Club126UK
Fiat 126 Chat => Your Restorations => Topic started by: skoda_norman on January 23, 2013, 05:42:52 PM
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Hello boys & girls.
I am just starting out on the restoration of my 1983 Fiat 126 so I intend to log progress here and I hope to find answers to my many questions!
The car is relatively well known, we purchased it 2 years ago and put it in a storage unit. Now it has seen day light again for the first time in 2 years and I fully intend to get it road legal; hopefully before summer.
Here it is, in need of a wash but on the drive.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8228/8409095632_816f33e1f7.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/skodanorman/8409095632/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/skodanorman/8409095632/) by Rob'll Pics (http://www.flickr.com/people/skodanorman/), on Flickr
Now the car came without an engine fitted so I have taken the following photos of the engine bay in the hope that you friendly people could take a peep and see if you note anything untoward.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8327/8408000361_e7bf860afa.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/skodanorman/8408000361/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/skodanorman/8408000361/) by Rob'll Pics (http://www.flickr.com/people/skodanorman/), on Flickr
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8370/8407998625_345586a993.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/skodanorman/8407998625/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/skodanorman/8407998625/) by Rob'll Pics (http://www.flickr.com/people/skodanorman/), on Flickr
^I think this is an aftermarket alarm?
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8359/8409096312_d020c5894e.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/skodanorman/8409096312/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/skodanorman/8409096312/) by Rob'll Pics (http://www.flickr.com/people/skodanorman/), on Flickr
The following photo is the worst of the rot on the bodywork... but I think I have a NOS wing in the garage.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8363/8409097038_7bd9bf8876.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/skodanorman/8409097038/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/skodanorman/8409097038/) by Rob'll Pics (http://www.flickr.com/people/skodanorman/), on Flickr
And this is a quick shot of the underside... it looks a bit rusty, but again nothing too bad?
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8332/8409097514_99a3d8f641.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/skodanorman/8409097514/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/skodanorman/8409097514/) by Rob'll Pics (http://www.flickr.com/people/skodanorman/), on Flickr
The thing is, I don't know where to start. The car came with the original engine, but this engine has problems with the studs that hold the exhaust manifold in place. Having had a look at them today they're a complete mismash of nuts and bolts of various sizes. The other engine that came with it is supposedly a good runner but I, nor the previous owner, have heard it running. I don't know which engine to try and use but I am tempted to go with the "spare" engine as this has all the correct nuts and bolts and doesn't look to have been messed around with. What would you suggest? And where should I start, I don't really want to rebuild the engine if not required so was thinking to just service the engine (after fitting it) and then seeing how/if it runs?
Before fitting the engine is there any special consideration I need to show towards the clutch assembly? And how do I get the engine into the engine bay - I think someone told me the rear scuttle can be removed?
And my other questions are... is it a 12v system? How does the ignition system work? I am used to working on Skoda engines which feature distributors and points/condensor.
I apologise for all the questions, I hope you can bear with me and we can see this car through and onto the road.
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It all looks pretty normal to me apart from the alarm. I would suggest looking back at the forum threads on problem solving , get a Haynes manual and start tinkering :)
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Haynes manual is ordered. :)
I'm dying to get started but also a bit apprehensive because I've only really worked on rear engined Skoda's... that said these are simpler so...
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Go for it. Im not a mechanic, and I knew nothing about cars until I started tinkering years ago, but the 126 is a great and easy little car to start learning on. ;D
Just like my house also, I knew nothing about DIY and now I have done all my own plumbing, wiring and decorating, and im still alive! You can learn anything if your prepared to give something a go.
Good luck with it, they are really good fun!
Tom
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As the guys said, these cars are so simple and easy to work on and you don`t have to worry about any water either.
I would use the spare engine and give it a check over(new gaskets, seals, etc) all very cheap. And don`t forget to clean out the centrifugal oil filter, as they normally full of crud.
Looks like you might need a new throttle cable too.
If you check this thread, it will give you a better idea of how to fit the engine, but you do need to remove the back panel.
http://club126uk.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=4392.15
Could the black box be a reversing beeper?:)
Good luck with it and hope you get it on the road soon.
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It is an alarm, just found this. http://abacuscaralarms.co.uk/members/forums/index.php?showtopic=3163
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>:( I shall do my utmost to remove it in its entirety - more trouble than its worth; and having a quick look yesterday it seems to have been installed mainly using poor quality connectors etc.
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Engine is now fitted but two exhaust manifold studs have snapped. I understand this is quite common? What is considered the best remedy?
Also does anyone have a diagram of how the rear engine mount should go together?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
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Spent the last couple of days with the in-law's getting some more progress on Fut.
First of all, off with the head so the broken studs could be drilled out. This was the first time I've worked on a 126 and nothing seemed too complicated.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/941932_10152950658875145_1084458324_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/942818_10152950659090145_2025767904_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/942105_10152950659190145_248100374_n.jpg)
This was duly drilled out and retapped and I put the engine back together - but didn't take a picture. Rather than replace the studs I have bolted the exhaust manifolds in place. I have used normal bolts for the time being, but intend to replace with brass items - a good idea?
So I got exhaust back on and left it with the car looking like this,
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1017249_10152964002505145_2055411480_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1017278_10152964002735145_1864489837_n.jpg)
Along the way I have fitted new gaskets, a new fuel filter and a new air filter.
Now for some questions!
1/ I dropped a small M8 washer into the bottom of the fan housing. Will this be okay or do I need to retrieve it?
2/ I have two starter motors with the car but the ends are different - well they are the same but 180deg different. Which is the correct one and can someone explain how the cable operated starter works and which of the two levers between the seats is for the starter?
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1014326_10152964002465145_382017151_n.jpg)
3/ What is this?
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1002949_10152964001885145_287849272_n.jpg)
4/ Where should this blue wire go?
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1011133_10152964002245145_1707982336_n.jpg)
5/ The carb appears to have two fuel inlets - why is this?
I hope you are all as happy as I am to see some progress with this car and I thank you in advance for any answers to my questions.
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Can't help on the alternator wiring as I'm not at home to look my car and I have no idea what that thin cranking handle is for, but:-
1. Don't think that the dropped washer will give any problems other than an interesting rattle if/when it gets sucked though the tinware.
2. The starter is very simple - the cable pull is operated by the driver's side lever in the cabin, this pulls the arm on the starter onto the rubber sheathed push switch which closes the circuit (heavy duty 12V feed direct from the battery attaches under the nut on the other side of the switch - there should be a rubber boot to cover the nut to insulate it). I'm pretty sure that the cover the end of my starter is as per the top one in your picture (and I see that one of the mounting holes has broken off the casing on the lower one anyway).
5. One is the inlet pipe and one is the return pipe.
Hope that helps,
Mike
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Looks like you are having fun and look forward to hearing how it goes.
I would definitely not use brass bolts as they will be too weak. I always use studs with stainless nuts but if you do use bolts go for stainless.
1) I have found spark plugs down inside the tin ware before so I would not worry about a washer.
2) The one in the foreground is defo 126 but I can not get a good view on the other one but may be Fiat 500
3) Very early map of the London underground :)
4) the big brown wire goes on that stud that emerges from the top of that green plastic cover and the other wire goes on a spade connector which is out of sight right under that double connector that comes up from the rectifier module.
5) the return to tank connection is the one at the back.
Good luck and one other thing , be careful about product placement images for Yorkshire bitter, it may make Bar Vitteli dribble into his lap top ;D
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Ooh! I like your car (I think it used to belong to a forum membe) even more so now I see it is powered by the strong stuff! Cracking progress, so keep posting the pictures and shout out if you need any parts...especially parts that most other beers cannot reach (!!) ;D
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Yeah, the car has been on this forum before. I am dying to get it going - unfortunately I'm now back home and the car remains 250 miles away at the in-law's.
Thanks for all the answers. I hadn't noticed the broken stud hole on the starter motor - that should making choosing which one to use much easier!
Product placement purely unintentional, but obviously you can all now see my excellent taste in beverages (& cars for that matter)!
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Only just seen this thread , wow its my old car always had good memories of Fut hence my username, great to see its still going cant wait to see more on this, keep up the good work.
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Great Job, Maybe we'll see you and Fut at RetroRides :P
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Unfortunately not as I am working this year. I did speak to some of your members last year though but I forgot to take a closer look around some "together" cars.
Thanks for the kind words.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
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I have come home for Christmas which makes the ideal excuse to work on the 126.
I've been out this morning and have fitted the starter motor and renewed the starter wire. I have fed it to the right hand lever inside the car, is this correct?
Regarding the wiring of the starter motor I have attached the 12V to the solenoid at the top of the starter motor (just in front of where the cable connects). There is a brown wire with an o-ring terminal lying down near the starter but I don't know where it goes. Can anyone help? I traced the wire back to the engine room loom but from there I don't know where it goes. Anyone advise?
Battery in, lights and horn work.
Can anyone advise what oil I need and where the oil filter is to access it and clean it?
Thanks all. Best get back to the mince pies
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
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So this is still happening...
I was becoming increasingly frustrated with the car being in Teesside and me being in Aberystwyth. After much grief from the 126 boys at Retro Rides I decided something really had to be done.
DeVilleChris spotted a link to a transporter hire firm and an email here, deposit there and driving licence counterpart somewhere; we ended up with this:
(https://scontent-b-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10731042_10154877761160145_5078641523799975179_n.jpg?oh=704cb82f81e16952083dbeea95ae10e6&oe=5521CC6F)
A big thank you to Chris who supplied the steel wheels, his printer and lots of coercion.
So it is now back in Wales and nestled on the top of the drive - but in the way...
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10649514_10154881599165145_5544361265629188562_n.jpg?oh=6eea2f72efd755f5aae73d4661e048c9&oe=555E7488&__gda__=1428218014_d876a5926c14ffae994c796299d67580)
So where am I at with it? Well it turns on the starter but won't fire. I fitted a "pointless" (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fiat-500-Fiat-126-FSO-126P-2-Cylinder-Electronic-ignition-kit-Powerspark-/130963483786?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item1e7e082c8a) ignition system but it didn't seem to fit particularly well to me. Has anyone tried fitting one of these? I found I had to fit the base plate 180deg out of place from the original. And I've managed to break both the wires so they will need soldering back together.
So what I am thinking is to fit a renewed standard ignition system and then see where we are from there. So, does anyone have a spare distributor?
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Woooooooooohoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
:wave :wave :wave :beer: :yahoo: :yahoo: :good: :wave
And it begins!!
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More progress has happened!
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/q82/s720x720/10885363_10155084898575145_6209518304825687110_n.jpg?oh=a5e735ee480e9b2add65d09d64c8f909&oe=556076B9&__gda__=1432788850_22330198507b7fb377cb9fbd0b3fcd35)
Having recovered it to Wales not much really happened despite the constant pestering from my Good Wife and DeVilleChris. I flippantly suggested to Chris that perhaps he should come and fix it for me. Before I knew it we'd organised some days where we were both free and Chris headed down to Wales.
We met in Chester for a local Skoda Owners Club meet.
(https://scontent-b-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10525584_417430315071954_5987464085948811868_n.jpg?oh=8c4b241ef5e547ae5bd1a421e0a62ecd&oe=55231F1F)
We then convoyed down to Shrewsbury where we rendezvoused with Mrs Skodanorman and onwards to West Wales. HNC did a fine job of keeping up with PMOL.
Work started in earnest to get FUT running. A local classic car loving friend popped in to help too.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7ufzIyIAAEAsL4.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7ugCG6IEAEDPZE.jpg)
(https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/10931232_10155208403515145_1377013008621714264_n.jpg?oh=dc8173217d617d96fb14660705eafb1a&oe=55645BC7)
The net result that was within a couple of hours we'd got the little Fiat firing and indeed running. A missing part was despatched overnight thanks to Chris' brother. One thing then led to another and we tried to move the Fiat under its own steam. I'm still amazed that everything worked and I was able to drive the car up and down the drive easily - and with a massive accompanying smile. This meant I was able to better organise the drive too.
The two friends
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10933842_10155209597345145_8423252785470146361_n.jpg?oh=a61a78e8e59ad1204d26fb0fc727a9b2&oe=55256995&__gda__=1433315971_2e378007bde5381257c9568d66681a75)
In it's new home
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/10407670_10155209596900145_5286031293616341919_n.jpg?oh=5ac40fa3d3a2a1d0234a1afe954cb7e0&oe=556DED54&__gda__=1428440642_a461752319026a8edcf15a5ca2fe38ae)
It hasn't all been rosy. Our attempts to service the brakes have left us with a heap of rounded, seized bolts which is a major PITA; particularly as it is one area of car mechanicals that I am not overly confident on. But I now have a list of jobs to do and so much motivation to get the car sorted it is unreal.
I can't thank Chris enough for giving up his time to come down and help out with this. He really deserves a gold star or something. Thanks Chris!
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Just home, a very nice drive home with the 126 at 80mph most of the way :$ 8)
With FUT well on the way, and now with easier access should be road worthy in no time! :D Plus, FUT needs to have some rally spray up the sides from playing the "lets hit every big puddle" game.
Its a shame to leave Wales cause the narrow, winding roads suited the 126 nicely! :D
Any volunteers to wash my car? :P ;D
Chris
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Now on eBay.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1983-Fiat-126-Brown-034-FUT-034-Project-/121651251831?