Technical 4x4 sump guard

[Panda IIs]

Just need to do the pollen filter then my list of "must do quickly" stuff will be sorted. Then it'll be onto the brakes and the current lack of any sort of spare or toolkit.

Key to this job is having a 4.5mm socket... And being quite bendy if this is a RHD car

 

[A3jeroen]

5,5 mm for the pollenfilter

 

[Panda IIs]

5,5 mm for the pollenfilter

Thank you; I knew it was an "awkward" size!

 

[earthman]

There’s a British company that makes them for £150-200, the more expensive one has a removable plate to allow you to do oil changes without the need to drop the whole bash-plate

Steel sump guard for Fiat Panda 4x4

The sump guard is new and fits perfectly for all versions of Fiat Panda 4x4 manufactured between 2011 and 2025.

www.sump-guard.co.uk

Technically, it’s a British company that supplies them but they’re made in Romania. I don’t know if that means any import duty might have to be paid. They also reduce the ground clearance a little owing to the more boxy shape. But, they do look good.

The thread here shows one fitted, and mentions the import tax…
Post in thread 'My Panda 4x4'
https://www.fiatforum.com/threads/my-panda-4x4.504202/post-4715311

I'm currently looking for such a guard to fit my wife's front wheel drive only Panda, anyone know for sure if this will fit? After just fitting a new sump pan, I figure that some kind of steel plate or plastic cover even would be a good idea.

 

[porta]

Yes, the company referenced do a 4x2 sump guard, don’t know what the difference is

 

[earthman]

Yes, the company referenced do a 4x2 sump guard, don’t know what the difference is

I'm wondering what the difference is too and how well or not it fits and works in practice, the pictures that they've sent me so far, the vehicle shown is certainly not a FWD only model. Ideally I'd like to hear from someone with first hand experience of the product. Otherwise I'm wondering if the OEM item from Fiat that's for the 4X4 version admittedly, would happen to fit other models too??

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

Non 4x4 Panda models used to be supplied with a plastic under tray - although this was omitted on the Pop version. That must be an available part still

 

[earthman]

Non 4x4 Panda models used to be supplied with a plastic under tray - although this was omitted on the Pop version. That must be an available part still

I have been looking for aftermarket plastic under trays too,....if one is still available from Fiat, I dread to think how much money that they would want for it. I haven't got a Fiat dealer close by to go to, will pop in one next time I'm on a trip though.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

I have been looking for aftermarket plastic under trays too,....if one is still available from Fiat, I dread to think how much money that they would want for it. I haven't got a Fiat dealer close by to go to, will pop in one next time I'm on a trip though.

Nobody has darling, nobody has

 

[The Panda Nut]

I have been looking for aftermarket plastic under trays too,....if one is still available from Fiat, I dread to think how much money that they would want for it. I haven't got a Fiat dealer close by to go to, will pop in one next time I'm on a trip though.

I have seen them on eBay occasionally last time c. £42, but that was a year or two back. None of our petrol Pandas have undertrays. My Panda 100 had one but the delare took it off and neglected to refit it. Stupidly I didnt check until weeks after so lost it. Next time I see them I shall get a couple. as my older daughter is going to relieve us of Ruby. Reminds me I need to go buy a replacement for that one, then we shall be a four Panda family,

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

Any use? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175462668241

 

[earthman]

Any use? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175462668241

Thanks, I did see that one but after checking out that sellers feedback, I didn't fancy risking it,...they are not in the UK even so customs charges may apply I guess, assuming that the thing would actually turn up.

 

[Steveetee55]

Just bought a used sump guard for my 4x4 mine had been removed by a previous owner arrives Tues it's quite rusty but I only paid £50 for it, but I will clean it a bit welding and treat it with hydrate 80 and paint it

 

[earthman]

treat it with hydrate 80 and paint it

Have you used that product before? Any long term evaluation of it? I've tried other so called 'rust killers' but not been that impressed over time,.....I'm thinking that they are all snake oil??

 

[Steveetee55]

Have you used that product before? Any long term evaluation of it? I've tried other so called 'rust killers' but not been that impressed over time,.....I'm thinking that they are all snake oil??

No but it has good reviews apparently it's quite good, I've got a bottle of it kicking around so nothing ventured nothing gained it's got two chances

 

[earthman]

No but it has good reviews apparently it's quite good, I've got a bottle of it kicking around so nothing ventured nothing gained it's got two chances

Best of luck with it.

 

[WitleyPanda]

I dropped the coolant cap today, so had to take it off to recover it. the two front “wings” on last legs, so shall chop, fabricate and weld replacement sections. Will strip with washing soda electrolysis, then Phosphoric acid dip, then chassis black.

 

[earthman]

I dropped the coolant cap today, so had to take it off to recover it. the two front “wings” on last legs, so shall chop, fabricate and weld replacement sections. Will strip with washing soda electrolysis, then Phosphoric acid dip, then chassis black.

What's the thickness of the OEM part? I'm guessing that it won't be more than 2mm? I dabble a bit with welding/fabricating stuff myself but prefer to weld thicker material, it's less likely to blow through. And trying to stop/protect/prevent the 'new' part from ever rusting again, well that's a minefield,.....all these paints, coatings etc seem to be snake oil if you ask me.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

Can one of those sacrilegious anodynes be fitted so that the guard doesn't rust?

Serious Q asked in light-hearted manner btw

 

[Panda IIs]

What's the thickness of the OEM part? I'm guessing that it won't be more than 2mm? I dabble a bit with welding/fabricating stuff myself but prefer to weld thicker material, it's less likely to blow through. And trying to stop/protect/prevent the 'new' part from ever rusting again, well that's a minefield,.....all these paints, coatings etc seem to be snake oil if you ask me.

The attached is from another thread on this (I thought I had my own pics but maybe deleted). I would guess the main pressing is something of the order of 16s.w.g. and the two "wings" (red circles) on the front corners even thinner at 18 swg. The main weight support at the front is via hooks on the front of the subframe that locate in the slots indicated by the blue circles. The supporting rails (yellow) are probably in the order of 6mm. Apologies for mixing units but sheet thicknesses I find easier to estimate in old money...

I would say it is all weldable with MIG - a stick welder is always going to be more of a challenge but again doable with perhaps the exception of the "wings" if you stay with the original thicknesses. I agree with the snake oil comment; I purchased a sheet of stainless (304 - much cheaper than 316) with a view to reskinning the original frame but having destroyed a couple of nibbler anvils took the pragmatic view that the original lasted 10+ years therefore a replacement (especially with some additional paint from new) would outlast the car.