My 1985 FSM in Devon

[nathanfiddes]

Hi

I have been using this site for a few years now and have always wanted a 126 project. I have now managed to get myself one from Cornwall that was advertised on this forum.

It has been sat in a garage for 10 years but was used previously. On saturday a friend and me collected it on a trailer!

On first inspection it does need many areas worked on. So far it looks like, windscreen scuttle panel, both wings, both doors, under the rear window, both sills, a plate near the suspension, one inner arc and both of the front indicator panels. The most worrying for me is the A-piller hinge plate has nearly rusted off from one side so the door hangs down.

I'm planning on doing all of the bodywork myself. The car starts but does not run for long before cutting out so i'm guessing a carb service is needed.

I'm aiming to have it complete in a couple of years.

Any tips before I get started?

Are there any books showing where the spot welds are for each panel?

Thanks

Nathan

EDIT: How can I put pictures up? I have a 50KB pic but its still saying it's too big?

[1973/126]

 Welcome to the forum.
 Is this the white car that was advertised on here?
 Sounds like you`ll have a fair bit to do.
 Which side door pillar do you need. I`ve got a good drivers side one if that helps.
 There is definitely a book where it shows how all the panels and sections are welded in, but if I remember it was in Italian.
 The easiest way is to upload your pictures to an image hosting site and use a direct link.

[nathanfiddes]

Hi

Yes it's the drivers side a piller post  I need! I will PM you. It is the white one that was advertised on here. I had to get it as it was reasonably close to me!

Do you know if there is a link to this panel welding point document on here?

I will get some pics up soon!

Thanks

Nath

[Bar Vitelli]

The Mevagissey 126! Welcome to the club and good luck with your restoration! 

[Kent126]

Dont bother servicing the carb without changing the fuel tank for a brand new one first! When 126's are sat for some time the fuel tanks rust from the inside, and the particles clog up the fuel lines and carb. This is a common problem.

Glad to see 126's in the West!

Tom

[nathanfiddes]

Yes the Mevagissey one!

Thanks for the advice on the fuel tank. I will get onto that once i've prepared a full list of bodywork that needs completing!

Thanks

Nath

[nathanfiddes]

Ok, let's try some pics!




The zebra seat covers have gone already!

Nath

[nathanfiddes]

Hi

Some progress made over the last few days. Took the carpets up and there is one tiny hole near the size of a 50p but it hasn't gone all the way through. There is also a hole on each side of the footwell which goes through the inner arches! Pretty solid though for such an old car!

I have taken the bumpers off as I want to fit chrome ones when all complete, how have people gone about removing the brackets from the rear wing as the chrome ones don't need them do they?

Shall I cut out and weld in a flat piece or heat them up and bash them flat using a dolly behind them?

Lots to do!

Nath

[Bar Vitelli]

Sounds good! Nathan, keep the pics coming...what's the story with those seat covers and are they part of your long term plans? 

[Wagoneer]

Use the hammer and dolly method, the thin end of a ball pein hammer will shrink the metal back into itself if you take your time. Then, finish off with a larger flat face hammer. With practise you'll be able to remove the 'dent' without needing any filler.

[nathanfiddes]

Ok thanks

I will have a go with the dolly and hammer and see how that goes. I will practice on the front wings I think as they need replacing anyway!

I will put some pics up of the progress.

Thanks

Nath


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[nathanfiddes]

Hi folks

Not much progress to report, I have been focusing on my cinquecento sporting trying to get it ready for the summer.

The big thing is that the 126 runs!!

I gave the carb a bit of a clean and away it went.

It ran really well and fully warmed up, I drove it in first and reverse and they work, It has no brakes so don't want to go too fast!

Here a vid of it running. The starter doesn't engage first time, it takes a few attempts and it revs high, is this normal?

Thanks

http://youtu.be/hdf8zBLaxgk




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[nathanfiddes]

I am planning to get stuck into this project in September and have a few questions and parts I need help on!

First off I was thinking of changing the wings for the earlier type as I would like to fit chrome bumpers, are the wings the same and will they fit?

Also are there two types of front panel? Would I have to for the early type too?

And also should i really restore as an FSM and not an Italian imitation?

Whatever I decide I need:

Pair of wings (I have one early one)

Front panel
Both doors
Bonnet

I'm in devon if that helps.

Thanks


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[Mics126]

I can't help you with the parts but i would like to say its good to have another member in devon there are not many members in the southwest.

your car looks like a decent project. i have 2 1987 fsm 126 which are basicly driving projects.

hopefully you get your parts and get it on the road (maybe I might see you one day)

Mike.

[nathanfiddes]

Thanks Mike. Where in devon are you?