General Beware of overpriced restorations

[fiat500]

A very negative post. I hang my head in shame if this car was restored by someone here.

My email inbox is constantly replenished with Ebay Fiat 500's which come up for sale. The latest link directs me to an alternative auction website where there is a generous range of images of a car for which take note, "Prospective buyers, it’s time to get your magnifying glasses out. No, not because the 500L is so tiny, but because it’s so hard to find any possible fault with this stunning example." There is one minor problem, "the windscreen wipers which are beginning to show their age."

Well, I didn't even need my spectacles to see many faults with the engine bay...at least one of them is dangerous. The standard of finishing of underbody repairs is poor. I think it's to be expected that bodywork repairs which are currently hidden from view will leave something to be desired.

The classified price is at the lower end of what the vendors expect the car to make; it might be worth it in parts and work expended on it, but it's not worth it.

 

[FR85]

No expense spared, double up on cable ties always ?

 

[Fayray]

I see that here too. Sellers refer to "amazing attention to detail". So the the first thing I check is the heat shield over the exhaust and the under-tray, which are nearly always missing and it bugs me. I see this one's missing the breather hose to the air filter box but at least there's no inline fuel filter in the engine bay (more than likely a money saving omission though).
I'd be embarrassed to show those under-body photos if I was claiming it had been restored

 

[JumpJet]

Don’t forget the main engine ground strap replaced by the 10ga wire from the timing cover. ???

 

[the hobbler]

I see that the 'restorer' (in the widest term) has used a lightweight fuel-pipe clamp---looks like 2 cable-ties! If what you can see is any indication of the standard of work on this car, I would seriously worry about what I CAN'T see!

 

[fiat500]

The classified price is at the lower end of what the vendors expect the car to make; it might be worth it in parts and work expended on it, but it's not worth it.

PS. Starting price: £14,400

 

[Toshi 975]

PS. Starting price: £14,400

How much ?
I heard recently about a car that was purchased on the strength of some pictures and the sellers description. Turned out to be a major disaster.
I am just about to start on an engine that came from a “restoration”.
Guy who bought the car did not feel comfortable about the engine and stripped it down. Just as well as the first thing I discovered was one of the pistons fitted to the con rod with the fudge on pin offset the wrong way round.

 

[fiat500]

How much ?
I discovered was one of the pistons fitted to the con rod with the fudge on pin offset the wrong way round.

....the old fudge on pin problem again.:bang:

In my opinion, the price is not likely to be achieved; however, the online marketplace does seem to have a lot of success; I'll give them a hand....but don't buy it!!!

https://themarket.co.uk/listings/fiat/500l/ef8d5037-22aa-4e69-bf16-9f02021ce0c7?status=live

 

[g8rpi]

Looking at the photos on the website, is it me or is the steering and suspension geometry all over the place? The front drivers side looks particuarly bad. Also with comments like "and hasn’t even been driven on the road since the restoration was completed" there is no telling whaat it handles like. That "not driven" probably means it' not had an MOT. I know it's exempt but I'd have one an a classic that I'd restored myself just in case I missed something. Unfortunatly it looks shiney and that's all that matters to most buyers.


Robert G8RPI.

 

[Toshi 975]

Oh come on, part of the value comes from the fact that the restorers invented a new type of rust coloured zinc plate on some of the bolts, the oil filler cap has a nice blob of weld on it to make it secure, the seal around the spark plugs have been left off along with all the other bits obviously to lighten the car, the earth wire is designed to melt through the insulation onto the exhaust to complete the circuit and the throttle cable has been made extra secure by using part of an electrical connector block.
That first test drive will be awesome

 

[lazylobster]

I see someone has made a comment on the auction site. The owner did not take kindly to it.

I was shocked ! ;-)

 

[Ant Knox]

I see exactly the same in the classic scootering circles. I just can't get my head around the seemingly obvious and often, so easily rectified errors in the final build; how much is a proper fuel hose clamp? Or even exhaust heat shield? I'm guessing, like with the scooters, these aren't really aimed at the informed enthusiast, who, with a bit of background knowledge would probably steer clear.
The trouble is, the unsuspecting buyer who regrettably ends up with a failed fuel hose connection and a smouldering wreck is likely to be put off ownership for life!

 

[Toshi 975]

I think that advert and description was put together by a team of estate agents. I must stop looking at the pictures as I keep seeing more things. That interior links like a real mish mash with some odd seat covers, is that bit of aluminium pop riveted on supposed to be a vin plate? There is no clip securing the engine cover restraint tie and underneath there are no rubber boot seals on the drive shaft couplings.

 

[g8rpi]

It's what the british aircraft industry used to call an "American Overhaul". Give it a coat of paint, replace visible fastners etc but don't actually do any serious work.
The underside pictures of the suspension gives clues to the wheel geomety issues. Something is not right. The shock absorber too, new nut, washer and copper grease on the end but corrosion pitting on the body. The wiring is downright dangerous, even for an Italian car

It's an auction so no seller responsibility or consumer protection. A lot of "proper" auctions (not ebay etc) for industrial disposals etc have gone online in recent years as well as cars. Judging from the prices people are paying (higher than retail), many have no idea that they are buying as is with no comback.
I was talking to one of the auction houses I've used for years and they had 300 odd different buyers on about 1000 lots of military surplus tools and test equipment. Previously they would have had 20 to 50 buyers for a similar sale, all of them regular customers.


Robert G8RPI.

 

[g8rpi]

Sold for £16500

 

[MOD500]

It's an auction so no seller responsibility or consumer protection. A lot of "proper" auctions (not ebay etc) for industrial disposals etc have gone online in recent years as well as cars. Judging from the prices people are paying (higher than retail), many have no idea that they are buying as is with no comback.

Robert G8RPI.

It's the perfect time to punt cars via online auctions when potential customers are unable to visit the vehicles while we're all stuck indoors. I feel bad for whoever bought this car! The cable tie and the earth strap are likely symbolic of the rest of the issues that will reveal themselves in time.

 

[fiat500]

It's the perfect time to punt cars via online auctions when potential customers are unable to visit the vehicles while we're all stuck indoors. I feel bad for whoever bought this car! The cable tie and the earth strap are likely symbolic of the rest of the issues that will reveal themselves in time.

Yes, Sheila insisted that we buy a replacement used car from Arnold Clark a couple of months ago. I said wait until we can see one properly...what's the rush just now?!! Of course, when we spotted an obvious dent on the sill we'd already paid for it. Despite reporting it promptly and within the approval time, we just got fobbed off with, effectively, what do you expect in a secondhand car?

 

[JumpJet]

This sounds like the UK's versions of our BringATrailer.com; the relatively new, ridiculous price garnering auction site. A recently restored 500 from Sicily sold for ~$29,000. There's currently a rather plain-lane '69 L up for bid, so it will be interesting to see what it goes for.

https://bringatrailer.com/fiat/500/

If this silliness continues, I might have to up my insurance coverage on little old Martina.

 

[Ant Knox]

That's strong money for 9/10ths of a Fiat 500!

 

[Bigvtwin996]

I love looking at BAT..
especially the pretend Jollys.... they make me smile...

the 1960 car is interesting...
with its pre mid 58 bodywork and engine.....

whilst it is an Original Jolly it was not made in 1960

Like most people have said... it is truly shocking some of the "Ground Up restorations" that seem to change hands for shocking amounts....