General Quality of replacement parts

[nzbobc]

Hi folks,

We're new to the community, having just adopted a '72 model last week...

While the car is in great shape, it would be nice to replace some parts with shinier versions.

From perusing the forum, it appears that the fit and/or finish of some of the replacement parts is not that great. What's been your experiences with things like window trim, vent window frames, interior door panels, molded carpeting.... Shipping parts back to a retailer is a pretty expensive proposition for us..

Cheers,
-bob and jen

PS. Because friends back in the States don't have a feel for how small these cars are, I've been trying to find a photo I saw when surfing the 'Net to send to them. I thought it was posted here: it's a white classic 500 in a car park surrounded by American SUV's. If you know where that photo is, could you ease my mind and letting me know?:bang:

 

[the hobbler]

Hi Bob and Jen;
Welcome to the forum. 3 companies that I have dealt with are Leo van der Laan, Axle Gerstl and Middle Barton Garage--I have had good results (and good gear) from all of these companies--hope this helps.

 

[Bambino]

Hi guys & welcome to the list.

I get most of my parts from either Holland (http://www.fiat500ricambi.com/) or the USA (http://www.mrfiat.com/). Both are nice people to deal with and have prompt delivery. The Dutch company generally has high quality parts whereas Mr. Fiat occasionally has the odd dog - usually trim items.

From the flag and your moniker I'm guessing that you are Kiwis and if so, try http://www.fiat500.co.nz/

Also have a look here - https://www.fiatforum.com/500-classic/317962-reccomended-supplier.html

I know the post that had the picture of the Bambino between two US SUVs but can't lay my hand on it just at the moment, so I found a couple of grainy youtube stills that may amuse you.

Also, spend some time to dig through the threads on this part of the BB - there is a lot of information here (mostly useful) and a little bit of humour (usually sick) all contained in a friendly, helpful environment that is refreshingly free of ego or argument.

Chris

 

[jjacob]

You might be thinking of the picture I posted here: https://www.fiatforum.com/500-classic/312011-giving-wife-ride-500-a.html
John

 

[PointFiveO]

Well I thought my 500 looked dwarfed between 'normal' sized family cars in my local supermarket carpark but beside american iron the 500 really looks tiny!

Colm.

 

[nzbobc]

Thanks folks,

We have been checking out the site and will do more once we need answers for a specific project.

I agree, it's great to see people sharing without the egos and genuinely willing to help and share..

John, that was it! Geez, I could've sworn it was white!!!

Cheers

 

[RogerNZ]

Hi guys. In my experience vent window frames are rubbish. I have seen a few posts here and elsewhere that express the same opinion. In my case I found the problem was the locator pin on the lower edge was in the wrong place at the wrong angle. I find this sort of thing infuriating as it would cost no more for the manufacturer to have made them properly! They could be made to work, but I like things to be, well, just so, so I am now on he hunt for a very good 2nd hand set.
Cheers Roger

 

[tjmra]

Roger is correct about the 1/4 vent frames and I have made the same observation in my build post. Got mine originals repaired and rechromed.

I was also not impressed with the aluminium trim that runs around the door frames. Ended up removing the soft felt from the new ones and fitting them back to my originals.

Rubber gaskets around the rear tail lights were not up to scratch. Ended up making my old ones fit the new lenses.

My headlights don't sit square because the locating tab is slightly off.

Stainless rear bar had ripples around the bottom on the bends. Had to do a bit of a polish to the whole bar.

There were other things that were not quite correct but only we would notice.

I get my parts from Frank at FIAT Ricambi in the Netherlands. Smart website, easy to deal with and he responds to my emails. I love placing my order to the point of having the freight cost applied, then backing out and ordering more till the freight jumps up to the next level. I can then remove a few items to come back down a level. I get maximum value that way.

Finally, 15 years ago when I looked at doing some bits and pieces on my car, a lot of parts were not available and what was had sometimes had a price tag that was scary. I think the odd dud part now and then is a compromise I can live with if it means I can drive my car.

Regards

Joe R

 

[Kernow]

I wasn't overly impressed with an oil filler cap I bought from one of the well known UK suppliers, had to bend the tabs around a bit to get it to fit and it's still not perfect. Mind you it doesn't leak like the old one did so that's a bonus!!

Stef