Club126UK

Fiat 126 Chat => Your Restorations => Topic started by: DeVilleChris on October 04, 2013, 10:43:06 PM

Title: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on October 04, 2013, 10:43:06 PM
So, I finally got myself an early air cooled 126 to restore. Some of you may know it as “OPD”..
It’s a 1976 126 in maroon. It needs a fair few bits doing to get it road legal and then I plan to do much more to get it looking good and runing nice too.
What it needs;-
•   Both sills, inner and outer
•   Both front inner arches
•   Complete floor pan
•   Seat runner support (under floor)
•   Complete brakes rebuild. Master cylinder and all 4 cylinders, pads and drums.
What I’m doing for good measure..
•   Engine rebuild
•   Gearbox rebuild
•   New Lights
•   Straighten front bumper and get re chromed
•   New gearbox and engine mountings
•   Possibly new leaf spring mount rubbers
•   Complete new ignition system
•   Whatever else I can think of whilst doing all of this.

I have bought lots of new tools for the occasion and let the fun begin!!!

Let me know if there is anything key I should be looking fo!
Pictures to follow..

Pictures are here..

http://www.flickr.com/photos/104283175@N04/
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: Kent126 on October 04, 2013, 11:45:30 PM
Ah Gary's old car. Glad it has stayed in the club!  ;D

Hope to see it at one of the meets next year!

Tom
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on October 04, 2013, 11:50:06 PM
With any luck, got a welder coming round monday  :$
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: Kent126 on October 05, 2013, 08:42:57 AM
Sounds like all your welding will be done before mine! Mines only been in the bodyshop for 8 months!  :$



Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on October 05, 2013, 01:06:31 PM
What are they doing? making every panel from scratch?
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: Hazey-n-Marc on October 05, 2013, 01:33:13 PM
I should be picking up a Strada Convertible in the next few weeks, it went in to a garge to have the exhaust patched up, that was five years ago.
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on October 05, 2013, 01:43:53 PM
oh wow..
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: Hazey-n-Marc on October 05, 2013, 01:50:20 PM
I haven't seen it yet, but I think it might be this one. Same colours and year.
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: Kent126 on October 05, 2013, 05:27:58 PM
I think over time mine has slowly become and infill job. Im going back in on Tuesday to get it all sorted, or im taking the car back and getting it finished elsewhere. I think have the problem is I dont have much space at the moment so wasn't too bothered about getting it back, but with the deville gone (if it sells) then its game on for finsihing it!

Tom
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: Bar Vitelli on October 05, 2013, 07:23:38 PM
I agree, 8 months is too long, Tom, tricky panels or not, my car, SMM, has been in and out inside a week, although not as extensive as yours, the work done is quality and looks mint, showing what can be done when someone wants to get their head down.
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on October 05, 2013, 07:54:59 PM
Has it got new sills and stuff now Garry?
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: Bar Vitelli on October 05, 2013, 11:41:13 PM
I got lucky...although the outer sill was a mess the inner sill was okay, so it was a more simple job and is now as posh as my Deville, all painted up...unlike the rest of the car which is still rough and red-dy (!!)  ;D
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on October 07, 2013, 11:22:26 AM
Welder came today, it needs...

2 crossmembers
2 front inner arches
Complete floorpan
Inner and outer sills on both sides

Booked in next month..

The picture below is all the stuff that is being replaced. Everything circled is all of the supports and cross members and then the whole floorpan too.
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: Kent126 on October 13, 2013, 10:55:07 PM
Nice to finally see some of these early cars hitting the road again! My car has been promised back to me at the end of this week coming. We shall see, but hopefully I might have some progress for you.

Although once I have it back, not sure how much more work I can do to it yet. Something unexpected has come up which is taking up my time for the time being. Either way, I should be able to put it back together so I can at least drive it!

Tom
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: Bar Vitelli on October 14, 2013, 08:18:51 PM
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fiat-2-very-rare-vintage-1970s-tin-pin-advertising-badges-excellent-/370913913642?pt=UK_CarParts_Vehicles_Manuals_Litterature_ET&hash=item565c312b2a

Chris, you've just got buy this!  ;D
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on October 15, 2013, 09:05:57 AM
I've got the on the move one :) I'm gonna buy these anyway haha

Also I got all my new floor parts today, my house looks like a body shop ha!
I have 2 outer sills, 2 inner sills, complete floorpan, 2 crossmembers, 4 floor supports, 2 jacking points, 2 other things I'm not quite what they do though ha!
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on October 16, 2013, 09:50:53 PM
The badges are mine!!! for a huge 99p
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on November 01, 2013, 05:52:35 PM
Progress!!
It is getting picked up on Tuesday for the welding work!!

Pictures to follow on the flickr page
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: popik81 on November 01, 2013, 07:52:28 PM
any link??
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: Bar Vitelli on November 01, 2013, 09:08:46 PM
Well done, Chris....pictures....we need pictures!  ;D
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on November 01, 2013, 11:43:31 PM
the link is on the start of the topic :) and it all begins on Tuesday!!! Should be fun!
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on November 05, 2013, 11:19:45 AM
Car setting off to the body shop!

(http://i44.tinypic.com/28lt1rb.jpg)
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: popik81 on November 05, 2013, 12:14:40 PM
lovely hood :)
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on November 05, 2013, 02:26:33 PM
Yeah haha, shame nothing else is any good on the car ha.
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: shielsy on November 11, 2013, 11:16:07 PM
any more pics of the work ilke pics lol owen   nw :- :-X :P ;)
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on November 11, 2013, 11:18:29 PM
Coming soon Owen. Did you check out the Flickr page? That shows the extent of what is needed.
I spoke to the welder today and I'm going to see it soon this week.
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: shielsy on November 13, 2013, 04:47:01 PM
yes and i like what i see lol owen nw  :P
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on November 13, 2013, 07:32:18 PM
Thanks owen.

Update on Car.

Spoke to the guy yesterday about the car. its an even bigger job than I had imagined as he needs to replace more on the underside of the car. I went to see it and the holes are phenomenal...

Price wont change but timeframe is. Will upload pictures later in the week...

Hopefully will be back to me mid December.
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on November 14, 2013, 10:05:52 PM
UPDATE:
Car needs much more work than first expected. It is now getting lots more replaced....
Both sills inners and outers
Inner arches
Complete floorpan
Front wings
Front panel
Inner front panel
Jacking points
Crossmembers
Floor supports.


Car is well and truly rotten. To weld up it needs a frame welding into it to hold it in one place to actually keep it square.
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: popik81 on November 15, 2013, 12:23:05 AM
chris not everything together... floor

then sills

then wings and front panel

and rest... ;D ;D
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on November 15, 2013, 02:51:12 PM
You've got me there Popik!

I have some photos to upload just haven't had the time, Will do them tonight.
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: popik81 on November 15, 2013, 06:48:26 PM
if You will bay something from poland, bay only in this company... best quality.... if need help let me now ;)
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: skoda_norman on December 06, 2013, 09:48:32 AM
It doesn't even look too bad in the photos!

But it's good to see a Fiat getting some TLC.
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on December 09, 2013, 09:48:00 PM
Yeah it's certainly getting TLC Rob.

Update: today I got the new front wings and the front panel, only in need of one more panel.

I should get the car back the week ending 6/1/14 if all goes to plan with sourcing the parts. Then it's over to me with the rest of the resto!

Chris
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: Bar Vitelli on December 09, 2013, 10:17:09 PM
Stick with it, young Chris, it's going to be a minter once done!  ;D
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on December 09, 2013, 10:29:15 PM
Hopefully, my blue car is off the road at the moment with an ignition issue

Chris
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: Kent126 on December 13, 2013, 04:49:08 PM
Got any pics yet Chris? In the words of BV, there might be another two 'Mintissimo' cars on the road in 2014!

Tom
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on January 28, 2014, 08:48:46 PM
http://www.flickr.com/photos/104283175@N04/12190180713/

o.0
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: skoda_norman on February 04, 2014, 04:36:51 AM
Proper job!
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on February 04, 2014, 07:55:23 PM
Going to see it tomorrow, taking lots of pics
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: baron_matt on March 20, 2014, 05:57:40 PM
And? And?

Just broke one of my tenterhooks here.
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on March 20, 2014, 06:52:48 PM
And it's coming home! :) but not finished! I'm going to get better at welding and then going for it. Bought a new welder and what not. Garage has been transformed into a workshop in the last week or so and it's coming home.

It's even worse than I thought!
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on March 23, 2014, 11:49:40 AM
Well, the car is home!

Game on.  :P 8) :o
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: Bar Vitelli on March 23, 2014, 03:31:30 PM
Keep going, young, Chris, we need this ready in time for the next Leeds Classic!  ;D
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on March 23, 2014, 03:42:31 PM
I'll be lucky if it's ready this side of Christmas ha!
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: Bar Vitelli on March 23, 2014, 06:01:23 PM
Oh no, I thought you nearly had it done?

Fingers crossed, I'll be at Leeds Classic on 12th April, so hope to see you there?

If Frazer comes it would be the biggest DeVille turnout in years!  ;D
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on April 29, 2014, 12:21:41 AM
Progress!!! made all repair panels/patches for drivers side floor, inner arch and sill and inner sill is tacked in place. hopefully will all line up and drivers side sill and floor complete by this weekend.
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on January 20, 2015, 06:43:54 PM
So it's been a long time since I even looked at this car. It has finally been sent to a restoration company for the rest of the welding and to be sprayed. I am looking at 12-16 weeks for the finished car. I will post pictures of the progress when I get them.

Chris
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: Bar Vitelli on January 20, 2015, 09:48:30 PM
Well done, Chris, stick with it, you're nearly there!  ;D
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: shielsy on January 21, 2015, 10:29:19 AM
happy days wee need pics lol  8)
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on January 21, 2015, 10:55:58 AM
As soon as I get them, they will be on here haha
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: skoda_norman on January 22, 2015, 02:10:56 PM
Exciting times!
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on January 22, 2015, 08:51:48 PM
Very exciting!
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: Kent126 on January 26, 2015, 09:06:35 AM
The race is on! ;-)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk.
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on January 26, 2015, 02:29:59 PM
Game on! :P
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on July 09, 2015, 09:18:48 PM
So got a progress update and its slow. Much more rust that I though and rot has thoroughly set in accross the car. slowly starting to go back together now...  :(

(http://s29.postimg.org/8zz9wx1zr/11714467_499488506868670_2010463526_n.jpg)

(http://s27.postimg.org/isrf3d083/11717109_499488440202010_49555056_n.jpg)

(http://s8.postimg.org/eqxuxws6d/11719874_499488530202001_1237951819_n.jpg)

(http://s30.postimg.org/hyc4sdc69/11721946_499488540202000_730833416_n.jpg)

Chris
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: Kent126 on July 09, 2015, 11:09:23 PM
Stick with it. The pain will be worth it. Remember we are missionaries doing good work. Protecting and saving the last of the early cars for years to come.

Protecting our motoring heritage (or indeed the Italians) is no easy feat but someone has got to do it. 👍

Tom


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk.
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: shielsy on July 10, 2015, 07:22:48 PM
chris they get a lot worse  before they get bettttttttter lol ask me how i no lol , keep her lite
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on July 11, 2015, 11:02:44 AM
Cheers guys, I hope so the wait is killing me!!!!
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on October 05, 2015, 05:13:50 PM
After a HUGE wait and delay on this I finally had a few photos sent today.. we seem to be getting somewhere...

(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlp1/v/t34.0-12/12071453_10207543504695279_683047792_n.jpg?oh=11a253a3a4faf37c8071c25a79235dca&oe=5614AF24)
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on October 05, 2015, 05:16:26 PM
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/767/21850384088_2b3bd7477f_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/zhQVW9)OPD Mid resto (https://flic.kr/p/zhQVW9) by Chris Hutton (https://www.flickr.com/photos/104283175@N04/)

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/729/21417097573_f8f2d5365a_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/yCydWZ)OPD Mid resto (https://flic.kr/p/yCydWZ) by Chris Hutton (https://www.flickr.com/photos/104283175@N04/)

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/654/22048162881_c9af5f39d1_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/zAjAFk)OPD Mid resto (https://flic.kr/p/zAjAFk) by Chris Hutton (https://www.flickr.com/photos/104283175@N04/)

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5712/21850385758_fe2c3b9152_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/zhQWqW)OPD Mid resto (https://flic.kr/p/zhQWqW) by Chris Hutton (https://www.flickr.com/photos/104283175@N04/)

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5735/22038246845_0482905ca9_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/zzrLZc)OPD Mid resto (https://flic.kr/p/zzrLZc) by Chris Hutton (https://www.flickr.com/photos/104283175@N04/)

Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on October 06, 2015, 07:02:23 PM
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5709/21850069020_1e354062a5_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/zhPjgW)OPD Mid resto (https://flic.kr/p/zhPjgW) by Chris Hutton (https://www.flickr.com/photos/104283175@N04/), on Flickr
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: shielsy on October 08, 2015, 01:18:21 PM
pics not working
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on October 08, 2015, 04:13:34 PM
strange they're working for me, anyone else having an issue?
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: Gadge on October 08, 2015, 04:56:45 PM
I got the top one but nothing eles  :(
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on October 08, 2015, 05:16:56 PM
Should be fixed now :)
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: shielsy on October 08, 2015, 08:31:20 PM
 :P :wave :yahoo: :beer:
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: Kent126 on October 08, 2015, 08:49:52 PM
All working here.

:-)

T
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on October 08, 2015, 09:06:39 PM
Slowly (and very very VERY slowly) but surely getting there now.

 8) ;D
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on April 24, 2016, 07:18:50 PM
Its finally painted!!!!!

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1535/26014414724_9b4ea43eb9_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/FCNFaN)OPD after spray (https://flic.kr/p/FCNFaN) by Chris Hutton (https://www.flickr.com/photos/104283175@N04/), on Flickr


Full albumn here..

https://www.flickr.com/photos/104283175@N04/with/26014414724/
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: Bar Vitelli on April 24, 2016, 08:57:09 PM
Looks mint, Chris!  ;D
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: mintex on April 25, 2016, 07:53:36 PM
Thats looks well mate  ;)
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: DeVilleChris on April 26, 2016, 09:07:27 AM
Thanks! cant wait to see it finished!
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: Jake.Pidduck on March 27, 2017, 11:16:39 PM
Shouldn't be too long till it's finished now! ;)
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: shielsy on April 05, 2017, 07:51:34 PM
THat 8) S CLASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: Madd on June 01, 2017, 10:13:45 AM
More pics pleaseee  ;D
Title: Re: 1976 Fiat 126 "OPD 488R"
Post by: Jake.Pidduck on June 07, 2017, 09:47:59 PM
She's mine now,

I'm finishing the resto,

It's slow progress due to time and money!

I'll try to get some pics on soon