The Paul Atkinson - Augusta - news update [etc] ...

[Mark Dibben]

Does anyone know where to source dash lamps from?

[donw]

Do you mean the dashboard fitting or the chrome cover,1 or 2?

About interior trim some cars imported by Lancia England were trimmed to customer's requirements  including bedford cord rexine & leather.

[Mark Dibben]

Hello Don,
Thanks for the info re the interior trim, again useful. I was thinking of the complete dash lamp assembly really.
All best cheers,
Mark

[donw]

Mark there are 2 see photo, I have at least 1 spare cover, I thought your car had them.

Don

[Kari]

The dash lights are indeed a rare item. The cover is made from thin brass and tends to crack. It might be worthwhile to contact Cavalitto at:  info@lanciaricambi.it  and ask for one or two "Fanalini sul cruscotto 31-5911"

Parts can be found on Italian web sites like Subito.it; Kijiji.it; Autobelle.it and many more. Just google: "Lancia Augusta Ricambi" and take your pick.

Regards  Karl

[Mark Dibben]

Thanks Don and Karl, I am learning every day.
It does have them, but one has a dodgy earth and I am exploring options, just in case.
Ha, getting ahead of myself really, because the engine isn't even back together yet!
All best cheers, Mark

[MichaelElsom]

Have only just returned to the forum after an absence...
I can't offer any real help as my mechanical abilities are decidedly limited!
However, I did note your remarks about Bibendum wheels. My car is fitted with them and I would like to persevere.
If you decide you want to part with your four good wheels could you let me know please - Longstone have refused to fit tyres to my spares!   

[higgsy 45]

Hi. Latecomer to this stream. Ken West who owned your car back in the 80s helped with my at that time unsuccessful foray into Augusta ownership, had a full set of aluminium wings made for the car. Paul suspected this way back and I confirmed it, it's a very big weight saving.  Cheers. Dale

[Mark Dibben]

A brief update, sorry for the delay. The engine and gearbox are now back in. The bores were honed, the rods and crankshaft crack-tested and the latter also re-balanced by Paul Gardener Racing Engines - after a lot of research.
The old Brookands wheel that was on the car turned out to be pre-Bluemels (i.e before they started making them) and so was of the unwelded spoke type. So decided to avoid the risk of 'pinging' spokes in a shunt. Have never liked the original three-spoke (which Bluemels had in stock!), but have always loved early 30s Bentley wheels. It turns out the correct size for the Augusta is in fact the same size as the Aston Martin LeMans racing wheel - the design I'm told AM 'borrowed' from Bentley... Suits the car very well indeed.
The rev counter is in, and a completely remade fuel tank (rust...) with a new electric fuel sender also fitted. The re-made wheels and new Michelin tyres are also on. Lots more to be done quietly over the winter, but anyway Chris McPheat is hoping to get the car out to a show in Yorkshire in September.

[Mikenoangelo]

Which show? Perhaps we could have  two Augustas there.
Good to hear of the work done. It is a really nice car which I would have bought had it been available when  Paul kindly showed it and convinced me to get one.
Mike Clark

[Mark Dibben]

Hi. Latecomer to this stream. Ken West who owned your car back in the 80s helped with my at that time unsuccessful foray into Augusta ownership, had a full set of aluminium wings made for the car. Paul suspected this way back and I confirmed it, it's a very big weight saving.  Cheers. Dale

Sorry, Dale, missed this. Thanks for that info, very useful to know!

[Mark Dibben]

Which show? Perhaps we could have  two Augustas there.
Good to hear of the work done. It is a really nice car which I would have bought had it been available when  Paul kindly showed it and convinced me to get one.
Mike Clark

Ha - damn, I do wish it been for sale when he showed it to you!! :-) Dunno which show it is but I've asked Chris and when I find out, I'll let you know.

[Mark Dibben]

Okay, nearly there. Fuel gauge in and working, just need to discover whether the rev counter works. For that, hopefully just a new battery and vroom!
One question though, the valve springs seem quite weak; they're easily compressed by hand. Does anyone know what they are specified to be for spring tension?
Thanks ever so much,
Mark

[Kari]

Attached data sheet regarding your question.

Karl

[Mark Dibben]

Thanks Kari, ever so much!