Lancia Beta Forum

Hi guys

Hope you are all well. I have just bought a 1985 Beta VX Coupe. It is red. I have wanted one for 20 years. I love the car, but there are other mixed emotions. There is quite a bit of rust to be sorted, mainly 'cosmetic', and I am also in the process of sorting out the carb, fuel mix, filters etc etc.

The last owner had it 20 years, butchered the dash fitting a radio some years ago, fitted a manual choke (idiot screwed it into the dashboard), and then left it standing for a few years. Why do folks not look after their things? Especially something as beautiful as these Beta Coupes...

I simply want to rescue it and bring it back to its former glory, I am fully aware of how tough it will be, but I have made a start. I want to get it running well first, then look at quotes for the rust. I have just fitted new Pirelli P6000s, wheel alignment sorted etc, because I want to use it as much as possible. Got a carb service kit from Dellorto, new plugs, leads, K&N filament, bit of TLC and we'll see.

By the way, does anyone know how to remove the map light from the interior light cluster above the mirror? The main light lens is obviously easy to take off to get to the cluster screw, but the map light is a bit of a chore.

Thanks guys, it's nice to finally own my Coupe, and post on here. Best wishes. Damian

Welcome. I'm not the biggest VX specialist but I'm sure others will reply to your questions.

On the bodges of others  - that's part of the fun for me. Taking it apart and putting it back as Lancia intended is very satisfying and you get to feel superior to the person that butchered it in the first place  ;)

I'm currently wondering why someone would have fitted two 7/16 unf studs to the manifold in place of the M8 ones it's supposed to have and what I did with the nuts I took off !!

Stuart

Hi Stuart

Many thanks for your reply. Yes it is very strange, I suddenly feel very responsible for the car. You are absolutely right, there is a distinct satisfaction in making things right. On the interior map light cluster; I have removed it this evening with some patience and care (and sore fingers).

I am looking for a centre console compartment piece for the VX - another part MIA. I'll post a note up and see if there is one about I can offer some cash for.

I know what you mean about the screws and bolts. Why would someone do that? It's not exactly difficult to find the right studding or bolt...

Next up for the VX is a decent fuel system overhaul. Thanks once again for your message. It is good to make contact.

Hope to see some of you guys at a meet in the near future.

Meanwhile I'll try to get some pictures posted of the VX.

Best wishes
Damian

Welcome Damian,

You are amongst friends and people of similar thinking on here regarding restoring Betas.

I think people bung any old nut/bolt on if its all they have available and they cannot be bothered to go and buy the correct item.  It also gives me great pleasure putting things back to how they were intended to be.

Butchered dash (been there) is a bit of a drag but its all fixable and there is plenty of knowledge available on here.

Lets have a few pics up when you get the chance and then we can chip in with help & advice.

Hi Matt

Thanks very much for your message. I will take a couple of photos over the weekend, and pop them on the forum.

I have ordered some parts for the dash etc from a (sadly) broken up HPE. Fingers crossed for success.

I have to apologise in advance for the many questions that will inevitably be arising as I continue to work on my VX.

I really appreciate your assistance.

All the best,
Damian

Hi Damian and welcome to the forum :)
There's a lot of knowledge on here and thankfully many people are willing to share it, so it's a great place to ask advice or for that rare part you may need.
I'll look forward to seeing the progress you make, good luck with it.
Marcus.