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Old 7th November 2009, 23:20   #1
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My 1956 Fiat Millecento Restoration Project

Hi folks,

I bought a 1956 Fiat Millecento a couple of months back - around June. While it was in running condition, it certainly required some engine work & tinkering. It took me quite a few days to find out a good garage mechanic in Bangalore who knew the inside out of this model and was also willing to invest the time and effort. Am attaching a few pictures of how it looked like when I bought it.

It has been quite a few months since then and now this is what has been accomplished by the mechanic.
- Engine work
- Gear box was checked
- Some work on suspension and under chassis

That should make the car fit for roads. Am now looking at tinkering and painting – full scrap down of the car and I intend to paint it black. Hopefully, the car should get out of the garage by mid-Dec.

My father and I had a great time scouting for parts in Shivaji Nagar but luckily got most of them. I am also looking for an original grill. Any tip offs or advice would be appreciated.

Spike
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My 1956 Fiat Millecento Restoration Project-cbe-snaps-025.jpg  

My 1956 Fiat Millecento Restoration Project-cbe-snaps-031.jpg  

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Old 7th November 2009, 23:41   #2
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Painting i suggest you speak to Sai Colorium in JP Nagar and get an estimate done, i had recently got some stuff done from them and they are really professionals at painting and pretty decent pricing.
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Old 7th November 2009, 23:56   #3
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1956 Fiat Millecento

@ Spike: Very nice Millecento there. Fantastic body and lines.
And I can see that the rear end of the car has all the Orriginal fitments in place, incl. the Fiat 1100 badge, Tail lamp lenses and the Aluminium number plate frame. Can't wait to see it getting restored.
BTW, what is the shade you have in mind? Please post some more pictures of the Engine bay and interiors.
Hoping that you have a very passionate and enjoyable ownership experience with this beauty and some happy revs and moments on Team-Bhp too....
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Old 8th November 2009, 07:31   #4
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@Spike: Welcome to Fiat 1100 Club-Bangalore

Any help you need in restoring it please ask me especially in getting parts for it.
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Old 8th November 2009, 09:38   #5
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Hey Spike, need more details of the millicento boss. How much you picked it for, how much time you spent finding it, restoration process etc.

Black would look great. I hope you have seen pictures of Steeroid's black millicento on Team-BHP. It looks awesome.

Where in Bangalore are you located? Would like to drop by and see the car some time.

Congrats again..

Cheers,
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Old 8th November 2009, 14:22   #6
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by spike View Post
Hi folks,

I bought a 1956 Fiat Millecento a couple of months back - around June. While it was in running condition, it certainly required some engine work & tinkering. It took me quite a few days to find out a good garage mechanic in Bangalore who knew the inside out of this model and was also willing to invest the time and effort. Am attaching a few pictures of how it looked like when I bought it.

It has been quite a few months since then and now this is what has been accomplished by the mechanic.
- Engine work
- Gear box was checked
- Some work on suspension and under chassis

That should make the car fit for roads. Am now looking at tinkering and painting – full scrap down of the car and I intend to paint it black. Hopefully, the car should get out of the garage by mid-Dec.

My father and I had a great time scouting for parts in Shivaji Nagar but luckily got most of them. I am also looking for an original grill. Any tip offs or advice would be appreciated.

Spike
Looks Pretty good. All you need is a Good 55 Grille and some Side PAttis.
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Old 8th November 2009, 14:59   #7
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Congratulations on your project, it is a great clean original car to begin with. If you search the forum you will see we have been discussing this car often.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cyrus43 View Post
Looks Pretty good. All you need is a Good 55 Grille and some Side PAttis.
What's wrong with the pattis currently on the car?
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Old 8th November 2009, 15:27   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cyrus43 View Post
Looks Pretty good. All you need is a Good 55 Grille and some Side PAttis.
Instead of changing the pattis, let him paint it black
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Old 8th November 2009, 15:33   #9
 
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As roni would say, They arent OHH-REE-GEE-NAL!!


@arun- ARGH!!
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Old 8th November 2009, 15:38   #10
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Thank you all for your comments. Am really excited about this project of mine. It has taken me a couple of months to get her in a road fit condition and now the mechanics says it will take 2-3 months to finish the tinkering job given the frequent rains. So she is still in the garage and should be back home by the New Year. I intend to paint her in black.

At this point of time, I need help on two things –

1) Where can I find the original 55 grille? I am thinking of paying a visit to Mumbai. Any areas that you suggest I visit there ? Or can I find it in Bangalore ?
2) Is the rubber for the front and rear windshield glass available? If yes where and how can I get my hands on it?

I think the pattis are original. The car has an original pull starter and has a hand accelerator.

Will keep you updated with developments. Am attaching a few more pictures as requested.
Attached Thumbnails
My 1956 Fiat Millecento Restoration Project-cbe-snaps-026.jpg  

My 1956 Fiat Millecento Restoration Project-cbe-snaps-029.jpg  

My 1956 Fiat Millecento Restoration Project-cbe-snaps-042.jpg  

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Old 8th November 2009, 15:48   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cyrus43 View Post
As roni would say, They arent OHH-REE-GEE-NAL!
Then what do the originals look like?
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Old 8th November 2009, 17:45   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cyrus43 View Post
As roni would say, They arent OHH-REE-GEE-NAL!!
Hey Cy, c'mon,
OH REE G NAL Rony would never have said that.
Now, who is the other roni whom you know, may have possibly said that?

Last edited by President : 8th November 2009 at 17:54.
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Old 8th November 2009, 23:43   #13
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Welcome to the forum spike, and a warm welcome to the Fiat lovers' club. Lovely car you've got - all the very best for your project.
The windscreen rubber patties should be available in Mumbai, you may also get the original grille here.
It's advisable to make a complete list of parts and trim you need, in consultation with your mech AND body chap. You can post the list here, we're all there to help you in any way we can !
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Old 9th November 2009, 00:09   #14
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by karlosdeville View Post
Then what do the originals look like?
I bet those are reworked Padmini PAttis. Look at the edges. they are clearly different.

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attach...008-fiat01.jpg
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Old 9th November 2009, 10:29   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cyrus43 View Post
I bet those are reworked Padmini PAttis. Look at the edges. they are clearly different.

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attach...008-fiat01.jpg
The trims fitted to the fender on the white car you have posted are Padmini. The trims on the maroon car in question are original.
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