Panda (Classic) Never Say No To Panda (Conservation Project)

[andyholli]

Thank you but El Presidente has plundered his stocks today to provide a load more bits for the Pony (Arena) car.
Thanks once again AndyPanda4x4.

Hope to progress things further this week..

 

[kolza]

https://www.fiatforum.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=128802

Andy H., I can see you've already have spare prop shaft waiting to go between Snatch rear diff and panda pod.

 

[andyholli]

Update on another day and another set of jobs ticked off the list:

Discs, pads, callipers and fresh fluid fitted.
Cambelt checked and re-tensioned, water pump also looks recent and is free of play
Cracked rear lens swapped
Faulty alternator changed for good one
Leaky cam cover gasket replaced
Coolant drained, flushed through and renewed
Air filter renewed fuel filter fitted and carb jets blown through.



Threw some Gunk around the engine bay too but as the jobs get ticked off, new ones are revealed and are added on. -Its at that stage where I can't tell if it will all come together very quickly or stretch out for much longer.

We will see..

 

[aquamarine]

Sounds like good progress. New fuel pipes on the list? How's the welding check?

 

[SeanK]

Sounds like great progress Mr H - we've got nothing but time on this one so don't sweat that snag list buddy !!

 

[SeanK]

.... and DVLA don't seem to be in a huge rush to print a new V5 so not sure we'll see an MOT opportunity before spring.

 

[andyholli]

Spent an hour today, poking and wire brushing to explore the extent of the corrosion in the sills and wings.. More than I hoped for but less than usual - I'd say.

So that's good. Which of our cars will survive long term? - is what's going through my mind. And these years are critical while they're low value and needy of costly maintenance.

So the choice of a simple welded join or a full restoration of the original panels faces us, but which is the long term best answer at this time for this car?

 

[panda1408]

I know which route I would take. A proper job now will mean that sill should not need any more work for a long while, whereas a patch up job will mean you will back in the same position in a few years time, only doing it right then will be even more work as the rot will have gone further and you have the previous repairs to contend with.

 

[kolza]

but which is the long term best answer at this time for this car?

Exactly!
I agree with Freddy.


Rear and front end of inner sill ( four panel structure) are normally tin of worms and are like nest of rust.
Full sill pattern parts is really good value for the end results and how much time you're saving by not to jigsaw it. Time is the only question, your welding skills will be one lever higher after that job.


Ps. looking few years in future, same job will be probably required by Snatch panda, it is much better to learn on someone else car if you know what I mean.

 

[andyholli]

Damn you guys with your sensible advice and inspiring photography. Damn you all!

- Err, any suggestions for sourcing sill panels?

 

[panda1408]

These people should be able to help you Andy, they import them from the manufacturer in Denmark to order so it's a few weeks wait:

http://www.carz2.co.uk/fiat-panda-1986-onwards-full-sill-even-number-driverside-odd-number-passenger-----l-full-body-section-kk2088003-93874-p.asp

Usually plenty on eBay.it as well if you want to go that route.

 

[Alixcompo]

These people should be able to help you Andy, they import them from the manufacturer in Denmark to order so it's a few weeks wait:

http://www.carz2.co.uk/fiat-panda-1986-onwards-full-sill-even-number-driverside-odd-number-passenger-----l-full-body-section-kk2088003-93874-p.asp

Usually plenty on eBay.it as well if you want to go that route.

OMG they do door repair panels as well. I am strangely excited!!!!!!

 

[andyholli]

Thank you both - panels ordered.

 

[SeanK]

Thank you both - panels ordered.

New Sills - yeah !!

 

[SeanK]

Spent an hour today, poking and wire brushing to explore the extent of the corrosion in the sills and wings.. More than I hoped for but less than usual - I'd say.

So that's good. Which of our cars will survive long term? - is what's going through my mind. And these years are critical while they're low value and needy of costly maintenance.

So the choice of a simple welded join or a full restoration of the original panels faces us, but which is the long term best answer at this time for this car?

Is it supposed to look like that ?!

 

[aquamarine]

Is it supposed to look like that ?!

We-ell, strictly the bits on the floor are supposed to be filling in the gaps in the bit on the car, but it's not unusual. A few days with "Baracus" Holliday will have it as good (or more likely better) than new.

 

[andyholli]

Is it supposed to look like that ?!

- No, I like to keep the carpet in the garage well vacuumed normally. It's sloppy workmanship, I agree.

 

[andyholli]

While we wait for our Danish friends to press out and dispatch new metal:

Last drop of old fluid replaced (rear axle), engine mounts renewed and courtesy of aquamarine the mysteriously sliced through rear seat belt replaced, today.

- More steps on the long way to go.

 

[SeanK]

Good effort Mr H, we're all cheering you on back here in Yorkshire. I think the DVLA have sprung into excited action too ! I'm expecting a large envelope any day now.

 

[andyholli]

Bless our Danish cousins for their pastry, pig bits and Panda panels - which arrived today.

Talking to Sean last weekend about plans for his car and I was wondering if we have any Panda HF Integrales like this in the UK?



Martini livery is classic and works well on the two Giugiaro shapes but too obvious..?Maybe Stratos Alitalia instead? no, too much.

Any thoughts?

Also - wanted, good rust free bonnet (preferably white..).