Amazing how some panels come primered in this sandy colour, the rest were black. Can only assume that panels used to come in sand primer - this rear quarter was bought 2nd hand but unused and probably has been lying around in a store for years. All the other panels have been purchased in the last 12 months or so and turned up painted matt black. Not that it all makes a great deal of difference as the whole car (inside and out) is to be resprayed now I have settled on a colour for more than a few minutes. So far, it has been (in my imagination) black, emerald green, pale green, silver, rainbow striped (really!), but will finally be a standard Lancia colour - Giallo Tropicalo - even if it is only used on the Ypsilon Elephantino Blu. Hopefully I will find a colour to do the interior that does not clash.
So what's next? The smart ones among you will note that the front has not been fitted and the windscreen is still out. At first I was going to leave the front panels off until the engine went back in, but then came plan B. My engine has been sold to my good buddy Peter D along with the suspension and my oh-so-lovely 4-pot front brakes. This was all fitted to his Y10 Turbo at the beginning of February, leaving enough time for his car to be ready with all teething problems ironed out in time for Goodwood.
So where does that leave me - no engine, suspension and brakes. Why would I do such a thing?
Plan B is the really scary one. Hope it works cos a shit load of work is involved. I am putting my trust into Burnham Autos, a bunch of guys from Kent who are more used to building American Kustoms. Had a chat with them and they told me they could do anything!
I visited them back in September 1998, took along Peter D and his Y10, and Peter's dad Norbert with his newly acquired Delta Integrale Evo. Basically I said I want all the bits from that (pointing at the Evo) put in one of them (pointing at the Y10). They didn't laugh - everyone else I know has! They got their rulers out, did tons of measuring and pronounced the job 'a go'.
The job is on. A suitable car has been sourced - thanks Andreas - it's only an 8v Integrale but it will do. The 'grale was delivered to Kent on 11 January to be dismantled (anyone need body panels/interior etc.), the Y10 was taken over the following Saturday. Anyone's guess how long it will take to get the car up and running. I was hoping for the end of March 1999 - the Lancia Motor Club usually have a track day at Goodwood circuit at the end of March - but this all blew up when I found the Goodwood day was earlier this year - 6th March, so no point worrying about that. A lot of work needs doing, a lot of money needs finding!
The next instalment will show how to upset the Integrale fans - let's see one being chopped up!.
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