The X1/9 Gets a Set of Momo Vegas

It's no secret that I love Momo Vega wheels! In fact, it's such a not-secret that Hobart-based purveyor of Italian car parts Norm recently offered me four, having learned of my not even slightly disguised appetite for them whilst reading an UMPH article showcasing an Alfa Spider wearing a set. How could I say no?!

https://uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com/2022/06/from-canberra-correspondent-alfa-spider.html

Is there a '70s or '80s Italian car that Vegas don't suit? (Hint: No!) They are to Fiats - especially the X1/9 - and to Alfa 105 coupes and Alfettas what Minilites and Superlites, and the the wheels that they inspired - Panasports, RS Watanabes or other clones - are to '60s and '70s British and Japanese cars.

A grubby but otherwise sexy A-F Galant wearing Rota brand Superlite replicas.

I received a lot of advice regarding suitable tyres sizes from the very knowledgeable members of the Australian X1/9s Facebook group, especially with regards to clearance issues caused by my front coilovers. Scotty, who manages Hobart's Sparco Tyres (https://www.sparcotas.com.au/ / (03) 6234 8099), was also super helpful, suggesting options for rubber and ordering in a set for trial fitment without any obligation for me to buy them.

Scotty's suggestion - a set of 185/55/R14 Nankang Econex NA-1s - fit beautifully and, so far, are providing plenty of grip with minimal sidewall flex (not yet driven in the wet, though). Nearly as importantly, they don't rub on the coilovers, nor do they grate against the inside of the mudguards or catch on their leading edges, as did the 50/195/R15 Hankook Ventuses that were previously fitted. It was only when these issues were resolved that I realised how much they had been poxing me off!

As you can see - and hopefully agree - the tyres look good on the Vegas which, in turn, look fabulous on the car. The sidewalls are nicely filled out while the 55 aspect looks low without being ridiculous, helping to keep the X’s stance purposeful. The new tyres' diameter isn't too far off that of the popular early fitment 165/70/R13s and 175/70/R13s, although I’ve been credibly informed that the original rubber was actually 145SR13*/** when the Series 1 X1/9 came to market (my informant even provided a photo from a Series 1 handbook by way of corroboration!). It might therefore be smart for me to check my indicated dashboard speed against a GPS to save myself a speeding ticket!

* I’ve never heard of the “SR” speed rating before but I’m told that this equates to 78 or 80 profile tyres rated to 180 km/h.

** Further info suggests that a higher speed rating of “HR” - suitable for speeds between 180 and 210 km/h - may have been specified, although I can’t find what this might mean for the aspect ratio.

There is also a set of front Vick AutoSport Prima front brakes that'll be fitted to the Fiat soon, involving 6mm spacers (bought just after the Vegas). However, it looks like there's going to be plenty of room, so hopefully there won't be any new clearance issues! A write-up on those brakes will follow in the not too distant future.

Thanks to all the members of Australian X1/9s for your advice. Huge appreciation to Scotty and the team at Sparco, Hobart, too.

U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)

EJ or EH Holden? (Up-dated December, 2022)

EJ or the later EH? Several years ago, I posed the question: Can somebody please explain the difference between an EJ and an EH Holden ute or van? The response at the time wasn't overwhelming, so I did a bit of Googling and ferreting through my photos and came up with my own rough guide to EJ and EH identification. Sedans and wagons are easy to tell apart ; the EH's vertical rectangular tail lights are a dead give-away. However, the workhorse versions of both models share the rear-end treatment of the earlier EJ, making it harder to identify one from the other. No super obvious hints here. Or here ... . It turns out that the main clues are in the placement of the front H O L D E N lettering and GMH lion emblems, the style of the radiator grille and the width of the vents in front of the windscreen, with all EJs - sedans, wagons, utes and vans - having one combination and the EH line-up having their own . So what exactly are those diffe

Vick Auto Prima Fiat X1/9 Brakes: An Owner’s Assessment

At the end of 2022, I fitted a set of Vick Autosport Prima front brakes to my mildly worked 1.5 litre Series 1 Fiat X1/9 . I was fortunate, having picked them up at a very, very reasonable price, brand new but surplus to the needs of a fellow X1/9 Australia member who had imported them from the US. The kit included: New single pot callipers , new vented rotors (standard X1/9 front rotors are smaller, non-vented items), DOT approved stainless steel brake hoses, and all the necessary mounting hardware. They are a value proposition, being particularly well priced compared to other manufacturers’ packages - even at RRP - with everyone I’ve spoken to saying they’re made to a high standard, too. Here's a link to a piece that I wrote about them at that time, including some costings: https://uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-x19-gets-prima-brake-upgrade.html . Initial Assessment: I was a little underwhelmed by the brakes' performance, finding that although they had a tiny

Random # 301: Nanna-Spec KE36 Corolla

Once upon a time - six or seven years ago, actually - there was a lovely pale yellow GC Galant station wagon getting around Hobart. It was totally nanna-spec; its paint was umarked, the chrome work and hubcaps were immaculate, and its very original interior was pristine. Then someone stuck feathers in its dashboard. Next, the windows were adorned with Tibetan prayer flags. And a hubcap went missing. And the the rear bumper was pushed in, mangling the bodywork behind it. And a mudguard got dented. And rust set in. I fear for this sweet, innocent KE36 Corolla. Somebody please save it before it's too late. Nanna needs you to do it. U M P H (uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.) Photos by GlamRock.

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