One More Berlina on the road

[deeyesbee]

It's only taken me 5 years but my series 2 has made it back on the road.  Thought you'd like to see it. More pics the and story soon.
Now in shakedown phase so I can get down to le mans (classic) next month. 

However, brakes are still soft despite litres of dot4. New master cylinder I reckon

Hilarious kangarooing behaviour at light throttle openings (accelerating or decelerating) rending the car pretty undriveable. No idea what this is down to. Any ideas?  Carbs? (all the linkages and pedal are free but there's a flat spot around 2000 RPM), worn driveshafts (seem OK), track rod end (see below) or fuel pump?

Bizarre torque steering, diagnosed as worn track rod end.  On order.

May even get to a meet this year! 

Happy

[DavidLaver]

Well done - a big milestone.

What's the history of it?   At first I thought it was the ex-Peter-Baker long distance rally car.

http://www.retro-speed.co.uk/showfeature.asp?art=2586

[deeyesbee]

Thanks David. 

No such luck. It’s a series 2 LHD and led a sheltered life in the Venezia region until about 10 years ago. 

[fay66]

Lovely job, but I can't say I've ever seen a UK car Fulvia Berlina with A front number plate that size, its normally half that height and letters and numbers on one line?
Hope you've completed your shakedown by the Sunday of the AGM.
Brian
8227 

[deeyesbee]

Thank you Brian.

The plates came with car and I intend to change them soon.  I wasn’t sure the smaller plate was legal? 
Hopefully see you at the AGM.

cheers

David 

[frankxhv773t]

My understanding is that small plates are legal if the mounting is that size so you may need an original stainless surround if there isn't one under the existing plate.

[fay66]

I've had the small front number plate on Fay, my 2c for over ten years now,and it's never been queried, the holder was still fitted underneath the horrible ugly big UK plate, which was a bit surprising as she's an original RHD UK car.
I think Frank is correct about the small number plate holder, and they do come up on ebay Italy from time to time.
Chris Gawne is selling a lot of Fulvia series ! Berlina parts on here, so might be worth asking Chris if he has one, not sure if it will fit properly as Series 1 & 2 bumpers are different, but I'm sure it wouldn't be an insurmountable problem.
I've seen much later cars fitted quite illegally with these but no one seems to bother too much.

Brian
8227

[neil-yaj396]

Dirt in the carbs could be causing your running problems. Have you checked the filter for debris from the tank?

[chriswgawne]

Ref your poor running and random throttle response, have you checked the rubber carburettor mounts for air leaks?
Also check carb jets, filters etc and that the fuel pump one way flap valves are working particularly if the car has been standing for a while. Modern fuels deposit goo if left to evaporate which can cause all sorts of problems with the above. Maybe drain tank and start with new fuel anyway.
Chris

[deeyesbee]

Thanks Chris and Neil for the fuel system advice . I've overhauled the carbs and changed the mounts but not checked the fuel pump and filter.  I have just fitted a new mechanical fuel pump and was waiting to connect it up once I am sure it's oil tight.  Will check the filter (some sort of aftermarket in-line device) and change the pumps over and report back.

Brian, glad to know you haven't had problems. There's no original number plate surround with my car, but the bumper rubbers clearly show where the original plate would have been so I might change the plates anyway and look out for a surround at leisure. 

For carcheology here's the 'ghost' imprint of the original rear plate!

[chriswgawne]

I Have a 4 piece rear number plate surround if you want it and I may have a front small one as well.
Let me know and I will have a look.
Chris

[deeyesbee]

thanks Chris, thanks that sounds interesting and very helpful.  Please email me davidsimoesbrown@googlemail.com with the details. 

[fay66]

Well done - a big milestone.

What's the history of it?   At first I thought it was the ex-Peter-Baker long distance rally car.

http://www.retro-speed.co.uk/showfeature.asp?art=2586

David,
OPD 37E has been owned for a number of years now by Alan Murphy in the Irish Republic, and is undergoing a complete major restoration with many new panels, he also owns the only  other original UK registered Rhd 2c, the ex
, Robin Lacey car, besides my FAY 224D.
Both of them have been much changed from their original spec and now sporting 1300 engines instead of the original 1091cc 72bhp originals. At one point the ex RL car was fitted with a fiat Panda radiator and very convoluted hoses! But after a serious bit of fettling by Alan she carried him to Italy, and then onto Athens.
When OPD 37E came into Alan's ownership she was pretty much a rusty basket case in need of urgent attention.
A far cry from when I first saw her in 1996 at a Michael Newberry picnic day, when she was part of his collection.
Brian
8227 
I think both of them now carry Irish Republic Registrations.

[deeyesbee]

Happy to report the kangarooing has been sorted.  It was down to a worn throttle pedal bush.  It was quite deceptive as it felt fine when operated by hand.