The mount for the display panel is complete. With a full Linux OS on the Raspberry PI, I can run TunerStudio which does a lot more than display engine data. The self-tuning feature will help dial in the fuel maps as I drive, diagnostic data will help with troubleshooting, and I can log engine operating parameters. The low height of the new display provides more usable viewing area through the steering wheel. The interior is track-focused but there is no reason the metal dashboard can’t look nicer, so I’m going to work on that next. Continue reading Update 2/16/2026

With the dashboard out I’m using the extra access to address several other things I want to fix. I removed a bracket that was welded to the steering column to mount the digital display because it made removal of the dashboard difficult. Since I will need a new mount for the digital display, I chose to also replace the 7″ display with a high aspect ratio 10.4″ display that is more visible through the steering wheel. I designed a 4 piece interlocking case for the bare LCD display panel. A simple clamshell design didn’t fit on my printer’s print bed. … Continue reading Update 2/1/2026: “While I’m in there..”

I decided that a heater and defroster are needed in the Lancia but instead of hooking up the factory system, I upgraded to a Vintage Air Gen-II Heater kit. The blower assembly is significantly smaller and utilizes servos to control the heat and air output, much like a modern car. This flexibility allows me to place the controls wherever electrical wiring can reach, unlike the factory unit’s control cables. The entire assembly fits neatly under the dash, and I made a custom bracket to adapt the heater to the factory mounting studs on the firewall. Additionally, I printed a plastic … Continue reading Update 1/15/2026: Heat and defroster

I drove the car for about an hour with no issues. There are a few rattles in the doors but nothing that left me stranded. The cooling issue is resolved. The engine is smooth with great oil pressure. Acceleration through the midrange is very strong. The exhaust is quiet, maybe too quiet. Rain moves in tomorrow but I have a few things I can work on. Continue reading Update 10/8/2025

I had some problems with my spray gun after I tried a new cup system and stopped before putting a 2nd coat on some parts. The door jambs have good coverage so I’ll get a professional respray on just the outside before applying the Martini racing livery. After almost 2 years without running, during which I replaced all the wiring and did much of the final assembly, the thermostat was stuck closed which required pulling the engine and taking the timing belt off (nice design Audi) but I took the opportunity to respray the rear chassis along with some brackets … Continue reading Update 10/1/2025: 18 month summary

A slight change of plan on the inside door release. I received the RS-style door release strap and handle kit but I went a different route with the door release. The RS release strap is designed to pull outwards from the door panel, so behind the panel the release mechanism needs to take a 90 degree turn. Without some sort of pivot the strap binds on the plastic trim piece where it passes through the door panel. It probably isn’t a huge issue, not having some sort of pivot, but since the outside door release is electric, I need the … Continue reading Update 12/17/22: Door handles

I made padded bolsters for the doors and cut new door cards which I covered in matte black vinyl. The bolsters are made from 3/4″ PVC molding from the hardware store. It cuts and routes similar to wood, is lighter than MDX or ABS plastic and is flexible enough to bend to the contour of the upper door frame while being resistant to water and moisture. I used a round over bit to remove the sharp edges, covered the PVC piece in 1/8″ neoprene foam and a layer of black vinyl fabric. The door cards are made from 5mm plywood, … Continue reading Update 12/13/22: Door panels, digital dash

I made a dash panel overlay to cover the cutouts where I removed the gauges and switches. I sprayed the console with wrinkle paint so the finish matches the dashboard. I wanted to soften the interior and give it a more finished look, so I installed felt carpeting on the rear firewall, sills and center tunnel. Using plywood, I made panels for the passenger side to even out the floor and covered them with the felt fabric. They drop into place but eventually I’ll want to fasten them down. The felt fabric and panels only added a few pounds, much … Continue reading Update 11/14/22: Interior

I spent the last four days repainting the front chassis. On reassembly I tidied up the wiring and fasteners, using stainless fasteners where possible for better appearance. I mounted a Spal 16″ fan to improve low speed cooling. When I rewired the car, a goal was to centralize all the relays, fuses and circuit breakers on the Leash relay board inside the car. The electric steering pump draws up to 70 amps and the Spal fan requires 30 amps so instead of running that load through the Leash board, I installed a 100 amp circuit breaker and fan relay up … Continue reading Update 10/30/22: Front chassis paint

I wasn’t satisfied with the wiring in terms of reliability and serviceability. While rewiring the car, I took the opportunity to remove all switches, gauges and wiring from the dashboard and remove gauges for engine data I can display through TunerStudio. All controls, switches and warning lights are contained in a new center console, and I will use a small Android device on the steering column for engine and speed data. I installed a Leash Electronics relay board on the passenger side. In hindsight I could have used the generic inputs for the MS3Pro ECU to display fuel level and … Continue reading Update 10/17/22: Wiring