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Panda (Classic) Project Panda-looking Pandas.

Introduction

Ok Gavin here we go ;).

With Gavins (Palio) consent this thread will chart the progress of a little project I'm carrying out for him. It's basically two matching Pandas made to look like Panda bears. These will then be used as company cars by Gavin and his business partner to also promote their new business venture.

Now Gavin is well aware that this could easily turn into being two tacky cartoon style wouldn't be seen dead in cars, so my initial brief stated that my design had to be tasteful and suggest Panda rather than be in your face. Also, there were to be certain engine and interior upgrades to make them more pleasant to live with on a regular basis.

Well I have submitted and had approved a design so it's now full steam ahead with the first car. The basis for this is the white clx I recently picked up from David (Fiat Nutter)............



Second car may be this one that I already had..............



But may not.
Cooling system was then filled with this.........



It's waterless coolant which has a180 deg.c boiling point so doesn't pressurise the system like water/antifreeze does so should put less strain on the system.

Handy that the Evans stand was so close at the NEC...! :D

Always wanted to try this; but never ever gotten around to it. I will be interested to see if it does what it says on the tin.... :)

I found some small 'Panda sized' fog lights that are very discreet...

I also have some very rare wheel arch trims to go on, trial fitted them yesterday...

These are both ultra... :cool:

That's it for now, it's getting late, hopefully the next update will include the words "goes like a rocket!" :)

Good luck! Panto! is, I think, your best work so far.... :worship:
 
I couldn't possibly choose between my babies ;)

Oh by the way, he goes like a rocket! :D

:woot:

That's the idea! Unless anyone's driven a mk1 Punto 1.2 16v in anger for several years, they won't realise what a gem of an engine it is. Between 4 & 6k it absolutely flies & makes a lovely sound - it's also quiet and smooth when pottering about. I therefore have high expectations for Panto (who will be driven gently at all times for ultimate fuel economy, and minimal tyre wear :D ).
 
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The new injector arrived today and once fitted... leaked :mad:

Stripped down the fuel rail again and fitted one of the old O rings to the new injector, put everything back together again! :slayer: Finally Panto ran smoothly.

I took him round the block, didn't get beyond second gear but the results are very encouraging, can't wait for the 20 mile drive to the mot station. :)

The problem now it's got to this stage is that I can't stop revving it up a little, and taking pictures of it :eek:. So.........











Since taking these I've added the front wiper motor and arm, the washer jet, and door mirrors. Most of the wiring for the horn and fog lamps with there associated relays is now finished too.

There are a few brackets to be made in order to mount the ecu and a couple of relays, then it's on to the interior. :rolleyes:
 
I've followed you down the motorway remember :p

:ROFLMAO: It was only a 34 year old 1.0 litre 127, how fast could it be? Please don't answer that - you'll incriminate yourself as you went past me!! ;) Anyway, the back roads are much more fun - I love pottering round those maximising the fuel economy & holding up Honda Jazz's...... :worship:
 
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The new injector arrived today and once fitted... leaked :mad:

Stripped down the fuel rail again and fitted one of the old O rings to the new injector, put everything back together again! :slayer: Finally Panto ran smoothly.

I took him round the block, didn't get beyond second gear but the results are very encouraging, can't wait for the 20 mile drive to the mot station. :)

The problem now it's got to this stage is that I can't stop revving it up a little, and taking pictures of it :eek:. So.........











Since taking these I've added the front wiper motor and arm, the washer jet, and door mirrors. Most of the wiring for the horn and fog lamps with there associated relays is now finished too.

There are a few brackets to be made in order to mount the ecu and a couple of relays, then it's on to the interior. :rolleyes:

Am I the only one that thinks it looks like a mini Range Rover in some of these pictures. No 4 especially. :what:
 
Am I the only one that thinks it looks like a mini Range Rover in some of these pictures. No 4 especially. :what:

No... -- I've often thought that early Rangies look like giant Pandas.... :)

Wouldn't it be fun to have one of each (I've always wanted a Mk1 RR), painted in exactly the same way, parked next to each other on the drive...? :nutter:
 
Am I the only one that thinks it looks like a mini Range Rover in some of these pictures. No 4 especially. :what:

No you're not, alot of manufacturers have copied my design, Audi, Vauxhall, Landrover.........

What you must keep in mind is that I drew up the plan for Panto two years ago, before everyone else started painting their roofs black. :p


I hope none of that black paint went on my Bianca!!..

Don't worry Kev, Apple is still as pure as the driven snow, 90% of the black was painted long before he arrived at the workshop.
 
Time to catch up on some of the work that was carried out just before the NEC........




The badges were removed from the tailgate for painting, they should end up looking something like the front one.........





This is Dynaliner soundproofing fitted to the boot floor. The original rubber mat is now over the top of this and looks like new!



This is a new rear side panel made from 3mm fibreboard. I have cut out a section to accomodate a pair of 10cm speakers too.



First it's covered in scrim foam.........



Then the same black material used on the new dash panel. The front door panels will be a little more elaborate but I'm keeping the rears simple because the back seat and seat belt reels get in the way of any fancy designs.



The speaker grille is mounted on the panel but the speaker itself will be mounted more substantially behind it, 3mm fibreboard is not quite up to the job.



Engine bay is now just about there.

No more pics at the moment so I'll leave the rest until I have some to help me explain.
 
Time to catch up on some of the work that was carried out just before the NEC........




The badges were removed from the tailgate for painting, they should end up looking something like the front one.........





This is Dynaliner soundproofing fitted to the boot floor. The original rubber mat is now over the top of this and looks like new!



This is a new rear side panel made from 3mm fibreboard. I have cut out a section to accomodate a pair of 10cm speakers too.



First it's covered in scrim foam.........



Then the same black material used on the new dash panel. The front door panels will be a little more elaborate but I'm keeping the rears simple because the back seat and seat belt reels get in the way of any fancy designs.



The speaker grille is mounted on the panel but the speaker itself will be mounted more substantially behind it, 3mm fibreboard is not quite up to the job.



Engine bay is now just about there.

No more pics at the moment so I'll leave the rest until I have some to help me explain.

Mot on Wednesday Ahhhh Can't wait for him to be finished now, and Vernon's making some very encouraging noises following an impromptu test drive :slayer:

He may not be 100% for Brooklands, but we're very hopeful Panto! will be there. (y)
 
A few more Panto details..........







I managed to pick up some very rare wheel arch extensions about 18 months ago as I thought they would be good for Panto, I'm glad I did as I think they add to the 'Panda' look.
They were fitted for the NEC but the mudflap type clips supplied were not very good so I fitted them once we were there as there was a danger of them falling off half way down the motorway. How annoying would it have been to have lost one with no chance of finding a replacement.
They are now held on with self tappers, which were also suppied :rolleyes:, I guess even the manufacturers didn't trust the clamps alone. I wasn't keen to drill holes in the wheel arch lip but I'm sure that with a good dose of cavity wax the rust will be kept at bay.

You may also notice the new side repeaters in one of the pics. I've used this type before on Charmania (now Charmanda) and Barbara's 4x4 (now Barrington), they are from a Rover 25/MGF. I buy the units second hand so that I get the bulb holders and some wiring, then I replace the orange lenses with new smoked ones which come with bulbs to match. I prefer these as the square shape suits the Panda better in my eyes.

Today was a big day for Panto, his first mot test since 2004! :D



He passed of course :slayer: even though it was a very tough test! Two of the mechanics had to take him for a short test drive, one at a time. I'm not sure what they were checking for but they couldn't have found anything bad as both came back with really big grins on their faces. :D:D

The trip to the mot station and back was about 50 miles so I finally got to see what Panto performed like, wow! he is soooooo nice to drive. :yum: The engine is ideal for him, there seems to be acceleration at any speed and in any gear, but second and third are best. I would have to guess this of course but I would imagine that on a private road the speedo would quickly reach its limits and provide no further useful information. ;)
 
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