[funkykar]

After four months, in October 2011, the Painting process was started. The Painter incharge was Murthy.

After lots of discussions with friends, it was concluded that the Paint to be used would be DUCO, thanks to Behramji, we got to know the original color of the car (Pale Lilac).

Pretty luckily, DUCO paints were still available and also the required shade was available. All the painting materials were purchased at Jansons near Lalbagh Road.

Painting materials costed 5k and labor was around 10k.

DUCO!

DUCO shade card




Paint shade code


Paint mixing






DUCO Pale Lilac!




DUCO thinner

[funkykar]

Painting of the Padmini!!

The painting process was started in October 2011, but completed in April 2012 as Arun got busy with his wedding. He wanted the Padmini to be ready for his wedding, but for obvious reasons could not.

But still, better late and not compromise on quality. The painter Murthy, is not like the best, but does a decent job and as the garage was near to Arun's home, it was decided that Murthy will handle the painting of the Padmini. Around 4 coats of DUCO paint was sprayed totally.

Let the pics do the show!

[funkykar]

May 2012, after the painting, the Padmini was back at the tinker's place for door setting and fixing back the door locks.

Nizam is a very famous for door setting. He took lot of effort to clean up every part of the inner door lock mechanism and fit them back very well. He also put back new rubber beadings, windshields, window channels, roof gutter channel, bumpers, grill etc.

Pics!

[funkykar]

Here are pics of the spares bought by Arun. Not all spares shown were used. Pics are for knowing the make and prices of the parts available.

Pics!

[funkykar]

Spares pics, continued..

[funkykar]

In June 2012, the finishing touches were done and all the small jobs pending were completed.

• Engine tune up
• Wheel balancing
• Greasing
• Paint touch up
  etc

[funkykar]

To sum up, the total costs incurred:

• Tinkering: Rs. 25,000
• Painting: Rs. 15,000
• Mechanic: Rs. 12,000
• Spares: Rs. 18,000
• Electrician: Rs. 1000
• Upholstery: Rs. 5000
• Miscellaneous: Rs. 5000

Highlights of the Restoration:

• Started in August 2009, the restoration was completed in July 2012. The reason for delay is personal commitments and to get dates with the tinkers and mechanics. The car was safely parked at Arun's home when the car was not worked upon.
  
• The restoration was done at garages near to Arun's home in Jayamahal, he knew them personally since almost two decades. As they say, a known devil is better than an unknown angel.. LOL
  
• Arun was personally very involved in the entire restoration. Even work was done in the presence of Arun. The people who worked upon the car were kind enough to work as per Arun's guidelines.
  
• The outcome of the restoration is good if not fantastic. But Arun is surely content with the outcome and happy that it's finally complete and back on road!!

Thanksgiving time!

Special thanks to all those professionals who worked with extra interest, Team-FCB, PAVAN KADAM, FCCCI - Pune, FCCC Mumbai, FCCH, FCL, FCK, FB Fiatians, Team-Bhpians and team-Bhp!
and heartful thanks to BEHRAM DHABHAR Sirji for giving us so much knowledge about FIATs. Thanks a ton BD Sir. I'm sure you will love this FIAT as it looks very similar to your rally FIAT MMY 43!!! Arun got to know many details of his FIAT, like the color name, uniqueness of the ECONOMY model, all because of you Sir.

[funkykar]

Here are some of the men responsible for the awesome restoration!

Mechanic - Lokesh


Painter - Muthu


Tinker - Nizaam


Tuning expert - Ebenezer

[funkykar]

The final pics!!

@Behram Sir: Doesn't it look similar to MMY 43?!

[GTO]

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Technical Section. Thanks for sharing!

[funkykar]

Puja being done to the Padmini by Arun's parents and wifey.



Pics of the Padmini from the FCB Monsoon Meet!

[zoombiee]

Originally Posted by funkykar

Here are some of the men responsible for the awesome restoration!

Mechanic - Lokesh
Attachment 965324

Painter - Muthu
Attachment 965325

Tinker - Nizaam
Attachment 965326

Tuning expert - Ebenezer
Attachment 965327

Is this Ebenezer garage the one at HSR? How do you rate his work?

[samsag12]

First of all thanks a lot for documenting & sharing the restoration work of 297, Karthik bhai. Although i have seen a no.of pics posted here previously on the restoration blog but this thread will surely be an eye opener and serve as a guide for similar restorations in future.

The outcome is speechless, immaculate and way above the standard. Really appreciate the way Arun bhai has kept it stock and original without any aftermarket fittings. The paint has come out really great & the attention to details is just awesome.
One thing which i noticed & liked the most on the interior is that clips have been used to fix the door pads instead of screws which is giving it a very neat look.
Overall a very professional restoration.


PS: Karthik bhai give my regards to Arun bhai

[President]

I must say that the restoration work of Arun's car has been done very systematically, methodically and well documented. From the lovely detailed pictures (special thanks to Funkykar and Karthik) it is also apparent that all who have contributed in the professional workmanship are highly skilled and experienced old timers.

But, it is also to be understood that no matter how good the garage or the workers, such exclusive and professional results cannot be achieved unless owners like Arun, who are passionate and 'hands on', are monitoring each stage/phase of the restoration so minutely in person at site, regularly.
We can see that Aruns car is not restored completely at one outlet. He has chosen the best and the most skilled in each field having a long term relation, be it the mechanic at a different garage, the body shop elsewhere and hood & accessory fitments somewhere else or called home.
Only then can you achieve the best results.
Because, you never find all the experts in the same garage.
I myself have restored cars in this way and it has always paid off.

Today, it is becoming more and more difficult to find the right guy for the right job and there are few garages left who understand the classic FIATS and want to oblige owners like us with our own whims and fancies, to achieve the best results and retain OH REE G NALITY.

So, once again I congratulate Arun and his family to have re-juvinated their PADMINI and for giving her a new lease of live.
All the very Best Arun, and hope you have a FIATFUL time of your life with 297!

[shineshine]

It's fantastic! I really appreciate the hardwork behind this extremely well placed restoration.

Spending 10k for paint alone for a car worth that price itself shows the commitment and passion behind this. Kudos for the great effort and thanks for the nice and detailed pictures.