Pre 1977 - Post 1977 compatibility

[Milas]

I recently saw a pretty good looking pre-1977 (1st series) body up for sale somewhere. And since I almost have a complete car, minus the body lying in storage, I thought it would be a nice Idea to combine the two and build a new 126.
Problem is, all the parts I have are post-1977, So now I'm wondering if it is posible to fit 2nd series part to a 1st series body. My main concern are the front and rear suspension parts (specifically the arms). But if there are other problems that I might come across, let me know!

Cheers!

[Kent126]

There are some significant differences.

I'm not entirely sure if the later suspension will fit, but my lowering kit I have (shocks, springs and front leaf spring) is designed especially for the 500 / 1st series 126.

The early cars have different hubs (meaning only early type wheels will fit), different brakes (including drums, shoes and fitments). They use the same bits as the 500, and wont fit the later models.

Having said that, if all of the later suspension and arms fit then you should be able to fit all the later brakes, wheels and hubs ok.

Hope this helps.

Tom

[Rusty's Uncle]

Well what a coincidence , I was just comparing a fiat 500 front top suspension arm with a late 126 one today. The mounting holes to the body shell are closer on the 500 but not sure if that is the same as early 126. Either way it would be an easy fix to get the right part and the connection to the top stub axle mount is the same as is the lower spring mounting 

[Milas]

The mounting holes to the body shell are closer on the 500 but not sure if that is the same as early 126.

I think the early 126 and 500 suspension arms are the same. So it would mean I would either have to make an adapter of use old style suspension arms.

Thanks for the replies so far guys!

[Rusty's Uncle]

Just checked out the 126 manual and it shows 500 type top suspension arms so if that were the case you would only need the mounting bar & arms to make it work 

[Ruggero58]

Question for you all, same topic:   I have a 1987 FSM up and running.   My too rusty donor car was given to me by an aunt who has now passed away    The car was retired, there is not 1 shred of paper on this thing, no licence plate, nothing.  It does have the old "500" style wheels.   Is there a mfg date stamp on it anywhere?  The SN is 126A-5030958...   

BTW...   All the metal body parts including the glass appear to be interchangable except bumpers and other dated trim parts.   Door handles yes, trunk latch no,  carburator yes, starter no...   Like me, you will have stuff left over to swap and sell.