Hi all, I'm new to the forum and new to the 900 scene...

However not so new to Fiats... I've had several Fiat 126's and currently have 2.. I've started a new venture and bought a 79' 900T!

My plan is to restore it before August next year as I'm wanting to take the Camper and my 79 126, back to the factory on a bit of a road trip!

I'm here asking for help and tips and I'll keep you all posted on the progress of the restoration.

The restoration itself isn't going to start until Jan because I've started the hunt for panels and what not, and I'm going to have all the interior retrimmed first.. This might seem backwards but I want to find nice panels that fit well and I've a good friend that will do all of the retrimming for me.. Also it keeps the cushions out of the way of the guys in the body shop!

Any tips, hints, tricks or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Chris

I hope you make it in time for the road trip. Are you planning to tow the 126? (Or will it be the other way round?)

Planning on towing the 126, but there are a few of us going so if the 900 struggles we can drive it.. I trust it fully ha ha

Hi Chris

There are a couple of us on the forum mid-restoration of our 900t/e's.
I didn't get 'Connie' finished in time for this summer, so after having a few months off I'm just about to carry on where I left off.

I've previously mentioned a road trip back to Connie's home before once she is back on the road (on a different thread). There were a couple of others interested in the idea - maybe we can all team up. Between us we should be able to carry enough spare parts to get us all there and back

Oh great that would be good fun!

I'm looking at the week beginning 14th August, setting off on Tuesday the 15th.

I'll post some photos when I can!

Chris

Hi,

Good luck restoring your 900t. Is it a campervan?

I drove mine to Italy last summer. It is not possible to tow a Fiat 126. Max towing capacity is 350 kg (manual). A 126 with towing bar is about 650 kg. I drove with 2 adults, 3 childs, fully loaded and towing a luggage van (250 kg) an need first gear to climb the alps. Downhill was more dangerous! Brake capacity is good, but not as a modern car downhill! And Inhave the disk brake conversion...

Regards
Bart

Ps I can help you with technical stuf if you want, also do professional engine overhauls...

Hi,

Yes it is a campervan and the plan is to also put discs on the front, found it beneficial in the past


UPDATE: All new locks bought as the keys were lost, new ignition barrel also bought because of the same reason.

Sills both sides bought, rear bottom quarters bought, front sills on both sides bought.

My plan with the interior is to keep it original but have all the upholstery repaired with new foam inside etc, I am new to the vans so anyone else any idea on upgrades that are useful without loosing too much originality as I do like things original.

Also if anyone has a rear window or knows where I could get one please get in touch!

Chris

I found upgrading the motor to 850 sport specs beneficial.

To avoid overheating make sure the panel under the water pump is there.

Thanks for the tips!

The restoration has begun.

I managed to find new arches for the front, new sills, front and rear quarters, bumpers and door locks.

I will try and get some photos when I can. I am still looking for a Cooker/hob/grill and sink if anyone has that setup I could buy or knows where I could get it from?

Also I am still looking for a rear window!

Chris

Update!

Body shop have started on the sills, photos to follow. Had a busy week looking online for things for the van and have spent lots of time on eBay Italy looking for parts.

I've bought all new material for inside the van for a full re upholster, I am keeping what I can of the old covers in case I come across of the material to have new made.

I've bought a new service kit including the whole ignition system, radiator pipes, clips and hoses.

Next plan is to source all new brakes, I am wanting to put all new pipes on, hoses, drums and shoes. I am also thinking of getting all LED lighting for the internals to save on power, opinions?

Questions...

How easy is it to put discs on the front for more efficient braking?
Any ideas on where I can find 850 sport parts to give the engine a little more umph?
Is there anywhere in particular I should be looking for mechanical parts and service items as I seem to be spending a fortune!

Thanks

Chris

Just some photo updates...


Still unsure about brakes and discs and the conversion.. Been reading Gary's post but still not overly sure..

Chris

Seats all retrimmed!

More work done on the van....

More rust, rot and filler.

Getting there now

What are your wheelarches from Chris?
The main panels on mine had a continuous layer of filler on them. I think they're easily distorted because of being largely unsupported. I ground​ off the layers after replacing two panels and found nice clean steel. This has been useful for patching elsewhere because being the same grade a d thickness as most of the van, it welds well.

The arches are from a mk2 Capri, profile is perfect, just needed some tweaking lengthways.

£30 for a Pair too!

I'm hoping to get it in the booth in the next 4 weeks, interior is all bought and ready to go in... just a case of putting it all together and getting the engine serviced really well.

Bought myself a full set of gaskets and all new fuel pipes, brand new brakes all round to go on too.

Paint tomorrow!

What colour have you chosen Chris?

fiat500 said:

What colour have you chosen Chris?

Click to expand...

Gone with the original green

Painted!

GREEN with envy.
Nice location for the fuel filler cap.
How many litres does a single coat of the van take? It would be helpful to know for next year when I hope to get mine sprayed-up.