Tipo Bits and Bobs

Following on from my last ramblings the driver’s side rear wing is now “good to go”. In the end I removed the old wing and replaced it. A pal of mine Gary had recently broken a black Tipo and I was able to acquire a rust free (and shiny after some TLC) replacement. To my surprise and relief, the fuel pipework came out easily and went back the same way although note to self – remove the b…..circlip first!

So we are back on the road and apart from some local runs MDO’s first outing was to Auto Italia a few weeks ago. Gavin called round in his Tempra and off we went. When was the last time you saw a Tempra, followed by a Tipo howling down the outside lane of a motorway I wonder?

Auto Italia was excellent but I am very glad we went early as at our arrival time of 9am things were already busy and the entry queue a mile long. This highlighted a return of the intermittent revving problem I have had with the Tipo for a while – when hot the revs don’t idle they rise and fall. I think this is probably a temperature sensor acting up and its now on my list to change out.

Anyway, we parked up on the banking with all of the other Fiats – except the 500 lot who always seem to get their own area. It was great to see so many familiar faces and almost all of the “old gang” were there, although Gill and Bob were parked in the Alfa car park.

Auto Italia set me thinking, in a way its a bit like pyramid selling  – you bring your old Italian car along – you pay for entry and park up -others follow you and do the same and then look at yours and all  the other cars which have become the exhibits you came to look at!!   There is of course lots more to see…..

In amongst all the cars I spotted 3 16 valve 5 doors and 1 1.4 3 door Tipos. This is a massive increase on the last time I attended when mine was the only one.

Most recently I attended Forza Italia organised by the Fiat Forum it was a small event but good fun and a great run was had there and back via the M40, A43 and the A5. I shall definitely go again if they run it again next year. Mine was the only Tipo and there were no Tempras either as Gavin had swapped to his Uno

Someone from Modern Classics was there as well – don’t know who they were but they did put a nice spread of photos on the magazine’s Facebook page featuring my car which got a lot of comments.

Daughter has finally got her (my) 500 serviced and the car has also been into Thames Fiat for some warranty work – leaking water pump and failing ball joint – all fixed with minimal fuss so no complaints there. The funny thing was me driving to the garage in the 500 following her in my Tipo. It caused quite a stir, some older hands knew what it was and that I have one but many of the younger members had not a clue and were suitably surprised at the engine bay where they were greeted by lots of engine and virtually no space! Welcome to the word of the Sedicvalvole!

Mike Ware

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