1977 124 Spider CS1 - Lincolnshire UK

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PumaPhil
Posts: 71
Joined: April 22nd, 2013, 5:18 pm
Location: Lincolnshire, UK
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1977 124 Spider CS1 - Lincolnshire UK

Post by PumaPhil »

Hi,

I recently acquired my 124 from an auction site after a bid sale fell through for some reason. I bought it unseen but it was taxed, UK registered and had a new MoT (but was certainly NOT road legal which I am currently in a legal dispute from the auction company over) and was a runner. It had a new hood, new respray but a tatty interior. But most important of all, being a Californian import it has absolutely no rust save for a little in the footwell due to a leaky heater matrix.

Having bought it in April I was keen to get some use out of it during the summer months so I concentrated on the cosmetics first which involved getting the interior, wheels, brakes (unsafe despite MoT!) and suspension sorted. I also fitted a new carb' as the original's auto-choke was bypassed and it wasn't running particularly well. I also had the radiator refurbished as it had a lot of silt in it; in fact the heater selector valve was totally blocked solid with calcium and I'm not sure the previous owner used any antifreeze! This is probably why the selector cable to the heater was broken. I looked around everywhere trying to get a replacement which were very difficult to get hold of and expensive. In the end I went to a local piano repair shop and got a piece of piano wire which was a near perfect substitute and all for just a couple of pounds!

I've been hankering after a 124 for a few years after seeing some whilst living in Germany, so when this one popped up I couldn't resist. But when I started looking for spares and advice the name 'Guy Croft' kept cropping up. I wondered where in the world this chap lived and amazingly I found that he lives just 20 minutes up the road from me. I know many of you will be envious of a newbie to this forum like me, because I have already had a couple of tours around his workshop - in a word 'fascinating!' I even met Ian and his 'Lotus Lada' which is a beautifully finished car and I was even treated to a blast up the road in this beast! In case you are wondering, over the winter I am going to get GC to rebuild my engine so then it will be pretty much sorted!

Phil

The photos below are of my progress to date:
Before any mods, note the old wheels and high US spec' springs, side repeater light missing.
Before any mods, note the old wheels and high US spec' springs, side repeater light missing.
IMG_1040.JPG (121.51 KiB) Viewed 44260 times
The interior as it arrived, faded seats, torn door top, split dash top, tatty centre console and worn carpets.
The interior as it arrived, faded seats, torn door top, split dash top, tatty centre console and worn carpets.
IMG_1041.JPG (160.31 KiB) Viewed 44260 times
As it arrived.
As it arrived.
IMG_1042.JPG (182.09 KiB) Viewed 44260 times
Old carpet stripped, small amounts of rust in passenger footwell caused by blocked heater matrix.
Old carpet stripped, small amounts of rust in passenger footwell caused by blocked heater matrix.
IMG_1115.JPG (136.56 KiB) Viewed 44260 times
Original dash with dull instruments, dull wood and split top, but work started on the floor.
Original dash with dull instruments, dull wood and split top, but work started on the floor.
IMG_1119.JPG (138.08 KiB) Viewed 44260 times
Faded instruments.
Faded instruments.
IMG_1120.JPG (104.21 KiB) Viewed 44260 times
Rust killer and underseal added where needed.
Rust killer and underseal added where needed.
IMG_1116.JPG (148.81 KiB) Viewed 44260 times
Sound deadening added.
Sound deadening added.
IMG_1131.JPG (187.2 KiB) Viewed 44260 times
Carpet cut to shape and fitted, note new centre console.
Carpet cut to shape and fitted, note new centre console.
IMG_1148.JPG (148.07 KiB) Viewed 44260 times
New radio fitted. Speakers added under dash and mounted on MDF tube I made then cut at an angle and covered in vinyl. Tweeters still to be added later to lower edge of dash.
New radio fitted. Speakers added under dash and mounted on MDF tube I made then cut at an angle and covered in vinyl. Tweeters still to be added later to lower edge of dash.
IMG_1169.JPG (160.48 KiB) Viewed 44260 times
One of the front brakes after I'd refurbished them.
One of the front brakes after I'd refurbished them.
IMG_1184.JPG (137.68 KiB) Viewed 44260 times
Instruments cleaned, edges resprayed, new clock, wood sanded and re-lacquered.
Instruments cleaned, edges resprayed, new clock, wood sanded and re-lacquered.
IMG_1212.JPG (164.04 KiB) Viewed 44260 times
Cromodoro CD68 fitted with replica Arbath centre cap.
Cromodoro CD68 fitted with replica Arbath centre cap.
IMG_1435.JPG (167.74 KiB) Viewed 44260 times
The new look given by 'Euro height' springs (and shocks) plus the new wheels.
The new look given by 'Euro height' springs (and shocks) plus the new wheels.
IMG_1398.JPG (198.07 KiB) Viewed 44260 times
Outside the RAF College, Cranwell. I plan to 'pull in' the bumpers as I've decided against fitting the old style ones or removing them altogether.
Outside the RAF College, Cranwell. I plan to 'pull in' the bumpers as I've decided against fitting the old style ones or removing them altogether.
IMG_1432.JPG (142.57 KiB) Viewed 44260 times
Attachments
Seats resprayed with vinyl dye. Looks fantastic but never dried properly and despite the claims, dye comes off on clothing! Being reupholstered this winter.
Seats resprayed with vinyl dye. Looks fantastic but never dried properly and despite the claims, dye comes off on clothing! Being reupholstered this winter.
IMG_1154.jpg (94.96 KiB) Viewed 44260 times
Finished interior; steering wheel spokes repainted, new leather gearshift gaiter, tweeters visible on each side of lower dash.
Finished interior; steering wheel spokes repainted, new leather gearshift gaiter, tweeters visible on each side of lower dash.
IMG_1195.JPG (161.9 KiB) Viewed 44260 times
Not much done here save for fitting a Weber 32/36 DGV and filter as the original carb had no working choke.
Not much done here save for fitting a Weber 32/36 DGV and filter as the original carb had no working choke.
IMG_1501.JPG (176.07 KiB) Viewed 44260 times
GC-05
'If you think experts are expensive, you should try amateurs!'

A redline run my GC's engine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80nEhsJbH2w
PumaPhil
Posts: 71
Joined: April 22nd, 2013, 5:18 pm
Location: Lincolnshire, UK
Contact:

Re: 1977 124 Spider CS1 - Lincolnshire UK

Post by PumaPhil »

Spraying Vinyl Dye on the seats was a complete waste of time and money as it always remained slightly sticky to the point that I had to cover the seats with towels or risk becoming attached to the seats!

So I went to my local upholsterers and he did an excellent job using a quality cinnamon colour vinyl with chocolate piping. Unfortunately the autumn sun doesn't make the best image but I think they look great when seen for real. I'm very happy with the results...
Seats1.JPG
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Seats2.JPG
Seats2.JPG (122.76 KiB) Viewed 44065 times
GC-05
'If you think experts are expensive, you should try amateurs!'

A redline run my GC's engine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80nEhsJbH2w
Guy Croft
Site Admin
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Re: 1977 124 Spider CS1 - Lincolnshire UK

Post by Guy Croft »

things coming together for Phil's new (2 liter) engine...

GC
Attachments
part-complete head with partial gasflow, race guides and seats..
part-complete head with partial gasflow, race guides and seats..
IMG_8903.JPG (113.7 KiB) Viewed 44063 times
block bored and faced, deburred and ready for painting
block bored and faced, deburred and ready for painting
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scrupulously cleaned many times over..
scrupulously cleaned many times over..
PG (1).JPG (125.64 KiB) Viewed 44063 times
plugged and painted, Phil's at right, at left same thing for Andy Patten's full race 2 liter 8v unit..
plugged and painted, Phil's at right, at left same thing for Andy Patten's full race 2 liter 8v unit..
PG_paintedblock.JPG (730.59 KiB) Viewed 44063 times
Guy Croft, owner
PumaPhil
Posts: 71
Joined: April 22nd, 2013, 5:18 pm
Location: Lincolnshire, UK
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Re: 1977 124 Spider CS1 - Lincolnshire UK

Post by PumaPhil »

It's looking awesome Guy! You in work this Saturday? I need to see it in the flesh again, mind you thinking about the finished product is not helping me sleep!
GC-05
'If you think experts are expensive, you should try amateurs!'

A redline run my GC's engine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80nEhsJbH2w
Guy Croft
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Re: 1977 124 Spider CS1 - Lincolnshire UK

Post by Guy Croft »

yup

G
Guy Croft, owner
Guy Croft
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Re: 1977 124 Spider CS1 - Lincolnshire UK

Post by Guy Croft »

selective-honing guides to a good used (overhauled) set of 42.mm/36mm valves and some threading for Helicoils in plug holes...


GC
Attachments
PG_guides in and Helicoils (5).JPG
PG_guides in and Helicoils (5).JPG (647.85 KiB) Viewed 44032 times
PG_guides in and Helicoils (4).JPG
PG_guides in and Helicoils (4).JPG (643.43 KiB) Viewed 44032 times
PG_guides in and Helicoils (2).JPG
PG_guides in and Helicoils (2).JPG (613.55 KiB) Viewed 44032 times
plug sealing faces polished-up...
plug sealing faces polished-up...
PG_guides in and Helicoils (1).JPG (135.26 KiB) Viewed 44032 times
Guy Croft, owner
andy wright
Posts: 38
Joined: September 6th, 2010, 4:43 pm
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Re: 1977 124 Spider CS1 - Lincolnshire UK

Post by andy wright »

Morning,
Lovely car and the work you have done on it has improved it no end. Once you have the GC engine the car will be an absolute winner.
Andy
GC_20
PumaPhil
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Joined: April 22nd, 2013, 5:18 pm
Location: Lincolnshire, UK
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Re: 1977 124 Spider CS1 - Lincolnshire UK

Post by PumaPhil »

Looking good after previously it was black and grubby.
Attachments
Engine bay after respray
Engine bay after respray
IMG_2193.JPG (604.7 KiB) Viewed 43967 times
GC-05
'If you think experts are expensive, you should try amateurs!'

A redline run my GC's engine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80nEhsJbH2w
PumaPhil
Posts: 71
Joined: April 22nd, 2013, 5:18 pm
Location: Lincolnshire, UK
Contact:

Re: 1977 124 Spider CS1 - Lincolnshire UK

Post by PumaPhil »

Work done to engine bay and brakes. The brakes are from a modern Fiat 100 1.4 yet the only ones which fit the adaptor bracket Allison's Automotive are US spec' ones.
Attachments
Lower edge repaired which was previously distorted inside.
Lower edge repaired which was previously distorted inside.
IMG_2255.JPG (432.71 KiB) Viewed 43966 times
Oil cooler in position.
Oil cooler in position.
IMG_2272.JPG (379.02 KiB) Viewed 43966 times
Modern Fiat 500 1.4 brakes with an adaptor bracket from Allison's Automotive.
Modern Fiat 500 1.4 brakes with an adaptor bracket from Allison's Automotive.
IMG_2371.JPG (358.5 KiB) Viewed 43966 times
IMG_2375.JPG
IMG_2375.JPG (356.22 KiB) Viewed 43966 times
New alloy radiator in position. Provides approx 30% better cooling due to alloy construction and flutes on cooling fins.
New alloy radiator in position. Provides approx 30% better cooling due to alloy construction and flutes on cooling fins.
IMG_2215.JPG (352.54 KiB) Viewed 43966 times
GC-05
'If you think experts are expensive, you should try amateurs!'

A redline run my GC's engine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80nEhsJbH2w
PumaPhil
Posts: 71
Joined: April 22nd, 2013, 5:18 pm
Location: Lincolnshire, UK
Contact:

Re: 1977 124 Spider CS1 - Lincolnshire UK

Post by PumaPhil »

IMG_1980.jpg
IMG_1980.jpg (474.15 KiB) Viewed 43966 times
More pictures of work Guy did recently to the 2.0L engine.
Apologies that some pictures are not in the correct order.
Attachments
IMG_1983.JPG
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IMG_2382.JPG
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And one showing the 3 angle cut on the valve seat.
And one showing the 3 angle cut on the valve seat.
IMG_1857.JPG (318.81 KiB) Viewed 43966 times
GC-05
'If you think experts are expensive, you should try amateurs!'

A redline run my GC's engine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80nEhsJbH2w
PumaPhil
Posts: 71
Joined: April 22nd, 2013, 5:18 pm
Location: Lincolnshire, UK
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Re: 1977 124 Spider CS1 - Lincolnshire UK

Post by PumaPhil »

And a couple mores pics...
Attachments
IMG_2417.JPG
IMG_2417.JPG (279.01 KiB) Viewed 44723 times
Lovely race spec' rods and pistons.
Lovely race spec' rods and pistons.
IMG_2438.JPG (133.45 KiB) Viewed 44723 times
GC-05
'If you think experts are expensive, you should try amateurs!'

A redline run my GC's engine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80nEhsJbH2w
PumaPhil
Posts: 71
Joined: April 22nd, 2013, 5:18 pm
Location: Lincolnshire, UK
Contact:

Re: 1977 124 Spider CS1 - Lincolnshire UK

Post by PumaPhil »

More Pics...
Red plasticine used to check valve clearances
Red plasticine used to check valve clearances
IMG_2418.JPG (611.26 KiB) Viewed 44672 times
Attachments
Preparing to bench run
Preparing to bench run
IMG_2510.JPG (207.02 KiB) Viewed 44672 times
Making a bracket for the alternator as on the 1800 it's on left so now this 2.0 has it on right.
Making a bracket for the alternator as on the 1800 it's on left so now this 2.0 has it on right.
IMG_2538.JPG (134.25 KiB) Viewed 44672 times
Neat job by GC moving alternator
Neat job by GC moving alternator
IMG_2545.JPG (140.76 KiB) Viewed 44672 times
GC prepping engine for a run
GC prepping engine for a run
IMG_2541.JPG (260 KiB) Viewed 44672 times
Looking good
Looking good
IMG_2557.jpg (364 KiB) Viewed 44672 times
IMG_2558.jpg
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All engines with much higher compression and all virtually identical readings
All engines with much higher compression and all virtually identical readings
IMG_2533.JPG (110.08 KiB) Viewed 44672 times
It runs very sweetly! (the engine not GC!)
It runs very sweetly! (the engine not GC!)
IMG_2550.JPG (227.44 KiB) Viewed 44672 times
Prepping to crate up to take to Wellingore Garage
Prepping to crate up to take to Wellingore Garage
IMG_2591.JPG (172.58 KiB) Viewed 44672 times
In place - looking great!
In place - looking great!
IMG_2688.JPG (347.71 KiB) Viewed 44672 times
The single TC Weber should be plenty powerful enough, plus easier to set up and better MPG than twin 40s
The single TC Weber should be plenty powerful enough, plus easier to set up and better MPG than twin 40s
IMG_2690.JPG (379.49 KiB) Viewed 44672 times
Just needs an exhaust now...
Just needs an exhaust now...
IMG_2689.JPG (353.75 KiB) Viewed 44672 times
Look at the magic that Lance from OJZ Engineering has created!
Look at the magic that Lance from OJZ Engineering has created!
PG 2 liter Spider (2).JPG (233.49 KiB) Viewed 44672 times
Check out the quality of the welds.  The added length should greatly improve throttle response apparently.
Check out the quality of the welds. The added length should greatly improve throttle response apparently.
IMG_2729.JPG (330.04 KiB) Viewed 44672 times
Just a few jobs to do and it'll be on the road!
Just a few jobs to do and it'll be on the road!
PG 2 liter Spider (6).JPG (246.64 KiB) Viewed 44672 times
'4 into 1' with nicely constructed sleeves and no bolted joints.
'4 into 1' with nicely constructed sleeves and no bolted joints.
IMG_2732.JPG (312.34 KiB) Viewed 44672 times
Slightly different routing as this pipe is too big to go through the normal gap and would have hit the steering linkage. Note the beautifully resolved support.
Slightly different routing as this pipe is too big to go through the normal gap and would have hit the steering linkage. Note the beautifully resolved support.
IMG_2728.JPG (328.64 KiB) Viewed 44672 times
Centre box neatly fits under heat shield.
Centre box neatly fits under heat shield.
IMG_2726.JPG (294.33 KiB) Viewed 44672 times
Looking at the back box. I wanted 2 silencers as I didn't want it to sound like a race car, after all it's a beautiful sports/GT car and would have been out of keeping.
Looking at the back box. I wanted 2 silencers as I didn't want it to sound like a race car, after all it's a beautiful sports/GT car and would have been out of keeping.
IMG_2727.JPG (309.35 KiB) Viewed 44672 times
Last edited by PumaPhil on May 25th, 2014, 11:51 am, edited 1 time in total.
GC-05
'If you think experts are expensive, you should try amateurs!'

A redline run my GC's engine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80nEhsJbH2w
PumaPhil
Posts: 71
Joined: April 22nd, 2013, 5:18 pm
Location: Lincolnshire, UK
Contact:

Re: 1977 124 Spider CS1 - Lincolnshire UK

Post by PumaPhil »

Underside will be sprayed with black stone-chip paint and waxoyl in a week or so which will finish off the underside nicely. I can then get it on the road!
In the winter I plan to drop the rear axle, paint it and refurb the diff' as there is a bit of play. I will also put in polymer bushes in the rear links to match the work I did to the front suspension.
GC-05
'If you think experts are expensive, you should try amateurs!'

A redline run my GC's engine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80nEhsJbH2w
Will01
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Joined: November 26th, 2012, 3:50 pm
Location: Dumfries, Scotland
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Re: 1977 124 Spider CS1 - Lincolnshire UK

Post by Will01 »

Absolutely fantastic. Looks great and is going to sound great & drive very nicely with that new engine
GC_21
PumaPhil
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Joined: April 22nd, 2013, 5:18 pm
Location: Lincolnshire, UK
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Re: 1977 124 Spider CS1 - Lincolnshire UK

Post by PumaPhil »

Thanks Will01, I'll certainly report how it goes, I can't wait to hear how it sounds myself! I'm hoping it doesn't sound too booming but more in keeping with character of the car. But it seems that Lance from OJZ engineering knows his stuff, and he agreed that 2 silencers would suit it best.
Last edited by PumaPhil on June 15th, 2014, 12:14 am, edited 1 time in total.
GC-05
'If you think experts are expensive, you should try amateurs!'

A redline run my GC's engine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80nEhsJbH2w
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