General Fiat 500F rejuvenation

[lazylobster]

She's looking great !

 

[1500500]

Also we had family visiting for Christmas and my nephew James was keen to do a bit of work on the Fiat. We fitted the windscreen with a bit of trial and error. The rubber cord I used popped out so I ended up using my finger the guide the seal over the lip with James applying just enough pressure from the outside.

Now I’m painting our old house before I can do anything else on the car...

 

[BambinoClassic]

Ah what a beautiful specimen. Really nice

 

[1500500]

Ok. 10 years of ‘to do’ jobs completed on the old house in 3 weeks and it’s had its first inspection with positive results.

I put the engine in the 500 with help from Fiat club member James B. Nothing connected yet but at least it is in. I moved the Austin 7 and the 500 to the new house and introduced them to their cosy brick garage...

Now to start bolting more parts on.

 

[1500500]

Moving house

 

[BambinoClassic]

I don’t know which of those two cars I fancy more. Amazing pair

 

[1500500]

I don’t know which of those two cars I fancy more. Amazing pair

Neither do I. That’s why I have to keep both?

 

[1500500]

Getting there. The old house sold and all of the classics in the new garage. Just a carport to build before winter so the everyday cars don’t get too frosty.

 

[1500500]

A little bit of progress some cables and air intake...

 

[1500500]

I have been adding a few parts here and there and this weekend had the chance to cross a few more things off the list. New brake wheel cylinders and shoes, roof lining, seat belts and started on folding roof.

I can’t get the latch off the old roof but might have a spare in a box somewhere.

Also fuel tank is in and most cables attached.

 

[BambinoClassic]

The broom

 

[1500500]

The broom

It did the job. The pressure in the middle was enough to make it stick all the way around because the roof is curved and the new lining was flat.??

Also having the car upside down helps. Oh wait that is just the photo...

 

[1500500]

Folding roof, bumper bars and side indicators...

 

[fiat500]

Neartly there? Looking good.

 

[1500500]

I have ticked everything off the list except starting the engine and bleeding the brakes. Maybe go for a test drive next weekend.
So close...

 

[1500500]

Never let the fact that your car does not go or stop deter you from participating in a show... just hired a trailer..

I almost got the car running in time but hit the common problems of air in the fuel Line and brakes with pedal travel to the floor. I borrowed an electric fuel pump to get that going tonight and also after bleeding the air out of the brakes we moved the front shoes on the self adjusters and that brought the pedal up.

First drive was in the dark and rain. I’m sure Murph would appreciate that - making my car an all weather car from the get go.

 

[fiat500]

I’m sure Murph would appreciate that - making my car an all weather car from the get go.

Driving in bad weather obviously isn't a prerequisite or desirable....
Despite evidence to the contrary, even I'm not that obtuse. But it's a relief to hear that your self-imposed deprivation from driving a 500, (whilst it had to be restored), isn't likely to continue for ever.

Looking fantastic , by the way. :worship:

 

[the hobbler]

Well done Geoff----I think that you can now say--"she lives". Use her and have fun with in her.

 

[lazylobster]

Many congrats. Great to have been a part of your journey. The car is looking great. The teething problems will soon be out of the way.
R

 

[1500500]

Thanks all.

I am taking it to a Festa Della Repubblica event tomorrow night that is being hosted by the Italian Embassy. I will take it on a trailer as I have had no daytime to iron out the bugs.

One odd thing that happened last night was the clutch did not disengage when under load reversing up my steep driveway.

It was fine driving forward on the flat road.

I’ll see how it goes tomorrow but Saturday will be the main test drive.

Cheers