". ." (xllx)
03/13/2015 at 16:42 • Filed to: shoebox, blue torpedo
4
6|
". ." (xllx)
03/13/2015 at 16:42 • Filed to: shoebox, blue torpedo | 4
| 6 |
The 126p restoration project is slowly approaching completion.
The engine has gotten a full overhaul and is now ready. It's been completely taken apart and cleaned. Bearings have been replaced and the crankshaft has been polished. The cylinder head has been refurbished and the valve timing chain and gears have been replaced. It also got a new valve cover, new oil pan, new spark plugs, leads and new gaskets and seals all around. The alternator has been rebuilt and we have new engine mounts waiting for the engine to go in the car.
We've flushed the transaxle and replaced the driveshaft seals, we've also bought a new starter motor, new starter mounts, and a full new clutch kit. The current clutch feels fine, but since we had the gearbox off we figured we might as well do it properly, especially since a new full kit was 26 bucks. The transaxle will rest on new mounts as well.
The interior has been completely stripped out and cleaned. We've also replaced the throttle linkage, the clutch linkage, the handbrake cable, the heater valve cable and the speedometer cable. We're not sure whether we're going to replace the sound insulation mats and the gauge cluster (the gauge cluster has 2 broken mounting points and is a bit wobble when you pull on it). We've also tried to replace the choke cable, but realised that the new one we got didn't fit. The correct one for my particular Fiat is very difficult to obtain as it's only been used for the last 2 years of the production run. If we manage to get an appropriate choke cable we'll replace it as well. The car also got 3 brand new pedals a new handbrake handle, new driver's seatbelt together with a new mechanism and new headrests. We also managed to restore the sagging headliner.
As far as the body goes, we've taken the car to a body shop where the floor has been reinforced and painted with rust inhibitor. The body doesn't have any rust on the outside, and any hidden rusty bits have been fixed. The driver's door turned out to be slightly rusted on the inside so I purchased a new set of doors (both sides) to be installed when we respray the car. We've also had the engine cooling tin cleaned and painted black. The car has now got new taillights, front indicators, new rear foglight and a new front windshield.
At the moment we're working on the suspension, steering and brakes. We've taken the front suspension completely apart and we're going to replace all of it, possibly barring the leaf spring as it seems to be in decent shape. We have a new steering rod, new steering knuckles, 4 new shock absorbers, new full brake kits including new anchors, new wheel hubs and new suspension arms, a new brake pump and new brake lines all lined up to be installed. A lot of it has already been put together and is just waiting to be bolted onto the car. Suspension work is taking a bit longer than anticipated because we realised we need a press to do some of it and because some of the bolts are a bit difficult to buy new. Despite all that we're cracking on and I should be able to report that the car is ready sooner than later. That's also when I'll post more photos.
RustedSprinter
> . .
03/13/2015 at 16:47 |
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More pictures? I love 126Ps man. Think there are any in PA? :]
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> RustedSprinter
03/13/2015 at 16:50 |
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Possibly, but you could also easily import one from Poland. Seems like you could buy one and take it back home as carry on luggage.
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RustedSprinter
> . .
03/13/2015 at 17:03 |
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haha awesome! They really have character. New cars are so life less.
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RustedSprinter
> . .
03/13/2015 at 17:05 |
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Also how tall are you? I dont know whether I'd fit in it or not. Im 6'2.
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> RustedSprinter
03/13/2015 at 17:58 |
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I'm exactly 6 feet tall and I'm ok behind the wheel. At 6'2" your head would most likely touch the roof, especially in later models with thicker seat cushions. The solution to that would probably involve removing the limiter from the seat adjustment system so you can push the seat a little further back than normally possible and assuming a more horizontal driving position.
rumples
> . .
03/14/2015 at 22:27 |
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i'm 6'4 and my head touches the roof and my feet are a little crowded at the pedals. that said, i still want to import one.