During a reasonably long and fitting homage to Lancia (Fulvia, Montecarlo, 037 and Delta) on Top Gear last night “The Stig” was given a Hawk HF3000 (that is the Alfa V6 based one) replica to drive around the track.

It sounds fantastic but the bucking and diving under braking looks really scary!  Hawk are not the only maker of replicas as I found out when I did some research a couple years ago.

Oh they also mentioned the Beta and the HPE in the full episode.

A couple of Lancia Stratos books that I found very interesting Lancia Stratos (Rally Giants Series) and Lancia Stratos, 1972-85 (Brooklands Books Road Tests Series).

Carver Carver One

I never thought I would see one of these little one seater cars running around largely due to their obscene price tag (£27k+), but the other day in Auckland I did. This was a photo I quickly snapped of it on Victoria Street outside the Sky Tower.

This little car has been loved by reviewers for its ability to be driven like a car but still give you the fun of banking into turns like a motorcycle. Some day I hope to take one for a test drive and experience it for myself.

Visit the official website for more info and take a look on Youtube for video reviews of which there are many.

Lancia Fulvia HF

I spotted this wonderful Italian rally car whilst I was on our Honeymoon and visiting Amsterdam. I am a big fan of the Lancia rally cars including the Fulvia pictured here, Stratos, 037, Delta S4 and Delta HF Integrale.

Some interesting reading on the HF in Lancia Fulvia HF and Lancia Fulvia Gold Portfolio, 1963-76 (Gold Portfolio). I am so tempted to get myself a scale model like this though:

IXO 1/43 Lancia Fulvia 1.6 Coupe HF Rally du Maroc 1972

Vauxhall Astra

For those you who possess an Astra from 1990-1998 the following hints might prove useful along with the more long winded description provided by the Vauxhall Astra (1991-98) Service and Repair Manual. I bought a set of two vented rotors and four brake pads for about £40 on ebay so they are reasonably cheap.

Removing the calliper from the calliper carrier requires a 7mm allen key and to remove the calliper carrier from the hub you will need a 10mm allen key.

To make it easier you will need to remove the calliper from the carrier first and then drop the carrier off. The calliper bolts are hidden behind a rubber grommit so they are nicely protected from the elements and corrosion the bolts for the carrier however can be quite tough to shift because they are exposed so I recommend using an allen socket on the end of a breakers bar to get it moving.

The calliper is held in place with a wire spring type fitting kit. This is easy to remove with a screw driver and some leverage and just as easy to fit back up once the pads are changed and the calliper & its carrier are refitted to the car.

A philips head screw driver will have the rotor retaining screw out and then it is simply a matter of reversing the process.

If you are just changing the pads then you should remember to have the rotor/disc surface machined flat again.

There is nothing complicated with a fairly simple single piston calliper so it should not be any problem for someone with any experience of brake maintenance.