General Panda 4x4 0.9 twinair

[Tottione1]

Hi guy's I've just carried out my annual oil & filter change on my panda, however taking the engine tray off from underneath was very difficult because the bolts were sealed on in rust, after eventually taking the tray off, it was in that much of a state, caked in rust, i hadn't seen anything like it since the 1980's I'm not bothering putting it back on. I want to buy a replacement, i live in the UK and the price is shocking, not far off £300 is there anything out there that will fit it, i don't mind a plastic tray because I don't go through any rough terrain, just the usual gritted roads every winter. I would leave it off as it is but in the long run, it will cost me more.

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

There’s been a few previous threads about this…
Take a look here: https://www.fiatforum.com/threads/another-rusty-panda-4x4-sump-guard.502369/

And here:

Used TwinAir 4x4 buying tips | FIAT Panda (2012+)

Hi all, We're looking at used (40-60k miles) TwinAir Panda 4x4s at the moment; just wondering if there are any common faults to watch out for? Only thing I've heard mentioned so far is gearbox/diff oil leaks..? Also, went to look at my first one today and noticed the engine seemed to make a...

www.fiatforum.com

The ‘concern’ is that if it’s got that bad and not been removed recently by a previous owner, that might suggest the oil hasn’t been changed ‘properly’ either (ie via the sump drain plug)… and correct oil changes and the use of a very specific oil seem to be critical with the TwinAir engine.

 

[the green vanper]

not far off £300

WOW I can have one for just below 150 GBP, however it needs sandblasting and at least galvanization. I'm afraid due to weight and size the shipping cost would kill the offer

 

[The Panda Nut]

WOW I can have one for just below 150 GBP, however it needs sandblasting and at least galvanization. I'm afraid due to weight and size the shipping cost would kill the offer

Now that is something I have not thought of. Im going tomhave mine sandblasted and galvanized before it rots beyond repair. THe bolts are now lathered in anti seize compouns but getting the sump guard treated never even occurred to me

 

[Big gerry]

Hi guy's I've just carried out my annual oil & filter change on my panda, however taking the engine tray off from underneath was very difficult because the bolts were sealed on in rust, after eventually taking the tray off, it was in that much of a state, caked in rust, i hadn't seen anything like it since the 1980's I'm not bothering putting it back on. I want to buy a replacement, i live in the UK and the price is shocking, not far off £300 is there anything out there that will fit it, i don't mind a plastic tray because I don't go through any rough terrain, just the usual gritted roads every winter. I would leave it off as it is but in the long run, it will cost me more.

I think I seen a second hand one on eBay

 

[The Panda Nut]

Looking at this there seem to be issues round here getting galvanization but we have a place near that can blast and coat, so I will start there and see what they siuggest . If things progress and I find out what is suggested, and prices, I will report back.

 

[the green vanper]

There is also a similar process to galvanization but it gives a black finish. I will try to find the site I've seen it and eventually will come back with the name.

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

Not sure it need galvanising - just more than the factory ‘mist coat’ of paint. I took mine off three years ago, cleaned it up and Hammerited. Still sound now. Main thing is to regularly use a hose (not a pressure washer) to wash out the mud and winter salt that collects in the ‘dimples’ of that tray, and while you’re at it, all the suspension parts, the subframes (including washing water through those) and anywhere else mud collects. This is arguably more important than washing g the painted body, and certainly a better use of time than polishing the car.

 

[the green vanper]

Main thing is to regularly use a hose (not a pressure washer) to wash out the mud and winter salt that collects in the ‘dimples’ of that tray, and while you’re at it, all the suspension parts, the subframes (including washing water through those) and anywhere else mud collects.

I totally agree with that part. Car owners usually neglect what cannot be seen

 

[benmac]

This picture from when I did mine of old and new together always makes me smile. I covered my new one in that textured stone chip protective stuff before installing.

 

[Tottione1]

This picture from when I did mine of old and new together always makes me smile. I covered my new one in that textured stone chip protective stuff before installing.

Christ I thought mine was bad!

 

[the green vanper]

Looking at the photos I just started thinking how much would it cost to make one from stainless steel or aluminium. Even with an easier project.

I'd say definitely less than 300 GBP Laser or waterjet cutting is not that expensive, however the bending process is a little bit more complicated.

 

[Corone]

In Finland one can get THIS for 169 €

 

[Tottione1]

Thank you for your comments guy's I'm probably going to do without it, I don't drive on any rough terrain, the weather will get in there anyway. Up until a few years ago, cars didn't have these covers. My criticism to Fiat, they could of used toughened plastic, it would of lasted longer and cost less expensive to make.

 

[the green vanper]

It's a 4x4, the plastic would last until the first rock. They should make it in aluminium, it would also add a fancier look. But would definitely cost more

There's a Polish company that makes such parts from 2 mm steel sheet. They are powdercoated:

Stalowa osłona silnika Fiat Panda 4x4 (2003-2012)

Stalowa osłona silnika Fiat Panda 4x4 (2003-2012). W cenie: 735.00. Bezpośrednio od producenta, oferujemy ponad 900 modeli. Szybka dostawa DPD. Bezpieczne płatności PayU oraz za pobraniem. Zamów telefonicznie: +48 787 570 393

www.oslonypareto.pl

I spoke to them asking for such a guard for the Ducato. They were very helpful and friendly on the phone.

There's also a Romanian company here:

Steel skid plate for Fiat Panda 4x4 (2003-2012)

The skid plate is new and fits perfectly for all versions of Fiat Panda 4x4 manufactured between 2003 and 2012.

www.skid-plate.com

And another one in Spain:

Sahara4x4.com - workshop 4x4 - Accessories 4x4 - 4x4parts 4x4parts - shop 4x4 online

Sahara4x4.com - workshop 4x4 - Accessories 4x4 - 4x4parts 4x4parts - shop 4x4 online

www.sahara4x4.com

They look very similar to me.

 

[roverp480]

I just caught mine in time to do some welding to strengthen up the thin parts and then had it Galvanised. Fortunately I was able to send it with another batch of parts from a local blacksmith so wasnt clobbered with the minimum charge .

 

[The Panda Nut]

This picture from when I did mine of old and new together always makes me smile. I covered my new one in that textured stone chip protective stuff before installing.

AH car must be nearly a ywar old now then.... Mine lives indoors, is spotlessly clean underneath and rarely gets properly dirty. While it wasnt too bad when inspected the last two years, it really needs blasting and recoating if its going to last a great deal longer. Frankly disgraceful that these things are dropping off ay anything under 15 years old. Mine is 6 years old. I will send the bill to Fiat under the cars bodywork warranty! It will be interesting to report here whay they say and also any comment about the pathetic quality of this part. When they say 'its a maintenmance issue', they will find that twice a year I take a full photographic survey of its condition after a decent clean. I do this so I can if ever necessary, argue condition and value. So, after we put that argument to bed we can move on to them answering why they are so poor. Its made of the same steel as the whole cars were in the early 70's. Pretty certain they are still getting a quantity of russian steel and this is what its used for. Its not much good fitting something that won't do its job, and doubly annoying that is very heavy as well as of limited practical long term use.