First Ride, Wow!

[launieg]

Well, after having the car sit for the last month while I built a small barn for my wife (no, I mean her horse), a buddy came over with his wife for a visit, and he insisted we get the car running. So we installed the sealed gas tank and the replacement fuel pump in the '81FI. For the first time in 6 years (since the PO parked it) it fired up and ran so smooth and strong I could hardly believe it. And what a lovely sound! Beyond my expecatations.

After checking the brakes, fluid levels, etc. we took it down the drive and around the country lanes for a few minutes. I had a big smile on my face just halfway down the drive. What a fun car! Now I know what you guys are talking about!

I was surprised at the nice shifting. Very easy, a long throw, but precise too, and a very light clutch. What fun! Did not take it too fast around the bends until we thoroughly check everything else, but it felt great. The engine felt tight, quiet, and strong, and even the front end/suspension seemed good. A little more brake pedal travel than I would have expected, so I'll check that out carefully.

A terrific experience. My first drive in a spider. My very own! Now I'm convinced that this is the car for me! I need to change the timing belt, and put a gasket on the distributor (since it was dripping oil on the manifold - nice bit of steady smoke). A Few more checks and oil changes and it is ready for use as a rolling restoration. I'm a believer

[mdrburchette]

Glad you got to see first hand what the rave is all about. They are definitely unique little driving machines and it's almost impossible to wipe the grin off your face while driving them.

[mbouse]

super duper! it's a gas, isn't it?

[pope]

Now thats what I'm talking about! Congratulation. Did you guys come back home yet? Its hard to stop driving this car once you start. At least phone your wives and tell them what city your in.

[rlux4]

Way to go Launie! Now you see why I bugged my wife for 26 years to let me have another Spider. Her priorities are sooo screwed up, she would rather buy groceries and pay bills. Go figure.
We're glad to hear the engine and tranny are in such good shape.
Ron

[So Cal Mark]

glad to hear you're hooked! As for the dizzy, if it's dripping it's probably leaking from the seal on the shaft not the gasket. You'll want to address that quickly since the oil will ruin the pickup wiring

[launieg]

Yes, now I feel like a member of the "club". I won't tell you how we had merely put two bolts to hold down each seat, had no insurance, and no seat belts (since I had removed them while cleaning up the interior). The wives figured we wanted the maximum in thrills - possibly meeting a cop.

So we did not go off the short series of dead-end roads in our remote country area. Now I'm keen to get it insured and take it for a drive into town, etc.

The dizzy is leaking alright, but not up through the shaft, but around the outside of the shaft. It's completely clean inside the dizzy, where I had replaced the pickup. So I would guess that is the gasket, Mark. But do correct me if I am wrong.

Well, today is a yardwork day, but hopefully more repairs on the spyder will get done within a few days. Somehow, the garden weeding is taking precedence. I don't understand that.

[miragesmack]

I'm jealous!