Panda (Classic) Mk1 4x4 Panda (Original)

Here is Qing Qing, a rescued panda that came close to death
I completed the majority in less than a year and here she is now:



Before she was a bit worse!

and before:





Si

You've done good work Si. Was this all the Fibreglass work?

This one needed some welding really, fibreglass has the benefit of sealing the damaged metal but it cant take any loads or flexing. For example the rust around the boot rubbers needed some welding as when you slammed the tailgate, it was just pushing the catch in. It had gone from one end to the other. Now its as solid as a rock Even put fibreglass over the welds to seal them better, with a load of waxoil behind too. Good for many years to come I am sure.

The rear quarter panels had some fibreglass repairs too, I was quite happy with the finish. Using a orbital sander really got the panel nice and flat and is like a mirror in places .

Only bodywork was repaired with fibreglass though, some rust around the front suspension I got the local garage in swansea to do. They did a very good job too, and only cost £80. I hope I can find somewhere like that here in gloucestershire

Thanks for the praise, its going to be a difficult choice whether to sell or not. I'll enjoy it for the moment though anyway, its all lovely and crisp with so many new parts

Si

Hi Pandamonius It looks fab. I love those Mk1 steelies. Did your 4x4 come off ebay? I seem to remember seeing a Mk1 4x4 on ebay wearing a couple of late 80s austin metro wheels.

Thanks for the compliment, it sounds like you're remembering the right one. I bought it off ebay just over a year ago now. And it did come with a metro wheel too. Not sure why, as all the tires including the metro one were ruined and flat. I think the guy just wanted them got rid of at the same time as sale.

I'm really feeling like keeping her now too. Its almost like driving a new car anyway!

Si

WOOOOOHOOOO!!! MOT passed!!!!! All I had to do was, top up the washer fluid before the test

Yipeeeeeeeeeee

Ok, I'm done jumping around the living room.

Si

Yay.

Great news

Nice one Si....

Still grinning!

Sod it, I cant bring myself to sell her. She's mine mine mine!!!

Si

shes beautiful!

Thanks, allways nice to hear positive feedback on my work. I love her to bits! Despite the problem!!

Si

A problem?

Sorry, the problems i meant. All in the past now, water under the bridge!

Well except from an odly running hot thing she has developed and also a crack that has developed in the windscreen

Si