Hi all, time for a quick update on the 4x4 Panda that I got a few weeks ago, have been snowed under with uni work this week.... Thanks for the locks Tony, apologies as I forgot to mail you sooner.

Anyway, the Panda's in the workshop, and have replaced the rear UJ, and stripped and re-greased the two front CV joints, though one has a bit of play, should go on for a while yet...I need to find some boots that fit the CV joints as well as the originals are pretty knackered.

I've welded the hole in one side of the scuttle panel, smoothed and repainted, pleased with the result on that one. Also managed to get the new windscreen in with no drama, much easier than getting it out.

Have now got the front hub carriers and balljoints off, which could do with replacing, one is totally shot, the other rubeer is split so probably needs renewal anyway. I have also removed the driveshafts, as both oil seals are a bit leaky. They are the older type, with plastic bush and oil seal rather tnhan ball bearing type. Does anyone know if the newer type boot/oil seals will fit the older type shaft as it looks like a slightly better system? Hayne says they changed in 1987.

Otherwise, just small jobs like fiddling with the dash electrics which have been chopped about a bit, but it's nearly all working now. Have found a small rust hole in te back of the right sill which needs cutting out and replacing, a bit fiddly but the other side is almost like new!

Also found the genuine panda roofrack that I've had stashed in the shed for years and put that on, I think it'll make a good basis for a light rack, but that will come later...

Think that's it for now, will stick a few more pics up when i have a bit more time...

Cheers, Mike

Sounds like it's going well. Keep up the good work kidda

totnesmonster said:

Thanks for the locks Tony, apologies as I forgot to mail you sooner.

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Not a problem. Glad to find a good home for them.

Looking forward to the photos.

totnesmonster said:

Hi all, Also found the genuine panda roofrack that I've had stashed in the shed for years and put that on, I think it'll make a good basis for a light rack, but that will come later...

Cheers, Mike

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I'd watch that roof rack if I was you...

There's someone on the forum that's got a bit of a reputation when it comes to roof rack theft!

Jim

How is it possible to steal your own roof rack?

On a similar note, don't lend it to Jim. He'll take it on holiday and then give the car away without removing it so the new owner thinks it's his.

Did I even mention your name

Must be your guilty conscience that made you want to post!!!

Jim

Git.

Hehe!

Jim

Ok, a few pictures here, before and after the scuttle panel repair, (paint looks a bit dodgy with the camera but looks fine by eye). Still needs a damn good clear out, have given it oe good hoovering but needs shampooing really, will do it when I get round to it...

front balljoints and hubs are off, and will be getting some new wings soon, then only about 6 inches of sill, the boot seal lip and a few minor surface spots and its a rust free shell! Will still be after doors, bootlid and probably bonnet, but it'll have to make do for now, time and student budget mean it'll not be done for a few months, but slowly on the way.

That's a nice little repair, but think your work is cut out for you mate (pardon the pun)

I second that. It looks like you've taken a big job on.

(cue Jim posting a quip about me scrapping the Sisley which was held together by the seats)

Dont loose heart, just look at the shed I had.

Remember the good old addage, If in doubt, cut it out. :devil:

If you get to a bit of welding your a bit stuck on or not sure how to tackle just give me a yell

And remember the goal at the end, I made a scrapper into a runner and saved it :slayer:

Mine should have died but now it's just embarrassed :life:

I'm sure people are trying to put me off!

But there are only three areas that need welding, one sill, wings and boot sill. The sill looks easier than the repair that I had to give the Uno earlier this year so not too worried about it and have replaced wings before on my old panda (rip), so can hopefully remember what to do.... It'll just look like a shed til' I find some doors. Trying to find the time to do anything at the moment is a bit difficult though....

p.s does anyone know whether new inner boots (with bearing) will fit the pre-87 driveshafts (with bushes)?

totnesmonster said:

p.s does anyone know whether new inner boots (with bearing) will fit the pre-87 driveshafts (with bushes)?

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I replaced the N/S one on mine and whilst reading through the Haynes manual, im sure I read that you could use the new type on an older car. Don't quote me on it though.

Well, I finally got round to doing some more work on the Panda this week, have now rebuilt the front suspension with new balljoints, a new CV joint and new inner boots (put the later type boots on today, no sign of leakage yet, touchwood). Also cleaned up the caliper sliders while I was at it, so stops a bit better too, though I think the servo isn't too hot as it needs a pretty good stamp to stop quickly, no worse than a standard panda really though.

I've started some of the bodywork, and have replaced a small bit of crusty metal in the boot, and will start the back of the sill sometime soon, then just a hunt for better doors, boot lid and bonnet....

Have also plumbed in the petrol tank as someone had cut the lines under the bonnet, it seems to run ok on the 5 year old petrol that is in it though...!

Good on you

Wow! You're serious about this aren't you? I thought you'd given up!

Yeah, I manage to do a bit now and then, just short of time and running on a student budget... am also off to Italy for 4 months in January, so things will have to be put on hold. Will try and trawl a few scrappys etc for bits, should be a good rust free supply somewhere...

Otherwise , does anyone have any tips for removing the front leaf spring mounts? I've got the back one off, and the nut off the front, but the bolt doesn't want to come out, have tried drifting it out but don't want to batter the hell out of it. Also I will need to get the fuel tank out, is there any way of doing it without taking off brake lines, handbrake cables etc, as they have a mount on one of the tank brackets.

cheers,

Steve said:

Wow! You're serious about this aren't you? I thought you'd given up!

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"SEE", that's what I could have done with the one you sent to the scrapyard
You roof rack thief you!!