Topic: 68 Fiat Abarth 1300 Coupe

[evannice]

Looks promising.  They did not find significant rust areas, just a few small cut and patch places.  Mostly they have been straightening out panels to get rid of the "sack of potatos" look.  And they spent some time (and a lot of skill) making the driver's door fit right.  They expect it to be in primer by end of next week.

[viotti600]

Lookin' good so far!

Just curious...what shop are you having do the body & paint work?

-JS.

[evannice]

Hi JS,

It's Vintage Customs near Seattle.  They do a lot of Alfas and assorted similar cars such as old Lancias.  They post many challenging projects on the Alfa Bulletin Board for us hobbyists to watch and learn.  They work together with a suspension and racing shop called Group 2.

[evannice]

Okay, body panels are straight as can be now and the car went to primer today.  Here it is just before primer.

[evannice]

Hi gang, a question of originality for you please.  I told the body shop that the C pillars should not have emblems, but they tell me that the holes that are there are "factory stamped" in their opinion.  (I am talking about flat areas behind both of the rear side windows, 2 holes each).  My reference photos show no emblems, and the ones that were on this car were modern repros.  What do y'all say? 

[viotti600]

 No, there are not supposed to be any emblems in that C-post area. The only emblems on the car are on the front grille (large Abarth shield with tri-color top that I sold to you), the front corner of the hood (the rectangular "1300" badge) & on the rear body panel (the chromed "FIAT ABARTH 1300" lettering).

-JS.

[evannice]

First round of primer is on and they are blocking it flat as can be, then a second round of primer will go on before paint.

[evannice]

Very early in this thread JS warned me that the 850 coupes liked to rust in the door frame pillars.  Today I was talking with the shop and they mentioned that they had indeed found and repaired some ugly spots there but had not mentioned it to me.  They were kind enough to go back and find photos of the areas for me to see.  Here they are.

[evannice]

Nasty areas cut out, new metal fabricated and welded in place, then on with the priming and blocking.  They also treat all enclosed areas with body cavity wax prior to undercoating.

[Pantdino]

sounds like your body shop is doing a really good job!

Jim

[zippyfiat]

Wow, Eric, that is looking great!  Can't wait to see it painted.  I have also heard that the 850s like to rust in the A-pillar (from inside out).  I had someone once tell me that Fiat filled them with foam, but I don't think that is the case.  Are you going to spray the cavities with any kind of rust inhibitor?  I was thinking of Waxoyl or something similar for mine.  I think there are a couple of good ones on the market.

I should think of a good excuse to go down to Seattle so I can check out your car in person, lol.

Gil

[evannice]

Hi Gil,

Yes, the body shop is going to treat the inner voids with Waxoyl or similar so there won't be any further rust issues.  I am planning to take a trip up there once they get the paint on so we can talk about details in person.  I'll let you know when that is coming up, maybe you would like to have a look with me.

Eric

[zippyfiat]

Hi Eric, please do let me know when you are planning to go to the shop.  I'd love to check things out.  I've always enjoyed going to Seattle - Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, clam chowder at Ivar's on the waterfront.

BTW, we drove down to San Diego 3 summers ago and visited a friend.  We got to see Balboa Park and Old Town - really nice.  We were only there for 2 days, so didn't have time to see much.  Of course, that was before you had your 1300....

[evannice]

Well the car never quite made it to the paint booth.  They found some more hidden rust at the bottom of the A pillars and rockers, so this will take some more time to repair well.

[viotti600]

Ack! Now ain't that a pisser? So close. Oh, well. Better now than later, eh?

I fear my car will be much of the same once I dig into it, but only on the left side thankfully.


Cheers,
 -JS.