Hi all. I am currently taking a notion to getting a Punto cabrio. Have had umpteen Fiats, inc 2 Barchettas, but quite fancy trying to get a good one, if such a thing still exists.

Anyone know of one, or any sensible advice to not to even go there!!

thanks

The cabriolet is a lot different to the hatch from basically the front wing back in terms of bodywork. This means that 60% of the car was hand built by Bertone rather than fiat and that a lot of the car is "cabriolet only".
With that in mind look at rear jacking points and floor panels for rust/rot and also the inner rear wheel arches (check from in the boot by removing covers as well as underneath). Neither of these can be brought as repair panels so home made panels need to be made.
The rear subframe is the same as all puntos with rear drums so the normal trailing arm bushes or subframe mount issues occur. Neither of which should be worried about too much as they are a cheap and fairly easy repair.
Interior wise the dash and centre consol are the same as on other same spec models, and the front seats are the same as on all 3 door models. Everything else is pretty much unique to the cabriolet including door skins and even the sunvisors.
Look for a 1.2 16v rather than the 1.6 8v. Slightly better engine and only a couple of hp less. I would allow for some work to be done on the engine as a precaution if you want it to last. Cambelt kit, water pump, thermostat and coolant flush should help keep the head gasket from going. Sumps do tend to take a beating as they sit low down and get stone chips leading to rust and then leaks. There are cheap pattern ones on ebay though.
Exhaust and cats are the same as on others so no issues there just the rear rubbers tend to wear quicker than the others (less than £5).
I think that just leaves the roof. Its an elctric hydraulic unit that works the roof so needles to say make sure it works. The tonneau covers tend to have been lost so if you get one its a bonus. The roof itself is made with three layers, the outer vinyl covering is easily available but not cheap. I havnt seen anybody selling the middle "anti-cut" layer or the "cosmetic" layer.
Finally, make sure the remote locking works. this again is unique to cabriolet (its the same system but located in a different place) so if it doesnt work be prepared to shell out silly money (£300+) for Fiat to order you new parts to get it to work.

http://www.torqueitalia.net/forum/threads/1060-Punto-Cabrio
Have a look at my project. Admin you can delete this if its not allowed.

This one. sounds gd, was on FMC and elsewhere recently, not finding a buyer.

Julie Harrington
[email protected]
PUNTO CABRIO. REDUCED.
For sale much loved Punto cabrio. £600 for quick sale as new car waiting. Mileage is 86000, it has had 2 formers keepers and Ive had it since 2007, its in good condition with no tears or damage to hood, but the rear window is slightly frosted and there is a small tear which has been repaired, there are a few minor "supermarket car park" marks, car is burnt orange and hood is navy blue, with blue interior, yes to the electric windows and its the 1.2 16v.
Its has powersteering, power hood elect windows all round, alloy wheels, central locking, stereo remotes on steering wheel and tow bar which has only been used for a bike rack.
6 months tax and MOT.
I can send a photo if you wish.
I love this car and the only reason for sale is to upgrade after 6 years of happy motoring. I often have people take photos of it especially other punto owners.

"The tonneau covers tend to have been lost so if you get one its a bonus." I have one spare if that's your bag (hmm), also 2 so-so complete hood/mechanisms, that might be restorable (Dartmoor, Devon). If not, it's worth hunting high and low, maybe US or other export markets (v few sold in Italy), for a new or nearly new factory hood - far superior to the aftermarket replacements. The hood is the key to long life and enjoyment of a cabrio.

One strange thing is - rattles more but road/wind noise much quieter than a saloon, with hood up - must be all the padding. Another tip - if the hood won't engage the screen top, let all the 4 side windows down an inch first. If it still won't engage, there's a pair of tension straps hidden inside its layers, ea side of the rear widow - let them out a bit.

Here's my 16v (still got the old 8v too, same colour, for spares, incl much classier interior fabric). Cabrios have the lowered stiffer Sporting suspension. It's true, the mk.1 Punto 16v is a cracking good engine, unlike later soggy derivatives. I am currently putting a lo-mile 1368 Stilo block and 6sp box (gives overdrive top) under my mk.1 top end - shd be gd for 98bhp without modification, and more to come.

I would endorse everything said above and would also confirm that the interior of the 1.6 8v is much more plush than the later 1.2 and is not shared with any other model.
When looking at the hood, check above the rear edge of the doors. It is common to find splits in the fabric. This is caused by the roof folding incorrectly and the fabric getting caught in a scissor action by the frame. We replaced our original roof covering about 8 years ago and just take the precaution of checking the folding action every time the roof comes off and the roof remains as good as new.
All Cabrios are prone to drips coming from the top of the windscreen pillar. This can be easily solved by a very thin smear of silicone grease where the roof rubber meets the top of the windscreen pillars.
Good luck with your search.

Thanks for the advice folks. Used to running oddballs with no spares back up - various Lancias for a start. Have seen a solid looking 1.2 but with auto box - so not sure about that one. Will keep looking.

Not sure if I am mad enough for a yellow one!

now being picky on colour is mad lol.. get the best one you can find, don't worry about colour is what i reckon...

That said, if it were me it would preferably be white, yellow or that metallic mint green on a cabrio.

True, agree there. Bronze is nice! lol. But not enough around to be picky - yellow is just a tad unsubtle...

blu73 said:

now being picky on colour is mad lol.. get the best one you can find, don't worry about colour is what i reckon...

That said, if it were me it would preferably be white, yellow or that metallic mint green on a cabrio.

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Mines white, underneath the patches of dirt!

Wo have components for the pubto cabrio 1.6 elx 1995

renaultvation said:

the interior of the 1.6 8v is much more plush than the later 1.2 and is not shared with any other model

Click to expand...

My ex-lovely ELX75 saloon had same incl far classier door cappings curved to unite with the dash.