1974 Fiat 126 'Tetto Aprible' Restoration

[wsmitwil]

Keep going

 

[ciaoflyer]

Today some more shiny new bits arrived from Germany.

All of the rubbers and last bits for suspension including new bump stops, rings and mounting blocks. New wheel bearings, master cyclinder, brake hoses, all bolts and clips, fuel sender unit, wheel bearings, handbrake cables, and a few other bits;


Brand new 70's period numberplates specially made in Cornwall by Tippers vintage plates, just arrived.


 

Tom

Great plates, I want to get some of the classic raised plates for my 1985 2cv like you have, will thwy be road legal for an '85 model?

[wsmitwil]

It's a pain 2cv plates esscpecialy on the front where they are fixed to the bonnet trying to bend plates is difficult without breaking them

[ciaoflyer]

It's a pain 2cv plates esscpecialy on the front where they are fixed to the bonnet trying to bend plates is difficult without breaking them

Yes I know so want metal so I can bend, getting plates locally is I right pain cos of all the politics!

[Kent126]

If you speak to Tippers Vintage and Classic plates, they might be able to bend the plates for you on manufacture, to fit your 2cv. As all their plates are specialist I don't see why they wouldn't be able to.

As for being road legal on an '85, I think they probably would be. They wouldn't be period, but they should be road legal. In the 80's, cars went over from metal plates with plastic numbers to aluminium pressed plates.

All of the different styles are on their website.

New sports coil arrived today for my 126. Can't imagine it makes any difference to a 'normal' one, but it was the same price. Also now my 126 is insured on a classic car policy and it was dirt cheap! So much so, when it is running I might get rid of my other car!

Tom

[Kent126]

Finally, the car went off for welding today. It is now at the bodyshop around the corner from me and I am just awaiting a phonecall to go back and take some photos once they have set about cutting it up.





It was amusing us towing it, and I should have got some photos. Imagine a land rover pulling this 126 which is essentially a shell up a hill, with me crouched in the drivers side (there are no seats in it) steering it whilst be towed. Crouced with my head poking out of the sunroof and waving at people who were looking in dis-belief, shouting 'Morning!' 

Some more bits arrived today from Italy this time, it took a while as my Italian isn't brilliant. Full set of front and rear drums, wheel cylinders and brake shoes. The Italian gentleman even sent me some awesome free 500 keyrings! 





Things are now finally moving! Keep tuned for more updates soon!

Tom

[Kent126]

**12th February 2013**

Restoration has reached its first stumbling block. A full assesment by the bodyshop has thrown up a few little issues, nothing that cannot be rectified.

However, I am in need of some outer door pillar panels before I can go any further, and I have a feeling that I my struggle finding some.

See my post in 'wanted' forum here;

http://club126uk.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=7784.msg55998#msg55998

Tom

[Tate]

**12th February 2013**

Restoration has reached its first stumbling block. A full assesment by the bodyshop has thrown up a few little issues, nothing that cannot be rectified.

However, I am in need of some outer door pillar panels before I can go any further, and I have a feeling that I my struggle finding some.

See my post in 'wanted' forum here;

http://club126uk.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=7784.msg55998#msg55998

Tom

I posted on your wanted topic.  

[Kent126]

**12th February 2013**

Restoration has reached its first stumbling block. A full assesment by the bodyshop has thrown up a few little issues, nothing that cannot be rectified.

However, I am in need of some outer door pillar panels before I can go any further, and I have a feeling that I my struggle finding some.

See my post in 'wanted' forum here;

http://club126uk.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=7784.msg55998#msg55998

Tom

I posted on your wanted topic.  

PM sent

[Kent126]

Door pillars located. Just awaiting their arrival from Germany after they have been cut. 

Please no-one ask how much it has cost. 

Hopefully, within 7 days they should arrive and we can continue....

Tom

[Kent126]

New door pillar outer skins arrived today from Germany. They were seriously bloody expensive so I hope they fit ok! 



Dogs happy again, as he has another box to chew his way through!



Tom

[Fiatos]

Where you bought the door pillar outer skins in germany?

[Kent126]

Where you bought the door pillar outer skins in germany?

Axel Gerstl. I had to buy two whole side panels from the bis, then they had to get a local workshop in the same neighbourhood to cut them down for me. They discarded the rest of the panels, and just sent me the bits I needed. Very expensive way of doing it, but needs must! Couldn't wait to find a suitable and clean donor car.

Tom

[Kent126]

Finally, some real progress to report. 

Most of the front end has been cut off the car, ready for welding. Went over to the garage this morning to check on the progress. Car will be moved out today, and the other side and wing will be cut out. According to the body shop, he has never seen a car constructed in a way like the little 126. When cutting this much out of a car and re-assembling, he states its like a jigsaw puzzle due to the amount of panels that overlap.

Anyway, here are some pics. 













Hopefully now, progress will pick up and I will have some more updates later this week and over the weekend 

Tom

[Kent126]

Starter motor and solenoid arrived back today via courier after being reconditioned.



No further update on welding yet.


Tom