What a day! Got a 1600 HC

[MattHC1600SL]

Please change the Cambelt before you try to run it if its sat for 10 years, while the cambelt is off make sure the cam will turn ok, Ive known them seize. Sounds like it will be a nice little car, ive got a 1971 1600 HC myself. If you need any help, let me know. Incidently, if you find there is a flat spot when its up and running, this is a normal 1600 thing, but there is a cure. Let me know and I will explain all! Matt.

[mazzo]

Thanks Matt. I will check it out. I have every intention of squirting some oil down the barrels and letting it soak through.

Hoses are a bit poor, so will be on the hunt today for some of those - and a cambelt. Big thing will be the MOT. Having sat under a tarp for the last 10 years may have saved the top, but the underneath needs a good wire brush. Fortunately it looks quite clean and solid (so far!) Just need to fibreglass the bottom of both front wings down at the bottom near the sill. Both quite rotten and in need of work. Sills are solid though.

I know you've got your 1600 - I sent you the fuel cap for your other one and we met (finally) at Billing!

I am interested in the flat spot though. I have had a number of 1800's before but never a 1600, so there will be a little bit of a learning curve.

[AUTOMAN]

It's great to hear that I am not the only happy person at the moment, If my wife moans about the money that I have spent on my cars, now at least I have a come-back line which is my car cost a lot less than yours dear. Lol..lol..lol..

I look forward to seeing your car and hope that it brings you lots of joy.

Ian.
AUTOMAN.

[MattHC1600SL]

Oh yeah sorry confusing names again! Sorry mate. Terrible with names. If you still have the original Zenith carb on there sorting the flat spot is easy, I can send you some stuff. Cambelts are the same as all OHC's, they are easy to get, ive got a few here if your stuck. Hoses are a bit more difficult, ive found some proper ones for mine now, but before I used a cut down Chevette 1300 bottom hose and a Peugeot 309 1300 top hose. They fit fairly well believe it or not. Matt.

[mazzo]

Cheers Matt. Good advice on the hoses. I called my local factor today about the cambelt. Quite funny. I heard the lad ask the boss "This bloke wants a cambelt for a Viva" and his boss said very matter-of-fact "They don't have belts they have a timing chain!", which he duly repeated to me. I then told him that some of them do, etc, to which he then told his boss. It all went quiet for a while. They are trying to source one, so I'll hang tight. Last time they worked wonders for me for some other Viva stuff.

If I get stuck on the belt, I'll let you know. As for hoses, are they all the same on the OHC's? Maybe if I ask him for a 2300 or 1800 he might find one easier.

I would be interested in the info on the flat spot. If you've still got my email address, drop me the info.

Cheers

Maz

[MattHC1600SL]

I thought the 1600 / 2000 hoses were the same shape but smaller diameter then the 1800 / 2300 ones, but I could well be wrong. The cambelts I have have got a Unipart number of GTB1023 if thats any help. Will find you some stuff about the flat spot cure. Matt.

[mazzo]

Yes that does help. Thanks

[cossieviva]

mazz if you want quint&hazel belts the number is qtb 120

[cossieviva]

matt iv just found a brand new pair of hoses for the 1600 hc giz a ring if interested big john [fat knacker ice creams billing]

[AUTOMAN]

Hi again,

There is a motor factor near me that will source a lot of rare items, If you have problems getting things, drop me an e-mail and I will ring them for you. I have a sort of trade price understanding, so it could be worth a try.

Ian,
Partco.