T
Tinster
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A third year engineering student has sought me out
because he heard I was an "expert" in old sport cars.
Kinda funny but then I remember my own fruitless quest
to find help here on the island. Also, he knows of 2 old
Triumphs that are sitting in self storage garages. The
owner is a collector but too fat to drive either car.
So, I'm on my own quest now to locate them.
Anyway, the lad's car is an original 1984 Fiat Spyder. He
bought it on E-bay for $6,000. (with dad's help) and had it
shipped here. 75,000 miles, dusty 4 cylinder engine,
original everything except new leather seats and new soft
top. Color white, very nice looking car. No rust obvious.
Car came from Iowa and was owned by a collector who sold it
to make room for a 911 he had just purchased.
I drove it for maybe 15 minutes. Very smooth 5 speed
tranny, suspension and steering tight as a drum. Engine
feels strong for a four banger and scoots up to 60 quickly.
BUT cold start oil pressure at 25 psi and running pressure
at 5 psi. I told the lad this might be an issue and that
I'd ask you experts here. Are Fiats like TRs and have thrust
washers? If so, can I measure end float at the fan pulley
like I did on the Crypt Car?
Sorry to take up Triumph space for a Fiat question but I
think it's great a young fellow is into old sportcars, even
if it is a Fiat.
thanks,
dale
because he heard I was an "expert" in old sport cars.
Kinda funny but then I remember my own fruitless quest
to find help here on the island. Also, he knows of 2 old
Triumphs that are sitting in self storage garages. The
owner is a collector but too fat to drive either car.
So, I'm on my own quest now to locate them.
Anyway, the lad's car is an original 1984 Fiat Spyder. He
bought it on E-bay for $6,000. (with dad's help) and had it
shipped here. 75,000 miles, dusty 4 cylinder engine,
original everything except new leather seats and new soft
top. Color white, very nice looking car. No rust obvious.
Car came from Iowa and was owned by a collector who sold it
to make room for a 911 he had just purchased.
I drove it for maybe 15 minutes. Very smooth 5 speed
tranny, suspension and steering tight as a drum. Engine
feels strong for a four banger and scoots up to 60 quickly.
BUT cold start oil pressure at 25 psi and running pressure
at 5 psi. I told the lad this might be an issue and that
I'd ask you experts here. Are Fiats like TRs and have thrust
washers? If so, can I measure end float at the fan pulley
like I did on the Crypt Car?
Sorry to take up Triumph space for a Fiat question but I
think it's great a young fellow is into old sportcars, even
if it is a Fiat.
thanks,
dale