General Fiat 500 possible restoration project (Advice please?)

[Snaphappyalex]

Hey there people, My love for all things fiat suddenly took a hold of me the other day when I realised that a man I used to ask for advice about my bedford Rascal, Hadnt touched the fiat 500 in his garden at all.
Whilst he was out, I decided to take a sneaky peek, And... well lets just say that the only things that ARENT suffering from perforation due to rust, are the sunroof, License plate (Old K reg, I believe to be 72.) and the engine. I recall him having the documents. and the interior isnt in bad shape... But it doesnt take a rocket scientist to realise that this is going to need a whole new set of body panels. Now I know this is costly, but I'm thinking about doing this project over the course of 2 years if I can pry it off his hands (The mrs has taken a liking to it too =P) So, Ladies and gentlemen, I ask you a few humble questions...
1. How much should I offer him for it... (It's a 500L in navy blue) I was thinking about £100, Is that too much, or too little?
2. If worst comes to worst, Are new chassis' available?
3. Can I count on you guys if I get stuck? =P
4. Are there any parts that ARENT available anymore?
Thanks for reading, I hope to be joining you guys and gals soon =)

 

[oopsadaisy]

Hi Alex and welcome to the most civilised section on the forum!

Hey there people, My love for all things fiat suddenly took a hold of me the other day when I realised that a man I used to ask for advice about my bedford Rascal, Hadnt touched the fiat 500 in his garden at all.
Whilst he was out, I decided to take a sneaky peek, And... well lets just say that the only things that ARENT suffering from perforation due to rust, are the sunroof, License plate (Old K reg, I believe to be 72.) and the engine. I recall him having the documents. and the interior isnt in bad shape... But it doesnt take a rocket scientist to realise that this is going to need a whole new set of body panels. Now I know this is costly, but I'm thinking about doing this project over the course of 2 years if I can pry it off his hands (The mrs has taken a liking to it too =P) So, Ladies and gentlemen, I ask you a few humble questions...


1. How much should I offer him for it... (It's a 500L in navy blue) I was thinking about £100, Is that too much, or too little?

I would say that £100 would be a steal.... even basket cases go for £600 - £900 on t'Ebay!

For example: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53481-19255-0/1?type=4&campid=5335817148&toolid=10001&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.co.uk%2FFIAT-500-1972-IN-NEED-OF-RESTORATION_W0QQitemZ250478672306QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutomobiles_UK%3Fhash%3Ditem3a51b139b2&_trksid%3Dp3286.c0.m14

2. If worst comes to worst, Are new chassis' available?

The 500 does not has a chassis as such! You just replace any panels which are beyond redemption!

3. Can I count on you guys if I get stuck? =P

Daft question... Of course you can! There is a lot of knowledge on this forum!

4. Are there any parts that ARENT available anymore?

Not to my knowledge! you may struggle with RHD headlights but you can get away with LHD ones which are readilly obtainable.

Thanks for reading, I hope to be joining you guys and gals soon =)

Great! Keep us posted!

 

[DjPatD]

go for it man! lots of luck with it. You can find tons of information here on this forum, and parts are easily obtainable online!

get some pics if you can!