I have investigated the old 500126/133 approach.On Facebook a few days ago there was an article on converting the 850 to rack and pinion steering using the rack from the new Fiat 500. 2.5 turns lock to lock. Looks to be fairly simple. Any discussion?View attachment 81850
``I don't have a link but I did save another photo of the kit. The lower wishbones are similar to my front with the coil overs and I realised I could fairly easily weld up the additional frame work in aluminium and bolt it to my set-up. I was surprised by how many Fiat 500 steering racks on eBay and how cheap. I'm sticking with the kingpins after spending a fortune getting them set up and I also welded the lower mounts for the shocks to the kingpin cast iron.I have investigated the old 500126/133 approach.
Rack and Pinion Steering | Fiat 500 | Classic Car Parts - Steering
Rack and Pinion Steering for Fiat 500 / Fiat 126 | FD Ricambi.com | Easy to order | Best service | 6000+ classic Fiat partswww.fdricambi.comOn my list.Fiat Seat 133 steering box rack gear - Oldtimer-shop
Steering box for: Fiat 133 Seat 133...oldtimer-shop.eu
I have also wondered about the Simca 1000 front suspension which uses ball joints and gets rid of the whole kingpin arrangement and its knuckle. This also had a rack solution as well and still used a leaf spring which I actually prefer given the front structure of the 850.s
This image shows a hybrid Simca front end in a 133
View attachment 81853
The 500 unit hasn’t been on my radar as a solution. Do you have a link to the conversation?
Thanks!
The solution for stress cracking in the 600 Fiat was to cut a piece of 16 gauge sheet metal and weld it to the body/fender. My less than artistic sketch shows the general idea.I’d be curious as to where the coil overs mount. My stock suspension (other than Konis) car already has stress cracks in the upper inner fender area.
The top mount is reinforced with 3mm plate on either side of the stock bit. On the inside of the inner guard on mine is a plate and that is joined across to the other side to brace the front.I’d be curious as to where the coil overs mount. My stock suspension (other than Konis) car already has stress cracks in the upper inner fender area.