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“DOUG’S DILEMA”
In October 2005 I came into possession (through eBay) of a FIAT 500 “convertible”, a 500D which someone in Qld cut the roof off. For whatever reason, he/she then decided to reinforce the body by adding about a tonne of angle iron. Fair dinkum, it took four burly blokes to move it off the truck when it arrived.
The doors had been welded shut, and cut down, and then angle iron was added all over it.
But it was a clean, rust-free body shell, so I thought I might try to give it a new lease of life. I got a head-start when I located a 500F which was totally rusted, but all the mechanicals and electrics seemed to be OK.
I also got great help from Tony Potter in Adelaide, who tracked down some 500D doors, which will (eventually) open and close, instead of the welded-up cut-downs which are currently there.
I’ve included some photos of the “convertible” and also the donor rusted-wreck.
So, as of New Year 2006, I’m at the stage where the wreck has been stripped, and all the parts are there, ready for transplanting. I’ve also painted the body shell with anti-rust paint, and now the real fun will begin, as I try to put it all together.
To be continued………………..
Any contributions, suggestions, advice and wisdom from anyone who has attempted a similar project are very welcome at number14@bigpond.com.
Doug Sharp
bravenet.com
