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Buyer beware #1608313
23/09/2017 08:16
23/09/2017 08:16
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 87
Notts
1200smithy Offline OP
Reaping the fruits
1200smithy  Offline OP
Reaping the fruits

Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 87
Notts
I've got a couple of FIAT PF 1500 Cabrios and spotted a 16v Coupe on Ebay.It looked absolutely mint Rosso Speed Red in the pics and the attached blurb read like the spec sheet for a new car. I just had to have it. So going against all my own common sense I bid on it unseen and won it! I drove 150 miles to get it and when I saw it it looked absolutely stunning from 10ft. The interior was good for the mileage, 125,000. Cloth seats changed to leather.
Now the bad bits! Most of the black external trim and the wing mirrors were tatty. I lifted the bonnet and saw a filthy mess. Loose wires, Leaking cam box cover, no belly plate and I could not see any original FIAT Fasteners anywhere, most with rounded flats. Various fasteners missing, The battery was shot, had to change it to get it out of Gt Yarmouth. I noticed 1 chip in the screen, but then found 2 more when I got home. Two ignition coils (?) were fitted, with roofing bolts.
Still it got me home with good oil pressure, but I've got a mountain to climb to get this car anywhere near what I paid for it, but what the heck it will keep me out of the pub for a while!!


Smithy
59 PF 1500 Lampredi twincam Cabrio,
63 PF 1500 Lampredi cross flow Cabrio,
95 PF 16v Coupe
Re: Buyer beware [Re: 1200smithy] #1608333
23/09/2017 14:05
23/09/2017 14:05
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,095
Berkshire
AnnieMac Offline
Enjoying the ride
AnnieMac  Offline
Enjoying the ride

Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,095
Berkshire
You don't have to go ahead with an eBay purchase if it's significantly "not as described".


[Linked Image]
Re: Buyer beware [Re: 1200smithy] #1608334
23/09/2017 14:21
23/09/2017 14:21
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 602
Stockport
patrickstar Offline
Enjoying the ride
patrickstar  Offline
Enjoying the ride

Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 602
Stockport
Sounds like a lot of work ahead of you, if you need any original bolts etc let me know and I'll send you some.

Re: Buyer beware [Re: 1200smithy] #1608339
23/09/2017 15:17
23/09/2017 15:17
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,057
Southsea
G
Gunzi Offline
Club member 189, Former Club President
Gunzi  Offline
Club member 189, Former Club President
Je suis un Coupé
G

Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,057
Southsea
Shame it wasn't as described but it's great to hear you are planning on keeping her. If you have any technical questions the forum has a wealth of knowledge, good luck!

Re: Buyer beware [Re: 1200smithy] #1608343
23/09/2017 16:09
23/09/2017 16:09
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,090
highlands
jimboy Online happy
Club Member 857
jimboy  Online Happy
Club Member 857
Forum is my life

Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,090
highlands
Of absolutely no help to you whats so ever, but no real surprises there. Then again as said you could go down as the described description. I've never bought an unseen car in my life, things are a tad different these days. Just my thoughts smile


I'm an old git & happy with it,most of the time
Re: Buyer beware [Re: 1200smithy] #1608378
24/09/2017 08:12
24/09/2017 08:12
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 221
norwich
sharman Offline
Making a profit
sharman  Offline
Making a profit

Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 221
norwich
Is it m578nac?

Re: Buyer beware [Re: sharman] #1608393
24/09/2017 14:24
24/09/2017 14:24
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 87
Notts
1200smithy Offline OP
Reaping the fruits
1200smithy  Offline OP
Reaping the fruits

Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 87
Notts
Yes Mate to my shame!
Regards
Smithy


Smithy
59 PF 1500 Lampredi twincam Cabrio,
63 PF 1500 Lampredi cross flow Cabrio,
95 PF 16v Coupe
Re: Buyer beware [Re: AnnieMac] #1608394
24/09/2017 14:29
24/09/2017 14:29
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 87
Notts
1200smithy Offline OP
Reaping the fruits
1200smithy  Offline OP
Reaping the fruits

Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 87
Notts
Thanks. I know, but the car is worth saving. Where it was it was doomed!!


Smithy
59 PF 1500 Lampredi twincam Cabrio,
63 PF 1500 Lampredi cross flow Cabrio,
95 PF 16v Coupe
Re: Buyer beware [Re: jimboy] #1608395
24/09/2017 14:30
24/09/2017 14:30
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 87
Notts
1200smithy Offline OP
Reaping the fruits
1200smithy  Offline OP
Reaping the fruits

Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 87
Notts
There's a first time for every thing. I can't believe I did it!


Smithy
59 PF 1500 Lampredi twincam Cabrio,
63 PF 1500 Lampredi cross flow Cabrio,
95 PF 16v Coupe
Re: Buyer beware [Re: patrickstar] #1608396
24/09/2017 14:33
24/09/2017 14:33
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 87
Notts
1200smithy Offline OP
Reaping the fruits
1200smithy  Offline OP
Reaping the fruits

Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 87
Notts
Cheers. If I need stuff I'll get back to you. Nothing will happen until spring next year except a general tidy. Can't believe that any one who was fastidious with external appearance was so lacking in basic mechanical knowledge!


Smithy
59 PF 1500 Lampredi twincam Cabrio,
63 PF 1500 Lampredi cross flow Cabrio,
95 PF 16v Coupe
Re: Buyer beware [Re: 1200smithy] #1608399
24/09/2017 15:22
24/09/2017 15:22
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 221
norwich
sharman Offline
Making a profit
sharman  Offline
Making a profit

Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 221
norwich
Your car was owned by a forum member local to me for 14 years (frary) . He sold it in June to who I'm guessing you bought it from. although I never saw the car It seemed to be a very well maintained example from his various pics and posts. It did seem strange the new owner flipped it so quickly.

Re: Buyer beware [Re: sharman] #1608401
24/09/2017 15:46
24/09/2017 15:46
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 87
Notts
1200smithy Offline OP
Reaping the fruits
1200smithy  Offline OP
Reaping the fruits

Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 87
Notts
Spot on Sharman. The car looked awesome on the outside, and the work described as done was considerable., However the engine bay and interior of the boot looks as if it was assembled by a guy with no mechanical knowledge or sympathy whatsoever, using fasteners etc from a bankrupt Victorian iron mongers. Obviously I don't know who did this and really don't care, but would like to find out more about the car. I have tried to contact Frary, on this forum,but to no avail. My biggest worriesare the cam and auxiliary belts, Supposed to have been changed, about 6000 miles ago,but no real proof.
There is no rust, and the paintwork is 95% so far as that I can find, so I will get this car into proper mechanical condition, which includes ditching an expensive exhaust system that would be more suitable on a Group 5 rally car.
Any help I can get from you or others on this forum will be greatly appreciated.


Smithy
59 PF 1500 Lampredi twincam Cabrio,
63 PF 1500 Lampredi cross flow Cabrio,
95 PF 16v Coupe
Re: Buyer beware [Re: 1200smithy] #1608402
24/09/2017 16:53
24/09/2017 16:53
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 13,200
england
C
came2dance Offline
I AM a Coop
came2dance  Offline
I AM a Coop
C

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 13,200
england
Tell the truth if you got it for the right price it doesn't sound too bad really. Sounds untidy more than anything. I spent a week polishing my new acquisition and whole night cleaning the sahara desert out of my boot - made it look lovely, shortly before the engine threw it's dummy out - no doubt over my new lover laugh


[Linked Image]www.chrisdoyle-photography.co.uk

Re: Buyer beware [Re: 1200smithy] #1608404
24/09/2017 17:07
24/09/2017 17:07
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 221
norwich
sharman Offline
Making a profit
sharman  Offline
Making a profit

Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 221
norwich
That I would say is the pot of gold. No rust. These days it seems a rust free coupe with good paint is the better buy. Out of curiosity which fasteners in the boot are you talking about?

Re: Buyer beware [Re: came2dance] #1608414
24/09/2017 20:41
24/09/2017 20:41
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 87
Notts
1200smithy Offline OP
Reaping the fruits
1200smithy  Offline OP
Reaping the fruits

Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 87
Notts
I have no idea whether I paid the right price, but not really too worried as in it for the long hall. It's basically tidy up time to start with until i have learnt more about the car. definitely the exhaust has got to go. Shame cos it looks brand new!
I've got 2 other Fiats but they are off another planet, com;pared to the Coupe so I have a lot to learn with this car. One of these was an ex desert racer from California and came with wasps nest in the sub frame and a store of nuts for a squirrel in the seat squab. It has taken 16 years of my time, so far, and hope to get it on the road about Christmas.


Smithy
59 PF 1500 Lampredi twincam Cabrio,
63 PF 1500 Lampredi cross flow Cabrio,
95 PF 16v Coupe
Re: Buyer beware [Re: sharman] #1608415
24/09/2017 20:57
24/09/2017 20:57
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 87
Notts
1200smithy Offline OP
Reaping the fruits
1200smithy  Offline OP
Reaping the fruits

Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 87
Notts
Boot that's a story! Well there are no fasteners in this boot! All was loose and flapping about. Amazingly all the linings are as new. I would say a previous owner acquired a complete set from another car and simply threw all the fasteners away. Not only that but the side panels were not even clamped under the edge trim.
The missing fasteners are a row at the front holding in the floor and and a couple more securing the boot roof lining. I guess these were plastic screw rivets or similar. There is a hard plastic cover at the rear which should be held with 3 screws. Only the central screw was nearly in, the other 2 were missing.
Not a big job to sort out and ordered a load of Plastic rivets off E bay today and sorted out the side panels and hard back panel to day.
Bonus is clear Waxoyle every where!


Smithy
59 PF 1500 Lampredi twincam Cabrio,
63 PF 1500 Lampredi cross flow Cabrio,
95 PF 16v Coupe
Re: Buyer beware [Re: jimboy] #1608416
24/09/2017 21:01
24/09/2017 21:01
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 87
Notts
1200smithy Offline OP
Reaping the fruits
1200smithy  Offline OP
Reaping the fruits

Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 87
Notts
First time for me jimboy and I was in Malta when I did it so am not complaining about the car, but rather my stupidity! frown


Smithy
59 PF 1500 Lampredi twincam Cabrio,
63 PF 1500 Lampredi cross flow Cabrio,
95 PF 16v Coupe
Re: Buyer beware [Re: 1200smithy] #1608476
26/09/2017 05:36
26/09/2017 05:36
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,095
Berkshire
AnnieMac Offline
Enjoying the ride
AnnieMac  Offline
Enjoying the ride

Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,095
Berkshire
I bought my last 3 cars - two Coupes and an Alfa - on eBay auctions without prior viewing. Both Coupes needed quite a bit of work in spite of having MOTs. The Alfa is a great car but it has under body rust. Can't grumble for £430 though!


[Linked Image]
Re: Buyer beware [Re: 1200smithy] #1618738
11/04/2018 12:25
11/04/2018 12:25
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 87
Notts
1200smithy Offline OP
Reaping the fruits
1200smithy  Offline OP
Reaping the fruits

Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 87
Notts
More Horrors.
Started to really look underneath now. Car has got new flex brake pipes smile But they are at least twice as long as required and looped up with tie wraps to the springs here and there ooo, Don't know how it ever got an MOT. Then had a look at Fluid Res. No Float !! Front Discs next. Only about 50% of surface usable. Oh and near side rear wheel bearing worn.
I guess there must still be places where a friendly MOT can be obtained!!
So has any body got a used Brake fluid level float I can Buy and any clues as to where I can find brake pipe flexis will be very welcome.
Good News at last ! Not a sign of corrosion new rad arms, top mounts, springs, Various? shocks and engine mounts fitted


Smithy
59 PF 1500 Lampredi twincam Cabrio,
63 PF 1500 Lampredi cross flow Cabrio,
95 PF 16v Coupe
Re: Buyer beware [Re: 1200smithy] #1618740
11/04/2018 13:21
11/04/2018 13:21
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 12,643
Watford
MarioCirillo Offline
Ex El Presidente
MarioCirillo  Offline
Ex El Presidente
I AM a Coop

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 12,643
Watford
Jo at FCSS has full brake lines and flexis available and most certainly the float.

www.fiatcoupespecialist.co.uk/
Give him a call


Proud Owner of Rosso Speed LE041
Re: Buyer beware [Re: 1200smithy] #1618741
11/04/2018 13:58
11/04/2018 13:58
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 87
Notts
1200smithy Offline OP
Reaping the fruits
1200smithy  Offline OP
Reaping the fruits

Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 87
Notts
http://i64.tinypic.com/x3zqm1.jpg
What is this. Should it be solid?


Smithy
59 PF 1500 Lampredi twincam Cabrio,
63 PF 1500 Lampredi cross flow Cabrio,
95 PF 16v Coupe
Re: Buyer beware [Re: MarioCirillo] #1618742
11/04/2018 14:04
11/04/2018 14:04
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 87
Notts
1200smithy Offline OP
Reaping the fruits
1200smithy  Offline OP
Reaping the fruits

Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 87
Notts
Thanks. I will give them a call


Smithy
59 PF 1500 Lampredi twincam Cabrio,
63 PF 1500 Lampredi cross flow Cabrio,
95 PF 16v Coupe
Re: Buyer beware [Re: 1200smithy] #1618743
11/04/2018 14:14
11/04/2018 14:14
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 221
norwich
sharman Offline
Making a profit
sharman  Offline
Making a profit

Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 221
norwich
Originally Posted By 1200smithy
http://i64.tinypic.com/x3zqm1.jpg
What is this. Should it be solid?


Wow!! A cowboy lasso! That should be a flexi but not that long.
You say about "friendly MOTs". Your car lived in Norfolk most its life! It's the wild West here when it comes to MOTs. Ive only lived here 3 years and I could tell some real horror stories.

Re: Buyer beware [Re: 1200smithy] #1618768
11/04/2018 19:10
11/04/2018 19:10
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,388
Caston, Norfolk
Blueboyracer Offline
Competition Level
Blueboyracer  Offline
Competition Level

Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,388
Caston, Norfolk
I have been working on doing the work for the MOT on my 16v for months now, some welding and rear brakes.
Maybe I should not have bothered as I am doing the work in garage in Norfolk (Caston) and taking it to a local MOT station tomorrow.

Re: Buyer beware [Re: 1200smithy] #1618774
11/04/2018 20:06
11/04/2018 20:06
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 12,643
Watford
MarioCirillo Offline
Ex El Presidente
MarioCirillo  Offline
Ex El Presidente
I AM a Coop

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 12,643
Watford
o dear they have used the front braided hoses on the back

please please please remove them and get a proper set of the OE hoses form FCSS

Many people have fitted these and many have failed. Jo can provide the hard pipes and the proper rubber flexies


Proud Owner of Rosso Speed LE041
Re: Buyer beware [Re: Blueboyracer] #1618787
12/04/2018 06:37
12/04/2018 06:37
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 221
norwich
sharman Offline
Making a profit
sharman  Offline
Making a profit

Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 221
norwich
Originally Posted By BBR
I have been working on doing the work for the MOT on my 16v for months now, some welding and rear brakes.
Maybe I should not have bothered as I am doing the work in garage in Norfolk (Caston) and taking it to a local MOT station tomorrow.


That's how I felt after my last MOT. I spent 9 days doing a huge amount of work beforehand, welding in a new floor, flexi's , hard brake lines, steering rack.. big stuff.
Dropped it into a place across from my work who I had no prior dealing with. But I could see his yard from mine and when he took it in I walked across the road to watch ( nervous about my welding) He ran the emmisions test and spent the rest of the time next to the terminal on his phone. It didn't go up on a ramp or on the brake rollers.
And he didn't open the bonnet cause the cable snapped years ago.
But it passed.

Re: Buyer beware [Re: MarioCirillo] #1618793
12/04/2018 07:44
12/04/2018 07:44
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,384
Lightwater, Surrey
DaveG Offline
Club Treasurer Member 311
DaveG  Offline
Club Treasurer Member 311
Je suis un Coupé

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,384
Lightwater, Surrey
Originally Posted By MarioCirillo
Many people have fitted these and many have failed.

What do you mean by that?


1996 Portofino 20vt & 2000 Pearl White Plus
1985½ & 2016 2017 Fiat 124 Spider + XF Sportbrake
Re: Buyer beware [Re: 1200smithy] #1618799
12/04/2018 08:16
12/04/2018 08:16
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,994
ation
szkom Offline
Club member 2000
szkom  Offline
Club member 2000
Forum is my job

Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,994
ation
As I recall there was a spate of failures from a group buy where the front 20vt hose didn't fit correctly and would rub. Ultimately they would then burst. Again, best I remember, it was a design issue rather than a quality issue.

Re: Buyer beware [Re: Blueboyracer] #1618801
12/04/2018 08:46
12/04/2018 08:46
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 974
Behind Enemy Lines
Master_Mariner Offline
Club member 583
Master_Mariner  Offline
Club member 583
Enjoying the ride

Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 974
Behind Enemy Lines
Originally Posted By BBR
I have been working on doing the work for the MOT on my 16v for months now, some welding and rear brakes.
Maybe I should not have bothered as I am doing the work in garage in Norfolk (Caston) and taking it to a local MOT station tomorrow.


If it doesn't pass- let me know. Have a coupe fan MOT tester near me....there are a lot of benefits of living in the wild east ;-)

Re: Buyer beware [Re: 1200smithy] #1618852
13/04/2018 10:13
13/04/2018 10:13
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 87
Notts
1200smithy Offline OP
Reaping the fruits
1200smithy  Offline OP
Reaping the fruits

Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 87
Notts


Smithy
59 PF 1500 Lampredi twincam Cabrio,
63 PF 1500 Lampredi cross flow Cabrio,
95 PF 16v Coupe
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