Hi everyone
I've just added a nice yellow seicento sporting to my long list of Fiats I've owned
I'm planning on using it for grass auto testing and production car trials and I'm not planning on making too many alterations - AKA cheating as it's otherwise known!
I have to use "summer" tyres as winter pattern and M+S pattern aren't allowed and would appreciate any advice on what are the "chunkiest" summer tyres available - they are 165/55 x 13 tyres - and any other preparation advice you have picked up (a quick cheap hydraulic handbrake conversion would be nice)
What a great little car this is! I think the only bog standard small car I've ever driven with as much grip was a Peugeot 106 Rallye, which really is a homologation special.
Can't wait to do a bit of competition in it
If there's anyone else doing this kind of Motorsport in one of these in the staffs/midlands area and wants a similar car to go up against, let me know the event details and I'll sign on

Do the tyres have to be 165/55r13? If they can be 175/50r13 then maxxis and yoko do some good summer tyres.
Can't imagine hydraulic handbrake would be to hard a mod. I'm sure someone one here has done it. However the Cinq/Sei handbrake is pretty mean when adjusted right!

Have a look here for the handbrake conversion: https://www.fiatforum.com/cinquecento-seicento/271483-hydraulic-handbrake-legal-version.html

And whilst you're at it, have a look at Rallycinq's other threads!

ouch thats expensive!
Ill get the one on the car sorted first and see how it goes
ill have to look into the tyre suituation as it might make tyre choice easier if i get a set of steel wheels and have a spare set of tyres to abuse
are all cinqucentos fitted with 13" rims or do they have other sizes fitted and are there other size tyres fitted to other models 900 etc

It may be that FIAT homologated 14" wheels, but young Rallycinq always advocated the use of 13s for motor sport purposes, simply because (for historic reasons) the tyre (compound) choice is so much better. He knows his onions.

Tyre sizes (could be that the 750 cars used thinner tyres still!) 145/70 R13, 155/65 R 13, 165/55 R 13.

Thanks for that information, looks like I'm after a set of steels then with the 145/70' s on as that will keep costs down.
Has anyone in the club ran a grass autotest before? - I've been involved a bit in motorsport but have only ever turned up and driven, but never organised an event - I don't have a clue what to do.
I'm sure there are enough members who would like a go as they are non damaging and just the right side of competitive without being silly.
I used to do it in 126's and these are unbelievably manouverable on grass and I've even had an FTD on Owen motoring Clubs Happy Landings Grass Autotest back in the 80's in one so I'm sure there are a few members with these who could have a great time.
I did this years test in my Connect van, as I hadn't anything else to drive, it has to be the most fun thing I've done in years and it only cost £25!!, so that's why I bought the Seicento.
I've just realised I said I had a cinquecento in the thread - I've loooked at too many and my heads fuzzy!!!

Ah, if Seicento, 14" tyres are a definite possibility. Dunno, though, about the super skinny ones. A few suicidal folk on here are using el cheapo tyres from Costco -- on the road. But they might be a fair choice for grass stuff.

Hi

I've stripped the back brakes and there was a siezed handbrake lever causing poor handbrake performance
A few squirts of UB40 later and now its brilliant, so I've saved £150 on a hydraulic handbrake lever!!(at least that's how my wife would see it)
Had a good chance to look underneath, and despite being a bit frightened to poke about too much the shell is totally rust free, just a bit on the rear shocks and exhaust, so barring any rollovers etc, I should have a few seasons of non damaging (ish) motorsport out of it ( or her now, she's been named Dora )
There's a production car trial on at Catton Hall near Alrewas, Staffs, 31 August - a great location - run by Owen Motoring club, it is well participated with only 40 entrants. It's a great day out with like minded folk, and I think sei/cinquecentos would suit it well. If anyone wants to come, fill in the entry form on line and I'll see you there.