gulf spider 124 rally replica build blog

[murrayarnold]

Hi all.
Well i joined the forum a while back after buying a standard 77 spider. So after some decision making and also club forum help I have decided to start turning my spider into a replica of a 77 gulf oil livery rally version.
Mark has Been very helpful and patient while i tried in vain to buy stuff from him with my card. Lucky for me my sister has a pay pal account. Thanks for the patience Mark and also you technical assistance.
So regarding all the Group 4 body essentials that is all thanks to Guy from the works museum in Belgium.
Alison's Automotive has supplied other essential mods including carbs, cams, new dash and others.
Demon Tweaks in the UK has supplied electronic stuff ( master cut off, push button start, replica period wing mirrors, hood and trunk locking mechanisms and so on)
I have even purchases 2 Steve McQueen Period racing Jackets with the Gulf oil colors, ha ha, i am serious or wot.

So i decided to get it all in a Blog and hope you all get a chance to follow the build. As I am in Afghanistan working I had to get the wife to buy the guy a camera to take photos of the work. I relay hope you all enjoy it and like the photos. I hope its inspiration to some of you. I will try to keep the dialogue as upbeat and humorous as I can. Enjoy.

http://fiat124spidergulfabarthbuild.blogspot.com/

[spiderrey]

Ill follow this build.

[Damini]

That is really going to be neat looking. When do you think it will be done?

[murrayarnold]

the panels should be done by the end of the year. May even be ready for the paint shop. I am constantly looking for other bits for it. I have a guy who is going to replicate all the decals. The one thing though i wont do for now is get to extreme with the drive train. Historically this is never a reliable way to go. So the engine is getting a race exhaust, twin 40s and fast road cams. I will stick on that for now. In the long term i will redo all the brakes first with grooved disks and 4 pot calipers etc.
I will look at new suspension and will no doubt have to add a limited slip diff when and if i decide to up the power. But the one part I would realy love to buy above all that is a 16v head. Just for the wow factor and uniqueness of having it.

[So Cal Mark]

very cool, I'll be anxious to see pics as the project progresses

[murrayarnold]

Thanks Mark.
I will give everyone who contributed a good note when finished. If Alison's automotive want a decal on the car just let me know.

[Damini]

Wow your car is coming along Murray. I like those wheels! Where did you get them?
Are you in the states? If so, I bet shipping is killing you.

[124ADDHE]

I always though that the jaguar IRS would be an interesting route, its very durable, comes with limited slip and comes basically as one piece, no idea how fitment would be, never taken one off my jag, its used by lots of hot rodders though. maybe an idea if you cant find an abarth unit.

[Damini]

I think your car is going to stand out in a crowd of Fiats. I like that. I wonder how much it would cost to do my car like that. Does it have to be a certain year car?

[spiderrey]

Wheres the pics/

[gudtimer41]

Murray, you are the committed dude! That is gonna be one hot lookin' Spider, and kudos to you for all the work that's going into it. Where are you getting your hardtop? Ed

[murrayarnold]

Hi guys
Sorry for the late reply. You have to understd that I am in afhanistan in remote areas working and email comms is some ties only on my phone. I am really please at the response. I added the link to the site where please add comments.
So to try to answer some of the above.
Wheels. They came from italy. I bought them through guy at the abarth works museum in Belgium. Link on the blog.
I live in Croatia so the stuff that Mark from Alisons automotive, your mediato, is the one that kills me on customs. I am fortunate as my salary is sufficient to deal with everything. I know this is a huge restriction for all car enthusiasts.
As for the back axle. This is a good convertions with high torque engines. The flat is more of a high reving engine so I will hold onto the original axle and put a slipped diff in later.
I have bought 2 set of tyres for it so far. One standard road set and a set of soft compound yokohamas from demon weeks in the uk.
I have just got home and will take new photos of the parts I have received.
Yes I am commited and yes this is going to be expensive. But I have the funds and if you want to build a car this is for sure a huge bonus.
as for sticking out from the croud. Absolutely my plan. I look through all the photos of spiders and they all ok the same. As they should. But I am one of those guys who can't settle with that. So please guys keep in touch on the blog and comment there as much as possible.

Merry xmas guys and I hope I have helped to motivate some of you to go the extra mile next year to get that old spider to stand out from the crowd

http://fiat124spidergulfabarthbuild.blogspot.com/

[Damini]

Hi Murray,
I was wondering if you could change the color of the text on your blog. It is so hard to read.

[murrayarnold]

yeah the light blue is so so. i may go for a grey color and see how it looks. Its my first attempt at a blog so please be patient. i am as they say, a bit of a noobie. having said that i am generally pleased with the overall look of it.

[wachuko]

Subscribed!!! Thank you for sharing the progress on your project.