Hartwell Imp - Restoration

[TISPKJ]

Here we go again lol .....

[a8hex]

TISPKJ said:

Here we go again lol .....

I seem to remember that being a common part of Imp ownership.
In fact I remember discussing this very point with a policeman who didn't feel having the engine out of the car was "normal roadside maintenance". He was very surprised when he came back half an hour later to find me finishing tidying tools away and the car gone - off for a test drive.

[anonymous-user]

Well done on getting the FIA papers.

Don't lose/damage the vignette on the car, they cant be replaced without a re-issue of the papers.

[TISPKJ]

This cheap little thing you mean ?

[anonymous-user]

TISPKJ said:

This cheap little thing you mean ?

yep.

[TISPKJ]

Not only is it stuck but its also got a layer of Xpel PPF round it as well so its not going anywhere don't worry

[anonymous-user]

Cool. The FIA have no equipment that can read the barcode, which i find amusing.

[Keep it stiff]

TISPKJ said:

Not only is it stuck but its also got a layer of Xpel PPF round it as well so its not going anywhere don't worry

How did you get on with the FIA process? Any tips as to how best to approach this?

I'm about to build a car that I want to get registered. Is it worth reaching out to the inspector during the build process to provide updates & ask questions etc or would that time of approach get ignored until the application form has gone in and the completed car is ready for inspection?

[CanAm]

Did anyone ever make a crossflow head for the Imp?
BRM made a 1 litre F2 engine, which was basically half of their 1500cc F1 V8; that would have made an interesting transplant.

[anonymous-user]

Keep it stiff said:

How did you get on with the FIA process? Any tips as to how best to approach this?

I'm about to build a car that I want to get registered. Is it worth reaching out to the inspector during the build process to provide updates & ask questions etc or would that time of approach get ignored until the application form has gone in and the completed car is ready for inspection?

Contact the person you intend to use before you start the build if you are unsure about the process or the spec that is acceptable.

[Equus]

CanAm said:

Did anyone ever make a crossflow head for the Imp?

Nathan and Lynton made twin cam heads (the Lynton one with 16 valves), but they are rarer than hen's teeth.

There was also, apparently, a semi-mythical short stroke V8. of about 1150cc (using the standard bore... which tells you how short the stroke was!)

[TISPKJ]

Keep it stiff said:

How did you get on with the FIA process? Any tips as to how best to approach this?

I'm about to build a car that I want to get registered. Is it worth reaching out to the inspector during the build process to provide updates & ask questions etc or would that time of approach get ignored until the application form has gone in and the completed car is ready for inspection?

I found the process itself to be relatively easy despite what I had heard and read, it did take a lot longer than expected firstly due to the fact that they had run out of bar codes and were waiting delivery, then the Talbot specialist at the FIA (French) was away on holiday for a month, hence the delays.

After helping to build the Austin Lancer and others with Valoroso, they know the local inspector very well so I was introduced to him before the build started, just make sure you follow the correct reference papers, I also had him visit half way through the build just to double check I was going in the right direction and at this point was advised to change a few bits like put the steering shroud and original speedo and rev counter in as the FIA were going in that direction, once I had tested for the first time and was happy I wouldn't have to change any big bits I called him out again for the real inspection, its not particularly difficult but it is a 27 page from memory document to submit, along with all the correct photos of the various components.
As mine is to my knowledge the only FIA papered car in existence I would suggest it may have been a bit easier than some as the reference is the paperwork, I'm guessing but building say a Lotus Cortina or Mini which there are loads of may be more difficult due to them all arguing amongst themselves as per the interpretation of the rules but thats just my opinion and not based on anything read or heard.

Not sure where your based but for south east happy to give you my guys contact details

[abarth16v]

TISPKJ said:

Hi Guys, update after the summer break, have just purchased new 3rd and 4th gear as it was revving out even on the short circuit at brands.
Will be putting in today / monday.

FIA papers arrived yesterday after approx 3 months.

If its dry the car will be out at Goodwood on Saturday 28th September for i suspect its final run this year.

Rob Payne and anyone else welcome as always, please come and say hello, if the IMP is not present I will be with my friend and his Austin Lancer.

I will certainly try to come over and have a look and say hello if your there and not to busy?

[TISPKJ]

abarth16v said:

I will certainly try to come over and have a look and say hello if your there and not to busy?

By all means please do

[robpayne]

good day out,sun shining ,slow jags !

[abarth16v]

Hopefully these will do? getting used to different camera so apologies if not tack sharp!,it was great to meet everyone and it has now got me thinking about a project..how good would it be to have the Hartwell/Bevan and a Fraser imp together?(come on lotto win!)

[TISPKJ]

Some good pictures Gents thank you keep them coming ....

[TISPKJ]

I like this one ...

And this is kind of period looking .... be good in black and white

[TISPKJ]

The second picture is not mine so happy to remove if the owner not happy.

[TISPKJ]

Finally after 2 months wait !