Welcome back to our exciting journey of restoring the iconic Fiat 500. In the first part of our series, we dove into the initial assessment and the painstaking disassembly process. Today, we’re getting our hands dirty with the crucial stage of bodywork. This phase is all about reviving the car’s original charm by addressing the hidden challenges beneath its aged exterior. Here’s a detailed account of our progress, along with a video that captures the process in action.

Scraping Off the Old Color

The first task on our agenda was to strip the Fiat 500 down to its bare metal. Armed with scrapers, sanders, and a lot of patience, we meticulously removed every layer of paint that had accumulated over the decades. This was not just about aesthetics; it was essential for uncovering any underlying issues that needed attention.

Uncovering Rust

As we scraped away the old paint, the car’s true condition began to reveal itself. Unfortunately, rust had taken its toll on various parts of the body. Rust is the silent enemy of any vintage car, silently eating away at the metal. Our Fiat 500 was no exception. From small patches to significant areas, the rust was more widespread than we initially anticipated. But every challenge is an opportunity in disguise, and this was our chance to ensure the longevity of this classic car.

Discovering Old Welds

In addition to rust, our paint removal process uncovered a number of old welds from previous repair attempts. Some were solid, but many were poorly executed and required rework. It’s common in classic car restorations to find a patchwork of past repairs. 

Fixing old welds

As usual, we welded car with proper quality.

Applying Anti-Rust Treatment

With all the rust and old welds exposed, it was time to take action. We carefully sanded and treated each affected area to remove the rust. Following that, we applied a high-quality anti-rust material to protect the metal. This treatment is crucial to prevent future rust and to provide a solid foundation for the new paint.

Watch the Process

Seeing is believing, and we’re excited to share the transformation with you. Check out the video below to watch the detailed process of our bodywork restoration. From scraping off the old paint to treating rust and redoing welds, you’ll get an up-close look at the meticulous care and effort that goes into restoring a classic Fiat 500.

Watch the Bodywork Restoration Video: