Barchetta First Time With A Barchetta.

[FalcoMan]

Newbie here!
Awaiting delivery of my red Italian 1995 hand built two seater sports car and can't wait!

To help me pass the time I have a few questions for the Forum.

1. I intend to move the B permanently to France so I could do with some help on what to do to change the headlights for driving on the right please.
2. I will be driving the B from the UK a total of approximately 600 miles and any suggestions for a spares kit would be welcome. I know I will need bulbs to comply with French law, along with a warning triangle and hi-viz jacket, but I'm thinking more along the lines of hoses/plugs etc.
3. Re-2, what spanners would prove to be most useful? I intend to get break-down cover but although having extremely rusty and limited mechanical prowess I like to think I could effect emergency roadside repairs if necessary.

4. On a general note, the B comes with an after market steering wheel and no driver's airbag. As one was fitted from new should this be a concern? A full MOT will be supplied with the car.
5. I intend to carry some spare engine oil, what grade/make would owners recommend?

6. Does anyone know of a website that would allow me to download an owners' manual/handbook?

Apologies if these are well covered topics, but any help or advice will be much appreciated.
No doubt other questions will occur to me as the time gets closer!

Roll on August!!
I am soooo looking forward to many years of fun with my retro Italian sports.

Thank you in anticipation.

 

[Davefridge]

Congratulations on an excellent purchase!


Re headlamp conversion. This is a link from an old posting. http://www.barchettaclub.fr/spip.php?article217 . It is in French but if you're moving there you'll understand! Some instructions also in English:- "I found this on another site. Hope it helps. :

I have taken the old light apart this afternoon and found that
> there is a metal deflector which is reversible. It is marked TD on
> one side and TG on the other. It has a part number 88203735 stamped
> on it.
>
> Remove the headlight from the car which involves removing the
> front bumper to access the retaning bolt underneath.
Unclip the black housing from the headlight. Put the
> clear lens once removed from the black housing on a soft cloth to
> avoid scratching it.
>
> Remove the bulbs to avoid damaging them, Pull the metal assembly
> off of its mounting pins, Remove the two screws and one large clip
> remove the four little clips which hold the deflector in place,
> remove the deflector turn it around and put it back in place.
> Reassemble the headlight assembly re install in the car refit front
> bumper. The headlights will need alligning.

I seem to remember that some older cars have the deflector plate rivetted on so they would need to be drilled out and reattached. "


Shouldn't be too difficult!! Headlamps apart will also give you the opportunity to use a soft cloth to clean the insides of the covers and lenses. Mine were quite dirty & foggy after 18 years.
On the fog lamp/reversing light subject, they are easy to swap over.


Oil. I have always used Castrol Magnatec 10W-40 A3/B4.


Tools. Apart from regular maintenance tools you might want to buy some Ribe keys. They are similar to Torx bits. These are used on the cam cover and timing belt covers. You can use the Torx bits but I like using the correct tools for the job!


Hope this helps.

 

[StevePD]

Hi, welcome to the site. I live in France and you do not need to carry spare bulbs or the alcohol testers. High viz gilets, one per passenger on the inside of the car yes. If you need help with the process of changinging the registration just ask but there is quite a bit on this forum just have a search.
I haven't carried any spares or tools other than the supplied tyre changing kit. French insurance will include recovery depending onthe insurance level.
I have found that sourcing spares etc is the same as in Uk, use the internet an advice from this forum.
The Barchetta is a great car and very rewarding/frustrating but worthwhile owning in my opinion. Good choice and good luck.
SteveD

 

[Barchetta Bloke 440]

Excellent taste sir.....

When it arrives ,a picture is compulsory......

 

[FalcoMan]

Brilliant!
Thankyou Davefridge.
I've obviously been entering the wrong terms for the search, so sincere thanks for the link

 

[FalcoMan]

Thank you Steve PD, all useful to know

 

[FalcoMan]

But of course Barchetta Bloke 440!
Can't wait to show it off
Should be with me early August.

 

[StevePD]

Hi again , forgot to mention you can download the service manual from this forum, go to dowloads at the top of the Barchetta section. Also if you need to remove spark plugs you will ned a long reach box spanner to get them out. I have found that when doing an oil change I only require 3.9 litres of oil including the oil filter, any more and the level is over the full mark on my dipstick. I change my oil every year and don't use any between changes but I only drive about 5000km a year. Where about in France will you be? I am close to Figeac permenantly.
SteveD

 

[FalcoMan]

Hi again , forgot to mention you can download the service manual from this forum, go to dowloads at the top of the Barchetta section. Also if you need to remove spark plugs you will ned a long reach box spanner to get them out. I have found that when doing an oil change I only require 3.9 litres of oil including the oil filter, any more and the level is over the full mark on my dipstick. I change my oil every year and don't use any between changes but I only drive about 5000km a year. Where about in France will you be? I am close to Figeac permenantly.
SteveD

Hi,
Thank you! I'll download the manual as soon as I've typed this.
Thanks for the plug spanner tip and the heads up on the sump capacity.
We will be in the Confolens area so a bit less than 3hrs away according to Google.

 

[gar074]

Welcome aboard, FalcoMan!