Buying a X1/9 ?

[stratosphere]

As I don't have buildt any Stratos replica yet, but hopefully will do so in the near future I have some questions for you guys.

I can buy a "first of September" car really cheap (less than 300£).
Will this be good as it seems that many donor parts for the Stratos comes from that car.

Other than obvious parts as lamps, rise mechanism, handles, steering etc, is there other parts that will fit the Stratos?
Front spindles/uprights (don't really know why you call them stub axles), rear uprights, etc. I know that Hawk lists other Fiat models for those parts but...?

Also some of the parts on this specific car is not that good looking, would it be better to search E (vil)Bay for those parts as I suppose new parts doesn,t exist anymore?
One can always renovate parts but if perfect parts exists, such a time consuming project as building a Stratos, you would opt for the easy way out!

Probably you need to know what kind of car I'm considering so here's the relevant spec.
Hawk basis gp4 square
Alfa 6 cylinder 24V base (2.5, 3.0, 3.2 don't know yet)
As I maybe/hopefully will have the Brembo four pots in the rear I have/want to have at least the same in the front, any thoughts or recommendations in spindles her?
The Hawk replica wheels

Luigi

[SUSIT]

Luigi, check the forum search engine for donner parts. also use the link to the Hawk web site, on there you should find a list of donner parts required. The front hub and stub axles as we call them are from a Fiat 131, very different I think from a X1-9.
I think you will find the steering rack is Triumph Herald. The search engine as I said should help you find most of the information required.
Good Luck.

[mogul_x]

Luigi,

The X1/9 components suitable for use in a Hawk are:

Steering column / switches / steering wheel (early models are better - pre '79 I think)
Radiator
Targa top overcenter catches (X1/9 has 2, you will need 4)
Interior Dome light (early models)
Door handles
Trunk / engine cover release handles (located in LH door frame)
Door latches & striker plates
Trunk / engine cover latches.
Headlight retaining rings, adjusters and mounting brackets
Headlight motors
Clutch master cylinder

That's just about it. If you have an early X1/9 with a stainless steel coolant oveflow tank, that can be used as well, since it looks good when polished up. Perhaps some switches, or interior door handles could be used, but they won't be correct for a Stratos.

Not many other parts can be transplanted. Spindles and hubs won't fit, halfshafts are the wrong length - really no other major components are suitable. £300 is maybe a little steep for the cost of the parts you can use, especially if they're in rough condition. If you are only buying the car for the donor parts, you might do better buying them piecemeal on e-bay, or through specialists.

If you intend on driving the X1/9 until you are ready to build the Stratos, then it might be worth buying the car, driving it for a few years, then breaking it up for parts when you get your kit underway.

[colin artus]

Stub axles (front spindles) are Fiat 132, not 131. The 132 was made under license in Poland as the Polski Fiat/FSO Polonez. They are getting hard to find nowadays.

Colin

[stratosphere]

First of all. Thanks for your replys. This forum is gr8.

As Colin mentioned that the stub axles are getting hard to find I've checked with my local scrapyard and they actually had four pairs to sell! No prices yet.

But: They asked me if I want the 73-77 model or the 78-80 model?
I guess that those years differs only in bodywork etc or are the stubs different?
If they're different, which ones should i get?

Anyone interested in stubs? Give me an estimate of what you are willing to pay and I maybe buy all four sets.

Luigi

[mogul_x]

I bought the stub axles for my car directly from Hawk Cars. If memory serves, they charged me something like £100 for the pair of them. I'm assuming he paid somewhat less for them than he sold them for.

If you have four sets available, and they are in good condition, I'd recommend you buy them all. If nobody else wants them, you should be able to sell them to Hawk Cars. I think Gerry is always looking for those items to support future kit customers. He should also be able to tell you if there is a difference between the early and late models, and which ones are best for the Hawk kit. I'd think that the '73-'77 would fit for sure, if there is a difference.

Keep in mind that Hawk modifies the stub axles by bolting an extension in the upper end, so you may need to send the axles to Hawk Cars when you order your kit anyway.

[SUSIT]

Stub axles (front spindles) are Fiat 132, not 131. The 132 was made under license in Poland as the Polski Fiat/FSO Polonez. They are getting hard to find nowadays.

Colin

Thanks Colin I stand corrected. Can you tell me if Lada Riva stub axles are the same?

[colin artus]

The stub axle is the same for all the 132/Fso models, although I have heard that the Fso forgings were stronger - to cope with Polish road conditions. Its worth hanging onto the hubs as well, unless you intend to fit 5 stud hubs.

Colin

[tryphon]

The brake master cylinder is also identical to the X1/9.

[colin artus]

The Lada Riva is the old Fiat 124 saloon, so no good I'm afraid. There's probably some SEAT model from the '70s that was based on the 132 as well.

Colin

[guy mayers]

Before you go mad and pay a fortune for the Fiat ones, speak to Gerry as he has bought a stock of FSO ones through his contacts in Poland who make the Kirkham bodies. I can't give you a price but whatever you get would have to be sent to Gerry to have the extensions fitted so the price may not be competitive. But, these parts will dry up one day so take a view on the price. The parts come from any Fiat 132 or FSO Polonez. I know that the 124 parts are shorter and won't do. I suspect that the Fiat Argenta had the same part as it was a rebodied 132 but have never had the opportunity to compare the parts side by side.
As Scott has mentioned, the X19 provides the exterior door handles, headlight raising mechanisms and overcentre catches. I have found the radiator sufficient for a 12v 3.0 Alfa V6 provided it is ducted well. You also need the door lock internal mechanism and the striker plates plus spacers.
Other donor parts are as follows, Lancia Beta - gear linkage components plus a pair of driveshafts with CV joints. Fiat 124 Coupe for the instruments, any early 70's Fiat for switchgear and column stalks and steering column/lock. Door lock knobs similarly from most 70s Fiats. Lights come from various cars. The rears from the 850 Coupe, reversing lights are 124 Coupe. Number plate light Ferrari Daytona painted black. Side repeaters are Lancia Fulvia. headlightds X19 but any 7 inch aftermarket should do the job better! Fogs are Carello aftermarket ones (getting harder to find despite Ebay) and the front indicators are Fiat Dino Coupe (square) or Alfa Romeo 101 series Spiders (and others) for the round Gp4 cars. Lots of options but Gerry carries the essentials in stock. Fiat 850 Spider provides the interior door handles - Ebay is the only real source!
If there's anything I've missed that comes from a Fiat donor I appologise! There are so many to collect and I've probably forgotten some over the years! Just ask and I'll let you know what I know!
Guy