General Fiat 500 Suspension on 100hp 169

[Baggey]

Powerfliex for example sell road and race for the panda 169

Road generally purple
Race generally black

You don't want to use the race unless the roads near you are flat and smooth like a race track, or you are going to use the car mainly on a race track

View attachment 475168
I believe IRC fitted some in 2016 on their diesel, and is still very active on this forum, they will give you an honest assessment of the pros and cons from real day to day driving

Ive seen red and yellow ones. Its an everyday driver narrow country lanes.

 

[Baggey]

There are different grades of polybushes for different applications. Trackday cars and full-out race cars use bushes with almost no movement. On a road car they are seriously uncomfortable and also tend to transmit more force to other components.
Even "road grade" polybushes feel stiffer than original "rubber" bushes. I tried some in my 100hp when bottom arms were on back-order and they were OK, but definitely less compliant than standard. I swapped them out for new bottom arms when they were back in stock. I now change out the rear bushes if the ball joints are OK - standard 100hp spec bushes are available separately quite cheaply and I have a press.
I have purple Powerflex bottom arm rear bushes in my diesel Panda, and they are also OK. But they are MUCH stiffer than the standard Panda bushes, which reduces comfort significantly. On the other hand, they do last longer than the standard bushes on the diesel.

Personally, I think Fiat got the 100hp dynamics just about right with the factory-fit equipment - an unmolested one with fresh suspension is great fun to drive and puts a big smile on most faces.
Tired bushes, springs and dampers make it soggy and crashy.
Aftermarket gear usually makes them "feel faster", but handle badly, feel uncomfortable and, in my opinion, misses the whole point of the 100hp. Its a small, light car with just enough power to be fun, with closer ratio gears to keep the driving experience interesting, while still being good for a trip to IKEA for a surprising amount of flat-pack furniture (or a washing machine etc.).
However, that's only my opinion, and it's not my place to criticise what other people do with their cars.
The biggest problem if going the "original spec" route is identifying and obtaining the correct parts, as many suppliers seem to think that the 1.4 Natural Power is the same as the 100hp (it isn't) or that "normal" Panda parts are the same (they mostly aren't). I've found that using part numbers from EPER and avoiding online "compatibility checkers" is the only way to be sure.

Im noticing this with Ebay compatibilty. One compnay says the rear beam may fit but you can send it back. That's not very comforting!? I would love a good old fashion Haynes manual or Fiat workshop manual for the 100hp

 

[Baggey]

Apparently this fits. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/186255413907
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264594414753

These coilovers look to be good value and for street use. Anyone fitted these? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/29577574...6lLPzZ+ZTod+/Fd5JMaP3CJ9M=|tkp:Bk9SR_aCuZ-8Zg

 

[Baggey]

I was watching this video for stopping your bushes from squeaking

 

[garyjpaterson]

(wider track) has some advantages

Lowers the roll centre

Bit off-topic but just a note; I think a wider track would raise the roll centre. Which in turn would decrease the roll couple generated, reducing body roll.

 

[koalar]

The biggest problem if going the "original spec" route is identifying and obtaining the correct parts, as many suppliers seem to think that the 1.4 Natural Power is the same as the 100hp (it isn't) or that "normal" Panda parts are the same (they mostly aren't). I've found that using part numbers from EPER and avoiding online "compatibility checkers" is the only way to be sure.

Sites like Autodoc use a shotgun approach, often the spread of compatible vehicles and/or part number is too large

Here is an example of rear bump stop from today

It lists both the 100hp and 1.2 60hp

They are not compatible, they are different lengths and xonstruction yes they do fit, but it will effect the ride

 

[koalar]

Bit off-topic but just a note; I think a wider track would raise the roll centre. Which in turn would decrease the roll couple generated, reducing body roll.

You are correct, it is my mistake, I should have added as a percentage to two of the statements, as they stay the same or raise slightly, Vs the 50 mm added

I didn't think too hard before writing, I was trying to point out the suspension has to be taken as a whole, a small change here or there has a knock on effect

Such as adding wheel spaces after the hub, for example effectively increases the leverage on the springs, so they are seen as softer

 

[koalar]

Stance have been fitted by two people

Neither liked them

Sample size of two, I can't remember what springs were fitted

Axle is wrong it need this cutout for the abs sensor on the 100HP

https://www.alfashop.co.uk

Is the only place in the UK we could find the correct axle last year


I see IM axle now do one

Pardon our interruption...

Axle for diesel with disc brakes can be fabricated to work, it requires a piece of webbing cutting off and the cutout for the abs

Bilstein don't make 100HP specific shocks, they list the diesel as compatible, fiats original were specially made for the 100HP

Bilstein have been fitted i believe @cooperman fitted some b6 recently, can remember if it was front and rear or not

There was an issue with the diameter of the eyes, I assume that's been fixed as it's not been mentioned for awhile

 

[cooperman]

Stance have been fitted by two people

Neither liked them

Sample size of two, I can't remember what springs were fitted

View attachment 475175

Axle is wrong it need this cutout for the abs sensor on the 100HP

https://www.alfashop.co.uk

I see I'm axles now do one

Pardon our interruption...

Is the only place in the UK we could find the correct axle last year

Axle for diesel with disc brakes can be fabricated to work, it requires a piece of webbing cutting off and the cutout for the abs

Bilstein don't make 100HP specific shocks, they list the diesel as compatible, fiats original were specially made for the 100HP

Bilstein have been fitted i believe @cooperman fitted some b6 recently, can remember if it was front and rear or not

There was an issue with the diameter of the eyes, I assume that's been fixed as it's not been mentioned for awhile

I changed the bilsteins for Konis as the b6’s were terrible. The konis need a little spacer made as they holes are for the 500 where the panda uses a narrower diameter bolt.

 

[svennelainen]

Ive seen red and yellow ones. Its an everyday driver narrow country lanes.

I've used EU-Bushings in a few cars and loved them all. I have a set waiting to be propped in as the bushings in my Panda are all rubbish (rrrra du dish).

Polyurethane bushings for Fiat II 4x4 (03-12)

Polyurethane bushings STRONGFLEX, POWERFLEX for Fiat II 4x4 (03-12) for great prices

www.bushings.eu

 

[The Panda Nut]

There are different grades of polybushes for different applications. Trackday cars and full-out race cars use bushes with almost no movement. On a road car they are seriously uncomfortable and also tend to transmit more force to other components.
Even "road grade" polybushes feel stiffer than original "rubber" bushes. I tried some in my 100hp when bottom arms were on back-order and they were OK, but definitely less compliant than standard. I swapped them out for new bottom arms when they were back in stock. I now change out the rear bushes if the ball joints are OK - standard 100hp spec bushes are available separately quite cheaply and I have a press.
I have purple Powerflex bottom arm rear bushes in my diesel Panda, and they are also OK. But they are MUCH stiffer than the standard Panda bushes, which reduces comfort significantly. On the other hand, they do last longer than the standard bushes on the diesel.

Personally, I think Fiat got the 100hp dynamics just about right with the factory-fit equipment - an unmolested one with fresh suspension is great fun to drive and puts a big smile on most faces.
Tired bushes, springs and dampers make it soggy and crashy.
Aftermarket gear usually makes them "feel faster", but handle badly, feel uncomfortable and, in my opinion, misses the whole point of the 100hp. Its a small, light car with just enough power to be fun, with closer ratio gears to keep the driving experience interesting, while still being good for a trip to IKEA for a surprising amount of flat-pack furniture (or a washing machine etc.).
However, that's only my opinion, and it's not my place to criticise what other people do with their cars.
The biggest problem if going the "original spec" route is identifying and obtaining the correct parts, as many suppliers seem to think that the 1.4 Natural Power is the same as the 100hp (it isn't) or that "normal" Panda parts are the same (they mostly aren't). I've found that using part numbers from EPER and avoiding online "compatibility checkers" is the only way to be sure.

⁶

There are different grades of polybushes for different applications. Trackday cars and full-out race cars use bushes with almost no movement. On a road car they are seriously uncomfortable and also tend to transmit more force to other components.
Even "road grade" polybushes feel stiffer than original "rubber" bushes. I tried some in my 100hp when bottom arms were on back-order and they were OK, but definitely less compliant than standard. I swapped them out for new bottom arms when they were back in stock. I now change out the rear bushes if the ball joints are OK - standard 100hp spec bushes are available separately quite cheaply and I have a press.
I have purple Powerflex bottom arm rear bushes in my diesel Panda, and they are also OK. But they are MUCH stiffer than the standard Panda bushes, which reduces comfort significantly. On the other hand, they do last longer than the standard bushes on the diesel.

Personally, I think Fiat got the 100hp dynamics just about right with the factory-fit equipment - an unmolested one with fresh suspension is great fun to drive and puts a big smile on most faces.
Tired bushes, springs and dampers make it soggy and crashy.
Aftermarket gear usually makes them "feel faster", but handle badly, feel uncomfortable and, in my opinion, misses the whole point of the 100hp. Its a small, light car with just enough power to be fun, with closer ratio gears to keep the driving experience interesting, while still being good for a trip to IKEA for a surprising amount of flat-pack furniture (or a washing machine etc.).
However, that's only my opinion, and it's not my place to criticise what other people do with their cars.
The biggest problem if going the "original spec" route is identifying and obtaining the correct parts, as many suppliers seem to think that the 1.4 Natural Power is the same as the 100hp (it isn't) or that "normal" Panda parts are the same (they mostly aren't). I've found that using part numbers from EPER and avoiding online "compatibility checkers" is the only way to be sure.

The 100HP is a masterpiece. Its standard brakes will stop it from 100mph in a fair bit less than 100 yards. Brake at a 100m board and it will stop in not a lot more than half the available space. Properly maintained it has no trouble passing obstructive new minis around the outside on a two lane roundabout, with the inside rear wheel visibly off the ground. Lack of OEM parts may force the use of non standard stuff but i seriously doubt any improvement. I agree with Evo magazines assessment of this car. It abilities may be scaled down but bear comparrison with many super cars. The only issue is lack of Fiat spares and the extortionate cost. The 500 abarth is very good but in a few ways not as good as the 100hp. I have regretted selling mine constantly every day since it went. Take care not only making the car worse but writing down its value. That having been said I wish you good luck with the project.

 

[Baggey]

⁶

The 100HP is a masterpiece. Its standard brakes will stop it from 100mph in a fair bit less than 100 yards. Brake at a 100m board and it will stop in not a lot more than half the available space. Properly maintained it has no trouble passing obstructive new minis around the outside on a two lane roundabout, with the inside rear wheel visibly off the ground. Lack of OEM parts may force the use of non standard stuff but i seriously doubt any improvement. I agree with Evo magazines assessment of this car. It abilities may be scaled down but bear comparrison with many super cars. The only issue is lack of Fiat spares and the extortionate cost. The 500 abarth is very good but in a few ways not as good as the 100hp. I have regretted selling mine constantly every day since it went. Take care not only making the car worse but writing down its value. That having been said I wish you good luck with the project.

 

[Baggey]

Well , Been stripping Fifi down. Thats what we call the cheeky little monkey!?

It has 20mm spacers on rear. Red Springs that have adjuster rubbers cable tied in. And think the shocker is EXR or something. Ive rubbed down and prepped for rust convertor.

There is one hole in osr arch and the nsr shock mount is gone! Ill post some pics latter if anyone is at least interested on how it progresses.

The rear beam is completely Kerfooked!

So if i have spacers on the rear now the standard abarth 500 axle would seem the likely way to go. Im likeing the B4 bilsteins at the moo. And have been eyeing up a set of Godflex bushes.

So biggest problem is on nsr Shock mount that hangs down is gone. Ive looked down the chassis arms and inside is spotless to my suprise. So there going to be pumped full of Waxoyl.

So i need to source a mount or someone who can chop one out for me?

 

[Dan at Adrian Flux]

Its already with you

Fair enough.
Regards,
Dan.

 

[koalar]

nsr Shock mount gone
hole in osr arch
rear beam




90% the inner sills will be gone

Not a lot to see here even under the plastic

Normally if there any bubbling or flaking down this seam

But that usually just the tip of the iceberg

The rear pillar and jacking point are normally rotten

 

[The Panda Nut]

Well , Been stripping Fifi down. Thats what we call the cheeky little monkey!?

It has 20mm spacers on rear. Red Springs that have adjuster rubbers cable tied in. And think the shocker is EXR or something. Ive rubbed down and prepped for rust convertor.

There is one hole in osr arch and the nsr shock mount is gone! Ill post some pics latter if anyone is at least interested on how it progresses.

The rear beam is completely Kerfooked!

So if i have spacers on the rear now the standard abarth 500 axle would seem the likely way to go. Im likeing the B4 bilsteins at the moo. And have been eyeing up a set of Godflex bushes.

So biggest problem is on nsr Shock mount that hangs down is gone. Ive looked down the chassis arms and inside is spotless to my suprise. So there going to be pumped full of Waxoyl.

So i need to source a mount or someone who can chop one out for me?

Now I see the size of the problem!!

 

[Baggey]

nsr Shock mount gone
hole in osr arch
rear beam




90% the inner sills will be gone

Not a lot to see here even under the plastic

Normally if there any bubbling or flaking down this seam


View attachment 475190


But that usually just the tip of the iceberg

View attachment 475193

The rear pillar and jacking point are normally rotten

Mine looks mint come paired to that. Thats how my Fiat 127 sport sorted ended life. God i miss that car. Glad ive found the Panda! Looks like Galving the chassis aint done much good in there!

 

[koalar]

Mine looks mint come paired to that. Thats how my Fiat 127 sport sorted ended life. God i miss that car. Glad ive found the Panda! Looks like Galving the chassis aint done much good in there!

Common now

Electroplating double-sided
immersion in zinc electrolyte under current

zinc layer 8 - 16 microns

From 2007
zinc layer 10 - 12 microns

Unpainted areas will loose approximately 1 micron per year

 

[Baggey]

Where is a good place for sorcing body panel parts. Such as the rear suspension mount nipple thingy with the round plate?

 

[Baggey]

So the only difference in the beams seams to be a slot for ABS sensor. Which cost£394.80 But i can buy the same beam for £129.00 with no ABS slot. Just goes to show this world has gone nuts! Be drilling a hole and grinding a slot. Me Thinks