Styling Home made 500C classic style picnic rack.

[euroboy]

It was with some trepidation that I opened the email containing the pics of the home-made boot rack my Dad has knocked up for my Mum's Fiat 500C, but actually I think he's done a pretty decent job.

Theres nothing like this on the market to buy, either from Fiat or anyone else. So using parts he had laying around and bits n pieces from B&Q he has created this:

Im told its about 99% complete - things like the badge alignment and some varnishing to sort. I think he mentioned getting it chrome plated too.

Most expensive thing was the Fiat badge, I think total cost is less than 70GBP.

Quite impressed with the old sod

 

[Venters]

Thats very cool.

 

[Bhindi]

Brilliant, it will be the envy of many.

 

[pearce_jj]

Is the tow-bar factory-fitted?

 

[loveshandbags]

Theres nothing like this on the market to buy, either from Fiat or anyone else. So using parts he had laying around and bits n pieces from B&Q he has created this:
…
Im told its about 99% complete - things like the badge alignment and some varnishing to sort. I think he mentioned getting it chrome plated too.
Most expensive thing was the Fiat badge, I think total cost is less than 70GBP.
Quite impressed with the old sod

Very impressive looking picnic basket 'arrangement' euroboy.
I hope there's a nice chilled bottle of wine in there.

 

[RobW]

Or you just put it in the boot....

 

[306maxi]

Or you just put it in the boot....

My thoughts exactly. The 500 has more than enough space in the back for a picnic for 4. But I guess it fits in with the imagery in the brochure.....

 

[loveshandbags]

That rack will take a much bigger basket - enough for all the family.
I reckon the guy with the roof rack might be interested in this.:devil:

 

[Littala]

I like it. Will you post pictures when it's complete? It'd look great with the metal parts chromed.

 

[RobinPJ]

I really like it - and it does make sense because the boot may have other things filling it.

But is it technically illegal because it covers the "high level" brake light? Does that have to be visible from behind or only the proper brake lights?

 

[loveshandbags]

I really like it - and it does make sense because the boot may have other things filling it.

But is it technically illegal because it covers the "high level" brake light? Does that have to be visible from behind or only the proper brake lights?

If the roof is at stage 1 it will be OK.

 

[Bookish]

Looks mint, he's done a fantastic job. Little tip, use "Osmo" products for the wood they are the very best as they are micro porous not standard varnish as it will split and crack.

 

[eco sTAr]

Another good product is Burgess woodsealer.
It was designed for a marine environment, so it'll be fine for use on the rack.

I've used it on my patio furniture. 8 years on it still looks good, with a quick refresh once a year.

 

[euroboy]

Hi Folks,

I will update with further pics once its chromed etc - I think it would look better with a slightly bigger basket.

As far as the 3rd brake light goes..... doesit matter (legally) as long as the two main ones are visible?

The tow hook is not factory - came from Witter. Fitted to the car by my Dad in around 2hrs (no drilling needed, mounting points already in the chassis) and then he paid an auto sparks to plug it all in. He got the correct loom which interfaces with the CANBUS etc....

 

[306maxi]

Hi Folks,

I will update with further pics once its chromed etc - I think it would look better with a slightly bigger basket.

As far as the 3rd brake light goes..... doesit matter (legally) as long as the two main ones are visible?

I would say it does matter.

 

[euroboy]

I would say it does matter.

Well, I would say it doesnt. Its only the 3rd brake light, you know there are 2 others.... right

 

[306maxi]

Well, I would say it doesnt. Its only the 3rd brake light, you know there are 2 others.... right

You might say that.....

https://www.fiatforum.com/leisure-lounge/145329-covering-3rd-brake-light-fails-mot.html

 

[loveshandbags]

The 3rd brake light is normally high up. so with the roof dropped its now low down. So if there's a picnic basket obscuring the light I reckon it should not be an issue. It would be viewed as a 'fault of the design'.

1. For an MOT - it will pass because it will be working and it will be in the 'high place'.
2. If the Police stopped the car - what can they be charged with ?
3. If there's an issue all you have to do is put the roof up to stage 1 where its's open but not fully retracted.

 

[Murano16v]

Has it been road tested with a heavy load of hamper type stuff in it. Looks to me like it would simply fly off if you took a bend a bit too quick.
What about wasps, rain and things or exhaust gasses smoking your sandwiches, but if it's just for looks....

 

[euroboy]

The 3rd brake light is normally high up. so with the roof dropped its now low down. So if there's a picnic basket obscuring the light I reckon it should not be an issue. It would be viewed as a 'fault of the design'.

1. For an MOT - it will pass because it will be working and it will be in the 'high place'.
2. If the Police stopped the car - what can they be charged with ?
3. If there's an issue all you have to do is put the roof up to stage 1 where its's open but not fully retracted.

Good to see there are still some people around with common sense:slayer:

I think its more for looks than anything else - a fun project with some spare parts.