Listerbell/Corse in California

Well, after 2.5 years (can that be considered average?), took my Listerbell bodied Corse for it's first drive yesterday - a 10 mile round trip for a police inspection (part of registration process). Couldn't be more pleased - nothing blew up, overheated or fell off - my heart was in my mouth setting out for the first time, but car handled beautifully and heart rate soon eased off. Didn't exceed 40-45mph though, so time will tell if all is really ok - I'll do a thorough nut & bolt check at the weekend before venturing out again. Headroom was always a concern of mine, but when actually driving, I seemed to settle in just fine with no issues (with helmet will still be tight though). Lots of strange looks and headscratching - the inspection officer had no idea what it was - 90% of kitcars here are Cobras, although he did mention he sees a few Nobles from time to time.
Not a surprise really but it's quite noisy inside - I have no insulation at all, so will need to get used to what's normal and what's not - some strange squeeks from the suspension for example.
Rear visibility, even with my side mirrors, is truly horrible - again I presume I'll get used to it, but think I'll look into a rear-view camera such as Craig was advertising recently. Here, in a world of large SUV's and pickups with multiple lanes, I need all the help I can get to avoid being run off the road!
I can also see heat being an issue in the cabin - it was already a hot day and with no insulation on my center tunnel water pipes, heat was building up pretty quickly inside - AC is going to be essential here in California.
Still have a list of things to do (and always will, I suspect), but at least I've reached a point where I can use the car and work on it at the same time - for me there came a point where I just wanted it to be on the road.
I'll post some better photos over time - still need to fit my coffin spoke wheels and color scheme (Alitalia) along with various other details both internal and external
Thanks so much for everyones help in getting this far - it's a great community with a lot to offer everyone, even more so for members as distant as myself with no local support/knowledge to help on the journey of what was a challenging build for me.



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Well done Paul, your car looks fab :-) You must be really pleased..

The answer to the rear view (lack of) is just to keep going faster than anybody else. It's quite easy in these cars! :D

Well done Paul, I bet you've got a grin from ear to ear now, and it dont go away, just Smile & Wave.:cool::cool::cool:

Well done Paul........... Car is looking great. Good to get the car on the road and enjoy it and then make all the enhancements over time. Are these ever finished..................... I don't think so,

Well done Paul,
it looks great
and you can still sure this cars will be never finished
about the heat in the cabin an air vent on the roof helps!
enjoy it Enzo

WOW, it sure has changed since the last time I saw it. Are you still going to get it wrapped??

Awesome, Congratulations Paul. Looks great.

That's the plan - vinyl for the large Alitalia red/green sections. Then I have a full set of decals that I bought from Nico a while back for all the smaller sections and sponsor logos, etc. I did notice someone commenting about vinyl peeling off the front grill though and am concerned about that - it does get really hot. Maybe try it first with paint as a backup solution. Biggest problem is going to be finding a place I can trust that isn't going to charge an arm and a leg whereas there are lots of good paint shops near me (that do all the crazy hot-rod paint jobs!), but they're not cheap either.

I fitted the roof vent housing and grill, but was nervous about drilling the big holes to leave the air in, so will wait until I pluck up some more courage! I'm always in fear of making a mistake. Anyway, it's going to be 40degC here this weekend, so maybe that'll force me to do it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fiat 131 Abarth#2

Well done Paul,
it looks great
and you can still sure this cars will be never finished
about the heat in the cabin an air vent on the roof helps!
enjoy it Enzo

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