off topic winter projects

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

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

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!!

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...

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!

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

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.

Tom, can you keep a look out for one of these,we are looking to pick one up in Northern Italy but 2 would be better to fill the van...also need a left hand door viewed from the front.....a 5th wheel model would be cool 64 to 67 like this one.

must_dash wrote: I can ask around. I don't recognise it do you have a model etc? Is condition important, or is it as a project. Can you drive these in the UK?

Tom, yes you can drive in the UK its a Paiggio 500 D the 500 is the Kg it load there are 250,500,750 kg engine is 125cc or 172cc......more pictures of different body types.... no I'm not doing the US truck.... the fire tuck is the right year type the other is a 59 to 64 which is ok too.
yes more projects.

DrStevens wrote: Just bought a Hobie cat 14 to fix up, not sold in the US market at that length anymore. I won't be thinking about gas prices when on the water sailing.

Steve,
If you run into any problems or need parts, Billy is the guy to call. He still uses "hobiedr" for his email address.

Thanks Pete, Billy, as in BoatDr from Louisiana? He has helped with my CC.     As for water skiing behind a Hobie, I have seen it done, never tried myself. It's rough, no wake cut so it's wavey, as to do it it must be windy. My 14, has a jib, I used to have a Hobie 16 years ago, wanted something smaller, easier to right. They are not expensive as its old and sailing seems to be not too popular here in my area anymore. There are many Summer afternoons when the wind, tubers, and boats have chopped up the water and riding around in the CC is not terrific.    Pete, I was in Madison WI last weekend, brought home a bunch of Carr Valley cheese.

I know nothing about refurbishing weatherstrip or rubber components. I would think that you would run into the same problem you have due to the age of the rubber. I have bought new weatherstrip / seal for several cars and $1,000 for six pieces sounds very pricey to me. I am really unfamiliar with the Barchetta, but many cars use the same weatherstripping / door seals. Here is one of the companies that markets them for aftermarket and restoration. I believe I have used them in the past, but there are several companies that make this stuff, so I'm not sure. Good luck

Weatherstripping and welting

The profile looks normal, it is the construction that differs. each piece has a thin metal backing. on the rear is moulded a 'C' section that slides over part of the hood frame, the front is a normal hollow '0' shape. The front and back sections also have ends mounded onto them.

UK prices are:
Approximate current prices are:

Front Top: £130
Middle Top: £140
Rear Back: £160

So to replace all six seals will cost you £860.

A rear replacement screen will cost you £880

A new vinyl hood with screen £1760

The front screen to side window seal will cost £261

I will get pictures tomorrow, however this ebay pic shows it
http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?VISuperSize&item=261108138200

These is the shape of the seals, basically looks like a normal profile with various end caps bonded on.

john b wrote: 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.

John that car is pretty! I had a black GTC turbo drop top that was a rough puppy. The first pass I ever made down the track was in my 88 CSX-T. Sadly I let her go to someone who could finish it and enjoy it.

phatsat67 wrote:

John that car is pretty! I had a black GTC turbo drop top that was a rough puppy. The first pass I ever made down the track was in my 88 CSX-T. Sadly I let her go to someone who could finish it and enjoy it. [/QUOTE]

I believe everyone in the Shelby Dodge Auto Club secretly pokes fun at my "chick car" behind my back. The band Cake has immortalized the LeBaron in their song "Short Skirt Long Jacket" with the lyrics "she's changing her name from Kitty to Karen, she's trading her MG for a white Chrysler LeBaron". Last year my car was chosen for one month's photo on a calendar for the club. The information printed on the page was my name as owner followed by "1989 LeBacon Turbo GTC". I thought it was a misprint at first, but I found that they had renamed it the LeBacon because men love bacon, a feeble attempt to make the car seem masculine.
The CSX is more to their liking, there are a lot of them in the club, several even have the original Shelby "fiber ride" wheels. They range from original to very modified, and some are quite fast. it is surprising to some how many of these cars were made and the following they have. Back in the 80's not much performed better than these 30MPG toys.
SDAC gathering 2012
I believe your LeBacon was a little different than mine. The 89 Turbo GTC only came in white or red, and they made a total of 906 of them. They had 2.2 liter intercooled engines without balance shafts, a 5 speed Getrag trans, and 4 wheel disc brakes, among other differences. This one is an original "survivor" except for the top and some bolt on engine mods.