Fiat 126 -73 restoration [ Now: It's ALIVE...!!! :) ]

[Tate]

Long waited goods from GAZ UK 

[Tate]

Sleeve for intake manifold



Sleeves for front A-arms



Tripod conversion



Microsquirt ECU + harness



VAG ignition coil

[Tate]

Easter.. good time to work with cars 

Pedal assembly needed some love...



...so I gave love.





Painted some other parts also



Installed new bearings to rear hubs





New brakes to rear





This is how I left the car for now

[pietschokkenbroek]

  Good progress, you make me jealous 

[Landy-Pilot]

Great restoration, inspired me to make a proper start on my 1980 deville. All your pictures provide excellent reference material.

Keep up the good work, look forward to more!!!

Regards Phil

[Tate]

Thanks guys! One medium setback came up with rear shocks. I bought new KYB shocks from 126FAN but they are too long to use with 17cm sport springs. So... once again I have to order shocks made by my wishes from GAZ UK...    That means £££££

[Pete126]

Hi Tate, Have you thought of extending the top mount to stop the spring falling out, I don't know if its posible to shorten and re-thread the top bar? I bought some lower rear sport springs and the gap with standard sockers is around 25mm, the spring just falls out when the car is jacked up so iv'e not fitted them yet.

P.S. Stop sending your crap weather over to the U.K. we want summer to start  

[thepuddlejumper]

Hi if you slacken the anchorage bolts for the swing arm, lower the car down and re-tighten when the car is on the ground the rubber inserts in the anchorage bushes, if in good condition, will keep the swing arm up and the springs in place.  It is an awkward job to do in the drive.

Ralph

[Tate]

Hi Tate, Have you thought of extending the top mount to stop the spring falling out, I don't know if its posible to shorten and re-thread the top bar? I bought some lower rear sport springs and the gap with standard sockers is around 25mm, the spring just falls out when the car is jacked up so iv'e not fitted them yet.

P.S. Stop sending your crap weather over to the U.K. we want summer to start  

Hi Pete, It would be possible but in my opinion the right way to do this is to fit a shorter shock. GAZ can manufacture shocks with stem/stem mounts, adjustable damping and with desired open/closed length. That sounds perfect but it will cost some money. On the other hand the "old rule" says that if you wan't good handling and chassis for your car, you should invest in shocks.

Ps.. I'm so sorry for the weather 

[Tate]

Hi if you slacken the anchorage bolts for the swing arm, lower the car down and re-tighten when the car is on the ground the rubber inserts in the anchorage bushes, if in good condition, will keep the swing arm up and the springs in place.  It is an awkward job to do in the drive.

Ralph

Hi! That could work but I don't wan't to take the risk if in some situation the spring gets loose while rebounding.. In worst case scenario that could lead to fatal consequences   

[1973/126]

 You can buy shorter shocks on the internet.
 
 http://www.500mania.it/ns/index.php/store_gbr/prodotti/suspensions-and-brakes/shock-absorbers.html

 or you can try eBay Italy, you probably find them even cheaper.

[Tate]

Shocks sorted out...

Cylinder head fully overhauled with few tricks 





Something new for the front axle..

[Landy-Pilot]

Tate we need an update its been 10 days!!

[pietschokkenbroek]

Tate we need an update its been 10 days!!

LOL 

[Tate]

Hou-hou-hou..  I've been very busy with the car.  Every day after work I've been building this car and at the same time keeping in mind that I wan't this to be ready-to-drive in near future.

I have faced a couple of big setbacks.. front shocks which I ordered from GAZ were too long, so I had to send them back to UK and they will shorten them. Front wheel 4x98 wheel hub threads have taken some damage so I have to think some solution for it.

I have been very lazy taking new pictures but here are two new ones:

New brake master cylinder:



Then I gave a full refurbish for the front brake calipers: cleaning&paint and new sealings