Hello

[RicePuddin]

Hi all,
I've just bought my first 126 the other day(1991 Bis). I'm normally a Mini man but always felt that I should get a 126. I drove it home (150 miles) with no problems. I just have a few general questions about the car. The car is perfect in almost every way.
Is there any general issues that I should look out for?
I have the disc brake conversion fitted but there is a bit of travel in the pedal before braking happens, Is this normal?
Is the electronic distributor standard?
Where can I get a rear wiper arm?
Why does everyone keep taking my photo?
With regards to lowering should I bother?
How do I stop the gear stick from turning?

cheers,

[RicePuddin]

Here's a pic. I put the Ferrari decals on the minute I arrived home. Please don't judge me.

[Blonde126]

Welcome!

I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to 126's, I've only had mine for nearly 4 months and haven't even driven it myself yet!

1) Hmm king pins come to mind, check they aren't on the verge of breaking, thermostat can be an issue, also the cylinder heads blowing!

2) While sitting and playing with the pedals I too noticed that you have to lift your foot from the throttle to the brake pedal, and even then there's a 'gap' before you can feel the brakes

3) Nope (again wait for an expert on this forum to confirm that one!)

4) There are many websites, eBay occasionally, but also these are brilliant for spare/new parts:
http://webshop.fiat500126.com/index.php
http://www.ricambio.co.uk/index.php?route=product/category&path=69_72
http://www.126fan.sk/eshop/index.php?main_page=index&language=en&zenid=ce6a30c835abca5adc760e56cd8aeca6

5) The Fiat 126 is a rare little italian car, full of character and something you don't see every day

6) I'm no expert on mods at all so can't answer that one

7) My gear stick turns round too, not sure how to fix it :S

Also I love the car!

[Amateb8]

Hello and welcome to the forum. Your car looks great. I saw the car advertised on ebay. Love the sunroof and alloys. Okay, what to watch out for re watercooled Bis. Reputationally, overheating comes to mind but I have yet to experience this. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge. Check that the radiator fan works and switches on automatically. Check the thermostat is working, though other members removed the thermostat. I have kept mine in with no problems. There is a lot of thread on these (use the search function). Watch the light on the dash, may indicate that it needs topping up (please refer to the manual). Yes, the kingpins need to be greased regularly depending in usage.

With regards to spares, Blonde126 listed a good selection of tried and tested suppliers. I would not bother lowering the car (that is just me). Yes, the car gets a lot of positive attention which is great! Most of all enjoy driving it!

Check out the meetings/events! We'd love to see you and your car! Please post some photos of your new car!!

[RicePuddin]

Everthing seems to work well with no overheating. I got an alarm fitted and a few more mods like a buzzer to tell me I left the lights on. I'll check the king pins and give them some grease if needed.
Due to a previos scrappage scheme all 126's are now gone in Ireland so I do get a bit of attention especially from Polish people.
Thanks for the replies and advice. I'll monitor the threads to see what other people are having problems with.
cheers