Fiat Seicento troubles

[dpbird90]

I have a Fiat Seicento 1.1 MPI Sporting (please don't take the piss, it's my first car and all I can afford right now but I am saving for an Alfa 146) and it's been great, but there are one or two problems with it, as with a lot of Fiats I'm guessing. The most noticeable thing is that at 1500-2000 RPM in neutral, first and second there is a metallic rattle, which sounds like the exhaust, but after taking a peek under the car the exhaust doesn't rattle at all, but I have had a history of the exhaust blowing, but never like this, it is usually a hissing where the gases escape through the small holes (I had a new one put on it last year but they didn't put it on properly, didn't use any exhaust paste to seal it, so on the jacks it went and dad repaired it, but 1000 miles later it came back, so it was done again, and was OK until today.

My other main problem is the suspension is uneven, it is over 10mm lower on the driver's side. What can I do to fix it, I have not noticed any difference in handling or ride, but it just looks a bit weird, there probably is a handling difference a more experienced driver could notice but seeing as I have only ever driven this car (not counting two drivers dream days in a 360 spider and DB9 volante) I am not sharp enough to notice the slight gradual worsening of it.

Also there are some dents in the roof, and one on the bonnet, caused by someone I used to call a friend who won't cough up to sort it out, and so I don't talk to him. Any ideas on a DIY fixing job? I'm guessing I could bash the roof dents out, but the one on the bonnet is on the curved bit right at the front of the car, and there is a strengthening bit over that part of the bonnet on the inside so I can't bash that in.


Any ideas appreciated,

Daniel

[sjg]

First problem sounds like an engine mount knackered - most likely the rear one. Quite a simple DIY job to replace.

[dpbird90]

Thanks very much, I shall take a peek when I get the chance. I have one of those workshop manual CD ROMs, a bit like a Haynes thing for the computer, so if I take my laptop into the garage and have a look then maybe I could sort it myself? Will probably end up with dad doing it though...

[jamieboy]

I'd have said exhaust heat shield for the metallic rattle, but it's worth remembering that I know very, very little.

[dpbird90]

I have been told it is probably the heat shield from a friend who is a Prodrive mechanic (he puts DBR9 engines together) so actually you know more than very little! Am waiting for dad to check it out as I know even less...