[Motoringlover]

Mate i can understand your dilema, its something all of us go through in some ways when it comes to older cars. I always been a big fan of old FIAT's, especially the way they sound, its just music. I would strongly recommend (as advised by others too in the forum) retain the car, even if this means you don't find anyone else and have to painfully leave it alone, you will always have the option of restoration. A classic FIAT is always special. My two cents.

Dont know if i added value, but did want to share my perspective.

All the best.

[vkarulkar]

Here are the pics of the car, taken in last 2 years of span. Engine open snaps are of 2009, when i opened it to change the gasket.

Engine is fully stock. Not even spark plug helix.

Alternator was giving the problem. Dropped it at lucas service centre. Will plonk it in tomorrow.

The car have clocked around 85-90k since 1991.
I serviced the brakes and front suspensions in april/may 2010. changed the steering rods also, as found new. I have retained original rods and brake cylinders. I stay at Neral, Karjat-Near to Matheran.
Space isn't the issue to store the car. Covered shade is being used as garage.

[Rovergen]

IMHO , It is time for Mods or someone to start a thread on cars & Bikes for adoption , I wanted to give my Gypsy to somebody who could run it but me being the owner , as it was sitting idle in garage for four long years , though it costed me only oil change ,battery charging and ocasional clean up of the rat mess , finaly have to part it for 40K in 2010 , i feel it is easier to maintain this cars better in tier II cities than in metros ,availability of cheap labour being one.
Vkarulkar : sorry for the thread hijack

[samsag12]

Well as per your pics the engine seems quite healthy with no traces of oil in the combustion chamber. So that alone is a key factor responsible to retain this car.

Apart from that, the rust on the chassis and body is minimal. Its even healthier than my S1 which is rusted at every corner and the chassis fully gone

[vkarulkar]

@samsag:
Yes, the vehicle is definitely in good shape. body work, interiors, painting and some gearbox & differential oil seal change. All this would cost around 35 k now. And car will be as good as new.
If i retain, after 4-5 years i will take it out but to restore it or mod it.
Another thing is i prefer to work myself, atleast on part of mechanicals and electricals.
Days of keeping the fiats as first car are gone. You can't rely on fiat for daily use.
A Team-Bhpian have approached with offer. Lets see what shapes up.

[vkarulkar]

Started my fiat after 3 months yesterday . Plonked in New Amaron Battery, Alternator. Ignition cables need replacement. Already arranged for it.

Decided to keep it.

Haven't scheduled the body work and painting, but will be done soon.

[samsag12]

Hey thats some good news. Do take necessary steps to ensure the car is stored/hibernated correctly.
If anybody is willing to be a care taker for your car then its better than the first option. Just my opinion.

Just re-read your post, i think you are getting your car restored. This means no hibernation?? Occasional running IMO.

[silverado]

Team

I am in the same dilemma as vkarulkar.

The thought of selling my padmini itself is painfull.
I still have to post about my car on teambhp classifields.

I have taken a decision to sell it, only wish being it should land in good hands for which i am ready to wait.

[bikertillidie]

If anyone is considering letting their beloved premier padmini go in Pune/PCMC area, I would be more than willing to take care of it.

I can promise that the car will receive the same level of care and affection as a family member.