750 Series Giulietta Spider

1750GTV · August 19, 2016, 08:02:22 PM

Front suspension going in. Not very exciting I know, but progress.

New ball joints, new stainless grease nipples, new tierods, new bearings, new bushes, new shockies, in fact, new just about everything.

I was thinking about installing one of the many 'sport' suspensions, but ended up keeping it all standard.

At the moment I work on the car about 3 hours a week, so it's slow going but great fun.

Before and after photos attached.

Chris

1750GTV · September 30, 2016, 09:04:28 PM

Starting to make real progress.

Electrics all in and tested.
Hydraulics remade, rebuilt and reinstalled.
Suspension in, checked and adjusted.
Engine in. Clutch and gearbox next.

It now stands on its own four wheels again.

Chris

GG105 · October 07, 2016, 06:24:39 PM

looking great Chris, well done!

Cheers
John

1750GTV · October 30, 2016, 09:57:05 PM

Thanks John.

This weekend saw the clutch, gearbox and tailshaft fitted. All the major mechanical parts are now in place.
The gearbox is the original 4 speed tunnel case that uses non-EP oil and it was stripped and rebuilt with new bearings sometime ago. Mercifully, the synchros were not worn as they are expensive and difficult to find.

Lots of fiddly little bits to go. Tool roll and jack strapped in to get them off the shelves.

Chris

1750GTV · October 30, 2016, 09:58:13 PM

Meant to attach this one as well ...

1750GTV · December 18, 2016, 02:14:34 PM

My 1300cc engine has been rebuilt incorporating a few performance enhancements - lightened flywheel, bigger oil pump, performance camshafts and all balanced prior to refitting. As a result I've ditched the rather troublesome Solex carburettor and fitted a period correct 36DCD Weber. All round I'm told that it is a much more reliable carby with better performance.

The Weber is taller than the Solex and the original air filter + adapter is therefore too tall and won't allow the bonnet to close. In its place I've fitted a flush fit Fispa filter which is now the correct height. I believe these filter were used by 1950s Fiat and Ferraris. I still have the original refurbished carby and air filter if any future owner wishes to return the car to stock appearance.

The fun continues. Radiator and exhaust next and maybe then a test drive ...

Merry Xmas to all,
Chris

LaStregaNera · December 19, 2016, 10:19:04 AM

Need one of the 3 lugged wingnuts that early 105s got on their filter cans - same as 50s Ferraris.

1750GTV · December 19, 2016, 09:23:40 PM

It did come with a standard double lug cast wingnut with one lug broken off.

If I ever see either another double lug or a triple like the photo I'll replace the modern nut - though you can take it all too far ...

Chris

LaStregaNera · January 06, 2017, 10:12:17 AM

Franjo Mokina makes reproductions of the 3 ear wingnuts...

1750GTV · January 11, 2017, 09:20:20 PM

Ordered.

Thanks

1750GTV · January 21, 2017, 08:47:35 PM

Three ear wingnut fitted - even if it's the wrong air filter, it now looks correct. One for the purists.

Trial fitted the windscreen today. It's a tricky affair with separate rubbers for each of the four sides, two chrome pillars that bolt onto the body of the car and separate top and bottom trims. The front door seals are also separate. The screen has a couple of shallow wiper scratches on it that I'll try to polish out. Otherwise it's in good condition.

Does anyone have a favourite glass polishing kit or compound that they'd recommend?

Chris

1750GTV · February 18, 2017, 08:50:00 PM

Restored and recored radiator installed today.

Only need a few minor things in the engine bay, and an exhaust system, and I'm ready to run the engine for the first time in 44 years.

Still got a lot of trim bits to fit though.

Chris

1750GTV · February 18, 2018, 10:11:26 AM

Been away for a while so I thought it was about time I posted an update.

After 5 years the car is now mobile though needs a few things done for completion - interior, windscreen, folding top, exhaust etc. - so it'll be a while yet ...

The attached are a couple of photos that I took yesterday after a drive around the forecourt of the shed complex.

Coming along OK, I guess.

Chris

bonno · February 18, 2018, 11:35:06 AM

Hi Chris
She is looking absolutely beautiful. Have read your post from start to finish and the work and effort in organizing the restoration of your car is a credit to you. The repairs of bodywork look to be of the highest standard and the sourcing of parts for a 60 or so year old car would have been a challenge, at the best of times. I bet you can’t wait to have her all finished and back on the road so you can enjoy the true driving experience that only these classic cars provide.
cheers
bonno