Club126UK

Fiat 126 Chat => Your Restorations => Topic started by: nathanfiddes on September 04, 2014, 06:03:30 PM

Title: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on September 04, 2014, 06:03:30 PM
Hi

I have just bought this 126 from a guy near me. Starts and drives fine apart from a rubbish handbrake but brakes work.

It needs a few patches and a passenger floor plan. I have the panel and the previous owner started to cut out the floor. Is it best for me to cut the whole floor panel out which is what I plan to do?

Do the tabs (?) of metal on the panel get welded to the inside of the car?

Any other tips for this as I've never done a floor before!

Thanks(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/04/be994c0c651c8e6e26335c1d2c468b11.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/04/8b33fb00cbb1353001cda21f620f8a02.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/04/51adc1c6efaef13f2da4a7325959e244.jpg)


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Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: shielsy on September 04, 2014, 10:14:36 PM
put a floor in a wee bit of work to take out but worth it owennw
Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on September 05, 2014, 08:58:03 AM
Ok thanks. Does this section fit on the side including all of the metal tabs on the panel? Anyone have a photo of one fitted?

Thanks


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Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on September 09, 2014, 03:42:14 PM
Well I had a chance to get it on the ramp today for a look underneath. It's a worse than I thought but I knew it would be bad.

There are some patches needed to both sills and a part of the chassis has completely rusted out on the offside rear in front of the rear wheel.

Have a look at the pics and leave your thoughts! Worth saving? I can weld it up myself but I only want to do it if it's worth it! (http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/09/2c22f8f0e717f9d09e3d1b929ab1fbdb.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/09/54cfe82e4f09ee1a22d18f3e6bbb76c2.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/09/928d9261ac4aba909e47a09abd75ceb7.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/09/43f564dd50a1e26d56de377d7ba53699.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/09/61cc6349852e8e28966075ea5d268880.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/09/591e7916bc6bdc0104b6927e0c4a69ac.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/09/c003ed63f7090672083172e8cf6ba286.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/09/e75b531928a66da4dbe38b112fce4d79.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/09/4fe42487c0cc8d32745102f506bee295.jpg)

Thanks

Nath


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Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on September 09, 2014, 03:42:18 PM
Well I had a chance to get it on the ramp today for a look underneath. It's a worse than I thought but I knew it would be bad.

There are some patches needed to both sills and a part of the chassis has completely rusted out on the offside rear in front of the rear wheel.

Have a look at the pics and leave your thoughts! Worth saving? I can weld it up myself but I only want to do it if it's worth it! (http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/09/2c22f8f0e717f9d09e3d1b929ab1fbdb.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/09/54cfe82e4f09ee1a22d18f3e6bbb76c2.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/09/928d9261ac4aba909e47a09abd75ceb7.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/09/43f564dd50a1e26d56de377d7ba53699.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/09/61cc6349852e8e28966075ea5d268880.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/09/591e7916bc6bdc0104b6927e0c4a69ac.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/09/c003ed63f7090672083172e8cf6ba286.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/09/e75b531928a66da4dbe38b112fce4d79.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/09/4fe42487c0cc8d32745102f506bee295.jpg)

Thanks

Nath


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Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: Piotross on September 09, 2014, 06:13:36 PM
uuu, my friend you have to do complete repair of body parts, tinwork, many element to change for new.
Question is, is that profitable to you ? Fiat's ELX very rotted after leave the factory.
Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: poxxxy on September 09, 2014, 10:01:43 PM
ELX is electronic ignition? The car looks cute in that color. Shape is a little different to, perhaps slightly more seicento esque.
Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: Piotross on September 09, 2014, 10:14:57 PM
ELX is a name of model, elx = elegance. Yes every elx's models have electronic ignition with nanoplex.
Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on September 10, 2014, 09:21:26 AM
Yep it starts great each time! Just loads of rust! We are going to repair it now, start cutting it up today!


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Title: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on September 11, 2014, 01:55:27 PM
First cutting today, part of the sill on the offside in front of the wheel, there is a lot of rot around here especially and section of chassis missing in front of the rear arch. A couple more sections of this sill need repairing too.

Going to begin cutting the floor out tomorrow morning.

(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/11/2698f502f16e6ae448340aab76b1f8ba.jpg)

(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/11/17b351e3245954c31e00c1c1d997a8c5.jpg)
Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on September 16, 2014, 06:06:18 PM
More progress to report. The floor is now out with most of the outer sill too as it was rotten!

The repair panel is nearly in and ready to begin the long process of welding. I'm hoping to have the majority of the welding done on this side by the end of the week.

The other side is poor though and may benefit from a new floor/sill too.

Nath(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/16/3972b92a44a3dab07855699e3e92d743.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/16/50e22f15ddc8d1bd07113e74d4a8d167.jpg)


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Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: shielsy on September 16, 2014, 06:14:05 PM
looking good new inner outer sill will help cure it owen nw ;D
Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on September 16, 2014, 08:51:44 PM
Amazingly the inner sill is solid! So I'm hoping some rust killer and a good paint will help! Thanks


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Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on September 18, 2014, 06:11:20 PM
Doesn't look like much progress but after a lot of cutting, grinding and head scratching the panel is 99% in place. Going to start tacking it in tomorrow.

(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/18/b5b9639746fba3f0004bb3d2ea8715a2.jpg)

Thanks


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Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: shielsy on September 18, 2014, 06:24:09 PM
they all get worse before they get better and your doing that fair play owen nw
Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on September 19, 2014, 04:55:28 PM
More progress, the floor is tacked in after some final fitting, expanding foam has been removed and prep for fitting sill before lots of welding next week.

(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/19/4cdee63335ee000fc672b05ab00e123f.jpg)

(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/19/8673610c5e722770aed63d5f32a985bc.jpg)


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Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on September 23, 2014, 03:49:51 PM
The sill has been welded in today. It needs some grinding and all that but overall is ok, how thin are these Polcar panels! Also they don't line up very well either!

(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/23/01233a49fb21dc931d422775f8b1f528.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/23/06fd6ea3f9febc5d05b04910a33bb3f8.jpg)


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Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on September 25, 2014, 08:46:08 PM
No pictures at the moment. Had a break from panel work and tackled the awful brakes, sorted out one drum, is there any easy way of getting the shoes/springs back together with the hub in the way? I was working on the rear wheels today.

Great car to work on!


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Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: shielsy on September 25, 2014, 09:23:49 PM
what a difference owen nw  :o
Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: poxxxy on September 25, 2014, 11:30:04 PM
Looking good :)
Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on December 04, 2014, 09:19:19 PM
Hi

For some reason my Tapatalk app won't let me post on this thread?

Lots of progress on this car, all drums rebuilt, new brake lines in some areas. Front sill welded up, floor plan welded in, new sill welded in and the new crossmember will be welded in over the next few days. There will also be repair to the other sill and floor in areas.

I have also been fixing up a corner near the rear wheel.

There is a gearbox oil leak from the boot on the inboard CV joint which is split, what do i need to buy to fix this? Is it a gearbox oil seal and boot or does the boot seal it?

I'm losing my storage soon so this car will probably be up for sale in the new year with a UK MOT on it and hopefully UK plates. I think i deserve to drive it for a little while!

Thanks
Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on December 06, 2014, 07:10:18 PM
A couple of pics, new exhaust is on and the sill is all patched up ready for paint prep.  (http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/06/ac5f8a1e1e25ac77d271e821fcc4a762.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/06/88a0bd88deedbad3a2c712d0971d4064.jpg)

Still lots to do but the list is getting smaller!


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Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on December 16, 2014, 06:07:44 PM
The 126 has had a few more hours on it, the rear chassis in front of the rear wheel has been repaired, the inner arch at the front has been patched up and some filling has started, still a small patch to get in the sill.
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/16/4ec296b4012c6e63c865eab5ec052604.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/16/0a1e333f70b587dceaf5e0f98879d7a8.jpg)

Thanks

Nath


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Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: baron_matt on December 17, 2014, 01:10:28 PM
Is the expanding foam original from the factory?

That can't have helped with causing the sills to rust out.


On the subject of sills, does anyone recommend where to obtain a good inner sill repair section?

Cheers

Matt
Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on January 17, 2015, 06:56:36 PM
Yeah the foam is straight from the factory! Cut as much out as possible!

One sill is done now. Crossmember is tacked in.

Anyone know where the paint code is on the VIN? I want to order some to spray up the sill.

(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/17/5fb35cbe3f8469fd12b57ba7926faf90.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/17/88a80ed26426d5e0165dc3b875681ec2.jpg)

Brakes are all bled and work ok (I think), hopefully MOT soon. Anyone know if I have to register it onto UK plates? I love the Polish ones.

Thanks


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Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: 1973/126 on January 17, 2015, 07:29:53 PM
 It`s the one where it says paint n 306 ;D

 I doubt the foam was from the factory, more like a nice repair job eastern block style.

 Good luck with the mot.  :thumbup
Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on January 17, 2015, 07:43:15 PM
Thanks, I'll get a search on for the paint, the expanding foam is a pain!


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Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on January 20, 2015, 07:43:02 PM
Spent today getting the crossmember properly in, taking a while, welding underneath isn't easy!

One side of this car is nearly complete then it's onto the other side where the sill needs so work.

Driveshafts are out also to fix leaky inner boots and out dust boots.

(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/20/95cc7012d4289a18fe2a776742e19599.jpg)




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Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on January 23, 2015, 08:42:37 PM
Today spent working on the crossmember, it's nearly fully welded in. One side of the car is looking good now, also have changed the engine/gearbox oil. Next week the other side of the car is being worked on.

I've also taken out the driver seat and this floor needs some minor repair.

Anyone know what I should paint the inside of the floor in? It's got some thick tar stuff on one side, is this just waxoyl?

Thanks

(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/23/3f1ad19bc91093493fa89cf864318d54.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/23/608ff10fb8a8f45a84dd2749c66b319b.jpg)


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Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on January 29, 2015, 05:52:32 PM
I took her out for a spin today (on private land!). The gears were like stirring soup by now with some adjustment are all there. The brakes are alright but not great, what are the 126 brakes normally like? Would they lock under hard braking? Also my handbrake is poor. I have renewed all slave cylinders and cleaned/greased shoes etc.


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Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on January 31, 2015, 11:29:53 AM
Started to tackle the other side yesterday, the floor needs a few repairs and cutting out/tidying of the terrible Polish repairs.

The welding list is getting smaller now so hopefully I will get it tested soon! Anyone give me advice on the brakes? How should 126 brakes feel?

I've also got an insurance quote and it was £225 on the chassis number which I thought was fantastic!

(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/31/347d925db532aefa22360c6fd85a4064.jpg)(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/31/1df2364e52956b2a6c9152610f87be82.jpg)


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Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: 1973/126 on January 31, 2015, 04:20:17 PM
 Where have you greased the shoes up?
 Also have you tried the - put it in reverse and slam the brakes trick yet? This will set up the brake adjusters.
 The standard brakes are not great, but if in good condition they are adequate :)
Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on January 31, 2015, 05:34:45 PM
Yeah I have put some grease on them, I forgot about the reverse trick. I'll do that then, they are ok and stop the car so hopefully they will pass an MOT.

Thanks for the reply.


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Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on March 02, 2015, 08:45:34 PM
Hi,

I'm slowly getting to the MOT day now but have more mechanical things to do.

I have play in the steering so im guessing it's the 'box, how much adjustment is there for these?

Also I have a wobble from one wheel bearing and a kingpin, I'm going to try and put grease in the kingpin and see if that helps tomorrow, any tips?


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Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on March 03, 2015, 07:03:08 PM
Hi

I spent today fitting new shoes to all the drums and now the brakes are much improved.

Has anyone changed front wheel bearings? Does the hub pull off the stub axle to reveal bearings? Both mine are shot and the haynes manual is a bit vague.

Thanks


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Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on March 09, 2015, 08:30:02 PM
We are hopefully finishing the welding tomorrow, a couple of plates to put in then it's painting time!

Time is really running out for my now with only a couple of weeks left until I leave this job. I will probably put it in for a MOT over the next few days but I think the front bearings and maybe the steering box could be an issue.

Also I my 12" tyres are rubbish but I have some 13" steels with 135 12's on so I'm hoping they will fit in the arches to allow me to drive her to the test station!




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Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on March 10, 2015, 08:30:36 PM
Lots of work done today but still a small amount of welding to do. The underneath is near complete apart from one more small plate.

I have managed to grease up the kingpin that had play in it and that's great now.

All that's needed is a new tie rod on the passenger side, a bearing on that side too.

It also needs a set of tyres and the fog lamp rewired to the other side.

And lots of underseal!

(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/10/2a9f40c2a112873e084885536fb07689.jpg)

I'm cutting it fine as I'm losing my storage in a couple of weeks!




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Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on March 19, 2015, 09:02:27 PM
MOT day tomorrow! Wish me luck!

(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/19/5ba099918388e2c5764f9326722f8c83.jpg)


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Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on March 20, 2015, 07:35:07 PM
Failed. More welding to rear chassis, they are also saying I need a CAT? Is this correct?

The car is up for sale now anyway and has to go. Such a shame but I have no more time to complete the work.


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Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: Clancy_Ryan on March 20, 2015, 09:56:44 PM
Sorry to hear  :(
And unfortunately yes, thats the one which had a CAT.
Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: nathanfiddes on March 22, 2015, 06:52:32 PM
Well she is on eBay. I'm gutted to have to sell her as I know I could get her road legal in a few months but I don't have that. I have put so many hours into this little car.

I doubt she will make what I feel she is worth but I've learnt so much by owning her.


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Title: Re: Polish 126elx minor resto
Post by: Maluchman on April 12, 2015, 07:41:06 PM
I took her out for a spin today (on private land!). The gears were like stirring soup by now with some adjustment are all there. The brakes are alright but not great, what are the 126 brakes normally like? Would they lock under hard braking? Also my handbrake is poor. I have renewed all slave cylinders and cleaned/greased shoes etc.


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It's a Maluch!!!  (Fiat 126)  The brakes are not meant to be brilliant! They are based on the 1972 original braking system. You have done a good job by the way! I am Welsh and love in Poland and i am buying a 126 1998 soon it will be my 4th 126. I am expecting the same problems as you have encountered. Parts are very cheap to buy over here though!