One car to replace my current fleet?
Discussion
I was thinking about how to introduce this thread and my most recent addition to the world.
I currently own three cars...
My Punto Sporting...
...1.6 eight valve for reliable fun around the country lanes and "B" road battles cleverly disguised as my commute. The MkI Punto is easily one of the best handling cars Fiat ever made and replacing the rear wishbone set up for the beamed MkII was a travesty. The 1.6 engine that dates back to the 128 makes a solid 90bhp and enough torque (compared to the 1242cc 16V Sporting) to keep up and humiliate some modern traffic if needs be. A few modifications to enhance the ability of the already agile platform.
My MX5...
...pure sports car with pop up lights and the option of running with the roof down. UK 1.8 model with no power steering and very little else to go wrong. Slower than my Punto but still a nice drivers car.
...and of course my mighty Panda...
...proper classic rather than the Mazda pretender. Cheap insurance, fanatical following and the Mexican wave of...
"I haven't seen one of those in ages"
...whenever I drive past anyone.
Having three cars is stupid, selfish and I really need to do something about it. With a modest £1,500 budget it's time to get a shopping list together.
So I need something that is as quick, fun reliable, tunable, economical and as good on track as my Punto.
As much of an antidepressant on wheels as my MX5; preferably with pop up lights, rear wheel drive and topless.
Also a proper classic, with a cult following and plenty of internet back up and support from owners clubs like my Panda would be ideal.
Wanting everything in one car is a bit of a tall order and I have considered several options.
Chrome bumper MGB? For my budget it would either be crap or a rubber bumper ringer.
Midget? Rust bucket.
Spitfire? Great car but the same problems as the Midget and B.
Lancia? Last time I bought a Lancia it came with a free divorce.
Build a kit car? Whatever the budget add £400 for an IVA/SVA that it will fail.
Buy a kit car? Drive something someone else has put together in their shed? No offence I'm too much of a control freak.
Porsche 924? Good shout but a bit "red braces" for me.
Porsche 944? Insurance issues.
Porsche 928? V8 running costs and the most expensive parts bin of the proper Porsche's.
Stag? V8 running costs and for the budget the car would be a complete shed.
Jag'? Try finding one with a proper gearbox that isn't a Mondeo in a frock for the money.
80's Hot hatch? Silly money or sheds.
90's hot hatch? As above and add needing a laptop to fix the bloody thing if you drive through a deep puddle (Clio Williams
).
Alfa GTV? Twinspark is too heavy for the engine and a V6 would be either beyond budget or thrashed half to death. Also not classic insurance yet.
Fiat Coupe'? "Council estate chic" has wrecked the reputation of these fantastic cars. I'd love another one but not this time around. Premium price for a well looked after one, try finding it within budget from all the ones that have been neglected, thrashed and run over with a polishing mop.
So what have I bought?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1979-FIAT-X1-9-RED-60k-T...
I was looking forward to a road trip to collect her but life is getting in the way so delivery will be tomorrow.
So pop up headlights, topless, virtually the same engine as my Punto (as reliable, tunable and economical), classic insurance, cult following, rear wheel drive sports car with a practical sized boot, 13 inch wheels for cheaper tyres and a the...
"I haven't seen one of those in ages"
...chorus.
Pretty ideal eh?
I currently own three cars...
My Punto Sporting...
...1.6 eight valve for reliable fun around the country lanes and "B" road battles cleverly disguised as my commute. The MkI Punto is easily one of the best handling cars Fiat ever made and replacing the rear wishbone set up for the beamed MkII was a travesty. The 1.6 engine that dates back to the 128 makes a solid 90bhp and enough torque (compared to the 1242cc 16V Sporting) to keep up and humiliate some modern traffic if needs be. A few modifications to enhance the ability of the already agile platform.
My MX5...
...pure sports car with pop up lights and the option of running with the roof down. UK 1.8 model with no power steering and very little else to go wrong. Slower than my Punto but still a nice drivers car.
...and of course my mighty Panda...
...proper classic rather than the Mazda pretender. Cheap insurance, fanatical following and the Mexican wave of...
"I haven't seen one of those in ages"
...whenever I drive past anyone.
Having three cars is stupid, selfish and I really need to do something about it. With a modest £1,500 budget it's time to get a shopping list together.
So I need something that is as quick, fun reliable, tunable, economical and as good on track as my Punto.
As much of an antidepressant on wheels as my MX5; preferably with pop up lights, rear wheel drive and topless.
Also a proper classic, with a cult following and plenty of internet back up and support from owners clubs like my Panda would be ideal.
Wanting everything in one car is a bit of a tall order and I have considered several options.
Chrome bumper MGB? For my budget it would either be crap or a rubber bumper ringer.
Midget? Rust bucket.
Spitfire? Great car but the same problems as the Midget and B.
Lancia? Last time I bought a Lancia it came with a free divorce.
Build a kit car? Whatever the budget add £400 for an IVA/SVA that it will fail.
Buy a kit car? Drive something someone else has put together in their shed? No offence I'm too much of a control freak.
Porsche 924? Good shout but a bit "red braces" for me.
Porsche 944? Insurance issues.
Porsche 928? V8 running costs and the most expensive parts bin of the proper Porsche's.
Stag? V8 running costs and for the budget the car would be a complete shed.
Jag'? Try finding one with a proper gearbox that isn't a Mondeo in a frock for the money.
80's Hot hatch? Silly money or sheds.
90's hot hatch? As above and add needing a laptop to fix the bloody thing if you drive through a deep puddle (Clio Williams
).Alfa GTV? Twinspark is too heavy for the engine and a V6 would be either beyond budget or thrashed half to death. Also not classic insurance yet.
Fiat Coupe'? "Council estate chic" has wrecked the reputation of these fantastic cars. I'd love another one but not this time around. Premium price for a well looked after one, try finding it within budget from all the ones that have been neglected, thrashed and run over with a polishing mop.
So what have I bought?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1979-FIAT-X1-9-RED-60k-T...
I was looking forward to a road trip to collect her but life is getting in the way so delivery will be tomorrow.
So pop up headlights, topless, virtually the same engine as my Punto (as reliable, tunable and economical), classic insurance, cult following, rear wheel drive sports car with a practical sized boot, 13 inch wheels for cheaper tyres and a the...
"I haven't seen one of those in ages"
...chorus.
Pretty ideal eh?
Whenever I have a daft idea I remember this...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAn-mdS-otE
...and know there have been worse ones.
Getting annoyed waiting for the car to b delivered. She should have been collected this morning but I haven't heard anything yet. When I get a call or text saying she's on her way it'll be a seven hour wait at least. Looks like I'll be up all night at this rate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAn-mdS-otE
...and know there have been worse ones.
Getting annoyed waiting for the car to b delivered. She should have been collected this morning but I haven't heard anything yet. When I get a call or text saying she's on her way it'll be a seven hour wait at least. Looks like I'll be up all night at this rate.
Forty minutes late or a day depending on the clock you use.
Basically I had time to open the boot, engine cover, take the roof off and park before a pre-arranged driving lesson for my sister.
I forgot to add the word "project" to my wish list as an X-1/9 under £2,500 would be by default. She needs a little more work than I was expecting but I enjoy working on my cars as much as driving them so what I've noticed so far I'm relieving in.
So here she is...
...warts and all.
So first drive to see my mate Kev' and the speedometer and horn don't work as informed but there was an annoying rattle from the front. It was too high pitched to be suspension bushes, the steering felt solid so it wasn't track rod ends or wheel bearings, the hood was closed and cable taught, it didn't matter if the lights were up or down so it wasn't broken linkage.
Hmmmmmmm....
...that'd explain it.
Basically I had time to open the boot, engine cover, take the roof off and park before a pre-arranged driving lesson for my sister.
I forgot to add the word "project" to my wish list as an X-1/9 under £2,500 would be by default. She needs a little more work than I was expecting but I enjoy working on my cars as much as driving them so what I've noticed so far I'm relieving in.
So here she is...
...warts and all.
So first drive to see my mate Kev' and the speedometer and horn don't work as informed but there was an annoying rattle from the front. It was too high pitched to be suspension bushes, the steering felt solid so it wasn't track rod ends or wheel bearings, the hood was closed and cable taught, it didn't matter if the lights were up or down so it wasn't broken linkage.
Hmmmmmmm....
...that'd explain it.
Twenty three hours and six minutes into ownership and I've taken the really rather grey roof off...
...painted and refitted it...
...not great but a damn sight better.
Also while I was out and about one of the Aluminium center caps flew off and disappeared.
Just as well there wasn't anyone heading the other way.
...painted and refitted it...
...not great but a damn sight better.
Also while I was out and about one of the Aluminium center caps flew off and disappeared.
Just as well there wasn't anyone heading the other way.
First break down today.
On my way home from work I thought I'd take some fun back roads. Just over a quarter of a tank so I thought I'd be okay.
After a long sweeping right hand bend...
"Chug, chug, spit, pop, bang, chug chug"
...I'd sucked air into the fuel line and had to stop, let the car settle for a moment and nearly run the battery flat restarting the old girl.
Hmmmmmm. I weren't planning any modifications but a swirl pot may be in order.
On my way home from work I thought I'd take some fun back roads. Just over a quarter of a tank so I thought I'd be okay.
After a long sweeping right hand bend...
"Chug, chug, spit, pop, bang, chug chug"
...I'd sucked air into the fuel line and had to stop, let the car settle for a moment and nearly run the battery flat restarting the old girl.
Hmmmmmm. I weren't planning any modifications but a swirl pot may be in order.
First modification today. Before...
...After...
Knackered engine mount...
...well knackered cam' cover.
More worryingly is the broken gearbox mount...
...but I can extend it to the next hole in the gearbox.
The mystery of the nonfunctional speedometer is solved...
...but not resolved due to the replacement one is about a foot too short.
...After...
Knackered engine mount...
...well knackered cam' cover.
More worryingly is the broken gearbox mount...
...but I can extend it to the next hole in the gearbox.
The mystery of the nonfunctional speedometer is solved...
...but not resolved due to the replacement one is about a foot too short.
Prawnboy said:
loving it, and your panda.....i'm itchy for a cheap classic at the moment too.
Cheap classic? Get yourself a Panda before the prices skyrocket. My Fantasia (paid £350 for three years ago) is insured for £3,418
If you fancy a modern classic, my Punto (MkI 1.6 Sporting) is very rare and the MX5 are both surplus to requirements now. Both for sale with £100 from each going to Arthritis Research UK (the charity I've been associated with since before Guff I).
Food for thought? Those wheels look hideous.
The charm of the X1/9 is the fact she sits 112cm from the ground. Put 15's on there and she looks a Range Rover-esque 120cm at least.
P.S I'm joking about the wheels. My Renault 5 and 11 turbo's had Image split-rims.
I must get a set of MkI corner bumpers as the Aluminum box section American Spec' ones must weight a fair bit.
On the topic of weight...
http://www.smithanddeakin.co.uk/F-K.htm
...a grp nose cone, rear valance and wings would shave a few more Kg's.
I must get a set of MkI corner bumpers as the Aluminum box section American Spec' ones must weight a fair bit.
On the topic of weight...
http://www.smithanddeakin.co.uk/F-K.htm
...a grp nose cone, rear valance and wings would shave a few more Kg's.
Edited by Liquid Knight on Thursday 24th July 15:13
According to the experts I've spoken to the fuel starvation issue could be one of two things. A knackered coil (rule one if you have a fuel issue with a Fiat it's probably electrical) or a common issue the fuel pump isn't man enough to cope with more than 4,500rpm.
The latter is more likely but the coil is the cheaper option. So a nice Lucas Gold is on it's way ready to prove me wrong. If it does it's something I won't need to worry about later.
The latter is more likely but the coil is the cheaper option. So a nice Lucas Gold is on it's way ready to prove me wrong. If it does it's something I won't need to worry about later.
Now the MX5 is on eBay I cleaned and polished the car and decided to polish the X1/9 to see just how bad the paint job is.
I've often used humor to describe bodywork on other cars. "More filler than the complete works of Marshall Mathers III" for example but my X1/9 has filler on every single panel, including some structural places that should have failed the MOT. The car is all one colour but painted a various angles so the paint has settled flat and doesn't reflect the light properly. I have no idea what the clear coat is. It is not lacquer. Feels like an epoxy resin gel coat but lays like a brushed on marine varnish.
So I have two options. Strip the car to a bare shell, get her sand blasted to discover there's nothing left or get the mechanical side of things perfect and find a donor shell.
I've often used humor to describe bodywork on other cars. "More filler than the complete works of Marshall Mathers III" for example but my X1/9 has filler on every single panel, including some structural places that should have failed the MOT. The car is all one colour but painted a various angles so the paint has settled flat and doesn't reflect the light properly. I have no idea what the clear coat is. It is not lacquer. Feels like an epoxy resin gel coat but lays like a brushed on marine varnish.
So I have two options. Strip the car to a bare shell, get her sand blasted to discover there's nothing left or get the mechanical side of things perfect and find a donor shell.
turbonutter said:
One only slightly used X19 in the same colours here:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FIAT-X19-part-available-...
Poor thing. Looks salvageable. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FIAT-X19-part-available-...
A little photographic catch up.
The new coil transformed the car's low end torque and must have added a good few broken horses but didn't cure the fuel starvation issue.
Starting with the cheapest first I have replaced the fuel filter and squirted carb' cleaner liberally around the butterflies and jets. The left bank squirted straight through and the right bank (front butterfly) filled up first time and popped and went trough the second so I'm guessing that jet may have been blocked.
I'm optimistic that the fueling may be solved this time as I took the old filter off I noticed...
...some green plastic in the end of the line and filter itself.
I think at some time in the cars past the car ran out of fuel and was filled up with petrol from a can with a cross threaded or old plastic can.
It's plausible that the as the rpm increased the plastic was pushed into the filter restricting the flow causing or contributing to the starvation. This would also explain why the car started and ran perfectly almost immediately. As the engine cut out the fuel line pressure reduced and the plastic stopped acting as a valve.
I'll find out on the way to work tonight.
The new coil transformed the car's low end torque and must have added a good few broken horses but didn't cure the fuel starvation issue.
Starting with the cheapest first I have replaced the fuel filter and squirted carb' cleaner liberally around the butterflies and jets. The left bank squirted straight through and the right bank (front butterfly) filled up first time and popped and went trough the second so I'm guessing that jet may have been blocked.
I'm optimistic that the fueling may be solved this time as I took the old filter off I noticed...
...some green plastic in the end of the line and filter itself.
I think at some time in the cars past the car ran out of fuel and was filled up with petrol from a can with a cross threaded or old plastic can.
It's plausible that the as the rpm increased the plastic was pushed into the filter restricting the flow causing or contributing to the starvation. This would also explain why the car started and ran perfectly almost immediately. As the engine cut out the fuel line pressure reduced and the plastic stopped acting as a valve.
I'll find out on the way to work tonight.
Mystery of the missing water has been solved. Where the water pump pipe meets the thermostat housing there is a micro fine crack that is getting bigger daily.
As you would expect this is an obsolete part so I have a few options.
1/ Find a second hand one and take a gamble.
2/ Clean it up and hope it's good enough quality Aluminium to weld.
3/ See if a new one from another model, 128, Strada, Punto 1.6 Cabriolet or Punto 1.6 Sporting will fit.
Yep. Two of the bolts sheered off.
The housing has been off before but instead of replacing the gasket there is black silicone around the edge. This meant water could get into the bolt chambers of the housing, rust and sheer off. Nice little bodge bomb for the next guy. Thanks!
Once I peeled the silicone from the housing to waterpump neck there are two holes and hardly any metal to weld to.
I guess I'll be needing a new one once I've worked out how to get those studs out (hopefully without having to take the head off).
The housing has been off before but instead of replacing the gasket there is black silicone around the edge. This meant water could get into the bolt chambers of the housing, rust and sheer off. Nice little bodge bomb for the next guy. Thanks!
Once I peeled the silicone from the housing to waterpump neck there are two holes and hardly any metal to weld to.
I guess I'll be needing a new one once I've worked out how to get those studs out (hopefully without having to take the head off).
The 2.0 is a Lancia shared unit and could fit but...
The Punto 1.8 HGT is the last generation of the 128 block with the 16V head. In theory I could fit an HGT head onto my original 1500 block so it wouldn't upset the DVLA or VOSA. With a quartet of bike carb's and a decent exhaust the original HGT 130bhp should be replaceable.
I'm 50/50 with the stud extraction.
1/ If I can do I won't need to remove the head.
2/ If I do have to remove the head it's a chance to dog my port polishing kit out and fit a set of unleaded valves.
So if I can I'll be back on the road next week.
If I can't I'll be back on the road in a few weeks but with a much healthier engine.
Hmmmmmm...
Decisions eh?
The Punto 1.8 HGT is the last generation of the 128 block with the 16V head. In theory I could fit an HGT head onto my original 1500 block so it wouldn't upset the DVLA or VOSA. With a quartet of bike carb's and a decent exhaust the original HGT 130bhp should be replaceable.
I'm 50/50 with the stud extraction.
1/ If I can do I won't need to remove the head.
2/ If I do have to remove the head it's a chance to dog my port polishing kit out and fit a set of unleaded valves.
So if I can I'll be back on the road next week.
If I can't I'll be back on the road in a few weeks but with a much healthier engine.
Hmmmmmm...
Decisions eh?
Orangecurry said:
Po-lish!
Po-lish!
Po-lish!
Po-lish!
Do the whole job properly now.
I have a Punto Sporting 1.6 (gen II 128 engine) and the had complete with unleaded valves should be a straight swap. I'm looking for a Punto 90 Cabriolet though as the compression ratio is a little lower. Po-lish!
Po-lish!
Po-lish!
Do the whole job properly now.
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