Abarth getting ready for 3MA11

[simon131]

The Abarth is booked in to Mark's at IRS for it's MoT and I'm due to take it over next Saturday, so today, with the sun shining, I thought I'd start it and run it up before the 120 or so mile trip to Essex. It took a bit to start her up as she hadn't been started since I parked her up in late September. The battery was a little weak, but after quick boost from a handy BMW 5 series Touring that was sat close by, she roared into life as though she'd never been asleep

Drove her for a couple of miles to make sure everything was still in good working order, and apart from a few new creaks and groans, she was great. Put the grin back on my miserable face

Here's to 3MA11 - I really need both the break and the drive in my Arbie.

[kev131]

..and all that on top of the rugby too...

Not long to wait now Si.

Booked my ferry on Friday so not much left to do...

[simon131]

Yeah, all that on top of the rugby!

I had myself all set up for a relaxing afternoon's sport but spent the first half of the England game screaming at the TV! What a poor display from England - and I suppose I blame the fact that they were on their 3rd choice Captain and had (virtually) already secured the 6 Nations Crown, so the 'Slam was just the icing on the cake. It's just a shame that they didn't have a sweet tooth this weekend. Not a good afternoon to be an England supporter.

Still at least we won the tournament!

Looking forward to 3MA11 now - as you say - not long to go.

[simon131]

Dropped the Abarth across to Mark's this morning (about 120 pot-holed miles of M3, M25 and A13) and then endured the British overground and underground rail networks to get home Still, got home in time for lunch - albeit a late one

Thanks for the lift to the station Jason, saved me walking. Sitting in your 1400CL made me realise just how hard and noisy the ride is in my Abarth Shannon appreciated the rear doors too.

The plan is to get the car MoT'd early next week - but whether that plan actually bears fruit is another story!

[bellamacchina]

Don't worry Simon, you only have to drive to your garden in the west

The car I wanna take gives still some trouble. After standing(mostly) for years we solved a lot of problems. Almost MOT ready I only had to test drive and she started singing quite loud in the rear. Now I think to have a quartet or even a sextet of singers(broken bearings) in the rear. Result of standing for a long time and a very good cleaning (and repainting after) 2 years ago.  Hope to fix it in time.

[jasonh131]

THAT S OK SIMON. give us a call,on the return trip
 

[simon131]

Good news!  The Abarth has 'passed' the MoT subject to a steering rack gaiter and the horn being fixed.  So, nothing too nasty this year - which is nice! There are a couple of electrical gremlins in the machine though, which in the short to medium term will need to be addressed but the car is still useable and should be sorted and (hopefully ) home in time for Auto Italia at Brooklands on Sat 30th April.

[simon131]

Got an early start in the am to get the Abarth back from Essex. Train to London Waterloo, the tube to Stratford, then over land again to Pitsea, hopefully arriving at about 10.30am for Mark to collect me in the 124 BC Coupe.  A journey of some 2 and a half hours (made this long by having to detour around 'Engineering Works'(!)), and with a cost in excess of the petrol - I'm not a happy bunny. It's little wonder people choose to drive in this Country.

Anyway, hope to be back home by tomorrow evening  and then the Summer and the Classic Cars event season can start in earnest.

[simon131]

As most of you will already know the Arbie was collected from Essex and has since been used for a number of events locally - such as Auto Italia at Brooklands on Saturday.

Today I used it for work and took it to a local tyre and alignment specialist to have the tracking and camber of the front wheels checked. I knew that the tracking would be out as we had to remove a track rod end to replace a split steering rack gaitor, but surprisingly the front cambers were out as well - and quite a lot. These have now been adjusted to within factory settings and car is driving as it should again! I can now look forward to steering the Abarth through the bends rather than braking hard before them!

[Phil]

At least by using the throttle it will be less of a strain on your right knee You never know you may be able to avoid Theo's anti inflammtory cream

[simon131]

I was rather looking forward to using the anti-inflammatory cream Phil - but on someone else!! Looking forward to the off tomorrow too.  See you on Thursday morning - have a safe trip and I hope nothing else breaks on the Super otherwise we're all unlikely to hear the last of it, eh?