Carlton CD 2.0i 1993 Restored

[Budgie]

Hi,

I'm new to this forum.
Been looking for some time to interact with other Carlton enthusiasts.
I've owned a Carlton CD 2.0i since new in 1993 and have journeyed some 124k miles in it - all completely enjoyable as any Carlton owner will I'm sure agree.
I have over the last year or so invested around £2K+ in restoring it back to it's former end of line glory and include some pics for interest.
My local trusty Vauxhall dealer of some 13 years now and some excellent bargains from eBay have contributed greatly to this
project.

Added 26/06/05

Added 26/06/05

Added 23/08/05

Added 23/08/05

[Sir_sideways]

Hello there and welcome to Total Carlton Forums!!

Its great that many of us carlton enthusiasts are getting together online!

Owned a carlton since new? thats a very rare thing! I'v had an L reg 2.0 CDI. And it was a brilliant car! I loved owning it 

What restoration work was needed to your carlton? £2000 + is a large amount to spend on any car but im sure it was well worth it, especially as you have owned the car from new!!

if you go to http://www.imageshack.us and upload your pictures there, and then post the link in a reply that should sort out your uploading issue's! Failing that feel free to email me at sir_sideways@hotmail.co.uk and i'll help you out!

Welcome to our forums and enjoy your stay!

Gaz

[Budgie]

Hi,

Thanks for the response and assistance with adding images.
I've just set up an online photo album (or rather in the process of) with Photobucket which others on this forum have used. I'll see how that goes otherwise I shall probably be taking up your kind offer of further help.

The restore started in May 2004 after deciding that whilst I would really like to buy a Toyota Rav4 2004 model because of it's total reliabilty and economics of running I also realised that the depreciation on the Toyota would be far greater than the Carlton revival cost.

Vehicle was completely (and I mean completely) re-painted (see pics - when I get 'em linked).
Minor rust on trailing edge of O/SF wing, rear arches beagan to show signs of rusting (normal for Carlton), inner front wings where plastic wing liner fastens were rotten + area beneath battery tray. All other rust was superficial and cured with re-paint.
Fuel tank replaced - as old one rusted around tank entry.
Rear road springs and shocks replaced.
New set of Continental tyres.
New allow spare wheel (courtesy of eBay seller) to replace steel one.
Replaced all body badges with current Vauxhall Style (looks nice)
Reconditioned Differential (pinion bearing shot)
New exhaust system although original Cat still hanging in by the skin of it's teeth.
Grafted in a Sat Nav system based on a Dell PDA running Tom Tom Navigator software (this is brilliant cos you can overlay Gatso traps on it) well worth the money.
Interior is still standard although I would really like to upgrqade with a full set of half leather GSI Racaros. Been a few on eBay but drivers seat always seems to shed leather.

I think that's about it.

Thanks again for your interest and I'll let you know how I get on with the piccys.

Rgds

[Sir_sideways]

I want mine to look like that!!!! My god that really is deep red!! 

Is that Carmine red or Flame red if you know?

That looks a great job and its good to see somebody saving a car that in the hands of average joe would have met the scrap mans gas torch....

I would love to see that car in the metal!

[Budgie]

Hi Gaz,

Thanks for the compliments - does look good doesn't it. Flame Red is the colour and the local Vauxhall agent boys really did go the "extra mile" on the finish.

However having said that I had to take it back several times for things that they hadn't refitted properly. Still that's the motor trade for you. The re-paint actually cost £800 - not bad these days for a big car.

You're right it really must be seen as you say "...in the metal".

If I get time this summer I'm gonna investigate the chassis and underside a little more. It's not really been a problem apart from some superficial rust. Need to take a closer look at the main supports but access to a ramp isn't so easy.

Cheers

Brian

[corky13]

wow what a lovely car mate, have got a blue cdx and if i can get it lookin half as gooas urs ide be happy 

[colonelk]

That is a stunningly clean vehicle! 
Hope to see it in the flesh sometime

[Budgie]

Thanks Guys!

Maybe a meet one day - who knows/

[Pedro]

That's lurverly, mate - I bet you're well chuffed - I would be!

[Pedro]

It is really nice mate! Why dont you bring it to the V.B.O.A at Billing Aquadrome in a fortnights time?

HELL YEAH!
 

[Budgie]

Thanks UD - I might just see you there.

I'll check out their web site for details.

[Budgie]

What's the best place to get all the event details UD?

The web site didn't appear to yield very much.

[Pedro]

That means I'm Uber Uber Keen - I'll be there on the Thursday night!!!!

Budgie - I might be wrong, but you need to be with a club affiliated with VBOA to show your car, but not as a visitor. However, a mate of mine got to the gate last year and said "I'm with the Vauxhall lot" and got in for nowt.......................and nobody checked!

As a discalimer to that comment, I will not be held responsible for anything - ever!

[Budgie]

Cheers Pedro - I think your'e right I've just done some checking and yes you do need to be a fully paid up member of a recognised club to "strut your stuff", but ok if you just want to visit and park up.

So - probably do the latter - gotta warn you I'm a fine weather person though - don't do mud and welly boots (well..... except on Saturday nights with the missus ~;o)

Any idea what the entry fee is? (no I'm not talking about my Saturday night pursuits)

[Pedro]

Not sure on entry to the park, as such, but overnight camping is a tenner a car, I think - that applies to club members too. (I don't really know, as my manager does all that side of things - you know, t'wife! )

Just tell them that you're with me..............that might go against ya, thinking about it!! LOL!

[ian]

friday evening as i dont finishw ork till 6 so at 7 il be on the auto bahn stomers stand
ID LOVE TO SEE A CERTAIN RED CD,THIS CAR IS A STUNER

[Pedro]

Are you after first digs on the cheap spares then Pete or getting some practice drinking in on the thursday mate?

There's not alot I want for my Carlton, and truly skint TBH!

So it must be drinking practice then - yeah, like I need practice!!!

[ian]

so much wax on the monza water will just slide off it

[carltonsteve20]

that is one of the redist vauxhalls i have ever seen! lol. looking good! i like the modern style boot badges on it!

[Budgie]

that is one of the redist vauxhalls i have ever seen! lol. looking good! i like the modern style boot badges on it!

Thanks - just got together all the characters now for the word "CARLTON" which is made up from a number of other Vauxhall badges - so shall be adding that later in the week. Will post a new pic when done.

Cheers

[carltonsteve20]

can you just get the letters single or did you have to buy complete badge sets?

[Budgie]

can you just get the letters single or did you have to buy complete badge sets?

Hi,

I'm putting all the stuff together for you and will post later with pics and links.

Cheers

[Budgie]

can you just get the letters single or did you have to buy complete badge sets?

Hi,

I'm putting all the stuff together for you and will post later with pics and links.

Cheers

Badge stuff as promised.

Best source of badges is eBay - try this link - I have bought some of mine here and the prices are pretty good.

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/THE-BADGEMANS-LOCKUP

Be careful when buying badges from some sellers on eBay because they can charge a lot more than Vauxhall.

Anyhoo donor badges for my "CARLTON" boot badge. All Vauxhall.

This one is good for front side wing "CD" or boot lid "CDI"

and they make this -------------

Gotta be trimmed, sealed and fitted of course.

When chosing badges from eBay, make sure of the height of the lettering and script style before you buy. The ones I have used are 17mm in height but were advertised as 20mm which also exist. Advice is contact seller and get him to check before you bid or do a Buy Now.

Hope this has been useful.

[Pedro]

He's the kiddy!

://stores.ebay.co.uk/THE-BADGEMANS-LOCKUP

That's where most of mine came from, Budgie.

Sorry, couldn't remember until I saw the name again!

[Budgie]

Well - my Carlton has its identity back at long last.

Not entirely happy with the CD bit - might have to seek an alternative.