Lancia Beta Forum

General Category => Members Cars => Topic started by: lancialulu on December 14, 2025, 05:39:45 PM

Title: VX Coupe resto
Post by: lancialulu on December 14, 2025, 05:39:45 PM
Hi all

You may have seen a flurry of wanted items appearing.

That's because I have finally got ex Peter Watcham's VX Coupe back from tinwork and paint..... In the scheme of things it wasn't that long at the restorers - but long enough!

I am very happy with their work and the paint finish Alumino Metalisze is just how I wanted it - the fleck is almost indiscernible.

So all I have managed to do since the car was returned was fit the rear bumper....

Now I have to sort through the many boxes to refurb, rebuild, and replace.
Title: Re: VX Coupe resto
Post by: Ferrit on December 31, 2025, 12:11:40 AM
I love silver cars.  I will never have a black car again, and would rather not red (as all my Beta's have been red) so when looking for Beta Coupe's one I almost bought was black and one i actually bought was red :-/

So whats the next job?
Title: Re: VX Coupe resto
Post by: lancialulu on December 31, 2025, 12:49:12 PM
I had to give the car back to the paint shop for a couple of minor bits they missed so will crack on in the New Year.

Headlights are causing a bit of head scratching  - what do folk use for late series  (not LED....)?? I bought some flat face hella units but they seem to protrude too much...
Title: Re: VX Coupe resto
Post by: peteracs on December 31, 2025, 04:11:39 PM
I had to give the car back to the paint shop for a couple of minor bits they missed so will crack on in the New Year.

Headlights are causing a bit of head scratching  - what do folk use for late series  (not LED....)?? I bought some flat face hella units but they seem to protrude too much...

Hi Tim

If you mean the ones used on the Capri and early 3 Series BMW, then I used them on the Spider and had to modify the rear metal cups where the wires come in to allow the plastic cups to fit. If you want to go that router send me a PM. Apart form that I do like them as that rear cup provides a nice seal for the wires.

Peter
Title: Re: VX Coupe resto
Post by: lancialulu on May 27, 2026, 09:55:17 AM
Long time no post!

18 months after it last turned over, I was ready after 6 months mechanical rebuilding and refitting the body shell to fire up the VX and drove out of my workshop for a well deserved wash down.

Lots mor to do but I feel a major milestone has been achieved. Coundn't have got here without the great support of this forum!
Title: Re: VX Coupe resto
Post by: WestonE on May 27, 2026, 10:27:51 AM
A great car looking fantastic. Well done.
Title: Re: VX Coupe resto
Post by: Ferrit on May 27, 2026, 03:29:09 PM
Dam that a mighty fine looking car.  Love it
Title: Re: VX Coupe resto
Post by: Nigel on May 27, 2026, 05:14:34 PM
I concur with the others. That's looking brilliant.

I hope to see it soon!

N.
Title: Re: VX Coupe resto
Post by: Clifford on May 27, 2026, 07:48:54 PM
Looking brilliant!
Excellent job.
C
Title: Re: VX Coupe resto
Post by: lancialulu on May 27, 2026, 08:53:04 PM
Thank you all for your compliments. This car belonged to a very dear friend of mine from new. Sadly he passed away a few years ago and the family asked me to try to sell it - no takers.

For some unknown reason I made them an offer (too high in hindsight). Maybe it was a completely unmolested car (apart from an ignition switch burn out - now sorted), or maybe it is the coupe of choice and I like coupes...

I won't tell you how much the metal/paint cost but that's water under the bridge so to speak.

As I am the 2nd owner and have a full history file this car is a keeper!
Title: Re: VX Coupe resto
Post by: Ferrit on May 27, 2026, 10:15:19 PM
Do you have a previous thread of all the work before it came back?  I realise now that a nirvana is a one owner unmolested car.  Next one for sure
Title: Re: VX Coupe resto
Post by: lancialulu on June 04, 2026, 03:31:36 PM
Do you have a previous thread of all the work before it came back?  I realise now that a nirvana is a one owner unmolested car.  Next one for sure

Sorry it was too embarrassing - thinking it was essentially rust free was a bit naïve. But at least now I know I have a rust free car....
Title: Re: VX Coupe resto
Post by: JASPER_40 on June 05, 2026, 07:06:24 AM
Hi, I presume you re-painted the window trims and was wondering what you used ? Mine have faded from black and the stainless steel is showing through in places.

I could strip all the trims back to the brightwork but I think the black window trim is very "period" correct and would prefer to keep it

Cheers,

Steve


Title: Re: VX Coupe resto
Post by: Nigel on June 05, 2026, 07:45:29 AM
I used a satin black, a can I now keep dedicated to that purpose
as tint variations exist between manufacturers.
'Quick Colour' is the brand I've got. As long as you use the same can
it won't matter much which one you choose.

Nigel
Title: Re: VX Coupe resto
Post by: lancialulu on June 05, 2026, 07:47:28 AM
Hi, I presume you re-painted the window trims and was wondering what you used ? Mine have faded from black and the stainless steel is showing through in places.

I could strip all the trims back to the brightwork but I think the black window trim is very "period" correct and would prefer to keep it

Cheers,

Steve

My paint shop made up semigloss (half way between satin and gloss) 2 pack to replicate the black anodised look - I think they got it right!
Title: Re: VX Coupe resto
Post by: JASPER_40 on June 06, 2026, 06:53:03 AM
Thanks guys....

how do you prep the metalwork so that the paint adheres....do you use and etch primer ?

The PO for my car simplay sprayed in places on top of the stainless steel substrate so the paint was easily chipped.......

Cheers,

Steve