Lancisti Community - Blogs http://www.lancisti.net/forum/blog.php An online community for Lancia owners and enthusiasts. en Fri, 18 May 2012 14:25:39 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.lancisti.net/forum/images/misc/rss.jpg Lancisti Community - Blogs http://www.lancisti.net/forum/blog.php Parts For sale http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?41-Parts-For-sale Fri, 11 May 2012 00:47:56 GMT I have a 1975 Lancia Beta Coupe 1800 series that I'm going to part out if you need some specific part let me know and I will see if I have what your looking for, and we will see if we can make a deal.

Kenneth Brisbin ]]> Kenneth http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?41-Parts-For-sale Catching up... http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?40-Catching-up Wed, 18 Apr 2012 03:51:02 GMT A couple of weeks ago I spent a couple of days reworking the very worn manual window lifts in my Scorpion. You know how it is, the window rolls up... A couple of weeks ago I spent a couple of days reworking the very worn manual window lifts in my Scorpion. You know how it is, the window rolls up most of the way then stalls as the gear skips against the spiral cable.

Years ago when I had my Zagato, I re-worked them by performing a trick my friend Val explained to me. I did the same here. The idea is to swap the spiral cable from side to side so the worn side faces away from the gear.

Here's how you do it. First remove the cable drive from the door and clean it well with mineral spirits. Then drill out two of the spot welds on the cable's window bracket using a 1/8" drill and cutting oil.



Then pry open the bracket, I use a chisel.



Then remove the cable.



Then install the cable from the other door so that the worn side will face away from the gear when reassembled. Carefully close the bracket onto the cable.



Resecure bracket with rivets. In this pic the bracket is up-side down, so watch how you do things so you don't have to re-do it like I did!



Reassemble cable into track tube with plenty of grease. Hopefully things work better after this. In my case one side worked much better, the other not as hoped. This usually means the gear is very worn as well. ]]> Gregory Smith http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?40-Catching-up Weekend wrenching http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?39-Weekend-wrenching Mon, 26 Mar 2012 02:30:40 GMT Yesterday and today I finished installation of the charcoal canister and its bracket to the sub frame. It took some time to collect the canister and... Yesterday and today I finished installation of the charcoal canister and its bracket to the sub frame. It took some time to collect the canister and the bracket but various folks helped me out in that regard.

I connected the bottom port on the canister to the line from the two-way valve, this collects fumes from the tank. The top port goes to a constant vacuum port on the base of the carb, which has a small vacuum at all times. The unused port is for a cab vent which my 38DGAS doesn't have.



I also came up with a solution to a previously unmentioned problem; that of the plastic mountings of the dash-door bolster extension. On the driver's side mine were severely damaged to the point where they could barely support the bolster. I fashioned some reinforcement from simple fender washers and used plastic welding solvent to adhere the washers to the remaining ABS/PS plastic. So far so good.





And with additional ABS pipe cement slather, which fills the cracks and helps keep the washers located:





I ended the weekend with a sunny day open-top drive to a friend's place to admire his 850 Spider project. I got to recall various esoteric details from when I owned my '72 850 Sport Spider, and we compared a lot of notes. I also gave him a copy of a modification guide I have held on to. On the way home I stopped at a local auto parts place to pick something up and got a lot of compliments from another guy who seemed to recognize the car but mistook it as an Alfa Romeo. Oh well. ': ]]> Gregory Smith http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?39-Weekend-wrenching Pininfarina windshield banners available again http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?38-Pininfarina-windshield-banners-available-again Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:14:45 GMT ---Quote (Originally by HF Stinger)--- Hi Darren, I sure will. These can ship rolled up in a small box - 6x6x6 inch. ---End Quote--- I want to...
Quote Originally Posted by HF Stinger View Post
Hi Darren, I sure will. These can ship rolled up in a small box - 6x6x6 inch.
I want to buy one banner... Bob -- autotalk@aol.com

thanks,,Bob ]]> Bob Kocher http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?38-Pininfarina-windshield-banners-available-again Sunday afternoon wrenching http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?37-Sunday-afternoon-wrenching Mon, 19 Mar 2012 01:21:58 GMT Finished up my projects from Friday. Saturday I had a scare when my fuel pump wouldn't prime, and I couldn't get it started. I ended up priming the pump by siphoning a little bit with my mouth. Fortunately I didn't get any fuel in my mouth. I'm not sure why the pump wouldn't self-prime, although the fuel level was low, and maybe there is a rust hole in the fuel pickup tube... something to check.

Spent the afternoon today cleaning up things on the Scorpion. Removed the rest of the A/C stuff. The compressor and condenser were already removed, so I just needed to remove the hoses that the P.O. cut, and the drier.



While I had it up in the air I swapped the domestic-sounding Lancia trumpet for a pair of red ones that sound more european.

]]> Gregory Smith http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?37-Sunday-afternoon-wrenching Friday wrenching... http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?36-Friday-wrenching Sat, 17 Mar 2012 03:23:55 GMT Spent part of my evening working on the Budget Scorpion. I had quite a time finding a substitute for the large fuel tank-to-filler neck vent hose. ... Spent part of my evening working on the Budget Scorpion. I had quite a time finding a substitute for the large fuel tank-to-filler neck vent hose. It measures 22mm I.D. which is pretty hard to find in a fuel-vapor suitable hose. I found a fuel line at my local CarQuest in 3/4" which I decided was close enough.

The original line looked, well, original right down to one clamp at the filler neck an original overlapping strap type.



This hose was the last of the old hoses and a likely source of fumes and smelliness, especially after filling the gas tank. Here's why, you can see the ends are checked and the inside rife with pinholes that I found after cutting it open lengthwise.







Here's the new hose in place with new clamps.



Now I'm set for the weekend, which will be some other engine bay details like the crankcase vent hose etc. ]]> Gregory Smith http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?36-Friday-wrenching Sunday wrenching... http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?35-Sunday-wrenching Mon, 12 Mar 2012 04:10:30 GMT Spent some time today with the Budget Scorpion. Changed out the old (how old? see pic) thermostat with the new one from Obert. I think the stamping... Spent some time today with the Budget Scorpion. Changed out the old (how old? see pic) thermostat with the new one from Obert. I think the stamping on the existing Wahler thermostat indicates it's an 80ºC thermostat built in 1/95.



Engine now warms up normally and hovers around 180ºF-190ºF underway and idling. Old one seems to have some sort of wad of blue goo in the mechanism. Not sure this would keep it from closing or make it open too quickly or what, that would make it run cold. Regardless the new one fixed the problem.



Also installed a hard-start relay as I did with my X, on Saturday during a tech session for FEN. Had about 6 people watching me install it after explaining the theory behind it.



A bit difficult getting all the wires on the (30) terminal of the starter but successful. Also replaced the large rubber boot while I was down there.



After all that I spent most of the rest of the day dodging hail storms as I started cleaning the engine, transaxle and engine bay. Looking 100% better despite being about 25% done with that task.

The last task was to adjust the carb, something I actually hadn't bothered with until now. I used the Weber 38DGAS instructions from Redline (www.REDLINEWEBER.com) in the downloads area here. Seems to run much better, I think it was way too rich on the idle circuits which also seemed to affect transition. We'll see after another tank of gas how the mileage is. ]]> Gregory Smith http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?35-Sunday-wrenching Lancia Beta, Spider, Hpe and coupe parts http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?34-Lancia-Beta-Spider-Hpe-and-coupe-parts Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:42:40 GMT
Quote Originally Posted by azzurra551 View Post
If he doesn't have Spider bumper set, I do for sale on fiatspider.com...but wait till you get a response from him.

Quote Originally Posted by bjwhite View Post
early coupe or spider bumpers?
Thanks, but I need Beta Spider bumpers, not 124 Spider bumpers. :) ]]> bjwhite http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?34-Lancia-Beta-Spider-Hpe-and-coupe-parts Weekend Wrenching... http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?33-Weekend-Wrenching Mon, 05 Mar 2012 03:41:43 GMT Took care of some Budget Scorpion details this weekend. Dr. Wifey was at a class, kiddo was at a sleepover, so in addition to Cowboys and Aliens,... Took care of some Budget Scorpion details this weekend. Dr. Wifey was at a class, kiddo was at a sleepover, so in addition to Cowboys and Aliens, pizza and beer I got some stuff done in the garage.

First was installing a good used fuel tank 2-way (or is it 3-way?) valve. This little gizmo is pretty clever and holds fuel vapors in the tank until a certain pressure (I'm guessing about 2-3 psi) is reached then it vents to the charcoal canister. Under the slightest vacuum, it allows fresh air in to replace consumed fuel.



With this and the previously re-sourced fuel vapor separators, and new lines, the only evap emissions part missing is the charcoal canister which I've finally sourced from DJ, the Lancisti site owner. No more smelly garage for, me no sir!

Next up I used stainless steel rivets to secure the mudsill plates which were missing some of the stock plastic rivets and getting snagged by the door weatherstrip upon opening.



Next I fitted a small solid brass hinge to the front of the driver's side tension strap as I've seen done before on other Scorpions. The top strap is a plastic "living hinge" design, so the question is more when will it break not if. I used stainless rivets here as well and re-secured the clever cloth cover with Weldwood contect cement. Now I can use the soft top, which had been glued shut with a dab of polyurethane caulk for some months after my dad accidentally ripped the cloth cover which was all that was holding this together.



While I had the contact cement out I glued some loose carpet back around the footwells as well as the glove box vinyl covering edges. All in all a satisfying time. ]]> Gregory Smith http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?33-Weekend-Wrenching Mouse proofing... http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?32-Mouse-proofing Mon, 27 Feb 2012 03:23:22 GMT One thing I try to do to all of my cars is mouse proofing, since I live in the country. My Scorpion gets to park in the garage, but even so there... One thing I try to do to all of my cars is mouse proofing, since I live in the country. My Scorpion gets to park in the garage, but even so there are occasionally opportunities for mice to get in. Often easier said than done, as most cars have many hidden openings, and mice are very flexible and generally can get though a hole that's larger than 1/4".

I used 1/4" galvanized wire mesh and screened off the heater inlet duct under the rain cover in the cowl area like this:


I would love to hear from anyone who knows of other places mice can get into these cars. ]]> Gregory Smith http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?32-Mouse-proofing Little victories... http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?31-Little-victories Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:03:42 GMT Spent some time in the garage to fix some stuff, and to avoid real life for a short while. The fuel lines on my car were very suspect, and... Spent some time in the garage to fix some stuff, and to avoid real life for a short while.

The fuel lines on my car were very suspect, and probably the source of a pervasive fuel smell. Also contributing to the fuel smell is the fact that I am still missing a charcoal canister and one other evap. emissions device.

Anyway, sourced and replaced a missing fuel/vapor separator, various fuel lines and clamps. Removed mystery metal fuel filter from pump and installed a trusted VW style plastic filter that allows me to see how dirty it is.



Also, changed the engine and transaxle oils. This combined with the above and it drives like a new car and has lost some of the notchy hesitation it had. Maybe the filter was clogged, but it didn't seem like it when I blew through it.

]]> Gregory Smith http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?31-Little-victories Weekend wrenching: stereo and speakers. http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?30-Weekend-wrenching-stereo-and-speakers Mon, 13 Feb 2012 03:32:01 GMT This weekend I finally tackled the lack of stereo in my Scorpion. The car came with a Blaupunkt deck that was inoperational. I salvaged the Pioneer... This weekend I finally tackled the lack of stereo in my Scorpion. The car came with a Blaupunkt deck that was inoperational. I salvaged the Pioneer CD deck from my Bertone before I sold it (the new owner was not interested in it) and put it in this car. I ran new (+) and (-) wires from the battery and it fit fine in the stock hole.

Wiring up the P.O.'s Infinity component speakers was a challenge. I couldn't find any markings on the wires to identify the polarity of the wires. Eventually I gave up and ran fresh 12g speaker wire. Good thing I did, the terminals on one of the passive crossovers was corroded and needed cleaning up. After installing the new wires I "test drove" and am pleased.

In my Bertone I had a spare tire subwoofer and amp and haven't found a good location for them in this car. I'm open to suggestions. I may end up selling the spare tire sub and get a component sub to install somewhere else.

I also located the cause of the new annoying rattle in the steering column, I had loosened a pinch bolt in anticipation of removing the column to remove the pedal cluster, but opted for just dropping the column and setting it to one side instead. I guess I forgot to tighten it up upon reassembly. :red face:

I'm really enjoying driving it now, getting close to the "everything works" stage that I strive for. Next project: window regulators. ]]> Gregory Smith http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?30-Weekend-wrenching-stereo-and-speakers Lancia Beta Coupe Zagato and HPE Front and Rear Shocks on sale now. Trunk Emblems 2. http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?29-Lancia-Beta-Coupe-Zagato-and-HPE-Front-and-Rear-Shocks-on-sale-now-Trunk-Emblems-2 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:36:36 GMT I have a small stock of strut inserts for all the Betas. I have them listed on Ebay. You can also email me at zagato8182@verizon.net. These... I have a small stock of strut inserts for all the Betas. I have them listed on Ebay. You can also email me at zagato8182@verizon.net.
These parts are extremely rare in the USA so get them while they last. If you try to go to Europe for them you will pay a fortune for them and if they have them.
Any questions, just send me an email. Good luck ! ]]> zagato8182 http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?29-Lancia-Beta-Coupe-Zagato-and-HPE-Front-and-Rear-Shocks-on-sale-now-Trunk-Emblems-2 Post-repair drive... http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?28-Post-repair-drive Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:11:53 GMT Finally got the car back together, just in time for a trip up north to the monthly Fiat Enthusiasts Northwest meeting. Backtracking, I got the car... Finally got the car back together, just in time for a trip up north to the monthly Fiat Enthusiasts Northwest meeting.

Backtracking, I got the car back together night before last, but as I was cleaning up, noticed dampness at the right rear tire. Turns out the caliper was leaking. Disassembled enough to clean the inside, inspect the seal and reassemble with no further leak. Next morning, same thing other side. Same fix. There was an amazing amount of gunk in there despite thorough bleeding. Should have known. I'll add new seals to my wish list.

Noticed the seal around the windshield was poorly done so I dug out what I could and resealed with PL until I can afford a new glass.

Drove down the road and back to tentatively check for brake function and other potential problems. All seemed good. Packed the trunk with tools, spare tire, jack, coveralls etc. just in case.

The drive north (about 120 miles round trip) was fun, if a bit loud. This thing has a brutally loud exhaust. As of yet no radio, so I resorted to listening to my ipod radio with one earphone until its battery died. The cigar lighter is too deep for my cord adapter. So installing the stereo is next I think.

There is a bit of a chilly breeze from under the dash, I think I need to close off the holes to the front trunk. That and get a new thermostat, I think the one I have is sticking open.

Still need a driver's side seat belt, the Schroth harness is not practical for everyday driving.

So far so good! ]]> Gregory Smith http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?28-Post-repair-drive Wheel bearings etc... http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?27-Wheel-bearings-etc Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:37:45 GMT Today was a long day. It started picking up where I left off yesterday doing the brakes at all four corners. Moving to the front, I decided it was... Today was a long day. It started picking up where I left off yesterday doing the brakes at all four corners. Moving to the front, I decided it was a good time to renew the bearings which were rumbling noticeably.

First task was loosening the tie-rod joint and lower hub pivot joint. These came loose using the 2-hammer method and some 4 pound hammers (really small sledge hammers).

I used my Makita 14v impact driver to remove the axle nut. I have a 12-ton Harbor Frieght press and used it to press off the axle from the hub bearing. Then the fun started. I resorted to heating up the hub to help loosen the bearing retainer, which I have the correct tool for. The bearing pressed out using a 30mm socket and the press. Fortunately the bearing stayed together. I washed everything in my 20 gallon parts washer that uses paint thinner.

After that it was simply a matter of pressing things together using the old bearings as tools with the press. Finally the passenger side front is ready to reinstall. The brake on that corner also has a new rotor, pads and hose. Tomorrow, or perhaps next weekend, will see the other side done and then it will be time for the fun; a test drive.

In this pic you can see how the inner race of the bearing is pitted:


In this pic you can just barely see a little overall roughness of the outer race. The balls are also barely discolored.
]]> Gregory Smith http://www.lancisti.net/forum/entry.php?27-Wheel-bearings-etc