Bang-Bang goes the Fiat

[SquareWheel]

My seconds drive with my '79 spider and I've been able to really listen to the noises she makes while on the road. I've broken them down into these groups.

Body noises - Nothing that worries me to much.
- there a rather under the dash
- noised from inside the doors
- creaks and groans from all over.

Suspension related noise - scarier stuff.
Thanks to the pot-hole littered streets on Honolulu I have a better idea of banging of bits when the car roles over pumps. I'm guessing I need new bushings and little rubber bits for things to knock against. I'll need the car on a left to really find out though.

Power Train Noises - Really scary noises
The worst noise seem to be created by the power train. There is an awful metal to metal noise I think is very likely related to the final part of the drive train. When I use the clutch there is often a metal to metal bang, more so when I've been I'v shifting. It doesn't happen 100% of the time, but to often. I even heard the nasty noise at low speeds like parallel parking the car (which is a pain in the ass without power steering). The old owner gave me a new U-joint along with some other part when he sold me the car. Could the noise be cause from play in the current U-joint? or possible some where else in the power train?

Any advise with the above noised would greatly help.

[So Cal Mark]

I don't think I'd drive it anymore until it's looked over from the bottom. Your drivetrain noise could be from the locating bars, shock bushings, u-joints, center support or flex joint. If it is driveshaft related, a complete failure could cause some collateral damage.
The sharp brake pull could be from a frozen caliper, worn front bushings or a cracked frame/crossmember. I'd raise it up and check for play in the steering and suspension and look at the crossmember where it mounts to the unibody.

If parking is a problem, you may have steering linkage that is worn to the point of binding or a steering dampner that needs servicing. It should steer pretty easily

All of these concerns are serious and indicate the car isn't safe to be driven until they're dealt with. Failures in almost any of these items can either damage the car severely or cause an accident

[SquareWheel]

I'll take it into work Monday morning, There are no less than three (3) "Euro" auto shops within walking distance from my office. I'll find one willing put it up on a lift and look it over for me.

God, I hope I didn't buy a real dog...

[So Cal Mark]

hopefully it's just a couple of worn parts and not a cracked unibody issue

[manoa matt]

Aloha Square Wheel,

I'm a fellow fiat fanatic in the Honolulu area. Where are you located and what year and color spider do you have? Iv'e got an orange 78, don't know if you have seen me driving around.

Iv'e gone thru my spider with a fine toothed comb and I'm familiar with almost every nut and bolt. If you want I'll take a look at it before you take it to a shop. Shoot me an e-mail at matt.scarton@gmail.com or mscarton@wje.com

Mahalo

Matt Scarton

[SquareWheel]

I live in Waikiki, and work near Chuck's Corvette. I'd love to have some one to talk to about the old girl. She now at Larry's - Euro AutoTech have her check up.

I'll sent you a PM with my contact details.

[manoa matt]

Square wheel,

PM not recieved, send me an email

Pacific automotive performance on Ilaniwai St. is great for suspension/brake/steering work. Right down the street from the corvette place, cheap too. Kenneth knows me well and is a good guy. Did you buy the red 79 from the guy in Kaneohe off craigslist?

Matt

[SquareWheel]

Yes, the red one from Kaneohe, it is . do you know anything about it.

[manoa matt]

I know he has put a lot of money into it with many performance upgrades. He has been trying to sell it for several months, and has lowered the price several times. I think he put more money into it than he was asking for. I wouldn't mind seeing it and possibly going for a ride. I've know of about 3-4 other fiats on Ohau but none are as nice as yours and mine.

I hope you don't have to sell it, He had a hard time selling it and probably lost money. I don't know about the general condition of the car, but from reading all the upgrades he put in I think his first asking price was worth every penny. Since he lowered the asking price several thousand you got a hell of a deal. I would try to hold on to it. I have a lot of extra parts and can help you sort out some of the problems on a shoe string budget.

We should meet up this weekend, send me an e-mail. I got your PM by the way.

Matt

[SquareWheel]

Larry from Euro Auto Tech has a laundry list of things wrong with the car, so I might be able to fix (with help) and some I'll have no choice on getting fixed by a pro.

I hope my budget can survive.

I look forward to your call.