Another Fulvia in the US!

[Chasm61]

I would never throw any stock part away! I'll drive it as I receive it for a while, but since I already have a Nardi wood wheel, I wanted to enquire.

FYI, I heard back form Omicron that they have the Momo/Nardi boss in stock - 45pounds! I'll see if I can find a used one somewhere. As with everything else, I'm in no hurry!

Thanks...Chas

[Huib]

The wooden Nardi wheel is a disaster. You will hurt your fingers on the spokes when driving fast on twisty roads. The leather Nardi wheel is not too bad.

[Neil Cundy]

I have the Nardi boss (or one similar). It pushes the wheel further away from the dash. Easy to fit, but make sure you spend time ensuring the wiring loom to the horn is long enough (you may have to replace it to get enough slack). I don't think you will get one for less than £45, even on E-Bay. The issue for me is that I cannot get behind the original wheel comfortably (I have an S1). It is too big and too far away. I drive my fathers Aurelia pretty often, and the driving position is not disimilar when I have the seat position so my legs are comfortable. I get terrible leg or back ache after about 2 hrs - it is not the seat it is the position and size of the wheel - typical Italian ape driving position I'm afraid. I have got the two spoke Ferrero wheel, the only non-original bit on the car. Doesn't look as good as the original wheel, but if your not comfortable driving................. rather defeats the purpose !

[Chasm61]

A disaster! Never heard the Nardi wheel described that way before, but then I've never used one before either. I just happen to have one that I picked up cheap at a swapmeet. I thought it would look nice with the fine wood dash.

Anyway, I respect your experience with these cars Huib and will drive it with the stock 2-spoke for a while before changing it out to see how it feels. Given Neil's description of the driving position, I'll look closely at the impacts of changing the wheel before going ahead. If it's too far when seated comfortably to the peddles, then moving it closer might be reason enough to install the Nardi, or try it anyway. We'll see.

Thanks... Chas

[Randy Adams]

I've only owned and driven S1 cars so I don't have a clue what the S3 wheel is like to use. I always loved the big spindly S1 wheel. It made manuevering the car in tight parking spaces very easy.

If we're still talking about what to look for when you get the car: as with every new/old fwd car, check the CV joint boots. If they are split or cracking at all, replace them. Also check the steering tie rod ends; they do get sloppy over time. It's easy to tell when they're tired: power on, the car goes one direction; power off, it switches to the other direction. Check the condition of the clutch and accelerator cables. Personally I love the simplicity and reliability of cables in these applications but I did have an accelerator cable snap on me in the middle of an intersection once. Look for any telltale fraying where they emerge from their sleeves.

Grease all of the nipples immediately. Change the brake fluid, if that wasn't something you were planning to do.

Have your Ferrari etc mechanic check the carburetor synchronization and idle mixtures. When I bought one of my cars all of the settings were an absurd mess; the car was virtually running on only one of the carburetors.

Make sure the little weep hole at the bottom of the water pump is clear and open. I assume you are changing belts. Set them as loose as will do the job for long-lasting water pump, fan and alternator bearings. Too many modern mechanics are used to the serpentine belts and they overtighten the old V-belts horribly. The old rule is that you should be able to push down about an inch in the middle of the belt span when it's right.

Drive.

[Neil Cundy]

Getting a comfortable driving position is of course dependent on your shape !! I am resonably tall and lankey so the large wheel rubs on my thighs, and I find using the pedals uncomfortable if I am too close (so my arms are not streched). If I move the seat further back, I find it hard to reach the wheel and the gear lever. So a smaller wheel - moved towards the driver seems to fit the bill. I may have to slightly change the rake of the gear lever. I do agree with Huib that the wooden wheel fits the character of the car better and of course the smaller wheel increases the effort required, but each to their own.

[Ed Levin]

Ordinarily, I'm always arguing for originality, but Chas is dealing with a Fulvia 3, with a cost-cutting plastic wheel, and I couldn't argue against anyone who wanted to change that.

Personally, I prefer a leather wheel, but the S2 wood design or a classic Nardi would be an improvement over that original plastic wheel. In this case, I'd argue for saving the original--just not in front of the dashboard....

[Chasm61]

Thanks Randy. This is just what the doctor ordered and will give me some specifics to discuss with my mechanic. He's worked on a lot of cars belonging to club members, and all speak highly of him. I met him at the last car show we did in Dallas and I think he will work out fine.

I had planned on replacing all fluids, even brake, along with new plugs and a tuneup including carbs. But I had not considered things like the tie-rods, cables, nipples, etc. I'll discuss those with him and at least make a list for him to inspect.

THANKS!!!

[Albert]

I absolutely agree with replacing the S3 plastic wheel and also feel that the S2 "plastic wood" steering wheel is of horrible quality (it bends and flexes when turning). I have installed a Nardi wheel (with hub from Omicron in the UK) and the whole driving experience was improved -the car even feels more solid! The extra space for my knees is also welcome.