Been a busy few days!

[nigel bickle]

Well -finally collected the Millecento:-

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb290/nigelbickle/fiat/car-ebaystuff016.jpg

Seems to be a solid little beast -cant see any welding needed anywhere. 'Buggalugs' has been at the brakes -somewhat unsuccessfully -but he claims its a runner (or was -a year ago)-and I cant see why it shouldnt be -once the distributor is sorted!

It feels like incompetent spannering -rather than any real probs -that has kept this off road 20+ years. In store for a week or two -whilst I sort those at home.

Got my little 850 saloon back too:-

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb290/nigelbickle/fiat/car-ebaystuff011.jpg

Engine is apparently seized solid -so I'm enquiring of previous owners to see if its poor storage or a mechanical mishap.

Brimmed with diesel -I'll try gently in a few weeks.

Perhaps more importantly -the body is near mint! The two tiny holes mentioned are indeed tiny -and non structural- I think it would go straight through.

Brakes 'seem' to work, steering feels fine- and although the odometer has read 24750 for at least 4 MOT's -it doesnt feel as if its done much more. Chuffed would be an understatement!

 

Then I MOT'd my Renault 17:-

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb290/nigelbickle/renault/car-ebaystuff006.jpg

Went straight thru -then the starter motor failed and the bonnet cable broke!

4 hrs on Sunday got the bonnet open -and the motor off (hell of a jobbie); now all I have to do is work out why!

Oh -then tax it -1st Dec I guess.

Oh yes -the Alfa:-

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb290/nigelbickle/alfa/car-ebaystuff003.jpg

Parked up in the corner for a couple of weeks -its been there over 18 months.

BUT -it started 2nd turn, drove out on fully pumped tyres, cleaned up and ticked over Ok -and superficially seems no worse the wear for its sojourn. I need to get under it though -when I might reconsider my options!

 

Then this morning the Mrs returned with no clutch on the Croma.

Why do these nasty jobs always queue up as the weather turns?

[r.welfare]

Awesome NB!What's that parked outside your front window - Simca 1301?EDIT: Doh! It must be your Datsun. Loving the fact that you've got all those motors outside yer actual house, I had you down for having a smallholding...

[Volksy]

That 850 looks a real sweety, I have fond memories of those (well the seat versions) trundling about where i grew up in Spain.Love the 17, and on three stud Cosmics too, they must be uber-rare!!

[bigstraight6]

Brilliant stuff as ever MrB! that lovely 17 must attract much attention out on the road

[Torsten2001]

that 850's a total honey!

[nigel bickle]

RW -my house looks like a 70's NCP!Yep its the lhd Dattie 411. As all 3 are road legal now -I might 'stage' a pic -if I can get them together!The 850 is a honey- and will be on the road for the Spring. Even if the engine's scrap -I've a spare 903 FIRE sitting in a defunct 127 that should fit Ok -sump changes etc. Oooh -I love it!

[ayd]

the 17 is uber sweet

[Volksy]

-I've a spare 903 FIRE sitting in a defunct 127 that should fit Ok -sump changes etc. Oooh -I love it!

To be pedantic, wasn't the FIRE engine the later 999cc or 750cc, and the old 903cc (127/panda/Uno) the pushrod one developed from the 600/850?I'll get my coat

[pandamonium]

The 903 is the better engine IMHO. Had 3 Pandas and the 903 'Dance' edition was the best.

[michiel]

God, how I would love to pester you for that 411... if you ever sell it etc.!That Millecento is gorgeous!

[nigel bickle]

Bear it in mind Michiel

[michiel]

:DMust get my arse in gear and find out about that Florian SS90 posted... had a tip but that didn't deliver so I'll have to go there and stick a note on it.

[nigel bickle]

V Interested...

[michiel]

As soon as I find anything out, you'll read about it on this forum!