Panda (Classic) My 4x4 - The Muddy Pics!

[scaj10]

Are the fronts ok?, thanks for the welcome my girlfriend purchased one of these last august so expect a rebuild thread soon

 

[AndyPanda4x4]

Are the fronts ok?, thanks for the welcome my girlfriend purchased one of these last august so expect a rebuild thread soon

No the fronts have been extended by the same method - these would probably have been ok but in full articulation on full lock they were getting to stretching point.

Get a thread started as soon as you can, we love plenty of pictures on here

 

[AndyPanda4x4]

So after the suspension lift I have decided it's time to fit some bigger wheels and tyres for off-roading. As with the last set of Trac 4x4 tyres on the standard Panda 13" rims, I am using the same tyre manufacurer Mario Ziarelli and going for a 14" tyre this time...



Anyway I needed some new metal to wrap the new rubber around, I thought long and hard about the options based on price and availability but I just couldn't bring myself to go for the easy option of putting punto steelies on! So instead I got hold of these...



...a full set of classic 131 rims in a pretty rough condition. It was time for a refurb and some detail...

First off was sandblasting a several coats of red oxide primer to smooth in the pitted areas...



...next 3-4 heavy base coat layers of silver...



...the silver used as a base coat lightens the top coat grey and adds sparkle, two coats of anthracite grey sprayed light and even at a distance...



...and then before the lacquer we have two coats of detail with the military matt black...



After a few days left to bake in the shed 3-4 coats of lacquer before the tyres go on...



This time around I've gone for the tyre paint detailing aswell, lets see how long this will last between the rocks...



...and finally the new centre caps to complete - still not sure about these they look a bit too 'bling'





I am now going to have to wait before putting them on though, as my car is currently in for MOT, but it'll be a nice treat for when I get it back

The tyres are 165/70/14, I could've gone for any width upto 195/70 on this design for the same price but the rims are 5.5J and I am still trying to not destroy my home-made filler neck! With these rims and tyres being an inch and a half taller than standards i'll get a bit more height but pay the price on fuel consuption and (cough) accelleration. It's also likely that several areas of bodywork will have to be cut away or modified to prevent scrapeage, well I'll keep you all posted :thumbup:

 

[blu73]

they look immense!! can't wait to see them fitted

 

[andyholli]

Wow, great work Andy.

I find it difficult to picture wheels on cars, for some reason, so I'm looking forward to seeing these on.

But using a process of elimination:
131 rims = Like
Of period = Yes
Beautifully restored = Yup
Unusual pairing to car = Uh huh
From same manufacturer = Indeed

.. So I'm predicting an excellent result.

 

[AndyPanda4x4]

Thanks for the feedback guys andyholli your rims are currently in for blasting, I will be collecting them next weekend :thumbup:

 

[VmanC]

Superb!

Loving everything you've done there.

The tyres on Oslo's 14" alloys are 165/70's but when I swapped back to the 145/13's for the Salibury Plane jaunt they seemed to be very similar in height, almost no difference, but the tyres you have look much taller.

What is the overall diameter of your new tyres Andy? Oslo's don't give any clearance issues so if yours turn out the same size I shall be looking for some myself when mine are due for renewal.

 

[AndyPanda4x4]

Superb!

Loving everything you've done there.

The tyres on Oslo's 14" alloys are 165/70's but when I swapped back to the 145/13's for the Salibury Plane jaunt they seemed to be very similar in height, almost no difference, but the tyres you have look much taller.

What is the overall diameter of your new tyres Andy? Oslo's don't give any clearance issues so if yours turn out the same size I shall be looking for some myself when mine are due for renewal.

Cheers Vern,

The overall diameter of the new tyres is 23 and a half inches as opposed to the 13" Trac tyres which are 22 inches in total.




Ziarelli tyres are now available through Tyres Direct in the UK. If you are considering getting a set of these, I have been dealing with a bloke called Greg Oliver...

Tel : 01582 585845
Web : www.tyresdirectuk.co.uk

:thumbup:

 

[VmanC]

Went to measure my 14" tyres and noticed that they are 165/65's not 70's . They are 22" too so I don't think the Ziarelli's will fit Oslo after all.

 

[Alixcompo]

New wheels look fantastic. I look forward to seeing them fitted

 

[AndyPanda4x4]

Guess who's back, back again...





He didn't make Panda Camp but he's game on for another 12 months on (and off) the road.

Passed with no advisories

after failing twice...

New inner and outer sills both sides,
3 out of 4 chassis leg bases rebuilt,
New rear lower valance,
Tow bar joined back on properly,
Left hand side half shaft replaced (Buff donated),
Prop shaft replaced with new support guard, tripod bushes and CV bushes (Buff donated),
Both front ball joints,
Washers, wipers and high beams completely rewired (black wire disease has set in) along with right hand side rear cluster.

Not much then, everyone else probably thinks I'm mad with all that work needed but hey, it's a Panda - you lot know the score

Next stop big wheel fitting, watch this space :thumbup:

 

[AndyPanda4x4]

Well, they fit, just!



Fronts aren't too bad against the bottom of the wing, the base of the arch will need rolling back half an inch or so, but the tyre is very close to illegally sticking out of the arch area at the top...





The back is going to require a bit more cuttage...



Again, mainly the bumper will have to lose some surface area aswell as the metal part of the body behind the plastic 4x4 trim. I'm also going to have to cut away part of said rare plastic trim but only bits that area already cracked and loose.

The backs don't stick out half as much as the fronts though, even with the 26mm spacers. The sacred home-made filler neck is going to have to be protected further also...



I will report back :thumbup:

 

[andyholli]

Never mind all that, - for a man of your talent and capability it's 'challenging but achievable' if the time's available.

How high do you end up? - is the question..

 

[AndyPanda4x4]

Never mind all that, - for a man of your talent and capability it's 'challenging but achievable' if the time's available.

How high do you end up? - is the question..

Well I'm flattered now Andy!

I haven't actually measured the height increase as yet but the photos are taken with the jack lowered from the body so the weight is down. I will get the tape measure out when I get on with some more work later this week

 

[andyholli]

It looks great, I meant to say.

And surely soon to be a contender for the title 'World's most capable off road Panda" (WMCORP) .. discuss.

 

[David Dawson]

This is such a fantastic beast, I applaud what you've done to it!

 

[panda panda]

You will have to tart up the body work - looks like you've stolen the wheels

 

[AndyPanda4x4]

You will have to tart up the body work - looks like you've stolen the wheels

I know he's rotting away steadily, but you start putting money into aesthetics then there is no end on a car in this state. It's finding that point between restoration and the work it is intended for.

I have Hilary the Sisley to be the tidy one, hopefully

 

[onemanmade]

Looks great mate

 

[andyholli]

I've a suggestion for the next level.. Portal axles!
http://www.killeraxles.com/bolt_on_portale_e.html