Jeroen's Classic Fiat Project

When I grow up I want a car like that too!

I was immediately sold when a friend in elementary school was brought to school in a Fiat 500. I thought: When I grow up, I want a car like that too! In 2013 I bought my first Fiat: a red 1973 Fiat 500R. Since the engine was in bad shape, I threw myself fully into this first. I wanted to know everything about the engine. Fortunately, a mechanic friend helped me increase my knowledge. In addition, I read many books and spent hours on Google. I took the entire engine apart. After the overhaul, the engine ran very well and now I use the Fiat 500R daily for commuting. Awesome!

Fun comes first

Once you buy a classic Fiat, more often follow. It was the same with me. The second Fiat I bought was a Fiat 500D. This one I stripped down completely and rebuilt. The great thing about restoring is that you never know where it stops. It's like a roller coaster. You have to be creative, flexible and dynamic at the same time. After all, it's never what it looks like or what you expect. For me, it's also important to do it together. Experiencing the joy of restoration together.

Showing guts

The tools you need for restoration consist mainly of standard tools that everyone has at home. To make it easier for myself, I purchased a bridge (small size) and a tilting bridge. Since the Fiat 500 doesn't weigh much, a basic one is more than enough. Other than that, you have to mostly do it yourself. Making mistakes is allowed. You only learn from them. Show courage! I don't blindly take advice from others. After receiving advice, I study the manual and get to work myself. And I take pictures of the restoration process step by step. I basically always buy my parts from FD Ricambi. Sometimes I pick them up myself, and have a chat. But shipping is also fine. It is a professional organization, they really know what they are doing there.

Going home with a good tip

I regularly participate in events. Both events organized by the Fiat 500 Club and general events. I take all kinds of parts and tools with me. That is also the charm of a classic car. If the car breaks down, it can often be repaired on the spot. At the events, for me the fun is the most important thing. In addition, there is a lot of knowledge available and it is of course frequently shared. I always go home with a good tip.