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Old 2nd May 2012, 14:54   #91
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re: Another Fiat - The Restoration of a 1956 Millicento

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Originally Posted by Stanher View Post
Changa hai sirjee (thats the only compliment I know in Punju, sorry! )

Man, what a transformation! Only one with immense patience and passion could undertake such a brave restoration!

Thanks Mate. actua;;y thanks first to you for kick-starting this whole thing. Had you not spotted it and sent me the pics, nothing would have happened.

Quote:
I almost shudder to think what would've happened had my mech. not spotted & informed me about this car that day and/or if you hadnt decided to brave picking it up even without the papers (yet)...that itself would've been a reason for anyone to ditch the idea or scrap the car even after picking it up! I can say I would have (had the car been mine) as it seemed hopeless at one point thanks to the delay for what seemed like eternity from the ex-owner!
Well the brighter side is all turned out well.

Quote:
The seat cover design seems unique assuming it is an original pattern. Looks good on the car nevertheless.

Are the tail-lamp lenses imported (going by the markings on them?)
The seat design is original, at least according to what was there in this car.

Yes they are imported and Thanks to Ronnie for gifting them to me. I remember he came to my office more excited than me when i told him about the car and sent him pics for his expert comments. His first reaction after he came to meet me was, "I have bought you something for your 55. Please accept it" and handed me these brand new lenses which are almost extinct now. Thanks again Ronnie.

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Originally Posted by ariesonu View Post
I'm soooo.. GREEN with envy. Fantastic job
I have so many questiosn but then other also need to use forum TOO.
When can we get to see her.

Raab rakha.
Sonu ask away, all the questions you have. You can see her whenever you want, just give me a buzz and drop by.


Quote:
Originally Posted by karlosdeville View Post
Super, Gogiji!

Yes, the seat pattern is very much correct for the 54/56 cars, here is a sample from my 55. Have also confirmed it with 2 other original seats, yours is the third, so we can be quite sure now. It also matches period literature.

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/vinta...ml#post2710681
Thanks Karlji for checking out the details and pointing it to us. Noted, the design is not unoriginal. Relieved to hear that.


Quote:
Please note the seat came with no net on these models - there is no cavity itself for it. I think even the rear seat sits lower than the other models. Even the rear door panels should not have pockets, only a plain trim.
Ok great, thats what my upholstery guy also said but i thought id ask. So now this is also confirmed...Great!!
My rear doors have no pockets, just a plain door trim as you mentioned.

Quote:
I would suggest you match the indicator lever box to the colour of the steering wheel. I think the whole column should be in the same colour.
Yes i had noticed this anomaly and mentioned that to him before delivery but looks like he was in a hurry to deliver it. Will get this done asap.

Quote:
Also interchange the position of the two meters.
Quote:
I would think the speedo should be on the right - had mentioned it in my last post.
EDIT - I just checked 4 original reference cars, 2 had it on the left, and 2 had it on the right! Can the gurus shed some light?

This is very confusing for me too, as i have seen many cars with different positioning. Will check the net thoroughly and await more Guru feedback on this before i do this swap.

Quote:
And please help me with material for the top/headliner
Anytime. So you approve of this one. Ill put you on to my upholstery guy.


Quote:
Originally Posted by KPS View Post
I am curious to know what is the correct position of the meters.

In V-16 car the Speedo is on the left and Fuel/Oil meter on the right

The the blue car in post 38 in the same thread the meter placement is the other way round

I would tend to go with V-16's meter positions since we have the pictures of the meters as originally seen. But I stand to be corrected.

Cheers

KPS
I went by this positioning because thats how i got it and thought was correct but as asid above will await further guru feedback and net confirmation before i swap.


Quote:
Originally Posted by samsag12 View Post
Superb restoration Gogi ji, the car's very precisely restored to its original glory. I am surprised to see most of the OH RE GEE NAL( i hope i spelled correctly Rony sir ) fittings.

I think the positioning of meters of blue car is correct. Karl too has mentioned this in his previous post indicating Gogi ji to interchange their positions.
Will do so as soon as i have confirmation sir.

Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperSelect View Post
Ahh - a Fiat in all her glory !! She's looking wonderful, Gogi - great job done
I still remember seeing 'AIA' in one of the old threads and longing to be able to get my hands on her - I wasn't on team-BHP then, and didn't know anyone at all.

Do we get to see her this Sunday ??
you can still get your hand on her anytime you want.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mbz180 View Post
Great outcome Gogiji and many congratulations. The body colour choice is excellent and the upholstery colour complements it very well.

A question for my own curiosity; in a lot of older cars, as the door pads loose there ability to be clipped on properly onto the metal part of the doors, the pads tend to come away and eventually due to the original clips loosing their temper, holes have to be made in the metal and the pads have to be held by screws. It doesn't look all the good but that's what I've seen in a lot of cars.

How does one get back to the original way of the pad being flush with the metal being retained by clips? Is it just the new pads that will do the job or do you need to make new clips as well?

Thanks
mbz180
Its a dilemma that haunts many a restorer and collector. We tried to get the clips in position with more than the usual number required but for that too, some holes are required. Then the problem of these clips getting loose and the panel loosing shape. We thought it better to fasten them with the screws. A bit later a few clips will be also added so that so many screws cannot be seen.
In any case with clips too, they have to be fastened at one end with/in a hole in the door frame anyways.

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Originally Posted by harit View Post
Very nicely turned out. Since you had electrical problems, you could have brought her on a flatbed for the Fiat event. This car is used to taking "Lifts"(refer to page 1 to understand.)
I hope that you kept those accessory tail light guards, very valuable.
This car turned out very nice.

Cheers harit
Thanks Harit, even while the electricals are being taken care of, i had a bout of minor food poisoning, guessing it was salad consumed at a friend's place and so was unable to attend the Fiat Club meet.

Yes i do have the tail light guards but am thinking twice whether to attach them on, as i do not intend to take it and park it at random places unattended.

Quote:
Originally Posted by President View Post
Vow Gogs! Congrats!
Awesome colour shade and superbly restored. Looks so unique and pretty. Now, its time to get all the different Dukkars together for a meet.
FCCCI-Mumbai will be proud to display them in so many different shades.
Looking forward to that day too Ronny. In the meantime my other Dukkar also is undergoing restoration as we speak in yet another colour i hope you all will find unique. No Blacks, whites and Turquoise blues for me, though i had originally planned to make the other one a turquoise shade but i find that there are many such cars on the Club and forum.
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Old 2nd May 2012, 16:54   #92
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re: Another Fiat - The Restoration of a 1956 Millicento

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Originally Posted by V-16 View Post
..... "I have bought you something for your 55. Please accept it" and handed me these brand new lenses which are almost extinct now. Thanks again Ronnie.

....Thanks Harit, even while the electricals are being taken care of, i had a bout of minor food poisoning, guessing it was salad consumed at a friend's place and so was unable to attend the Fiat Club meet. Yes i do have the tail light guards but am thinking twice whether to attach them on, as i do not intend to take it and park it at random places unattended....
The tail light guards was a joke.
But on a serious note, I would not fix the original lenses, get local ones made and keep these for special occasions, like the next VCCCI rally where originality counts.
BTW, you must always wash the salad leaves before.

Cheers harit
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Old 2nd May 2012, 17:41   #93
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re: Another Fiat - The Restoration of a 1956 Millicento

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Originally Posted by V-16 View Post
Looking forward to that day too Rony. In the meantime my other Dukkar also is undergoing restoration as we speak in yet another colour i hope you all will find unique. No Blacks, whites and Turquoise blues for me, though i had originally planned to make the other one a turquoise shade but i find that there are many such cars on the Club and forum.
Just imagine only the 53, 54 and 55's all lined up in different colours. Will be like enjoying a free trip to Italy. What a sight!
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Old 2nd May 2012, 20:02   #94
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re: Another Fiat - The Restoration of a 1956 Millicento

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Originally Posted by harit View Post
But on a serious note, I would not fix the original lenses, get local ones made and keep these for special occasions, like the next VCCCI rally where originality counts.
I agree. Considering they are imported, they are too precious to leave on the car at all times. If you have the old lenses left, you can even leave them fitted on at normal times (kind of a 'nazar ka teeka' too I would say! ) and fit these only for the rallies.
I have 2 pairs of lovely LUCAS England tail-lenses (or is it 3? ) for my Herald, which I fit only for the shows. I otherwise have the local lenses fitted (doesnt bother me even if they have faded away in a span of 2 years!)

Last edited by Stanher : 2nd May 2012 at 20:05.
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Old 29th September 2016, 13:32   #95
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Request help in restoring 54 Fiat Millicento

Hello folks

Am new to this forum. Have a 54 Fiat Millicento and am in the process of restoring the same. However have run into challenges with respect to find a good person who can work on the call as well as sourcing of parts.

I am in Bangalore and wanted to check if any of you would be able to help me providing coordinates of anybody who could help me. Thanks in advance
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Old 29th September 2016, 14:52   #96
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Re: Request help in restoring 54 Fiat Millicento

Hello. Good to know about the restoration. Kindly provide more info of the below points:

- Before restoration pics.
- Current pics
- History of the car.
- Mechanical condition.
- Work done so far.
- What are the challenges faced.
- Approx. budget of restoration.
- Cosmetic parts available and what are in need. Tough to get though.
- Mechanical spares needed. Not so tough to get.
- Current garage details.
- In need of tinker or painter or mechanic or all? You need all in one place?
- Which part of the city you live in.
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Old 29th September 2016, 22:54   #97
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Re: Request help in restoring 54 Fiat Millicento

Karthik - thanks for writing. On your points

1. Pics: Will share pics of the current state tomorrow after take some snaps of the car

2. History: had purchased this from a person in Indore about 6 years ago. The car was in running condition but had frequent problems with engine heating and carburettor flooding. Had some issues with the differential also (oil leak and unusual noise during downshifting). Additionally the body also needed work. So I decided to fix this and do an overhaul of the car viz. tinkering, painting, complete checkup of the engine, gearbox, differential

3. Mechanical condition: The car is in running condition mechanically although currently the interiors are completely stripped down

4. Work done so far: The car is the workshop for the past 2 years. The biggest problem I am facing is to find a mechanic who is willing to work on this car in a focused manner. I had replaced the engine and gearbox with that of an old 118NE. Tinkering work is in progress but not to my satisfaction

5. Cosmetic parts: Am struggling to find the window channels, beadings for the glass, bonnet and dicky, tail lamps and the dashboard switches

6. Mechanical spares: not much of a problem here so far. However an looking for the original starter motor for this model

7. Location: I stay in HSR layout and the car is in a garage by name Klassic Motors (in the same locality). The mechanic is a decent chap, but like I mentioned, is not able to focus on this car continuously

8. Ask: a good tinker to complete pending work and some help is procuring spares would be of immense help

Thanks again
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Old 30th September 2016, 13:16   #98
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Re: Another Fiat - The Restoration of a 1956 Millicento

Thanks Sonu - yes, the primary objective is to get the car back on road. Towards this I am looking for the glass and windshield beadings are the old ones have completely withered away

Regarding engine, the problems mentioned were with the old engine. I havent had the opportunity to drive extensively on the 118NE engine yet. The work that I want to complete on priority is

1) get the pending tinkering work done (the floorboard is rusted from underneath)
2) mount the windshields and glasses

Unfortunately the tinker in this garage is playing truant and holding me ransom :(
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Old 30th September 2016, 16:44   #99
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Re: Another Fiat - The Restoration of a 1956 Millicento

The car was in running condition but had frequent problems with engine heating and carburettor flooding. Had some issues with the differential also (oil leak and unusual noise during downshifting). Additionally the body also needed work. So I decided to fix this and do an overhaul of the car viz. tinkering, painting, complete checkup of the engine, gearbox, differential

>> You mentioned that you have changed the Engine & GB to that of 118NE ENGINE & GB SETUP - So above issue are with this new setup or you still have old setup with you and you wish to revert back to it?


The car is the workshop for the past 2 years. The biggest problem I am facing is to find a mechanic who is willing to work on this car in a focused manner. I had replaced the engine and gearbox with that of an old 118NE.

>> 2 Years is a long time. Usually the mechs are pretty eager to work on these cars as they are very simple to work and brst of all you learn a lot from them.


Cosmetic parts: Am struggling to find the window channels, beadings for the glass, bonnet and dicky, tail lamps and the dashboard switches

>> Make a list of your EXACT requirements - you may browse through threads of similar cars. MTP 8389 thread is legendary.
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/post-w...at-1100-a.html

First & foremost, make every effort to bring car on road ASAP. Cosmetics can follow later.

Regards-Sonu
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Old 3rd October 2016, 15:31   #100
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Re: Another Fiat - The Restoration of a 1956 Millicento

Hello there,

And congrats on a restoring a Fiat. Karthick has already given you good recommendations. I would recommend to first go through lot of information available on Fiat in this Post war section. This will bring you up to speed on what came on the car, the originality and how to mechanically set up the car.

Once we understand what is missing and the level of originality you want to achieve, things can be worked out.

There are 2 ways of doing restoration - the correct way down to nuts and bolt restoration or running restoration (tackling one system at a time). Your choice. As for the garages, there are lot many good guys in Bangalore. Based on your location, the suggestions will be provided.

Also best would be to start your own thread.
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Old 6th October 2016, 21:28   #101
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Hi Manish - thanks for your note. Am taking all the inputs from the wealth of knowledge available in this forum (which is definitively huge). Am posting some updated pictures of the car taken yesterday - any and all inputs are welcome

*

At this point, the primary objective is to get the car on the road (as it has been sitting in the garage for way too long). Towards this, am continuing to search for the window and windshield beading + window channels. Any pointers on how to source this will be helpful

My location in Bangalore is in HSR layout. Any suggestions on how to good garages in the Koramangala, HSR Layout area will be great (as my current garage takes way too long to get back do the work)
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Old 6th October 2016, 21:33   #102
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Re: Another Fiat - The Restoration of a 1956 Millicento

Attaching the pictures as it did not get uploaded in the previous post
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Another Fiat - The Restoration of a 1956 Millicento-img_20160930_121238.jpg  

Another Fiat - The Restoration of a 1956 Millicento-img_20160930_121152.jpg  

Another Fiat - The Restoration of a 1956 Millicento-img_20160930_121139.jpg  

Another Fiat - The Restoration of a 1956 Millicento-img_20160930_121130.jpg  

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Old 7th October 2016, 11:12   #103
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Re: Another Fiat - The Restoration of a 1956 Millicento

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Originally Posted by vgopk View Post
At this point, the primary objective is to get the car on the road (as it has been sitting in the garage for way too long). Towards this, am continuing to search for the window and windshield beading + window channels. Any pointers on how to source this will be helpful
Rubber parts are available but at unbelievable prices. I think you should find them more easily in Bangalore than in Mumbai.
For window channels (the purist may not agree) but I found that Maruti 800 channels fit snug and lets glass travel more smoothly than original one, which again will cost you bomb.

For engine, I suggest you go for complete overhaul on ORIGINAL engine.
I don't have much experience with 118NE engine but BHPian #ILANGO would be able to help you there.

From photos, your car's tinker and paint job seems to have been completed.
First and foremost, get her running - all else can follow.

Regards-Sonu
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Old 7th October 2016, 13:15   #104
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Re: Another Fiat - The Restoration of a 1956 Millicento

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Originally Posted by vgopk View Post
Attaching the pictures as it did not get uploaded in the previous post
Hi vgopk, Looks like most of the major work is done. All you need is to attend to the cosmetic part. Though it is too late, my piece of advice is to stock as many new cosmetic parts as possible before even opening up the car for a complete restoration. Hope you have learnt it from this restoration.

Coming to your engine transplant. How close is the tie-rod from the back side of the engine? Do you have enough space for a radiator? Has it got Hitachi carb or Mikuni? A good news is that you still can have column shift, if you can hunt for a Premier S1 column shift gearbox. Swap the tail piece of 118NE gearbox with S1's and you have column shift. Is the engine placed perfectly parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle? From the picture I see it like it is offset very marginally. I may be wrong though. If you dont have a plan for AC in the car, you can swap out the fan with a 4 or 5 blade fan from a non-AC model. So much cooling is more than sufficient.
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Old 7th October 2016, 15:38   #105
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Re: Another Fiat - The Restoration of a 1956 Millicento

Sonu - thanks again

Rubber parts: Any specific location in Bangalore where I can look for them. I tried JK Autoparts and Best Autoparts in JC road without much luck

Window channels: Thanks, this is a nice idea - will try out this option. I agree that getting the original part would be nice, but given the scarcity of parts this could be a nice alternative option

Yes, the tinker work is done barring the windshield, windows and door work. Once this is done, should be able to get the car on the road
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