My Delta HF turbo ie restoration (part 2)

[Rob]

For those of you who are wondering why I have started a new thread? It's basically because I'm superstitious! My old thread is on page 12 at the moment & I don't want it to go any further. Stop laughing you boys at the back  . Anyway the Delta's getting close to being back on the road & the next jobs on the list are - a) give the engine a thorough service, b) fill the braking system with fluid & bleed, c) refit the bonnet, wheel arch liners, side skirts, door mirrors etc. Hopefully it will be sat outside my garage again looking just like it did in this picture 19 years ago (minus the white ribbons!).

Cheers, Rob

[tzf60]

I'm betting it will look even better, Rob 
 
Nearly there!
 
Tim

[sparehead3]

What we need to do is take exactly the same picture when it's done !

[Rob]

Unfortunately Tim the paintwork won't be quite as good as I've used rattle cans on at about 50% of the bodywork, but at least there's a 100% less rust  . With regards to recreating this old photo Steve, I was thinking the same thought!

[A1.6HPE]

Hello Rob and thank you for the detailed info. Much appreciated the one on my nephews car is seized (and 21 years old).

Leo

Hi Leo,
The original brake compensator is very difficult to find, I did find one on an Italian website but they wanted £380 . I gave Tanc Barratt a ring & he said you can use the one from the early integrales (Part No : 82407503) you just have to swap the metal forked arm that goes through the rubber boot. The end of the Delta HF turbo's forked arm is vertical whereas on the early integrals it's horizontal as in the picture. Hope that's helpful  .
Cheers, Rob

[Rob]

Haven't been able to do much on the Delta recently as I'm still patching up my VW camper! I did have a bit of spare time today as it was raining so I gave the engine bay a good clean & replaced the warning stickers.

[Rob]

My wife & I are on our hols in Lake Garda (Bardolino) at the moment  . We've seen lots of Ypsilon's, Musa's & a very tidy Fulvia coupe which has reminded me I really have to get stuck into my Delta when I get home! 

[Rob]

I saw this little Delta tucked away at the side of a petrol station as we were leaving Lake Garda  .

[Rob]

Got the Delta out of the garage over the weekend & fitted the plastic side skirts. Also had a go at bleeding the braking system which took quite a while & are still a bit spongy so I'll have to have another go. Feeling fired up again about my Delta after having a few months off to work on my camper (which is now finished, for the time being  ).

[GialloHPEIan]

Hi Rob,

Getting close now and Autumn Classic at Castle Combe is not far away. Sadly, mine won't be ready but it will be back on my drive this week. Keep up the good work.

Regards

Ian (6610)

[Rob]

Thanks Ian & glad that you'll soon be reunited with your Delta HPE  . It would be great to have mine back on the road for this year's Autumn Classic especially after missing it last year!

Cheers, Rob

[Rob]

Well last Friday was a momentous day in the MacFarlane household as my Delta was finally ready for it's first MOT in 17 years! The journey over to the garage was probably one of the most exciting & nervous drives I've experienced since I passed my test  . It felt strange actually driving it on the open road instead of working on it in my cramped garage. Anyway apart from a few niggles like the speedo not working, a slightly worn rear wheel bearing & wipers that refused to wipe my Delta passed his MOT (cue imaginary round of applause!). It also happened to be the last day before my daughter Molly set off for university & we were having our family round to give her a good send off. Unfortunately when our family arrived in the evening the main topic of conversation was of my Delta being back on the road. Sorry Molly! I later took my father in law for a drive round our town as it was on his bucket list  . "So that's it then, it's finished" I hear you say. Well not quite... At sometime in the future I'd like to give it a decent respray & get the seats retrimmed but as my wife pointed out recently "Our bathroom needs sorting out first!"

Cheers, Rob

[Rob]

Yesterday was another big occasion... I actually turned up at our monthly LMC meeting (The Bull in Hinton) in my Delta  . The guys were really surprised when they saw it parked outside the pub & congratulated me for getting back on the road. Bless 'em  . I thought I'd have a photo taken of those present on this historical day  . From the left there's John, Paul, Andy, Steve, Richard, myself & Peter. Unfortunately Ian & Simon couldn't make it but I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their words of encouragement over the years!

Cheers, Rob

[Kevinlincs]

Yes!
Well done indeed Rob.
I've been following your build whilst doing mine, glad you managed to get it on the road before winter sets in.
Did it feel just a bit strange? Like you'd gone back in time?
And a club monthly meet too, perfect 

[Rob]

Thanks Kev, much appreciated  . It's been great to follow your thread while restoring mine & I'd have to admit that your integrale needed a lot more commitment than mine. Yes it certainly did feel a bit like stepping back in time, it's only when you see the modern cars on the road around you that you realise you're in 2019!