Gutter Removal

[thepuddlejumper]

I have seen a couple of photographs of 126's with the gutter removed they look really good and I would like to do it.  Has anyone carried out this mod and if so what will I have to look out for.  Any help appreciated.

Ralph

[1973/126]

 I wouldn`t do it. My brother done it on his Skoda 130 and water kept coming into the car. The other thing is, lots of grinding, cutting, filler.... I think they are there for a good reason

[thepuddlejumper]

The intention is to seam weld the full length.  Thought of putting a plate behind the joint spot welding every 150mm on either side of joint, then seam weld the joint and the backing plate all together.  The roof of the 126 has vandal damage all over and will be replaced with a roof from a seat tolido, to include steel sunroof.  So I thought if I am doing that much how hard would it be to remove the gutter at the same time.  If I go ahead with it I will post photographs of the progress.

Ralph

[hudsonhenry]

Would be classified as altering the monocoque so you could end up having to take a BIVA test or taking the car off the road if the car has other mods. They are starting to crack down on people

[chrisrhodesinlbz]

There is a reader's question and advice in this month's Practical Classics asking about how to put the gutters back in to a Fiat 126 from an owner who had previously removed them.

[thepuddlejumper]

Hudsonhenry, we met on the 500 Tour of Europa the red Fiat Gamine.  Anyway whats the BIVA test/inspection, I know about the SVA, putting a midi chop trike conversion through soon.  What other mods come into this, steel wheel arch extension??

Ralph

[hudsonhenry]

Hi Ralph, of course I remember you, I hope you are keeping well.

As I understand it (and I'm learning more about this all the time) the IVA has replaced the SVA test and is aimed at individual or small batch new cars etc, the BIVA (BasicIVA) is a less stringent test aimed at modified vehicles. The DVLA rules on what needs a test are also pretty much the same as before (from the DVLA website):

Allocating a vehicle registration mark
The vehicle must score eight or more points to retain the original registration mark. If less than eight points are scored or a second-hand or modified chassis or altered monocoque bodyshell is used an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA), enhanced single vehicle approval (ESVA), single vehicle approval (SVA) or motorcycle single vehicle approval (MSVA) certificate will be required to register the vehicle. A 'Q' prefix registration number will be allocated.

Scoring components
The following values will be allocated to the major components used:
chassis or body shell (body and chassis as one unit - monocoque ie direct replacement from the manufacturer) (original or new) = 5 points
suspension = 2 points
axles = 2 points
transmission = 2 points
steering assembly = 2 points
engine = 1 point

The DVLA allow for the repair of a monocoque so adding flared arches might be considered a repair to the structure but tubbing the inner arches would be probably be classified as modification as would enlarging a transmission tunnel, five linking suspension etc. The problem is that the DVLA are deliberately vague sighting that each car would be considered on its own merits rather than producing a set of rules that can be easily followed.

There is also an allowance for historical (period correct) modifications which I think allows for example for you to turn a standard MGB GT into a V8 or a standard Mini into a Cooper S replica as long as it is on the relevant owners club approved conversion list, again I'm trying to find out more about this.

Have a look at the Association of Car Enthusiasts (ACE) site: http://www.the-ace.org.uk/ they are working hard to protect the rights we still have.

Nigel

[gertjanx38]

Hi,

it is a pain in the ass to remove it...

i removed just the rear piece of the gutter it looks nice but it was lots of work,

Gertjan

picture with and without gutter (work in progress)

[thepuddlejumper]

Yes this is what my son wants to do, we were going to put a steel strip behind the cut off gutter before weding.  Where did you get the rear bumper and how did you mould it in also are the wheel arches a bit wider? Where are your lights going, any more photos?

Ralph

[gertjanx38]

I bought a second hand bumper kit online,, it was comming out pl.

I fiberglast them into the body,,it looks real nice,

The tail lights are gonna be on the shaved tailgate (i think),,

be sure to get a metal strip behind, because the metal is verry thin at this point,,

Gertjan