Package shelf: Items #1 and #2

[spiderdan]

Nothing is without risk, it's getting the right balance that's the secret, imo.

phaetn, I totally agree. I put about 6,000 miles (not Kms) on my 68 every year. And now that I am retired, I expect to put even more miles on her. I regularly drive on curvy, hilly mountain roads going to the cottage, with all the other weekend warriors. Some would worry about driving a 45 year old car, with only lapbelts, no headrests or a rollbar. I guess I trust my mechanic with my life. (Tx Canadan).
But with all the risks comes much pleasure. I could drive my Hyundai (told it means Pinto in Korean) Azera (10 airbags) but it just isn't fun! It's hard to wipe the smile off my face when I'm crusin' in my Spider. Sure I've thought about what a big buck would do to my car and my head if we we're to meat (pun intended), but the fun is worth the risk. The only time I kinda freaked was when I was trying to get her up to top speed on a long straight road here behind the airport. I read my car could do 103mph when new, so I tried. Seemed like a good idea at the time.
I pushed the old girl to up to 95mph and then noticed I was running out of road (T stop at the end) That's when I realized that if something did go wrong, (a clunk, snap, twang or bang) I was roadkill.
Maybe I would have a better chance at survival without the lapbelt...can spiderdan fly? Maybe, but landing would be the hard part.

Phaetn, get a Spider, I know it will put a smile on your face.
Your wife will also enjoy it. It just might be the right tonic/distraction for her as she faces the challenges ahead.

I wish you both luck, strength and a fun Spider.

[phaetn]

Thanks for the reply and well wishes, Spiderdan.

Where is your mechanic at? I'm going to have to get to know who to see one of these days!!

Love the pic of your car in front of Maman at the National Gallery. Very clever! Do you mind if I eventually copy the idea with my own Spider once I get one? I live very close by and know I can sneak the car on there in the early morning on a weekend without getting caught.

My mum, now long since retired, used to be the Curator of European Art at the NGC so I know the ins and outs of the institution very, very well!

Cheers,
phaetn

[spiderdan]

phaetn, yep I took that pic near the spider early one Sunday morning. A click and run!
I had called a few weeks earlier to get permission and the head of security told me that no way could I park under the spider. He went on to tell me that they have cameras and if I did park it under the spider, they would hire engineers to see if the leg pads had shifted, all at my costs. Ya right!
So a few weeks later, I drove up the wheelchair sidewalk ramp, parked her a few yards away and got a few pics. Got back in the car and drove like hell over the bridge to the cottage!
I gotta do it again soon, now that I have new bumpers.

My mechanic, or I should say buddy, is in Carlsbad Springs. He used to work on Fiats. Alphas and Lancias but now he says that he doesn't do that anymore. Jay went out to see him with me and he helped him out with a few small issues. He has over 30 years experience/knowledge and always a few parts. When you get your Fiat I'll take you out there to meet him and share a pint. But remember, he doesn't work on them anymore.
He used to post quite a bit on Mirafiori.com (search "canadan") but he got bared for life. I think he might be the 1st and the only one,,,he's a crazy Lebanese, but in a fun way. I guess I am a little crazy too and that's why we get along.

I think a "little crazy" is an essential requirement for Fiat ownership.
But I might be wrong...(feel free to chime in anytime guys and gals)

Tell you what phaetn, come spring, if an appropriate Spider hasn't found you yet, and my "Angelina" is running good, I will meet up with you and let you take your wife for a spin.

[4uall]

Dan's buddy/mechanic is awesome. He is a perfect mix of knowledge, common sense and no bullsh*t

Ditto on the ride offer (if I ever get her back from paint LOL)

[phaetn]

You guys are awesome!

I'm hoping that I'll have my own by Spring so I won't have to take you up on your offers.
*Fingers crossed*

Cheers,
phaetn

[phaetn]

And here is why I sold my vintage café racer bike and bought a Spider and installed lap belts in the back:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/1974_fiat ... 578433144/

My wife has been through 26 rounds of chemo and is still going strong, tough as cast iron cannon balls. It's fun to go out for evening summer rides as a family and have everyone laugh and smile together.

Safety first: I only go on scenic parkways when kids are in the back.

Cheers,
phaetn

[spiderrey]

I used to make runs from Los Angeles to Oregon, with two of my five sisters. One in front and one in back. Never a problem. My car had a roll bar back then. It came with it. It was a 12 hour non stop run thru the night. It was always a good time. Sorry Im not one of those guys that goes thru life worrying about every little thing, to busy enjoying life. Hell once in high school , I had two cheerleaders back there. That seat works just fine.