my new integrale

[Kevinlincs]

The suspension parts I'd previously refurbished, some powder coated again for protection.

[Kevinlincs]

All the driveshafts got new CV boots, all 8 of them!
9 if you count the one at the propshaft end...

[Kevinlincs]

When I cleaned up the propshaft which was covered in old underseal, grease and general grime from its' 30 years use I found what I guess to be the original date stencilling from 17th June 1989, glad I didn't get it blasted and painted.

[Kevinlincs]

Radiator was recored by a local company, I do like to use local smaller companies when I can rather than faceless multi outlet companies, you get a better service and it keeps them going so they are still there when you need them.

The fan cowling I'd had blasted and powder coated some time back, the fan got a clean up and some heat proof paint on the heat shield.

[Kevinlincs]

Intercooler cowling was in reasonable order with minimal repairs needed considering how much abuse it gets from it's vulnerable position, hopefully the paint will keep it right for a good few years to come.

[Kevinlincs]

Water radiator, oil cooler with cleaned and painted pipes plus intercooler in place, starting to look like a car now.

[Kevinlincs]

The rest of the refit went fairly easily, but got more and more cramped as the bits went in.
The power steering pipes were particularly troublesome as I replaced with new instead of using 30+ year old soft stuff for the low pressure side, the oil resistant stuff in the correct size was so resistant to going around corners I had to use some 90deg elbows instead of trying to turn tightly.

I'd found a new middle & rear exhaust online so with the front pipe in decent enough shape I used them, I have had a few cars that I've had stainless systems made up for which I may well do in the future, nothing too moisy though mainly just for length of life!

[Kevinlincs]

Once everything was connected up and the oil primed I set about trying to start the engine.

Couldn't initially get a spark so much checking of wiring diagrams so I could trace each wire for conductivity, somewhere within the loom the wire from the coil/ignition amplifier back to the ECU in the car had lost its' feed. I couldn't face taking the loom out as that would be a real task so simply ran a new wire.
Once done the car started pretty much instantly.

[Kevinlincs]

With the engine now a runner I could finally fit the wings, I'd left them off up to now to save damaging them by leaning into the engine bay.

Bumper & bonnet with lights and grille took the car onto looking much more complete, pink in the pictures from the camera 'phone isn't a realistic representation of the red!

[Kevinlincs]

The repaired and painted inner wings got some treatment for under the liners rather than leave bare, I need to help the car stay solid as much as possible!

[Kevinlincs]

Particular attention went into protection for inside the doors as they get the rainwater coming past the seals, also vital to make sure the drain holes in the door bottoms aren't blocked or the water can't get out.

[Kevinlincs]

When refitting the plastic liner between door and doorcard it is important to make sure the bottom edges are tucked inside the openings so any water runs back inside the door rather than against the doorcard.

[Kevinlincs]

Nice to finally get the door cards back onto the car

[Kevinlincs]

The carpet is back in too, as you've no doubt spotted!

Seats are in great shape despite the age and mileage, being protected for all their life under thick seat covers has stopped the side bolsters from wearing thin.

[Kevinlincs]

The horrible roof lining was about the last task that I wasn't looking forward to, trimming is far from my speciality!

But there was no way this could go back in the car...