Panda 100hp

Great thread btw, I am a big fan of these and you are definitely doing it properly 😁

Done a few more bits on the panda.
Recently took it to D.C Edgintom & Sons to have the Cam belt, water pump replaced and a coolant flush. Excellent service and a great price from the guys working there, they seem to be the last decent fiat/abarth specialist in the West Midlands since motomech closed up shop.



I “invested” (read as Vax had a really good sale) in a carpet cleaner so gave that a go in the panda hoping to try and get rid of the wet dog smell. I’ve used it once in the car and it’s made a noticeable difference. Here’s a picture of the water extracted from just the back seat:



it’s pretty grim but eye opening how much grime gets trapped in the seats and they can still look clean. I’m hoping to do it a few more times weather permitting.

Finally fitted the abarth steering wheel today but got caught in the rain while doing it. Feels a lot better and I think it improves the look of the interior.





I want to detail the engine/ engine bay next and spray the bulkhead & inner wings black as there unpainted from factory but the weather is stopping me. Also I’ve been looking into rebuilding the abarth 500 brakes, found all the parts just need to muster the motivation to strip the old paint off or bite the bullet and spend £260 to get someone else to rebuild them.

Thanks for looking.

Its always fun when you're cleaning a seat and you suddenly discover a spot where someone has spilled some coffee (I hope it was coffee, anyway)

Not the most glamorous job, but well worth the results.

As the weather was decent yesterday I gave the panda a wash and fitted the rear guard for the boot step forgot to take a picture off the car but it looks like this (quite hard to see in the photos below once fitted):



I gave the panda a good clean as I’m thinking of selling it. Don’t really use it, think I’ve done 300-400miles since buying it earlier in the year. Here’s some photos I took for the sale advert when I get chance to sort it’s paperwork out and write up an ad.


















I was pretty set on replacing it with an MG Midget or Mx5 NA but I’ve been given strict instructions from her indoors that I’ve got to have a 4 seater .

So I’m currently looking at MGB GT’s and e30/e36/e46’s.

A guy around the corner from me has a rubber bumper v8 and a convertible Mgb, I've always thought their very pretty cars and maybe a natural progression from my classic mini I had.

Then the BMW’s are an itch I’ve always wanted to scratch but the price they command now is crazy when you could pick them up so cheap pre Covid. I think my budget for a 3 door e30 means I’m looking at a right basket case. E36 wise I’m looking at a saloon or coupe 323/325/328 manual but then engine/ gearbox swaps look easy so might consider another variation. Finally the 330i is the only flavour of e46 I’m looking at.

If anyone else has any suggestions for new cars I’m all ears.

Thanks for looking Josh

Cheers mate, I’ve always wanted one, now I’ve got one I’ve barely used it, which is a shame as it’s really fun to scoot around in just never have the time to use it.