1979 Fiat 124 Spider
Discussion
I fear I'm shouting into the void, but will nonetheless keep the cathartic posting going.
I had a message today from my somewhat non-communicative garagiste. Sort of along these lines:
'What year is your car?'
'1979'
'Ah, in that case we need to fit rear seatbelts'.
'Really? There aren't seats in the back. But OK, do whatever is needed'.
'No problems. If we register for two seats, you won't need the belts...'
Last time I looked, it's a 2-seater. And he's an Italian car specialist.
Anyway, progress of sorts. I think.
At this rate, summer will be over before the bloody thing is legally usable. That said, the weather is so pants that I guess there's no real rush!
I had a message today from my somewhat non-communicative garagiste. Sort of along these lines:
'What year is your car?'
'1979'
'Ah, in that case we need to fit rear seatbelts'.
'Really? There aren't seats in the back. But OK, do whatever is needed'.
'No problems. If we register for two seats, you won't need the belts...'
Last time I looked, it's a 2-seater. And he's an Italian car specialist.
Anyway, progress of sorts. I think.
At this rate, summer will be over before the bloody thing is legally usable. That said, the weather is so pants that I guess there's no real rush!
CharlesdeGaulle said:
I had a message today from my somewhat non-communicative garagiste. Sort of along these lines:
'What year is your car?'
'1979'
'Ah, in that case we need to fit rear seatbelts'.
'Really? There aren't seats in the back. But OK, do whatever is needed'.
'No problems. If we register for two seats, you won't need the belts...'
Last time I looked, it's a 2-seater. And he's an Italian car specialist.
'What year is your car?'
'1979'
'Ah, in that case we need to fit rear seatbelts'.
'Really? There aren't seats in the back. But OK, do whatever is needed'.
'No problems. If we register for two seats, you won't need the belts...'
Last time I looked, it's a 2-seater. And he's an Italian car specialist.
I think you're expecting too muchCharlesdeGaulle said:
P5BNij said:
It sounds like you might be better off with a Biturbo.... 
I'll wait and see how you get on first! 
Due to a combination of impatience, confusion and stupidity, my 'proper' car (a 2002 Lexus LS430) was de-registered today. That of course means it's not legal to drive, but it subsequently transpires that its replacement won't be available for a couple of weeks. No problems, thought I, I have a fun classic I can use in the meantime. So I called the garagiste to hasten the return.
Turns out it went for the re-stamping of the VIN onto the chassis today and, whilst there, they attempted the Controle Tecnique (MOT+). It failed. Seems I have two right hand seat-belts. Is that even a thing?
One would imagine that seat-belts are universal and you fit them one to each side, but no, apparently not. At least not here. Or at least not for me. Or at least not for a 1979 Fiat 124 Spider. Or at least not if you want to massively take the piss out of your idiot punter. Anyway, the surly brother in charge of that side of things has apparently ordered a new one. It'll take a week. Of course it will. Brill.
After this little mini-saga the car will be re-tested. Who knows, I might even drive it before Christmas. In the meantime it's shanks's pony pour moi.
Turns out it went for the re-stamping of the VIN onto the chassis today and, whilst there, they attempted the Controle Tecnique (MOT+). It failed. Seems I have two right hand seat-belts. Is that even a thing?
One would imagine that seat-belts are universal and you fit them one to each side, but no, apparently not. At least not here. Or at least not for me. Or at least not for a 1979 Fiat 124 Spider. Or at least not if you want to massively take the piss out of your idiot punter. Anyway, the surly brother in charge of that side of things has apparently ordered a new one. It'll take a week. Of course it will. Brill.
After this little mini-saga the car will be re-tested. Who knows, I might even drive it before Christmas. In the meantime it's shanks's pony pour moi.
I find myself on the mailing list of a dealer I previously linked to (for a much cheaper car) and I got a link to this nice little Lancia today.
https://www.cristianoluzzago.it/en/collezione-auto...
POA is always slightly tedious, but as it will be comfortably outside my meagre budget I'm chilled about that.
https://www.cristianoluzzago.it/en/collezione-auto...
POA is always slightly tedious, but as it will be comfortably outside my meagre budget I'm chilled about that.
CharlesdeGaulle said:
Due to a combination of impatience, confusion and stupidity, my 'proper' car (a 2002 Lexus LS430) was de-registered today. That of course means it's not legal to drive, but it subsequently transpires that its replacement won't be available for a couple of weeks. No problems, thought I, I have a fun classic I can use in the meantime. So I called the garagiste to hasten the return.
Turns out it went for the re-stamping of the VIN onto the chassis today and, whilst there, they attempted the Controle Tecnique (MOT+). It failed. Seems I have two right hand seat-belts. Is that even a thing?
One would imagine that seat-belts are universal and you fit them one to each side, but no, apparently not. At least not here. Or at least not for me. Or at least not for a 1979 Fiat 124 Spider. Or at least not if you want to massively take the piss out of your idiot punter. Anyway, the surly brother in charge of that side of things has apparently ordered a new one. It'll take a week. Of course it will. Brill.
After this little mini-saga the car will be re-tested. Who knows, I might even drive it before Christmas. In the meantime it's shanks's pony pour moi.
Oh, well done! You’ve excelled yourself there. Brings to mind Eric Morecambe’s “All the right notes, not necessarily in the right order.” Turns out it went for the re-stamping of the VIN onto the chassis today and, whilst there, they attempted the Controle Tecnique (MOT+). It failed. Seems I have two right hand seat-belts. Is that even a thing?
One would imagine that seat-belts are universal and you fit them one to each side, but no, apparently not. At least not here. Or at least not for me. Or at least not for a 1979 Fiat 124 Spider. Or at least not if you want to massively take the piss out of your idiot punter. Anyway, the surly brother in charge of that side of things has apparently ordered a new one. It'll take a week. Of course it will. Brill.
After this little mini-saga the car will be re-tested. Who knows, I might even drive it before Christmas. In the meantime it's shanks's pony pour moi.
Taxi for the General, chop chop!
CharlesdeGaulle said:
Due to a combination of impatience, confusion and stupidity, my 'proper' car (a 2002 Lexus LS430) was de-registered today. That of course means it's not legal to drive, but it subsequently transpires that its replacement won't be available for a couple of weeks. No problems, thought I, I have a fun classic I can use in the meantime. So I called the garagiste to hasten the return.
Turns out it went for the re-stamping of the VIN onto the chassis today and, whilst there, they attempted the Controle Tecnique (MOT+). It failed. Seems I have two right hand seat-belts. Is that even a thing?
One would imagine that seat-belts are universal and you fit them one to each side, but no, apparently not. At least not here. Or at least not for me. Or at least not for a 1979 Fiat 124 Spider. Or at least not if you want to massively take the piss out of your idiot punter. Anyway, the surly brother in charge of that side of things has apparently ordered a new one. It'll take a week. Of course it will. Brill.
After this little mini-saga the car will be re-tested. Who knows, I might even drive it before Christmas. In the meantime it's shanks's pony pour moi.
Look it upTurns out it went for the re-stamping of the VIN onto the chassis today and, whilst there, they attempted the Controle Tecnique (MOT+). It failed. Seems I have two right hand seat-belts. Is that even a thing?
One would imagine that seat-belts are universal and you fit them one to each side, but no, apparently not. At least not here. Or at least not for me. Or at least not for a 1979 Fiat 124 Spider. Or at least not if you want to massively take the piss out of your idiot punter. Anyway, the surly brother in charge of that side of things has apparently ordered a new one. It'll take a week. Of course it will. Brill.
After this little mini-saga the car will be re-tested. Who knows, I might even drive it before Christmas. In the meantime it's shanks's pony pour moi.
Bureaucracy at it's absolute finest in action right there!!! You're really not having much lucj with cars at the moment are you old chap?
CharlesdeGaulle said:
Due to a combination of impatience, confusion and stupidity, my 'proper' car (a 2002 Lexus LS430) was de-registered today. That of course means it's not legal to drive, but it subsequently transpires that its replacement won't be available for a couple of weeks. No problems, thought I, I have a fun classic I can use in the meantime. So I called the garagiste to hasten the return.
Turns out it went for the re-stamping of the VIN onto the chassis today and, whilst there, they attempted the Controle Tecnique (MOT+). It failed. Seems I have two right hand seat-belts. Is that even a thing?
One would imagine that seat-belts are universal and you fit them one to each side, but no, apparently not. At least not here. Or at least not for me. Or at least not for a 1979 Fiat 124 Spider. Or at least not if you want to massively take the piss out of your idiot punter. Anyway, the surly brother in charge of that side of things has apparently ordered a new one. It'll take a week. Of course it will. Brill.
After this little mini-saga the car will be re-tested. Who knows, I might even drive it before Christmas. In the meantime it's shanks's pony pour moi.
Would you like to use my Fiesta whilst you're stuck? You can next week.... my driving licence expires on Sunday (I turn 51) and the bTurns out it went for the re-stamping of the VIN onto the chassis today and, whilst there, they attempted the Controle Tecnique (MOT+). It failed. Seems I have two right hand seat-belts. Is that even a thing?
One would imagine that seat-belts are universal and you fit them one to each side, but no, apparently not. At least not here. Or at least not for me. Or at least not for a 1979 Fiat 124 Spider. Or at least not if you want to massively take the piss out of your idiot punter. Anyway, the surly brother in charge of that side of things has apparently ordered a new one. It'll take a week. Of course it will. Brill.
After this little mini-saga the car will be re-tested. Who knows, I might even drive it before Christmas. In the meantime it's shanks's pony pour moi.
ds at SNCA only told me they needed ANOTHER medical certificate on Wednesday, which I rushed to get the same day, but which they'll only receive today - so no licence for some days next week! The fkers. 
ETA: I emailed to both addresses I have for you, A.
Russell
Edited by RC1807 on Friday 16th July 11:10
In anticipation of getting the car back next week (fingers firmly crossed, and more in hope than expectation) I have been browsing. As well as the wheel centres, I want a new gear knob.
Spider-Point in Germany have these (all at 60 EUR - gulp!):
I'm leaning towards the first, to pick up the external badges, but the third is on the horn button so would co-ordinate quite well inside. I'll probably go for that design on the wheel centre caps too, so it might be more coherent overall.
Any thoughts?
Spider-Point in Germany have these (all at 60 EUR - gulp!):
I'm leaning towards the first, to pick up the external badges, but the third is on the horn button so would co-ordinate quite well inside. I'll probably go for that design on the wheel centre caps too, so it might be more coherent overall.
Any thoughts?
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