Build Thread for La Bambina Azzura.

Well the full brake upgrade is on the books for this weekend but I have finalized the body conversion. All CAD'd up and ready to start 3D printing the frames and start had shaping the pieces. My Design will keep the rear trunk functional but remove the engine cover with the new bits. Will all be done in carbon fiber all but the horizontal slats of the louvers will be done in dark smoked plexi.

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A bit more progress on the X. Upgrading the Brakes, Will have replaced just about everything short of the reservoirs.

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Bobkat said:
Will have replaced just about everything short of the reservoirs.
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Actually you might want to consider replacing the reservoirs also (no joke). They tend to get very brittle and crack, leaking fluid on the paint and leaving the system empty. There are a couple options if you decide to.
 
Dr.Jeff said:
Actually you might want to consider replacing the reservoirs also (no joke). They tend to get very brittle and crack, leaking fluid on the paint and leaving the system empty. There are a couple options if you decide to.
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Mine are in very good shape, thoroughly inspected them and pressure tested them with a mighty vac. But what are the options?
 
Sounds like yours may have been replaced at some point.

The single reservoir for the clutch is available from a few vendors. They are very inexpensive from some European sources (one example below). But the original dual type reservoir for the brakes is a bit harder to find. You can get them from a couple of European vendors, for a price. Or you can use a dual reservoir one from a BMW (will have to look back at that thread to remember what model BMW it is). Or you can use two of the single reservoirs for the brakes, plus another one for the clutch. There have also been reports of using some universal ones from some of the brake specialists.

https://ladapower.com/catalog/niva-1600/clutch/lada-niva-clutch-reservoir-bottle-detail
 
These look like the originals, and judging by the clamps and hoses, have not been changed. I am finding all the wiring, connectors and rubber bits on this x are in really well preserved shape.

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Despite the fact many owners had to change them and they are NLA, my 1980 and 1987 x19s are still doing fine with the original brake fluid reservoirs. Yours are looking fine. I don't see why you should change them. I agree with you and Karl.
 
No visible reason to change them - mine had many visible striations throughout the underside where fluid would seep out. No reason to replace them if the structure shows no sign of beign compromised.
 
A bit more wiring to clean up and the new interior can go back in. Since am using the lighter hole for a push to start a little more German engineering made it into the X. I make heavy iron mk1 gti shift knobs so will be using one here.

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New interior (updated) is back in and all there new electrical bits working. Fav mod yet for an x is the door pulls. I never could seem to be able to grab tat thing. Seat will need to be modified to work. Too much cushion, so I will have to cut down the foam and reshape the bottom section.

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Looks great, very tasteful in a Italian meets German way.

I have always liked the 1979 window winder circle, it made so much sense.

Really nice work. Thanks for the great pictures.
 
The armrest in the center tunnel fits much better than I would have imagined. I've been considering if I wanted to add one, so this is encouraging. Maybe you wouldn't mind sharing the basic dimensions of yours?

And I've always been a huge fan of two tone interiors. I'll never forget the first time I saw the (then new) BMW 750IL special edition with two tone grey leather. Simply georgeous.
 
Dr.Jeff said:
The armrest in the center tunnel fits much better than I would have imagined. I've been considering if I wanted to add one, so this is encouraging. Maybe you wouldn't mind sharing the basic dimensions of yours?

And I've always been a huge fan of two tone interiors. I'll never forget the first time I saw the (then new) BMW 750IL special edition with two tone grey leather. Simply georgeous.
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will do. It fits perfectly and is the right height with the fiat shifter. I think I will go with a lower one once the swap is done and it will have a short shifted VAG cable shifter.
 
In regards to the door pulls, I learned a long time ago to reach across with my right hand (when in the drivers seat though I don't think I have ever ridden in anyones late model X).

This also puts me in the right physical attitude to look to the left rear before opening the door.

A nice mod in any case.
 
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