2007 fiat panda 100hp

Ok list of immediate jobs....

Proper service
Timing belt
Get door mirrors working
Tracking
New tyres
Assess suspension

Like that alot!

Look forward to updates 👍

Would say nippy .... 100hp enough to put a smile on your face.

I have classic minis ..... speed is not the key factor , but you always have fun and have a smile on your face .



In my past I’ve also had a 170bhp fiat abarth, so have a soft spot for ‘mini’ fiats

Yours looks nice

Mine .... will be / is tweaked (although nothing irreversible)

I know what you mean about steering .... and that awful turning circle!!!!!!

Nice, always fancied one of these

Thanks .... I have been through suspension ( including cups) - will detail more in further posts
I have lots of quirks in mine... will also add details to these


Looking at my list ..... had, and have done loads. ( not taken pics of a lot of jobs, but will try and list in order) Will start with tyres ( slighter higher profile ) .... which then led to a new front calliper .... had a rear one replaced by garage before purchase ( which spurred me to paint and sticker them up)
Then tracking done of course

I've always liked Pandas!

This is right from the Pandas back in the 80s, like the Sicily to one of these. I'm sure a few folks looking this will say the same. It's the one car I've fancied buying, but have never bought. The fact that the early '00s actually catered as well for hot hatches since the '80s is probably one big reason ; there are alot of hatches I like from that timeframe. Christ, I almost had a Punto Sporting over the Ka ; for anyone who remembers what a Punto looks like!

It must be their simplicity.

Regarding the poor ride, apparently the rear bump stops allowed for zero travel. Removing the bump stops or at least cutting them down alot helped massively in this department.



Another car to consider for your colleague is a Renault Clio 172/182. Some may they are overdone but that is for a very good reason.

It's not often you get a car that's great in most ways out of the box. For trackdays, all they tend to need is better brake pads and decent fluid, along with stickier tyres. That's it. There really is little/no need for most folks to modify them on the road for a sorted example.

When I had mine, it felt like a more refined 205 GTi, almost like its true successor. The pedals were in a similar position, inside it was around as spacious. The fact that the 1x2s had Climate Control, Cruise Control, Xenons, alot of safety kit, yet something being below the 1200kg mark is impressive even back then.

I always preferred the Mini Cooper S over the 172 until I owned mine. They're such a fun back road blast! Like the 205, it would readily lift off oversteer. Unlike a 205 GTi however, they were quick, albeit the 172s really need a remap to make the best of the power they have, and they were frugal. I used to get 33MPG average from mine from mostly town work, and regularly over 40 on the motorways.

The issue with the 172 now is to not get a neglected one; many have now been run on for pennies as they cost pennies a couple of years ago to buy. Prices are firm, albeit still cheap(ish), so they do make sense to buy.

Thanks , yes I’m a clio fan ... I had the luck/ misfortune to own a clio v6 phase 1 - never had a 205 but it is on my radar ( it’s a disease)



I’ve done work on suspension ( re bump stops) will detail this in future posts

Radio not working - new aerial base sorted ( think wet/ damp got into electrics in base)

Wing mirrors seized in situ - lots of penetrating oil over a week and forcefully moving a little each day - sorted

None of seatbelts retracted properly ( mot ... really?) - pulled out fully , cleaned and left overnight in hot water and fabric softener , then dried and rubbed down with silicone spray .... sorted