Been some time since my last post, but here's what I've done for B this summer.
Floor fixed, again:
Took the seats and floor mats out again, as last summer's welding seams started to look rusty again. The welding was on the front side seams where the floor meets the firewall (I take this is typican Italian car problem, that floors rust here.), and the welder apparently hadn't put etch primer on the weld so rust again appeared. So I resealed the whole floor another time: this time with 3 coats of Hammerite (1 primer, 2 top coats). I say, it looks great, and the car is so quiet.
As you can see from the piccy, I have cut the floor in half in the middle, so I can take out the floor without removing the whole middle console.
New discs and pads:
Never done this job before, but it was both fun and pain. Parts cost about 120€ from local shop. Job took about 3 days, 1ltr coffee, 3 packs of smokes, and 3 lagers (in sauna after the day was done). Made all the difference in stopping, specially in the rain.
The fronts were easier as the piston is large and easy to push back in, but the rears were tight, as there was serious rust, and no grease. Anyone doing the discs should have at least 2cm deep 12mm socket, or you won't be able to open the long & slim disc bolts. I also painted the calipers in silver, so they look quite new now.
Rear arches derusted and coated:
Awaited to see serious rust, but after poking with a screw driver found only a small hole in the rear upper part on both sides. Serious rust forming on the front seams though. Should be fixed no for years to come, and protected from the winter elements ...road salt that is... what them b****rs keep on spreading here nowadays.
I first grinded out the rust,
- then applied a base coat of Hammerite Special Primer,
- then a coat of "Hammerite direct to rust Metal Paint",
- and 1 layer of 100% zinc,
- and finished off with 2 layers of Dinitrol 4941 stone protection (black rubbery stuff).
This has also aided in reducing road noise, so once I have the window seals fixed I should have Lexus quietness in B.
New driveshaft inner & outer covers, and exhaust rubbers
Done by local Fiat dealer, as I wan't these parts origianls and under a real warranty.
Ordered today a new black mohair/sollenland hood from Germany (300e), and a complete set of soft top seals from Henk (300€-10% Fiat Forum discount) used, but I hope good, as my current ones are all torn at the edges). I will change the hood my self, so nice weather is on my wating list (no garage, just summer house out doors)
Still need to source some type of seals for the lower parts where the bottom edges of the hood frame meets the B-pillar, as most Bs have them perished, or lost in hood renewing. I suppose they are about 10c, in lenght, and need to be both flexible, and provide a tight seal.
