General Rescued Panda!

[kolza]

As above, I can only memntion that door brace is essential and as many datum poinst as you can take from you original structure. I wouldn't lie saying the B-B pillar brace approx. 12 inch over boot floor level would make me more confident regards shell current dims.

 

[pooroldcodger]

Do you mean a brace across the door aperture, or across the width of the car from passenger side b pillar to driver's side b pillar?

 

[kolza]

Do you mean a brace across the door aperture, or across the width of the car from passenger side b pillar to driver's side b pillar?

Actualy both,as I've noticed when the lower outer rear quarter panel is removed, B pillar seems to be a bit flimsy.

 

[pooroldcodger]

OK thanks. I was planning on putting some extra support under the engine as well to take some more pressure off the structure.

 

[pooroldcodger]

To brace across the door aperture I need to get hold of some steel.
From those that have done this before, is it best to get a bar or box-section?
Do I just need normal mild steel?
I was thinking of making a bracket at the door hinge end and using the hinge bolt holes at that end to secure the brace, but at the other end would I have to weld it to the B pillar?

 

[panda1408]

Any mild steel box section, tube or angle iron will do, does not need to be very thick either. You could make a bracket but it's easier and much quicker to just tack it to the door frame and then cut it off when finished. You don't need to go mad welding it on, two good tacks on each end will hold it no problem.

 

[pooroldcodger]

Thank you :0

 

[pooroldcodger]

I will be starting on the sill work in the next week or so, but in the meantime I want to take the washer reservoir out as there is some rust under it that needs dealing with.
Is it just a couple of bolts or is there anything to beware of? Haynes doesn't say much so I assume it is easy and obvious?
Thanks.

 

[Giacosa]

I would soak the nuts in WD40 or similar. They attach to captive bolts on the bodyshell so you don't want to shear them off during removal.

 

[panda1408]

There is one nut that holds it in, undo that and then slide towards the back of the car and it should come out.

 

[pooroldcodger]

Thanks guys. Hoping it's only a bit of surface rustage but about to find out!

 

[pooroldcodger]

Yes it was only surface rust. That's a result anyway.
Does anybody have a picture of what this section (see attached) should look like?
I am trying to work out how the bottom section should look.

 

[the stig/130]

well done with the ongoing work, christine passed her mot test this morning, won`t belong till your test?

 

[pooroldcodger]

well done with the ongoing work, christine passed her mot test this morning, won`t belong till your test?

Thanks Stiggy. Well done on "Christine"!
I have the biggest part to do now, the near side inner and outer sills and the edge of the floor where it meets the inner sill.
Also this section just below the suspension arm mounting (mine is 2wd and doesn't have leaf springs). I can easily see where I need to re-instate the oval section, but the bottom section has disappeared in to rust and dust so i am trying to find a picture of how it should look.
The other side is almost as bad hence not much help.

 

[kolza]

I can only find those two

 

[pooroldcodger]

I can only find those two

Thanks for that. I thought that the lower part continued to the bottom, but yours seems to cut off at the red line I have marked on mine. Am I right?

 

[kolza]

I haven't found any signs showing else.

 

[pooroldcodger]

I will try to copy yours. It looks really neat. Thanks again

 

[the stig/130]

Thanks Stiggy. Well done on "Christine"!
I have the biggest part to do now, the near side inner and outer sills and the edge of the floor where it meets the inner sill.
Also this section just below the suspension arm mounting (mine is 2wd and doesn't have leaf springs). I can easily see where I need to re-instate the oval section, but the bottom section has disappeared in to rust and dust so i am trying to find a picture of how it should look.
The other side is almost as bad hence not much help.

could bring my panda for you to see in the "metal" if that would help,

 

[pooroldcodger]

Thanks Stiggy. I might just have to take you up on that.
A small matter of our Mk2 Punto with a voracious appetite for oil following a HG job to investigate this weekend. This is why I am making such slow progress!!