Why mick131 is totally awesome!

[pintopower]

So, about 6 months ago, I was looking at mick131's posts on his 131. I noticed in the back ground there was a front bumper (I think you guys call them fenders) for a Strada 105 TC. I inquired about it and purchased it from him. He then located a new rear bumpers, all the lights, and allowed me to ship a spoiler to him from an ebay purchase in England. THEN, he went through all the trouble of finding a shipper to get them to me in California, USA. THEN he worked with the shipper to get it through US customs. Well, yesterday afternoon, while working on my Ford Pinto, the truck arrived with my parts. Wow. I was excited! My Strada is even more excited! Funny thing is, while working with him on these bumpers, I was talking to a man in italy with a base model set. I figured one of them would flake out. Nope. Both people came through. Now I need another Strada. HA HA! Just wanted to let you guys know what a great member you all have here! I am very happy with my parts and glad to have found Strada parts on a 131 site!

What could this be?


WOW! What great parts!

(yes that is a capri II in the background. Notice the US bumpers?)

My cat, Fiat, inspecting the parts. Yes, her name is fiat. She came with my 131 when I bought it.


In case you have never seen how the Americans DESTROYED the look of a Strada/Ritmo, here is mine:




Thanks Again Mick131!

[kev131]

I'll second that..

Mick131 sourced and located some parts for me (it seems like a year ago now) and kept them safely until I could pick them up - Along with some headlights that I had purchased from another member. And while I was there he treated me to a tour of his project and plans for the future.

A true gent...and here is the man himself...



Wow the US did "ruin" the Strada didn't they - I see why you wanted those parts now!! Lets see the pics when you have undone this wrong!!?

[eugene]

Yes those american bumpers/fenders are ugly. ,But they seem to be on alot of Japanese cars in the USA as well .There must be some reason why they were fitted .Eugene

[sid131]

Yeah Mick is the man! i got a 4 branch off him a while ago & he has sourced a 127 n/s quarter panel for Pauls 127 sport, the Biz.

[Thotos]

I too am a member of the mick131 fan club as he managed to source a full set of new headlights for my Sport?
Thanks again Mick

[pintopower]

Well, here is my Strada now, since I did get the other bumpers:


but I am still looking for another to add all those great parts too!

The reason US cars needed different bumpers was that in 1973, all cars needed to withstand a 5 mile per hour impact in the front and 2.5 in the rear with zero damage. In 74, it was made 5MPH front and rear. That is why, in 74, US cars changed dramaticly. For example:

US Capri II

US 131:

US 128 3P

US 124S


Even american cars were hit:
71-73 Ford Pinto

74-76 Ford Pinto


Later, they americans incorperated them better:
77-78 Ford Pinto

And even later, they did things to draw you eyes away from the bumpers
79-80 Ford Pinto


By the late 80's, the laws were forgotten. I have to tell you, I have been hit very hard in a couple of my Pintos and the cars just bounce off of what hits them. The bumpers are mounted on shock absorbers.  They do a damn good job of saving the car.

Still, the Strada looked like crap. I needed the Euro parts!

Thanks Mick!

[Thotos]

That's a great bumper distraction accessory on the 79-80 Pintos 
I think the bumpers on my 131 are a bit too prominent; where can I get one of those Pinto accessories from ? 

[pintopower]

Ask Mick131. I think everyone here will agree that he is the man with the parts/accessories.

[mick131]

Blimey fella's...thanks for the compliments ( sniffle, sniffle ) it's enough to make a grown man ( sniffle )..well...you know....... cry  ( sniffle some more !! )

It's weird seeing the parcel and parts at yours Alberto, nice to know they arrived in the condition they left !!!. When will you be able to fit them and take some pics ?.

Kev, Theo, Nick...your more than welcome chaps  .

PS - Kev, I knew I'd regret you taking that photo 

[kev131]

PS - Kev, I knew I'd regret you taking that photo?

But why Mick? At least you have a full head of hair!!!

[pintopower]

Ha ha! Your welcome Mick! You look so happy in that photo next to your 131! I'll try to fit the bumpers next week. I am getting ready for a huge show this weekend where two of my Pintos are going, and then I need to prep the Strada and 124s for the French/Italian show on the 2nd of Nov. Plus, the Fuel Injection conversion on my 131 is almost ready! I just got the trans rebuilt and bolted to the motor so my plate is full! I need to get some fogs for the Abarth bumpers still (i have a lead in Germany) and get the bumper cleaned and preped. I just found a series 2 Strada cabrio about 5 hours from my house! They never sold a series 2 or cabrio in the US so I am excited! I have the parts now (including hood) to convert it into a series one! Yay! I can't wait!
Thanks again!
P.S. My cat Fiat LOVES the smell of the bumpers for some reason.

[mick131]

PS - Kev, I knew I'd regret you taking that photo?

But why Mick? At least you have a full head of hair!!!

That's as maybe Kev but it starts at the top of me head and not at the front !!.

Alberto - That's where I'm most happy.. next to the old girl !!. Can't take the credit for your cat liking the bumpers I'm afraid