New member from the Netherlands

[Robert]

Hello,
My name is Robert and live in the Netherlands. I just joined your forum to get more information on the Beta. I recently looked at 1978 coupe but passed on it. Although it was restored in the past, it didn't run (apparently for the last 20 years) and the a- pillars were rusted out. I offerd EUR 1.000,- but he didnt accept the offer.

I currently have my eyes on a 1975 coupe (I figured I want a pre-'76 version so I can enter classic rallies). Although this car has MOT it has been sitting since 2013, at a company which is trying to sell it for the owner.

Does anybody have tips forme where to check for rust?
When I buy it I want to drive it home and not having it towed, any tips on what I should do so I can start driving it home savely?
Are there more members from the Netherlands on this forum?

Cheers, Robert

[Neil-yaj396]

Hi Robert

First thing to do is to check this guide. Rust can be everywhere, but generally it's the suspension struts, sills and front inner wings that you really need to check.

http://www.betaboyz.myzen.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=259.0

If you are starting it up after two years check that the engine turns by hand first, and that the cam belt is in good condition.

[Robert]

If you are starting it up after two years check that the engine turns by hand first, and that the cam belt is in good condition.

How do you turn this engine by hand? on the side where the cam belts are?

Here are some pics

[HFStuart]

Welcome Robert.

At first glance that looks pretty good!

You are correct  - the best way to turn the engine is with a ratchet on the crankshaft pulley  - it can be a large nut (c36mm) or a smaller bolt. Either way it might help to take the plugs out and put a little oil down the bores first

John's buying guide is pretty comprehensive but pay special attention the the bottom of the A pillars, inner wings and strut top mounts. Early cars didn't use wing liners so were vulnerable there.

Stuart

[Robert]

Welcome Robert.

At first glance that looks pretty good!

You are correct  - the best way to turn the engine is with a ratchet on the crankshaft pulley  - it can be a large nut (c36mm) or a smaller bolt. Either way it might help to take the plugs out and put a little oil down the bores first

John's buying guide is pretty comprehensive but pay special attention the the bottom of the A pillars, inner wings and strut top mounts. Early cars didn't use wing liners so were vulnerable there.

Stuart

Hi Stuart, two questions for you.
Can I spray WD40 in the bores?
Do you mean with wing liners, those plastic things inside/ underneath the wheelarch?

Thanks

[HFStuart]

Hi Stuart, two questions for you.
Can I spray WD40 in the bores?
Do you mean with wing liners, those plastic things inside/ underneath the wheelarch?

I don't see why you can't use WD40 - it will run past the rings into the sump but you'll be changing the oil anyway before starting it.

For the liners, yes that's exactly what I mean. They were not fitted to early cars.

Stuart

[smithymc]

I am sure I have seen WD40 used on the TV in past few weeks. It would probably treat more of the bore than oil too being a spray, given the angle of the beta engine, oil just lying at the bottom/ rear edge.

Good luck- looks a nice car.

Mark

[riverhead]

Put diesel in the bores
It is a lubricant, WD 40!isnt.
Start stop change oil And filter.
Make sure oil
Filter has paper non return clave in it.
It helps keep the oil in the cam shaft after switching engine off and starting again.
H

[Robert]

Hi

I went to see the car yesterday. I left with mixed feelings. The positive is that it runs pretty good. No rust inside the A-pillar or the turrents/towers
Negative it needs a new hood, since it' totally rusted. It has bubbles around the front window. Wheel arches have in total 4 pin holes. The paint is bubbling on the c- pillar this could be a big rust spot. Floor show rust. Below rear bumper needs to be replaced.

So basically every panel has an issue.

I probably have to pass on this one 
They asked if I wanted to put in an offer, I think that is a sign that they know they have a basket case.

Maybe I need to goto Italy to pick one up there

Cheers, Robert

[Robert]

Hi All,

I found this car. Let me know what you think?

[Robert]

It has a bit of a rust issue in one place.
Let me know what you think?

[lukasdeopalenica]

I do not think you will find a beta without rust spots... it is not a volvo
The Italian example you showed looks pretty good and really managable but to justify it one needs to see it live, it is hard to say from pictures what you exactly experienced recently.

[dommorello]

Robert, agree with Luke would be hard to find a rust free beta. Just do what most people do - take an educated punt then start to long journey of finding more and more rust than you thought possible 👍😉👍

Sent from my HTC 2PS6200 using Tapatalk

[Robert]

I just bought this car

[Robert]

I got it for a very good price.
I want to use it for historic rallies.
It's from 1974, so an early one.
I couldn't find any rust.

[dommorello]

Very nice!!! And no rust........... That's a miracle

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[lukasdeopalenica]

wow. Good snipe.