- Joined
- Sep 14, 2009
- Messages
- 19,841
- Points
- 3,388
If a rear axle causes tyres to foul bodywork or was not fitted correctly then for sure the insurers and legals would have something to say. But the 500 axle is no different to a 169 axle fitted with hub spacer blocks except its correctly engineered.
The brakes, shocks in fact everything is the same. It's literally bolt on bolt off. The differences are built in anti roll bar and softer springs.
The 500 springs ride better but are also lower so I will be refitting the original Panda springs. 100HP ride height looks fine but not with cooking version ride height at the front.
The 500 axle is 25mm wider track at each side (50mm overall). With normal steel wheels the difference is hardly noticeable and there are no clearance issues at all. Before fitting the springs I fitted the wheels and jacked it beyond normal full bump. Zero problems.
However. I suspect the 100HP wheels might not be such an easy fit. If anyone not too far from Exeter/Torquay wants to check their wheels on my car Im happy for them to fit their 100HP wheels to see if they will work with the 500 axle.
The Panda 169 with 500 axle suffers MUCH less body roll and with 500 springs rides a lot more smoothly and corners like a go kart. Even my wife commented how good it is and she's "only" taking kids to school etc. !!!
If anyone wants it - my old axle is being cleaned up and will be sold. Its not as badly rusted as I had thought. Make me an offer.
I can get it grit blasted and hot zinc metal sprayed for £80 plus petrol money. That would certainly out-last the car.
The brakes, shocks in fact everything is the same. It's literally bolt on bolt off. The differences are built in anti roll bar and softer springs.
The 500 springs ride better but are also lower so I will be refitting the original Panda springs. 100HP ride height looks fine but not with cooking version ride height at the front.
The 500 axle is 25mm wider track at each side (50mm overall). With normal steel wheels the difference is hardly noticeable and there are no clearance issues at all. Before fitting the springs I fitted the wheels and jacked it beyond normal full bump. Zero problems.
However. I suspect the 100HP wheels might not be such an easy fit. If anyone not too far from Exeter/Torquay wants to check their wheels on my car Im happy for them to fit their 100HP wheels to see if they will work with the 500 axle.
The Panda 169 with 500 axle suffers MUCH less body roll and with 500 springs rides a lot more smoothly and corners like a go kart. Even my wife commented how good it is and she's "only" taking kids to school etc. !!!
If anyone wants it - my old axle is being cleaned up and will be sold. Its not as badly rusted as I had thought. Make me an offer.
I can get it grit blasted and hot zinc metal sprayed for £80 plus petrol money. That would certainly out-last the car.
Last edited:
