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Panda (Classic) Mk1 Panda 4x4 long term project

Introduction

So here's the car when I picked it up:

(same model/colour as Sam (@goodgirl156)'s, but that's currently where the similarities end!)

Had half an hour free this afternoon so started to have a look over, and clear out the minging interior. Plan is to strip out the interior to keep it safe from my inevitable welding fires, and to try and get rid of the smell! Always find it interesting cleaning out cars I've bought - highlight in this one is an invoice for animal feed (no surprise given the amount of hay in it). Lowlight is the evidence of mice..

Have had a go at a video but it's amateurish to say the least. Bit like the welding will be to start off with, but there's plenty of "opportunity" to improve both...

[video wouldn't upload, will try again!]
pandamonius_maximus, Hi Si, I wouldn't rule out selling, though may feel the need to retain the possibility of putting back to original to allay the guilt.

Am afraid my own engine conversion will be a long way off though as it needs to come as stage 3 (and stage 1's moving at about an hour a week!).
VmanC, have you any definite plans re gearbox? Unfortunately my local gearbox place are unlikely to be able to help. Seem to recall a modified (longer 5th gear) 4x4 box being on here recently.

David

Cool beans, yeah not in a hurry to get a spare engine...it's just as a precaution really. But understand about keeping the original bits (I've done the same with anything I've changed as well to be honest).

Si
 
Minor progress so far! Am cleaning the interior (see "washing seats" thread) before removing to weld. So far I'm 3 Dysonfulls and 2 Vaxfulls in, and the dirt keeps coming...

Really pleased to see rear seams are good, now I've removed interior trim. Needs one small section on inner rear wing, and one section on roof just above driver's door (looks like the rubber door seal has trapped moisture and rusted through). Will add photos/video tomorrow.

Am liking the larger Mk1 door bins, and the moss green carpet. Or is it just mouldy?
 

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Had a couple of free hours this evening. Raised right hand side of car, found lots and lots of rust. :-( Also removed front bumper and o/s/f arch liner, which seems brittle with age. Front valance is also bad, has separated from crossmember. On both sections you can see where it's been welded before. May swap to a mechanical job next time to hopefully get quick win and lift spirits. Charging light is on so will remove alternator.

David
 
Well it's been a while, but there is progress to report, mostly generated by cheating (paying someone!). Will add some pics in the morning.

By any way and means is a good motto! Great to get some progress - am concentrating my own time on finding the (multitude!) of bits which need replacing.

Am still pondering the life-giving qualities of Shropshire mud. Some places on the car are truly awful, but it does seem that the facepack-protected ones (e.g. rear seams) have done OK.

Thanks by the way to goodgirl156 and AndyPanda4x4 for the wings!
 

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This is great! wonderful to see progress! Also searching for parts here, its a pain in the backside but ill be happy to share all the info I gain and prices when I find something you need.
Glad that the sill and wing have gone to good use!

Shropshire mud..... Both panda's I have would not agree about its rust preventing qualities.
 
Brilliant! You're nearly there now for sure! I know what's it's like to try and find the time and effort to undertake a project like this with an already tight schedule, there's no shame in paying other people to get done what you want, you are ultimately the designer after all is said and done :)
 
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It's been a while since I updated on this. However things have progressed (lots still to do though).

Welding has now been done. Thanks to Wayne (and it's now a good solid shell. In truth it was beyond economical repair but it has been repaired.. Plan is to strip off the remaining parts and make the underside and engine bay mint and well protected, then refurb/replace the running gear.

You may remember I was looking to upgrade the engine/box. A plan has formed (and money been shelled out!). Am looking at a 1986 Mk1 with 1997 1.1 4x4 running gear... clue attached.

PS the donor car is definitely beyond saving (A pillar bent, door won't open, suspension mounts pushed back etc etc). Cost me more to buy than I care to think about right now.
 

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PS the donor car is definitely beyond saving (A pillar bent, door won't open, suspension mounts pushed back etc etc). Cost me more to buy than I care to think about right now.

You saved this? Good man! :worship:

Let me know, by PM, how much you want for a full set of locks for Betty, and I shall help ease the pain.... :hug:
 
Hi All

Yes, I saved it, but sadly it's only good for parts. Sadly too I am to get top whack for the bits I don't need to justify the purchase/transport cost - hence have headed to ebay rather than ads on here.

Fingers crossed the running gear I need works OK - must admit I have some concerns given extent of damage.
 
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