General Punto Convertible

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General Punto Convertible

JupiterVictor

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Aug 15, 2010
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Hi Everyone, first post so please be gentle.

Right, I'm strongly considering buying an old Punto convertible for a second fun car. Probably N or P reg. I believe that the 1.2 is the better option, but there doesn't seem to be many around, unless you guys know different. I have seen a couple of 1.6s that look ok though and I'm going to see them this week. I'm aware of the rear window split thingy and a new back window is possibly a pre requisite, but as and when I do go and have a look, what else should I look out for, or ask, bearing in mind I'm no mechanic? I'll be searching the board anyway but I know things can always change as time goes on, so what was posted a few weeks ago, might not be relevant now. Hence asking in the first instance.

Many thanks in anticipation.
 
Good luck with your search.

We have an 94 1.6 Cabrio approaching 100k which we have owned for 10 years. We have it regularly serviced and the only problems we have had are a faulty aftermarket imobiliser and a loose connection in the ignition switch (cured with a plastic tie). We replaced the original roof a couple of years ago as the stitching had rotted around the the rear window affecting the tension of the roof and allowing water in which collected in the spare wheel well. The only other problem I have to report is that the laquer has worn through in a patch on the bonnet (if anyone has a good bonnet in midnight blue I would be interested).
I too have heard that the 1.2 engine is better than the 1.6, but we have been more than happy with our 1.6. I also think that the trim is better on the early cars. My wife loves the car and despite its age will not consider anything else. It is fun to drive and practical too. You can fit four 6 foot adults with ease, which is impossible with more modern larger cabrios.
 
i have a 1.6 n reg and am very happy.
but i bought it very cheap, so here is what has gone wrong in the last 3 mths.
found holes in the sill near jacking points both sides
exhaust is blowing on front pipe
electric roof was broken needed switch and relay
and clutch has gone
if you payed more money you would get lesss problems
window is in terrible mess but water tight,as for replacing them you can pay on ebay £80 for replacment one that is if you have a zip out type roof which the original is, if not a whole roof fitted will cost £600.but all thing considered a great car a lot of fun(y)

renualvation do you fit your replacement roof yourself? was it hard as i am toying with it £300 for a supply only but i have no idea how to fit
 
renualvation do you fit your replacement roof yourself? was it hard as i am toying with it £300 for a supply only but i have no idea how to fit

No, we had it fitted professionally by a specialist who came to our house. He was based in Norwich and we are in Bury St Edmunds. I would assume that there are similar fitting specialists in your area.

It is not a job that I would have been confident to tackle. Fitting the roof is one thing, getting the tension correct is another!
 
steering rack fixed its self now then?:confused:
well dave the steering rack is a complete mystry. we thought it was gone as oil poured out of the rubber boots when these were removed, so put the new ones on and went for test drive and it was fine seemed like normal to me.
stupid question how would you tell if its gone?
i read that sometime these boots get filled with oil instead of grease, could be that leaking out not pas fluid what you think?
and before we could drive to far the clutch goes life is good fun :)
 
Thanks for the replies so far. Saw one today, but was in shocking condition with dents on almost every panel, and despite the stealer saying it hadn't been in an accident to his knowledge, it was obvious that there had been a side to side collision because of the dents and the pulling away of the rubbing strip on the offside.

Well going to see another tomorrow so I'll see what it's like.

If no luck it might have to be MX5 or Megane. The only others in the price range appear to be MGF (nooooo), Rover 200 (bigger Noooo) and the odd cheap Saab. (Too big)
 
Well I went to see the white N reg up for 795. Was fairly ok, but speedo wasnt working and one of the shockers needed attention according to the advisory note on the MOT certificate. My final offer was 725 and he refused it!!! So I walked away. He was quite an eccentric guy so I guess it was no surprise.

Well I ended up getting a Ford Escort Ghia Cabriolet. Spent a bit more than I was going to, but it's a lovely car for the price. So my short stay here is over!
 
well dave the steering rack is a complete mystry. we thought it was gone as oil poured out of the rubber boots when these were removed, so put the new ones on and went for test drive and it was fine seemed like normal to me.
stupid question how would you tell if its gone?
i read that sometime these boots get filled with oil instead of grease, could be that leaking out not pas fluid what you think?
and before we could drive to far the clutch goes life is good fun :)

The rack might be oil lubricated. As you lost some when the boots cam off it might be wise to squirt in some gear oil to each boot to top it up again.

Put it on full lock and on the compressed end** poke a fine spout oil can between the boot and the steering track rod. Squirt in half a can and fit a zip tie (or two) to seal the boot. Do the same on the opposite side.

**Doing it this way makes it less likely to over fill the boot.
 
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