Fixing my Astra - Part 4

 Hello and welcome back for more stories on getting my Astra fixed up. It's been a while since the last blog post but I've had a little awkward financial difficulty but I'm coming good again.

On Tuesday the 25th of April which is ANZAC day, my grandpa was willing to give me some money to buy a new radiator for my Astra. Once I got the money, I thought of going to Repco to buy a new radiator the next day or on the afternoon. I've decided to go the afternoon whilst they're open.

I first went to the Lakeside store to find out the radiator they have is for an automatic version. There are 2 types of radiators for the AH Astra as I spoke over the phone with a Repco employee which I found out along with Stu who helped me replace all the radiator hoses. But anyway, I've driven to the Clyde North store and managed to buy the right radiator along with the radiator flush and demineralised water to perform a radiator flush when the new radiator will be fitted.


And I've also salvaged the remains of the new coolant after topping up hadn't gone right. I went back to the Lakeside store on my way home to buy some scrivets to attach the grille to the car.


The whole idea of scrivets are new to me but are greatly practical. They're a good replacement for stock clips that hold the grille in place. They are clips in a way but you screw in and the grille is secure. And best of all, removing the grille will be easy as.

But now comes the big day on Saturday. The day when I'll attempt to replace the radiator myself. I wasn't able to get anyone to help me which is a shame but Cody assured me radiator replacements are easy.


But being a European car isn't easy. Accessibility isn't always great but I've removed the grille out of the way and along the way gave the surrounding areas a clean. Next, I've removed the battery and the air box and the radiator hoses out of the way.

And then, I've taken the fan out. It has 2 bolts holding onto the radiator and detached the plug.




Another things I had to contend with is the air conditioning condenser, bolted onto the radiator and some cables that are zip tied and then there are the bottom mounts that hold the radiator in place. Once they're out of the way, I have successfully removed the old radiator.


And that is the old radiator out. I've also made use of one container which I'll throw into the recycling bin holding the bolts I've taken out during the whole process.


After my break, I went on fitting the new radiator.


Now come the time for reassembly. I've bolted the bottom mounts in so the radiator is secure.


First, the air conditioning condenser is bolted back in but with only one bolt.



Secondly, the inlet snorkel is fitted in but very awkward to get out. I've had to unbolt a few bolts that are holding the front panel in. Once fitted back in, all's good.


Thirdly, the fan is bolted in and reconnected.




All the radiator hoses are back in with the delight of new user friendly hose clamps.


And finally, the air box and battery are back in and the car is all complete. And then, it was time for lunch.


After lunch, it was time to do the radiator flush. As I was filling up, there were no leaks coming out which is so far so good. And then the moment of truth, starting up the car which is great pleasure after the months it hadn't run.


As the car was running, there were no warning lights on the dashboard.


Once I've flushed the radiator, I've drained out the remains and then filled it with coolant. And giving it a run. After all that, it was been a huge success and because it's been a great achievement for myself, I was lost for words for a while. And with the Astra a runner again, it's satisfying to close the bonnet.

On Sunday, I gave the car a drive. I drove over to the shopping precinct in Pakenham heading towards Officer as I was curious to find out how much I'll need to buy a floor cleaner at the Good Guys. The Astra drove without any problem although it is strange having to sit lower than I expected but that's what you would get when you're driving a new car.


With high satisfaction, I've taken this photo whilst at the time the car is out of my garage. It could do with a clean though.

On top of that, it's been greatly pleasing since last year I've taken up the new skill working on cars. Although I'm not a qualified mechanic, it is something worthy of giving it a go. From the idea I'm wanting to do a project car as part of my bucket list, there is more to it. It could be utilised to buy junk cars and sell parts and even buy cheap cars to fix and sell.

And then, my dad got me to buy cheap lawn mowers to fix and sell. Throughout my residence in Pakenham, I have sold 5 lawn mowers I have fixed.

And now with my emerging skill and hobby, it could be a game changer and be a tool to build up money for a home loan deposit and be out of the rental market especially with the massive shortage of rentals lately.

See you next time!

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