Looking for good mechanic in Brighton & hove area to restore Fiat Panda 4x4 1989

Welcome

Whats involved with the restoration?

Mechanic is only likly to do engine / drive terain, you'll need a good bodyshop for the body work.

You not doing it yourself? Thats where half the fun it

engine / drive need some attention, The engine last run without water so I would think the head is bust.
The body work is good just paint and minor rust fixing.
I would love to do it my self but do not have the time or space to do it.

Hi,
The only person I could recommend is VmanC, a specialist in restoring Pandas. But maybe too far for you to travel?

Take a look at this web address: Link

Thanks,
Yes, it is far, need something closer to Brighton, need to tow the car to there.

Yes I completely agree - Vernon ( VmanC ) is the person to speak to. It's only about 50 miles from Brighton - worth a quick visit to speak to him I'd have thought.

The car can easily be trailered 50 miles, so it's not really a problem. Better to go to someone who will do it properly than have it bodged 3 miles down the road imo. You'll probably pay more for a substandard job if you go to the wrong place.

It's about 90 miles to Vernon from me, and it doesn't stop me.

Thanks, will give him a call.

I wonder if Vernon gives a small percentage for referrals lol!!

james2609 said:

I wonder if Vernon gives a small percentage for referrals lol!!

Click to expand...

Was rather hoping for a large percentage!

james2609 said:

I wonder if Vernon gives a small percentage for referrals lol!!

Click to expand...

Sod that, we want mates rates dont we?

Thanks for the recommendations Guys

Looks like I could end up with a lot of mates and no business

Talbengal - by all means give me a call, if I can't actually do anything for you I can certainly advise.
One thing I will say though, try and find someone who is into classics rather than a run of the mill garage, most think you should scrap a Panda as they're not worth saving in their eyes.

Casually stumbled across this thread, I bought this guys panda off him about a month ago as a non runner, he hasn't run it since the beginning of 2013... It looked like it had overheated, but he told me no such thing occurred.... hes a liar!




Yes the body work was done.. with house filler and wood gloss .... bloody stupid