[Thebugdoc]

"After applying the fourth coat of clear paint, the final stage of painting is complete, allowing the vehicle to progress to the mechanical refitting phase.


I was fortunate enough to receive support from VOLKSWAGEN WORKSHOP AUTOMOTIVE in Thrissur, where the owner, a friend, generously offered the use of their space and facilities.

Although their specialization lies in new-generation cars, they graciously provided me with access to their equipment, including a lift, tools, crane, and more.


Transporting my car via flatbed, I relocated it to their facilities situated approximately 12 kilometres away from the painting shop. The following day, my mechanic initiated the meticulous task of disassembling the suspension, differential, axles etc.






































Ideally, this disassembly should have preceded the painting process. However, due to logistical constraints with the location of the painting booth, it became a necessary post-painting step.


It demanded 6 to 7 hours of exhaustive effort to fully dismantle the suspension, leaving only the car shell intact.




Now, each component will be carefully loaded into my EcoSport—the poor thing has borne quite a load—and transported back to Cochin.














There, every part will receive individual attention: powder coating, fitting with new seals and bushes, ensuring readiness for installation in Cochin itself. Choosing Cochin for this comprehensive process seemed logical, given its superior infrastructure and wider availability of parts, minimizing the need for multiple visits to Thrissur.



Once all the components are primed, I'll return them to Thrissur for final fitting. I'll keep you updated as this process unfolds."

[Thebugdoc]

"Update on the progress: Leaf work in progress! The factory specs suggested a leaf measurement of 10.5, but I've set it at 9.5, potentially needing further adjustments after the full mechanical work.





























These parts are set to proceed for further powder coating and seals change. Stay tuned for more updates!"

[justin.das]

Originally Posted by Thebugdoc

"Update on the progress: Leaf work in progress! The factory specs suggested a leaf measurement of 10.5, but I've set it at 9.5, potentially needing further adjustments after the full mechanical work.

Better keep it 10.5 as the leaf will sit, once we load the rear up and drive for a couple of 1000 kilometers

Originally Posted by Thebugdoc

These parts are set to proceed for further powder coating and seal change. Stay tuned for more updates!"

I would recommend removing the paint from the leaf and repainting the suspension components in factory specified color. Replace the stopper rubbers as well. Setting the front suspension spider and rear leaf shackle is an expert job please stick with an experienced mechanic to get it done properly.

[Thebugdoc]

Originally Posted by justin.das

Better keep it 10.5 as the leaf will sit, once we load the rear up and drive for a couple of 1000 kilometers


I would recommend removing the paint from the leaf and repainting the suspension components in factory specified color. Replace the stopper rubbers as well. Setting the front suspension spider and rear leaf shackle is an expert job please stick with an experienced mechanic to get it done properly.

Thanks for your reply Justin


Yes, that's the plan. I intend to drive for a while to determine the exact adjustments needed. I currently have an experienced mechanic handling the work. Hopefully, it will turn out well. Additionally, I'm consulting Fiat experts for their input.

Originally Posted by Vijay T

Amazing painting job.

Hats of to your eye for details & perseverance.

The car looks beautiful in this colour & suits it also.

Keep posting updates.

Thank-you very much for your kind words.
I will be posting regular updates from now.

[dudevarkey]

Originally Posted by Thebugdoc

I will be posting regular updates from now.

Awaiting the details and pictures after completion of the restoration project.

[manishalive]

I am privileged to getting periodic update on this exotic build. I must say the attention to detail is mind blowing and this will come out to be a very cool and authentic build.

But get the chassis painted in red oxide

[varun mohan]

Originally Posted by Thebugdoc

This is my first post on teambhp since being a member so please excuse if i err on any part

Picking up a millecento was never in my mind as i had just completed a full on restoration of my daily driver 1969 beetle which i own since 2002 . I shall be posting the ownership details and other details as a separate thread as this thread is all about the MILLECENTO!

On december 6th i get a call from a friend and owner of AUTOGENIE ,trivandrum Dilip that his friend is selling a millecento which was restored few years back and he hasnot been able to use it since he is abroad and couldnot come to india due to the covid scare and wishes to sell the mille to someone who will love and take care of her.

These are the first pictures i received through whatsapp
Attachment 2142925

I saw this pic and i was like wow and decided to go to trivandrum where the car currently is and pick her up Asap!

I reached there around dawn next day , she was kept in a closed garage for about 2 years so it had dust and some debris

pictures taken when i first met her

Attachment 2142897
Attachment 2142898
Attachment 2142899


I didnt try cranking her up and she had been idle for couple of years so i wanted to make sure she was all good (fluids ,belts ,timing etc before i fire her up
i had to wait for a couple of days for the paperworks to be completed and i shuttled between trivandrum city and poovar club mahindra (where i stayed )

So the day came when i could take her out of her hibernation and me and my friend dilip managed to bring her out to the gate

Pictures of how she looked after first ray of sunshine
Attachment 2142923
Attachment 2142924
Attachment 2142902
Attachment 2142903

Waited for my flat bed trailer and friend justin das (teambhp member ) to arrive so that i could change all fluids and belts and get her started up

They arrived in no time and took her to a fiat mechanic in trivandrum, (ravi ashaan ) very kind , old mechanic he was initially impressed and equally surprised to not have seen a beautiful mille right next to him in all these years - i must admit i was thrilled !

he changed the engine oil ,differential oil,gearbox oil, radiator water/coolant,brake fluid,charged the battery,cleaned the points on the distributor (was new and changed by previous owner ) and cranked her up firing her up instantly .
http://Youtu.be/Pf6WCDyIK_M

Next he cleaned the brakes adjusted valves and Voila! she was all set to go
Although my initial plans where to drive her down to my home in cochin i decided against it due to me already coming to trivandrum on my ecosport and bad rains .

Booked a flat bed from trivadrum around 8pm
Attachment 2142906
this is my friend Dr Arun in the pic not me as i was busy taking pictures of the car and he was busy posing ..
Attachment 2142907


Pic after she reached home
Attachment 2142910


A lot more has happened after this and will be updating the same in the days to come

Looks so pretty, I love the shine, happy to see some original garnish on her, happy to see the original gas cap and the boot lever.

[Thebugdoc]

Originally Posted by varun mohan

Looks so pretty, I love the shine, happy to see some original garnish on her, happy to see the original gas cap and the boot lever.

Thank-you for your response.
Lots more has happened on the build after the last update here , will post updates soon , she should be ready for upholstery and electricals soon

Originally Posted by manishalive

I am privileged to getting periodic update on this exotic build. I must say the attention to detail is mind blowing and this will come out to be a very cool and authentic build.

But get the chassis painted in red oxide

Thanks, Manish. You have been instrumental in getting this build to where it is today.
Are you sure the early 1100's came with chassis painted red oxide ?

[varun mohan]

Originally Posted by Thebugdoc

Thank-you for your response.
Lots more has happened on the build after the last update here , will post updates soon , she should be ready for upholstery and electricals soon

love the pictures, the work seems very good and clean. I will take your help in the future if i decide to redo my car again. Mine is a year younger 56 millecento, known better as AIA 8721.

[varun mohan]

Hello,
I have a curious question for you, why is the speedo in km/hr, was it like that always, the reason why I am asking is my Millecento has a milo meter. I was double checking with my dad this morning and he confirms that the car came with a milo meter when purchased.

On the other hand, I love the original air filter and the headlamps, I knew the elegant had the two side headlamps to it, did the millecento have it too?

When my grandpa's car was redone in the 90's for some reason the workshop guys replaced it with the jeep headlamps. The old headlamps" may be the originals" were there in the garage but they were the simple one-sided small headlamps with aluminum rings. Unfortunately later I lost them due to theft at home.

Around 2007 I found a set of headlamps and airfilter at Chor Bazar, Mumbai. I was sure about the airfilter but the headlamps seemed not for the millecento, the senior person convinced me that it is for millecento. I had to make a choice due to budget, I tried bargaining but due to budget I had to let go the air filter.
I regret it now, it's next to impossible to get one in India I believe.
I guess he offered me the Airfilter for 5k, I thought it was expensive and will probably look for one elsewhere. Stupid of me then.
Do you also have the tubular filter inside the Airfilter as well?

[Thebugdoc]

Originally Posted by varun mohan

love the pictures, the work seems very good and clean. I will take your help in the future if i decide to redo my car again. Mine is a year younger 56 millecento, known better as AIA 8721.

Surely! Ping me anytime.

Originally Posted by varun mohan

Hello,
I have a curious question for you, why is the speedo in km/hr, was it like that always, the reason why I am asking is my Millecento has a milo meter. I was double checking with my dad this morning and he confirms that the car came with a milo meter when purchased.

On the other hand, I love the original air filter and the headlamps, I knew the elegant had the two side headlamps to it, did the millecento have it too?

When my grandpa's car was redone in the 90's for some reason the workshop guys replaced it with the jeep headlamps. The old headlamps" may be the originals" were there in the garage but they were the simple one-sided small headlamps with aluminum rings. Unfortunately later I lost them due to theft at home.

Around 2007 I found a set of headlamps and airfilter at Chor Bazar, Mumbai. I was sure about the airfilter but the headlamps seemed not for the millecento, the senior person convinced me that it is for millecento. I had to make a choice due to budget, I tried bargaining but due to budget I had to let go the air filter.
I regret it now, it's next to impossible to get one in India I believe.
I guess he offered me the Airfilter for 5k, I thought it was expensive and will probably look for one elsewhere. Stupid of me then.
Do you also have the tubular filter inside the Airfilter as well?

The Indian-spec Millecentos came with km/h meters and fuel gauges written in English. I got an additional set of meters from Italy because my fuel gauge was malfunctioning. That one has miles per hour on the speedometer and "benzene" written on the fuel gauge.
The air filter is an ultra-rare item nowadays, especially the Millecento one with aluminum slants. Yes, it has a tubular-shaped filter inside the housing.
The headlamps are Carello units with dual reflectors, even on the Millecento. They light up the engine bay. These lamps are ultra-rare and extremely expensive to get nowadays. I had a hard time sourcing them from Italy. There are brands like Siem (probably aftermarket) from that time, available for 400+ euros.
Prices of fiat parts have shot up exponentially

[varun mohan]

Originally Posted by Thebugdoc

Surely! Ping me anytime.
The headlamps are Carello units with dual reflectors, even on the Millecento. They light up the engine bay. These lamps are ultra-rare and extremely expensive to get nowadays. I had a hard time sourcing them from Italy. There are brands like Siem (probably aftermarket) from that time, available for 400+ euros.
Prices of fiat parts have shot up exponentially

I agree, the prices have gone high, I was trying to find some videos on how to fit the original headlamps on to the frame. I realised there is another metal ring that needs to be on the body for the original lamps to sit in. Did you source that as well along with the headlamps or did you have it already on the car.
My car is a little disturbed around the headlight area, I am happy that they did not mess with the original curve it has on the body line. Attaching a pic for reference.

[Thebugdoc]

Originally Posted by varun mohan

I agree, the prices have gone high, I was trying to find some videos on how to fit the original headlamps on to the frame. I realised there is another metal ring that needs to be on the body for the original lamps to sit in. Did you source that as well along with the headlamps or did you have it already on the car.
My car is a little disturbed around the headlight area, I am happy that they did not mess with the original curve it has on the body line. Attaching a pic for reference.

As long as the original curve is maintained, the job can be done. Fortunately, on my car, the headlamp frame was intact, but even if it wasn’t, it would still be possible

[Drkannant]

Hi Dr. Ravi , this is Dr. Kannan from Coimbatore.
I am also a proud owner of a 1955 Millecento, which we have it in our family for the last 65 years.

I too did a complete restoration of it in 2013, it took me close to 18 months to finish the work. Of course with lots of help & guidance from our fellow TBHPians like Karl, Manish, Roni and by the one & only Mr. Beharam Dhabar, the most authoritive person when you talk about FIAT.

You can check my thread named " MDN 6494 Restoration In Memory of my Father "

I just went through your entire thread and was amazed with the meticulous work and pains you took in sourcing the spares. I too got lot of my spares from Italy.
I too got a pair of the original head lights from Italy and only to be broken and damaged by our Indian post guys !. Anyway let bygones be bygones.

Eagerly looking forward for the final outcome of your Mille and maybe one day I'll drive down in my Mille to cochin to see it in person.

please feel free to call or whatsApp me on 9994078668, would love to share the joy and thoughts of our mille's restoration.

cheers, Dr. kannan Thangavelu.