Reliable restorer required

[simon131]

Well guys, the time has come to pour a few more quid into my Stradale.

This year I have owned her for 10 years, which also coincides with the 40th Anniversary of the launch of our beloved cars, so I thought it a good idea to 'celebrate' the two and give my Abarth a long overdue spruce up. Not sure that I can afford a full restoration, although I'm only too aware that a 'light resto' can lead to a 'full resto' - however I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

So, can any one recommend a reasonably priced Classic Car restorer, who has experience with Italian cars (131 experience would be even better!), and who won't take forever to do the work? All recommendations considered.

Thanks

[chris131]

sid131 is the man if you need any welding done

[simon131]

I've been watching the pics and progress of the work that sid131 is doing on Chris's Sport and I'm extremely impressed. I'd be extremely pleased if he could take it on - but I really need my Abarth completed in the next 6 months or so, in time for the 3MA this summer - and it looks like Sid is already fully booked.

What do you think Sid? Could u fit me in? Would you want to?

[sid131]

Course i want to Simon thing is fully booked out for the for quite some time as  there are a possible 4 in the book at the moment,
the green thing is a long way from finishing also!
full restoration is the only way to go dont cut any corners cos that car will only go up in value
so start gathering any parts you are not happy with or even have the colour of rust, replacing them is the easiest option

[simon131]

Looks like I'm gonna have to wait a while if there are 4 already in the queue. Testament to your skill and the final result Sid.

Might have to find some else for a (much) lesser spruce up before the big resto.

[daverwd]

The way I would look at this is,

Absolutely put your name in Nick's book and wait , best gather your parts up & start saving for the resto,. ..
Sure even if you have to wait for a slot to come around at least you'll know if Nick get's his hands
on the car , it will come back 100% & you'll have an Abarth worth top money & most importantly rust free..

Well worth waiting to get the job done once & right ..

[sid131]

Complete strip repair replace rustproof & keep forever Simon!
anything else is false economy & just hides things for the proper resto;)

[simon131]

I know that you're both right 

[106usj]

Simon, Sid is right I'm afraid your 131 is rarer than most being a Stradale and in the UK.
I would take his slot and book it in. He will not force you to do stuff you don't want to do but he will ensure any bad bits are replaced or repaired correct and to a perfect standard.
It's your decision but you go to another random restorer and you will get a 1/2 job.
Just my opinion that's all.

[f1lmm]

To me this would be no brainer, and if I was able to book nick 3 yrs ago I would've and wished I did !!!. The problem is I did the same went to one guy it sat there for a year, went to another it sat there for a year, went to another guy he welded it and f***ed it, so went back to the first guy and has been started but very slow.. So get one guy on it that we know is the best In the planet and it takes very little looking after it is done.

[kevin]

Here here!!!!
sid knows these 131s inside out
he"s the king
kevin

[simon131]

Sid, please add me to your waiting list.

Trouble is I won't really know what panels etc are needed until it's stripped down. Most of the floor has already been replaced/remade - so it should be solid - yes, I know, should be. I already have replacement front wings and rear quarters if needed, and the doors are aluminium and show no signs of decay - although I don't know what lurks beneath. Luckily the Abarth is based on the Series 1 Special shell, so if there's something needed then perhaps Yagmur can supply.

I look forward to getting closer to the front of the queue Sid I'll start saving my pennies

[sam22]

simon you will not regret getting sid131 (Nick) to restore your abarth ,I have seen some of his work up close and some finished projects and perfection is putting it mildly, when he is finished  with it I have no doubt but you will be a very happy man,