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my x19 history
I have long admired the X1/9 ever since I was a teen. I dragged my father down to a FIAT dealer in 1989 and coulda had a brand new one (a new 1987 leftover), but it was not meant to be. I was also a PO of a 1976 X that had really bad, cancerous rust and fired only 3 cylinders that I bought for $500, but was sold shortly after and I assume has met it's ultimate fate. But this one lives on and has been restored to "daily driver status", to the point where my 96 ACURA finally gets to take a much deserved brake after 130,000 miles in L.A. traffic.

I purchased this, my second X, in early 2002 for the meager price of $900. At the time, I was in the market for a 124 Spider and while on the way to test drive one, I decided to take a look at the X since it was "on the way." Well, I never made it to the Spider test drive after and ended up buying the X after talking the guy down to $900 from a grand. My friend Tem went up with me the next day to pick it up and I drove it home from Agoura Hills to Chino Hills, 60 miles, without incident. Well, not counting the 2 hours spent at a gas station trying to get it jump-started due to a dead battery.
 
My X was in relatively good condition. It had what I consider to be mostly "normal wear and tear" types of characteristics - many of which wouldn't exist at all had it received routine maintenance and attention by the previous owners. One pleasant surprise for me was that it passed smog well below thresholds. According to the PO, the car was stored in the garage for 3 years and to my benefit, spared from the usual death-sentence of rust - as most cars of this vintage suffer from. There was some minor surface rust that has since been repaired, but otherwise a clean car throughout.

My primary goal with this car is to maintain it as a reliable driver for everyday use and to make the most of our blessed SoCal warm-weather climate. The closer to OEM, the better, with only a few modifications.

Top? What top?

the owner
name: rodolfo medina mortero, jr.
location: chino hills, california
day job: applications specialist - patient accounting/financial/clinical systems, healthcare IT
night job: soCal X addict
specifications
year: 1985
engine: 1.5L 138AS.040 sohc mid-transverse, 4 cylinder
mileage: unknown; odometer stopped working at 122,000
wheels and tires: Cromodora "Iron Cross" w/ Falken ZE-502 185/60 R13
transmission: 5 speed
fixes and upgrades

* New interior including a new carpet set and custom door panels $365.
* 1 brand new (in box!) Cromodora 13" wheel. The other three were fixed & trued, then repainted - Wheels America in Anaheim. $425 total.
* 4 new Falken ZE-502 185 60 R13 tires. $300.
* New O2 sensor, cap, rotor. $15.
* Radiator re-cored $60, thermostat replaced $12
* Installed in-dash CD player and 4 new speakers $120.
* New water pump. $40.
* Repainted center console.
* Installed new cover from front bumper to body. $100.
* Installed used passenger Turbo mirror. $20.
* New power window controls. $35 each.
* Repainted and installed bumper covers all around at a total cost of $60 for used parts.
* New speedo cable from Vicks. $25.
* New brake pads. $20.
* Cut gear shifter, replaced w/leather knob. $15.
* Replaced front hood. $75.
* Installed after-market rear deck spoiler w/3rd brake light. $120.
* Installed headlight modification w/new relays and fuses. $20.
* Installed a second auxiliary cooling fan operated by center console switch. $20.
* Installed new front spoiler. $150.
* Installed new door handles/trim. $10.
* Replaced fuel lines here and there...$$$

* Overhauled hydraulic system. $160.
* Replaced brake reservoir. $40.

work in progress
* Resolved a MAJOR cooling system problem with the EASIEST fix in the world. Click here to find out how!
 
* Deciding on color combo for a new custom interior.
 
* Front-end suspension mod - cut the springs!

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