1979 1600 Coupe

[GerardJPC]

Long time no update!

Since 2022 the car has had its head off to fit a new head gasket and rocker cover gaskets.  Inspection of the engine when opened up showed it to be in good condition.  It has run well, and stopped leaking oil, since being put back together.  I have also picked up a spare 1600 engine for future proofing, thanks to a kind person on Facebook.

The car also has a new rear exhaust, as the old one rusted.

Over the New Year, some yob smashed the driver's window.  Betaboyz supplied replacement glass, many thanks.  

The inside of the driver's door is pleasantly free from rust, and seems to have its original paint.  The passenger door is more suspect, but I have a spare passenger door in primer.

The usual problem of too many cars and not enough money makes me think yet again of selling the Beta.  I almost sold it last September.  Anyone interested?

My nephew says that he will buy it if he gets a big bous next year, but promises, promises, and the bank he works for (and/or the global economy) might go FOOM before then.

I took the car to the Sunday afternoon of the 50th anniversary meeting in September 2023, which was fun.  My 2000 HF came too.

PS:  I sold my Leyland Princess and my Triumph TR7. I also sold my Moto Morini 350 Sport motorbike.  I won a Yamaha YB 100 motorbike jn a raffle. 

I bought a LHD French registered 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 Crosswagon Q4 for Alpine and Euro duties - it will live in France. 

I am trying but failing to persuade two friends to go with me to rescue a RHD UK plate 1978 Alfetta 2.0 from Turin, but they think it's too rusty.

 

[GerardJPC]

[GerardJPC]

Back on the road after a bit of a delay.   Thanks again to Betaboyz for supplying a replacement window.




Last week, the fuel line from the filter to the carb came off while I was driving.  Yikes!  Luckily the petrol poured down underneath the car and not across the top of the engine.  I was able to make a repair by the roadside using the 1970s toolkit.


 

[Neil-yaj396]

It would be worth replacing all the under bonnet fuel lines with E10 compliant hose Gerard. I've found in the past that once one comes loose or starts leaking at the joints then the hose has had it's day.

[GerardJPC]

A good idea, but the hoses were done recently.  The problem appeared to be with the connector at the carburettor end.  This has now been refixed and appears to be secure.

Boo hoo that Esso has stopped selling ethanol free petrol.

[JohnFol]

What's the black box bolted behind the ignition coil?

[GerardJPC]

It's this - it's fab.    My 1600 has been tuned using this and is go-fasty.


http://www.aldonamethyst.co.uk/

[GerardJPC]

See also -

https://classicenginesmodernfuel.org.uk/

[GerardJPC]

Next job:  new brake lines needed.

[GerardJPC]

With new brake lines, and all four sets of calipers rebuilt, the Beta is in use as a station runner.  I have lent my modern car to my brother, and my other two Lancias are awaiting parts (a radiator hose for my 2000 HF, and an exhaust section for my Appia Berlina).


See the attached LinkedIn thread.   When I post there about a professional subject, I might see 3000 engagements, at best.   A post about an old Lancia has attracted close on 700,000 engagements, 736 comments and rising, and 14 reposts.   Most of the comments are positive, although there have been a few of the usual pub "expert" comments.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/gerard-clarke-09018b20_i-left-my-46-year-old-lancia-unrestored-activity-7265331620310573057-H6V_?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

[GerardJPC]

I think that this may be the handwriting of the late Flight Lieutenant Eric Garland MC and Bar, MBE, or maybe of his first wife. F/L Garland (and/or his wife) knew how to look after an engine - note the oil changes every 3000 miles during the 1980s.

[Nigel]

Hi Gerard,
The link you posted appears to be incorrect.

Nigel

[Neil-yaj396]

Great when you get such a personal service history with a car. I have some notes about my car made by the first owner from the latter years of his 25 year tenure which is nice. Pre late nineties though I only have the MOT certificates and some odd annual inspection/valuation certificates that his then insurers must have required.

[GerardJPC]

Hi Gerard,
The link you posted appears to be incorrect.

Nigel

Oops!  Sorry!

Re-posted


https://www.linkedin.com/posts/gerard-clarke-09018b20_i-left-my-46-year-old-lancia-unrestored-activity-7265331620310573057-H6V_?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

[peteracs]

Hi Gerard

Not sure if you covered this, but I assume this date of 1979 was the reg date which is very late for a pre facelift car.

Peter

[smithymc]

Great series of posts Gerard. So that is what Linkedin is for.. always wondered.

Mark

[Clifford3051]

Never had Linkedin been so interesting!
🧐