The biggest little upgrade on the oldest Punto

[@mlies37]

Matt, you’ve been working so hard recently. Don’t get me wrong, I love getting all this content but please do me a favor and don’t burn out

[@mark70s29]

The 1.1 & 1.2 FIRE engines are safe if belt goes:) The engine sump pan is a very common rust area as are the strut tops.. often bodged.

[@arthurdardalis]

Matt, the Punto needs a really good jet wash underneath…get it up on a lift (not axle stands), wash it thoroughly, let it dry, then start applying the preservatives. I think that you should have painted the wheels at the same time as you’ll have to go through the whole procedure of jacking the car up Here in Greece there are literally thousands of these Punto’s still on the road and in really good condition and without the rust underneath. There are a fair few GT’s and the majority are like new. As an aside my 1999 Seicento Abarth doesn’t have a single spot of surface rust anywhere underneath Tech tip: The FIRE engine needs the water pump changed simultaneously with the timing belt kit. It’s false economy not to change it.Even if the water pump isn’t leaking, the increased tension of the new belt will cause it to leak very soon necessitating changing the cam belt again. WYAT (while you’re there):is always the best solution. A Fiat specialist should have no issues in bleeding the system afterwards.

[@Mick-v5q]

Perhaps someone has already mentioned this: this model was recalled to dealer garages to have the fuel tank dropped. Brake pipes, running above the fuel tank, were prone to corrosion!

[@williamwales6619]

Lo again Matt. I was at a relatives funeral yesterday. After all was said and done i was approached by my late Cousin's wife and asked if i wanted his vehicle. I accepted and i am now the owner of a Fiat Punto 1.4 56/06 plate. Absolutely covered in Pine Needles and tree sap. 34k on the clock and in need of a bit of TLC(Mainly Cosmetic). I will be watching yer progress with yours intently Low mileage mainly due to his ill health prior to his demise. Shit happens i'm afraid. Later

[@furiousdriving]

Sorry or your family loss, but it does sound like a nice car under the tree sap

[@paultaylor9652]

Great wee car, car of the year if I remember correctly. I still don't know how you remember which and where every key is for each car Matt.

[@vespaveloce1924]

Love the little Punto! Amazing to think that design is 30 years old! If you want to freshen up the car further, RetroPlates will make you faithful reproductions of the original dealer number plates. They’ll lift it a treat!

[@fatwalletboy2]

I think a,few of us Punto owners have thpught this before but dont know of any places that do it....i know theres a place that makes superb lookkng desler plates for Fords only but not FIATs.

[@MrPabsUk]

Looking tidy underneath, definitely worth scraping & wire brushing off the flaking rubberised underseal & redoing it. For future reference, with Fiat group cars, the wheel bolt hole nearest the valve is big enough to fit over the bolt head, so you can remove the trims without undoing all the bolts or jacking it up.

[@chrisrand5185]

When checking for corrosion, I would remove the front passenger seat, lift the carpet and check the floor. There are two reinforcing plates underneath which can look sound from below, but be rotting from above where dirt and muck are trapped in a sandwich. I would checl nearside first as it is usually worst due to salt washing to the kerbside.

[@DashCamSerbia]

12:40 As you can see here, Fiat hubcaps have one hole that is larger in diameter then the others. It is used for the first lug nut that you are putting in, because that way you have some play and can easily mount the hub cap without damaging it.

[@OutatimeTwelve]

I love how you made me look at the punto with your videos, i grew up surrounded by them, 15 years ago everyone had them including my family but you made me look at it with a new perspective

[@jamesdecross1035]

Quick tip: with the Punto hubcaps/wheel trims, you attach one bolt first to hold the wheel, first. Then look at the wheel trims. You'll see a partial or half-slot on one of the holes. This you hook over the one bolt-in-place before then fitting the other three bolts. That saves a lot of fumbling.

[@Bratfalken]

Actually not even a need to remove the wheel or lift the car, just leave the bolt with the wider hole in the hubcap, change hubcap and put the other 3 bolts in! :)

[@pereldh5741]

Same as on most other Fiats, Uno’s & Ritmo’s too

[@neilwalsh4058]

Good to hear old FIAT folk who know their stuff , I was shouting at the screen saying exactly the same! The plastic hub caps on 127's were held on with the wheels bolts too.

[@stuart121972]

My wifes KA being on a Fiat based platform also has those 2 studs for mounting the wheel. I discovered that the spare wheel was incorrect after four years of ownership when it had a slow puncture. The spare wheel in the boot was actually off a Citroën C1.

[@Lot76CARS]

It must be a relief to be making content that doesn’t involve welding….. thanks for bringing this little once commonplace gem to us Matt!

[@richardhaywoodh]

Re survisor clip, until you can get the correct one you could make your life better by swaping it with the less frequently needed passenger side one (old school work around)

[@RWL2012]

Thanks for acknowledging the hubcap / wheel trim thing, and I'll continue to vacuum with my Dyson hoover.

[@Simon-ui6db]

So easy to do the timing belt on them 8v fire engines. Wish all engines and engine bays were that nice to work in.

Those Roadstone tyres are actually quite decent. It's a cheaper brand of Nexen, and the tyres are exactly the same, just with a different name. :D Those are same as Nexen N'Blue Eco.

[@furiousdriving]

To be fair they do grip quite well

[@zak2175]

Absolutely love these little puntos, had a 99 mk1 3dr with a purple/blue interior as my first car, and im only 20, absolutely loved it. Ive even still got the orginial numberplates hung in my garage

[@nickhaag7803]

The point to remember about cheap tyres is it isn't poorer handling that's the main problem, it's stopping distance in the wet, it can be several yards more. The day you need to do an emergency stop in the wet may be the day you rue saving a few quid. Even a slow car still will do 70mph.

[@SimpsonsClassics]

Hey Matt you said it before I could about the punto it is a breath of fresh air seeing one like that. Hub caps look ace on it 👍

[@porsche356a]

Matt you can use an M12 bolt with 2xM12 nuts locked together to make a tool you can use with your socket to get that oil sump plug out if you don't want to buy the tool. Being originally from the UK but having lived in Australia for 22 years, I can say that I am truely lucky not to have to deal with all that underbody rust any more! Cheers Steve

[@kevinnye5132]

Trying to decide if the “ autographed stickered wheel trims “ for members / patrons is a threat or a nice gesture Matt 😂, guess either way it’s the thought that counts 😉👍🏻.

[@furiousdriving]

definitely a threat!

[@krankyfish781]

Hi Matt, re. the petrol smell, check the short length of steel pipe with a banjo bolt, that is screwed to the fuel filter, this is located on the offside, under the car, just ahead of the rear tyre. These can corrode spectacularly from the outside, eventually causing a fuel leak. When this fault happened to my early Mk.1, this part wasn't available so a work around utilising various diameter flexible fuel pipes and jubilee clips was effected. Not by me, but a local garage I must add!

[@lesklower7281]

Your FIAT Punto looks really good with those new hub caps and the usual serface rust at least no welding a blessing in disguise

[@jonmarshall1502]

I haven’t seen one of those Gerber tools in one piece in ages. Congratulations on having a functional version.

[@histriamagna1014]

Let's talk about the design of the Punto. It looks super contemporary even today. I would love to see more humble superminis today. That was one great little car.

[@furiousdriving]

yes, it was unbelievably modern when it came out and still looks fresh today, amazing design

[@michaeltutty1540]

Great video about a neat car, Matt. I would clean up the surface rust and then get the car treated by Krown Rustproofing. It works. Being the oldest Punto, it is worth preserving. If the Crown Vic had been treated the underside would still look like new.

[@rimmersbryggeri]

When people talk about steam clenaning they probably mean hot water cleaning in this instance. Steamcleaners are great though for cleaning oil that has turned into varnish for example though.

[@markf4720]

I remember when the Punto and Mk1 Focus came out, the long C-pillar tail lights seemed very modern and quite alien at the time!

[@goncaloterrivel1]

Matt great little Punto! My grandfather had one and it was exactly the same spec! But it was a 3 door and had the original side skirts fitted! Looks like you're missing the rubber gromit in the boot floor! Look out for water intrusion! Regards from Portugal.

[@retrocarsyndicate8867]

Looks fantastic ❤ for the petrol smell lift the back seat up that’s where the pump is mine did the same was a pin hole in the fuel pump easy to get to

[@pizzalover3]

They are very good looking cars, those Puntos. Always thought they looked similar in profile to the similar age Ibiza. You have been working hard Matt, make sure you don't burn out... Surely a hub cap caps a hub. Aka what you'd get on an old Fiesta or Escort Popular. Ford call wheel trims 'wheel covers' but the British term tends to be 'wheel trim' as you'd spot in any Halfords branch...

[@mancavehobbies6213]

Matt i bought my Renault Kangoo 2005 she was crusty underneath but solid . Spent 2 weekends scraping and rust proofing her . She now looks factory and beautiful .

[@puntomk1uk64]

The wheel trims have made a huge difference Matt!! love it as it reminds me of my first Punto. I've got a Punto 55 EL 6-Speed, it's in rough shape and needs pretty much everything 😂 Hopefully will get onto that one day soon! I'd consider doing the water pump as a mater of course though. And sort that loose cambelt cover as it's better safe than sorry, appreciate you got a lot on as it is. An if you're after any Punto parts then let me know I have some in my garage 😉 so can always take a look an see if I have what you need.

[@ivanfernyhough3851]

Theyre wheel trims as they cover the wheel.hub caps usually just cover the centre of the wheel by thumping on over the nuts,hence only covering the hub area,theyre then usually enhanced with beauty rings or trims.another good upload as usual.

[@bobgorman9481]

When you do the oil change make sure to check the condition of the sump , the small Fiat's are notorious for the steel sumps turning into colanders very quickly for some reason. Even the present day 500's and Pandas will get through one every 4 years or so , and no, painting them doesn't work either. Also, it's always sad to see when sills have been damaged by the careless use of trolley jacks , ( sometimes by so called professional establishments ?).

[@br4kecheckd]

It hit me like a train when i realised next year it's turning 30. I just don't see 90's as something that long ago. I'm 4 years older than the Punto 🙄

[@furiousdriving]

The 90s was only a few months ago..right?

[@paultaylor9652]

Your still, young then.

[@martinclapton2724]

As far as the underside is concerned, the Fiat has fared very well. I would been inclined to brush it down then liberally spray it with WD40 , plastics, bolts , piles , tubes, the lot. Apart from brakes, as it’s a lubricant, so for obvious reasons , and exhaust- cover it with plastic bags , you’d be surprised at the results and the protection it gets . People in northern states of USA use it a lot due to excess snow climate. It will smell a short while after but that will go off . Great to see a Punto of this age going strong .

[@jonathanthorpe1653]

The Fiat has survived, surprisingly well. The engine bay looks very honest too. It looks like the shock absorber dust covers have come away from the top mounting. However they are not part of the MOT test. The Fiat is definitely worth preserving. I cannot think when the last time I saw one was. Even the Mk2s have almost disappeared.

[@channex8179]

Rear radius arms are a favourite point of failure on mk1 Puntos you should check them for play, Also the sump pans have a habit of going porous and what starts with a little drip goes all of a sudden to dumping oil everywhere.

[@alannuttall1552]

Definitely a car worth investing in, don't think you'd lose money on it. However is just worth it to keep this lovable cute car on the road, it's a keeper, I wouldn't part with it. But that's easy for me to say. Good luck with it Matt, your due some.

[@thedeadstig123]

Get all the wheels off, 4 axle standard and a good wirebrush/underseal that will make it last another 10 years most people end up scrapping cars like that because they continue to drive them and say "its just surface rust"......until its not and suddenly it needs a ton of welding

[@markwalsh8411]

Front right wheel is off an uno or tipo it’s different to the other 3 so finding a matching set might be your best option

[@ficerion6478]

A very rare sight nowadays these Mk1 Puntos, far better cars than the Mk2 that replaced it in my opinion. This one looks incredibly clean and solid underneath as well. Tyres are better than you might think, as Roadstone are owned and also (I believe) produced by Nexen. Budget, but far better than the no name ditchfinders out there.

[@Snarl616]

But the 188 Punto (Mk2) has racing history, which the 176 never had. I love puntos, but I prefer my 188.

[@ficerion6478]

@@Snarl616 Thats fair enough, I think the 188 is an alright car but much prefer the older 176. Admittedly though I've mostly only been in the lower end models with the 60hp motor, I expect the 16v sporting and HGT are a much better drive. Thinking about it, the Mk2 has also become an uncommon sight these days, many of them have vanished now.

[@TheCounty90]

This year for working on cars outside was cold and wet and then went so hot so quick for so long I have little motivation at the moment.

[@chrisbury4635]

If and when you get motivated in this heat to do the timing belt don't forget to check the water pump for play, roughness and leakage from the telltale hole, looks much better with the replacement "Wheel trims" ! If you're getting a knock from the rear end then check subframe bushes, arm bearings and of course exhaust for catching. Halfords do those kits with multiple different sump plug keys in a nice case I think, which should fit, and don't forget the plug is an interference fit so don't leather it up too much, just a decent nip 🤔

[@jamesdecross1035]

Old hub caps / wheel trims… please, please, please try painting them in body-colour, to match. Honestly, it looks amazing if you do!

[@edwinblank58]

This hubcap solution with the wheel bolts is briljant! Never seen it before. Poor cars in the UK, I have never seen so much surface rust om my classic cars.

[@Nevakonaza.]

Lovely little thing,Id probably look into Dry ice or Sand blasting as much as possible under that car and possibly get some nice used alloys for it (with budget in mind obviously) ,I do love to see these older cards still about and been loved :)

[@Phiyedough]

For the sump plug you can use a 12mm bolt and 2 nuts with a normal 12mm socket.

[@RichieRouge206]

Absolutely lovely little car and so glad it’s on the Furious Fleet. Definitely in my Top 5 Furious cars lol. Great video Matt

[@cambs0181]

I have not seen non vented brake discs for about twenty years. Still its a 1.2 on a fairly light car, so I suppose they will do the job.

[@allanriches9381]

In Australia rust in cars are a thing of the past. Looking at British cars makes me shiver.

[@Snarl616]

A collaboration between you and the Italia Autos youtube would be great. I'd love to see that.

[@alansimpson835]

I love the shape of the Punto. I wonder if the wheels were swapped when the new tyres went on so that the newest tyres went on the front. Thst would suggest why the rustier wheels are up front

[@terryatkinson899]

Sump nut is 12mm allen socket in most Fiat's, tapered nut. My shocks are 26 years old and look rough but still pass the test, maybe cos car is so light shocks last longer.

[@highbury1972]

Hey Matt! Fantastic video and it was great seeing the Underneath of The Punto. I’ve never owned a Fiat, but since watching your coverage of them and The Idea, I’d definitely buy one if it’s in good condition.

[@Cayres9]

The coil springs should not have passed an mot with that much rust on them as mine failed on the front with rust and mechanic said it could have snapped so classed as a major fault , was only like £80 for 2 springs and got the shocks done at same time for another £100 quid , I do miss my old Punto a lot of fun to drive

[@DashCamSerbia]

If it was my car (to keep) I would replace all of the rusty suspension parts with new ones. But since this one is to be sold, let the new owner do that if he wants.

[@mohitl1697]

only fail if they are snapped, rust doesnt make them fail.

[@Cayres9]

@@DashCamSerbia Good idea 💡

[@Cayres9]

@@mohitl1697 It does if it fails the bounce test lol 😄 mine collapsed on the ramp

[@furiousdriving]

Id have to disagree. While recent springs are way more likely to snap than older ones, they now go without warning and on clean looking springs, older springs will sit with surface rust for years with no issues

[@MarkieC1990]

I always thought they were hub caps in America, I’ve always known them as wheel trims 🤷🏻‍♂️ Anyway, those steels actually look a nice design weirdly, I bet they’d look nice powder coated silver 😃

[@Daz_Stap]

O do have a soft spot for a mk1 Punto. I'll be very tempted when this comes up for sale.

[@terryatkinson899]

The day after he sells his p6.....🤗

[@mikefoley360]

You need a second set of axle stands or throw the wheel under sill while it's up on jack :)

[@davidminns9799]

I love the Mk 1 Punto 😊 now how to I charm my wife into letting me buy one if I can find one🤔 more brilliant content Matt

[@sharonec5419]

Matt I have a question for you that I am hoping you can answer. I have a car with a rear light that has condensation in it. Does using a hair dryer on it help get rid of this? I have seen on the Internet it does aa it evens out the temperature on the inside and outside of the light cover. I am hoping that the hot sun shining on it will help do. I can not take it off as it does not look to come off. If not I will try the hairdryer thing if it works.

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Its amazing how the new wheel trims transform the car. This is starting to become a firm favourite on the fleet for me. As for wheel trim give away would not mind standing a chance to win, even through Mrs Scottish Cars may not be pleased to see a wheel trim hanging above my working from home desk....😂😂

[@alfacorse]

"This is what a 30 year old car looks like in Britain"...oh dear, and in the south of Spain we complain about discoloured rear shelfs and sagging roof linings due to heat and sun... Great to know about your Punto mkI, once ubiquitous and nowadays almost extinct.

[@seanwallace1972]

Please do an update video Of the outcome of what need doing to the pinto when you take it to the place you mentioned

[@grayfool]

Pretty little car. Amazing what a bit of plastic can do the the look of a car.

[@bigjohno242]

We still miss our 1999 1.2 85 SX Punto. Brilliant car .

[@PaulTC97]

I had a BBurago 1:24 silver 3-door Fiat Punto

[@JK061996]

I had one with the firefighter livery

[@markpunt9638]

Wasn’t the sunvisor fitment for the other end of the visor?

[@maxidyne]

Makes a huge difference, looking sharp!

[@seancooke7332]

Love this wee Punto. Beautiful.

[@makarov__]

I have a Punto as well 1.2cc 60hp with 234k km , my passion

[@LuxIan92]

Good job! 😃 I love Fiat Punto, I have one from 1997. There are some videos in my channel!

[@greengrass9572]

Me thinks you're missing the plastic inner arch covers , those petrol to filler cap pipes have not had 30 years of mud and salt to deal with.

[@gordonprentice7090]

Knocking when turning left my guess would be the Hardy Spicer (CVJ).

[@leebradford5331]

It’s funny since u got this car I’ve seen one fairly similar age and color driving around aswell😂

[@adrianellis6902]

Super vid, but they are wheel trims not hubcaps, sorry furious.

[@MrGrodsan]

Take the weels out one day and clean it with oven cleaner a little of black paint and like new!

[@maryellis3661]

what do you use for treating under the car for rust prevention/treatment

[@furiousdriving]

I’ll use Bilt Hamber

[@maryellis3661]

@@furiousdriving is it paint or spray on any videos on doing it?

[@naxogonz9239]

the back side of the punto mk1 is really Beautiful

[@seanwallace1972]

That impact gun your using on the fiat,is it any good,I want an impact gun,don’t use 1 that often so don’t want to buya snap on or milwark

[@furiousdriving]

Ive have 2 from Draper, this is the bigger one. It's pretty decent being 20V. The big Milwallkies probably have a little more torque but cost much more

[@seanwallace1972]

@@furiousdriving yes thank you,I wouldn’t use it that much so I think paying for an expensive 1 wouldn’t make sense,the only problem is the link on the description in your videos to the tools you use,the 1/2 inch impact gun isn’t available for postage in my area but I live in the Uk, Thank you for the reply Also did you see my comment about the Volvo breakers near Cambridge on the A1 /A428,where you may be able to get some of the blue trim fur your lovely Volvo,if you are lucky enough to get the blue trim bits you need from the breakers I’ve said about,can you mention my name in 1 of your videos please

[@appleyardgardenwoodencraft8736]

I had the 1996 model 1.2 L cheap as chips to run cheap on parts electric windows electric sunroof only got rid because me kids dint won't to get in it

[@lookoutleo]

That is not what a 30-year old punto looks like in Scotland, here they had rusted to nothing 20 years ago. There are parts of the UK that are much dryer so cars last much longer but they are very far from here. I have a 2009 panda and it needs a new axel

[@phil7301]

That engine bay looks lovely!! It's a tidy looking car 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿👍

[@anakinskywalker4113]

Ahhh stop carrying on about the heat. I know I’m Australian where 30c is really a warm spring day.

[@furiousdriving]

but as 25°c is a hot day here this is unbearable...come and visit England when its 4° and raining and see how you get on when you're used to it being 30!

[@anakinskywalker4113]

@@furiousdriving I’ve been to England twice before & I will have to agree to disagree. I can tolerate 4c & rain just fine. I am from Melbourne where it does get cold in winter so I’m fine with either really. I prefer it to be warmer.

[@stevesrover]

You mention the Panda cave. Could I trouble you for an introduction for some Uno bits? 🙏

[@stevesrover]

You could review my Uno as a thank you! It’s a late one on an M plate. Maybe a compare and contrast video with the Punto? (Still have the Rover but I needed something that was more likely to be working… I’m sure you understand! 🤣)

[@michaelstaunton1632]

An enjoyable video on the Punto 👍👍

[@Wellibob68]

Top video. Love it when you get a car and tinker and repair.

[@RogueRestorationsLTD]

It would make a nice vintage car Matt and can be tuned easily.

[@andyarmstrong1493]

Matt that is a minter, amazing condition!

[@thughes52]

👍 video Matt Punto looks pretty clean too looking forward to next time

[@classicgamer4451]

If you don't mind me asking what model is you impact gun you use please love your channel

[@Finn_Perkins]

We need some mini content! But do take a break, been smashing it recently!

[@Koulis_]

Looks like a candidate for dry ice cleaning behind those wheels.

[@chrisrumble2665]

Certainly Australian cars never look like that underneath unless they live right next to the sea.

[@jasoncornell1579]

Did u use the tea shelf?😊

[@furiousdriving]

Nope

[@LITTLEMANADVENTURSES]

A very clean looking car for its age 😊👍

[@billgriffiths1685]

Matt do a Del-Boy and check for a fuel leak with a lighter.