Help! What is this?

[deames98]

Hi everyone, got a FIAT Punto 13 plate here and this metal thing is hanging down from the back, looks like it’s rusted away.

I’m looking to get a new car soon anyway so don’t really want to pay over the top for repairs.

Any advice on what it is and if it’s an easy repair I can do at home? I’m thinking it’s a strap for the exhaust but I’m no mechanic so I have no idea.

[M4cruiser]

Looks like it's come off the exhaust.
Is it a heat shield?
Is it a previous Halford repair?

If the car is still working I'd ignore it.

[kiethton]

Looks like the outer skin of the backbox - likely MOT failure and obvious to anybody viewing the car. Can likely get a pattern box supplied and fitted for £100 or so.

[deames98]

No issues with the car whatsoever, I’m just worried it’ll fall off while driving to be honest.

Definitely not Halfords but looks like it haha!

If it’s nothing important I’ll leave it alone but I’m hoping it won’t bring down the part exchange price.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

I think I'd be tempted to cut it off. It ain't going back on, so as you say might fling off while you are driving. (Plus, you can't see it when trying to sell it)

[Skyedriver]

It's not exhaust bandage over a hole is it?
Can I see a hole right hand side and remnants of the exhaust claggy stuff on the left?

[louiechevy]

Its the outer skin of the rear exhaust box probably the original part as they tend to be double skined, cut it off if you have some metal cutters.as long as the box isn't blowing it should just be an advise on the Mot.

[Scrump]

louiechevy said:

Its the outer skin of the rear exhaust box probably the original part as they tend to be double skined, cut it off if you have some metal cutters.as long as the box isn't blowing it should just be an advise on the Mot.

This.
A few years ago a friend arrived at my house with a similar problem on their golf. They were so worried about it that they were going to get the car trailered to an exhaust place. Instead I snipped off the loose outer skin of the silencer and told them it was safe to drive home and if they wanted a new silencer then there was no rush.
It lasted for over a year before another layer came loose and the silencer started to blow.

[bmwmike]

Careful though, might be sharp

[M4cruiser]

Scrump said:

Instead I snipped off the loose outer skin of the silencer and told them it was safe to drive home and if they wanted a new silencer then there was no rush.
It lasted for over a year before another layer came loose and the silencer started to blow.

Unfortunately Fiat stands for Fix It Again Tomorrow.

[sunbeam alpine]

M4cruiser said:

Scrump said:

Instead I snipped off the loose outer skin of the silencer and told them it was safe to drive home and if they wanted a new silencer then there was no rush.
It lasted for over a year before another layer came loose and the silencer started to blow.

Unfortunately Fiat stands for Fix It Again Tomorrow.

I admire your optimism. I thought it was Fix It Again Today...

[deames98]

Thanks for the replies everyone.
I’ve just cut it off and there doesn’t seem to be any issues. There’s still another 8 months until MOT is due and I’m planning on part exing the car soon anyway so I’m not very concerned.