got a battle ahead with mine to try and open the immobiliser solenoid on the fuel pump as it has just decided to stop working.
Thank you mate! Can't wait to go for a proper drive. Thanks for continuing to watch and good luck with your fuel pump! 👍
i bought a viva in 87 for £100 great little car bit rusty it lasted me 10 months then swapped it for a raleigh bike,great vid mate.
Brilliant! Great memories, you got your moneys worth out of that then! 😀 Thanks for watching 👍
My buddy had a Vauxhall when I was in high school. It had a 327 in it. It was a rocket
Ah excellent! Yes I bet it was! 😀 Thanks for watching 👍
Great work so far and good to see it move under its own power .
Thank you very much! I was well chuffed 😀 Thanks for continuing to watch 👍
Nice video, brought back a lot of childhood memories 👍
Thank very much! Seems to bring back a lot of memories for people. Thanks for watching 👍
God that brings back memories, first car was a viva hc sl or slx I don't recall exactly,built one car out of two with my dad when i was 17,maroon with a vinyl roof, loved that old girl,stumbled across your channel and will be watching to see your progress, great to see one being brought back to life 🙂
ah brilliant! Sounds like a lovely colour combo 😀 Thanks for watching 👍
Well done nice to the old girl move under her own power looking forward to more episodes 😊
Thank you very much! Thanks for watching 👍
This was one of my first cars I loved it 👍👍👍👍
Ah brilliant mate, great first car! Thanks for watching 👍
Brilliant! My Dad had a Viva. He painted it white - with a brush! Always breaking down. Ha!
😀 My Dad also painted quite a few cars with a brush! Infact you've just reminded me of one that I will have to mention in a future video. Great memories! 🤣 Thanks for watching 👍
Hi fantastic videos nice to see someone locally on TH-cam
Thank you very much! Appreciate it. Thanks for watching 👍
Do you get into any welding I have a 1976 midget I'm doing busy trying to work out the best way to start the drivers side floor, spring hanger inner bulkhead and inner and outer sills lolso much for it doesn't need much work lol
No not yet, I plan to though 😀 Do you watch Trev's blog and Urchfab? Both brilliant fabricators and welders. You might pick up some tips from the restorations they have done. Good luck!! 👍
Omg ..1975 Viva hey .... those were a great little car back then I believe ..... I was born in 1979 so they were a bit before my time 😊
Before my time too 😀 but I remember a lot of them being on the road from my childhood. Thanks for watching 👍
My first car in 1983! In green, and I put the obligatory spotlights on front grille😂! loved it! Seem to recall non retractable seatbelts (the UK seatbelt law came in a month before my test) and the clutch and accelerator were linked somehow, if you pressed one then the other moved slightly! Great to see this video!
Ah very cool! I've got some spotlamps too! 😀 Thanks for watching 👍
Great video - and great job too! I had had two of these back in the day, the saloon version and then the "Firenza" which I had from new and went on for years. Good basic cars that were well built for those times but had two faults I came across. Clutch peddles were prone to fail due to metal fatigue, and as were the frames on the front seats. Particularly the driver's one as it got more wear and even though I was far from being a heavy guy. Great seeing you bring one back to life, and it still looks in amazingly good nick, including underneath. Super job!
Thank you very much! Very cool! Love the firenzas. I've heard about both of those problems, I have another Viva and the seat has completely gone on it! Thanks for watching👍
Haven't seen a Viva for years. Nice.
😀 Not many around these days! Thanks for watching 👍
Great video, you are getting on well, love the viva time 👍👍👍👍
Thank you very much! Appreciate it. Thanks for continuing to watch 👍
Great result. Well done lad.
Thank you very much! Thanks for continuing to watch 👍
Great job - good to see her moving !
Thank you very much! Thanks for watching 👍
Yesss, great to see the old girl moving under her own power, btw, the wood on the clutch pedal was an optional extra, but only for 1975 lol, great vid.
🤣 Thank you very much! Thanks for continuing to watch 👍
She sounds good mate and it great to see her goin.
Thanks very much Mick, thanks for continuing to watch 👍
A great subject for restoration, in its day a worthy competitor to the Ford Escort and a nice drive.
Thank you very much! I agree! 😀 Thanks for watching 👍
Back in around 1990 I saw one these with wider arches and alloys on it. It looked really nice 😊👍
Sounds very cool! 😀 Thanks for watching👍
Always wanted to be a mechanic, but no patience, always seems a bolt that won't come off or go on. or drop on the floor.
Famous last words, 'you only clip this on '..3 hrs later .
So good on ya mate , well done.👍
Thank you very much! 😀 Thanks for watching 👍
Great video. Ah, the dreaded top prop shaft bolt. Always took longer to do up than the other three put together! Incidentally, quite a few HC's still knocking about here in New Zealand. Loads of other classics too. Nothing rots here!
Thank you very much! Yes it was a bit of a pain to tighten up! Yes I've heard from a few people from New Zealand now about the Vivas over there. No rot sounds amazing! 😀 Thanks for watching👍
I started working at Vauxhall’s in Ellesmere Port Merseyside, in 1977 and retired
35 years later, put various parts on thousands of them over the years.
Was a good seller at the time, solidly built compared to some cars of that
Era, the bonnet weighed a ton!
Always liked the viva.
I had one identical in colour and black vinyl roof, only mine was a 2 door.
Ah brilliant! I can only imagine what it would have been like in the factories back then! Sounds like you had a cool car, I would love a 2 door for my collection 😀 Thanks for watching 👍
This car is coming back to life! Every video you make shows progress and something getting done. Huge respect for uploading all of this stuff. :D
Thank you very much, appreciate it! Thanks for continuing to watch 👍
Great job! I love the colour combination by the way, so 70s! 😁
Thank you very much! Appreciate it! Yes I love the colour too 😀 Thanks for watching 👍
I learnt to drive and passed my test in a Viva SL, purchased for £300. An excellent car to learn basic mechanical skills, non of these fancy computer modules. There was so much space around the 1256cc engine you could almost stand inside the bay and work on the engine. My brother had the Viva E which was the Ferenza (sp) body shell on a Viva chassis, but modified it by fitting a 2ltr Ford cortina engine and gearbox with twin webber carbs.... boy did it shift !
Very cool! 😀 Yes there is lots of space, I've stood in the engine bay working on it when the radiator was out 😀 The Viva E sounds, I bet it did shift! Thanks for watching👍
An old Vauxhall!I,m surprised it hadn't dissolved by now!
Nope, this ones a fighter! Thanks for watching 👍
Grew up travelling in these, my grandad had one in gold with leather ish seats what would burn you in the summer haha..Always remember the American style speedometer
Ah great memories 😀Cool colour combo. Thanks for watching 👍
my first ever car, bought it for a pavarotti (tenor) no reverse gear, only forward gears, had to take my mates everywhere with me in case i went into a cul de sac or had to turn around..............happy days 😊😊😊😊
🤣 Great memories! That comment gave me a laugh! Thanks for watching 👍
Had one of these back in the day , loved it
Ah very cool! Thanks for watching 👍
I remember my uncle had one of these, old cars are the best :)
Your Uncle had good taste 😀 I agree! Thanks for watching 👍
Well done mate there is nothing better than like getting an old forgotten car up and running and driving I did a total engine rebuild on an old hillman avenger estate back in 1989 could only get cord piston rings at the time But ran so well and I had a grin on my face just like you did 😀 I also had a yellow 2 door viva but it was not as good as yours
Looking forward to seeing your first drive on the road
Thank you very much mate! I agree nothing better! Great memories. I love the Hillman Avengers too. Thanks for watching 👍
Canny! Keep them coming..👍🏻
Thank you! Will do! Thanks for watching 👍
Another great vid there my friend. Excellent to see her move again. The end is in sight now, a decent service and a once over with T Cut you will be showing her off at the Classic Shows next spring. Seriously though, well done and keep chipping away at her.
Thank you very much mate! Can't wait to get her on the road and hopefully to a few shows. Thanks for continuing to watch 👍
Nice to see the old viva move. I had one back in 1988 sky blue HHL215N.
Very cool, nice colour! Thanks for watching 👍