Author Topic: 1974 Fiat 126 'Tetto Aprible' Restoration  (Read 77724 times)

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Kent126

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Re: 1974 Fiat 126 'Sunroof Model' Restoration
« Reply #45 on: April 26, 2013, 11:49:19 AM »
Finally, some more welding updates this morning. Other wing has been cut off, which has revealed some more rust holes, and also more holes have been found in the door pillar. More welding required!

How it looked this morning;

















Hopefully some more work will be done this afternoon, and there will be some further updates this evening.

Tom
1974 Italian Fiat 126 TA
1996 Fiat Cinquecento Sporting
2008 Fiat Panda 100HP

Kent126

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Re: 1974 Fiat 126 'Sunroof Model' Restoration
« Reply #46 on: May 10, 2013, 11:28:58 AM »
Both door pillar outerskins welded in. Bit of tidying to do before wings and indicator panels go back on.















Apparently these outer skin door hinge panels are an absolute nightmare. Never again.......

Tom
1974 Italian Fiat 126 TA
1996 Fiat Cinquecento Sporting
2008 Fiat Panda 100HP

Kent126

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Re: 1974 Fiat 126 'Sunroof Model' Restoration
« Reply #47 on: May 11, 2013, 02:55:35 PM »
Well. Today's update doesn't bring great news, but they way things are going I wasn't expecting positive news. Call from bodyshop today stating that all of the front end of the car is pinned back on almost ready for welding. There is one slight problem though, in that the nearside wing doesnt fit back on correctly. Something a little disturbing has been pointed out (I can tell you because im not planning on selling the car). It appears that it may have previously been involved in a shunt at some point to its front nearside corner.

The front bracket which attaches the front panel to the body of the car has been bent inwards with an impact. There is a crease which is causing the front of the car to sit slightly twisted, meaning that the new nearside panel doesnt fit where it should.

Some pics attached, not easy to see in the photos, but you can see the bad fit of the wing.

Some adjustment of the bracket is now likely to be required, possibly involving cutting it out and reshaping it to weld it back in the correct place. Portapower first to see if it can be rectified  :o







Ah, not good!




Other than that and the almost guarenteed rising cost its going ok!  :cry:

Tom
1974 Italian Fiat 126 TA
1996 Fiat Cinquecento Sporting
2008 Fiat Panda 100HP

Bar Vitelli

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Re: 1974 Fiat 126 'Sunroof Model' Restoration
« Reply #48 on: May 11, 2013, 05:45:26 PM »
Stick with it, Tom, it's beginning to look like a car again so you must be through the worst bit and it will be a legendary ''blue-fly'' car once done!  ;D
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Rusty's Uncle

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Re: 1974 Fiat 126 'Sunroof Model' Restoration
« Reply #49 on: May 11, 2013, 08:04:29 PM »
I just stuck my head out in the rain to check and the bonnet does have a bit of side and front overhang above the front wing. On the other hand I am convinced that my 500L has had a few "knocks" and is probaly a little shorter than it should be  :$

Tate

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Re: 1974 Fiat 126 'Sunroof Model' Restoration
« Reply #50 on: May 12, 2013, 05:35:49 AM »
Been there done that :D Fitting all those new sheet metal parts together is absolutely a nightmare. Polish quality is what it is...
Fiat 126 -73 project
2 x BMW E21

Kent126

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Re: 1974 Fiat 126 'Sunroof Model' Restoration
« Reply #51 on: May 12, 2013, 11:57:28 AM »
Thanks guys. Dave hope you didnt get too wet!  :P

Hoping it is just a minor setback!  :$

Tom
1974 Italian Fiat 126 TA
1996 Fiat Cinquecento Sporting
2008 Fiat Panda 100HP

Madd

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Re: 1974 Fiat 126 'Sunroof Model' Restoration
« Reply #52 on: May 12, 2013, 06:17:58 PM »
It's nice to watch your work.
Fiat 126 RHD & BOSMAL :) in Poland

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popik81

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Re: 1974 Fiat 126 'Sunroof Model' Restoration
« Reply #53 on: May 12, 2013, 09:51:11 PM »
Been there done that :D Fitting all those new sheet metal parts together is absolutely a nightmare. Polish quality is what it is...

much more better is cut of panels from scrap.... or if You find parts from "turas" all rest is scrap.....

Kent126

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Re: 1974 Fiat 126 'Sunroof Model' Restoration
« Reply #54 on: May 19, 2013, 06:42:06 PM »
Project stuck again until I can find a 'decent' or new old stock nearside front wing.  :cry:

Tom
1974 Italian Fiat 126 TA
1996 Fiat Cinquecento Sporting
2008 Fiat Panda 100HP

Bar Vitelli

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Re: 1974 Fiat 126 'Sunroof Model' Restoration
« Reply #55 on: May 19, 2013, 08:26:13 PM »
Hang in there, Tom...I've been busy eyeing up a new vehichle so not had chance to look properly yet. 

I remember seeing one on eBay France a while back, will do some more Googling next week and let you know what I find...have you tried Franco at Ricambio....he may have something hidden away in his treasure chest?
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Kent126

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Re: 1974 Fiat 126 'Sunroof Model' Restoration
« Reply #56 on: May 19, 2013, 08:54:35 PM »
Cheers my man. I think I may have found one on eBay france, but the item is located in Italy. I have just emailed the chap to make sure it is factory stock and not repro. it looks like the real deal, so lets hope there are no communication issues!

If you do come across one though, please do let me know just in case. I'm hoping to find one fairly soon, as the chap wants to finish my car and get it back to me now.

Im going to be a little 'bis'y tomorrow, but Tuesday I have a list of things to do, and Franco is on my list of calls to make!

Tom   ;D
« Last Edit: May 19, 2013, 08:56:57 PM by Kent126 »
1974 Italian Fiat 126 TA
1996 Fiat Cinquecento Sporting
2008 Fiat Panda 100HP

dajwid

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Re: 1974 Fiat 126 'Sunroof Model' Restoration
« Reply #57 on: May 19, 2013, 09:18:32 PM »
There was a guy about a year ago that had lots of panels, NOS.

Follow this:- http://club126uk.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=6135.0

I know it is old but worth a try, he had it all stored at his mums house.

Kent126

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Re: 1974 Fiat 126 'Sunroof Model' Restoration
« Reply #58 on: May 19, 2013, 09:46:29 PM »
Nice one thanks. I have left him a voicemail.  ;D

Tom
1974 Italian Fiat 126 TA
1996 Fiat Cinquecento Sporting
2008 Fiat Panda 100HP

Bar Vitelli

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Re: 1974 Fiat 126 'Sunroof Model' Restoration
« Reply #59 on: May 19, 2013, 09:51:06 PM »
oooh...let me know how you get on, Tom, I'm probably going to need a few body panels for one of my early air cooled restorations... ;D
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