78 Lancia Beta, buy or not to buy?

[jetboy]

So I am thinking of buying a 78 Lancia Beta, poor guy has been trying to install the needed air pump to pass smog in california - and its driven him to the point of selling. I plan to rip the air pump out and take her to Oregon - land of the free.

just wondered if anyone had any advice on what to check as particular to this car - it does have some problematic exterior rust ( sills, rockers and floors are all good), and I have heard that the steel used was inferior in these cars. I am thinking a little surface rust might be going a long way to really putting holes in the car..

the big thing: does anyone have a good source of parts for late 70s Lancias? this one needs a new windshield, possibly some brake work, and a replacement panel for the rear passenger side. my big worry is that I get this car and i'll never be able to fix it do to lack of parts in the USA.

thanks for any help

-j

[Alfisto Steve]

Been there done that no longer have the t-shirt but I think you would be happier with fuel injected 81 model. However that being said if it is a 78 it should have a real dual throat weber with both throats same size and good flowing intake manifold. Beware of the 79 with primary and secondary style carb and more vacumn valves/hoses than you can imagine.

There are parts sources out there such as:

in CA - http://we.got.net/~fiatplus Chris Orbert 800-500-3428
in GA - www.baylessfiat.com Art and Susan Bayless
in NJ - http://www.fiatparts.com Bruce's Parts Bin

Club website www.flu.org Fiat Lancia Unlimited

Club prez John has a Euro spec 82 Lancia HPE for sale. Car was a friend of mine before John bought it from him.

Lancia club - http://americanlanciaclub.org/