Way back in March, just before its HubNut YouTube debut (embedded below), I was able to source a decent used air conditioning condenser for my Bravo 155 HGT. Given there are so few in NZ it was an opportunity not to be missed as, uneconomic to repair, cracks in the old one had taken out the system. Dropped it off at the mechanics to get it fitted, quite a task, and get the dodgy throttle response, as experienced by Hubnut, sorted.
Then COVID-19 Lockdown one happened...
After that I was happy (because not my daily) for it to go into 'backlog' for when they had time to address. That, plus the need to get some more parts, meant I got a call on August 11th to say it was ready to collect.
Later that evening it was announced, starting the next day, COVID-19 Lockdown two was happening...
It meant I have only recently had the chance to (no contact) collect it and stick on the decals I got off Hubnut after he drove it back in January. I held off adding them until the video was on-line; in case it didn't happen!
It is great to have a cool, as in air conditioned, car again as the Bravo needs it even when the weather is not hot for demist etc. The erratic throttle response, initially thought to be dodgy engine management sensors, turned out to be OK sensors being misled by inlet manifold leaks. While sorting that rocker and sump gaskets were also done, cooling system flushed, CV Joint Boots replaced, new plugs, service and WOF (compliance) for another year sorted. It was good to hear after a thorough inspection, while on the hoist and with half the front end apart, there is still no rust evident. Not bad for a nineteen-year-old Fiat with 257,000km on the clock.
So, the Bravo is back, driving, sounding, better than ever with its HubNut fame on display. She also got a much needed, two buckets only with rain to rinse (due to water restrictions), wash for the first time since just before Ian drove it in January!
Edited the rear window sticker to keep it away from the window heater element
