1978 rolling restoration

[4uall]

here's what I am dealing with


Rust Hole by itzebtze, on Flickr


Rust hole repair (drivers side) by itzebtze, on Flickr


Rust hole repair (drivers side) by itzebtze, on Flickr

what membrane did you use? my concern is that if water can get out it can also get in

[DocGraphics]

I sealed up EVERYTHING that wasn't a factory drain hole.
The factory drain holes are a "V" cut in the floor pointing towards the back of the car, then bent down & then bent back so that the opening is to the rear that water can drain out yet the leading edge is where the metal is bent down thus blocking water from splashing in from the front.

Here's a quick diagram



As for water getting in from the drain holes I choose not to drive in the rain, unless caught in it (only once) HaHa
but the way the factory cut & bent the drain holes seems like it would not allow much in.

The membrane I used was "protecto-wrap" from Home Depot, it's made to seal around windows & doors in home construction.
It's a 1/16" thick super sticky rubber membrane w/ a plastic backing, comes in a 4" X 50' roll for like $14.
Was enough to do both footwells with left overs, I made it go up all the sides a couple inches too for a "bathtub" effect.

[4uall]

thanks I have these which I thought were drain holes


Drain holes? by itzebtze, on Flickr


Rear passenger floor by itzebtze, on Flickr

[txSteve]

I was looking at more of the seats at the link you gave and I think i like these a little bit better: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-PVC-Leather- ... es&vxp=mtr

They look quite a bit wider. But the measurements are exactly the same as the seats you bought : 22" (wide) x 23" (deep) x 35" (tall) Is the width measurement there an overall width?

[txSteve]

From what I can tell from your pic you have got a more solid starting point than I did. Good luck & post up how it all turns out!

Doc, definitely! Mine is not in bad shape at all thank goodness. I have only a small "rust through" area which should be easy to fix up.

[brad131a4]

Nice job on the spider. I just wish I'd seen it earlier to advise you on using structural epoxy for the patches you did on the floor.
I've used it on a few occasions and boy does it work good. I use it when welding isn't an option because of space issues or wiring. I've welded up all the holes and rain vents on the floors of my spider. I plan on having all the carpet removable if it gets wet. I've had problems with exhaust getting into the interior and I just got tired of chasing down where it could be coming from.
I'd keep an eye on the seem sealer on those patches after a couple of years as even thou not structural the body does twist and vibrate. That may break the seal after a while.

[DocGraphics]

txSteve, Yea those seats are nice looking, I don't think they were around when I bought from them.
I picked the ones I did because they were narrowest looking & of the choices at that time the most like stockish.

The holes you have pictures I think had rubber plugs in them, one of mine was remaining, the rest were the source of larger rust holes so they got patched over. I think they are there so you can pull them out in emergency if the car becomes a bathtub.
Also I think you should have the other drain holes like I described but may be under the factory tar stuff, can't remember if mine were exposed before I removed that stuff.

brad, The sealer I used is actual autobody seam sealer.
I did 2 rings of it, one around the actual hole & then another under the outside edge of the patch.
I put the patches in with screws to tighten everything up good then changed to rivets once the sealer cured.
The I put another coat of POR 15 over everything.

I agree that structural epoxy could be better & yes I will be checking the patches out over time to make sure nothing lets go.

[jimmycakes401]

I also have big round circular holes. Pretty sure my floors are in good shape. Need to strip and seal them. See if there's any rust under my rubber. So far looking good.

I really like following all these builds.

[SanRafaelFaz]

So, how would I post a pic of my Spider here? I can click on "Img" but I have no idea what that's supposed to do.

[jimmycakes401]

Host your image somewhere like photobucket and sandwich the URL with the img tags

[124JOE]

So, how would I post a pic of my Spider here? I can click on "Img" but I have no idea what that's supposed to do.

if you go back up to docgraphics post you will see a link to his photobucket
go there scroll over a pic and a box apears at the bottom it has codes
the last code is the img code click it it will say copyed
then come here and during a post
right cick and paste
it should come with its own img tags on both ends

[DocGraphics]

Yep its as easy as that.

Start your own photobucket account & upload your pics (you can resize them if needed right in photobucket) I usually open it in a second tab then hover over the pic you want, the drop down menu will give you a "IMG Code" (4th choice) just click on it to copy & then come back here & paste that directly into you post (on its own line) & your done, repeat as needed!

You can also copy & paste the web page address of your album & give access to the whole thing like I have in my sig.

There are lots of other photo hosting sights too that work similar, photobucket is easy & I've been using it for a couple years now with no problem & it's unlimited storage too I think.
I've got multipul albums stored there for different projects & occations, easy to access & manage.

[124JOE]

also if your computer crashes your pics will still be online
ask me how i know

[DocGraphics]

You've got a very good point there Joe! Online back-up is a GOOD thing.

You can also access your picture from any computer too (password protected for additions or changes)
So if your over at a buddies you can jump on his computer & be like "check this out!"

[Gopher]

WOW DOC!!! I am pretty new to the fiat world and just read through this entire project!

Just found rust (about 6 inches up the inside portion of the passenger seat rail), hoping this is all on the interior. But thank you for the incredibly detailed photos and write ups of your rust repair procedure. very inspiring after finding the rust this evening. Got the car 2 weeks ago and have been focusing on working on the engine and climbed into the car this evening and noticed it smelled a little musty...uh oh! Started pulling carpet out of the back seat foot area and it was soaked. So pulled the seats and did some praying and pulling of carpet, seats ect and low and behold (dammit) rust.

Next I will be buying a "heavy duty 2" scapper as per your recommendation and a quart of POR-15 and go at it.

Thanks again for the time of posting the details.