Hello From Hungary... Soon, Maybe Goodbye to my Vectra.

[Kill_Rill]

It's finally fixed!!! All of the dashboard lights are gone! The CIM has been replaced and programmed. Now, finally, the CDC is working properly and I can properly engage the sport mode by pressing the sport button. (Sidetracking: Sport Mode was a very jarring experience and I am not sure if it is my cup of tea. It's super loud, the engine is roaring, and it drives at 3000-4000 RPM all the time. Does anyone have any tips how to best use sport mode?) Back on topic: the turning index signals now cancel after I turn the wheel and return the wheel to center.

There were are lot of repairs done. It felt like forever. But I think all of the major fixes have been completed. I will share a full list of the work done a little later. And some new photos, because this car is stunning to look at. Now that all of the major problems are more or less solved, I wonder what kind of cosmetic or tuner projects in can dabble with next. I sometimes daydream about wrapping the roof in glossy black or carbon effect. Any suggestions?

[horaa]

That's how sport mode works on automatic gearbox, it doesn't shift untill very late, usually you use sport mode when you want to "play" with the car, like twistie roads going flatout.
Don't wrap the roof or better said don't wrap anything in carbon look like

[Kill_Rill]

List of Work Done (Mechanics, Parts, & Repairs)


2023.11.22 KwikFit, Examination
2023.11.27 KwikFit, Examination
2023.12.04 Opel brand service, Examine check engine light and oil change
2023.12.06 Independent garage, Examination
2023.12.15 Independent garage, Pre-MOT check
2023.12.23 GT Radial 4Seasons tires, 5 pcs
2024.01.06 Bosch Power P0012 85Ah
2024.01.10 Independent garage, Battey change, tire change x5, and wheel balancing x5
2024.01.29 Opel brand service, Steering wheel repair attempt and Car Pass
2024.02.15 Independent garage, Intake manifold swap and tire repair
2024.02.19 Auto retail chain, Radiator cap
2024.02.20 Independent glass shop, NordGlass front windshield and installation
2024.03.19 Independent garage, Repairs including stabilizer bars & bushes, AC cleaning & pollen filter, CIM swap and CIM programming and calibration

[northpole]

Nice to see that the car is finally back to nomal, now enjoy it. the sports mode is handy when you want to overtake someone or want to do some spirited driving...As D engages the highest gear as soon as possible to save fuel. Also do as you please, it's your car (regarding the wrap)

[Kill_Rill]

I promised photos.

https://imgur.com/a/a9xYW3U

1 Opel Vectra Aerial Quarter.jpg

[northpole]

That's one messy screen setup you got there... if you could only hide the wires it would look way better.

[Kill_Rill]

I will look into a more refined cable management system for my screens on the dash.

In the meantime, what the heck can I do about this rust situation? https://imgur.com/a/gcptePW See rust under the car in gallery here. I am not an expert, but I don't like it, and I think the rust looks bad IMO. It is as if the previous owner parked the car in salt water.

That said, I don't know if this is a big problem or not. My mechanic says it should pass MOT with the rust. At the bare minimum I am happy if my car can pass MOT since that will expire in June and I should do this somewhat soon. But even if it can pass, I heard rust is pretty bad for cars and it's like a ticking time bomb - you don't know when it will explode, but for sure the bomb will eventually explode and I will be made very unhappy when the rust situation gets severe. My mechanic says once the rust starts it will continue to grow, and there is no permanent solution. He said that any possible under body treatment at his shop will definitely cost more than €500, he said it would be worth it to shop around and look for other garages that may do it cheaper. He said, it can be treated but it will come back, the rust will eventually take over.

In short:
1. How should I proceed here.
2. What should be done about the rust.
3. Is this situation totally bad or can I live with it? (Bad or no big deal?)
4. Would this pass MOT/TÜV outside of Hungary (or is this a Hungarian thing that such a car like this can pass MOT here)?

[Kill_Rill]

If the rust is too far gone, If it happens that this problem is going to be a really really big problem, I don't know what I am going to do. I genuinely may have to say goodbye to this car. I love this thing, but if I need to put in even more effort than I already did to keep this thing on the road, then I don't think it is worth my effort and time. Doing my head in.

[northpole]

that is normal surface rust... except for those brake disk shields... do what most of us do, take the lot off take a wire brush to it, either coat it with hammerite or have it powdercoated... I went the cheap way and used hammerite... I bought 1 litre of the paint (in a tin) and than just brushed the lot on when i was replacing bushes. I gave it 1 thick coat waited 12 hours for it to harden than gave it another thick coat. I did replace my rear brake disk shields though as they were gone. There are other brands that have the same qualities as Hammerite ( Rustoleum etc) but there are also automotive underbody sealers that can be used... the problem with the later is the stuff is expensive. I didn't want to spend a fortune so choose the cheapest solution. the only downside to using the brush on version is the drying time. But once you got 2 thick layers on it will last and no more rust. Also you can get hammerite in a lot of colours so you can add some style... but if you are like me... I used smooth black, they do have a hammer effect and a crackle version but on the suspension parts I think it's best to have that paint be as smooth as possible.

[horaa]

Just like northpole said, remove the rear frame completely(it's actually easier than said), brush it, if u have time put a rust converter and seal it with whatever you want. I myself use rubber spray paint(or bitum whatever it's being marketed), it cures much faster but it's more expensive.