New Zealand Owner Signing in.

[imProlyStoned]

Hi guys loving my baby 81'128p I think I'm the only person driving one of these daily in Auckland.

Had her 3 months, had a small problem throttle cable to pedal connection weld just snapped, so I just took it out and gave it to wielder.

Not thinking of engine swaps, would do it in another rolling body if extra time and $$$ surfs by,would go electric or hybrid because why not, literally put a Nissan leaf in it , give it a 5 spd gear box, BOOM! Imagine 126 with all that digital blings on the panel.

My baby has surface rust here and there, gona DIY all the NON-mechanical stuff, like upholstery, weather strips, gonna buy a dc to ac converter and just plug in a USB sound system for my phone music.

thinking about swapping the sports 5 spd gear box I saw in one of the parts website, anyone tried it? does it improve on the highways?

Also need to improve traction, spun in the rain a few times, is 13x7" suitable?

And any tips on improving the engine's efficiency?
I have seen people put a little turbo in it on youtube, but where would intercooler go?

[AvB]

[Rusty's Uncle]

I was in Auckland less than 2 weeks ago. I would have loved to have seen that car. It looks like the same colour as my DeVille and are the seats a brown cord material ?
Do you know much about the history of the car as in was it one of the 97 126's that were officially imported into NZ by Fiat and were driven off the ship by Alan Cameron who lives on the north island ? He had a red 126 which I believe was sold to Todd Nial who is located in Auckland and also has Fiat 500s.
Personally I think that is such a rare car in NZ it would be a shame do any major mods to it.
Maybe I might be able to catch up with you on my next trip 

[imProlyStoned]

Yea, it is pretty rare here, heard there were only 80 of them officially imported, and yea, brown interior, good to know some more history about 126s in New Zealand.
Not gona major mod it, but only to modernize her, like electric locks, windows, tune up the 2 cylinder change the 2 pistons(feels like half price tune up), intake exhaust, traction, tyres, suspensions, just want her to be more drivable like a Mini 1300.

I check this forum 1-2 times a week leave me a message before your next trip over, I'm a newbie in cars, would love to learn more about the 126p.

[124cso]

 Knowing approximately what you paid for this, may I suggest that you just drive it as it is, for what it is.
 They were / are a basic cheap mode of transport. If you compare it to more modern stuff, they are uneconomic (fuel wise), slow and fairly agricultural. If you add all sorts of extras, electric locks etc you ae just going to wreck it's originallity and certainly over capitalize it.
13" rims will be too big for your wheel arches unless you can find really skinny ones and low profile tyres, sadly neither of which can be found in New Zealand.

If you want an electric version, there are 2 in Auckalnd that the guy has been trying to sell for over a year but cannot, because they are just not viable. Sadly he is wanting less than you paid.

Just enjoy it and drive it as it is or buy a jap import celica or similar and you should come out with change.