1974 Fiat 126 'Tetto Aprible' Restoration

[Kent126]

Have spoken to him, he doesnt have that particular panel I require.

Phoned Franco at Ricambio this morning, he is going to have a look in his warehouse this afternoon and see what he can find.

Tom

[fixit]

fingers crossed

I found this site on travels looking for something else, might help in ye quest
http://webshop.fi500.com/en/body-parts-Fiat-126
regards f

[Kent126]

Franco managed to dig out and send me a new wing from his treasure trove and it arrived this morning. It's still re-production but it is genuine Italian and not Polish. Took it over to the body shop and it has now been pinned into place. The difference is amazing, the fit is almost perfect straight away.

Another lesson learnt, don't buy cheap Polish panels if your are restoring an early Italian aircooled car!

I now have a Polish wing going spare if anyone can make use of it? Just cover the postage.

Welding is commencing this afternoon, and hopefully the updates will continue.

Tom

[Kent126]

Went to Surrey this morning to collect these little beauties.

Italian Borrani wheels with Abarth hubcaps. Been looking for a nice set of wheels for ages, and these popped up yesterday. Already fitted with four brand new tyres.



Im not over fussed with the Abarth caps so, might end up selling them. Havent quite decided though. I would prefer some borrani caps or ones with 'fiat' on them. If anyone has any, would consider a swap.

I'm now also looking for original early rear arches, as the ones I have are not quite the right profile.

Tom

[popik81]

http://www.ebay.it/itm/coppa-ruota-cromata-/251282742591?pt=Ricambi_automobili&hash=item3a819e5d3f&_uhb=1#ht_823wt_1271

[Kent126]

Wow! Finally some progress. Front end is finally welded on, just need to tidy the welds up, and weld in indicator panels. Quality of workmanship is excellent, shame about the pace.

All good things come to those who wait I guess.



Tom

[Gadge]

great stuff!!  your front end looks like it went on better than my one did! it was a nightmare trying to line all the panel gaps up! were they genuine fiat parts?

[Kent126]

The front panel and front offside wing were fiat factory originals, the nearside wing was italian reproduction, couldnt find an original anywhere! The indicator panels are Polish.

Bonet is original, and the door hinge panels came from Germany, so they are probably Polish too!

Fit is great, and it was worth waiting for the correct panels. It has made a huge difference!

Tom

[Kent126]

Hurrah!!!!! Finally some more progress. After going in on Friday and having a rather, how shall we put it, frank discussion about the rate of progress being acheived, the car is finally being finished over the next two days.

Today the car has had new rear arches and one of the old rusty floor pans has been cut out ready for a new one. Hopefully some more pics tomorrow;











Tom

[Kent126]

Hurrah more welding done today.
Both new floor pans in, one indicator panel and the rust near the front arches dealt with. Almost a rock solid car again! 















Tom

[DeVilleChris]

looks like its moving well now. The "Stern" word worked ha

[Kent126]

Now sit down. I know you won't believe this because neither did I!

My car is now finally completely welded up, and is finally a complete rot free shell ready for body prep and painting! Here are the final pics, completed today. Now where did I put my wallet.....

















Tom (now skint)

[Kent126]

Today the car was removed from the bodyshop, and moved into his temporary new home for the winter. Hopefully next week I can begin taking out all of the wiring, windows and remaining components and have a bare shell ready for spraying!



Tom

[Bar Vitelli]

Well done! Tom, it's going to be a minter once done! 

I'd suggest investing in a dehumidifier for that shed to protect it through winter...

[Kent126]

Well done! Tom, it's going to be a minter once done! 

I'd suggest investing in a dehumidifier for that shed to protect it through winter...

I don't have a power source there unfortunately  It will be a lot better then where it was stored before though. Unless of course you can get dehumidifiers that dont run off the mains.

I will probably be tempted to hand spray the red areas in blue primer, for further protection. The car will need to be rubbed down anyway before painting.