VIVA HB

[nac363]

Hello. I'm looking for a Viva HB. Can anyone out there tell me what to look for ? Are there any particular rust spots, or areas of concern? What is the spares situation like? Are ther any Vauxhall Viva specialists? I've thought about a Viva HA, but the HB seems to be abit more desirable? Am I right? Any info gratefully received, many thanks, do you know of a decent HB for sale? ...................Alistair in Exeter

[pbottomley]

What is your intention with said car

[thomas]

Like any car, they rust, no better or worse than their contemporaries. Their simplicity compensates as much is repairable and the end result is so pleasing to the eye and usable. I would say look for a dry interior and boot don't be fooled by a coddled sunny days only toy, where the water pours in like a sieve as keeping it watertight has been neglected. Everywhere rusts. Chassis legs, inner and outer wings, bonnet hinge area, bonnet frame internals, scuttle drainage (aka Niagra Falls), valances front and rear, sills inner and outer, engine/gearbox rear support, spring seats, suspension mountings, arches, spare wheel well. Try to lift the carpets, check the floors on both sides, from the front corner of the footwells, along the step sills all the way back to the B post. There are sure to be other areas. The drivers side seems often the worst affected, the nearside though is the trickier to work on as brake and fuel pipes run along that side. You are unlikely to find one, subject to much use, which has not already underwent considerable corrosion repairs; a quality job can match or better factory standards.







Strong opinion on people who drill holes willy-nilly in the stupidest places:



In any condition, older cars require a lot of attention to keep them preserved and safe as well as still usable, it is no lightweight affair for the uninitiated without skills and facilities, time, patience and cash at their disposal.

Most important is enthusiasm to see a light or heavier resto through or at least pass it on better, improved.

[hbpeter]

Hello, ebay and the like is best for one for sale, and forums like this one and Retro Rides etc. Spares wise, most mechanical stuff is available, but body panels and interior stuff is very rare. Usually have to repair what you have. Stuff does crop up now and again. If you join the club we have a spares scheme. Vauxhall Greenspares can supply parts at a price. Adrian Miller(vivamanviva on ebay), has a good stock of parts.

As Paul said, depends on what you want to do with car.

Peter

[thomas]

In the end, at least where bodywork is concerned, most is repairable with time trouble and expense.
Even the ugly looking bit shown above, alongside the driver's seat, can be patched decently and strongly.

[nac363]

....................thanks for the replies. My intended use of the car, would be the odd vintage show, and , as a member of the Devon Vintage Car Club, the odd club run around Devon, with other like minded car enthousiasts

[nac363]

Thanks for all info, gratefully received. I have just purchased, HB Viva Brabham, SBP 196E, which I believe is known to the club...........I'm looking forward to using it in upcoming vinatge events

[bluemoontezza]

This one :wink
But we like current piccy.s a lot

[pbottomley]

....................thanks for the replies. My intended use of the car, would be the odd vintage show, and , as a member of the Devon Vintage Car Club, the odd club run around Devon, with other like minded car enthousiasts

If you now own a Brabham you will of paid high and will keep it as it is... A rare find these days to see a good car wanting to be looked after and used as it is.

I like customised and modified cars don't get me wrong just bored shitless of morons cutting cars up then giving up because its not like Lego. Hence me asking what your intentions are

[hbpeter]

Well done, lets have more photos. Look forward to seeing it out and about.

Peter