Author Topic: Wanted 126 engine and gearbox for a Fiat 500 (Read 1616 times)

dino355 · « **on:** November 03, 2008, 09:55:40 PM »

Ladies and Gents,

I have just joined the Club as I have just bought a little Fiat 500 that needs a little TLC. My name is Dean and I am in Banstead which used to be the home of Ricambio ideal for parts but they have now become internet based.

The car has a gearbox problem and I thought I might aswell change both the engine and box at the same time. I have very little Fiat experience and would appreciate any comments about this transplant and anything that might be a problem! Does the 126 just fit in with no mods?

My first quest is to get a good engine and box so again any help in that area would be much appreciated.

If one is available please get in touch via this site or email [email protected] or if you could point me in the right direction that would be great.

I hope to contribute to the forum in due course and have several car from a Ferrari to a 2CV. Thanks in advance for any help...

Regards

Dean

bis13 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 03, 2008, 10:07:20 PM »

shame on you!! get rid of the 500 and get a 126 then the conversion is easier!!! i think the only thing thats different is the driveshafts ? i hope thats correct. ask dom or michaelodonnel via pm they will set you straight . as for ricambio if you e mail them they will let you go straight to them rather than use the post for parts.

dino355 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 04, 2008, 08:05:55 AM »

Thanks for the reply, and yes I did feel kinda guilty about posting a wanted add for bits for a 500 but hey!

Do you know the web address for Ricambio the original Banstead company as it would appear a few Bogus sites exist that mimic the original.

The 500 is a great little car but the gearbox drives the wife mad and the cyclists passing on hills is a little hard to deal with.

Any help or suggestion would be appreciated... who knows I may add a 126 to my stable!

Dean

phreak97 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 04, 2008, 01:52:28 PM »

i havnt actually done the conversion, but the differences i know of (whether they are a problem or not i dont know) are the starter motor location and if it's electric or lever start, the heater hose location, axle length, and diameter(year dependant), and the generator and regulator wiring.

you should keep it original, not because it's hard to change, but because in my opinion all classics should be kept original.

Dom · « **Reply #4 on:** November 04, 2008, 02:40:00 PM »

I changed mine a long time ago. Mine was a 500R originally, so it was half way there already. The only reason i changes was because a friend was breaking a 126 and I kept having trouble with the dynamo, so it worked out convenient.

The most complicated part of the change is converting the wiring from dynamo to alternator. This is simple, but you need to follow instructions, that are readily available both here and on the 500club UK forum. Other than that, it was just the drive shafts. Starter location didn't affect it nor did size etc. The engine mounting may also pose a small challenge, but again, this is well documented on many websites, so not difficult with correct instructions.