General VIP Mini Rolling Resto

[jerry2]

I will give this car a full strip and resto one day but until then want to keep on top of any issues that may arise.
So have started cleaning the engine bay.
Also the bottom of the front panel was showing a few signs of rust

So removed the front bumper after spraying the fixings with release fluid and it came off easily. The side mounting bolts are the wrong ones but work and I will track down the proper ones another day.


Rubbed down the rust with a wire brush attachment in my grinder and my air powered sander.

First was to paint the bare metal with acid etch primer (2-3 coats)

Then painted it with high build primer (2-3 coats)
Will then paint it gloss black with stone chip on top then maybe another layer of top coat on top of that.
Also refitted the mud flaps earlier in the week.
More pics to follow
Don't know how to correct the upside down pics they are ok on my pc

 

[Didge3]

Click the images twice (once to make it bigger and then click the bigger one) and it'll be the right way up

 

[jerry2]

Still can't get the pics the right way around
Any how painted the lower edge with stone chip and then about 3-4 coats of top coat, now that lot should stop it rusting for a while.
Need to refix bumper, and horn.
Also been shopping for a suitable stereo .
Seeing that the car is top of the range it's only right that it has a top of the range stereo so more of that to follow.
I've also got an alarm to be fitted to the car so that should give it some protection so will wire that in at the same time as the stereo.
Thinking about putting central locking on the car so it will have remote locking.
Might shorten the inner lock rods so they sit flush with the top of the door for extra security.

 

[firstcar-Y10]

Might shorten the inner lock rods so they sit flush with the top of the door for extra security.

Bear in mind you do need them to unlock the door from the inside - pulling the handle doesn't release the lock like on newer cars.

 

[jerry2]

May fit a switch inside to unlock them manually, but want everything to be discreet so maybe in the centre console.

 

[jerry2]

Next job is to trace an oil leak that looks like it's been there for a while as everything is covered in it. I think it's coming from the fuel pump mounting so will clean it up and use Tiger seal as a sealant for it.
Also going to remove the rear shelf and support brackets to use them as a template as I don't want to ruin them by fitting speakers.Will hopefully make a new unit out of mdf when I get the time.
Had a quote to repair the damaged edging on the drivers seat £150 + vat so will need to save up for that job.

 

[jerry2]

Nearly a major disaster

Don't drive the car much so decided I would take it down to a storage facility where I have a Transit camper van project on the go.
Car drove faultless the 12 miles to get there as I turn to lock the gate behind me I see fluid start gushing from under the engine I turn it off to see what it is at first it looked like coolant but was in fact the contents of the gearbox spilling all over the floor.
Haven't had a chance to look any further as I had to send a few hours unloading my Terra project off the trailer so the Panda could be bought home.
Lucky it leaked there rather than seizing the gearbox I suppose

 

[jerry2]

Haven't had a chance to fix the leaky drive shaft boot so eventually tracked down a replacement part this week so hopefully will get a it sorted tomorrow so I can start to use her again.
Drained the coolant and it didn't look too good so will put some central heating cleaner through it then give it some fresh green stuff.

 

[Dragon Man]

iron blocks always make the coolant look bad.. one of the things i use is dish washer tablets haha. it does work quite well!

 

[jerry2]

Well I put central heating cleaner in it and took it for a drive then flushed it out.
Put anti freeze in it now.
Can't believe how small this car is I can touch the windscreen from the drivers seat something we can't do in our Abarth 595 which is also a small car.
Nice to have her back in one piece again.
Agreed valuation is £3k .

 

[jerry2]

Just a quickie
Mileage now nudging 29 900
May take the car to London soon.

 

[jerry2]

Good news she passed her mot today with a few minor advisories which when time and weather permit I will be jumping on.
It's been a busy week for the little car with a visit to the Ace Cafe in London on Thursday which has taken the mileage past 30k.
Will wash it tomorrow due to the amount of salt sprayed over it due to the icy roads.

 

[jerry2]

Always scouring the internet so have sourced some more parts,
Hinge mount aerial kit, bonnet scoop, rear Fiat badge, 2 front brake hoses,
water pump,( just need to source the remaining brake hoses) AND a new filler neck.
The one currently fitted is from a later model and looking at the mot history there was a comment about a rusty filler neck so guessing they couldn't get the correct one bodged this in and adjusted the rear wing to suit but it looks rubbish and has resulted in distortion of the panel work.
So need to get a new rear wing and a proper filler cap and all is well.
Most of the parts are due in the second week of January so should keep me busy for a while.

 

[jerry2]

Awaiting delivery of my old style filler cap and also the off side rear wing coming from Italy

 

[jerry2]

Fitted my new bonnet scoop today.
Made a start on fitting the in car entertainment which consists of a head unit and 2 small amps that have short leads so will need to make a custom unit to house all these items and show them off for to their full potential.
My new petrol cap arrived today as well.

 

[jerry2]

Fitted temporarily my new top of the range (for the era) in car entertainment consisting of Technics head unit with which you need the matching amplifiers because the unit doesn't have it's own built in amp and my new from Italy hinge mount aerial and a rear shelf from my son's old Panda with a pair of 6 x 9 in it.
May have found the issue with the high level clock as I had a look at the fuse box and tightened a loose crimp so hopefully that will be it.

 

[jerry2]

When the car was mot'd they told me that the water pump was a bit grumbly, so fitted a new Valeo one today.
Also bought some more of Halfords anti freeze ( the old greenish type).
Cleaned the bonnet catch and lubricated the door hinges etc.
Bought a Ctek battery conditioner yesterday to stop me getting a flat battery and keep it in tip top condition.

 

[jerry2]

It was my Birthday this week and asked for a retro furry toy to put in the car so I was chuffed when I got one.

 

[jerry2]

After one of the original pipe clamps sheared whilst fitting the water pump
I have decided to fit new jubilee clips all round for security. But being a VIP model have treated it to the best clips, stainless steel.

 

[jerry2]

I now have 2 brand new doors and rear wings.
Just need time to fit them now