Throttle cable

[SUSIT]

Can anyone suggest a supplier who can make up a cable for a Beta engined Allora?
On a different note. Tyre pressures> Presently on 205X60 14 NCT
In my Clan days i ran 18psi ftont, 28psi rear (cold) I have set the stratos at 24psi front, 30psi rear.
Lastly I need to replace rear body work quick release catches. I would like to replace with identical units. Any ideas where i might buy a pair.
have trie to attach pic, dont think it worked!

Stephen Struthers
Sustruthers@tesco.net

[Sando]

Hi Steve

For the body catches try Alternative Autos on 01924 440499
I got some brand new X1/9 doorhandles from them and I'm sure I saw some catches on the web site too.

http://www.alternativeautos.demon.co.uk/

Not sure about the throttle cable, I remember someone once said that a Toyota MR2 one was a good bet with a ptfe lined inner?

cheers
Rob

[mogul_x]

Stephen,

Those catches used on the rear bodywork are very similar to the Targa roof retaining latches from a Fiat X1/9. I think they may be available new, but are very expensive (at least on this side of the pond).

The Fiat units can be modified to replicate the latches used on the Stratos. Hawk Cars used to have a sheet outlining the modifications in their build manual, but the master was lost, and nobody seems to have a copy. With Guy Mayers assistance, I sketched up a picture of the modifications to the alloy mounting plates. I'll see if I can attach it. There are no dimensions, but you can see where you need to make cuts and add holes.

On the part with the handle:

1) Cut off the sides of the mounting bracket as shown It should be about the same width as the boss for the handle.

2) Drill and countersink a new mounting hole as close to the handle as possible.

On the other part:

1) cut off "nose" between original mounting holes (this can be left in place - this modification is only to mimic the look of the original)

2) Drill and countersink a third mounting hole as shown. Be careful that it doesn't break through either the notch where the catch clips on, or the pocket where the lower locating tab fits in.

I may be able to give rough dimensions if needed.

The handle may also need to be trimmed to avoid touching the bodywork, but I havent worked out the cut yet. I'll probably need to figure it out by trial and error when I install the catches to my car.

Scott

[roger001]

For a throttle cable I have always gone to a bicycle shop, most will sell bowden cable by the metre and then used screw on fittings at either end. alternatively you can use solder on fiiitings.

The body catches are X19 roof catches, which means trawling breakers of second hand Fiat parts specialists.

I always ran lower pressures than those you mention, usually 16 at the front and 22 at the rear.

[chris.richard]

I'll be taking mine out as it's too short to reach across to the Alfa throttle. Interested? Muchy good, velly cheep!

[chris.richard]

Ooh, that sounded rude!
Sorry, kitty!

[Sando]

I just found these on alternative autos web site under the interior section !
TARGA ROOF LOCATING HOOK L/H 1500 1300 22.95
TARGA ROOF LOCATING HOOK R/H 1500 1300 22.95
TARGA ROOF LOCKING CATCH L/H 1500 1300 25.95
TARGA ROOF LOCKING CATCH R/H 1500 1300 25.95

Worth a call tomorrow......

No I don't have shares in them !!
cheers
Rob:cool:

[JohnB_SPY8808053]

In the little documentation I've got (mine didn't come with a build manual), I just happen to have Gerry's original latch instructions. Looks like Scott & Guy were right on the money.

John B.

[Sando]

The number for Alternative Autos I posted earlier was wrong, it should be 01484 865086. They must have moved at some point
cheers
Rob:cool:

[SUSIT]

Hi chris, sounds like you might have a deal. I will need to measure the exsisting cable. You might have some spare cash for the cat protection league!
Thanks all re catches. will make some phone calls in the morning.


Stephen Struthers
Sustruthers@tesco.net

[rutthenut]

Throttle (and other) cables can be made up by Speedy Cables, who used to be in Islington, London, but I believed they have moved. They also do instrument modifications (tacho recalibration, etc) and handbrake cables, etc.

The body catches are indeed modified X1/9 Targa roof catches as described. If you've got the 'Super Profile' book on the Stratos, that has some clear pictures of them too - but as you've already got a set on your car you don't really need a reference.

Gerry Hawkridge (Hawk Cars) now supplies rubber blocks used for mounting these catches to the bodywork, which is better than trying to find a supplier for 'thick rubber sheet' (kinky stuff, eh?). If you are refitting catches to your car, you might want to replace the rubber part too - although I don't know the price for these.

[colin artus]

Re throttle cable.
It is really important to get a good cable for this application. Frankly only the best will do as the cable run is so long that any friction will be felt in the action of the throttle. I would advise getting a custom cable from James Lister & Son who supply cables for F1 teams etc. They are more expensive (c £40+) but you will feel the benefit of every penny that you spend.

Lister/ www.lister.co.uk/motorsport

Colin

[mogul_x]

Originally posted by JohnB_SPY8808053
In the little documentation I've got (mine didn't come with a build manual), I just happen to have Gerry's original latch instructions.

John,

You might want to contact Gerry and let him know you have a copy. I'm sure he'd be interested in getting one for himself, since the original is lost, and this page is not included in the build manual anymore.

[JohnB_SPY8808053]

I'll send him an email tonight when I get home.

I think I have photocopies of most of the original build manual, but I've never seen one so I don't know if anything is missing or not. I also have an original Transformer brochure that I could scan in if anybody was interested.

John B.

[guy mayers]

Speedy Cables have indeed moved! Their new addresses are Unit 14 Merchant Drive, Hertford, SG13 7AZ (01992581600 or fax 01992589800) for cables and Abercave, Swansea SA9 1QS (01639732213 or fax 01639732238) for the Instrument Division. Just ring up and order cable inner and outer by the metre with whatever end fittings you need!
Guy