My bodge repair of the tank I made year ago gave up few weeks ago, the outside temp during the whole August was 35 C here, and probably contributed to the situation.
This must be welded, no more experiments with permatex tank sealant. I removed the patch to drain fuel, then the whole tank.



Have made 25mm spacers for the rear bumper to make more room for wheels


I have also used regata type clear side indicators, better shape and suits better to the boxy car than panda round ones IMHO.

Some plastic filler, coat of black structure paint and my "plastic engineering" may look interesting when finished It must also hide rear plastic arches from 86+ model, plus some work with the heat gun on them.

Acceptable alignment achieved front bumper will go as high as possible on its mounts, and all'll be ready for filler, sanding and a coat of black structure paint.

Is the tank from metal?

Is the tank from metal?

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Yes, it is made from metal. Tank has been TIG welded, and painted twice with hammereite.

Mud-flaps matched with the bumper and side-trim. I had to remove the whole bumper "lip" and fabricate new mounting ponts for flaps.They are a bit too short , so more like a decoration but I had to put something there to "close" the side trim somehow.

Nice job

I forgot to mention, that the "4x4" reproduction stickers I ordered some time ago are finally on the car. Still small water bubbles under the sticker here and there but it evaporates , so it is just a matter of days to be 100% flawless.

Gearbox mount reinforced


Bottom shock absorber mounts welded 25mm lower


I also finshed reinforcing the driveshaft supporting plate and started to fill the gaps in the rear plastic panels. I wanted to use 3mm plastic foam plate, but forgot to buy it before going to the garage, so some leftovers lying in the garage were used Next stage would be forming the plastic with dremel tool and all'll be ready for coat of black structure paint.

Dwarfed by big brother last coupe ride this year probably.

Front plastic wheelarch-covers installed, that was easy part, now I am bulding a "prototype" of rear ones from the trekking rear plastics, I have other set in better condition, so can sacrifice this to make prototypes before cutting the other ,better set. Arches are from pos 86 model, plus they must "fit" to my side plastic trim, heatgun was not enough, so sharp cardboard knife is the right tool
I cut a bit to much{ red line} but hey, that's why they 're called prototypes, right?

I have finished preparing bumpers and plastic trim for painting. The bodge repair of the exhaust broke for the sixth or seventh time:bang: so I had to buy new front section for marbella, I did not want to do that since it will be useless with the new 1200 engine , but it was probably cheaper to buy than the zip ties ,beer cans and power tape I used to repair the exhaust so far so let's be it.Ofcourse with the new straight front section the rear silencer hits the towing hook badly, so I am pleased to report that it will be another bodge repair necessary, or I;ll have to temporary remove rear towing hook beam.{ hook is panda type, not marbella, thus the colision of elements}

Side trim and bumpers are ready.I also painted structure black the part of the metal visible under the front bumper, plus some details of mud guard mounts and side bumper mounts moved 25mm to the back.

I have chosen the bad day for tinkering with bumpers and plastic trim, it was minus 1 and foggy, I look and feel like an icicle but the job is done.

Looking really good, well done!

Are you planning on lifting the front suspension a bit more Bart?

Are you planning on lifting the front suspension a bit more Bart?

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Yes, favorit springs give plus 7cm lift comparing to the current height of the bellas front susp. There are still things like engine, gearbox , front susp. , winch etc. to swap but the "outside" of the car is almost ready.

I really like it keep up the good work :thumbup:

Thanks I am doing my best building my "custom" mk1 4x4 Oh! and the exhaust is nice and silent now, the towing hook is on its place, that's because I used 2kg hammer on the rear silencer With a deep dent it now cooperates with the hook, though it hangs at an interesting angle