First American DNA Build

[CdRsKuLL]

Hi guys.. glad you8 have got started.. You might get away with not using spring compressors on the rears.. they will just pop apart and the newer springs wont need compressing. The for holes on the end of the frontarms are so you can bolt on a new lower ball joint. You should of got these in your kit. I think there of a Astra mk2 but maybe wrong.

Here is a pic of my front arm I managed to find....


hope that helps. It should take you under a week really to get the car ready for the kit :-)

Removal of body panels / lights (keep the bulbs in the sockets, makes it easy for wiring later)
Removal of exhaust (I removed the rear bumper bar which helps, then replaced it again)
Undo mirrors and store in a safe place, they clip into a connection about 4 inch's back from where they attach inside
Trim Doors / Rear bumper ends / Front bits from where the hood sits. (Protect your windscreen etc from sparks)
Undo and move bonnet (hood) catch, this can be located and fixed into the new position
Do rear suspension springs / front suspension. I had about 10 turns each side on my trackrod ends extenders.
Do your Fuel pipes. (Your battery should be removed) Big pipe is easy as it connects direct to the tank under the car, the breather pipe is more tricky but you get to it through where the battery sat.
DNA recommend you move the water bottle forward an inch. I just extended the front bolt which moves the neck of the bottle in towards the car so you can access the lid when your kits on.

Hope this helps, I'm sure I've missed something lol someone else please add if I have.

the most important thing is have FUN doing it.. lol theres no rush , no race. I just set a target of say.. rear springs today and just did them :-) O just incase you didnt know, theres a hex insert for a allenkey inside the bolt thread where your rear antiroll bar attachs, this is so when you turn the nut you can stop the ball joint spinning.

Steve

[Mr Ferrari]

  Thanks Steve,  That should ba a big help.
   
  We were enjoying stripping the car and know this will be a fun project.. 

[Munkyking]

 
Thanks Steve
We're having fun with it for sure!
Thanks for all of the advice. It's quite hard being this far removed. I'm sure we will be back asking more questions!!!  

[Munkyking]

And here's the next one!
I nearly had the drivers side A arm out when I realized I didn't know whether the ball joint adaptor on the end goes under the arm or on top. It looks like it should go under it. Anyone remember please? Another great day of getting dirty and oily under the car 
The passenger side is going to be soooo easy now! 

[DNA AUTOMOTIVE]

on top

[Munkyking]

DOH!
Thanks guys.
I guess the drivers side won't take me as long this time as it's all been undone recently.
It's a great build - thanks DNA for such a great kit. I'm amazed that EVERYTHING is in it. Even stuff that I wasn't expecting!

[MADMAN]

Looks like more after sales service!! MADMAN.

[deftspyder]

I pick up my donor tommorow bud.... I'm coming for ya!

[Munkyking]

 
Gulp!
I got the drivers side suspension (front and back) and 2 wheels fitted this Sunday. Mr Ferrari still has his side to do 
I've got a feeling that mine will be the first here and the second finished 
I have to say sunday was almost idillic for me. Greasy, oily and slightly bruised knuckles but the kind of day I've been hoping for with such an excellent kit. REALLY enjoyed it. I'll ask Mr Ferrari to post some more pics for me as soon as I get them from my wifes (pink) camera.

[FBP3rd]

more pics of everything,please.fbp3rd

[Munkyking]

Old exhaust is off - do I need to take off the Cat or does that stay on? I think I can see a couple of pics of the cat on your build Steve.

When I mount the DNA rear box to the cat it seems really high up. It could be that the US cat is different to the UK Cat?

Just noticed on MADMANS build his is up high too so I'm guessing it's right!!! DOH!

Thanks
Munkyking 

[MADMAN]

Let sleeping cats lie!
youve got it M8!
MADMAN

[Munkyking]

You know it was just soooo obvious once I made a cuppa and looked at it again! I blame Mr Ferrari for not doing his side yet so it looks like the cars tyres on the drivers side have gone flat (big body lean as lowered on one side only so far) so it was high on one side but ok on the other...

Thanks for watching out for me 

Will you have internet access on holiday    or do you and I have to go 'cold turkey' or should that be hot 'Greece' 

Can't say how much I'm enjoying this build!!!

[Munkyking]

Well last night I put Steves speedo backing graphis in.
Far easier to do than I thought. You pull out the main plastic dash housing (drop the steering wheel and pull it straight towards you) Undo three phillips screws, pop the three electrical connectors out of the back and the unit comes out.
Then its got a clear plastic cover that unclips around the edges and then a black plastic one that holds the graphics card down.
Pull the needles off, the old graphics and your putting the new ones on and reassembling! I did it while watching the TV so I was 'in' with the wife last night  and staying in her good book! It took about 30 mins tops!
It looks fantastic Steve - thanks for getting the kit together.
Deft thanks for the tip with the needle location. Make sure you mark where the go before you pull them off!!!! I might have been in trouble otherwise 

[DNA AUTOMOTIVE]

you will have a little problem as you need to set them up Ive done a fair few now this is how I do them
remove the plastic clear lense that covers the clock after re-assemby with new dials
hook up the wiring looms to the back of the clocks but don't have the needles on at
this point.
Start the car then turn off but only one click off do not remove the key
place all the needles to their zero positions except rev and speedo these
need to be put just behind the stop zero bar. once clicked on pulls these
2 needles over the stop bar and this should then all function correctly.
cheers DNA