THIS NEW Restoshop sub-blog is going to be dedicated to the GAVster. The 1980 Florida Blau Derby of Restoshop art-monkey, 'EA'.

A lot has happened since the first pics were posted on the main blog. In that time, GAV has been cleaned (!) lowered and now wears new shoes.

The lowering kit was courtesy of Spax, who supplied one of its superb PSX adjustable kits in 60mm form. This has right royally slammed the old girl and even though I have not tried out the adjustable dampers just yet, the ride is pretty good all round. Its a bit bouncy so some tinkering will need to happen, but for now it sits nicely and hangs on to the corners a lot better too!

Next up was the long-suffering ATS rims which I got uber-cheap. They were 'part-refurbed' and then re-coated and, as such, look a little crusty under the paint. There is one decent rim in the set which I sourced separately to replace a damaged one. They look very cool (IMHO) and wear new 165/60/13 rubber all round.

The tyres need to be worn-in before GAV sees any roundabout action, but the car already feels a lot happier in the bends and the Seb at STS Wheel Alignment Centre in Bedford left the slight negative camber in the front wheels as it was, which can only help things I supsect!

Unfortunately, due to me not thinking about wheel bolts, GAV only just made it to GTI International in time, minus the rims – which was a big let down. All my own fault though! I also got a boot rack which looks fantastic, but its in the Rosso Classico hiding at the moment after it blew off the back of the car at Bruntingthorpe! (Good job it wasn't on the M1!)

There is a little bit of bodywork to sort out but all in good time. I intend enjoying the car this year and knuckle down with it next year, or, more realistically, when funds allow!

(click pics for big versions)

GAV: at Inters pre-rims

GAV: at work with newly fitted rims!!!

...and once again, for luck!