Authors

Mike Pannell web200210@montemike.clara.co.uk
Warren Markus

This area is _very_ much under construction. I have loads of ideas, and not enough time as usual. Get in touch if you have something to say.

Models Available

What to look for

There are a number of areas to look at when considering buying a Lancia Delta. The following categories are all worth checking:

Paintwork and rust

The Delta was introduced towards the end of Lancia's Rust Problem. The rust protection was improved year on year, with the later models giving little trouble. It is therefore important to thoroughly check all early Deltas in the following places:

Front screen area

There is a tendency for the front pillars to rust around the front windscreen. This should always be checked and attended to. If ignored this rust will affect the rigidity of the body and ultimately your safety.

Rear tailgate and roof

The small lip of steel above the rear tailgate before it turns over onto the roof often rusts. This is caused by the design of the seal on the rear tailgate. There is a rubber strip along the top of this opening where water can sit. If some grit collects in here as well, the water and grit attach the bottom of this root piece causing rust. This area is hard to cure, and requires new metal welding into the affected area. Unfortunately the roof is quite thin, and easy to warp with too much heat. Get an expert MIG welder to do it for you, it really is quite tricky.

Some people have suggested removing the rubber from the top of the tailgate to stop this happening. The problem with this, is that you then get some wind noise in the back and this does not seem to be a satisfactory solution.

Front Doors

The leading edge of the front doors can also give problems. There are three skins of steel here, and stopping the rust of hard. Even welding a new plate in is not a solution, as the rust continues from behind. The only solution appears to be to cut this area right out and clean it all up.

Rear wheel arches

Check for rust on the rear wheel arches, especially on the front. The joint between the inner & outer wheel arch is not very good, and consequently rusts. The inside wheel arch also rusts around the sealing plugs fitted for access into the sills.

Furthermore check the rear suspension turrets for rust as these can rot through. Where top of turret meets inner webbing of quarter panel it can corrode badly. You need to take out boot carpet that covers tool case and houses water reservoir for windscreen wipers, all will become clear.

Brakes

All the turbo charged cars were fitted completely with disc brakes, and only the smaller models having rear drum brakes.

It is the rear disc brakes that often give cause for inspection. A lot of dirt is thrown up from the road and the calipers will eventually start seize up. It is possible to re-seal the rear calipers, but this only gives symptomatic relief.

The rear calipers are also used for the handbrake. The cable for this device can give problems as do the calipers. It is worth checking the handbrake works both rear wheels properly, before you leave the car on a steep hill!

Turbo

All the petrol turbo engines can suffer from turbo damage. It is imperative to follow the recommended service intervals, and use good synthetic oil to maximise the lifetime of your turbo. Unfortunately, with a used car you have no guarantee that the previous owner has looked after the turbo.

If the car is more than 5 years old, then it is within the age band where a replacement turbo is common. There are many cars going around that still have the original turbo, but generally the exception.

To check the turbo, use the following guidelines:

Mechanicals

The Deltas are usually quite mechanically strong, however some attention should be paid to the following areas :

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