Introduction
This is my 1972 seat
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First step was to get the brakes working . Replaced the master cylinder and both rear flexi lines and bled the brakes .
Next was lights and electrics , went through most of the wiring tidying up and replacing any poor or cheap connectors.
Instrument cluster was removed to clean all the contact points and replace all the bulbs.
Tyres were changed from 145/80x13 to 155/70x13 . The old tyres were cracked and I wanted to get a slightly wider tyre on. For the time being as the wheels will eventually be changed.
Removed the abarth stickers .
While driving to get the tyres changed ( first drive on the road) I found out the clutch was slipping so could only achieve 40kph up a small hill so dearly undeliverable. Also found I have no flywheel cover . If anyone has one I would be very interested.
So….. out comes the engine and box.
After removing a lifetime of grease and farm from both , probably 2-3lbs of crud. I removed the gearbox to get a look at the clutch ,
Friction plates has started to break down and has worn so much the rivets have grooved the pressure plates. So a new three piece is needed.
Next was lights and electrics , went through most of the wiring tidying up and replacing any poor or cheap connectors.
Instrument cluster was removed to clean all the contact points and replace all the bulbs.
Tyres were changed from 145/80x13 to 155/70x13 . The old tyres were cracked and I wanted to get a slightly wider tyre on. For the time being as the wheels will eventually be changed.
Removed the abarth stickers .
While driving to get the tyres changed ( first drive on the road) I found out the clutch was slipping so could only achieve 40kph up a small hill so dearly undeliverable. Also found I have no flywheel cover . If anyone has one I would be very interested.
So….. out comes the engine and box.
After removing a lifetime of grease and farm from both , probably 2-3lbs of crud. I removed the gearbox to get a look at the clutch ,
Friction plates has started to break down and has worn so much the rivets have grooved the pressure plates. So a new three piece is needed.
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Unless already fitted a light flywheel skim may be advisable if rivets have scored flywheel as well as old pressure, unless of course you were lucky.
Reason being it reduces clutch contact area until worn in to match grooves, a bit like brake discs.
Quite liked the Seat versions saloon and coupe, as an apprentice they were popular in early 70s around our way.
Reason being it reduces clutch contact area until worn in to match grooves, a bit like brake discs.
Quite liked the Seat versions saloon and coupe, as an apprentice they were popular in early 70s around our way.
OP
OP
I have been fortunate that the flywheel is in great condition . The rivets were only worn through on the pressure plate side .Unless already fitted a light flywheel skim may be advisable if rivets have scored flywheel as well as old pressure, unless of course you were lucky.
Reason being it reduces clutch contact area until worn in to match grooves, a bit like brake discs.
Quite liked the Seat versions saloon and coupe, as an apprentice they were popular in early 70s around our way.
OP
OP
Thermostat housing was in pretty rough shape. After a strip down and blast I set about machining some sleeves to replace the corroded pipes.
Then sealed them in and built up the main body. Some final filing and the result is one I am happy with.
Made some new gaskets ant fitted the housing with a new thermostat.
Then sealed them in and built up the main body. Some final filing and the result is one I am happy with.
Made some new gaskets ant fitted the housing with a new thermostat.
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And finally installed the engine and gearbox .
Pretty straight forward. I had them on a trolley which I wheeled into place and jacked up from underneath.
Fitted the rear valance with rear center mount first , then moved the jack to the rear of the gearbox end and bolted in the other two mounts .
Connected cables , wiring and plumbing , did a quick start test and put some coolant in.
Now it’s time to test
Pretty straight forward. I had them on a trolley which I wheeled into place and jacked up from underneath.
Fitted the rear valance with rear center mount first , then moved the jack to the rear of the gearbox end and bolted in the other two mounts .
Connected cables , wiring and plumbing , did a quick start test and put some coolant in.
Now it’s time to test
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All that effort should be now repaid with a fun little car to drive. I always liked then when several came in as an apprentice in early 70s.
OP
OP
So the seat drove ok , no issues. Everything works as it should . Gears are great . Clutch was ok , gave it a slight adjustment (one turn) and locked it off again.
I think I’ll have a Quick Look at the timing and double check ignition , points and such to see if everything is as it should be.
I think I’ll have a Quick Look at the timing and double check ignition , points and such to see if everything is as it should be.
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Timing will be adjustment after roadtest as it was built in the days of leaded fuel, not the rubbish we get today.
