2013-09-23 16.50.07.jpg

Panda (Classic) Mk1 Panda 4x4 long term project

Introduction

So here's the car when I picked it up:

(same model/colour as Sam (@goodgirl156)'s, but that's currently where the similarities end!)

Had half an hour free this afternoon so started to have a look over, and clear out the minging interior. Plan is to strip out the interior to keep it safe from my inevitable welding fires, and to try and get rid of the smell! Always find it interesting cleaning out cars I've bought - highlight in this one is an invoice for animal feed (no surprise given the amount of hay in it). Lowlight is the evidence of mice..

Have had a go at a video but it's amateurish to say the least. Bit like the welding will be to start off with, but there's plenty of "opportunity" to improve both...

[video wouldn't upload, will try again!]
Might not be the tidiest Panda in the world but isn't great just to say that you own a MK1 4x4! :)

Good luck with this project David, I shall be watching with great interest. (y)
 
Needs a hover David! :p

You have your work cut out for you (but I expect you know that!) Do you have photos of the under side as of yet?

The front end of mine has identical damage, your bonnet looks good though!

I'm not sure where you are in the country but if you need any help and are not to far away, let me know and ill be happy to help
 
Hi Guys

I'm in Liverpool so not too far away - thanks Sam! Have some better images on video but an trying to convert the file format (3GP) to something forum-friendly.
dragonMan, think the headlining may be different to Mk2 but I do have a spare Mk2 one so that will go in.

Will get some better shots once our sofas sell(!). [Sofas are currently in garage after buyer didn't turn up to collect - despite winning it for £2.04!].

David
 
To be fair, its not that bad, I think it will look massively better with a good clean up, the outer sills look OK and rear floor pan looks to have got off lightly!

The doors are a bit of a sod and your well ahead of me with the think running!

Great start, I'm looking forward to seeing this one take off, its known as phyliss brother in our house now (better half coined that)
 
Looking good David, what are you using to shoot the vid with? An i-phone or even later i-pad's should give you a good vid quality.
Im using a nexus 4/7 to do mine, its just a pain that the uploads are taking forever.
 
Awesome project, we'll have 3 verde pandas at a show coming to a town near you!! :slayer:

Just need to get my act together on mine now.

The surface rust on the door is because someone replaced the door and re-sprayed it but with not enough layers of paint... I know this because I did this and I have noticed the very early stages of that appearing on the white one :(

Look forward to the updates!
Si
 
Quick update: sofas sold, engine started, so Mk 1 now on garage. Old Dyson fixed (decided would be unwise/unpopular to use hoover from the house), started to strip down interior and clean. Rear mat out, floor seems good (phew!). Wondering whether to replace soundproofing.

My plan for project is 3 stages:

1. MOT and roadworthy. I want to do this without cleaning/fixing the upper parts of the car: (a) it will be cheaper and quicker and (b) I quite like the "patina". Aim: Spring (next Spring). Having 2 small children now I'll only get the occasional hour or two at weekends.
2. Fix up bodywork and respray (much as I like the patina, I'll soon tire of he rat look, it's not very me)
3. [controversial] I'd like to upgrade the engine (1108 cc fire probably), and look into higher gearing. I know it loses originality but I think it will make it more useable and enjoyable.

David
 
Sounds like a plan David,

Did you get any more vids of it running and the underside?

As long as none of the rot looks like it about to chew though, my advice would be to pull of what you can, stick some rust eater on it and spray something on it, it wont look pretty but at least is should stop the progression of it.
It never fails to amaze me just how quick rust can eat though panda's
 
[controversial] I'd like to upgrade the engine (1108 cc fire probably), and look into higher gearing. I know it loses originality but I think it will make it more useable and enjoyable. /QUOTE]

Controversial indeed :eek: Have to admit I'm having similar thoughts for my Mk1 too so I'm pleased there will be someone else to take half the flack. ;)
 
I am unbelievably shocked :eek:

Yes I think I am safe...I've never modified a mk1 4x4 either... Ahem...

By the way, if you are changing the engine... :devil:I would love to buy the original 965cc one off you. QingQing had a hard life before I got her and I would sleep a lot easier knowing I had a spare seeing as she's my daily driver :eek:
 
pandamonius_maximus, Hi Si, I wouldn't rule out selling, though may feel the need to retain the possibility of putting back to original to allay the guilt.

Am afraid my own engine conversion will be a long way off though as it needs to come as stage 3 (and stage 1's moving at about an hour a week!).
VmanC, have you any definite plans re gearbox? Unfortunately my local gearbox place are unlikely to be able to help. Seem to recall a modified (longer 5th gear) 4x4 box being on here recently.

David
 
pandamonius_maximus, Hi Si, I wouldn't rule out selling, though may feel the need to retain the possibility of putting back to original to allay the guilt.

Am afraid my own engine conversion will be a long way off though as it needs to come as stage 3 (and stage 1's moving at about an hour a week!).
VmanC, have you any definite plans re gearbox? Unfortunately my local gearbox place are unlikely to be able to help. Seem to recall a modified (longer 5th gear) 4x4 box being on here recently.

David

I think Lewey fitted a 5th gear from an Uno gearbox a while back. I'll probably use a 4spd from a 1000cl as I quite like the 4spd and wouldn't want to go cable change. Mine isn't a 4x4 though so my needs are a little different.
 
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