I just bought a 1987 fiat panda 1000s with 26,0000 miles. It seems to run well, aside from the sound of sceaching belts when it first starts. I want to take it on a semi-long trip from London to Belgium. How should I make sure it's ready for it's long flight (any obvious suggestions would be appreciated)? The car has been sitting for about a year.

I am replacing the rocker cover seal, as it's leaking....

Help, I'm a panda novice.
-steve

levonatron said:

How should I make sure it's ready for it's long flight (any obvious suggestions would be appreciated)? The car has been sitting for about a year. Help, I'm a panda novice.
-steve

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Welcome Steve,

Do some computer diagnostic with some FIAT Service (near your actual destination) (there is a jack - under dashboard for computer diagnostic in cabin), check the oil level and quality for- Engine and gearbox oil, tight the alternator belt (not to screeaming, during start), check the tires, wipe the windows, - and - run to Belgium smootly, (not too fast)

Best regards
Aca

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I personally would have said the rocker cover looks fine from the pic. It looks no different to the amount of oil around the engine in our 750L.

Looks like you had a good bye mileage wise. Is it genuine? How much if you don't mind me asking.

As for getting it ready for a long journey, a full service would be a start, and perhaps get it to a local garage and get them to look for any obvious bits with it in the air.

All the best. Jon.

aca said:

Do some computer diagnostic with some FIAT Service (near your actual destination) (there is a jack - under dashboard for computer diagnostic in cabin),

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Hi aca, It won't have any of the computer diagnostics because it's a carbed Panda and not an injection.

Jon.

Most Easterly Panda's said:

Hi aca, It won't have any of the computer diagnostics because it's a carbed Panda and not an injection.

Jon.

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Hi Most Easterly, I forgot this (for comp-free Pandas).

Levonatron, then, just wipe the windows, check the oil (Allbum of The Allman Btothers Band), he, he,....and run.....

aca said:

Welcome Steve,

Do some computer diagnostic with some FIAT Service (near your actual destination) (there is a jack - under dashboard for computer diagnostic in cabin),

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be looking for some time for a computer diagnostic jack in a 1987 fiat panda!!
(sorry had to say it)

If your going on a long journey though, as said check oil, water, tires for wear or cracking rubber, and listen for any odd noises. As also mentioned, cam cover will leak a little, nothing serious I'dve thought, and a good tightening of the belt will stop the squeeks. Make sure you have all the lights working too, dont want any dodgy police giving you fines. ooo and washer fliud too, long journeys require a lot more windscreen washing than you expect!!

Happy pandaring!! I cant wait till I can get off round europe in mine :devil:

Si

Don't forget high viz vest or similar red triangle first aid kit spare bulbs and a gal of petrol you will be billed if the police get to you first for running out on motorway for doing so. If you happen on acident you are also advised to stop and help failure to do so go have the police on you case again. also if you are going the whole hog head lamp deflectors so you dont light the driver up coming the other way light cast even from a panda Have a good time

I used to have a G reg panda 750L as my first car, and it served me well.
So my advice if your going on a long trip in it would be to get a new cambelt and tensioner.
Change the oil and filter, new plugs and leads if there looking a bit manky!!
do the plugs especially as you say the rocker might of been leaking!!!
Maybe change the coolent if thats looking a bit poor also.
Change or take a replacement clutch cable, you can tell when its on its way out. Because the pedal gets stiff, other than that just check the tyres and usual stuff.
Good luck with your trip mate.

allen fletcher said:

Don't forget high viz vest or similar red triangle first aid kit spare bulbs and a gal of petrol you will be billed if the police get to you first for running out on motorway for doing so. If you happen on acident you are also advised to stop and help failure to do so go have the police on you case again. also if you are going the whole hog head lamp deflectors so you dont light the driver up coming the other way light cast even from a panda Have a good time

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Good points Allen. You can tell I've yet to drive abroad:bang:

I'm for taking all of the above but do take these aswell:

A long roll of decent wire, a bag of scotchlocks, pliers, wirecutters and a circuit tester, while I have upmost faith in the oily bits of a panda, I don't have a good history with the electrics on them

Oh nearly forgot congratulations on what from the pics looks to be a half tidy panda for its age, and with less miles than mine and its older, jammy git!!

I got the panda for 180 squids...

levonatron said:

I got the panda for 180 squids...

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Cool. Any tax or MOT for that price?

Wow, thanks for all the tips! I hope my next posts arn't made in desperation from an internet cafe in France....

levonatron said:

I got the panda for 180 squids...

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Most Easterly Panda's said:

Cool. Any tax or MOT for that price?

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till the end of the month

levonatron said:

till the end of the month

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O. Do you think it's MOTable?