Dumb questions...
Posted: 04 Dec 2007, 18:52
Hey guys, I FINALLY got my car back yesterday. Runs like a top and I'm grinning from ear to ear as I make runs to the Post Office, grocer, etc. Lots of smiles and questions from other drivers. Anyway, a few dumb questions some of you may be able to assist with as I get more familiar with my S3...
- How do you engage the inboard headlights? The interior dash lights are controlled from the pull knob on the dash itself. The headlights (outboard) appear to be turned on with the running lights using the thumb switch on side of the dipswitch stem to left of the steering column, but they are VERY dim. The headlights (outboard again) brighten to a usable brightness when I press the button on the end of the directional stem. When I pull the dipswitch stem it reduces the headlights (still outboard) back to the VERY dim setting. At no time do the inboard headlights turn on, and I have yet to see a "brights" indicator appear on the dash. Is this an indication of an electrical/wiring issue? Am I missing something?
- What is the proper torque setting for the wheels? I had those chinese 175/75s mounted temporarily, because the mid-90s dated Michelin xZx tires that were on it were cracking and scary bad. The guys at the shop used 75lbs (Fiat?) since they could not confirm the proper torque setting for Lancias. I'll be getting the proper tires soon; this was a temporary fix so I can drive it in the interim. Funny, but the old Michelins had tubes in them, even though they were labeled as tubeless. Is this a common practice in Italy/Europe? FYI - no clearance issues at all are apparent with 175/75s on stock 4.5" wheels... so far!
- Removing the steering wheel; anything I need to look out for? I removed the horn button and see the single bolt holding the wheel on the splined steering shaft. Do I just remove that bolt and PULL? Any other screws that need to be loosened etc? I have the model-specific hub adaptor for my Nardi wood wheel and would like to mount it, replacing the cheesy black plastic stock wheel on the S3.
- At rest, my front wheels have a slight positive camber to them (top is further away from car than bottom). Is this normal? Seems counterintuitive to me, as negative camber would provide better cornering results, or so I thought. Any suggestions or comments?
FYI - I have a VERY NICE, almost brand new user operating manual in Italian. I was shocked at the fine condition, just wish it was in English. Anyone want to trade an English one for this Italian one?
Final observations. It's really interesting what you can learn in person that is just not possible to really see in photos. As you all know, my car has been in transit from Italy and Florida to Texas, and then in the shop for ~6 weeks getting it's rejuvination. So I really have had my hands/eyes on the car for just a day or two and now realize that the carpet is dark green (under mats) to compliment the mint green felt/velour seats and door panels. My mechanic jokingly called it "fiat taxi green" and I guess it was quite common. The exterior paint looks at first to be tan/beige, but it has just a slight hint of green in it as well.
These colors will take some getting used to. I think the interior has to go, but I'd like to keep the original exterior color if I can get used to it. We'll see.
THANKS FOR YOUR COMMENTS!
- How do you engage the inboard headlights? The interior dash lights are controlled from the pull knob on the dash itself. The headlights (outboard) appear to be turned on with the running lights using the thumb switch on side of the dipswitch stem to left of the steering column, but they are VERY dim. The headlights (outboard again) brighten to a usable brightness when I press the button on the end of the directional stem. When I pull the dipswitch stem it reduces the headlights (still outboard) back to the VERY dim setting. At no time do the inboard headlights turn on, and I have yet to see a "brights" indicator appear on the dash. Is this an indication of an electrical/wiring issue? Am I missing something?
- What is the proper torque setting for the wheels? I had those chinese 175/75s mounted temporarily, because the mid-90s dated Michelin xZx tires that were on it were cracking and scary bad. The guys at the shop used 75lbs (Fiat?) since they could not confirm the proper torque setting for Lancias. I'll be getting the proper tires soon; this was a temporary fix so I can drive it in the interim. Funny, but the old Michelins had tubes in them, even though they were labeled as tubeless. Is this a common practice in Italy/Europe? FYI - no clearance issues at all are apparent with 175/75s on stock 4.5" wheels... so far!
- Removing the steering wheel; anything I need to look out for? I removed the horn button and see the single bolt holding the wheel on the splined steering shaft. Do I just remove that bolt and PULL? Any other screws that need to be loosened etc? I have the model-specific hub adaptor for my Nardi wood wheel and would like to mount it, replacing the cheesy black plastic stock wheel on the S3.
- At rest, my front wheels have a slight positive camber to them (top is further away from car than bottom). Is this normal? Seems counterintuitive to me, as negative camber would provide better cornering results, or so I thought. Any suggestions or comments?
FYI - I have a VERY NICE, almost brand new user operating manual in Italian. I was shocked at the fine condition, just wish it was in English. Anyone want to trade an English one for this Italian one?
Final observations. It's really interesting what you can learn in person that is just not possible to really see in photos. As you all know, my car has been in transit from Italy and Florida to Texas, and then in the shop for ~6 weeks getting it's rejuvination. So I really have had my hands/eyes on the car for just a day or two and now realize that the carpet is dark green (under mats) to compliment the mint green felt/velour seats and door panels. My mechanic jokingly called it "fiat taxi green" and I guess it was quite common. The exterior paint looks at first to be tan/beige, but it has just a slight hint of green in it as well.
These colors will take some getting used to. I think the interior has to go, but I'd like to keep the original exterior color if I can get used to it. We'll see.
THANKS FOR YOUR COMMENTS!