Bought my 126 - it's allready on axle stands

[RonBurgundy]

Hi all, I bought my first 126 a few weeks ago, an '86 fsm in burgundy. Since then I've been reading the forum and feasting on your tasty knowledge, so i thought it was only right to join up and say thanks.  [-/

I had planned to do what I usually do, Drive it around for a couple of weeks, give it a service and a fresh mot then sell it on but the drive home through London was a revelation. 3 people wound down their windows compliment the car, the staff at the petrol station were taking pictures and i was let out of every junction - handy as the lack of a cigarette lighter for the sat nav meant i had no idea where i was going!

Now that I've fallen for it (I knew I would), My plan for the car is to tackle all the rust and dodgy MOT welding, after stripping it down i was reasonably pleased to see that it only(!) needs 2 outer sills, 2 wings (going for early ones without bumper mounts) and a front panel to get it totally straight, rust and bodge free. I could patch it up with less but I might as well do it properly.

I'm also going to have to weld up the square holes in the sides as all that black plastic was a travesty - I'm going to run it without bumpers as I've always thought 126's look better 'naked'. The reverse light can go as it's not an mot requirement & the number plate light will be replaced with 2 LED bolts for a bike (when they turn up from china). The rear fog I'm not so sure about.

Other plans include:
Lowering the suspension - reverse-eye and rear shocks on the front and cutting a 1/4 coil at the rear.
A cigarette lighter and a stereo, both of which i have laying around here somewhere.
Fitting the fancy exhaust i couldn't resist buying
Pulling off the head to match the ports and see if there are any obvious casting marks etc i can smooth out - the head gasket set cost me £4 so i might as well take a look.

Anyway this is getting a bit long-winded, so I'll stop here.

Thanks, Rich

[RSPSTEVE]

Welcome Rich

Sounds like a good project any pics??

Steve

[bis13]

its great when folk let you out just so they can sit behind and gawp at your car aint it?

[Amateb8]

Hello and welcome. I am glad you have decided to keep the car. I too enjoy the attention given to the car. I was stunned by the amount of attention the car got when I drove my 126 Bis to Central London (Liecester Square, Covent Garden etc.). At the traffic lights people would wave, smile and even pose on the side of the car to have their picture taken, absolutely amazing. I also got preferential treatment on the road not just from other motorists but hear this, from pedestrians as well.

[RonBurgundy]

The last car I bought was a 90's Mercedes 500se limo, somehow people on the road didn't really warm to it as much as the 126. Funny that. Close to 8 times the engine but not nearly as much fun, especially at the pump   .

I've finally got all my panels, so I'll have some pictures of the progress soon. In the mean time here's my before Pic - I couldn't resist getting the trolley in there for scale.