Club126UK

Fiat 126 Chat => Your Restorations => Topic started by: Henmiester on March 10, 2014, 08:45:18 PM

Title: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on March 10, 2014, 08:45:18 PM
Hi guys,  got a BIS for my son to have as his first car.  The car is taxed and tested and is in daily use.  Since getting it, we plan on doing a few things to it. However those plans will have to wait until we fix a few issues the car has.  So far I have removed the thermostat, car warms ok and radiator fan kicks in.  Have been trying to sort out the cabin heater for the last few days. Bleed the system several times still no heat. Finally nailed it down to a blocked hose from the cylinder head coolant water junction. The internals had completely corroded, blocking the hose to the heater.  New one order from ricambio.  Will do some photos when it arrives.

Ordered some new HT leads, spark plugs, points, air filter.  Things to do are change engine oil and clean oil filter.

The Carb is leaking slightly so debating weather to buy a gasket kit or new carb.  It has made in Poland on it can't see any other numbers or names.

Once the engine is sorted, will start on the suspension.  The car has a few rust spots, main one being the rear arches under the rear bumpers, otherwise not too bad for a 24 year old car.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on March 19, 2014, 03:32:30 PM
Well that buggers it. Snapped a bolt on the coolant housing on top if the cylinder head. It snapped removing it. Its now at my local garage to see if they can tap it out. Hopefully they can so we can sort out the heater. Anyway changed the spark plugs, ht leads, put in a fuel filter,added some new vacum pipes. Paint engine tin ware and put in a new air filter. Oil, coolant and carb gasket change will have to wait. Might have to add a new battery to the growing list of new parts needed as when we tried to start her. Nothing. All the lights came on but nothing at the starter motor. So im guessing its the battery. On a plus note a totall stranger came up to us while we were working on her and said how nice she was and she wished she had one.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on April 01, 2014, 12:03:31 AM
Been an eventful week. Took the engine and gearbox out. Bought a new cylinder head. Found out the clutch didnt have much life left. Gearbox low on oil. Drive shaft boots had leaked. Couldnt undo the filler bolt so filled up the gearbox from the top plate after draining as much oil as i could. Ended up replacing the clutch. Both driveshaft boots. Gear linkage new oil. Replaced all gaskets on the carb. Got a new starter motor. New battery. Took a while for everything to arrive. Got the gearbox in saturday and engine in on sunday. Wired everything up. Took me about three hours to do which is not bad as i didnt havd any help. Got it all back together. Tried to start her. Only turns over. I have fuel to the carb but wont fire up. Check all the wires. Only getting a weak spark at the plugs. Think my condenser is playing up. Got a new one on its way. Hopefully should be up and running this week. Didnt think i would do this much so soon as only had the car a few weeks. At least the engine and gearbox done. Just the suspension and a bit of rust to sort. Felt sorry for her so gave her a polish and wax. Got rewarded by finding a £20 note under her wheel.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Kowalski on April 01, 2014, 08:25:39 AM
as in Johnny126's thread,

small car, long "to do" list. Very interesting read...

keep up the good work!
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on April 21, 2014, 09:41:08 PM
Done a few things to "JEFF" while she has been sat outside the house. Still not running need to sort out the timing.  The previous owner had painted most of the plastic trim on the car with a paint brush, so nothing to loose. Primered all trim with plastic primer and then used satin black spray paint.  Came up ok, much better than before.  Found some rust on the rear corners, which will need sorting.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on April 21, 2014, 09:45:59 PM
Still got the back bumper to do but as you can see in the last picture, anything has to be better then this.  Ended up painting all side trim, door handles, door mirrors, front bumper, all wiper blade arms.  Its looking much better.  Took a few days to sort out, only for my son to tell me that he's going to remove all the trim/bumpers and have it all smoothed :o  . 
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on May 25, 2014, 10:43:17 PM
Bought an old bis engine today off ebay to play about with. Appears theres too much play in the crank shaft bearings. Rear seal leaking. Hoping that we can regrind the crank. Do the bores and generally try and get as much hp out of it and then stick it in the car. Hoping for 5hp more. Wow.  The person selling it had a bis which he bought as a shell and has put back on the road. Top work. Have told him about the site. So hopefully he will join and post some pictures of his car and work carried out on here. Simon.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on June 12, 2014, 07:50:12 PM
Just undersealed the underneath of the car and wheel arches. Engines back in. Just waiting for the starter motor and then will be back and running. Polish parts arrived. Two rear suspension arms. Four hubs caps the small black ones. Two rear backing plates for the brakes and a rear arch repair panel to sort out the rust. Things are getting back on track.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on June 21, 2014, 11:21:49 AM
Fixed the choke mechanism today with a new plastic arm off a cinquecento and made myself a new choke flap from some brass plate. All works as it should do. Just waiting for my starter motor to get fixed. Been two weeks now waiting for it to be reconditioned. Funny how it will only take a few days is turning into a few weeks.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: cider on June 21, 2014, 12:53:11 PM
Hi
Was it much of a job to fit the plastic arm to the choke flaps, as ours need doing before winter arrives
Cheers :D
Pete
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on June 21, 2014, 01:44:32 PM
It was a bit fidly and that was with the carb off. Cant imagine what it would be like with it on. I just turned the carb on its side and with a small screwdriver pushed it into position.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: poxxxy on July 03, 2014, 10:55:04 PM
Nice work so far, if you have any extra paint lying around I could probably do with some hehe. I'm thinking about removing the plastic bumpers myself and having them smoothed but just want to get her on the road for now! I need to start playing with the cc700 head I bought to!
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on August 05, 2014, 07:11:57 PM
Success. After months of being messed about waiting for my starter motor to be reconditioned. The car finally fired up today. Got a new starter motor from mister auto as recommended on here. Its starts but dies after a few minutes so i suspect the timings slightly out and the carb needs setting up properly. Ive booked it into my local garage to get it running properly. Very happy to be back on the road. Spent a bit of money getting here thought at one point of parking it in the garage and leaving it there to fester. But once it fired up a great big smile appeared on our faces. Couldnt stop laughing. Its all been worth it. Hopefully we can do a few meets and continue to improve it.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Mics126 on August 05, 2014, 08:55:54 PM
It sounds like a tipical fiat story. I have owned my air cooled 126 for about four years and its always a fight but i always love the feeling of drivng the car after a long time of fixing it. not that i'm ever wanting it to brake down but its still a tipical fiat no matter how mny new parts i have put on it :P.

You and your son enjoy every second with the car(Jeff).

Mike.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on August 07, 2014, 05:58:07 PM
Thanks mike. Got the car back today. I had set the float chamber wrong and it was flooding the chamber hence the stalling.  Been out in it all day today. It idles too fast and has a habit of either reving too much when idling or stalling. Just need to sort that out. Finished off undersealing the car and tidying up some cables in the engine bay. Great to have it back on the road. Got looks every where we went. Really happy "jeff" is working again.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on August 09, 2014, 06:38:48 PM
Done a few more miles today in "jeff". Timing just out. Wd40 hasnt cured the sticking accelerator cable. Will have to strip down the pedal. Cured the excessive vibrations coming from the engine. I had done the rear mount up too tight so there was no movement. Wiring in a fan over fuse switch tomorrow to prevent any issues.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on August 12, 2014, 10:43:07 PM
Today took off the go fastet pedal and greased it all up whilst there greased up the gear lever. All move so much better now. Done a total of 140 miles since we got him back.  Running better each day. Still vibrating too much for my liking so will check underneath for any obvious reasons why. The horn decided it wanted to come on for no apparant reason so will have to sort that out too.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: dom.kellett on August 24, 2014, 08:48:58 PM
For the horn going off uncontrolably, pop off the piece of steering wheel you press in order to hear the horn, check both the springs are straight, and the metal ring is straight I had Same problem lol scared me to death


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Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on August 24, 2014, 08:57:58 PM
Cheers. Had to take it all to bits steering wheel off clean up the contact points. Works fine now well it sound pants but it is an old car.   
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on August 24, 2014, 09:09:23 PM
Today greased the kingpins. Makes a world of difference. Nice and light steering now. Sorted out more of the cabin vibrations. I had not tightend all the nuts on the back panel so it was vibrating like made. Read through old posts on here to find out what was causing the issues first. As some one else was bound to have had the same problem as us. Its a great source of information well worth the subscription. Also fixed the water leak into the cabin that was soaking the carpets. One door didnt have any plastic film covering the holes. When i parked facing down hill water would run down the a pillar and into the sill. Someone had removed one of the plastic grommets so water could pour straight in. Plugged it all up now and waxoyled everything.  Did another 200 miles this week. Looking at doing some sound proofing to stop the rattling and vibrations a bit more.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Mics126 on August 24, 2014, 09:23:18 PM
sounds like your realy getting stuck in and its all working if your able to do that mileage. :good:

mike
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: dom.kellett on August 24, 2014, 10:01:11 PM
Yeah, great to hear your getting it all sorted! They are a great fun little car to work on, and fairly easy even for a young novice such as myself, hope to hear you sort it all soon :)


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Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on August 26, 2014, 07:44:38 PM
Thanks guys. I know i was lucky as mine was a runner when i bought it. Looking at some of the work being done on some other cars mine was easy. I wish i had the skill of Irish126. Just trying to make it reliable and comfortable as much as i can without taking the charm out of these little cars that attracted us to him in the first place.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: shielsy on August 27, 2014, 12:44:22 AM
thanks for that but am like the rest of ye self taught , cant afford to pay some one so i do what i can get help with what i cant , i do your welding u do my wiren etc barter system owenn w :D
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: poxxxy on August 28, 2014, 12:31:55 AM
I've got a nice water leak into my cabin at the minute... was running out from the steering wheel cowling and then onto the floor... with the front jacked up the back drivers side carpet was soaked :(. Not sure where its coming from... there is a small hole on the windscreen on the passenger side... perhaps running in from there somewhere?
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: shielsy on August 28, 2014, 09:31:23 AM
u can buy smoke testers , its like s small fire lighter u light it , it doesnt burn but smokes like hell place it inside the car and see where the smoke comes out very safe , and only a couple of pounds , used for checking chimneys etc owen nw
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Mics126 on August 28, 2014, 09:17:18 PM
it sounds like you have the same problem as me poxxxy. i have had a water leak on my drivers side for about three years. i think its from the steering wheel cowling area. there is the hole where all the wires go from the boot(front) into the cabin i have a feeling its from there but i have never had time to investigate. if you do find out can you please tell us because it would save a lot of pain.

on a side note i have a leak on my passingers side on my other 126, if theres any common fault with that it would be helpfull (its the only trouble with buying a car designed in a country where it hardly rains continuously :P).

Mike
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on September 03, 2014, 04:59:08 PM
Just installed some sound deadening( silent coat) to the floor made a noteable difference. Ears no longer seem to burn.  Stopped a lot of the high frequency noise. Gonna do the roof when funds allow. Its not night and day but makes a difference to comfort.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on September 24, 2014, 09:36:38 PM
Just sound proofed the roof. Makes a hell of a difference. Going to re do the headlining in black suede. Does anyone need the measurement for the headlining card.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: dom.kellett on September 24, 2014, 10:23:28 PM
How much does it cost for the materials to sound proof? I'm expecting to be putting a scooby engine in so think I'll be deaf in under 2 minutes if not lol


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Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on September 24, 2014, 11:29:30 PM
Its cost about £80.00 for 42sq ft of silent coat. Thats done the floor, roof, doors, engine bay, rear quarters, footwells. You dont need to cover everything about 70% coverage will give good results. I then got some 9mm foam insulation on top of that a further 40quid. Its not cheap but a lot cheaper than dynamat. Its adds about 6kg i think but makes the car so much easier to drive on a long journey.  The roof and engine bay made the most difference. Stops all the panels resonating and amplifying any sounds.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: poxxxy on September 26, 2014, 01:04:36 AM
I'll try and measure up my headlining that's out of the car for you. I might be tempted to do a little sound proofing!
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: dom.kellett on September 27, 2014, 09:40:34 PM
Ok then thankyou :)


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Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on October 01, 2014, 07:28:32 PM
Been using the car to get to work all this week. Developed a big flat spot on acceleration. Decided to have a look at it today. Found out the choke had come disconnected and the inlet manifold was loose at it was missing a bolt. Sorted it all out and it runs like a dream now. Even sorted out another annoying rattle. This time it was the air box not seated properly. Nice a quiet now with all the soundproofing its had. Just the rush of wind from the doors to sort. Still to do the electric fuel pump i bought months ago. Might do it this weekemd if i get chance.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Gadge on October 01, 2014, 09:18:49 PM
If you do fit the pump can you put some photos up :) I'm thinking of doing the same but not sure on the best way to wire it up.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: andyzeetec on October 01, 2014, 09:45:51 PM
Gadge, checkout Petes post here...  http://club126uk.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=8016.0


If you do fit the pump can you put some photos up :) I'm thinking of doing the same but not sure on the best way to wire it up.

Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on November 17, 2014, 09:38:58 PM
Just a quick update,  Tried the electric fuel pump and fuel regulator, gave up. Leaked fuel everywhere, will try again when warmer.  Fixed a few electrical issues, rear fog light, bulb not earthing properly. Quick clean up of the electric points sorted that.  Heater blower now has two speeds, The plastic prong inside the switch had worn down. Made a few mods so it would stick out further, now works fine.  One of the bulbs on the dash wasn't working, so dash out and a quick fiddle sorted that. Can see all the dash now.  Just need to fix the broken speedo cable when it arrives.  Been buying parts from Poland through my cousin over there to replace all the rear end suspension, brakes, etc.  Hoping to have all new running gear for when my son passes his test.  Done a few more miles now, car running fine, definitely benefits from regular running. Changed the front indicators to clear ones.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on December 19, 2014, 01:01:54 PM
Fixed the speedo cable. Replaced both the outer and inner cable. Wished i hadnt as it was a right pain. But the outer cable was also knackered so had no chioce. Seats out. Carpet out. Air box out. Took a while to do. But at least the speedo works. Whilst under the car fitted a new gear linkage rubber bellows. Took car for a spin and everything was going great until i lost third gear and then couldnt get reverse. Must have not put the lollypop back on correctly or something has moved as i got all gears to start with. Old headlining went back in had to use strong glue to stick it on. Hopefully it wont fall down this time. Getting a little peeved off with him. Just when you think your getting somewhere. Something else goes wrong. But thats the charm with these little cars. Lol. Need to sort out some photos.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: andyzeetec on December 19, 2014, 08:00:23 PM
I think once an enthusiast gets one these cars, the to do list is a catch up exercise. once up to the new owners standards, its the odd thing to sort here and there, but as you say thats the joy of these little cars. :)
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on February 07, 2015, 11:18:25 PM
Had some fun and games with "jeff". Started on boxing day cutting out after a few miles. Leave it a minute and then would start again. Only to do it a few miles later. Searched on here and it looked like i might have rust in the petrol tank. So managed to get a new one. Fitted it today went out for a spin and it started to do it all again. Decided to fill him up as was only 1/4 full. After filling up was like a different car no cutting out. Even got 70mph on the motorway. Got a new glass fuel filter. Even that was full of crap after 30 miles. So i can only conclude it must have been crap fuel or dirt in the carb. Whatever it was its gone i hope. Roll on next week mot time. Once mot'd will change all the suspension and lower it.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Madd on February 12, 2015, 10:33:15 AM
Love this color on BIS.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on February 24, 2015, 09:49:34 AM
Mot time today. Got all the parts ready just in case and took it for a nice long run before. Everything seems to be good. My local garage know what their doing with a car of this age so i'm not too worried, he says.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on February 24, 2015, 12:57:06 PM
Car passed its Mot ;D. Next stop full suspension overhaul with all the new parts i have aquired over the last twelve months. Really happy.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Gadge on February 24, 2015, 01:29:07 PM
Great stuff! :D another 126 back on the road
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on February 28, 2015, 10:58:46 PM
Just spent all day put the lowered leaf spring on with rear air cooled shocks. Cut one coil from the rear springs.  happy with how much its lowered, just need to sort out the steering and everything will be fine. Took me all day because I forgot to put the new shocks on and cutting the rear springs proved to be a pain until I borrowed an angle grinder.  Anyway here's some pictures.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on February 28, 2015, 11:04:55 PM
Old and new spring together
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on February 28, 2015, 11:18:09 PM
Some night time shots, suspension has settled a bit.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Mics126 on March 01, 2015, 04:00:05 PM
real life knight rider
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on March 23, 2015, 11:47:33 AM
Sorted out the steering at last. Put new track rod ends on and greased both kingpins good and proper. I think when i lowered the front the steering was at full stretch and wouldnt let it go any lower also got bump steer. One of the adjusting nuts on the inner tie rod refused to budge. Bit of heat from a blowtorch got it moving. Now drives great. Better than before. Got all the rear suspension parts to fit next week hopefully so that will be all the mechanicsl side of things sorted. Then i can sort out the bodywork. Best thing i did was getting the flatened lowered front spring.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on June 15, 2015, 11:46:42 AM
Bit of an update. I have fitted new rear suspension arms both side. Shortened springs. New drum brakes. Shoes. Cylinders. Hoses and new brake pipes. Everything was going well until i tried removing the nearside axle shaft it wouldnt budge a bit of brute force got it going but in the process i knackred the threads. Luckily lucas had a second hand one he is sending me so apart from fitting that and attaching the new handbrake cables i will be back on the road. It seems my list of mechanical bits is getting smaller. I just want to change to discs on the front before i start or some one else starts on the body work. Its amazing how many parts there are to this small car.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: sunriser81 on June 15, 2015, 10:01:10 PM
Simon just discovered that leaf already fitted :)
How is handling? I am happy with progress of your work, good luck!
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on June 16, 2015, 10:15:27 AM
Lucas. It handles great best mod ive done so far. Simon
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Henmiester on January 05, 2018, 08:15:39 PM
Just started the bis up after nearly ten months of sitting outside unloved. Apparently I’ve done no miles since the last mot in March 2017. Still at 11,004 milesMy son fell out of love it. He’s now back in love with Jeff so it’s not prep time. Started on the third attempt after not doing anything for ten months which was great. However it stalled once warmed up when I revel it and wouldn’t start. So carbs coming off tomorrow to make sure everything is clean and not blocked.
Title: Re: 1990 Bis rolling restoration.
Post by: Xylaquin on January 06, 2018, 10:40:47 PM
you'll need fresh fuel!