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131mirafiori home => General discussion => Topic started by: Phil on December 30, 2011, 04:54:02 PM



Title: Christmas Drive
Post by: Phil on December 30, 2011, 04:54:02 PM
Thought I would take the 131 out for a Christmas drive.....the car had other ideas, a flat battery and then when I checked the coolant the rad cap exploded  ???

After 18 hours of charging the battery is at 6 volts so I have taken the hint and treated the car to a new battery and a new rad cap will be waiting for me at the factors in the morning.

So all I need tomorrow is sun sun sun ;D


Title: Re: Christmas Drive
Post by: mirafioriman on December 30, 2011, 06:37:46 PM
Radiator caps do have a habit of deteriorating with age.

I've also had coolant loss issues which have been solved with a new cap ;)


Title: Re: Christmas Drive
Post by: simon131 on December 31, 2011, 11:12:43 AM
I was thinking of taking the Abarth out on New Years Day if the weather was fine but looks like rain here, so will have to wait until Spring :-\

I hate this time of year as the weather is usually dull, cold and wet and it gets dark so early. I am going crazy sitting at home.  >:( Can't wait to get back to work - which is sad really isn't it? ::)


Title: Re: Christmas Drive
Post by: mirafioriman on December 31, 2011, 11:48:29 AM
I know the feeling Simon :-[

It's hardly stopped raining here for days and I'm sick of it too :(


Title: Re: Christmas Drive
Post by: Rob 131 on December 31, 2011, 12:22:56 PM
It is about 22 Degrees at the Moment next to the Yas Marina Circuit, perfect for walking and cycling. However the outdoor pool that I usually go to is a touch chilly even for a Brit  :o :o. Good job they also have an indoor one  ;D. 

Can't say I'm looking forward to getting back to work  :( :(. Things can't be that bad Simon  :o Work better then home.


Title: Re: Christmas Drive
Post by: Thotos on December 31, 2011, 12:40:53 PM
I'll probably take one of the cars for a drive tomorrow to Brooklands for the New Year's  Day Gathering. It will also be the scrutineering and start of the London to Cape Town World Cup Rally so should be interesting.  Details at http://www.brooklandsmuseum.com/index.php?/events/details/new-years-day-gathering1/ (http://www.brooklandsmuseum.com/index.php?/events/details/new-years-day-gathering1/). Which car I take for the drive will depend on the weather in the morning.


Title: Re: Christmas Drive
Post by: Phil on December 31, 2011, 04:20:40 PM
I got the rad cap today and managed to take the 131 out.

No sunshine but no rain either and boy did I quickly have a smile on my face ;D ;D Go on Simon get the Abarth out before you go back to work.

Unfortunately I won't be able to go to Brooklands tomorrow as we have invited the in-laws over, it is a shame as it sounds a great day maybe we could arrange to something next year?


Title: Re: Christmas Drive
Post by: Walker on December 31, 2011, 05:24:16 PM
It's about 70 degrees in So. Cal. and I plan to take the old Fiat out for one more run through the canyons. On Monday it goes into the body shop where the car will be completely stripped, dents taken out and repainted. It should take about two months.

Well I'm off, I think I will make a day of it!


Title: Re: Christmas Drive
Post by: simon131 on December 31, 2011, 06:54:04 PM
Theo, let me know if you decide to go to Brooklands as the thought had crossed my mind too. I've not been to the NYD event at Brooklands for a few years now so would be good to get out to it. Trouble is that in anything newer than a 1973 car looks like we'll have to park in the general car park - which isn't really the point. ???

Would be a nice drive in the Abarth if the weather isn't too wet - not too far, but far enough to blow away the cobwebs of the last few months. (Don't mind a little dampness but pouring rain is a definite no-no!). What time do you think you might get there? If you're there it will be an added draw.

Transporting me and my 131 to Southern California or Dubai for a few weeks sounds wonderful right now. If only....... ;D


Title: Re: Christmas Drive
Post by: Thotos on December 31, 2011, 09:51:40 PM
I hope to be there shortly after 10 which is when the doors open.


Title: Re: Christmas Drive
Post by: stathe174 on December 31, 2011, 09:53:43 PM
Theo I wish I had your delema which great car to take to go to this meeting...


Title: Re: Christmas Drive
Post by: simon131 on December 31, 2011, 11:50:33 PM
Ok Theo. I might not be out of bed at 10! :D :D I'll see how things go.


Title: Re: Christmas Drive
Post by: Thotos on January 01, 2012, 02:19:28 AM
Theo I wish I had your delema which great car to take to go to this meeting...

Quality is more important than quantity Panagiotis  ;) You have a great 131  :D Happy new year and happy 131 motoring for 2012 and beyond  :D


Title: Re: Christmas Drive
Post by: Thotos on January 01, 2012, 02:21:22 AM
Ok Theo. I might not be out of bed at 10! :D :D I'll see how things go.

That's not like you Simon!
See you when you get there; I'll probably be next to the coffee machine .....  ;D