Bits and pieces . . .
Some parts of the Italia are more easily replaced than others. Everything about the drivetrain other than the radiator is pretty standard TR3. The body is, of course, hand-made. The surprising thing here is that if it was made by hand once, it can be remade. It would be much more difficult to match a machine stamped part if you were trying to recreate it by hand.
Recently, a number of owners had the rare Carello taillight lenses reproduced (now all sold) and the front windshield glass and rubber remanufactured. Many other original sources have been identified and, where possible, a supplier located.
Some parts are shared with the Lancia Appia Vignale which, unfortunately, is almost as rare as the Italia. Other parts were used on some Maserati, Ferrari and Alfa Romeo models. Because of their limited production status, these parts bring very high prices. As an example, the ashtray from the production cars was used on contemporary Ferraris and is occasionally available for around $450.
Now where did I put that . . .
You've just bought a huge pile of parts that were once a complete automobile. Somewhere along the line a well-intentioned owner took it to pieces. Now's the time to get serious and learn how to put that Lego set (or if you're as old as I am, Erector or Meccano set) back together. In the Member's Only section, we'll be adding detailed photos on how various parts are assembled. Right now there are photos of the disassembly of an original seat and an explanation of the different taillights used. Great reasons to become a member. Visit the Club page for details.
Also be sure to check Paul Harvey's Italia #215 Flickr page.
The Italia Circolo Parts Initiative
Graham Andrews, is the Italia Registrar for the TR Register and the man to contact about our clubs parts initiative. One of the main ideas behind the Italia 2000 Circolo is to develop a method of procuring many of the parts needed to restore an Italia, all from a central location. Up until now, finding parts could mean months searching the internet and various suppliers in the hopes of finding a match. Club members will also receive first notice of events and special invitations.
New Old Stock Vignale "Crossed flag" badges available!
Graham has a small supply of these NOS badges at the fantastic price of £50 (roughly $70 or €64. Please note prices are subject to change.) per pair plus postage. Vignale used nautical flags to tie in the manufacturers name with his. Most start with the manufacturer and then the "V" flag for Vignale. On the Italia, the "V" is first and the second flag is an "S." This caused some confusion at first but it stands for "Standard-Triumph." They are not the same as those used on the Triumph Herald. While similar, a side by side comparison will show the obvious differences. Click the photo for a larger image. Contact Graham Andrews to order yours.
Stainless steel door catches. Waiting List!
Graham Andrews had new door catches manufactured in stainless steel. Originals of the catches are impossible to find. The teeth on the originals, which were made from chrome-plated pot metal or aluminum, always wore away. The driver's door catch (Left-hand drive) was the first to wear and they have been unavailable for years. Contact Graham to be added to a wait list should an additional run of these catches be produced.
Windscreens/windshields
New production of Italia windscreens!
Windscreens are now being reproduced for us by Pilkington, the high quality automotive glass manufacturer. Pilkington's is the corporate parent of most of the old UK brands, including Triplex. Of course, for the Italia, they made a new mould from a sample original windscreen. Pilkington's can arrange delivery to other countries in the EU and even out to the US. Because of the possibility of the opening for your windscreen being a slightly different size, one of the joys of hand crafted bodywork, the windscreen may need to be trimmed slightly. Any good glass shop can trim the glass to fit. Be sure to tell the glass shop that they need to grind the glass NOT cut it. This can be done with a diamond-tipped bit in a dremel-type tool with a water mister (to cool down the bit and to keep the glass dust down). Please contact Graham Andrews.
Lights, rubber and other bits
Limited supply of rubber available!
These have been reproduced using the same type rubber used for ocean-going yachts. The front and rear screen rubber have the curves pre-formed in it for the best fit since the original. Please contact Graham for information. As part of the Italia club parts collection, Graham may have lights and other bits available to members.
Reproduction Italia Parts
Italia Parts Suppliers
A short list of some Italia parts suppliers is available here. We make no recommendations and some parts are available from multiple sources. To quote another historian, "Choose wisely!" Also, you can gain access to rare parts through the club at special prices.
These suppliers sell parts found on the Italia. Many parts were also used on period Alfas, Maseratis, Ferraris, Lancias and FIATs.
Badges
There were two versions of the "Italia 2000" and the "T.M. Triumph" badges. The one on the top is the early style. The one on the green background is the later style. We know that the change occured between Italia #194 and #195. But, just to keep us on our toes, the early style reappeared for a few cars around #220. Perhaps they found a few extra on the shelves. The hole spacing is different between the badge styles.
While Franco Ragni is the original supplier, there are two different designs of the "T.M. Triumph" badge used on the Italias. The badge that is straighter and has no periods is the early style. The one from Franco Ragni is the early style. The later version of the "T.M. Triumph" badge had been recreated but is now unavailable. Which does your Italia use? Match the one on your car or, if it's missing, measure the holes. The Ragni badge has the mounts 120mm (just about 4 3/4 inches) apart. The later badge has the mounts 113mm apart (approximately 4 1/2 inches).
The two prototypes and the show cars had different badging from the remaining production run. One of the most obvious was the Vignale/Michelotti readically restyled Triumph "Open Book" badge used on the front of the cars. It's visible on the slope nose prototype, in the grille opening of the second prototype and on the nose of the show cars. It's plainly visible on the car inside the full color brochure (most likely Italia #1).
On the prototypes, the badges are black on the upper left and lower right and red on the upper right and lower left. This is reversed on the badges for the show cars. The one used on the show cars is also more rounded. This badge was recently found listed for a FIAT Abarth 500/600. We've never seen one on a FIAT but do let us know if you do.
Rubber
Rubber has been reproduced using the original Italia pieces as the model and using the same material as used on ocean going yachts. The new rubber has been made due to the efforts of Mr. Graham Andrews. There is now only a very limited supply available, please contact Graham. Click here.
Door parts
Graham also had door handles and striker plates re-manufactured. All have now been sold. Contact Graham to be added to a wait list should an additional run of these catches be produced.
Carello Taillight lenses
We had the red and amber Carello taillight lenses re-manufactured. Unfortunately, all are now sold. As of this writing, the club has a small supply of some original, used lenses left. These will disappear quickly. Please contact Mr. Graham Andrews.
That's great but how do I get them?
The best way is to join the club. Your membership goes to help maintain the site and purchasing parts helps make others available. You can buy parts by contacting Mr. Graham Andrews. Italia Circolo members get a discount.
Other suppliers
From the U.S.
Heater vent rubber elbows. Item No.15315179. These are listed for a Maserati 3500 GT Coupè Touring 1957-65. They are expensive at $119 for three elbows but they are a direct match for the ones used on the Italia heater box (under the dash).
Side marker lights: $9 Not the highest quality but serviceable.
Windshield washer pump $14 and squirter nozzles (these, for FIAT 500, 600 and 850, are close but rounded not squared off as the originals).
Heater Fan Motor rubber mount. This is the propeller-shaped rubber mount that wraps around the heater fan motor holding it in place. As this was used on many cars, for the Italia you must cut along the indicated mould marks for the smaller diameter housing.
Mr.Fiat lists some rubber for the Italia but I have not tried it. Their listing for the trunk bump stops is incorrect (see Spitline in the "From Italy" section). I sent them a photo of the correct ones since their website doesn't always show the right part and they said they didn't have anything to match. The taillight gasket should just be white plastic trim that goes around the back edge of the fixture. Mr.Fiat also offers the "Triumph 2000" badge, keep in mind that this only belongs on the prototypes (slightly different version) and show cars.
832-632-9289, 832-632-9290, 832-632-9295. reOriginals prices tend to reflect their status as a supplier of rare Ferrari parts. They can supply the dashboard lights, front parking lights, the rubber vent hose for the heater (from the fan to the heater box).
Metropolitan Restoration Services
Lucas 523 for $18. Be aware that the Metropolitan taillight bezel is not the same as the Italia's.
Badges
Justin Jurgens offers a replica "Italia 2000" badge cut from stainless steel.
From The Netherlands
Stainless steel bumpers
ClassicLancia.com offers stainless steel reproductions of the Italia bumpers. While stainless can be polished, if you'd like to make them look correct, it is possible to have stainless steel chrome plated.
From Italy
The original supplier is still in business and most badges (except the large Vignale script, the "Open Book" from the prototype and show cars) can be purchased from Franco Ragni S.r.l., Via Pr. Tommaso 49/f, 10125 Torino, Italy, Fax 011 39 11 6503163, Contact: Dr. Roberto Ragni. As mentioned, The "Italia 2000" and the "T.M. Triumph" may not match exactly what is on your car. Be sure to gather your badges BEFORE paint wrok so that you can modify the mounting holes, if necessary.
Ash tray (1111 and 1110. Unfortunately, the style with the button is correct but it needs the rounded base of the other), squirter nozzles (10116, these are the correct style). Reproductions of the early style front parking/indicator lights (572), washer pump (1029), Vignale badge 159, Foredit washer bag (7348, this bag is very close to the original early style. The printed instructions should be in a circle and say "Foredit") and 8444. This one says "Foredit" but should be in the circle.
Boot/trunk bump stops: from FIAT 1100 103. Type TCA103 in the search box. Spitline changes their links too often to link directly.
From the UK
Aluminum radiators
Revival Motorsport Fabrications
An accurate recreation of the Italia radiator in aluminum. While a TR3 radiator will fit, the Italia radiator had larger tubes and a round tube for the expansion tank. Contact Ben Ferguson at the Revival Motorsport Fabrications
Aluminum external lower door and wing trim
Revival Motorsport Fabrications
Complete trim sets are offered. These are custom produced based on side panel measurements supplied by the owner, as dimensions differ from car-to-car. Interested owners are asked to contact Ben Ferguson at the Revival Motorsport Fabrications
Stuart Edwards at the Watermill Carriage Co Ltd. also offers to make a set to your specifications Stuart Edwards at the Watermill Carriage Co Ltd.
Windscreen washer pump: from FIAT 500
Side marker light: from FIAT 500 and 600
Graham Proffitt: Grille material
Graham Proffitt in the U.K. was making the correct grille material. On the show cars they used the Maserati 3500 grille material with every other vertical bar is removed. For the production run, Ruffino had material stamped. It has vertical uprights that are more rectangular than the show car style and fewer horizontal bars. Graham supplies many Maserati parts.
From Germany
Hose Clamps
Heinrici-Klassik offers many parts for vintage and classic cars. They offer the correct strap-style hose clamps. These were used on the heater air tube and the heater hoses. They offer many interesting parts you might have found in a TR3 or Italia. Well worth a search.