Club126UK

Fiat 126 Chat => Your Restorations => Topic started by: paul555 on May 25, 2010, 12:58:10 AM

Title: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...white now:)
Post by: paul555 on May 25, 2010, 12:58:10 AM
Hi. When I join to the club I may aswell start a resto topic of my car.
So:
 Here is my A-reg 1984 Fiat 126 Brown I got couple months back. When I go to pick it up it doesn't look promising i.e rotten bottom of doors, rusty window frames, flat tyres, ripped drivers seat and headlining hanging of, steering wheel lock key was lost. Took it to my garage pump wheels up, charge battery, change coil pack, put some fresh fuel and .........start up first time [-/
 Then I jack it up and look underneath.......everything waxyoiled, inner arches, crossmembers, floor has rust spot around drainplug. Also checked suspension-just slight play on o/s/f kingpin and wheelbearing. Brakes- drums, shoes seems new. Was very happy with that :P
These pic was taken when I pick it up
(http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/2225/14022010465.jpg)
(http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/6347/14022010467.jpg) (http://img408.imageshack.us/i/14022010467.jpg/)
(http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/5418/14022010466.jpg) (http://img214.imageshack.us/i/14022010466.jpg/)
Now....jobs to do:
brakelight switch-DONE
n/s/f headlight rusty inside- DONE (bought LHD and swap glass over)
exhaust......invisible- DONE (fitted with Breda-Polish rally exhaust mostly used in rallysross, loud as f**k)
windscreen and back window bottom frames rusty- in progress (pics soon)
o/s rear 1/4 panel bottom bit rusty
o/s sill bit rusty on middle
floor drain plug
new doors (already got pair, but sadly not much better condition than my current ones. Trying to source some new ones)
new rear bumper
interior- recover seats, make new doorcards and headlining, new carpet
full respray- in its original colour 224 Bianco White
Little improvements to do:
lowered front and rear
alloys- already got set but no tyres yet and need refurb
front cinq brake disc conversion- need mounting plates
few nice details inside
engine- all brand new on ported and polished head, sport cam, lightened and balanced

The plans will propably change so i keep you updated with progress [-/
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...for now
Post by: Rusty's Uncle on May 25, 2010, 04:35:26 AM
Looks like a good sound project so good luck with it  [-/
If you are fitting 13" wheels I still have a couple of disc brake adaptor plates left from the batch I had made up .
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...for now
Post by: paul555 on May 26, 2010, 11:36:08 PM
Thanks Rusty's Uncle. I'm interested in these adaptor plates. Are they for Cinquecento brake calipers?? And how much with postage??
 There are pics of my "progress" 8)
When I started
(http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/2538/20052010514.th.jpg) (http://img683.imageshack.us/i/20052010514.jpg/)
Exhaust
(http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/1632/20052010515.th.jpg) (http://img35.imageshack.us/i/20052010515.jpg/)
After couple of hours
(http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/3981/20052010517.th.jpg) (http://img72.imageshack.us/i/20052010517.jpg/)
(http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/3259/20052010516.th.jpg) (http://img541.imageshack.us/i/20052010516.jpg/)
Hidden under rubber and windscreen
(http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/5095/21052010518.th.jpg) (http://img688.imageshack.us/i/21052010518.jpg/)
And repaired
(http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/7656/22052010520.th.jpg) (http://img88.imageshack.us/i/22052010520.jpg/)
other side
(http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/6929/22052010521c.th.jpg) (http://img20.imageshack.us/i/22052010521c.jpg/)
Windscreen frame finished
(http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/2067/25052010539.th.jpg) (http://img28.imageshack.us/i/25052010539.jpg/)
Been busy at work so back window frame should be finished some time this week ;D
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...for now
Post by: Rusty's Uncle on May 27, 2010, 06:32:17 AM
As the postage has only gone up a couple of pence I can still do them for £27 including recorded delivery & yes they are specifically designed for the Cinque / Seicento callipers & discs. If you search back on the forum you will find loads more info & pictures  [-/
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...for now
Post by: paul555 on February 16, 2011, 09:11:33 PM
Hi everyone. Finally I'm back on track with my "brown" fiat after good few months of "oh I cant be arsed" mood.
Basicaly all rot and rust spots are welded, treated, and car is in primer. Interior is allready sprayed in original bianco corfu.
(http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/6312/11022011670.jpg)

also have bought another set of alloys ;D
trial fitting
(http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/7434/11022011669.jpg)
(http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/1786/11022011671.jpg)

hopefully tyres will not stick out :P
(http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/1323/11022011674.jpg)

Yesterday picked up couple of spare a/c engines, gearbox and starter motor. One of them will be a donor for my race engine :) no pics thou ;)
I will need few bits to finish it but I'll put it in wanted section.
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...for now
Post by: Madd on February 18, 2011, 12:15:47 PM
You said it was brown. Do you get the color back?
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...for now
Post by: dajwid on February 18, 2011, 03:34:51 PM
Madd,, Brown is the model not the colour
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...for now
Post by: paul555 on February 18, 2011, 09:46:27 PM
As dajwid said Brown is a model. Was blue when I get it and V5 state blue but VIN check through dealer said 224 Bianco Corfu originally. So going back that way. [-/
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...for now
Post by: ciaoflyer on February 20, 2011, 08:49:43 PM
Looks Sweet!  :D :D
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...for now
Post by: paul555 on February 21, 2011, 12:50:03 AM
Looks Sweet!  :D :D

Thanks :D I hope it will when it's finished.  ;D


And just quick update.
As I had only 3/4 of my headlining and it was in 3 pieces aswell I did try to make complete one. I've cut some B&Q 3mm board to a template I've made before. I think it sholud be ok. Will trial fit it tommorow. But needs some fabric to cover it anyway. Anyone done it before? What did you use? Suggestions welcome ;D
Will get some pics tommorow.
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...for now
Post by: ciaoflyer on February 21, 2011, 11:03:47 AM
No not done it before but would like a paper copy of the template if possible because my headlining is missing!
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...for now
Post by: GTMaster on February 21, 2011, 12:56:30 PM
Regarding the head lining: 3mm sounds a bit thick as it has to be flexible enough to fit in. Since your winscreen is removed you'll probably have more luck than i did in fitting it (mine broke to bits  :(). 1.5-2mm board thickness would be enough i reckon. I had mine made by a textile worker who properly glued the textile material to the board (so that it can withstand the heat in summer). Since i broke mine, i kept the material part and am planning on using a 2mm thick polipropilene sheet as that is more flexible (and won't have to remove the windscreen when fitting it.)
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...for now
Post by: paul555 on February 22, 2011, 12:26:36 AM
Right.. the headlining pics ;)

Started with 3/4 of original headling in pieces:
(http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/5567/21022011676.jpg)
Big jigsaw:
(http://img602.imageshack.us/img602/912/21022011675.jpg)
After some drawing on the board and some cutting ended up with that:
(http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/2143/21022011678.jpg)

I was happy with it but not for long..
...some trimming as it was too wide and wont fit at all.
(http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/8150/21022011679.jpg)

3 times in and out and...
(http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/8314/21022011680.jpg)
(http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/5080/21022011681.jpg)

...but I was bending it in all directions, not joined them 2 cuts in corners properly and manage to damage both of them >:( So another trip to B&Q for more board some time this week. Cheap enough though ;D I think the 3mm board is OK because it feels quite solid once fitted.

Just one thing:
(http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/1156/headlining.jpg)
size of these gaps.. is it normal or need to be smaller?? :-

Quote
No not done it before but would like a paper copy of the template if possible because my headlining is missing!
Will try to sort it for you [-/
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...for now
Post by: GTMaster on February 22, 2011, 04:03:02 PM
If i remember mine correctly there wasn't a gap at the rear windscreen between the lining and the window, not sure at the front. Did you slide it in from the front (front windscreen)?
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...white now:)
Post by: paul555 on March 23, 2011, 09:11:55 PM
Finally got my little Fiat sprayed :D It's back in original white.
(http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/6241/01012007688.jpg)

Slowly comming back together ;D
(http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/4254/01012007686.jpg)
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...white now:)
Post by: ciaoflyer on March 25, 2011, 07:13:26 PM
Looking Good!  How's that paper template? [-/
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...white now:)
Post by: paul555 on March 25, 2011, 08:13:50 PM
Looking Good!  How's that paper template? [-/

Thanks. I've concetrated on spray job recently so left headlining on side but it needs cuting a bit anyway so as soon as i get it done i'll draw it on paper :D
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...white now:)
Post by: Amateb8 on March 26, 2011, 07:22:10 AM
I just took my headlining off my Bis. The headlining is slightly different at the rear than the aircooled because of the hatchback configuration. I think the front section of the headlining board is similar to yours i.e. there was a smallish gap at the corners. There was excess cloth covering in the corners to fill in the small gap. It was sort of loose but folded and glued onto the board.

I shall follow your lead on this. I shall go to my local Homebase and get one of those boards. Will you do some perforations like the original board? I think the perforations stops condensation in the roof but not sure. Like you, I have no idea what cover to use. Maybe a material that is cleanable.
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...white now:)
Post by: Kent126 on April 26, 2011, 12:47:07 AM
Looking awesome so far! Just what I want mine to look like when it is done. I absolutely love it in white!

Still debating wether to keep mine in white or go back to the original factory red?  :$

Tom
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...white now:)
Post by: Madd on April 26, 2011, 09:16:42 AM
Quote
Madd,, Brown is the model not the colour
I know :)




nice restoration :)
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...white now:)
Post by: paul555 on April 26, 2011, 08:59:57 PM
Thanks for kind words ;D But not much happened since last update. Still need to finish welding on doors (mig welder broke and got only crapy one :( ), needs interior. Just got my clear indicators, repeaters and rear lights fitted but thinking about rear red bulbs coz had some before and after time they faded and been rather pink not red. Any suggestions?? Oh and I'm after some chrome bullet type mirrors. Anyone have pics how they look like on 126 preferably in white :P Otherwise I'll try to get some LADA ones.
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...white now:)
Post by: dajwid on April 27, 2011, 03:35:04 PM
fitting bullet mirrors is a pain in the A**e, when fitted you can't actually see out of them.
 :$ Look nice though. I have them fitted on mine.
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...white now:)
Post by: paul555 on April 27, 2011, 11:20:44 PM
I know i need to drill some extra holes outside and inside to get bolts through. Have you got overall pic of the car with them mirrors on?? Not really bothered if I can see in them or not, 126 is small enough 8) And do you still got those interior bits?? ;D
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...white now:)
Post by: dajwid on April 28, 2011, 03:50:05 PM
(http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv95/fronty4sale/020.jpg)

Still have carpet if it is of any use to you.
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...white now:)
Post by: paul555 on April 29, 2011, 12:03:03 AM
Looks quite well. Do you have pic of whole side with mirrors on? Does mirror base covers old holes or need to fill them up.
I will have carpet off you at least not the bare metal floor. Shame you don't have seat or door cards :cry:

Anyway:
Start it up today after 10 months but took quite a while and running poorly. Had reconed carb fitted last year but i think need to clean it up and get some fresh petrol in. I might get some pics tommorow of how it looks like now.
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...white now:)
Post by: dajwid on April 30, 2011, 07:30:30 PM
HI
They cover the old holes.

Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...white now:)
Post by: paul555 on July 01, 2012, 05:35:52 PM
Hi everyone after yet another loooong brake. Doing bits and bobs every now and then, resultet in this on friday afternoon:
(http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/9467/20120629142036.jpg)
and this :D :
(http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/2286/20120629142056.jpg)

First time out since august 2010. Still loads to do but I think I'm getting there ;)
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...white now:)
Post by: dajwid on July 01, 2012, 05:58:44 PM
Can you see anything in the mirrors ?  :)
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...white now:)
Post by: paul555 on July 01, 2012, 06:17:12 PM
Not much mate ;) I love vitaloni california mirrors but I don't think they suit car with chrome bits on.
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...white now:)
Post by: Tate on July 01, 2012, 07:00:37 PM
Are those 13" wheels? If they are what size tires are you running with? How does that set fit or is there any problems with those?  :$
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...white now:)
Post by: paul555 on July 01, 2012, 08:48:21 PM
Yes 13s and tyres are 155/65R13 I think. Fronts not catching at full lock but then i didn't drove car on road yet so can't  say much more.
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...white now:)
Post by: Tate on July 03, 2012, 05:57:17 AM
What is the ET/offset of those 13" wheels?
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...white now:)
Post by: paul555 on July 04, 2012, 10:16:58 PM
No idea on ET it's not stamped on them but had some 6x13 alloys with ET 11 back in Poland and they stick out more than my current ones so i think it will be around 20ish.
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...white now:)
Post by: naboula01 on July 13, 2012, 05:06:37 PM
I just love the paintjob, look so clean... I am nearly jealous  :$
Title: Re: 1984 Fiat 126 "Brown" in blue...white now:)
Post by: paul555 on July 13, 2012, 11:23:34 PM
You mean clean or "clean"?  :P Either way need good wash, sand down and buff. Sprayed it myself so quite happy with result.  ;)  But most important...it's back in its original factory colour ;D