General Panda (Classic) MOT fail advice please :)

[pandaclassic]

Hi! I have owned my Panda Classic 1986 750 for 18 years now, but off road parking is a problem and I live near the sea. The rust has got really bad, and the bill for repairs to pass the MOT is £1200 Also the welder says it's so much weld on weld now it's not that safe.

We've had many adventures - it's driven to the north of Scotland, Switzerland and even round the Monaco race circuit. For the last year or two it's been used locally for short journeys. It's a great little car and has never let me down, and has been on the road for 30 years, with 127000 miles on the clock.

What to do? Help! I love this car, but am i a fool to save it? If i sold it now with road tax until july 2017 how much would it be worth? Thanks in advance for any suggestions

 

[FDNY21]

18 years! That's a lot of time with the Panda. I'm sure she has served you well. If I were you, I'd try and either fix the problems yourself or see what someone else would quote you for repair first...

Is it mainly just welding/rust that needs doing? Depends on how much you need to do which depends on what will be best.

Here, a 1988 Fiat Panda 750 just went for under £800 the other day: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1988-FIAT...ee4ba7&pid=100011&rk=3&rkt=18&sd=152255546858

It looked pretty decent, low miles and a bit of rust on the doors and a few other niggly bits, but nothing too extremely bad.

So, if it really will cost you £1,200, it may be more cost-effective to go for another one. But in terms of sentimental value, the story behind that car and the fact they're becoming more collectible, it may be enough to sway you to go ahead and fix it...

If you want the Panda properly done up then have a word with VmanC - he's done some great stuff with Pandas and has a company set up which you can look at here if you'd like: http://limitededitionsunlimited.co.uk/

 

[kolza]

Hi and welcome.


No you are NOT mad trying to keep the vehicle on road.


Road tax is not transferable any more, so you will get refunded.


Which part of the coast you live in? If North Yorks I could have a look at it.
£1200 does not sounds much overpriced, but welder with more fiat/panda experience could give you more acceptable quote. All depend on the finish you are after.


Sorry to say but currently your car value will be low, almost as for scrap metal. Definitely much more worth in terms of sentiment and all the memories.

 

[pandaclassic]

Thank you FDNY21 & kolza for your help and kind words. I think the rust bit was £600 and then brakes& lights and some other bits and a new fuel filler neck as there's a smell of petrol in the car when driving and as I have little kiddies, this is the thing which would drive me to part with my old friend *sob* . I'm based in Southsea, Portsmouth so close to the panda restorer in Hampshire - thanks I will definitely give him a shout- but not so great for the North East thanks for the kindly offer

 

[FDNY21]

Thank you FDNY21 & kolza for your help and kind words. I think the rust bit was £600 and then brakes& lights and some other bits and a new fuel filler neck as there's a smell of petrol in the car when driving and as I have little kiddies, this is the thing which would drive me to part with my old friend *sob* . I'm based in Southsea, Portsmouth so close to the panda restorer in Hampshire - thanks I will definitely give him a shout- but not so great for the North East thanks for the kindly offer

Hopefully some of it can be done for cheaper or done by yourself to make the car worth keeping. Sentimental value can be more important than the value of the car in money at the end of the day!

The Panda restorer is someone I've talked to several times and has always been helpful. He may be able to give you a couple of pointers if need be as well (for parts, services etc), and if you can get your car down to him I know he is very good with them so should be able to help you out!

 

[Michael Dranfield]

18 years! That's a lot of time with the Panda. I'm sure she has served you well. If I were you, I'd try and either fix the problems yourself or see what someone else would quote you for repair first...

Is it mainly just welding/rust that needs doing? Depends on how much you need to do which depends on what will be best.

Here, a 1988 Fiat Panda 750 just went for under £800 the other day: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1988-FIAT...ee4ba7&pid=100011&rk=3&rkt=18&sd=152255546858

It looked pretty decent, low miles and a bit of rust on the doors and a few other niggly bits, but nothing too extremely bad.

So, if it really will cost you £1,200, it may be more cost-effective to go for another one. But in terms of sentimental value, the story behind that car and the fact they're becoming more collectible, it may be enough to sway you to go ahead and fix it...

If you want the Panda properly done up then have a word with VmanC - he's done some great stuff with Pandas and has a company set up which you can look at here if you'd like: http://limitededitionsunlimited.co.uk/

Bought my Tipo when I was 27 . Im 52 now, I would stick with the panda whatever the cost.

 

[pandaclassic]

Thanks for the words of encouragement FDNY21 and michaeldranfield -I am broken at the thought of loosing my panda Rusty Rouge tbh - and a friend said I have to choose mind over heart, which kinda clinched it - it's always been heart with that car!!

Do you know what would be the best way to contact the Panda Whisperer please? I've tried sending a direct message here, but I'm a bit new to forums and i can't work out whether it worked or not or got lost somewhere! i've also seen pictures of his beautiful pandas and am slightly concerned that mine is too far gone...

Also, if I'm after a car part, should I post it in this section or somewhere else?

Many thanks again!

 

[FDNY21]

Do you know what would be the best way to contact the Panda Whisperer please? I've tried sending a direct message here, but I'm a bit new to forums and i can't work out whether it worked or not or got lost somewhere! i've also seen pictures of his beautiful pandas and am slightly concerned that mine is too far gone...

Also, if I'm after a car part, should I post it in this section or somewhere else?

The mighty Panda Whisperer can be contacted via PM on here but it's best to email him at his business email Especially for something like this related to Pandas! Here's the email: [email protected]

He does have some very nice Pandas, I'm sure he can return yours to its former glory as well. But it will also depend on how far you want to go into reparing/restoring

If you want a car part, I'd recommend making a new thread in the Panda Classic section under the "Technical" pre-heading or something like that and give it the title of the part/help you're looking for. If you need to know part numbers or something along those lines, the ePER tab at the top of the site is helpful...

Hope that helps, but feel free to give me a quote/mention/PM if you need anything else, and go make that thread if you need some bits!

 

[firstcar-Y10]

Also, if I'm after a car part, should I post it in this section or somewhere else?

If you want a car part, I'd recommend making a new thread in the Panda Classic section under the "Technical" pre-heading or something like that and give it the title of the part/help you're looking for. If you need to know part numbers or something along those lines, the ePER tab at the top of the site is helpful...

Not really the official line - there's a classifieds section which you can use to post a wanted ad here if you give it a 'Panda Classic' tag it'll appear alongside this section anyway (unless you're using the mobile version, in which case do yourself a favour and change it to the desktop version, no harder to use unless you have a tiny screen and there's more stuff on view)
You've already started this thread anyway so no harm if you just want to say on here what you're after. I'll guess most of the regulars will see that anyway when they're catching up on new posts.

P.S.....heart! Your car is never going to be financially worth saving but hey, it's your car!

 

[FDNY21]

Not really the official line - there's a classifieds section which you can use to post a wanted ad here if you give it a 'Panda Classic' tag it'll appear alongside this section anyway (unless you're using the mobile version, in which case do yourself a favour and change it to the desktop version, no harder to use unless you have a tiny screen and there's more stuff on view)
You've already started this thread anyway so no harm if you just want to say on here what you're after. I'll guess most of the regulars will see that anyway when they're catching up on new posts.

I knew of the section but didn't realize you could do a wanted ad with the tag and have it come up in the section as well. Guess you learn something new every day... thanks

When it comes to Panda classic threads, I'll look at every one that I haven't seen, so it won't go amiss anyway!

 

[firstcar-Y10]

Only disadvantage is the classified section doesn't appear at all if you're using the mobile version just a bit of a quirk. Desktop version has the bar down the right hand side of the page with for sale/wanted/ebay watch links.

 

[FDNY21]

Only disadvantage is the classified section doesn't appear at all if you're using the mobile version just a bit of a quirk. Desktop version has the bar down the right hand side of the page with for sale/wanted/ebay watch links.

Ah, to be honest, I don't tend to check that part even when on my PC. Perhaps I should, but the threads seem to be the easier way of being in touch with everyone. I tend to post in my thread on members motors though

 

[VmanC]

Thanks for the words of encouragement FDNY21 and michaeldranfield -I am broken at the thought of loosing my panda Rusty Rouge tbh - and a friend said I have to choose mind over heart, which kinda clinched it - it's always been heart with that car!!

Do you know what would be the best way to contact the Panda Whisperer please? I've tried sending a direct message here, but I'm a bit new to forums and i can't work out whether it worked or not or got lost somewhere! i've also seen pictures of his beautiful pandas and am slightly concerned that mine is too far gone...

Also, if I'm after a car part, should I post it in this section or somewhere else?

Many thanks again!

Sorry, just seen this. PM sent.

 

[blu73]

Well it at least deserves being looked over by someone experience in rust repairs on pandas like Vern.. I know, and i think you know, that you can't just throw in the towel without a definitive answer as to if its save-able, you would always regret it if you just let it go. End of the day it really might to to far gone but most stuff can be repaired, sadly the ultimate issue is money alot of the time as it can add up to alot of labour! But sure Vern will sort you out either way

Only disadvantage is the classified section doesn't appear at all if you're using the mobile version just a bit of a quirk. Desktop version has the bar down the right hand side of the page with for sale/wanted/ebay watch links.

Classifieds works on the app though if on a mobile device Or as you say switch to desktop mode, the app is pretty good these days though

 

[pandaclassic]

Thank you FDNY21 firstcar-Y10 blu73 for all your advice and encouragement and VmanC thanks for the contact details. I need a fuel filler neck for a 1986 750 in Portsmouth - hopefully VmanC can help & otherwise I'll put a shout out in the Classifieds & try and do a link! Many thanks again

 

[VmanC]

Thank you FDNY21 firstcar-Y10 blu73 for all your advice and encouragement and VmanC thanks for the contact details. I need a fuel filler neck for a 1986 750 in Portsmouth - hopefully VmanC can help & otherwise I'll put a shout out in the Classifieds & try and do a link! Many thanks again

I'll see what I have about, but not sure I can help with the filler neck.

 

[Didge3]

I'm based in Southsea, Portsmouth)

I knew I'd seen this car before! Also in Southsea Don't own my Panda anymore but I was driving it around in Portsmouth for 2 years (where the sea air likes to rust the sills up nicely )
Have you ever seen the white 750 Formula driving about? I think we were the only classic Panda owners in Portsmouth
Also made the trip up to Vern's (VmanC) often, I bought my Panda from him so can definitely vouch for his Panda whispering skills

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

MOT history of this vehicle
Test date22 September 2016 Test ResultFail Odometer reading128,032 miles MOT test number7821 4271 7009 Reason(s) for failure
Position lamp switch does not illuminate the front and rear position lamps with a single operation (1.1.A.2)
All position lamps not working (1.1.A.3b)
nearside front Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)
offside front Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)
front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)
nearside rear Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)
offside rear Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)
Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)
rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)
nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded outer & inner sill (5.2.6)
nearside rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)
nearside rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded chassis /inner arch (2.4.A.3)
offside rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)
offside rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded inner arch/chassis-rear (2.4.A.3)
Service brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)
Advisory notice item(s)
baby seats fitted
carpet gets in way of pedals
chassis/body work poor conditon

I've seen worse fails. TBH I think that £1200 sounds more like a we don't want the business price.

I'd be surprised if a normal garage, for £1200 would be doing a long term repair, like some of the enthusiast repairers on here would.