More updates on the little Fiat

"BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires" (biturbo228)
09/01/2013 at 15:59 • Filed to: None

Pulled the bumpers off. Much, much better, and saves 20.6kg (45.4lbs).

Noticed there was a wire out of place on the replacement starter that came with the car. Hooked that into place and tested it. Works fine, so I can sell the new starter that's coming in the post :)

Whipped the other starter off (significantly trickier than 'whipped' implies), and tested that. Working fine too. Ah.

Tested the live and earth with a bulb, there's connection there. Tested the ignition switch and the earth. Nothing.

I think we've found the problem.

Now I just need to trace it back and find where the duff connection is.

Also, the BMW's new spangly radiator leaks pretty badly out of the expansion tank. It's basically missing the o-ring sealing it, so I'll try and source a beefy one from somewhere and hope for the best :)

DISCUSSION (12)

Mosqvich > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires
09/01/2013 at 16:02

If you're in the US, I have an Expansion Tank that I don't think has a leak. I'm not sure, but I'd be willing to send it to you. It's off an E46.

Sparf > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires
09/01/2013 at 16:04

Chapman would be proud!

YSI-what can brown do for you > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires
09/01/2013 at 16:15

Are you thinking about putting some old fashioned racing wheels on this once it is fully functional? I think it would help alot for performance and looks!

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > Mosqvich
09/01/2013 at 16:15

I'm not unfortunately, but I'll head to the scrapyard to see if I can find anything.

I'd just use the one from the old tank, but it's very subtly a different shape so it won't fit. I've tried swapping over the old o-ring, but it's not sealing properly.

I'd just gum it up with sealant, but it'll be under pressure.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > YSI-what can brown do for you
09/01/2013 at 16:26

It's definitely getting some new shoes, although I haven't decided which ones yet. Something that will allow something a bit wider than the stock 165-sections.

YSI-what can brown do for you > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires
09/01/2013 at 16:28

YES! I approve!

ZeroOrDie - Powered By MZR > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires
09/03/2013 at 11:34

This is awesome. I approve. Maybe I missed a bit. Was this the fiat sitting in the guys driveway?

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > ZeroOrDie - Powered By MZR
09/03/2013 at 12:00

Thanks :) I've always liked these little things. My dad's pretty excited too. He had one when he was younger but it was an utter basket-case.

I think it was, although I didn't go and view it before buying it. It was definitely layed up somewhere for a while after the starter went.

ZeroOrDie - Powered By MZR > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires
09/03/2013 at 13:29

How tall are you and how cramped in the interior. I am 6'4'' and it looked like a tight squeeze although I'd feel like the hulk moving that tiny shifter haha.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > ZeroOrDie - Powered By MZR
09/03/2013 at 13:34

I'm only mid 5', so I fit fine in pretty much anything. I'd say it'd at least be a snug fit depending on build. Headroom seems good, so that might not be the issue. If it is, just whip the targa top off :)

ZeroOrDie - Powered By MZR > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires
09/03/2013 at 13:59

Cool. Keep it up. Give us your driving impressions once you actually get it streetable.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > ZeroOrDie - Powered By MZR
09/03/2013 at 14:32

Shall do. I've got a comparo of the Alfa and the BMW coming up when the BMW's back on the road. Just want to do a final back-to-back drive to settle my thoughts on the two.

Hopefully I'll be getting a GoPro and a dedicated audio recorder soon too so I can make some short videos.