Introduction
I picked Rose up in March, she is a replacement for my old GT in the same colour called Lilly - who had 13 previous owners and many gremlins as a result. After breaking Lilly I wasn't really on the lookout for another GT but after browsing Autotrader one day saw the car and had to have her.
I was after an original GT in the same Rosso Bright as Lilly. The first owner was an elderly gentleman who owned it for 13 years to pop down the shops, full Fiat SH every 5K and little expense spared mechanically. Then another mature guy picked it up, covered approx 2K and then left it sat in a garage for three years while the tax/MOT etc...had all well expired. Mileage was 65K so suitable for some good use in my ownership.
Plan from day 1 was to keep this original and relatively standard.....49/50 are now modified so although this is not a ground breaking project it is a guide into owning a 16 year old car whilst improving / updating things.
Took a quick pic on getting her home. First job was the MOT.
Almost to my disbelief she went straight through the MOT with no advisories.
My first purchase was a dull but necessary one, some nice OE floor mats as the car was not supplied with any.
Next job was a full service and cambelt change, fortunately I had a spanking new Aux / PAS belt in packaging left over from Lilly so that went on too.
Everything went smoothly and I spent a few smooth weeks enjoying the car.
I have kept the original Cassette player supplied with the car for potential show use or for when the car goes on to its next owner. I tried to persevere but damn cassettes are annoying so in went a CD player for now.
Very little wear to the seats, wheel or leather gear knob all looks and feels like new to be honest. With that in mind the plastic door sills were changed both sides to new items I had from Lilly and the interior door handles renewed so even the plastics looked and felt new again. As far as the interior goes I am happy with it now, it looks and feels new (apart from the slightly dated design). I am meant to be picking up a full OE leather interior soon so that really would finish it off.
Did a long trip to Wales one weekend helping the other halves sister out with a house move and lost electricity on a very wet day on the M4. Replaced regulator pack x 2 but car kept leaving me stranded after a few more days use. Got an new exchange Lucas alternator, fitted and things have been faultless again since.
The Rad looked very sad!!! understatement of the year; so this was changed for a new genuine Fiat item. This cost me £30 instead of £260 as part of a new old stock deal!
Started to get a bad knock from the front D/S suspension over pot holes so disassembled for inspection. Found bushes in good shape but shock absorber on front D/S had bust open spewing fluid everywhere. Replaced both front dampers with Sachs OE + SuperTouring dampers, did both track rod ends and steering arms too. Also replaced one of the ARB bushes as looked suspect.
Front now feels really tight, with new front tyres and tracking done handles pretty sweetly for its age. Really happy. Mechanically she is up there and the interior is in a good place. Next update will be to start sorting the bodywork / wheels out and getting them looking new again.
Gave her a wash and wax over the weekend.
Am trying to retain all the supplying dealer stickers / number plates / tax disc holder but the front numberplate looks pretty shocking so need to get a new one sadly.
Updates Soon.
Jrr
I was after an original GT in the same Rosso Bright as Lilly. The first owner was an elderly gentleman who owned it for 13 years to pop down the shops, full Fiat SH every 5K and little expense spared mechanically. Then another mature guy picked it up, covered approx 2K and then left it sat in a garage for three years while the tax/MOT etc...had all well expired. Mileage was 65K so suitable for some good use in my ownership.
Plan from day 1 was to keep this original and relatively standard.....49/50 are now modified so although this is not a ground breaking project it is a guide into owning a 16 year old car whilst improving / updating things.
Took a quick pic on getting her home. First job was the MOT.
Almost to my disbelief she went straight through the MOT with no advisories.
My first purchase was a dull but necessary one, some nice OE floor mats as the car was not supplied with any.
Next job was a full service and cambelt change, fortunately I had a spanking new Aux / PAS belt in packaging left over from Lilly so that went on too.
Everything went smoothly and I spent a few smooth weeks enjoying the car.
I have kept the original Cassette player supplied with the car for potential show use or for when the car goes on to its next owner. I tried to persevere but damn cassettes are annoying so in went a CD player for now.
Very little wear to the seats, wheel or leather gear knob all looks and feels like new to be honest. With that in mind the plastic door sills were changed both sides to new items I had from Lilly and the interior door handles renewed so even the plastics looked and felt new again. As far as the interior goes I am happy with it now, it looks and feels new (apart from the slightly dated design). I am meant to be picking up a full OE leather interior soon so that really would finish it off.
Did a long trip to Wales one weekend helping the other halves sister out with a house move and lost electricity on a very wet day on the M4. Replaced regulator pack x 2 but car kept leaving me stranded after a few more days use. Got an new exchange Lucas alternator, fitted and things have been faultless again since.
The Rad looked very sad!!! understatement of the year; so this was changed for a new genuine Fiat item. This cost me £30 instead of £260 as part of a new old stock deal!
Started to get a bad knock from the front D/S suspension over pot holes so disassembled for inspection. Found bushes in good shape but shock absorber on front D/S had bust open spewing fluid everywhere. Replaced both front dampers with Sachs OE + SuperTouring dampers, did both track rod ends and steering arms too. Also replaced one of the ARB bushes as looked suspect.
Front now feels really tight, with new front tyres and tracking done handles pretty sweetly for its age. Really happy. Mechanically she is up there and the interior is in a good place. Next update will be to start sorting the bodywork / wheels out and getting them looking new again.
Gave her a wash and wax over the weekend.
Am trying to retain all the supplying dealer stickers / number plates / tax disc holder but the front numberplate looks pretty shocking so need to get a new one sadly.
Updates Soon.
Jrr
