Club126UK
Welcome to the CLUB126UK Forum => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: Lina on August 08, 2011, 05:24:44 PM
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Good evening you crazy Fiat lovers... Oh, that's me too now!! ;D
Picked up my very first 126 yesterday, hopping from foot to foot all week in excitement (and nerves!). It's a darling and has managed to put a hook in my heart on first sight!
Just like any new relationship, we've already got some issues to sort out such as no indicators, headlights intermittently being off and on and popping out of first gear... but they're all teething troubles, I'm sure, but I'm hoping you experts here might be able to point me in the right direction when I get to work on it! It's got hardly any rust and driving it to work today, it felt really solid and tight to drive. Well pleased :D
So bye bye Nissan estate, with electric everything, stereo, sub woofer, cig lighter, power steering and ...storage, and hello new, interesting Fiat life!
Lovely to meet you all!
P.S. first thing on my shopping list: manual!! If anyone has one or knows of an electronic one online, could you point me in the right place please?? Cheers!
Lina xxx
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Ooops, silly me! In my excitement, I forgot to say what kind of 126 I seem to've aquired!
It's a 1981 aircooled 650cc with chrome bumpers... That is the full extent of my knowledge right there! So if anyone can tell me some more about its history, that would be great :D
Lina xxx
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Welcome Lina, :welcome Glad to welcome you to the exciting world of the micro cars. regarding indicators check fuse in fuse box front left of bonnet, and lights either iffy switch like mine or check earth wire from light bulb holder to bodywork, 1st gear popping out possible link needs adjusting but not sure how to do it, other members will help there! Regards David ;)
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Hi and welcome 'And another Essex 126' :D
We really must sort out a get together as lots in the area at last.
If you make a small donation to this site you get into the members section, there are free manuals online.
Any problems just ask, this is the best Fiat 126 site in the world (for English speakers anyway).
Once again Welcome
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Hi David, thanks for the welcome!
All the fuses seem fine, but have just read elsewhere to check the connectors under the fusebox too and any other inline fuses too, so that's tomorrow's job. There is no flashing light on the dash either, but maybe I don't have a model that does that...? The lights problem I suspect something loose too, but if it's an earth by a bulb, would that affect both lights?
Yes, the 1st gear problem reminds me of my old Vespas - if the gear cables were too tight or loose, things would jump out or stick... and the gear stick does seem incredibly loose and floppy - if those are technical terms! ;)
And hi dajwid - you replied while I was replying! Thanks also for the welcome! Great to hear there are more of these lovely little creatures I mean cars around in Essex - not seen another in Colchester yet, where are the other Essex 126s based? Would be superb to meet up! Thanks for the tip about donation, I shall get onto that while I wait for my Haynes from Amazon to arrive. I believe I'm already becoming obsessed...! ;D
All the best,
Lina xxx
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A fellow modette? My 1959 Series 1 Li 150 looked nice next to my 1978 Fiat 126 back in 1991. A long time ago and sadly no more! :cry:
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Not sure I was a modette... more scooterist with a spider-cut and DMs! I also stuck with Vespas - too many bits tended to fall off the Lambrettas for my liking ;)
Obviously still got the Italian bug though, as the bike I'm riding now is a Ducati, sadly only on loan though...
Oh, the '90s - scooters and rallies and mayhem!
Looks like not much has changed then ;D
Lina xxx
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No, just got older lol ;)
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Pop a few pictures up, we want to see your new baby :D
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Evening all again!
Day three of being a newbie Fiat 126 owner, and still loving it! Managed to 'fix' the headlights and indicator problems - it was a 'blonde' issue!! Assumed the longer stalk was indicators, but was in fact going from high beam to side lights instead... lol! :$ Hey ho, all a learning curve, I'm sure that will make a few of you chuckle!! :D
Have found out how to adjust the gearlever, so will attempt to sort my jumpy first gear at the weekend, as that is a bit irritating!
Anyway, here are a few photos I took today. There are a few bumps and dings to contend with over time, in particular, the front end has had a bit of a shunt in the past. Otherwise, I love the looks of it, it's my baby now.
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6081/6026399083_9848b2485d.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tangentc/6026399083/)
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6075/6026398945_027834cd57.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tangentc/6026398945/)
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6068/6026398803_02d23ee670.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tangentc/6026398803/)
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6026953582_3bc4a06170.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tangentc/6026953582/)
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Hi Lina,
As I said about 2 weeks ago, the 126 is growing in Essex. 8)
Welcome to the club. Oh the car looks FAB :thumbup
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Very nice! Same colour as my first maluch back in 1991 ;D
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Thanks guys, I absolutely love the colour (one of its biggest selling points for me, must admit!)
Can't wait for the weekend to tinker with it... is it odd that my bedtime reading is now a Fiat 126 manual?? lol!
Had a bit of a shock when looking for chrome mirrors, blimey! They're not cheap, are they?? Does anyone know if there's another car that's compatible mirror-wise with the 126? Any other Fiats, Minis or other classics, say? Otherwise, I may have to go for another black passenger side one and when I get a tin of paint matched up, get colour coded mirrors instead of chrome!
One thing absolutely needs doing - the roof lining! Not only is the material sagging, but so is the deadening stuff sagging, really messing my hair up for work! :D That's coming out at the weekend and will replace it with some modern foam or something and some vinyl to match the interior.... oh the plans! :)
@smallcox - Essex is the place to be for 126s, I guess! Have any meet ups been arranged in the area yet? It would be great to meet up with people that don't just say 'why????' when I mention what car I've got lol!
Laters,
Lina xxx
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not sure if the fiat 125p mirrors fitted? 'dajwid' should know!
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The 8balldinner on the A12 near Witham is a good place to meet up. I have been there a few times with my kit car.
Graham
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Oooh, I've heard about that place but not been there yet... Is there a regular time folk meet up? Eves, weekends? That would be cool 8)
Cheers for that!
Lina xxx
P.S. fiatmaluch - I'll send dajwid a message about the mirrors :)
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Ok Lina. Regards David
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Hi again
Sorry not been on the site (Holiday).
I have chrome bullet mirrors fitted on mine (a pain to fit and you can't see out of them).
Any chrome mirrors will fit with a bit of drilling. Just look for chrome mirrors under classic car parts on E bay.
Personally I would stick with italian though if you could.
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Hey dajwid, thanks for that! I was considering buying some of the Roberk Sports Mirrors in chrome on the Rat Sport website http://shop1.actinicexpress.co.uk/shops/Rat_Sport/index.php?cat=Mirrors&ActinicSID=0694291bb4ed6a0f5d32d4ed8c3261a3
Are those the sort you mean? That'll be a bit annoying to not be able to see (those pesky cyclists!) ;)
Well, it's either that or a passenger side black one...
In the meantime, I'm waiting for my gear linkage bushes to arrive - turned out BOTH were missing, so hopefully first will come back soon! Also waiting for new under-dash bracket for my stereo to arrive too, so lots to keep me busy over the weekend!
Thanks for the reply, hope your holiday was good!
Lina
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They will fit but you will have an extra hole to fill in, also it is very fiddly to get the nut in the back of the mirror, I ended up drilling a hole on the inside of the doors.
I have a good pair of original 126 plastic mirrors if you need any.
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Oooh, how much do you want for them? Of course, it's tempting to stay original...!
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Hi Lina , nice car :) Same colour and year as my first 126.
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No use to me, just need to be picked up (you could then see the problem I had with aftermarket ones).
I am in Great Dunmow
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Oh, so you're not very far? Excellent! I'm ever so grateful! Are you around at the weekend? Not sure I'll make it in the 126, as not only do I have to do those bushes, but I also have a flat tyre! D'oh!
Rusty - thanks! It's my first and hopefully last 126, as I love it, love it, love it! :D I do also love this colour too - Blu Adriatico says the label on the bonnet, apparently used in Italy on the 126s 'til 1977 although my car was registered in the UK in 1981... Actually, I've been wondering if it's an Italian 126, as I see no evidence of a 'p' anywhere on it... Any ideas? I thought Italy stopped producing them in 1980ish, maybe earlier, so why would it take so long to get it to the UK and register it? Odd...
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Just have a look at the plate under the bonnet right hand side. It will show where it was made.
I am about at the weekend yes. First thing in the mornings is always best for me.
Just PM me I will give you my number.
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Hi Lina, I have loads of wheels and tyres if you need one
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Wow, guys, this is fantastic of you! Dajwid, I shall PM you next and 126blackbird, yes please!! I'm not sure of the state of inflation of my spare apart from the fact it's somewhat illegally bald in places (much like the one that's gone flat...) - when can I sort a tyre (or two?) with you? I finish work at 2.30 tomorrow... will you be about before heading out to the 8ball? I shall also PM you my number, hope that's okay...
Thanks again lovely peeps! :D
Lina
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Dajwid, do you mean the VIN plate? It apparently lost its original one & the one I have for it is ricambio. It doesn't state the country of make...
PMs sent, by the way :)
Lina
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Oh my, beginning to doubt my sensibilities with this little car! Thanks 126Blackbird for the offer and the chat :D but I'm finding out that I have the older aircooled, so therefore the silly size tyres of 135 12! After much calling round, I've ordered some from Universal, who found one in Wales and one in Scotland, so it will be sometime next week before I can get them replaced! Grr.
Tried in vain to search the forum to find out if bis wheels will fit my car as that tyre size is more common, but can't seem to dig that info up anywhere although I'm sure it must've come up before...sorry to ask, but can anyone tell me?
So two weeks in and the car's already unusable... well, that is until I fit the bald spare and 'look innocent' while passing police, fix the gear linkage and change the gear oil to get rid of all the bits of first swimming around - let's hope the filler and drain plugs come out nicely!!
Why have I created so much work for myself?? lol I can answer that: because when it works, it's just such an amazing little thing that I adore! :D
There, I've whinged. I feel better now ;)
On the plus side, I have just received a parcel of goodies for my stereo install - so pleased to find the under-dash bracket which will save me my 'glove box' which also doubles as my air-con!! Also the little electrical plug thingy to add to my wiring to power the stereo, and some nice Kenwood speakers...!! Music soon!! :D More work to fit it all... :( ;)
And looking forward to popping over to Great Dunmow for the kindly donated mirrors from dajwid! Thanks again!
Lina
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I have a few spare wheels with OK tyres here in my garage. They will get you by until you get your shiny new ones.
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Morning folks! Well, again BIG thank you to dajwid for the bits!
Managed to get those bushes onto the gear selector rod yesterday, with, of course, everything turning out to be much more complicated and awkward to do!! :D
Anyway, although it's made wonderful improvements in changing gear, it's not solved the problem - still popping out of first. I still have maybe 2mm left to adjustment by the gear lever, but I'm now suspecting the gate in the g/box... So I'm going to move this topic over to the mechanical troubleshooting thread so it's findable by anyone else with the same problem. Hoping to get some nuggets of wise advice and tips for dropping the g/box and launching an investigation!
This also means I'm still no further on the 'fun' bit of stereo install! I'll see how I get on today after I've messed around a bit more with the gear things and getting a much better wheel on where my bald spare is!
Have a good day!
Lina
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Did you get the car from Mistley? As I live there & own 2 but never saw this car until it was on e-bay for sale!! Hope u enjoy it?! Drive safe x
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Hi Marc!
Sorry for the late reply!
Yes, it was in Mistley - she had apparently had it only about a year (well, a couple of months less than a year judging by it's MOT readiness, but that's a long story that I'm not too chuffed about!).
I saw that you posted about a turquoise one and another with surfer type stickers you'd seen about, wondering if it was this one?
If I can get the guts up to drive it with its limping gearbox, I will do my best to make it to the 8ball this Thurs coming, if you're still planning to go?
Lina
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I will admit from the pictures your car didn't seem loved (no offense) I was tempted to have a look but already have two and no more room, but did feel it needed some TLC.
Lets hope it gets plenty of love from you and any problems don't get to you like with my lil BIS!!
I even looked at it and thought I had checked it over well enough but one wheel had the wrong studs in and had stripped the threads, the carb had been bodged together, this car came with afresh MOT!!!!
But I fell in love and had to have it, when those bills start mounting up you may start to doubt what you have done? Don't be beaten as you will get more smiles per miles than any normal every day driver!!
Enjoy..... why stickers only on one side?
marc
btw im am hoping to get to thursdays 8-ball but may not get back from work so may do fridays Italian eve!!
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No offence taken! Yes, it wasn't loved, but I had no idea how little it was loved until way after I got it, having never even seen a 126 up close before! Okay, so the gearbox problem might not have been known as a real issue - wasn't even mentioned on the ebay listing! But there are things wrong with it that really make me think it's had some quite recent mistreatment, like the damage at the front. The previous owner got her through an MOT, but with the damage at the front, one headlight points up, the other points to the ground, would never have passed! And the level of rust where the paint came away does not correlate to before the MOT in October last year.... Oh, I could go on!
Yes, I'm having repeated moments of 'what have I done?', particularly as I sold just about everything I had of value to buy her, but like you, I couldn't help it, as it was love at first sight. She was MY car and it was just a matter of logistics (selling, begging, borrowing, stealing!) to make it official! :D
I'm trying not to think of the bills... The way I'm trying to think of it now is that even if she's off the road getting work done, she only costs £11 a month in insurance, and what with my other backup car being cheaper too, having both cars costs me the same as my previous one to run! And if I do the work myself, I'll save money AND build my confidence to fix her AND feel enormously proud when I do get her working again!! Money can't buy that! ;D
The stickers are there to cover up a rather large dent and dodgy repair... Really should sort some for the other side, just to even the look up! ;)
Thanks though, for the kind words... there is a horrible sinking feeling when it begins to dawn on you that you may have more of a jalopy than the diamond you thought you did. Now the gutting feeling has died down and I think I might have something slightly more than halfway to 'diamond' simply because of that 'smiles per miles' you mentioned!
Anyway, I'm going to try to get to the 8ball on Thurs in the 126, despite the first gear limp. At least if it gets dark on the way home, I'll be able to see the chrome bumper with one light and hopefully the road with the other ;) lol Won't be able to do the Friday though.
Lina