124 spider frame rails

[dlturnerjr]

A few years ago, my son was driving my 78' 124 Spider after I had spent many hours and lots of money fixing it up. Needless to say, he crunched the front right corner of the car and it has been sitting for 6 years now. I have got the money now to try and fix it up again because I just can't let it go. Has anyone ever had to cut off the fender assembly and/or remove and replace a frame rail? Thanks for your input.

[narfire]

I did not do the work,but just about anything is possible with these cars.

To

[azruss]

Its all welded unibody, so not as easy as replacing a fender on a 63 pontiac tempest. (lets see who gets the obscure movie reference ). I would look at all the structure in the engine compartment and see how bad all the joints are stretched and structure points bent. Maybe take it to a frame shop for a look-see. I got hit in the left year by a big thunderbird that totalled the car. I bought a parts car with a bad nose and cut the rear quarter out and grafted it in. I didnt even have to adjust the door. had a hell of a time getting the inner fender to match up. front end should be easier.

[djape1977]

it can be done, but it's a hell of a job. expect to see all sorts of nasty suprises there...

i'm in the process of doing it right now

[BEEK]

ive done this operation a few times all with great results. if anyone would like i could post some pictures

[vandor]

As others said, it can be done, but you need to really make sure all is straight before you weld it all back.
It is probably a lot easier to either buy a fixer upper with a good shell, or just a good Spider.

[BEEK]

it realy is not that bad as long as the original inner fender mounting area is not butchered or bent, everything lines up rather nicely, i put mine on with fenders attached. use a v-tram and a few measuring guages and presto. granted i charged 5000.00 for the repair including rust repair and an allover paint job. but saved a spider...

[toml]

I have an issue with my 1978 fiat spider. It was hit. I want to take it to a body shop for adjustments but what or where can I find the specs for measurements?
Thanks Tom

[djape1977]

seems it would be easier to get a hold of NSA documents than body repair manual for 124.
take a look here http://fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php ... ilit=+body

first two pics i posted are for 124 sedan, but measures are the same as for spider

[toml]

Thank you!