hi From Oxfordshire

[cookie]

Hi
I have just bought a 126 aircooled, 1976, 594cc on ebay. I dont know anything about these cars but wanted a cheap run around. Says it has only done 13884 miles.  I have no idea about restoring cars and would appreciate any advice on where to start. The car has no tax or m.o.t. Is a 1976 tax exempt? Should i use classic car insurers and if so can you recommend any.
Many Thanks
Cookie

[dajwid]

Firstly have a good read of the forum, thousands of posts I am sure they will answer 99% of you questions about the 126.

I would get a mechanic to have a look at the car to see what is needed for the mot. Rust will be the biggest problem, anything else is easy to fix. Welding can cost a lot (unless you want to learn to weld).

Pre 1973 cars are tax exempt I think. So you will need car tax.

As for classic car insurers, look in the back of classic car mags there are hundreds.

Last but not least welcome, and good luck with the car. Pop a few pictures on the forum, I am sure you will get comments back.

[cookie]

How do i post the pictures on here.
Thanks
Trudy

[ChrisRLewis]

Welcome to the Club126uk forum!
Posting pictures is explained on this thread
http://club126uk.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3130&highlight=pictures
and don't forget the garage section which is for keeping a photo record of your car.

[cookie]

Thanks
I have no idea of the underside condition of the car but having read lots on the site i at least have some idea of what to look for. Any comments welcomed. Specially if you think this is a bad purchase lol.

[Gordan]

hy trudy, welcome.

your 126 has a lot of potential, and could become a real nice classic if treated right, first thing i would do is respray those awfull blue wheels, and try to do something about those headlights... after that, a complete respray would be nice

[Gordan]

and... erm... i think it has done a lot more than 13884 miles, just my opinion...  :wink:  How much did you pay for it?

[cookie]

Was £231

[dajwid]

I saw it on Ebay.

Have a good dig at those sills, look like you may need new ones. Sort the lights out as Cro already said.

Looks like it has been standing a while, It epends how much you are willing to invest but a few panels or clever welding may be in order.

BUt nothing is too hard to sort on a 126.

How solid is the floor?

[Rusty's Uncle]

The car looks pretty cute to me and certainly good value for that money. I have a shed full of spare parts for the 126 located probably not to far from you should you be interested you can pm me.

[cookie]

Thanks all for your replies. Certainly will be in touch when i know what i need. I thought it was cute.

[Normansinjunstevas]

Dear Trudy,

I used to go out with a bird called Trudy. She was alright.

Regards.....Norms

[cookie]

lol I'm Alright too

[cookie]

Finally got the car home today and the mileage seems to be genuine as i have a few old m.o.t's to support it. I love it.
As i am a total newbie im gonna be a pain.
Someone said get the lights sorted. So what do i need and from where?(are there other models who's lights would fit?)
Can I leave the original number plate on? It has raised numbers.
I want to replace all the badly rusted panels rather then repairing them is this a good idea? I will need both sills, Both doors. Bonnet and boot lid.
And should i respray the car in its original colour? My four year old wants me to do it pink and i think it would look great in pink. (We are very girlie lol)

Thanks for all your advice so far it is very much appreciated.
Trudy

[Dom]

Like so?