Reassembling goes on: November 2013
Two aluminum panels, partially superimposed one to the other, separate the lower part of the engine bay from the front wheelarches
We found that a strip of red leather was sandwiched between those panels; sadly only the part between the panels has survived, while the leather flap presumably sticking out for its intended puropose has been ripped away on both sides. We are wondering what was the form, function and fitting of the leather part of this interesting combination
Andrea shows roughly how those 2 partially supermposed panels surrounded that oblique tube and how the red leather flap seems to have been originally
As we found them (14 June 2013, the engine having just been removed for restoration): those torn little panels at the bottom ot the right-hand side of the engine bay, between the shock absorber support and the exhaust pipe, are what I am looking to recreate. A strip of torn leather is still visible, but useless
The same on the passenger's side of the car, the engine having just been removed. The two panel join to surround a tube going from the chassis rail member to the body-supporting structure
Parts begin to find their place again on the firewall after their refurbishment: a first moment of true satisfaction for every classic-cars restorer after the gruesome discoveries of the dismantling
The rear wheelarches are being refurbished
The rear hood, paint removed
Who said that aluminum panels last forever...?
An eloquent name for a German Aluminum-Reiniger
Gearbox, November 2013
The bearings on both ends of the layshat were noisy, we need new ones
'Anemometers', as Bristol majestically names the conical air vents placed in the footwells of the 403, are used also where a perfectly controlled air flow is mandatory. The one on the left (tilted 90° for comparison) is on the ceiling of one of our surgery rooms, the one on the right is on Rolf's very nice 403
More progress: December 2013
The carburettors were working, but not in very good shape....
The three Solex 32BI carburettors were rebuilt by Mr Labanti in Zola Predosa, near Bologna, and at first they didn't work very well....
