Technical How do I fix a radiator support bridge... that is practically nonexistent?!

[AmberKnownAsAsh]

Hi all!

I’m new to this... ahhh!

Okay so I might be buying a fiat coupe (please see other post for more info if you wish!)... only problem is the radiator support bridge has rusted off. It’s practically nonexistent. I’ve looked for spares but only came across Fiat Punto ones? Anyone know if these are similar / identical enough to use in a Fiat Coupe? (Image shows the damage!)

Anyone got any idea of how much this should cost (ones I’ve found for the Punto range from £28 up) to buy and then to have installed by a general mechanic or a fiat mechanic?

Also needs new springs... (other image) the little ones that stop the rear from locking up during breaking by relieving the hydraulics or something? Any ideas on cost for these? Both parts and expert fitting?

I’m still new to this so please bare with me! I’m trying my best. I’ve not bought the car yet but I intend to. I know these points should probably put me off buying.... but assuming I’m still going to get it...?

I intend to research this stuff myself a lot more, before anyone refers me to Google! But there are others interested in the car so I honestly just neee all the help and knowledge I can get as quickly as possible, so I can make a decision before someone beats me to it! Money issues worry me - last thing I want is to accidentally kill off a coupe because I can’t afford to get it road worthy! But I’d love to buy it as a project.

Advice much appreciated,
Thanks and best wishes,
Amber

 

[AmberKnownAsAsh]

Please see images here... sorry it’s on a different comment, I still haven’t mastered the mobile version of the site!

 

[varesecrazy]

The car is LOOSELY based on the tipo

But as a start.. get the Coupe part numbers from ePER.
Then on to Google.

 

[portland_bill]

The radiator support looks like you'd have to make your own, or get someone to do that for you. Difficult with so little to copy. Only used on Coupe from 96-2000. Not apparently on earlier cars, or the Tipo.
Part number is 46306520. A quick Google of it looked very negative.
http://62.106.11.160:8000/navi?SGRP...SUBGROUP_7&SB_CODE=-1&WINDOW_ID=1&DRW_NUM=3|0

Find someone local who might be able to make one, show him the pic. Get a rough quote, double it and get at least that amount discounted off the cost of the car.

The brake spring looks easier, as it was used on quite a few different Fiat group models.
Part number 46438681 (If I understand correctly what you require)
http://62.106.11.160:8000/navi?SGRP...UBGROUP_7&SB_CODE=-1&WINDOW_ID=1&DRW_NUM=7|0#

 

[varesecrazy]

That bridge.. not dissimilar to electrical trunking..

 

[AmberKnownAsAsh]

That bridge.. not dissimilar to electrical trunking..

Drill a few holes... good as new! ?

 

[jimboy]

In the words of the song Amber...you've only just begun. These cars are at point of terminal rust, the radiator support is the least of your problems, these can be had a Coupe specialist...Joe country cruising, I can't do link but look it up. You really need to get a Coupe specialist to take a look at your car, he will be able to tell you all about the rust spots/places. Get yourself onto the Coupe forum, all will be revealed.. Good luck.....

 

[AmberKnownAsAsh]

In the words of the song Amber...you've only just begun. These cars are at point of terminal rust, the radiator support is the least of your problems, these can be had a Coupe specialist...Joe country cruising, I can't do link but look it up. You really need to get a Coupe specialist to take a look at your car, he will be able to tell you all about the rust spots/places. Get yourself onto the Coupe forum, all will be revealed.. Good luck.....

Hi jimboy,

I’m going to need all the luck I can get - I went ahead a bought it... ? I get the feeling I’ve screwed myself over! But I really want to work on it, so... well, here goes! I’ll definitely look out for a fiat specialist, thanks!

Sorry if it looks like I’m ignoring everything everyone’s said... my heart has simply convinced my head to work harder to solve the aforementioned problems!

You’ll see me lurking in these forums a lot from now on...?
Thanks again,
Amber (Ash) )

 

[AmberKnownAsAsh]

The radiator support looks like you'd have to make your own, or get someone to do that for you. Difficult with so little to copy. Only used on Coupe from 96-2000. Not apparently on earlier cars, or the Tipo.
Part number is 46306520. A quick Google of it looked very negative.
http://62.106.11.160:8000/navi?SGRP...SUBGROUP_7&SB_CODE=-1&WINDOW_ID=1&DRW_NUM=3|0

Find someone local who might be able to make one, show him the pic. Get a rough quote, double it and get at least that amount discounted off the cost of the car.

The brake spring looks easier, as it was used on quite a few different Fiat group models.
Part number 46438681 (If I understand correctly what you require)
http://62.106.11.160:8000/navi?SGRP...UBGROUP_7&SB_CODE=-1&WINDOW_ID=1&DRW_NUM=7|0#

Hi portland_bill,
Thanks for your reply!!
Ahh yeah I didn’t have much luck googling it, I thought I was just bad at researching! Unfortunate to find out it’s just not available... but good to know it’s not a reflection of my researching I suppose? Ahh, optimism.

Thanks for the part number, I’ll need it!
Sadly (the ignorance of youth...) I’ve gone ahead and bought it. He would only take £100 off... so I’ve paid £1,550 + £50 delivery. Just checked that link... ah. Oh dear. Sod’s law, eh?

Luckily I know a sheet metal worker, and he knows someone who might weld some stuff for me. I’d need it made from galvanised steel though, wouldn’t I? They admit that they don’t know anything about cars though, so... I’ll have to wait and see there, I think.

Phew, yep I think you’re right about the spring! Thanks so much for the part numbers, it’s very kind of you! I really appreciate it

Best wishes,
Amber

 

[AmberKnownAsAsh]

The car is LOOSELY based on the tipo

But as a start.. get the Coupe part numbers from ePER.
Then on to Google.

Hi varesecrazy,

That’s a great site, thanks! portland_bill kindly found the part numbers before I got a chance to - not looking good for the cross bridge...! I know a sheet metal worker though, so I’ll try there...

Thanks for your reply!
Best wishes,
Amber (Ash)

 

[portland_bill]

Luckily I know a sheet metal worker, and he knows someone who might weld some stuff for me. I’d need it made from galvanised steel though, wouldn’t I? They admit that they don’t know anything about cars though, so... I’ll have to wait and see there, I think.

If they can make metal into the right shape, and make it out of stuff the same thickness, it'll be fine. That part won't be special, so no extra strength steel there.
Galvanised is difficult to weld, it'll spit and splatter, so probably just mild steel and paint it well.
If they can make them for a good price, there might be a small market for them. Sell a few, pays for your own?

 

[Michael Dranfield]

Have a look on e bay,there are 6 coupe s been broken up for spares you might get a good used part cheaper than getting one made up.

 

[AmberKnownAsAsh]

Have a look on e bay,there are 6 coupe s been broken up for spares you might get a good used part cheaper than getting one made up.

Hi Michael,

Thanks for your reply! I’m definitely toying with this option, I’m just worried I’d get lumbered with a chunk of car that I won’t be able to store properly (small garage)... do you think I could contact the sellers and see if they’d take parts off?

Thanks again,
Best wishes
Amber

 

[AmberKnownAsAsh]

If they can make metal into the right shape, and make it out of stuff the same thickness, it'll be fine. That part won't be special, so no extra strength steel there.
Galvanised is difficult to weld, it'll spit and splatter, so probably just mild steel and paint it well.
If they can make them for a good price, there might be a small market for them. Sell a few, pays for your own?

Hi portland_bill (is just ‘Bill’ okay?),

Thanks again for your reply, you’re a great help!
Okay, so basically I need to:
- Do a scale drawing of the part
- Ensure they’re using metal of the proper thickness
- Have it cut and shaped out of mild steel
- Prime and paint
- See if they’ll make a few

The classic car inspector I contacted believed it to be a main structural part... I’m a bit worried the steel won’t suffice? But I don’t really know what I’d make it out of otherwise!

I know I’m just reiterating at this point, but I’m just trying to clarify my priorities - thanks for your patience!

Thanks again,
Best wishes,
Amber (Ash)

 

[Michael Dranfield]

I guess the seller will remove the part for you but if possible look for one near to home you could possibly collect because as this is a long part it is going to cost quite a bit to post.

 

[AmberKnownAsAsh]

I guess the seller will remove the part for you but if possible look for one near to home you could possibly collect because as this is a long part it is going to cost quite a bit to post.

Very true, and that’s a good point. Okay, I have some research to do!
Thanks for your advice!

 

[FiatFleetFamily]

In the words of the song Amber...you've only just begun. These cars are at point of terminal rust, the radiator support is the least of your problems, these can be had a Coupe specialist...Joe country cruising, I can't do link but look it up. You really need to get a Coupe specialist to take a look at your car, he will be able to tell you all about the rust spots/places. Get yourself onto the Coupe forum, all will be revealed.. Good luck.....

Partsworld sometimes sell these supports on a irregular basis or as Jim has said from Joe via

F C S S
Buckman Works
Longdon Heath
Upton-upon-Severn
WORCESTER
WR8 0RJ

01684 593187.

Hello Jim. Did not know you lurked here, I am scousecoupe on fccuk.

 

[FiatFleetFamily]

Have a look on e bay,there are 6 coupe s been broken up for spares you might get a good used part cheaper than getting one made up.

Approx 50 a year been broken up I think. Airbag ECU’s are the hot item at the moment. But eBay is a good source for spares as is Gumtree in Scotland.

 

[AmberKnownAsAsh]

Partsworld sometimes sell these supports on a irregular basis or as Jim has said from Joe via

F C S S
Buckman Works
Longdon Heath
Upton-upon-Severn
WORCESTER
WR8 0RJ

01684 593187.

Hello Jim. Did not know you lurked here, I am scousecoupe on fccuk.

Ah yes, I just replied to you on the other thread saying I’d found some from Joe! Thank you though
Best wishes,
Amber

 

[AmberKnownAsAsh]

I guess the seller will remove the part for you but if possible look for one near to home you could possibly collect because as this is a long part it is going to cost quite a bit to post.

Thanks for your replies! I’ve found some from Joe at FCSS I think, thanks though!