Finally... I've done something!

[Martin124]

Sometimes I think this forum helps to keep me sane. I have found so much information and entertainment on here - it's just fantastic. Most of the time I don't even find myself needing to ask a question. I can just search and find the answer right away.
So... I've been feeling a bit guilty about using the forum and not contributing anything such as photos and updates on what I'm up to with my Spider. I enjoy reading about everyone else's adventures. So here's mine.
Last year I finally rustled up enough US dollars to buy Mark's big brake kit and have it shipped to Australia. I've also managed to get hold of some sidedraught Dellortos from an Alfa Romeo that we used as a parts car for my son's Alfetta. The Dellortos were overhauled by a local specialist and I obtained a manifold from "Fiatorque" in Sydney. These have been ready to go on the car for about a year.
It might be obvious by now that I've been planning things but not doing much!
After a rear brake lock up on the way home from work a couple of weeks ago, I decided it was time to get to work...

First was Mark's brake kit...

Next I repositioned the Coolant Reservoir (this had been relocated to the left hand side when the car was converted to RH drive)...

Another view. The reservoir had to be moved to make way for the twin carbs...

A pic to remind you that this is a right hand drive car...

Rear bumper "tucked" (front was done too)...

Sadly, the Dellortos are still in their box...

I'm really pleased with my efforts. There were plenty of problems along the way but the forum and some local experts were very helpful. I need to bleed the brakes some more and all should be good. Even without having been bled properly the braking improvement is fantastic. The "bumper tuck" has drawn the most enthusiasm from my family, who were always complaining about that big ugly profile!

[Fi8spider]

Nice bit of work those Fiatorque manifolds, got one on mine and love it.
Looks like you're getting things ready for next years Nationals. Hope to see you there.

Oh, yes, definitely a cool forum.

[aj81spider]

Nice job - I've been debating the brake kit myself. Good to see some positive feedback.

[Exit98]

Martin,

Looking good, nice garage.

I was just thinking again yesterday about pushing in my bumpers, your picture might be my inspiration. Can you post a picture of the front?

Thanks,

[Martin124]

Martin,

Looking good, nice garage.

I was just thinking again yesterday about pushing in my bumpers, your picture might be my inspiration. Can you post a picture of the front?

Thanks,

Not the best of photos. I'll take some more when I've got it all back together.

[Martin124]

Nice bit of work those Fiatorque manifolds, got one on mine and love it.
Looks like you're getting things ready for next years Nationals. Hope to see you there.

Oh, yes, definitely a cool forum.

I'm trying to have it ready for Historic Winton which is not too far off. I'm not able to get away for any drives that are much longer than a day. My wife and I run a small retail store in town, so not a lot of spare time.

[azruss]

your front brake hose makes me a little nervous. Have you checked for clearance with the tire on and full steering travel.

[Martin124]

your front brake hose makes me a little nervous. Have you checked for clearance with the tire on and full steering travel.

Thanks. You're right, there is not enough clearance. I only found that after I took the wheels off again - but, no harm done. I will be triple checking that when I put it back together. I don't think I understood Mark's instructions correctly - maybe some more bending of the hard lines will be needed?

[Fi8spider]

Nice bit of work those Fiatorque manifolds, got one on mine and love it.
Looks like you're getting things ready for next years Nationals. Hope to see you there.

Oh, yes, definitely a cool forum.

I'm trying to have it ready for Historic Winton which is not too far off. I'm not able to get away for any drives that are much longer than a day. My wife and I run a small retail store in town, so not a lot of spare time.

Running you own small business, no time for yourself, tell me about it

Historic Winton, I here good things about the event. I have family in Deni and Shepparton, maybe I should plan a family trip away for May, nice time of the year to tour the riverina..

Good news about the 2015 Fiat Nationals for you, there is a good chance they maybe held in Winton! Doesn't get closer than that to Bendigo..
Enjoy mate..

[Martin124]

Running you own small business, no time for yourself, tell me about it

Historic Winton, I here good things about the event. I have family in Deni and Shepparton, maybe I should plan a family trip away for May, nice time of the year to tour the riverina..

Good news about the 2015 Fiat Nationals for you, there is a good chance they maybe held in Winton! Doesn't get closer than that to Bendigo..
Enjoy mate..

Let me know if you do decide to go to Historic Winton. It would be great to meet you. If the Fiat Nationals were held there next year there is no way you could keep me away!

[Fi8spider]

Sounds like a plan for next year then!
If your not a member of the FCCV or any other club then you can get your info from this forum.
I usually post something up in the Events section some months beforehand.

The event maybe pushed towards the cooler months next year, fingers crossed for that decision to be confirmed.

[KidDingo]

Hey Martin,

Does your son still have the Alfetta? A mate in Perth is restoring his 1974 Alfetta. Pretty rare these days. Getting harder to find parts, apparently.

M.

[Martin124]

Sounds like a plan for next year then!
If your not a member of the FCCV or any other club then you can get your info from this forum.
I usually post something up in the Events section some months beforehand.

The event maybe pushed towards the cooler months next year, fingers crossed for that decision to be confirmed.

I'll keep watching out for it then. I've joined the Fiat Nationals Facebook page too. Are you fairly certain that it will be held at Winton then?

[Martin124]

Hey Martin,

Does your son still have the Alfetta? A mate in Perth is restoring his 1974 Alfetta. Pretty rare these days. Getting harder to find parts, apparently.

M.

Hi Michael. Yes he still has the Alfetta. It's a 1983 Sedan and he bought it as his first car when he was 16. He learned to drive in it. He's had 3 other cars since then, but still has the Alfa.

I've put new synchro rings in the gearbox. I was able to get the parts from the UK. Panel parts are hard to come by. We have the doors, bonnet and guards from the donor car. I also have the motor (minus carbs of course) and various other bits and pieces.

He was contemplating selling the Alfa a few months ago but his wife wouldn't let him. They've been together since high school - I didn't ask why she was so keen to keep the car.

[Fi8spider]

Sounds like a plan for next year then!
If your not a member of the FCCV or any other club then you can get your info from this forum.
I usually post something up in the Events section some months beforehand.

The event maybe pushed towards the cooler months next year, fingers crossed for that decision to be confirmed.

I'll keep watching out for it then. I've joined the Fiat Nationals Facebook page too. Are you fairly certain that it will be held at Winton then?

It's good that you're linked into the facebook page, as for now, we wait for updates.

At the most recent Nationals held here in Sydney earlier in the year, Victoria was announced as the hosting club for 2015.

After the announcement, the Victorian Club President made a bit of a discussion topic of it at one of the gatherings and asked the membership from all states and territories if he could have a show of hands for next year's preferred locations. Phillip Island and Winton were the two options I recall and Winton got the most show of hands based on who would actually go. If I were a betting man I would say that Winton should edge out PI. As much as I drool at the prospect of it being held at Phillip island, I feel that the organising committee will be considering the additional distance that the northern folk from QLD and NSW would have to travel as a negative if they are after participation numbers.

Last time it was held in Winton (2011) most of us stayed in Benalla for what turned out to be one of the most memorable and fun Nationals in recent times.