Lancia Beta Coupe 1979 1.6

[George-S]

Some more progress over the Christmas Period.

Happy New Year all.

[George-S]

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[Nigel]

Hi George,
Your recent post reminded me of your project.
It's been a while since you updated.
How's it going?

Best regards
Nigel

[George-S]

Hi Nigel,

Appreciate you remembering my project.
Unbelievably it's been 7 years 2 months and 1 day since I started work on the Beta, Since my last post I have been working my fingers to the bone to finally finish.
Been taking lots of inspiration from everyone on here and it's been great taking advice from older posts.

Since my last post, I have sorted out the following

Engine - purchased a 2L Beta Engine -  Replaced Core plugs - installed Baffled sump - Changed Bearings - Replaced Gaskets etc - Valve shims - new Starter - newly refurbished distributor - blocked off mechanical fuel port - Replaced Clutch, Made full Stainless exhaust - Installed Dellorto Twin 45 Carbs with Crofts manifold - Oil cooler - Engine Catch Can - new belts etc and much more.

Cooling - New Aluminum radiator - New hoes all round -  Engine Stainless inlet & Outlets tubing - Aluminum expansion tank - Inline Thermostat - refurbished heater core

Brakes - Refurbished Calipers - New Discs & pads all around - Replaced all steel lines with copper - Braided Hoses all around -  New brake Master

Electrical  - Had mice eat lots of wiring  - repaired wiring - replaced alternator - relocated battery - new fuse box in addition to original - installed speakers and new modern radio.

Fueling - New Aluminum Fuel cell - Fuel filter system, New Copper tubing, Fuel pressure regulator & new electrical fuel pump

Suspension - Installed new bushings virtually everywhere - New Struts, shortened Springs & pads, and of course new wheels.

Bodywork - All welding is now complete and god was there a lot of that!  I have spent countless hours sanding crying & more sanding I will never envy anyone who works at a body shop its dead boring.
Nevertheless, all panels were sanded back and I reprimed the entire car inside and out, safe to say I have learned an awful lot.

Loads of stuff I haven't mentioned as I would go on forever

Not sure if I ever said what I was planning but effectively I wanted the Coupe to look like the old Hifi model Crossed with the old rally cars..
Might not be to everyone's taste but hopefully, you all like it when it's done.

The car has finally gone for its respray this week then it's just down to final assembly!

You can see the final design at the end of the post!



Cheers George

[George-S]

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[Nigel]

George,
That's some great work there, and a comprehensive write up.

Interesting brace mounting, not seen it done like that.
Great fuel tank, capacity greater than original I'm sure!

One point to note: The inertia switch needs to be mounted vertically,
push button at the top, otherwise it'll trigger at the first bump in the road.

I'm looking forward to seeing this sometime.

All the best, Nigel

[peteracs]

Hi George

That is a pretty comprehensive amount of work, artists impression looks great, the wheels and wing extensions look to work well.

I was curious if you are intending to baffle the radiator hot air to keep away from the air filters, something others have done?

Peter

[George-S]

Good spot there Nigel with the switch wasn't aware of that.
At the time think I thought it wouldn't trigger at all if it faced up but I shall swap it around.

Cheers George

[George-S]

Hi Peter,

Yes, you are probably right, haven't put much thought into it yet but will likely will need to happen.
Was sort of interested to see as the air filters have plates on the end if that would help prevent hot air from getting in the carbs..


Cheers George

[George-S]

Hi All,

After an incredible 8-year journey, my car project is finally done & hitting the roads! Well, when I say "done," I mean it's reached a point where I can enjoy it, though there are still a few odds and ends to tidy up.
Truly has been one crazy ride full of highs and lows, I started this car when I was just 18 and I obviously had never done anything like this before.
Originally, I aimed for a tidy two-year rolling restoration, but as I delved deeper into the the issues mounted drastically, Truth be told this car should never have been saved it was far to gone by the time I got it rot had infested every place imaginable.
They say you've "rescued a car from the scrapyard," but in my case, I actually plucked mine from its resting place in one! Little to me knowledge at the time.

Nevertheless, it's been an adventure like no other. And who knows? Maybe one day you'll spot me at one these car meetups.

Thank you to everyone who has shared their wisdom on the forums. Even if you didn't directly respond to my queries, your contributions have undoubtedly helped others, myself included.

Specials thanks to
squiglyzigly ( Ian ) For all his advise along the way.
Mark @betaboyz for all the endless parts.

Cheers George

[George-S]

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[George-S]

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[WestonE]

Great work George. Amazing to see the transition.

I recommend a curved air deflector from top of rad going under the carbs. If you also leave off the radiator box top section cold air will head for the filters. Ideally your curved alloy deflector has heat insulation fitted to it. This is to get more power and avoid in traffic shunt as the hot air messes up the carb set up.

Eric
PS I did all of this stuff 20 years ago with a full spec GC engine.