My bravo build thread

[Ant Wells]

Hey guys, since the ideas of build threads I've decided to start my own. I'm informing of you now progress will be slow as finances are tight (as usual) but I will update as often as possible.

My goals are simple...to create a clean example of a 1.2 with some subtle mods.

Pictures from when I first got it:




And with polys fitted

 

[Ant Wells]

First port of call is that grim grille. Purchased this from a guy off FF

Going to sand it, prime it and spray it satin black. I'm also going to open up the polys and spray the plastic satin black to match.

 

[Mike]

wana see the polys when finished

 

[jords]

cool mate, you going with an abarth kit or anything? or keeping it closer to standard? neat looking motor anyway! it seems almost every bravo i've seen for a few weeks have massive dents in the rear quarters.

what are the rest of your plans for the motor?

 

[Ant Wells]

Well I want to keep it as near to standard as possible really. Few things I need to sort first like the front and back bumpers could do with a touch up, there's also a small dent under the boot handle so I'm getting that smoothed. Marea handles, marea centre console, leather interior.

I'm torn between 2 ideas with the bump strips though, I'll either colour code them OR paint them satin black to match the grill and polys. I've also got some M3 style wing mirrors in satin black. If I do the bump strips in black I'll also do the bumper bit's that are dark grey in black too.

Nice set of alloys will be on the cards when funds allow, possibly also some sort of suspension upgrade, either lowering kit or coilovers.

Apart from this there's an idling issue (stepper motor) and the near side rear shock needs replacing.

That's about it I think

 

[Mike]

na dont put m3 mirrors on mate,imo theyre chav tastic..The ideas you have are all genuine fiat and will look good when done Just not the mirrors.

 

[Ant Wells]

Shiny Shiny!

With the nice warm weather and some spare time I decided to give my car a quick wash.

Didn't take before pictures but it's a big difference. If anyone wants to know I used Meguirs Gold class shampoo and AG SR polish. Didn't clay it or wax it because I couldn't be bothered haha will do it sometime this week.








Took that silver strip off and it did this to my paint work by the looks of it, it has also been in a little bump. The line of the bottom of the bonnet doesn't follow the line of the bumper and there is a little dent. The grille is missing because it is getting sprayed soon

 

[axle]

tidy looking motor. you mention replacing a rear shocker, do em both, always renew in pairs

 

[Ant Wells]

I asked a few people about this and got mixed responses. I'll probably renew them both anyway for peace of mind. Got my MOT soon so it needs doing before then :/

As for it being a tidy motor...it's a mess! There's little scratches everywhere that I've never noticed (too dirty). What's the best solution to getting rid of these?

 

[Andy1.6hlx]

i have a full set of springs and shocks that i took off my 1.6 if you want them?

 

[Ant Wells]

I would but I have literally £0 at the moment :/

 

[jords]

good stuff mate glad to see someone puttin some effort in =)

yeah alwys renew shocks in pairs mate, otherwise one side where the brand new one is will be higher up, wheras the other side will be a little lower due to wear.

mike lol don't say that i have electric m3s, the look good colour coded i think. but each to their own i suppose...

 

[Andy1.6hlx]

well i no longer have a bravo and i'd willingly give them to you for nothing if you can collect them...

 

[Mike]

LOL sorry jord mate

 

[Ant Wells]

@Jords yours was what inspired me to get them I'm just trying to create something different. I'll fit one tomorrow and take a pic to compare, see what they're like. Suppose they may look better if all the bits were in satin black to match.

@Andy yeah that's awesome mate, where about's are you based? If it's too far I'll try and arrange a courier.

 

[Andy1.6hlx]

im based in norfolk mate

 

[Ant Wells]

Ahh...bit of a trek, I'm Lancaster so picking them up is a no go. As I said earlier I have £0 so if someone else wants them they can have them

They're standard right?

 

[Andy1.6hlx]

yeah they are standard

 

[jords]

@ ant i've always thought they look good with the right car. And i think bravo's pull them off quite well. Have you seen a pic of my car with them on? I've never posted a full pic on here i don't think?

 

[Paul]

@Andy - what sort of condition are the springs and shocks in and are they all round or just the front or the back?

Cheers