Club126UK
Welcome to the CLUB126UK Forum => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: laura126 on November 30, 2012, 01:31:30 PM
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hey im laura, im only 17 but my family and friends have turned me into an ablosoute petrol head :D
my best mate is also a classic car enthusiast, she has a 1303 beetle she rebuilt herself, so i ended up helping her over the years and have got quite attached to the little classic cars.
when i told her i wanted one obviously she was exstatic she'd converted me ;) we struck gold when she introduced me to the 126, ive never looked back..
so here i am on my quest to learn more about this little machine.
i need to learn more, like magazines i can buy that feature 126's, where and how to buy one, which model/years to buy, what common problems to look out for, how likely it is to break, how expensive things are to fix etc..
theres my little introduction ;D
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Welcome to the 126 club, everyone on here is very helpful and kind, and are all passionate about the 126
Look out for the early italien Made ones there are very few but they are worth the most
Cheap ones are the 126p made in Poland over 3,000,000 of those made some cheap ones out there
If your into air cooled the 126bis probably isn't for you but they are still fun little cars
Parts I've found are cheap and you can get everything for them, when buying make sure you check the gearboxes they are the biggest problem on them
Hope I've helped
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Hi Laura welcome.
Have a read through the site and you will learn everything you could ever want to know about these great cars.
Fun to drive, Quirky and easy to fix.
Although mine a little sick at the moment :$
You also have a few great members up in Norfolk.
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Welcome, nice to see someone else in Norfolk into 126's. Like Dajwid says, read through the forum, this is the best English speaking 126 site, and possibly the best of any language. All nice people as well (albeit a tad mad, goes hand in hand with liking 126's !!!).
As for where to buy them from, I think there are less than 400 in the country, you just have to keep your eyes open and look everywhere (we got ours from Lynn auction), they often get posted on here as well.
Good luck.
Marc
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Hello and welcome to the forum. You have come to the right place. Lots of 126 knowledge here. We are all passionate about these great little cars. Aircooled or watercooled, as wsmitwil says, both versions are lovely cars.
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welcome laura- there must be something in the east anglian water that gets people into 126's if you need any advice or help feel free to ask, my garage is always open to the 126 family if you ever need any help with fixing them (although i should really get onto fixing my own!)
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Hi laura , good luck in your search for a 126 and hope that you get a good one. If your best mate is "exstatic" does that mean she was really moved?? ;D
Sorry could not resist that one :$
As for info on the cars then like Daj says there is so much on the forum & site but if you want reading matter then you are pretty much restricted to old magazines and sales brochures but since the 126 has "come out" as a classic they do seem to be drawing more attention in the modern press from time to time.
Then of course you have all the stuff on the internet & from clubs around the world. That should keep you busy for a while , Happy Hunting :)
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Hi Laura, this magazine's a really good buy at £4.99 with free postage:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Practical-Classics-May-2010-Riley-RM-Dolomite-Westminster-BTCC-Fiat-126-Golf-205-/400340511736?pt=UK_Magazines&hash=item5d36276bf8
There are 4 pages about Fiat 126 and some really good pictures as well (of my car when someone else used to own it!)
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This one's also very good as well (I just bought one like it!) and is a good price...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FIAT-126-sales-brochure-1975-/281028678379?_trksid=p2045573.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D27%26meid%3D3850291541331324640%26pid%3D100033%26prg%3D1011%26rk%3D4%26sd%3D400340511736%26#ht_189wt_1063
14 pages, the yellow car is mint and there's even a rare 1974 sun roof model (like Toms) in there!
8)
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I've got the Practical Classics one (May 2010 issue). The section on the 126 (pages 134 to 137) is just four pages BUT, it is quite extensive and informative. I always keep the magazine close by. Definitely worth the purchase. Chris Larkin and Chris Lewis, administrators of this site, were contributors.
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Is that the 126 buyers guide? Think there are three issues with 126 articles in, will have a look at some point.
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I love the conclusion of the article.
Quote:
The 126 offers limited practicality in that it's not very quick and struggles to accomodate a family with their luggage - or indeed a family without their luggage......Unquote: LOL.
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Welcome Laura ;)
This is by far the best 126 site on the net, and its full of great people. I have been on here for years, but only recently met some club members within the last couple of years.
Good luck with your hunt for a 126, do you know what type of car you are looking for? Early one or later one? Aircooled or bis (water cooled?)
Just remember there are some proper sheds out there, so take your time and look for a good one. If you need any help then everyone on here are more than happy if you need anything.
Tom
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cheers for the help guys, its nice to see others so willing to help! when i find my 126 i'll keep you posted and i'll put up some pictures :D
Laura :)
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if only.... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FIAT-126-1983-RARE-ITALIAN-FERRARI-RED-BAMBINO-EDITION-34-000-MILES-FROM-NEW-/330850960658?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4d08410512
...little out of budget ;)
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Don't give up ;)
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Laura, the one you mentioned is lovely, but Buy a unmolested one and make it your own.
What sort of budget do you have?
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Hi Laura
Check out my 126 I'm selling on here.
Cheers
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
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about 1300, for most cars thats not a lot, but from what i've seen, you can get a lot of 126 for your money, the main problem is the expense of getting it, as i don't have a car right now or a license (yet), so i have great friends who will take me to view them, and they will drive it home for me, the problem is that if it has no MOT or TAX they cant and i cant afford any shipment or costs to get it :$
found one on ebay, its the one with the flames.. i know the flames are hideous, so my friend would spray it, but i cant get to viewing it, and the description is poor :cry:
im hoping someone on here whos likely to have loved and cared for it, will put a good one up for sale that i can get in there first on! **fingers crossed**
cheers guys, laura
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Ah Ha the one with flames with the exhaust missing and air filter assembly :-)
Are you looking for a car ready to use daily or a project?
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The one with the flames is not far from me but I'd be cautious...anything that says modified in the title is usally a MOT challenge and from memory the car is not even registered over here yet which could be another obstacle to overcome.
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Hi Laura, Sounds as though we are looking for the same thing in the same place. I am in North Norfolk, just trying to find a tidy 126 at a fair price. How much do you want to spend, in case I come across one I think my suit. Best regards, Steve
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In Norfolk as well, haven't heard of any over here for a few years.
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This one looks tempting...
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C356476
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Malta is not in Norfolk!!!
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i
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Norfolk seems to be where it's at for 126's right now!
Welcome Laura, I also live in Norwich and have had my 126 since 17 (by coincidence my wife's first car was a beetle too!) . I am just about to get it back on the road and you are welcome to come and have a look. I also have a few spares so if you need a hand with anything when you get one let know.
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http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1990-FIAT-126-BIS-RED-RHD-Nice-little-classic-car-restoration-project-/170973450895?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item27cecfd28f
what do you think guys? anyone got an estimate on how much this would cost to get road worthy?
Laura x
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If you can`t do the work yourself you would probably be better of buying a roadworthy car all ready to go as it can get expensive real quick when you have to pay someone.
It says the engine will need some work, it could mean anything.
It also quiet far away, so the recovery cost will be a small fortune.
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If it is solid, and there is nothing wrong mechanically, it might go straight on the road, or, it might need an engine, gearbox, and some welding, which could cost over a thousand before you know it. A non runner, with no mot is potentially worth scrap money, you need to get someone to see it in person, if possible, before making a decision.
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Just wondering if you have found a car yet? If not, dont give up. The right one will come along soon! ;D
Tom
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yes a lovely red one, passsed its mot yesterday in taunton in sommerset...
problem is getting it home courirers are saying 300 quid.. i dont have quite that i can afford about 250, so im thinking od driving it home.. but its 300 miles.. ::)
laura x
ps. ill post a photo soon!
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Taunton is quite a trek, cut across country. Leave early and plan a stop or three.
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In Taunton? Damn! That's up the road from me in Barnstaple. I had to trek up to Braintree to get mine last October!
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Laura try Shipley.com
I am sure you will get a good price. Simply enter the car model and postcodes and Companies bid on the job.
Don't take the first offer let it run a couple of days for the best price.
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Thats cool. I can see a little red BIS in your profile photo, looks nice. Bet your pleased ;D
Now you can come to retro rides in the summer ;D
I think as long as it has been serviced, you should drive it back. ;D
I drove my first one back from manchester to Kent and it was a shed, it broke down 4 times and I kangarooed across the Dartford river crossing and I still made it!
With a bis, you will need to plan 3 or 4 stops to let it cool down :$ and the key is dont push it too hard and take your time.
Good luck!
Tom
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Yes guys that is my little sweetheart on my profile picture.. I said I'd get one1 she's in really good condition but has sat up so is in need of a good service, treat her to a slurp of fresh oil and all that jazz ;)
;D can't stop smiling about it!
She's due to be delivered through Shipley on Tuesday! Only 219 quid, but the Shipley fee is huge however the recovery if I decided to drive if she broke down would be so much more!
I'll post more photos of her when she's home safe and dry!
950pound bargain! :D
Laura x
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Same as ours!!!
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:welcome to the forum!
126'S ARE FANTASTIC :)
Abiella
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Happy for your happy ending of search ;) And take picture of yourself when you'll receive that little beauty :D
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Congratulations on your purchase. A fantastic buy. I have a Bis as well. I bought mine and drove it all the way from Canterbury to North London a couple of years now. It did not miss a beat. Best buy ever.
As long as you keep it serviced, it will be reliable. Just keep a watchful eye on the water temperature. Make sure you flush the raditator once and a while, depending on usage. Most importantly, make sure the automatic radiator fan works!!!!!!!
I look forward to the photos of the car!
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Looking good, another bis seen as they were a model that dident run for so long there sure is a lot of them in the club
Soon you will have a collection of 126s like most of us
;D ;D ;D
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My little bis turned up last night and runs well but my oil is white and creamy, I'm assuming its my gasket but just wondering if anyone has any ideas what else it could be?
Laura :)
P.s. pictures soon!
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Hi Laura. Great news about the car being at yours, not so much the creamy oil.
As you say it`s most likely the head gasket. This is a fairly straight forward job if there aren`t other issues.
Have you got anyone who can do the job for you, or will you have to take it to a garage?
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Is it creamy on the dipstick, or just under the oil filler cap? If you're in West Norfolk I could pop over to have a look, also know of a good cheap garage in Heacham.
Marc
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Unfortunately I'm in Wymondham near Norwich west side of Norwich :)
It's creamy on the dipstick :(
As it runs really well I assume if the gasket is gone or the head is cracked its not done too much damage as I've caught it early,
I heard k seal is sometimes a fix!
Laura x
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I would just get the gasket replaced, the cooling system on the BIS is so fragile it isn't worth messing about. I would replace the thermostat, as this can be very problematical, clean the oil filter as they are a pain to do so often get ignored, get a nice clean (clear plastic) fuel filter ( and a spare one to be carried at all times) tween tank and pump as the tanks tend to be full of crap, also check the fuel lines, if you are not sure just replace them, we had a members car catch fire recently, it is an old car thing, not a 126 thing! and check the condition of the tyres, I had two original 1988 stomils on ours when we bought it, delamination does happen!! But once all of that is done, just make sure the coolant is checked and bled regularly and it should be fine.
Used to spend a lot of time in Wymondham, got family there.
Marc
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usually its just the head gasket gone- mine did and started pushing steam out of the exhaust- buy a new gasket set, get the head off and and get it skimmed, clean the oil filter thing, bolt it back together, change the oil and it will be fine!
Im in wymondham on fri night/sat morning so if you want me to pop over and take a look I will and Im quite willing to give a hand if need be (although wouldnt be able to do it this weekend...)
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Congrats on the 126!
I was 17 when I bought mine and it was before I passed me test. Once we finished repairing it I was 18, and now I'm 19 and been driving mine for over a year now. The only issues being the odd fuse blowing, a brake light switch and now the gear lever return spring :D
I think you'll find that compared to the car/s you have been learning to drive in (assuming you used an instructor's car), you are actually driving when you drive a 126 - it's brilliant!