131 S getting ready for 3MA15

[simon131]

So, the Yellow Peril aka Primrose, is now MoT'd and has a new o/s lower track control arm, n/s/f wheel bearing and replacement anti-roll bar to TCA bushes fitted, but all that's actually done is make me realise that the other three wheel bearings are grumbling too. Oh well, it's legal and it's safe, which is the main thing.

Was hoping to get my orange Special MoT'd for 3MA15 too, but what with certain pressing family issues that's probably going to have to wait.

Here's a pic of her taken at last year's Essex Run, with Phil, Tansy and my elder daughter, Shannon.

[kev131]

I too have been planning for our annual extended road test. Whilst my new Super had all of the normal service items carried out when I got her last year there were other less pressing jobs that I wanted done in advance of any more events. The main one was a relatively tired suspension....with the occasional creak and groan. I collected the car from the garage last night with the following list of jobs done:

The clutch had been very occasionally slipping but not frequently enough to blame a worn clutch (I thought)?but we replaced it anyway. So light and positive now?and with early engagement. And the old clutch disc was well worn!
On the suspension front the shocks (Monroe), TCAs (Fiat), top shock mounts and sway bar bushings were all replaced?and it?s transformed from a soft and leaning 131 to a drum tight silent and responsive steed. Small steering inputs at cruising motorway speeds giving very predicatable results. I?ve yet to play on a dry twisty road but it feels like I?ll be happier. The TCAs were in a very bad way with one missing rubber and wear on the steel. Thanks to Mick131 for the original Fiat parts.
Swapping the soft Super engine and gearbox mounts (all new recently) for Sport versions really helps too and has firmed up a gear lever that was inclined to move around a bit on bumpy roads. I was afraid that the car might feel harsh but so far so good.
A new dash clock (as the old hands were faded and hard to read), connecting a warning light to the manual fan over-ride switch, replacing a leaking carb diaphragm, freeing up two central locking motors, fitting new RHD headlamps with 100w bulbs,  plus new air hosing in the engine dept and a new blue tinted driver?s door mirror completes the make over.

The only remaining jobs left are the headlining and replacement bumpers (current ones are resisting attempts at colour restoration) and I dont want to paint them. Thankfully Ele (Ricambi Storici) is on the case for a reasonable deal for a pair.

[parrish]

Looking good Simon,
I have a 1977 1.6 SEAT 131 in Spain and have found a local supplier with the odd new spare eg: I bought a new front and rear bumper just last year.
He has a  new pair (I think) with rubber inserts already fitted, not that you need them.
However ill be back in Spain from 13th May and im intending to pay him (actually its a her) a visit, if you can think of any odd bit of trim that you may be looking for let me know, better still send me a photo to my msn address and i can have a look for you, same goes for you Kevin.
Of course small bits I am willing to hand carry back to the UK, Bumpers and the like you will have to pay for transportation.
I replaced the chopped suspension with all new springs and shockabsorbers and then had it set up camber adjustement wheel alignment etc on a laser Jig (amazing to watch)and what a difference that made, also put some original size wheels on, it surprised me just how easy the steering is when all set up correctly.
Steve

[kev131]

Thanks for the offer Steve.  

I always like to read about how members are upgrading or improving their 131s.

[simon131]

Thanks Steve,

One thing that I'm always trying to find is suspension rubber suppliers, especially for the front. I've had a devil of a job finding a good local supply of cheap bushes, particularly for the anti-roll/sway bar. Yagmur keeps them and no-doubt I shall order a set from him very soon  but if your local Lady Supplier has them that could be good. I found a UK supplier and they're quite cheap but he has limited supply and I have no doubt that when I come to MoT my orange Special it will need a set  so the more suppliers we can find the better.

[jasonh131]

Kev. Thats a major restoration not a 3ma ceck over..

[Thotos]

My preparations were limited to oil and filter change and a descent set of EBC Greenstuff front pads   Although that was more in preparation for the Goodwood trackday a couple of weeks ago   I'll probably throw a bucket of water over it before 3ma....  

[Robert]

Yesterday she passed the German MOT with flying colors - two more years without this hassle. Only two weeks to go now - looking forward to the Wales trip!

[Fiat 131 Abarth#2]

Yesterday she passed the German MOT with flying colors - two more years without this hassle. Only two weeks to go now - looking forward to the Wales trip!

Ciao Roberto, great to see it passed again MOT, and enjoy the ride to 3MA15.  saluti Enzo

[jasonh131]

I was ready at the beginning of march 
 when the sun came out early in the season and had no where to go ...

[jasonh131]

After my trip to brands , picked up a screw in the tyre had to rush round n get that sorted   then  exhaust started rattling on axle   clamp came lose sorted that out   then a brake light  went out   sorted that

now just got to fill up