Fiat Coupe Club UK

R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion

Posted By: Edinburgh

R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 11/10/2022 08:36

Please post replies here....
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 11/10/2022 10:05

wink
Posted By: clanger

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 12/10/2022 08:58

Sounds good. Be interested to hear how you get on with the brakes. For me the brakes are the one weak point on the car I don't like, other things are forgivable. Like you the previous owner of mine looked after them and upgraded pads and disks however compared to more modern vehicles they are still lacking when 'pressing on'.

Personally I find Brembo brakes to be overrated, perhaps they have improved but I had them on Ducati bikes back in the early 90's and they all benefited from a master cylinder upgrade (pity we cannot do that on the Coupe) before they had true bite. Conversely my Qwaker with Nissins could lift the rear wheel with just 2 fingers on the lever.
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 12/10/2022 09:49

I agree, my description of the stock brakes is that the feel is wooden and also feels almost non servo assisted.
Coupled with not much threshold before they cook themselves with a bit of spirited driving

Anyway I'll post my progress and views once I've done the work

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: wink

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 12/10/2022 20:38

When I got mine, stock brakes were wooden, check braking in motorway traffic was non-existent. Completely solved with decent pads. Currently using Brembo discs & pads and they're good, plenty of stopping power. The pedal still needs a bit more pressure than most modern cars, but I prefer it that way.
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 12/10/2022 21:29

thumb
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 15/10/2022 17:02

New springs arrived today, but waiting for the ARB and the OSRAV shocks before I set to work

Jamie


Description: Eibach springs
Attached picture 68483651-CE2A-4433-9566-365369910E12.jpeg
Posted By: wink

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 15/10/2022 19:04

I'll be interested to know how you find the Eibach springs. Mine is on supposedly standard spec springs. I don't feel the need for harder suspension, but it does look a bit too tall imo.
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 15/10/2022 19:17

As I plan some track usage I wanted something a bit lower than OE for ride height, as I find the nose dips when you brake heavy, which in turn unsettles the car.

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Edinburgh

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 22/10/2022 21:02

(Jamie, I've moved the latest post to the project itself, the project thread is king smile )
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 22/10/2022 21:14

Ah, my bad

Thanks Jamie
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 30/10/2022 16:21

Hi all, I’m almost ready to treat some of the underside of the car where there’s some surface rust

What’s peoples view on the ‘best’ product to use to treat the rust, I’ve seen reviews for the Jenolite spray that looks decent.

Importantly I want to get it right and not have to repeat the exercise , so I’m awaiting your advice

Thanks Jamie
Posted By: Edinburgh

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 20/11/2022 10:42

Good progress smile

A word of warning when removing the fuel tank, the plastic connectors on top of the swirl pot become brittle with age so take great care when disconnecting
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 20/11/2022 18:15

Good shout ill take extra care

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: jimboy

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 21/11/2022 11:03

In the past I’ve used a hair dryer in cold weather when attempting jobs with plastic.
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 21/11/2022 11:28

Thanks Jim
Posted By: Edinburgh

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 11/12/2022 20:18

Re the sump bolt Jamie, the technique we used on iour project car - which hadn't turned a wheel in at least 13 years - was a 600mm pipe over the socket driver using very slow rocking leverage.

Naturally we had soaked it in penetrant for days and yes it was a two-person job with one under the car holding the socket in place.
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 11/12/2022 20:19

I have extended breaker bars but it was mega tight

I’ve just messaged Graham and had a bit of fun with him about his strongman credentials 😉
Posted By: DaveG

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 22/12/2022 12:26

When it comes to the rear trailing arms, you might want to think about replacing with new (bearing included) to avoid the hassle of a refurb that still might end up with the arms looking like a scabby mess. Around £120 each from AutoDoc (I bought 2 pairs at less than that each, but quite a while ago)
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 22/12/2022 15:50

Hi Dave, good shout

My visual appraisal at present is they will clean up quite nicely, but if in reality they are scabby then I'll buy new, albeit I have bought the new bearings from Joe already

In other news today, turbo is being rebuilt as the piston ring and shaft is worn. From what the turbo guy told me it looks like when Owen developments did the job originally they machined the housing out to try and deal with shaft wear. Anyway its getting built with a new 360 bearing and staggered seal to stop the oil seeping through

Also on checking the manifold more closely (as per my pics yesterday), the mating face was quite badly warped and is probably why it's cracked again

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 25/12/2022 11:37

Santa has bought me a couple of sets of H1 leds for the coupe


Also a nice private plate

Cheers Jamie

Attached picture 4B402F94-CC4A-448A-BB6A-6881E7EAE70C.jpeg
Attached picture image.jpg
Posted By: french_coupe

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 31/12/2022 18:56

Looking forward to seeing the cleaning results from your homemade tank. Looks interesting. Maybe a project that I will look into at a later date.
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 31/12/2022 21:12

I’ll post pics tomorrow to show how it looks

The tank is easy to make, there are loads of videos on YouTube to show you how to do it


Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Gripped

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 31/12/2022 22:35

That looks like the radiator bracket... I did exactly the same with mine. Used a wheelie bin on it's side with the solution and electrodes.
Worked well.
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 31/12/2022 23:41

thumb
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 01/01/2023 15:35

One thing I’ve found with the electrolysis tank is you need to really clean the points where your copper wire touches the parts you’re trying to derust. Otherwise you don’t get all the rust removed.


So this morning I’ve done some additional cleaning and put the bits back into the tank to carry on the clean up

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: barchetta_ms

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 05/01/2023 10:56

Did you use an off the shelf 'kit' for the electrolysis? The results look impressive!
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 05/01/2023 11:15

no I just made one after looking on youtube for the basics of how to set it up

cost me about £10 in total
Posted By: Trappy

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 06/01/2023 18:34

Originally Posted by Jamiepm
no I just made one after looking on youtube for the basics of how to set it up

cost me about £10 in total


I might take a look at this as I've spent most of this week scrubbing rust off my horn (oo-er) and bonnet release mechanism and leaving them in white vinegar overnight. Absolutely mind numbing stuff but it's 95% there now.

Would it destroy plastic / softer metals?
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 06/01/2023 21:01

Definitely no issue with plastic, the only metal to avoid as far as I know is stainless steel due to the gases it gives off

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Edinburgh

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 06/01/2023 22:34

Peeps can you remember please to post comments on the Discussion thread especially as Begbie has recently tidied them all up thumb
Posted By: Trappy

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 07/01/2023 00:09

Originally Posted by Jamiepm
Definitely no issue with plastic, the only metal to avoid as far as I know is stainless steel due to the gases it gives off

Cheers Jamie

I just looked up the guides on YouTube. I had no idea it was this easy. I have all if that currently set up, minus the battery charger, and that is 5 feet from it in the cupboard. I'll have a go tomorrow.

I assumed it was some kind of acid bath that would destroy some materials.

Incidentally, a video on 'bluing' popped up shortly afterwards. This looks interesting for a method of finishing / protecting metal after this kind of thing. I'd never heard of that.
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 07/01/2023 00:33

Let us know how you get on

Anyway a question for all….

As the car has black wheels, when I refurbish the brake calipers, I plan to paint them yellow. This then got me thinking about 2 other things to paint.

As I have the sparco strut brace which are red, I thought it would be a good idea to paint it in the same yellow paint

Likewise for the rocker cover I also thought to do the lettering in the same yellow and then paint the rest of the cover in black

What do people think?

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Edinburgh

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 07/01/2023 06:50

If the rocker cover will be black, paint the strut brace black.

Keep the calipers black with yellow brembo decals if you want.

Yellow will degrade visually more obviously and be more difficult to keep clean.
Posted By: DaveG

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 07/01/2023 10:18

No, I think this yellow/black thing is overdone, too common tongue laugh wink
Posted By: Edinburgh

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 07/01/2023 10:25

Originally Posted by DaveG
No, I think this yellow/black thing is overdone, too common tongue laugh wink


Don't take any notice Jamie, Dave is totally biased/jealous laugh
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 07/01/2023 11:10

Firstly Simon/Dave thanks for your replies wink

I will do yellow calipers rather than any other colour. I did initially think to do them red, but for me with black wheels and the body colour I wasn’t feeling it

But the rocker cover and strut brace I’m somewhat torn what to do or not confused

What I don’t want to do is make the car chavvy, so I may try photoshop to see what various options look like

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: DaveG

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 07/01/2023 13:43

Well of course you can do what you like, it's your car, who cares what other people think?! Keep going, it's interesting to read about how it is going...
Posted By: Trappy

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 07/01/2023 14:02

Originally Posted by Jamiepm

Likewise for the rocker cover I also thought to do the lettering in the same yellow and then paint the rest of the cover in black

What do people think?



Paint the surround of the word 'FIAT' yellow leaving the letters black and then paint the 20v Turbo characters in yellow thumb
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 07/01/2023 17:10

Hi dave,
Appreciate your comments , I do have another question


I'd put a lot more photos on but the ipad photos are generally above the 2mb threshold. Can you help?

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 07/01/2023 17:10

thumb
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 08/01/2023 13:23

Ive got the derusting bug, the minute I take a bolt or part off, in the electrolysis bath it goes

I had quite some fun trying to undo the nuts which hold the horns and brackets on

Basically had to hammer a 3/8 socket on and despite using pb blaster they snapped off, so I’ll see if I can weld a new threaded stud to keep it looking factory before I reprint the assembly

Front wheel arch is stripped, only a few bits of surface rust, so better than I expected after removing the wheel arch liner
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 08/01/2023 18:26

For the very rusted nuts to stop them snapping the bolt/stud get an induction heater, in under a minute the nuts will be off absolutely no problem and totally re-useable. Just give them a few mins to cool before handling.

I think I posted a link to this before but I have this one:
https://www.woyosmart.com/products/...y-screw-removing-bearing-installing-tool

If there's one tool I wish I'd had 20 years ago it's this, even more so than an impact wrench. The hours and hours I've spent trying to remove very corroded bolts and snapped bolts etc. over the years, this is truly a game changer for working on old cars. Also useful for forming steel or bending an old spanner to any shape to access an awkward nut or whatever.
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 08/01/2023 19:07

Cheers Graham, I'll have a look

Jamie
Posted By: Edinburgh

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 08/01/2023 19:41

Lucky with the front wheel arch, there's often a 50p size hole where the rearmost fixing is, halfway up the liner.
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 08/01/2023 20:04

There's a few areas where the wheel arch liner has rubbed and created surface rust

So I've cleaned them up and put rust convertor afterwards

Then I'll etch primer and depending where within the arch will either be stone chip sealant or paint and lacquer

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Edinburgh

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 13/01/2023 22:41

Re the size limit for photos, yes it's a bit restricting but have you tried resizing them?

(I only know how to do it on a Mac frown )
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 13/01/2023 23:00

Hi Simon,
I had a look in settings on the iPad but nothing jumped out at me

Hence the google drive link which I hope works

I’ve only taken a few photos at present because of this

However tomorrow I’ll be taking a load of photos as I’ve refurbed a load of stuff and I’m going to try and get the drivers side wheel arch all tarted up

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: french_coupe

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 14/01/2023 06:01

Try opening the pics I “preview” and then go to tools. There should be a resize option.
Posted By: Edinburgh

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 14/01/2023 08:23

^^^ yep, this...
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 14/01/2023 08:27

Ah I’ll have a go later

Thanks Jamie


Just had a go, but using the default apple photos app, I can’t get to a preview option, I think I’ve clicked all the buttons I could see

Any chance of an idiots guide?
Posted By: french_coupe

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 14/01/2023 11:24

Not sure on the iPad as I use a MacBook.
On the Mac its right click on any photo then there are a list of options. One option is "Edit with". When you go to this you get the option to then click preview. Hope that works for you on the iPad.
Posted By: Edinburgh

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 14/01/2023 12:58

Jamie, a quick Google search "reduce photo file size on iPad" comes up with a few options, rather too many to reproduce here, but perhaps one of them will work for you...
Posted By: DaveG

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 14/01/2023 14:13

That link works great for me thumb
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 14/01/2023 16:43

Cheers Simon, ive just packed my tools away for the day, so I’ll have a nosey later on 😉
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 14/01/2023 18:23

Found an app, so I’ll give it a try
Posted By: 386ka

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 29/01/2023 16:36

Where are the photos? smile

Btw, changing rear subframe bushes really improves the ride feel.
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 29/01/2023 17:43

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bv_IyVF6GCa8Iy3VzYooOsIdeRZLHG4R?usp=sharing

Here you go

Yes the old larger bushes were knackered, the trailing arm bearings looked ok, but I’ve changed them to save do the job again

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Edinburgh

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 31/01/2023 23:14

Jamie, I must be doing something wrong as I only ever see the same 11 photos - pity after all the restoration hours you've put in!
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 01/02/2023 07:42

Hi Simon , thanks for the heads up

I’ll have a look later and see if it’s something I’ve done !

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 01/02/2023 16:55

I’m moving files as we speak, so hopefully people can see all of the photos

A few photos of the primed caliper

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Countrycruising

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 06/02/2023 10:52

Can you post a pic showing how the brackets are oversize.
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 06/02/2023 12:56

HI Joe,
As per our chat the Ultra racing bar comes with loose brackets that should simply clamp around the bar. Whereas what is supplied are brackets with a far larger diameter meaning it would just rattle around.

So I'll make some shims up to remove the slack , so nothing disastrous, but not what you expect when you buy a complete kit

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Countrycruising

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 06/02/2023 14:48

Totally agree, for the home mechanic they'd be stuck installing this ARB so I'm sure your findings will be helpful for fold in the future thumb
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 06/02/2023 20:04

A few pictures in the google drive to show how this arb will need packers to make it fit correctly

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: DaveG

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 06/02/2023 22:19

Hi Jamie, it's good to read about your progress, puts my efforts at a rear end refurb to shame frown

I'm curious about what paint you've used on the rear subframe. I've heard of "Chassis Black" being recommended, but there's quite a range of options, some that need primer, some that say don't use etch primer, some are satin, some are gloss. I tried spraying with an air compressor and the finish was quite rough, also it didn't stick too well (I didn’t use primer) so I might have to start again.

Any recommendations from anyone?
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 06/02/2023 22:21

Hi Dave,
I’ve used hammerite smooth satin black, and honestly the finish is good. whilst I get by with my mechanical stuff I am no painter for sure

At the minute Halfords have it as bogof, so £5.50 a can

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: jimboy

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 07/02/2023 19:10

280nm Jamie
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 07/02/2023 19:18

Originally Posted by jimboy
280nm Jamie



Cheers Jim
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 07/02/2023 23:31

The rear bearings can't have done more than 1000 miles so surprised they needed fresh grease already.

When replacing the rear hub nuts you should use new nuts and be sure to tighten by pushing down on the torque wrench on both sides of the car (so standing on the opposite side of the wheel arch on each side of the car) to extend the suspension to max stop as you tighten. If you do it the other way you'll be tightening against the suspension spring and won't get the correct torque. Took me a while to work that out myself when I was doing it. smile
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 08/02/2023 11:51

hi graham,
The reason for repacking them is that as I've had lots of stuff in bits, and I didn't want any cruddy rust bits in the grease. So was more precautionary than a need, and only took a few minutes each side as I knew that you'd only recently done them.

Regarding the tightening, you're right and it's a lesson I've learnt some years back wink

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: DaveG

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 08/02/2023 16:43

Sorry guys I don’t understand the torque comment. When tightening the nut we're talking about the nut turning on the axle shaft, and it doesn't matter whether the drop arm is pushing against a spring, at the bottom of its travel or held in some other position, it's the position of the nut on the shaft that determines the torque needed to move it.
Posted By: szkom

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 08/02/2023 17:22

I read it and it took a moment. Normally I'll block under the axle or such to stop the movement and allow me to lean into the bar to tighten. Never really gave torque values the consideration. But I suppose what we're talking about is the resolution of force I.e which direction your effort is applied. I suppose you could have a situation whereby the drag of the nut is such that the force applied is sufficient to compress the spring but not enough to provide the rotation of the nut thereby creating an under torque of the nut

And I'm liking the build! Gives me the kick I need to sort my car out
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 08/02/2023 17:32

If you tighten the nut "upwards" then some of the force being exerted to turn the nut is lost in compressing the spring as you're not just turning the nut, you're also lifting the suspension arm and therefore compressing the spring at the same time and that takes some force as well. Therefore you'd need to apply more torque than the required number to get the nut tightened to the correct torque, Whereas if you tighten "downwards" and easily reach max travel of the suspension arm where it locks then all (or nearly all) the force is being exerted on the nut.

Then again I did fail my higher physics so maybe that's all nonsense. laugh To be fair it did feel very, very different tightening the hub nut "upwards" while also compressing the spring and tightening it "downwards" against the locked suspension arm. It took waaaaay more effort pulling upwards to get the torque wrench to click than it did pushing it downwards. So I got a new nut and re-did that side just to be sure it was OK and it definitely didn't feel like it had been on at the correct torque.
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 08/02/2023 17:53

glad this is creating some good banter,and folks are enjoying the content, so I'll keep it coming

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: DaveG

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 08/02/2023 19:08

Well I understand the argument, I guess I'm thinking more from the point of view of an "angle" torque wrench. I guess you might reach a point where 100Nm might be the reaction from the compressed spring and 180Nm on the nut and your wrench would click, yes I can see where you're coming from. Although I got an A for Physics A level, I was never too fussed about "mechanics" on my Uni Chem Eng course, and that was all 40+ years ago. It would make an interesting exam question though!
Posted By: Edinburgh

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 18/02/2023 16:39

Jamie, you are a machine laugh
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 18/02/2023 16:45

There is method in my madness Simon laugh
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 19/02/2023 22:09

So as I’m getting close to the end of the restoration of C 20VT J (formerly R803 CGP), I thought I’d create a job list of things done, and things left to do!

Jobs done

Changed dipped,main and sidelight bulbs for led units from classiccarleds.co.uk, so hopefully night driving will be less dark laugh
Bought a Bluetooth headunit
Retreated the drivers seat leather and finish
Turbo charger overhauled with new shaft, 360 thrust a gap less piston ring and refitted love
Exhaust manifold cracks repaired and face skimmed flat, then refitted
Derusted and repainted the turbo heat shield
Derusted and repainted the radiator bottom support bracket
Derusted and repainted the cooling fan housing
Fitted a new bonnet release cable and bonnet release catch :max:
Removed and resealed the washer fluid tank, and broke the pump in the process grr
Realigned the bonnet release mechanism and black framework
Stripped,repainted yellow and refitted the strut brace smile
Derusted in general anything from a nut or bolt to various brackets/metalwork around the car, then treated with rust converter and painted with hammerite satin black spray paint
Removed the entire rear axle assembly, derusted and painted satin black all metalwork , then fitted new subframe bushes (FCSS supplied), stripped the trailing arms, same paint treatment and new bearings fitted, again supplied by Joe @ FCSS
Removed all brake pipes from floor pan to rear axle and replaced with new (MCS supplied) brake lines including all flexi pipes.
Removed and cleaned up the petrol tank including the metal straps
Removed old shocks,springs, bump stops and fitted the new Osrav/Eibach kit including new bump stops love
Removed old std anti roll bar and fitted the Ultra Racing 23mm version
Repacked the rear brake compensator valve with fresh grease
Removed front and rear wheel arch liners, and degreased, and have refitted the front one
Removed and fitted a new uprated oil cooler and pipework (MCS supplied)
Removed old front anti roll bar bushes and fitted strongflex PU bushes (you have to remove the front subframe to do these bushes)
Removed and painted both rear calipers
Removed and painted the front brembo caliper
Degreased and repacked with fresh grease both the rear wheel bearing assemblies
Degreased and stripped the floorpan including front and rear wheel arches, to treat any rust spots. °(Then treated with rust converter, acid etch primer and the resprayed with black Upol stone chip. High impact areas have been double dosed to be sure it is fully protected
Cleaned up/painted both front and rear drivers side Eiffel towers
Touched up the front cross member where any spots of rust were and painted as per factory colour
Refilled coolant system with fresh antifreeze
Changed the oil and filter

Jobs still to do……..

Stonechip seal the passenger side wheel arches
Complete front and rear calipers, meaning fitting new seals all round and fit to the hubs
Change out the last 4 pieces of brake lines including flexis, then bleed with ATE200 high temperature brake fluid ,drivers side brake pipe is apparently a bugger to do because of the route needed.
Refit the battery
Refit the entire exhaust system
Strip out and fit the front Osrav/Eibach assembly including new bearings,top mount and camber bolts
Fit the cooling fans
Refit the turbo heat shield
Refit the wheels
Get the wheel arches professionally painted after the clean up
Fit the Bluetooth headunit
Do the fuel pump wiring mod
Retreat remaining leather inside the car, as per the drivers seat
Cable for drivers seat is bust, and look’s fiddly to fix grr
Resecure the fuel filter and bracketry gubbins
Refit the heat shield stuff on the underside of the car
Refit the plastic rear valance assembly
refit the front bumper
Fit the new reg plate
Fit PFC Zrated brake pads to the front brembos
Refit the original rear brembo pads
Refit the undertray


Order a cambelt guard from Joe!!

Start the car and make sure nothing is leaking!

Take it for a tootle around the block, then if all good give a tank full of super unleaded

Book the car for tracking alignment and a once over on my mates ramps

Book a track session at Donington Park

Fit my FCCUK car sticker

And breathe!!!



I would say so far I’ve put roughly 120 hours of my time to get this far, and I’ve probably got got another 50 or 60 hours left. And I’ve enjoyed everything bar 2 jobs so far

The poxy M6 bolt for the coolant rail is just a twat to get at, irrespective of tools. I found it less painful to lower the drivers side engine mount and remove the tensioner to give a better access.

The rear wheel arch liners are a bitch to remove, so I’m expecting similar pain to refit


As ever the forum has been a great resource and many folks have helped either remind me of stuff I’d forgotten from my previous Coupé ownership or given me key bits of detail, so thanks for this.

I’ll keep the other thread updated with my jobs to do,so I hope people are enjoying either my hammering skills or my ropey videos with commentary.

As a reminder the google drive is updated with some pics and videos from this weekend’s efforts

Cheers Jamie wink




Posted By: RichG

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 20/02/2023 07:37

Good effort! smile
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 20/02/2023 08:17

thumb
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 20/02/2023 20:24

Aux guard ordered from Joe @FCSS tongue
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 19/03/2023 16:49

Folks ,just in case I'm doing something wrong regarding bleeding the rear brakes

Does it matter if the trailing arms are jacked up or not?

I've tried up and down and I can't get fluid to the calipers

Thanks Jamie
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 19/03/2023 18:27

Yes rear arms need jacked up as if the car is down with the rear wheels on the ground. If the rear arms are just hanging then it's like the car is under massive heavy braking and all weight is transferred to front wheels so there will be zero braking transferred to the rear through the compensator.

And that assumes the compensator spring is in place correctly and the arm is moving freely onto the compensator piston.
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 19/03/2023 18:35

Hi graham,
When I had the whole rear assembly off, I had a quick look at the valve arrangement and visually looked ok

I’ve pb blasted it for today, so I’ll have another go after work tomorrow night

With the new arb you get a new bracket for the spring to latch onto. From memory the spring was sloppy beforehand, so I’ve tried to mirror that set up when I’ve reassembled it

What I’ll try is put the wheels on and put the car on wheel ramps to try and simulate being on the ground, maybe it’s the spring doesn’t have enough tension?

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: szkom

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 19/03/2023 19:02

I once had an issue with an airlock in my rears and I just couldn't get the fluid to the back end after I had the axle off. It didn't want to shift and I'd made sure the proportioning valve was fully open etc.. In the end I put one of the cheap hand held vacuum pumps on the line and it came. Never tried with a pressure bleed kit though.
Posted By: Gripped

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 19/03/2023 19:49

Good luck. I had trouble with bleeding the rears. Ended up replacing the compensator valve twice. Must have had a dud.
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 19/03/2023 19:56

Originally Posted by szkom
I once had an issue with an airlock in my rears and I just couldn't get the fluid to the back end after I had the axle off. It didn't want to shift and I'd made sure the proportioning valve was fully open etc.. In the end I put one of the cheap hand held vacuum pumps on the line and it came. Never tried with a pressure bleed kit though.



I’ll have a look tomorrow,thanks
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 19/03/2023 20:52

Originally Posted by Gripped
Good luck. I had trouble with bleeding the rears. Ended up replacing the compensator valve twice. Must have had a dud.





I’m going to try and unseize the unit worse case

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 19/03/2023 21:15

Jobs done

Stonechip seal the passenger side wheel arches
Complete front and rear calipers, meaning fitting new seals all round and fit to the hubs
Change out the last 4 pieces of brake lines including flexis, then bleed with ATE200 high temperature brake fluid ,drivers side brake pipe is apparently a bugger to do because of the route needed.
Refit the battery
Refit the entire exhaust system
Strip out and fit the front Osrav/Eibach assembly including new bearings,top mount and camber bolts
Fit the cooling fans
Refitted the turbo heat shield
Refitted the 2 front wheels
Replaced the fuel filter and bracketry gubbins
Refitted the heat shield stuff on the underside of the car
Refitted the plastic rear valance assembly
refitted the front bumper
Fitted the PFC Zrated brake pads to the front brembos
Refit the original rear brembo pads
Fitted the cambelt guard from Joe!!

Started the car and make sure nothing is leaking! All appears good

[/quote]

Jobs still to do…

Get brake fluid to the rear calipers
Refit the battery tray
Refit the rear wheels
Get the wheel arches professionally painted after the clean up
Fit the Bluetooth headunit
Do the fuel pump wiring mod
Retreat remaining leather inside the car, as per the drivers seat
Cable for drivers seat is bust, and look’s fiddly to fix
Fit the new reg plate
Refit the undertray

Take it for a tootle around the block, then if all good give a tank full of super unleaded

Book the car for tracking alignment and a once over on my mates ramps

Book a track session at Donington Park

Fit my FCCUK car sticker

And breathe!!!



I would say so far I’ve put roughly 130 hours of my time to get this far, and I’ve probably got got another 30 or so hours left. And I’ve enjoyed everything bar 2 jobs so far

The poxy M6 bolt for the coolant rail is just a twat to get at, irrespective of tools. I found it less painful to lower the drivers side engine mount and remove the tensioner to give a better access.

The rear wheel arch liners are a bitch to remove, however quite easy to refit


As ever the forum has been a great resource and many folks have helped either remind me of stuff I’d forgotten from my previous Coupé ownership or given me key bits of detail, so thanks for this.

I’ll keep the other thread updated with my jobs to do,so I hope people are enjoying either my hammering skills or my ropey videos with commentary.

As a reminder the google drive is updated with some pics and videos from this weekend’s efforts

Cheers Jamie wink




[/quote]
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 20/03/2023 18:21

Right after some advice from Joe, I’ve give the compensator valve a few good touches with a hammer, and I’ve got fluid out of the nearside caliper, but can’t get the drivers side to play

I’ve doused it in pb blaster and will tickle with a hammer again tomorrow night after work

Failing that I’ll buy a new one from Joe

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Countrycruising

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 20/03/2023 19:12

There's a hammer for every job wink
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 20/03/2023 19:14

Originally Posted by Countrycruising
There's a hammer for every job wink


True joe laugh
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 21/03/2023 11:53

Brake bias valve ordered from Joe

will try and fit it after work tomorrow night

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Edinburgh

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 22/03/2023 12:43

Maybe I'm late to the party but I've just seen this laugh

YouTube

I see you spotted it too Jamie!
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 22/03/2023 13:54

Originally Posted by Edinburgh
Maybe I'm late to the party but I've just seen this laugh


The original thread was here :

https://www.fiatcoupeclub.org/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/1647174/1

though there wasn't actually a link to the video itself.
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 22/03/2023 14:43

Originally Posted by Edinburgh
Maybe I'm late to the party but I've just seen this laugh

YouTube

I see you spotted it too Jamie!


Yep wink
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 22/03/2023 19:17

So just finished fitting the new compensator valve from Joe (thx joe wink )

They are a bit fiddly to rethread the brake nuts into the body of the valve, but it’s done now

Quickly bled the calipers all round, interestingly I didn’t jack the rear trailing arms and I got fluid straight to the rear calipers.

Maybe when the car is dangling the valve actually doesn’t fully close the flow?

Tried the brake pedal, but feels a bit too much travel, but I’ve run out of fluid, so I’ll get another litre tomorrow and bleed the whole system again

So I will definitely have wheels on the ground for the weekend yipee

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 23/03/2023 17:54

Just finished rebleeding the brakes, pedal feels better

Got all 4 wheels on now

Just initially set the Osrav shocks as per some old commentary from Nigel

Tomorrow I’ll bolt the undertray on and do some last checks, and hopefully tootle around the block

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Edinburgh

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 24/03/2023 23:16

Great result to have her wheels going round again after all that effort thumb
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 25/03/2023 06:32

Cheers Simon wink
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 02/04/2023 09:27

Folks, what bolts do I need for the lower fixing to the rear anti roll bar?

They are a 15mm head and on checking for the clonking noise the head has snapped on one of them

Thanks Jamie
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 02/04/2023 11:30

I managed to get the stud out with little effort, so whilst it’s annoying, the bolt must have been fatigued. I’ve found some donor bolts that I will change all of them as now I have a bit of paranoia and don’t want a surprise of a bad kind

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 03/04/2023 15:24

Jobs still to do…


Get the wheel arches professionally painted after the clean up, now waiting for the quote....

Do the fuel pump wiring mod

Retreat remaining leather inside the car, as per the drivers seat

Cable for drivers seat recliner operation is bust, and look’s fiddly to fix. Anyone had experience of doing these???

Book the car for tracking alignment (booked for Wed 6th April) and a once over on my mates ramps, but need to free off the locking nuts first, as they are rusted up and mega tight, so the big boy tools are coming out for this job evil

I appear to have an oil leak grr I'm hoping its just the oil filter that's simply worked loose, as certainly having the car tickover on the driveway didn't show anything for several hours over the course of work I've been doing

Book a track session at Donington Park- planning for April 12th, so the pressure is on to fix a few points

Cheers Jamie



Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 03/04/2023 19:03

So I found the leak, it was the dipstick seal

What I’ve noticed is the flange on the dipstick tube doesn’t get close to the mating face on the block

So I’ve cleaned it all up, reapplied rtv sealant, and drilled a hole above the original hole for where the securing bolt goes.

My theory is that is there was a gap it makes it easier for oil to push past this seal, so by sandwiching down the rubber seal/RTV sealant to the block face it should reduce the chance for any oil to seep out

Also managed to unseize the track rod end nuts, which were properly corroded, meaning I can can get the car tracked up on Wednesday

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 04/04/2023 20:44

Well another surprise breakdown tonight

Tonight’s drive was short lived, so after buzzing around the country lanes near me, the car suddenly died, just as I was coming onto boost. It cut out quite abruptly, so my immediate thought was something electrical

As I’d faffed around with fuses from earlier in the week, I’d got a few spare ones with me, so I get out of the car , cocksure the fuse had gone and I’d just pop another one in

Anyway it wasn’t the fuse

I popped the bonnet and the negative connection on the battery felt a bit warm, so I thought some kind of short

Then I tried to start it, but it turned over without firing.

The injector light stayed on, so I knew it would not start

When I tried again the ignition just clicked, like when your battery is flat , and I could hear something crackling/buzzing in the drivers footwell, so I turned it off and got the car towed back home

Anyway got the car home, had a nosey around, with nothing obvious

After an hour the car had cooled down and would turn over but not fire

So the code and injector light comes on and goes off, so for me this is correct. I hear the fuel pump prime for a second or two, again I’m sure this is normal

But it won’t fire up

I’ve tried the inertia switch several times

I’m not sure about the 2 relays in the passenger footwell, and the fuel gauge is showing about a 3rd of a tank.

I will to be sure check there’s actually fuel in it tomorrow, and given I put about 50 quids worth of fuel and haven’t done more than a 70 miles I hope it’s not just fuel now for why it won’t start

However I still wonder what was going off with the electrics

Any pearls of wisdom that anyone can think of ?

Ps big thank you to joe for taking messages tonight
Posted By: Edinburgh

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 04/04/2023 22:02

You haven't blown a hose off as you gave it the beans?
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 04/04/2023 23:59

I've replied to your PM in more detail, but thinking maybe fuel pump as it's been replaced recently with an uprated one and the fuse blew a few days ago too? Maybe the electrical problems are coming from that, or a short or the pump has overloaded the old wiring?
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 05/04/2023 06:21

Morning gents

Firstly thanks for the replies

I’m going to take the undertray off and check for any pipe related issues , albeit I don’t think that explains the electrical weirdness that I saw


Then I’m going to clean up any of the main earth connections I can find, albeit I only know of 2 so if there’s more can someone enlighten me

I’m steering towards something to do with the new fuel pump/fuel pump wiring regarding the strange electrical issue I experienced.

So I’ll try and do the fuel pump wiring mod, just to eliminate this point

At times there appeared so little battery that when the hazard lights were on the dashboard lights were dimming in sequence with the hazard flash

Will report back on what I find, or not

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 05/04/2023 08:05

so its not a boost pipe issue, everything is secure

I've cleaned the earths up, but they didn't look bad

so the code & injector light come on and go out as they should with a 1 or 2 second with the pump priming.

the car now turns over, but doesn't fire

so I'm going to take the pump assembly out and test the pump......

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Edinburgh

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 05/04/2023 08:21

Check you've got fuel coming through to the rail first....
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 05/04/2023 09:03

6 ground points in engine bay:

1. Front left, on chassis leg near alternator
2. Front right, on chassis leg in front of battery (opposite to #1)
3. Front right of gearbox (cable continues from #2)
4. Right side under coil pack cover
5. Back right of engine bay near strut top mount next to ABS diagnostic socket
6. Rear of engine near bottom of large triangular support bracket (note, bracket lower bolt must also be present for good earth connection)
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 05/04/2023 09:26

thanks Graham/Simon

Fuel wasn't getting to the fuel rail......

so when I took the pump assembly out the flexipipe had come off the pump, so that explains why it wouldn't start, but now it starts. So I've used a beefier cable tie as I'm surprised it could come off, maybe I caught it when I faffed around with it earlier in the week??

But it doesn't explain the electrical weirdness I saw last night

So after chatting with Joe I'm going to borrow an infra camera from work to see if I can see any hot spots on cables in and around the footwell areas

Will keep you posted


Thanks again

Jamie
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 05/04/2023 10:18

When you replaced the fuel filter was it definitely fitted the right way around? Just wondering if back pressure from there could have blown that hose off and caused the pump to draw too much current?

Or with that hose off maybe the pump spins freely and draws too much current? Definitely something strange with the pump fuse blowing the other day and that hose being off now. Which hose was it, one inside the pump/tank?

Also, is battery voltage OK? If there was a short from the pump that blew the fuse maybe it damage a cell or 2 in the battery and so it's now not outputting full power.
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 05/04/2023 10:40

Hi Graham,
I fitted it as per the arrow of direction, that matched the filter you had fitted, so I'm sure its correct

My thoughts regarding the pipe is 2 things

1 is the tie wrap that was supplied was tiny and not man enough for its purpose

2 is when you put the pump assembly back in the tank, you can catch this pipe ( when manoeuvring it into place, this is what I think happened coupled with a crappy tie wrap

You could be right that the pump continually running due to no back pressure might be the reason for the current draw, I don't have any other ideas at present so sounds plausible

The voltmeter in the car is indicating 14 volts, so ordinarily you'd say that was ok

so for now I'm planning to drive it to my mates garage (25 miles away) this afternoon for the tracking set up (road & track set up), so let's see....

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 05/04/2023 18:26

So.. . .

Car is behaving perfectly, no electrical weirdness

Just had the tracking done, and it's now ready for a trackday

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Countrycruising

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 05/04/2023 19:45

Good thumb
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 05/04/2023 21:03

Thanks again Joe for your help, much appreciated wink
Posted By: DaveG

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 06/04/2023 07:32

Check all the air inlet hoses, sounds like one of them has popped off
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 07/04/2023 20:58

Trackday booked, roll on Wednesday biglaugh
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 09/04/2023 07:15

Here’s a photo of my tracking, before and after

Today I’m going to switch over the the Toyos and see how the car feels

I’ll Start with 38 psi in the fronts and 32 psi in the rears

Cheers Jamie

Attached picture FCD141A8-A899-4D7A-9D62-DEDEE811BC85.jpeg
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 09/04/2023 07:19

I am curious about the toe on the rear of the car as all components are brand new, and are obviously not adjustable

Are these results people typically get??
Posted By: clanger

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 09/04/2023 12:03

The print out I have for mine shows zero for rear toe before and after. Given your readings are out so little and different before and after, yet the rear toe is fixed (!), I would read as 'operator' margin of error and not worry too much.
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 09/04/2023 12:56

It seems to drive nicely, and as you say it isn’t adjustable so it can only be ‘right’

Cheers Jamie

Cheeky photo having just washed her love

Attached picture 926E06F4-6E0F-4AF6-8924-44A1713FB193.jpeg
Attached picture E7BB5807-AC26-4EDC-9ADF-ACA60E44BE31.jpeg
Posted By: szkom

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 09/04/2023 16:18

I think that as both sides are even I'd not worry too much about it.

I do seem to recall that the Bravo/Brava/Marea of the same era all used a very similar trailing arm albeit with slight differences in toe and castor. In theory you could swap the whole rear axle over from something like a Merea to gain more rear toe.

As above, I'd reckon it's margin
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 09/04/2023 16:49

thumb
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 12/04/2023 20:56

So just got back from the track day at Donnington Park

The car mechanically was awesome, I tweaked the osravs on the front gradually to get what for me was a good balance.

So for those that know the track I was going through craner curves at a little over a 100mph, the only watch out was a bit of lift off oversteer that I could feel

Tyres…… I need some proper tyres for my trip to the ring later this year as the Toyo Proxes TR1s are just average for the track, but for the road they’re more than adequate

Only thing that’s gone wrong is the boost controller, in short it has a high and low setting, and for reasons that I don’t know at the minute it’s only in low mode. But that’s in part why I wanted to test the car out

Cheers Jamie



Attached picture 8D387B26-830A-4D30-99A8-9805E27BE823.jpeg
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 13/04/2023 13:03

so after checking over the boost controller, I can't find anything wrong electrically or physically with the vacuum pipes

My only conclusion now is maybe after some prolonged track time is the wastegate just not holding???

Any views from anyone??

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: szkom

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 14/04/2023 06:32

Could you try adding a vacuum to the wastgate itself and seeing if it creeps? Sort of a reverse leak down
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 14/04/2023 06:51

not a bad shout, I'll see what I can do

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 15/04/2023 21:04

Electrical gremlin is back grr

I suspect it may be the cable(s) to the starter motor, so weather permitting I’ll get underneath it tomorrow to inspect
Posted By: szkom

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 15/04/2023 21:17

Just read it through and I'd think the earth cable is shot if there's heat in it. I can't see anything in the car pulling enough current to warm it if it's okay. Give it a good check to the inner wing and also to the gearbox. Possibly loose there.
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 15/04/2023 21:30

I did give these a clean up a week or so back, but I will take your advice and check it, as the negative terminal on the battery was warm

Today was weird, I’m been driving the car for a few hours and after several hours of the car being parked up, I came to start it and the dashboard lights dimmed and clicking could be heard.

I managed to bump start it to get myself home, and as a precautionary measure I’ve disconnected the battery in case it tries to combust

I will out of curiosity try to start it in the morning as I suspect it will start, meaning I just need to find which cable it is

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 16/04/2023 09:32

Might be the battery itself as it's quite old now. After initially going through a few of those awful Bosch silver batteries that Exide one was fine and was never changed again.

I always used the battery quick disconnect on the negative terminal whenever it was parked up (hence the dash clock being replaced with a voltmeter as I got fed up having to set the clock every time I took the car out!) so if you've not been doing that and the battery is draining overnight then maybe it just isn't up to it anymore.

You could check the connection of the negative cable to that battery quick disconnect screw thing and also how the quick disconnect itself connects to the negative terminal, I never had a problem with it but it was just a cheap ebay part so who knows.

I never had even a single problem with starting or turning over so I'd double check everything you've added (like fuel pump wiring mod) or disturbed during work of the last few months.
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 16/04/2023 09:41

Hi graham,
I have thought about the screw connection on the negative terminal after my last chat with you. So I’m going to dismantle it to see if there’s anything obvious with it

Regarding the battery, I’m of the view it’s ok, as this morning from cold the car fired up straight away, whereas last night it displayed the symptoms of not enough oomph to do anything

At present I haven’t actually done the fuel pump wiring mod, and given that the apparent draw is significant I can’t think that the change of pump is enough for this level of current draw

So I’m sure it’s a connection issue, I just have to find which one it is

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 16/04/2023 09:56

So I’ve found something which it could be

The screws which tighten onto the earth cable for the battery connection weren’t tight, and don’t look like they’ll tighten up further, plus there’s some corrosion on the copper wire.

So I’ll do this first and see what happens

Thanks for the suggestions

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 17/04/2023 09:40

so I've fitted a new heavy duty negative terminal connection, and done some tests....


so far so good....

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 20/04/2023 07:54

has anybody ever done different coloured seatbelts???

I'm thinking to get mine changed to yellow


https://www.kolourkoncept.co.uk/product-page/seat-belt-rebbing

thoughts/opinions folks

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 20/04/2023 08:14

Originally Posted by Jamiepm
has anybody ever done different coloured seatbelts???


Fiat did with the LE, there should be pics around of the red seatbelts.

To me, it just looked silly and I think yellow would possibly be even worse, except maybe in a yellow car if the seatbelts properly matched the exterior colour. smile
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 20/04/2023 08:19

Originally Posted by GrahamL
Originally Posted by Jamiepm
has anybody ever done different coloured seatbelts???


Fiat did with the LE, there should be pics around of the red seatbelts.

To me, it just looked silly and I think yellow would possibly be even worse, except maybe in a yellow car if the seatbelts properly matched the exterior colour. smile



Thanks Graham, this is why I ask wink
Posted By: Countrycruising

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 20/04/2023 08:38

Yellow! coat
Posted By: Edinburgh

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 20/04/2023 08:50

Tacky imho....


But then, this is available in select locations....


laugh

Attached picture IMG-20230411-WA0002.jpg
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 20/04/2023 09:35

right you've convinced me it's barry, so I won't spaff my cash

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 20/04/2023 11:05

I thought I'd put this video link of the car at Donnington Park

For me it was a shakedown test, whereas my lad was going for let's thrash my dads car


As per my chat with Joe, I'm going to get some Zestino Gredge 07 RS (soft compound) tyres as the Toyo Sports just understeered from the first to the last bend


Cheers Jamie


https://vimeo.com/817238256/5513c82ca2
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 20/04/2023 11:06

Originally Posted by Edinburgh
Tacky imho....


But then, this is available in select locations....


laugh



Looks like a 90's rave throwback smile
Posted By: Edinburgh

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 20/04/2023 11:11

Originally Posted by Jamiepm
barry



That's interesting, I had to look this up, assuming it was a derogatory term - but in Edinburgh slang it actually means brilliant laugh

e.g. A local East Lothian brewery, Winton Brewery, make a beer called Barry Swally laugh


However I also note the Collins dictionary describes it as "a mistake or blunder" !



I've learnt so much from here.. laugh
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 20/04/2023 11:16

Originally Posted by Edinburgh
Originally Posted by Jamiepm
barry



That's interesting, I had to look this up, assuming it was a derogatory term - but in Edinburgh slang it actually means brilliant laugh

e.g. A local East Lothian brewery, Winton Brewery, make a beer called Barry Swally laugh


However I also note the Collins dictionary describes it as "a mistake or blunder" !



I've learnt so much from here.. laugh



Brilliant Simon, for me the expression 'Barry' means not very good/insert other expletive

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Countrycruising

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 20/04/2023 14:21

Originally Posted by Jamiepm
I thought I'd put this video link of the car at Donnington Park

For me it was a shakedown test, whereas my lad was going for let's thrash my dads car


As per my chat with Joe, I'm going to get some Zestino Gredge 07 RS (soft compound) tyres as the Toyo Sports just understeered from the first to the last bend


Cheers Jamie


https://vimeo.com/817238256/5513c82ca2




Jamie look...... tempted? laugh

Second shake down day with track tyres.....
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 20/04/2023 15:00

Hi Joe,
If I wasn't on holiday, then yeah no problem as I've not driven Thruxton

I'm just about to order those tyres we spoke about and assuming they survive the ring then I'll definitely do another trackday or 2 before the years out

Slightly digressing, but on the trackday theme.....

I live quite close to the Curborough sprint circuit and after my holiday I'm going to enquire about hiring it for the day (it would ideally be a Saturday), so would anyone else on here be interested???

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Edinburgh

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 20/04/2023 15:39

Originally Posted by Jamiepm


I live quite close to the Curborough sprint circuit and after my holiday I'm going to enquire about hiring it for the day (it would ideally be a Saturday), so would anyone else on here be interested???

Cheers Jamie


Jamie, I would start a new thread in the Track Day section and see how you get on.. smile
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 20/04/2023 16:41

thumb
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 11/05/2023 11:48

Not much done lately due to being on holiday

Anyway I’ve just ordered some Zestino Gredge RS07 soft track tyres. Having read the reviews and spoken to Joe these sound like a good dry weather tyre

Also ordered the 2 poly bushes for the engine mount on the drivers side

Also planning to finally to the wiring mod for the fuel pump as I’ve already run the power cable, I just need to rewire the relay in

Then as per my other thread I’ll be giving the car another test at curborough at the beginning of June, albeit I have a challenge with my son in his MK4 Renault megane rs trophy. If I can get within a second of his time I’ll be impressed

Cheers for now

Jamie
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 11/05/2023 11:51

When it's all done you should contact Jayemm and see if he wants to make another video of it, as it was the handling he was most critical of and that's where most of your improvements have been.
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 11/05/2023 12:14

Originally Posted by GrahamL
When it's all done you should contact Jayemm and see if he wants to make another video of it, as it was the handling he was most critical of and that's where most of your improvements have been.



Hi graham, great idea, is he ‘local’ to your neck of the woods?
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 11/05/2023 12:26

Nope he's based in England (not sure where) , he just travels around the UK a lot and knows a few people in Scotland that he stays with while making the videos.

Try dropping a mail to talk@jayemm.com
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 11/05/2023 12:37

Will do graham 😉
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 14/05/2023 11:43

Having had the tracking done recently, I’ve felt a bit of vagueness in the steering when driving on dual carriageways

Anyway I’ve found the near side track rod end has developed a bit of play, any pointers for which brand to go for, or ones to avoid?

Thanks Jamie
Posted By: Edinburgh

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 14/05/2023 12:44

AA tend to supply Birth; I don't have any reason to believe there's anything wrong wrong with them...unlike the wheel bearings from the same stable which had a history of failing after far too short a time.
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 14/05/2023 12:47

Ok Simon, I’ll give Steve a call tomorrow


Cheers Jamie
Posted By: french_coupe

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 22/05/2023 06:08

Looks like you have done all the hard work and only have bits and pieces to do now.
Just in time for enjoying the summer.
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 22/05/2023 06:19

thumb
Posted By: Edinburgh

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 29/06/2023 16:08

Safe journey around the 'Ring, I gather it's a deal more challenging than the likes of Spa.
Posted By: Countrycruising

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 29/06/2023 16:19

Originally Posted by Edinburgh
Safe journey around the 'Ring, I gather it's a deal more challenging than the likes of Spa.


You don't get out much do you Simon laugh
Posted By: Edinburgh

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 29/06/2023 16:29

Originally Posted by Countrycruising
Originally Posted by Edinburgh
Safe journey around the 'Ring, I gather it's a deal more challenging than the likes of Spa.


You don't get out much do you Simon laugh


I did get to the butcher's today laugh


Has it improved?
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 29/06/2023 18:56

thumb
Posted By: Countrycruising

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 30/06/2023 08:25

Originally Posted by Edinburgh
Originally Posted by Countrycruising
Originally Posted by Edinburgh
Safe journey around the 'Ring, I gather it's a deal more challenging than the likes of Spa.


You don't get out much do you Simon laugh


I did get to the butcher's today laugh


Has it improved?


It's a start wink
Posted By: Edinburgh

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 30/06/2023 11:03

Originally Posted by Countrycruising
Originally Posted by Edinburgh


Has it improved?


It's a start wink




The Ring!
laugh
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 30/06/2023 18:17

Never mind your ring, I'm at the ring

Car drove perfectly, but couldn't get on the track tonight, so will get on tomorrow

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 02/07/2023 08:39

Just been out with misha!

Jesus christ is he fast!

Importantly the coupe was perfect, no brake fade, no oversteer, just performed brilliantly

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: RichG

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 02/07/2023 17:18

Nice, did Misha record it for his YouTube channel?
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 02/07/2023 18:37

Yeah, not sure when it'll get posted though
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 04/07/2023 17:47

https://www.racetracker.de/cargalerie/M0ZDY1ZlTUh0MmVna2JPVmlGVitkZz09/22697360

The link will take you to various images of me,my son and misha driving my coupe

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 27/08/2023 08:13

Not been so active on tinkering with the car of late, but a quick update on things

So after the ring trip, the oil gets a bit too hot for my liking, circa 120 degrees C

So I’ve wrapped the front downpipe to start with, and I’ve already noticed the car takes a little longer to get the oil up to ‘normal’ temperature. So hopefully that will help when on the track

Next plan is to fabricate a better ducting arrangement for the aftermarket oil cooler. I’d say it’s about 20% bigger than stock, so I’m thinking to construct something out of fibreglass

Then if needed I’ll add a water spray to the oil cooler and the intercooler as a final step

If I can keep it closer to 100 degrees C, then that’s good enough for me

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 07/01/2024 10:08

It’s been a while, so I thought I’d post a few updates I’m about to make a start with

I’m going to shorten the intercooler pipe work, to hopefully improve the transient response of the turbo.

I’ve bought some vxr injectors, so a trip to flea in March is planned to get it all remapped

I’m going to have a go at enlarging the air duct for the uprated oil cooler I have to maximise cooling of the oil

Finally I’m going to buy a pair of rs3 brake ducts and fit them to the wishbones, they’re only secured with tie wraps and for £40 it’s worth seeing if they keep the inner part of the pad and caliper cooler

Link here for those interested https://www.akstuning.co.uk/shop/ho...ts-retro-fit-for-other-mqb-vehicles.html

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 20/01/2024 09:58

Morning folks,
Just fitted 1 of the ducts to the drivers side wishbone, with just a small bit of trimming a clip. Will now take it for a quick test drive but clearance looks ok

Video link to follow
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 20/01/2024 15:00

Fitted the ducts to both sides , and taken it for a run. No rubbing,rattling so I’m happy

Quick video link so people can visualise how they fit

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bv_IyVF6GCa8Iy3VzYooOsIdeRZLHG4R?usp=share_link

Cheers Jamie
Posted By: PaulL

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 29/01/2024 08:22

Morning Jamie

All this is looking impressive, I'm incredibly envious of your abilities. I had imagined that you had a fully fitted workshop with all modcons.

Best wishes

Paul
Posted By: Countrycruising

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 29/01/2024 09:03

Originally Posted by Jamiepm
Fitted the ducts to both sides , and taken it for a run. No rubbing,rattling so I’m happy

Quick video link so people can visualise how they fit

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bv_IyVF6GCa8Iy3VzYooOsIdeRZLHG4R?usp=share_link

Cheers Jamie


Nice adaption to help cooling thumb
Posted By: Jamiepm

Re: R803CGP / C20VTJ restoration thread - Discussion - 29/01/2024 10:15

I'm just a spanner monkey that will give most things a go Paul wink

Cheers Jamie
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