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squiglyzigly
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« on: July 07, 2020, 07:58:12 PM » |
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Today was a mix of excitement mixed with a little apprehension.
After 2 years and a lot of work (my guess is around 2000 hours) I got to drive my ‘new’ car.
Unfortunately I know very little of its history as I bought it as a non runner in need of restoration and a complete mechanical overhaul. Not least, a complete engine build due to blown head gasket, bore corrosion and run out of oil.
As it turns out the apprehension quickly turned to smiles, lots of smiles.
It’s my first Berlina having owned countless coupes and HPE ‘s. Maybe my age has changed my appreciation of the Berlina, it really is a lovely drive and I regret not owning one earlier.
I’m sorry I didn’t do a restoration blog (I did remember to take photos along the way mind), but really it’s because I’ve been working from dawn to dusk 6-7 days a week to make the most of my spare time to get to today.
Excuse the wheels but they’re all I had laying around with good tyres on.
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VX HPE (resto started Sept ‘21)
Beta Saloon 2.0l s2 1979 (completed July 2020)
Beta coupé VX (completed April 2017)
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WestonE
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« Reply #1 on: July 07, 2020, 08:14:38 PM » |
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Well Done Ian
Finishing a car and driving it a concept I would be wise to follow!
Cheers
Eric
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squiglyzigly
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« Reply #2 on: July 07, 2020, 08:35:46 PM » |
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Thanks Eric,
I did doubt I’d finish it a few times.
Fortunately, amongst other things, my mother gave me the stubbornness to keep going.
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VX HPE (resto started Sept ‘21)
Beta Saloon 2.0l s2 1979 (completed July 2020)
Beta coupé VX (completed April 2017)
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capriblu
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« Reply #3 on: July 07, 2020, 08:57:58 PM » |
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Well done, looks lovely! I do like Lancia Blue .........
Now enjoy it!
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!980 2.0 Coupe - Owned since 1990
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squiglyzigly
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« Reply #4 on: July 07, 2020, 10:09:00 PM » |
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Cheers,
Always wanted a Blue Lancia since the first Blue Lord Integrale rolled into Barry Waterhouse’s workshop when I worked there.
30 years later. . . . .
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VX HPE (resto started Sept ‘21)
Beta Saloon 2.0l s2 1979 (completed July 2020)
Beta coupé VX (completed April 2017)
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Nigel
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« Reply #5 on: July 07, 2020, 10:11:03 PM » |
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That's lovely Ian.
I hope to post a similar experience later this year........all this furlough time has
accelerated my hpe project beyond all expectations!
Best wishes
Nigel
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1984 2.0 Carb HPE [ex Aus] Grigio Finanza.
2007 Mazda 6 2.3 [current daily, highly recommended]
The past:
1980 2.0 HPE White in South Africa [hope it survives!]
1976 1.6 Coupe Lancia Blu [PFG 76R] [probably deceased]
oh,and an Uno Turbo 1997 also in SA [stolen,never recovered]
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peteracs
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« Reply #6 on: July 07, 2020, 11:30:14 PM » |
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Congratulations Ian, we had a Berlina back in the 80s and was a most enjoyable car to drive. I have to say it does look odd with those alloys and think the original steels or alloys look the part. What wheels are you intending to end up with?
Peter
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Beta Spyder S2 pre F/L 1600
Beta HPE S2 pre F/L 1600
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squiglyzigly
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« Reply #7 on: July 08, 2020, 07:10:51 AM » |
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Thanks Peter
It does have a luxurious drive, so much so that the missus prefers it over the Alfa 159.
The wheels I have waiting for refurb are the fine spoke alloys as fitted to Berlina models (I forget the cd model no.). As an option on the Berlina I believe?
Not sure what tyres to put on them when they are ready as the current 185 65 tyres spin up if you floor it in 1st. The new 2.0 engine feels quite strong. So I’m reluctant to go down to 175 70 although they do look more period.
Thoughts?
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VX HPE (resto started Sept ‘21)
Beta Saloon 2.0l s2 1979 (completed July 2020)
Beta coupé VX (completed April 2017)
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HFStuart
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« Reply #8 on: July 08, 2020, 11:58:40 AM » |
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Depends how old the tyres you have at the moment are. Last time I drove my Spider ( 4 1/2 Years ago.....) I had bugger all traction as they'd started to harden.
A modern 175 tyre designed for a small hatch could have more grip than you've got currently.
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WestonE
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« Reply #9 on: July 08, 2020, 12:17:08 PM » |
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Hi Ian
How about Toyo Proxes CF2 in 185 x 65 14? They have a good reputation for modern world grip and are widely available. Personally I would fit 7x15 wheels with 195 tyres as I think Mark Wastnidge did. No shortage of options and I think they suit the bulk of the body better.
Eric
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capriblu
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« Reply #10 on: July 08, 2020, 07:07:36 PM » |
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I definitely prefer the correct period fit and feel of the 175/70 profile rubber. Was running 185/60 on my coupe for many years but 175/70 does feel just a tad more delicate and comfortable on the road.
I fitted new correct H rated Pirelli P1 175/70/14 tyres to the car last year and despite managing to get these for less than £160 shipped from Germany have found them to feel just right (for me).
I think anything new from most reputable brands even in the standard size is likely to perform considerably better than either cheapo or aged rubber of wider section/lower profile.
Any more pics of the car?
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!980 2.0 Coupe - Owned since 1990
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squiglyzigly
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« Reply #11 on: July 08, 2020, 07:58:23 PM » |
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The car is currently sitting on fairly new toyo proxes cf2 185 65 14 but 1st gear traction is challenged in the dry. I guess this is a combination of standard berlina suspension (except it does have later betaboyz wishbone bushes) and the high torque 2.0 ltr engine spec I like to build for Standard looking road cars.
So I guess going down to 175 tyres is not really an option unless I start ‘driving miss daisy’.
Going up to 15 inch as Eric mentions is a good option, but I think I want to keep it looking fairly standard for a change.
When it’s run in, the rolling road will be high on the agenda. Looking forward to seeing how this standard looking motor performs.
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VX HPE (resto started Sept ‘21)
Beta Saloon 2.0l s2 1979 (completed July 2020)
Beta coupé VX (completed April 2017)
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mangocrazy
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« Reply #12 on: July 09, 2020, 06:41:12 PM » |
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Great work, Ian. That looks absolutely lovely.
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1980 Lancia Beta Spider 2000 (S2FL)
2002 VW Transporter T4
2017 KTM Duke 690R
2008 Aprilia SL1000 Falco
1992 Ducati 888 SP3
1988 Honda VFR750F
1980 Yamaha RD350LC
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fred2660
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« Reply #13 on: July 09, 2020, 07:47:18 PM » |
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Nice work.
2000 hours? Imagine you had to pay somebody for that worktime.
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betabuoy
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« Reply #14 on: July 10, 2020, 07:56:50 AM » |
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What a great day; to be able to turn the key and drive something that’s been so challenging and time consuming... and now looks magnificent.
Good for your inherited stubbornness... or perhaps tenacity. Great achievement Ian.
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1979 Beta Coupe S2FL (1st registered May 1983!)
1967 Morris Minor Traveller
1925 Austin 7 Chummy
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squiglyzigly
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« Reply #15 on: July 10, 2020, 08:33:39 AM » |
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Great work, Ian. That looks absolutely lovely.
Thanks Mango |
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VX HPE (resto started Sept ‘21)
Beta Saloon 2.0l s2 1979 (completed July 2020)
Beta coupé VX (completed April 2017)
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squiglyzigly
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« Reply #16 on: July 10, 2020, 08:35:23 AM » |
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Nice work.
2000 hours? Imagine you had to pay somebody for that worktime.
How right you are. And if I tried to sell it, I’d barely cover the cost of parts and what I paid for the car. It’s a labour of love and worth every minute. |
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VX HPE (resto started Sept ‘21)
Beta Saloon 2.0l s2 1979 (completed July 2020)
Beta coupé VX (completed April 2017)
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squiglyzigly
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« Reply #17 on: July 10, 2020, 08:46:38 AM » |
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What a great day; to be able to turn the key and drive something that’s been so challenging and time consuming... and now looks magnificent.
Good for your inherited stubbornness... or perhaps tenacity. Great achievement Ian.
Thanks fella, A little apprehension driving the first few times around the block until I realised it was job done. Then I started driving along grinning like a bit of a plum, almost laughing. Great feeling. I then noticed whilst sitting at the traffic lights, that amongst all the new black BMW’s, Mercedes and Range rovers that no one payed any interest in each other’s cars which surely cost a fortune to make some sort of statement. Only the little blue Lancia literally stopped people in their tracks. |
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VX HPE (resto started Sept ‘21)
Beta Saloon 2.0l s2 1979 (completed July 2020)
Beta coupé VX (completed April 2017)
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WestonE
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« Reply #18 on: July 10, 2020, 08:53:48 AM » |
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Hi Ian
I agree about the attention grab. Watch out other drivers get so distracted they drift over the line towards you and lose their lane discipline on motorways when passing based on my experience in the Montecarlo. They also make turning fun because they change speed in a way you never see with a modern car.
Stay safe and have fun in the sun this week!
Eric
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