1986 4x4 Panda renovation

Hi,

As an update - Completed renovation of my Panda 1986 4x4 OHV 965cc (owned from new) - started in September last year. Passed MOT yesterday with ultra flying colours.

This car has become the 'family pet' which has served us well over the years. I had pondered scrapping it back end of last year, but basically, it was just too good pass this fate on it. I therefore decided to overhaul her from stem to stern. Al work has been done by myself on a DIY basis, mainly at weekends, in a standard l;ocal authority rented garage. Obviously on my back with minimal facilities. Good trolley jacks and supports have been a bare minimum, to carry out this sort of work safely.

Works undertaken:-

S/hand flywheel
Gear box removed / new clutch /plate / bearing.
New starter motor.
Overhaul of gear linkages / new rubber boot to floor.
Renewed spider couplings to 4x4 propshaft
New driveshaft gaiters
New track rod ends
New rubbers to radius arms
New tie rod arms
New brake calipers
New front brake disks
New front brake pads
New front brake flexible pipes - (all other existing brake pipes in good order even after 18 years)
New rear brake cylinders / brake linings
New petrol tank and sender / fuel filler hose.
New rear shock absorbers
New front wiper motor / wiper arm (needed due to existing splines shot)
MIG Welding to floor above rear cross member (existing spot welding to floor shot, but cross member still in good nick)- all other body parts are rust free.
Slight welding to rear chassis where petrol tank breather fits through chassis - caused by existing fixing holes for hose protection holding water.
All existing parts which have been removed and replaced, have been painted up - drive shafts, rear axle, etc.

Complete waxoiling of chassis / underfloor / wheel arches (after removal of plastic wheel arch protection, has been done.

The icing on the cake was that all the mechanics from the garage gathered around the car during the MOT, and gave me credit for my hard work. They passed comment that they would rate this car has probably being one of the best of its type (965cc OHV 4x4) in the country. (nice to know??)

There are a few jobs left yet to be done - slight paint spraying, engine to be removed and painted (have new alternator, hoses, water pump, petrol pump, to hand), possibly new wheel rims would improve looks, but in terms of overall condition, she is as sound as the day I bought her. The engine has done 120k and had a new head gasket at 80K. She uses very little oil, no water problems, and the only detriment is a worn distributor shaft, which you can play for hours with timing, without some kind of dwell meter. (seeking a distributor if anyone has one - no advance retard pipe on this model).

Most of the new parts have been purchased by bid from internet or Ebay (mainly genuine Fiat parts), and only where absolutely necesssary, from Fiat main dealer (whose prices are ridiculous).

All works have been photographed and notes taken, for which I intend to produce a CD for information (will advise the group when completed). Obviously, undertaking this amount of work, you learn as you go on. Should anyone need any advice on similar operations to this model, feel free to contact me.

My mainstay has been Porters Manual, this newsgroup (to which I pass on thanks to all who assisted me), common sense, and a proper brake spanner.

Require a photo - feel free contact me

Regards,

Tom


tjs

oi oi nice one sounds like you did a nice job juat wondering how hard is it to change the clutch becuse mine is on its last legs:(

Coincidentially, a decent looking C reg 965cc OHV on sale on ebay today 09/05/04 - (9 day sale)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10382&item=2478108 126&rd=1

Regards

Tom

tjs

Nice to hear about some more early Mk 1's out there!! I was beginning to worry that mine was the only 1 left. I have the 4x4 965 OHC. The car has been great fun and like yours is going through some restoration! There is a lot of rust to deal with, but am slowly getting there.
Also interesting that you mention clutches, as my clutch is also on its last legs. I hope its not too much of a job, any tips would be greatly appreciated! There is also a small posibility that the head gasket has gone aswell, which is sooo annoying as it was only done a few years ago!
keep up the good work with ur early panda!
Cheers
Si