off topic winter projects

I have seen that before, pretty cool, marty you going to make one?

I have no pics of it but my Gibson bridge replacement went really well. Not bad for somebody who is not a luthier nor a woodworker. Intonation is perfect and the guitar sounds great. Lowered the action considerably and took some bow out of the top as well. Win-win.

Still sounds like a cigar box compared to the HD-28V but that's an unfair contest!

8122pbrainard wrote: Gary S wrote: GlassSeeker wrote: ...Rush Red Barchetta...love that song. +1 Andy Tom,my wife bought a new B in '79. We got rid of it when we needed something for a growing family. It's still on the road,we see it at the local Brit car day every year. I bought and restored this A in '82 but don't get to drive it as often as I would like anymore. It was such a big project I have never done it again. I had a 55 VW to do after this but I was burnt out so we sold it. Steve, You see if Gary can do it, you can too. You need to get back on that project car of yours and stay away from collecting boats for awhile!!

Pete, did you notice the year?   . '82   I used to finish a car in three months back then...

Gary S wrote: GlassSeeker wrote: ...Rush Red Barchetta...love that song. +1 Andy Tom,my wife bought a new B in '79. We got rid of it when we needed something for a growing family. It's still on the road,we see it at the local Brit car day every year. I bought and restored this A in '82 but don't get to drive it as often as I would like anymore. It was such a big project I have never done it again. I had a 55 VW to do after this but I was burnt out so we sold it.

Steve,
You see if Gary can do it, you can too. You need to get back on that project car of yours and stay away from collecting boats for awhile!!

Guitars and Barchettas...Rush Red Barchetta...love that song.

Gary S wrote: If it sat in a field uncovered and now the foam is wet I have to ask,did you check the stringers?

I have inspected the stringers using the approved CCF format. I noted that the pine was totally absent and that 'ironwood' had been used in its manufacture. There were 2 areas that needed treating for 'water damage'

Gary S wrote: [QUOTE=must_dash] Another reason the MG's were/are more popular was their history and the club scene,at least in the US. But now that they have been gone over 30 years here they are becoming a memory. And now that the Chinese are involved it's not even an MG anymore. Is it easy to get parts for? Looks great in the pictures.

The nicest MG is the pre-US spec MGB with the chrome bumpers. They had to put the plastic/rubber ones on for the US market. In UK they also did a 3.5ltr V8 version, but it was a it front heavy.
Barchetta parts are OK, it is based on the original Fiat Punto and a lot of common engine parts

must_dash wrote: I think the Barchetta has nicer lines than its contemparies of the MG-F and the Mazda MX5. They were more popular as the concept of a front wheel drive sports car hadn't taken off.

Another reason the MG's were/are more popular was their history and the club scene,at least in the US. But now that they have been gone over 30 years here they are becoming a memory. And now that the Chinese are involved it's not even an MG anymore.
Is it easy to get parts for? Looks great in the pictures.

Now I remember. I believe that after trashing all of the cars on the cross country comparision / demolition derby, they liked it the best of all of them.

That is a pretty old car to have VVT, I assume it is mechanical. I haven't found any performance figures for your toy, but it sounds like it would be a peppy practical cruiser for the twisties. Am I mistaken, or did they trash one of these in an episode of Top Gear?

haha, thats a cool little rod. Why is the union jack hanging in your garage? Its not an MG.

The Barchetta is a true older CC, lots of wet foam!!
The previous owner in a wonderful moment of cleverness locked his keys in the car (OK we've all done it) and then proceeded to cut the stitches holding the rear plastic window in the hood. He didn't repair it and then left it in a field for 6 months without covering it.....

Result 2" of water in the 'little boat'. The 'carpet' is a heavy 11/2" thick moulded open cell foam thing that now weighs over 50lbs as waterlogged.
Currently that is out to dry along with the seats and complete center console and forward console as they are fitted in the factory after the floor has gone in. It doesn't look as if this has caused much damage.

The hood and frame can be unbolted and taken to the local boat cover maker to have a new zip sewn in the hole and a zippered window made.

Also needs a new timing belt, reccommended every 40k miles and last 2 owners (since 2007) have no idea if it has ever been done and it now has 124k miles. While you're in there a new water pump (driven by the timing belt)and Variator (Variable valve controller) are recommended while in there.

In addition to finishing the Mustang, I am taking my 89 Turbo GTC in to have my Quaife limited slip differential installed. I hope to borrow a set of slicks and improve my ET to under 12:70 ( I have only taken it to the strip once and made 5-6 passes on street radials). Unfortunately, it won't be back in time to do it before the strip closes at the end of October.
Steve is not alone. I buy Fords, drive a GM, and race a Chrysler. I will change to Ford for my next car if my present one ever wears out.

I am always amazed Steve when you do something with a Chevy,you end up buying another Ford

must_dash wrote: This is my winter project. Just acquired for next summer, a 1997 Fiat Barchetta, a 1.8ltr classic Italian design sports car. Barchetta means 'little boat' in Italian. It was collected from the previous owner on the Martinique trailer. Took the beds off, laid some ladders on the frame and some planks on these so it could be driven on and off. It has been abused by previous owners, but nothing terminal that TLC can't sort out.

Wow, more jealousy...

Jllogan wrote: nice!!! Hard to find good tubes these days. 4-EL84s is what is in my vox ac-30 and 3-12ax7s in the preamp

I read your post too quickly, they are EL34 tubes. I eventually may try a set of KT77's as they are supposed to be awesome tubes but an 8 tube swap gets pricey.