Conversion to chrome bumpers and folding sunroof

[saint300]

If one had a '79 model with the plastic bumpers, would he be able to switch to the early chrome ones? If all parts are available, like spacers and bolts, would that be a straight job, or would there be other things to consider too? Also, what other changes would be needed for the interior (so that it matches the new exterior look? I know steering wheel was different, but what about the seats themselves and the upholstery)?

And here is a more difficult question: Is it possible to fit the folding sunroof to an 126 that does not have one? I understand that it was exactly the same as with the 500, so if all parts are bought, is that conversion feasible/easy/legal? And would then rigidity of bodyshell be  compromised? From what I have been able to find out, it seems that TA versions did not have any different body parts, like sills for instance...but I am not an expert, so any ideas would be very much appreciated!

Thanks!

[Gadge]

Hi Yiannis the chrome bumper conversion is dead easy and indeed a straight swap. All parts are available. You will need bracket spacers (avalable in chrome or zinc) the specail bots and the rubber gasket that goes between the bracket and the body work. Classic 500 bumpers DONT fit. If your after a classic interior look then why not think about vinyl? It's harder to get hold of but well worth it when it's in



Your sunroof can be done but you’ll have to feel brave to cut the hole in the roof as it has to be right. From a legal point of view it should be all ok.

[saint300]

Thank you Gadge for your reply! Much appreciated!

It's good to know I could fit chrome bumpers without any hassles! As for the interior, I know that the steering wheel is different, but it can be found, but I think the front seats are slightly different, more full in some way....anyway...(also door cards have to be different, right?)

Regarding the sunroof, I am afraid it's not a matter of me being brave, but an issue of finding the right person to do it! But the point is, it can be done, as you say!

Thanks a lot!

[Adey1970]

Hi Yiannis the chrome bumper conversion is dead easy and indeed a straight swap. All parts are available. You will need bracket spacers (avalable in chrome or zinc) the specail bots and the rubber gasket that goes between the bracket and the body work. Classic 500 bumpers DONT fit. If your after a classic interior look then why not think about vinyl? It's harder to get hold of but well worth it when it's in



Wow that looks stunning! 

Your sunroof can be done but you’ll have to feel brave to cut the hole in the roof as it has to be right. From a legal point of view it should be all ok.

[saint300]

Yes, for the interior, I am thinking of having it all in vinyl, preferably in that beige/brownish colour, complete with door cards from the 1st series. I know it won't be a very easy exrecise, but I believe it can be found, given time. We'll see....

[Bar Vitelli]

The sunroof on the 126 is slightly different to the 500. They have some parts in common but the front frame on the 500 is curved so is not an easy fit for the 126 which has a flat roof. It can, however, be made to fit if needed.

The front frame for the 500 is relatively easy and affordable to find and buy. The ones for the 126 are much more difficult to find (although I may have one for sale if needed) and are much more expensive.

If you decide to go ahead wth your conversion and need to know more about what bits you will need and where to buy them I'm happy to send you some details and some pictures of one I've already got waiting to be assembled.