Having finally got it cleaned up since collecting it last Wednesday, I thought I'd better take some pictures and show you guys the Punto mentioned in my introduction thread.

I only paid £100 for it, with 6 months MOT, four legal tyres and no major issues. The only problem it has is one that just happened today and that is the bonnet release. I haven't investigated yet but I'm hoping that the cable has just detached from the back of the lever and that it hasn't snapped.

Anyway, that's another problem for another day, but for now here is the car:

Wow, that's a whole lot of Punto for £100 - well done on getting that!

A beautiful car for an nicer price! Are you going to sort that rust out?

puntofan01 said:

A beautiful car for an nicer price! Are you going to sort that rust out?

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What rust? There are a couple of black marks on the wheel arch pictured, but no rust on any of the bodywork (unless I've missed it).

jmurray01 said:

What rust? There are a couple of black marks on the wheel arch pictured, but no rust on any of the bodywork (unless I've missed it).

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I see! It looks like rust on that picture. What are those black marks on the bottom of the wheelarch?

Camo16 said:

Wow, that's a whole lot of Punto for £100 - well done on getting that!

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Indeed it is. I am very much liking the fuel economy from the 1.2 (average 50MPG) compared to our Nissan Primera which struggles to get 40MPG.

As the car travels 60 miles per day the better fuel economy is not going unnoticed.

puntofan01 said:

I see! It looks like rust on that picture. What are those black marks on the bottom of the wheelarch?

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Both rear sills were welded for the last MOT so I think the black marks are as a result of that, but I haven't really looked into it. Once the weather warms up in a few months I'll go over the bodywork and clean it up.

jmurray01 said:

Both rear sills were welded for the last MOT so I think the black marks are as a result of that, but I haven't really looked into it. Once the weather warms up in a few months I'll go over the bodywork and clean it up.

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I see! That's good then. I'm rather fond of the mk2, so I'm glad that 1 has found an owner that's going to look after it.

puntofan01 said:

I see! That's good then. I'm rather fond of the mk2, so I'm glad that 1 has found an owner that's going to look after it.

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I will definitely look after it, but its longevity will depend on the state of the undercarriage come the next MOT. Unfortunately these Puntos are well known for corroding after they exceed 10 years old, much like the MK4 Ford Fiestas. A mixture of poorer quality construction and the fact that most owners don't bother to get them undercoated every year means that they are inevitably dying one by one.

I'd like to keep it going for a few years though, and if there are no other areas of major concern I will probably get it undercoated to prevent further corrosion.

Hello Stranger

For the bonnet cable - have a looksee here:

https://www.fiatforum.com/punto-mk2...ble-how-open-bonnet-if-cable-has-snapped.html

jmurray01 said:

A mixture of poorer quality construction and the fact that most owners don't bother to get them undercoated every year means that they are inevitably dying one by one.

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It's sad really.

SeanW said:

Hello Stranger

For the bonnet cable - have a looksee here:

https://www.fiatforum.com/punto-mk2...ble-how-open-bonnet-if-cable-has-snapped.html

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Now, where have I seen you before...

Thanks for the link, I'll bear that in mind. I still have my rose tinted glasses on in terms of hoping the cable just needs reattached to the lever.

puntofan01 said:

It's sad really.

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It is indeed, people just don't care in the disposable society we live in.

Looks pretty good for the price!

Keep her well serviced and you could get years and years out of your £100!

Look forward to seeing your updates with this car and how it works out!

jmurray01 said:

It is indeed, people just don't care in the disposable society we live in.

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I'm definitely considering getting the underneath of my Grande sealed when it gets to 10 years old.

puntofan01 said:

I'm definitely considering getting the underneath of my Grande sealed when it gets to 10 years old.

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I'll be looking to do the same when I get me Tipo... Is this something you can do yourself...?

Camo16 said:

I'll be looking to do the same when I get me Tipo... Is this something you can do yourself...?

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YES,
basically the car is sealed ( like spray paint) in the factory.. but over the years it CRACKS and lets water in.. but the water is then TRAPPED in there.., and rust gets a hold,
look under the car on a dry day.. I bet it'll be flaking in places,

best best is to wire brush off ALL of the loose stuff , repaint any rusty areas , and paint on a new lot of underseal,

NOT a job for February though.. wait until it's all drier in the spring


Charlie

varesecrazy said:

YES,
basically the car is sealed ( like spray paint) in the factory.. but over the years it CRACKS and lets water in.. but the water is then TRAPPED in there.., and rust gets a hold,
look under the car on a dry day.. I bet it'll be flaking in places,

best best is to wire brush off ALL of the loose stuff , repaint any rusty areas , and paint on a new lot of underseal,

NOT a job for February though.. wait until it's all drier in the spring


Charlie

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Cheers Charlie!

I think the Tipo that I will hopefully have this time next week has been dry stored and is (relatively) rust free. But I'll be on our drive in all conditions, so I will certainly be painting on a seal.

Quick noob question - I guess wheels need to be off to get to the inner wheel arches?

TBH - the fronts are basically a group of flat panels, reasonably well protected - with a BIG Black plastic liner keeping most water out

I'd be tempted to put a morning aside and wash everything down very thoroughly
jetwash will be a good start,
then a brush and soapy water

then you'll get a much better idea of what's still sound

you can remove the front wing liners to wash off a lot of the surface grime,
BUT the rear wheel arches are pretty much exposed to everything, IIRC the TIPO uses the rear doors to create a seal.. 5 doors

Thanks