Panda mk2 project/daily

[Panda Gav]

Evening everyone,

Just bought my first Fiat for a daily workhorse/track project hopefully, worked for Audi and Vw for twenty years so instinctively owned German cars. Always had a thing for small Italian and French cars and finally picked up my first non German car, a panda called “pete”

£450 with no mot, just needed a small patch of welding by the Osr sill and 2 tyres

Looking for ideas on potential engine swaps

 

[rmjbn1]

Hi and welcome Pete looks like a smart Mk3 (don't worry - it confuses everyone!)

If rust had got into the sills, I'd also recommend checking the following rust spots:

• rear axle spring pans
• rear bump stop turrets
• shock absorbers & springs
• mud trap behind front springs
• brakes (build-up of rust on sliding surfaces of front calipers & inside of rear drums)
• coolant return pipe across front of engine
• engine sump pan
• exhaust bracket below cat

The main body is galvanised, so hopefully rust shouldn't be too much of a concern.

Check the 'duckbill' scuttle drains below the wipers are clear - they block easily.

Monitor tyre wear - Pandas can be surprisingly heavy on tyres.

Might be worth cleaning the negative terminal and earth strap connection on body under battery - weak earth can cause all kinds of issues, especially in winter.

Other than that, they're great little cars, tough, capable and reliable. I hope you enjoy it