Hi from Downunder!

[Alfons1972]

hey, damon!
is this you: look there at 0:20...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTx7J19jDoM
 ^8)

[damon500]

Hi Alfons,
Thanks for the link, no that is Lang and Bev Kidby also from Australia who drove their 500 around the world!
Here is another link- you can see us around 1.43  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hqyo_ImTB3s&feature=related
We met torsten in 2007 and he was very helpful- please pass on my best wishes if you talk to him! 

[Alfons1972]

oh, you know Torsten? this is the ilmotore-Torsten from www.ilmotore.de
Just ask him about your giardiniera... He is one of the best adresses about Fiat 500 in germany!

The Tour Europa is said to have been one of the most amazing events for every Fiat500 driver. I'm so sorry, I haven't taken part...
But I know many of the participants...

[Darrell]

How does the fuel and oil etc stay in the cars down under?

[damon500]

Hi Darrell, We have special anti-gravity lubricants and fuels which solve the problem combined with a driving style involving cornering on 3 wheels to keep the lubricants and fuel on the sides of their respective vessels [-/
Seriously however - due to the big temperature changes in a day you must make sure that you don't completely fill the fuel tank of a 500 in summer or you can get a very large fuel leak out the breather as it expands! Careful assembly of the engine and transmission is also required if you want to keep modern synthetic oils from escaping- I do get a leak from my steering box however on days above 40 degrees C

[Darrell]

The secret to the recent Pommy cricket success is revealed.
The team were made to live in the custom built house for months before departing for 'downunder'

PS ex-african here so understand about heat
Electric fuel pump is a must as the fuel simply evaporates out the bowl

[damon500]

Aha! I thought we just forgot how to bowl, catch or bat but we will have to look into the secret training regime when we come to reclaim the prize next time
Too right about the evaporation, can be a problem even at idle after a few minutes and certainly on hot start- luckily those extremely hot days are relatively rare down here in Melbourne (thankfully my "new" Fiat 500 has airconditioning so I tend to drive it on really wet or really hot days)- otherwise for the rest of the year my 500F is a great daily driver!
There has been a new scheme introduced where classic cars over 30yrs old can qualify for a 90 day registration for 1/3 of the normal cost- so i'm looking forward to getting the Giardiniera on the road!

[Darrell]

They tight down there! My 500F is free here  [-/

[gsxr126]

Bloody rta, 1/4 of a years rego for 1/3 of the cost. Typical money making govt departments. It may suit if your tight for cash but your definately not getting good value there. I pay $570 for my green slip, $278 rego, $80 for a custom plate, & $35 for a pink slip. $40 change from 1K to drive my car for a year.
And thats for my standard niki. You dont want to know what the total rego cost for my corty is

[Darrell]

Hmmm Government also translates to Legalised robbery there too....

 

[damon500]

Interesting, I have done some research as the new scheme comes in here on February 1- I think it is time for you to move to Victoria as we get rorted a lot less here! My registration renewal on the 500F is $624.10 total for 12 months full rego with no Pink slip, Green slip or custom plate charge.. Until 1 Feb however a club registered car in Victoria could only be used for a car club event gazetted in the club magazine- club cars must be over 25yrs old and must be a current financial member of the club- annual cost was $38.20. Some clubs were taking liberties with the old system and declaring "mystery runs" every weekend so there was a crack down. The outgoing State Labour Government rammed the new system through after several years procrastination and then got voted out...democracy at work! This new system means that you can use your car up to 90 days per year of your choosing for $38.20 per year provided each day is entered in the logbook- If you are stopped by police and are without an entry there are some stiff fines aparrently. I am thinking if I have the Giardiniera and 500F on the road at $38.20 each = 180 days that should be ample as I usually drive the new 500 and wifes Alfa 156 for the balance...