More teardown - Part IV

The front chairs still had to be removed. And surprising only one bolt had to be grinded. As might be known the chairs are apparently coming from a BMW, I'm not sure which model/type/year. They have been mounted fairly easy, just drilled a hole and screwed. By the looks of it the passenger seat has an extra piece of mounting material welded onto it.

 Yes, the drivers floor panel is  gone.

But the floor panel of the passenger side needs replacement as well ... Oh well. Clearly the carpet has been acting as a sponge and caused the rotting process. 

Here a few more pictures of the bespoke mounting plates used for the chairs:

Belts, not sure yet which brand; Chrysler or BMW? - likely Chrysler

 Armchair

By the looks of it only the drivers seat is equipped with electric control:

Scenery moment:

More dismantling updates tomorrow ...

New Wheels!

It's weekend so Jos is on the ball again. Or should I say; on the wheel again. Earlier this week he had brought the "new" wheels to the car shop. Along he brought his used Fiat Dino tyres. These are period correct Michelin XWX tyres, very cool. We don't have any intention to drive it (well, that's going to be a long breath) but at least it makes the care moveable again. Doesn't it look great:

I'm pretty sure it will give the car a better look. So here goes:

Just for the records, the rims that came off did not had any further marking (ie Wolf Race). I believe Jos mentioned it had made in the USA on them. And two different tyres were used. One pair of Michelin XWX and one pair Pirelli Centurato CN36. Interestingly this latter pair was used on the show model in Geneva 1977, see blog:

http://monteverdisierra.blogspot.nl/2018/04/press-kit-monteverdi-sierra-pirelli.html

Update 22-4-2018: Jos checked further and apparently the production date of the tyre is the 4th week of 1976. How's that!? 

So it's very likely this is an Original tyre that was delivered with the car when new. Given the low mileage of the car I'm convined this is the case. Since this type of tyre was used on the show car and all the other things we now noticed with dismantling the car we strongly believe our car is one of the first prototype / show car. 

Magazine Sport Auto Nr 9 September 1977 - Markenpörtret : Monteverdi

And another nice German article. Now available in the download folder.

And some nice additional pictures. The interior is clearly the one of the test model since it's having the odd radio location and the 375 gearlever and bezel. But it's also missing the 4th gauge (actually that's a clock in newer models), next to the other 3.

But even more strange, the color of this car. And by the looks of it, it does have these 3 ornaments (air vents) on the C-pillar. Which I have only seen on the brown/golden version. This one does look silver-ish though.

Brochure 50 Years Monteverdi

I catched this 50th Anniversary brochure. I suspect it's a rare item hence I purchased it. Besides it does cover the Sierra as well. Actually quite an interesting and good overview with supporting photo's. It's now available in the download folder.

Or alternatively check this link: http://www.auto-pub.net/page_Monteverdi_hist.htm

Magazine : Sport Auto Avril 1977 - Autosalon Geneva

Just a tiny article with reference to the Monteverdi Sierra. Interesting to see a Willy Felber creation as well. Another Swiss automobile builder based on existing models. See German Wikipedia: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felber_Automobiles

Moment of truth!

Now the ignition and basic electrics seems to be mostly working we can make an attempt to start the engine. I was very curious to hear the results and hoping the engine was running free.

Jos was thinking to have all leads to be replaced. Previously he had already checked all fluids which looked ok. Also the sparks had been taken out which all looked okay. While out he soaked the piston chamber a little with WD40.

The spark plugs look good too, no corrossion visual (unlike the rest of the car)

I was pleasantly surpised by the very nice condtion of the distibutor cap

And the same for the rotor, I guess only a new gasket is required ;-)

So it was decided not to touch/replace any cabling and simple see what would happen. So here goes:

OH Yeah! It's running free. Obviously the engine would not start but again it all does look promising though. Keep that positive vibe!

When further attempts were made it became harder to get the engine spinning/turning. So the belts for the airco pump / alternator / powersteering will be cut and as such avoid further tension/power loss. To be continued.

And there was light!

Jos is back after being away for 2 weeks. Meaning he can continue to work on the car. And that's what  he did this weekend. One of the key items (pun intended) was to sort out the ignition / steering lock.

For this I looked up some repairguides to see how this was mounted, Always useful to have a reference:

https://www.autozone.com/repairguides/Dodge-Aspen-Volare-1976-1980-Repair-Guide/Steering/Steering-Wheel/_/P-0900c15280087c36

https://www.autozone.com/repairguides/Dodge-Aspen-Volare-1976-1980-Repair-Guide/Steering/Ignition-Switch-and-or-Ignition-Lock-Cylinder/_/P-0900c15280087c46

Starting with the removal of the steering wheel which is remarkably in a very good condition. The brand is called "Personal" which is made in Italy. I have to admit this brand was unknown to me. It appears this is now a combined brand with Nardi. See their website: www.nardi-personal.com/
And we did happen to have visited Nardi last year with the IHWC gang. Interesting to see that the "Personal" logo just as the Monteverdi logo is using a crown.

The leather of the steering wheel is now treated well and the wheel is put in storage. And temporary a different steering wheel has been mounted. Apparently Jos has a stock I'm not aware off.

Again an interesting view on how the horn wiring has been put together:

Further dismantling resulted in getting the lock/cylinder removed. Meaning no more steering lock and being able to start the ignition. Yes.

Hooking up the battery and there was light:

Remarkably it was functioning after being unused after 30 years in the outside. Next the blinking lights were tested. And to my surprise these were functioning too, how cool is that:

I like the slow blinking and I suppose this is/was standard in the USA. Older European cars, pre-seventies do have this as well.

And while we are at it, also the power controlled windows were tested. Note this was an optional feature on this car.

Only the passenger side was working and needed a little help. I suspect the drivers side has got a stuck motor or else a wiring/relais issue. But still I consider this very promising results. Keep that postive vibe!