I cant believe I am still working on this?

After I found some disturbing problems with the braking system of this car, I decided to take a break and really think this project through.

Was I going to piece meal this project or do it from scratch?

Anyway as I am sure a lot of you know, once you have been bitten by a spider its not going to let you go !!!

So here is my restoration story I will share my journey.
To begin with I completely stripped every nut, bolt, wire, paint and rubber things from the body. I wanted to start from well basically base metal.
I also wanted to see how much I could restore from the original parts.

If you want you can follow the link as I can't post 1500 pictures. I will however post some interesting things I found

Lets start with the Hood or Bonnet
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lots of hidden rust

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As you can see a big valley of body filler = front crunch

Only way to beat it out was to separate the skins

Except for final paint finish product

very nice work, alot of time invested

Thanks Beek! 4 years so far enjoying most of it. It has taken me a year to fix all the rust! I just can't stand the idea of putting new paint on and then it bubbling after a few years.
I have discovered that Fiat (or somebody in the early years of the car) places rust prevention fluid in some places and not others? Case in point the trunk Lid
What started off as small bubbles led me to this



Some rust prevention, some not? the holes for the luggage rack were dry rotted and leaking water into the skin. No seam sealer on the joints just hold mastic for vibration


Highlighted for panel beating


Finished product except for paint. Xtra strength for luggage racks as tightening up too much warps the thin metal

Here is the car in progressive undercarriage states



All welding and rust removal done, Por15, Seam sealer




Red Primer Insurance


Red red Epoxy Final Coat

That's a TON of nice work. When should I bring mine over?
Kirk

Thanks Kirk. year 2020. I might be finished by then

Enjoying reading this topic. Great progress! Keep on truckin!

rear fender resto pics
Wonder where these little bubbles will lead?




I wondered why radio had such bad reception!

Amazing! Great work. Such dedication.

This is how the front end looked when I first saw the car. New something was not right
















Had to cut and realign both front fender noses


Thin coat of body filler to finish

Space and gap to fender once hood was beaten back into proper shape


And so it continuous this weekend

This is my starting point for the interior







All new metal welded in and Seam sealed, por15, primer, paint , tar &f oil to waterproof.

Driver door restoration pics



inside door

Incredible work! You've come a long way, your car will be top notch once you finish it. Keep the pictures coming, love to watch the progress.