Lancia Fulvia Resurection

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=80 BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT="#F7F7FF" bgproperties="fixed" background="06000500dvldtc.png"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Arial" ><B>  </B></FONT><B>     |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" "><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> back to  <A HREF="id79.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Engineering"><U><B>Engineering</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B>By the way, see that list of cars on the left ? They are just there to look at , but not available for sale. I just leave them there as art.   Some cool stuff there !</B></div> <bR> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=26.25% BGCOLOR="#111111" TEXT="#F7F7FF" background="c3843712dyxtip.jpg"> <div>                                                   </div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=400 BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <IMG SRC="c3620580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> So Girlfriend often has insights.</div> <bR> <div> She pointed out a good reason to have a Dog. ( Or Dogs. When I met her, there was one, & now there are four: Sydney, Stilton, Skorpan, & Nipper. But that is another story. )</div> <bR> <div> If you have a Dog, you can talk to it & no one thinks you're crazy. Try talking to yourself in public verses talking to a Dog, & we have an example of this theory.</div> <bR> <div> Many years ago I learned tht if you actually write things down as opposed to just thinking about it, you get better results in life. </div> <div> I think it was Napolean Hill that pointed that out in a book I read back when I was trying to conquer the world & battle the Sun.</div> <bR> <div> The habit remains, & I thought for variety I would scan some analog writing to freshen up the website format.</div> <bR> <div> Writing things down is probably similar to talking to your Dog in terms of it's cheaper than therapy, & arguably may give you some insight anyway.</div> <bR> <div> On that note, here are some writings I made to myself this morning wondering why on earth I would buy an old & dead Lancia Fulvia coupe &</div> <div>  tow it to my shop when I am already completely backlogged with obligations in a variety of arenas.</div> <bR> <div> I pondered the word why, & made the following observations:</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c2066200.jpg" border=0 width="614" height="800" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> & there we are. Thoughts for the day.</div> <bR> <div> Off to put out fires, make phone calls, return emails.</div> <bR> <div> The Question:</div> <bR> <div> Will the lettuce get planted this morning ?</div> <bR> <div> Will the Fulvia get some attention today ?</div> <bR> <div> Will things go sideways & a whole new set of obligations surface before either of these interests ?</div> <bR> <div> Well at least I started a new page.</div> <bR> <div> This Fulvia needs lots of assistance.  For example the previous owner didn't mention there were no keys until after he cashed my check.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Hmmmm.</div> <bR> <div> I wonder what goes on inside Fulvia locks ?</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c2f20580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">       <IMG SRC="c2266200.jpg" border=0 width="614" height="800" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> No locks ?  Anxious to see how the engine is ? Well you can hot wire a car to get it started.</div> <bR> <div> Hmmm. no action, no sparks, no voltage anywhere..</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Let's look for t the fuse box. It's hidden under the glove box in a tray.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Oops.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c3a20580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">   <IMG SRC="c2466200.jpg" border=0 width="614" height="800" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> It appears rodents have made a home there.</div> <bR> <div> Even they left when it got this nasty. Corrosion everywhere, No wonder there's no electricity in the chassis.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c3d20580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">  <IMG SRC="c2666200.jpg" border=0 width="614" height="800" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Hmmm. Searching on ebay yields a Ferrari  (N 308 GT4, love those ! ) box that may fit.</div> <bR> <div> Good fortune finds an original clean Fulvia one however.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c3f20580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">  <IMG SRC="c2866200.jpg" border=0 width="614" height="800" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Time for a little swaperoo......</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c4120580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">  <IMG SRC="c2a66200.jpg" border=0 width="614" height="800" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Of course one of the relays failed.  Nice old school hand made pieces inside.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c4320580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Coming along.  There was corrosion on every connector.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c4520580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Alright.  There is now electricity.  Let's try to start it !</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c4720580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Hmmm.  There appears to be tar in the carburettors.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Another delay.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c4920580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Darn it., & late for another obligation.</div> <bR> <div> At least the parking lamps come on !   I'll have to sort out the grille sometime & bring back it's smile.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c4e20580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Back another day ............</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c5020240.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="548" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> Aah. better.</div> <bR> <div> Carbs apart & passageways sorted.</div> <bR> <div> It took three tries to finally get them to work as they should.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c5e20580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Ready  to go.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c5c20580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Well, the engine starts on a fuel can as a substitute for the gas tank that is filled with sludge. One more thing to fix.  I drove it up & down the cul de sac.</div> <bR> <div> Wow ! It's a Fulvia !  What light steering !</div> <bR> <div> A magnificent car. I instantly decide to keep it & fix it up.</div> <bR> <div> Is that smoke in the rear view mirror ?</div> <bR> <div> What's really noticeable is wheel bearing howl at 25 miles an hour.  Darn it.  That's a nasty job on a good day.</div> <bR> <div> & then the gas can runs out & it's an uphill push back to the shop.</div> <bR> <div> Ah yes. The glory of old things.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Nice Lancia speedboat:     Dinner in Venice anyone ?</div> <div> <IMG SRC="c6020580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> I have a brief 24 hour window between customer obligations & finally got the Fulvia on the lift for the first time.</div> <div> I've owned it a month !  Never enough time  it seems.</div> <bR> <div> Well, it badly needs wheel bearings. On an old Fulvia or Flavia It's always a terrible job & leads to tears, so I may as well start before I get scared off.</div> <bR> <div> 6:00 pm Tuesday night & away we go:</div> <bR> <div> There it is, guaranteed frozen.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c5620580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> An attack with a variety of tools has the castleated axle nuts off.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c5820480.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="584" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Axle out, time to see if the ball joints will release.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c5a20580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Nope. of course not.</div> <bR> <div> Time to go home for dinner.</div> <bR> <div> & there goes two weeks...........</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c6220580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> OK: Here's the Devil. A crazy amount of heat & effort to get this bearing out of the hub.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c6420580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Time for reassembly before the phone rings again:</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c6620580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c6820580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> It looks so easy when everything is clean.  Try that in a driveway without a lift, a torch, a press, a bunch of unobtanium Lancia tools & an attitude.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c6a20580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> OK, hub going back in, & a break to enjoy the cactus blooming out front. The flowers only last 24 hours & come out once a year....</div> <bR> <div> Unbelievable smell.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c6c20ad0.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="685" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Hey, the car is together, but the engine smokes. Oh no.</div> <bR> <div> Do I have the time to get the pistons out ?</div> <bR> <div> Nope.  </div> <bR> <div>  Isn't this the weekend I had some obligations ?  Darn it.</div> <bR> <div> Well, I pulled them out anyway. The head was only moderately frozen.</div> <bR> <div> No photos as the torch, hammers & tongs were out & there was cursing.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Look at the gap on the original oil control ring.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c7020580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Here's a new one. No wonder it looked like a plane going down  with that smoke trail.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c7220580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Interesting cylinder head casting:</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c7620580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> The receipts I got indicated someone had bought two valves & a head gasket in 1975.  I guess the valves got tangled in cyl # 1 &  this looks like the original piston.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c7820580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Going together...</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c7a20580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Note the interesting shape on the rods & pistons. Good old Lancia eccentricities...</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c7c20580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Car pictures only ?</div> <bR> <div> Let's break it up a bit .   How about............</div> <bR> <div> Sunset on the levee.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c7e20580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Sydney anticipating:</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c8020580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Maybe something will falll off the table..............</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c8220580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c8420580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Afternoon driveway shot this week:</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c8620580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> OK:   The motor is coming along assembly wise.</div> <bR> <div> Nice to clean things up a bit  while I was in there.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c8820580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Cam timing was out, someone broke a timing pin & seized a sprocket previously. </div> <bR> <div> Snapped off bolt in the block, all the usual issues.</div> <bR> <div> If I ever take it apart again it will be smooth sailing.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c8a20580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> When I fired it up there was no smoke, & the classic Fulvia exhaust note that had been missing appeared .</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Cool !</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Hey:</div> <bR> <div> Like Rock & Roll ?</div> <bR> <div> Me too. </div> <bR> <div> Hard to find contemporary Bands that are any good at it though.</div> <bR> <div> The Nocturnals are actually darn good, & their front person has simply got it.</div> <bR> <div> As pictured below, a bonus that she looks great too. </div> <bR> <div>  This Band would be worth checking out if the Singer was just some Guy that had as much charisma as this Chick does.</div> <bR> <div> Look into it if they tour your area.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c8c3c200.jpg" border=0 width="572" height="800" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> So the engine got assembled, the Fulvia is a daily driver, & why not fuss with it some more.</div> <bR> <div> The endless pleasure of enjoying a cool old car.</div> <bR> <div> The back panel doesn't look bad in this photo, but in person it was scruffy, miscolored, had rust marks creeping in around the stainless, overspray on rubber bits, & generally bothered me to look at.</div> <bR> <div> Let's dial it in  !</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c8e20580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> It may look like it had more patina above, but it wasn't the right kind of scruffy.</div> <bR> <div> I shot the color below after work on Friday, but before I left, I decided a little more green would really make it feel warmer.</div> <bR> <div> I mixed up a little batch of paint & misted it in, but shot it at dusk so I didn't get a photo.</div> <bR> <div> I think I got a great pigment, but I won't know until daylight tomorrow..</div> <bR> <div> I once purchased a 1969 Alfa GTV at night ( In the rain no less...) & when I got it home & saw it the next day it was a different color than the car I thought I had bought.</div> <bR> <div> Oops. </div> <bR> <div> Note to self: Don't buy cars after dark.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c9220580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> I'm going to buff  down the paint with a 3M scruffy pad, & try to match the light refraction of the original.</div> <bR> <div> Somehow, a very satisfying project.</div> <bR> <div> Hope I didn't over-green the  paint on the back panel, but I think it's gonna look great.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> We shall see tomorrow !</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Tum dee dum, sound of Jeapordy music............</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> OK: Looking good.</div> <bR> <div> With the camera the color looks the same but there is a big difference in person.</div> <bR> <div> That little extra bit of green really helped, but at night it looked like I went overboard a bit.</div> <bR> <div> I had the fantasy of assembling it Saturday, but Girlfriends car died ( 3 times ! ) with intermittant fuel injection issues, so it got priority.</div> <bR> <div> At least I got the bumper & stainless trim on.</div> <bR> <div> What a change from how it looked last week !</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c9420580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> OK: More obligations here & there for the weekend.</div> <bR> <div> Somehow... Any chance I can reassemble it before Monday ?</div> <bR> <div> It looks like a few lenses & badges to bolt on, but of course 14 of the 17 fasteners that hold all that stuff on were rusted solid.</div> <bR> <div> Even with a torch,  secret sauce penetrating oil, & finesse, those little 3mm & 4mm studs gave up the ghost.</div> <bR> <div> Tin Worm;  entropies' best footman.</div> <bR> <div> Getting those parts back in will entail silver soldering, fabrication, maybe a hot glue gun if no one is looking and some time.</div> <bR> <div> Oh well. </div> <bR> <div>  In the meantime: </div> <bR> <div> Here's a formula some of you may find interesting:</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c9898200.jpg" border=0 width="664" height="800" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Alright !</div> <bR> <div> Good enough for me...</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c9a20580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Looks much better, but by using enamel with no clear coat it still feels correct & not overdone.</div> <bR> <div> Maybe I'll do the nose next.</div> <bR> <div> Or touch up  the wheels</div> <bR> <div> Or just commute in it & enjoy driving a Fulvia again................</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c9c20580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Check out this young cliff swallow.</div> <bR> <div> The last of four in the nest, it's been living outside the back door.</div> <bR> <div> Cute little thing.</div> <bR> <div>  Maybe today will be the day it gets its wings.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="c9e0a200.jpg" border=0 width="778" height="800" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Well, didn't make it out tonight to see if the Swallow learned to fly, as I stayed late at the shop.</div> <bR> <div> As I was leaving I grabbed a few snaps of the now running & driving Fulvia.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Did I mention as I attempted to drive it to the shop this morning it left me stranded & I had to walk home to get another car ?</div> <bR> <div> Came home for lunch & figured out my brand new old stock, rare as rare Bougicord red ignition wires had an intermittant coil wire failure.</div> <bR> <div> Aarrgh..............</div> <bR> <div> Coming home last night it ran like satin on the freeway. (  or is that a Saint. just reshuffle the letters. )</div> <bR> <div> Well, never a dull moment.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> You might note the tiny  1 1/4 inch exhaust pipe.</div> <bR> <div> Studying old Abarth exhausts over the years I noticed they often used small diameter exits.</div> <bR> <div> Heck, those pipes sounded good, why not experiment.</div> <bR> <div> Taking out the rear resonator & welding on this pipe gave the car a marvelous burble that is very subtle & just makes you smile as you rev it up & shift.</div> <bR> <div> I'll see if I can figure out how to post an MP3 file or video  of the tone. </div> <bR> <div> It really is delightful</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="ca020580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Assembled !</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="ca220580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="cab20580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> Heading home for dinner......................</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="ca420580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="ca5f4770.jpg" border=0 width="500" height="375" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> & there goes a few weeks.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> So how is it to enjoy life with a first series Fulvia coupe ? </div> <bR> <bR> <div> Well, the car that ran like a Saint  turned into the car from Hell.</div> <bR> <div> Ran so smooth on the way to dinner. Just delightful.</div> <bR> <div> Next morning it goes up the street, around the corner, coughs, hacks, sputters,  I'm late & walking back home to get another car.</div> <bR> <div> Come home at night, & it runs great.</div> <bR> <div> OK:  Cut to the chase. over the next seven days, a NOS Marelli cap & rotor, new wires, another coil, distributor on the machine & recurved, plugs burn great, Oscilloscope patterns perfect.</div> <bR> <div> Every darn morning I end up walking home & running late, not to mention good & cranky. Even when it runs  well I don't trust it on the freeway.  ( Does your Dog still bite ? It bit me twice already, I'm a bit suspicious. )</div> <bR> <div> Every time I replace a part, it runs great. Fixed ! </div> <bR> <div> Do a little dance.  10 minutes later I'm walking again....................</div> <bR> <div> OK, try another coil wire. The one I had was ultra rare, new old stock . I should scan the label for the cognescenti, rather like a Macau fireworks label for those who appreciate the tone of a tightly wrapped Peony brand firecracker.</div> <bR> <div> Dead again.</div> <bR> <div> Possible carburation isues ? I've drained the tank twice. I have seen a main jet suck up a speck of dirt, & have it return to the bowl when sitting.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Sure. Let's rebuild those old Fulvia carbs on the shelf. There's three hours.</div> <bR> <div> What does it do ?  Runs great, & then leaves me stranded.... Again!</div> <bR> <div> Gradualy I retrace all steps.  Another coil, coil wire, rotor , cap..................</div> <bR> <div> Finally it is cutting out under the slightest load. Leave a stopsign, or the flatlands of the freeway, & the slightest incline gives you a three cylinder 1300cc car that can't get out of it's own way much less match traffic.</div> <bR> <div> Bother.</div> <bR> <div> Final conclusion ?</div> <bR> <div> Faulty new spark plug. Thermally intermittant. Haven't seen that in 20 years since Joi's vintage mercedes ( creme  with green leather ) refused to climb hills with new Bosch spark plugs. Where is she now ? last known as a high end clothing designer in Los Angeles, I still have her Juki 555 I use for fabricating drapes. Please call home when you need it back for testing patterns..... </div> <bR> <bR> <div> Those spark plugs were new. It didn't occur to me to question them.</div> <bR> <div> Four new plugs & the car is running smoother than the Juki 555. Such an incredible pleasure to drive !</div> <bR> <div> So happy to be in Fulvia dreamland.</div> <bR> <div> There are several routes I can take driving home. If I am really enjoying a car there is a long way that takes a bit longer, but let's one savour a delicious special car for another ten minutes.</div> <bR> <div> There I am, exhaust bleating, satin motor, gauges glowing,  so foolishly happy I am smiling & marveling at the simple pleasure of it all.</div> <bR> <div> Pulling up the long hill around 75mph, heading towards the Caldecott tunel..............  It runs out of life & I pull over on the side of the freeway under a streetlamp.</div> <bR> <div> Cars flying by, cold, 9:30 at night, hungry. Wondering why I didn't take the short route as I could have been in the kitchen reveling in celebration  by now..</div> <bR> <div> Darn it.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> To be continued..............</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="cad7c200.jpg" border=0 width="636" height="800" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> So I'm by the side of the freeway reflecting.</div> <bR> <div> I have just come back from IKEA & it's too bad I didn't stop at their food section on the way out as I'm good & hungry.</div> <bR> <div> Girlfriend has decided it's time to tear out the old kitchen & fix it up.</div> <bR> <div> Within an hour of the sink coming out I appreciated how often it gets used. Cup of tea ? well, first empty the tea pot, fill the kettle, rinse a cup............</div> <bR> <div> Wait a minute. None of this stuff is possible without walking to the garden hose or across the house to the bathroom, & someone is in there taking a shower..</div> <bR> <div> Well, this is not so exciting, so off to IKEA & for $20 I got a garbage can & a sink drying rack. The plan is to put a 3 1/2 inch hole in the can, install a drain, mount a garden hose valve, & a drying rack so I can be up to speed on the food front.</div> <bR> <div> here's how it ended up looking the next day:</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Bachelor primitive, but affordable & functional.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="caf20580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Having said that, I'm still on the side of the road.</div> <bR> <div> I don't know how long I was there, but I was in line when IKEA closed at 9:00 & I got home at 1:00 am</div> <bR> <bR> <div> What did I learn ?</div> <bR> <div> It appears that the car was not getting gas.</div> <bR> <div> I had rebuilt the fuel sender & I have been watching it go down steadily from 3/4 tank to 1/4.</div> <bR> <div> I know the red low fuel light works as I fixed that too, & I was going to ad gas around 1/8 of a tank  before the light comes on just to be safe.</div> <bR> <div> Did the fuel system suck in some more dirt from the tank as I was going up hill ? Will that schmutz fall down from the pickup & back to the tank if I just wait patiently & disconnect the suction from the pump ?</div> <bR> <div> No.       It didn't.</div> <bR> <div> Not looking  so good.</div> <bR> <div> I finally yield to seeking help from fellow man.</div> <bR> <div> Hood up, trunk open, under a streetlamp, clearly in need of help with a nice old car  ( I had just finished painting the back & it did look good at night . A little too stressed to remember to take a photo though. Where was my journalistic common sense ?...) </div> <bR> <div>  I walk back 30 feet, sit on the rail with my thumb out & wait for opportunity.</div> <bR> <div> Good thing I'm well dressed at the moment. Let's see who shows up.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Err</div> <bR> <div> Um</div> <bR> <div> Nobody.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Cars just constantly fly by.</div> <bR> <div> Alot of time to think & reflect.</div> <bR> <div> Hmm.</div> <bR> <div> Finally someone stops.</div> <bR> <div> What type of person looks out for fellow man ?</div> <bR> <div> I'm sure a good one or two hundred cars must have driven by, so obviously this person has something that less than 1% of the people around me have, lets call it empathy or compassion perhaps, but it certainly appears to be in short supply tonight.</div> <bR> <div> It's an older Arab gentleman, with wife or daughter wrapped up in cultural dress. They both ask how I am & what can they do to help.</div> <bR> <div> Wow.</div> <bR> <div> Culturally we have been taught to seek scapegoats, & folks from this part of the world have been the target of western aggression for quite some time now.</div> <bR> <div> Certainly no problem for Mohammed ( his actual name ) & his companion, he posesses traights that we seem to be breeding out of our society.</div> <bR> <div> There's something to think about.</div> <bR> <div> We figure out I need fuel & he has about 1/8 of a gallon left in a fuel can in his trunk.</div> <bR> <div> He gives it to me, refuses payment, waits to make sure the Fulvia starts & gets off the freeway, & they both wave goodby as their car slips away in the night.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Sometimes it's good to take the long road as you can learn things you might not have noticed on the path well traveled.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="cb49c9f0.jpg" border=0 width="156" height="415" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> & the Fulvia ?</div> <bR> <div> Limped into a gas station, gave it five Gallons, & noticed the gas gauge is still stuck at 1/4.</div> <bR> <div> Well how about that !</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Gotta love old cars...................</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="cb220580.jpg" border=0 width="800" height="600" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Post Script:</div> <bR> <div> Some demons exorcised, the car has been running glass smooth.</div> <bR> <div> Took it to a far corner of Marin the other day, a longer journey than it has seen since it was  beached in 1984.</div> <bR> <div> Nipping accross the San Rafael bridge at an indicated 80, smooth bleat from the exhaust, perfect weather.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Rollie, a fortunate friend of mine has found & bought a factory Fulvia HF Rally car.</div> <bR> <div> It seemed appropriate to drive a Fulvia to the greeting of his new project.</div> <bR> <div> Big fenders, big gas tank, huge carburettors & a racing log book.  It has been sitting dormant for years, & he beat me to digging it out of its' slumber in an undisclosed warehouse.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Couldn't of happened to a nicer Guy: He was into Lancias before me when I met him  30 years ago.</div> <bR> <div> His brother lived on a ranch & had a four door Flaminia he had hollowed out & put in a nice big matress. Used to sleep in it on warm summer nigths.</div> <bR> <div> I wouldn't be surprised if the gauges were hooked up to 12 volts so they could glow in the evening............</div> <bR> <div> Now those folks are true enthusiasts.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> I was on a tight schedule that day, & while I was in paradise driving the Fulvia home, I had trepidations if it would act up again.</div> <bR> <div> Nope.</div> <bR> <div> Just one of the most satisfying little cars to drive ever.</div> <bR> <div> Took a snap of it tonight before leaving the shop:</div> <bR> <div> If my neighbor has had as much fun enjoying his leased Lexus SUV, he's a lucky guy..........</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="d12f4770.jpg" border=0 width="500" height="375" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Days later:</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Took it out for coffee this morning.</div> <bR> <div> What a delightful car. Fires up instantly, light steering, runs great.</div> <bR> <div> Here it is parked in the driveway afterwards..........</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="cd500000.jpg" border=0 width="1024" height="768" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> June 8, 2014 update:</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Does it have some rust ? Yup.</div> <bR> <div> So what.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Thank goodness I got over the folly of selling it when I needed a parking spot for another project.</div> <bR> <div> It has become my daily driver, and is so immensely rewarding on a variety of levels it is hard to describe. Now stone reliable, & no hint of overheating even on the worst hot days in stuck California traffic jams.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> I cannot believe I ever thought of selling it. Of the five  Fulvia coupes & three Fulvia Zagatos I have owned it is the most magical of them all on the road.</div> <bR> <div> As a matter of fact it is a delightful Sunday afternoon right now and I am going to drive to the shop  for the sheer pleasure of it.</div> <bR> <div> Happy motoring !</div> <bR> <div> December 2014 update:</div> <bR> <div> It is still a magical car.  I am off to fire it up right now.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Here's to enjoying life........</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="d10f47a0.jpg" border=0 width="500" height="378" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>