1977 CS1 imported to UK from California

[Wanting]

It's been a while since you last posted but what have you done about fitting a fog light?

[Ptoneill]

I bought a aluminum windshield washer tank with pump from '"Car Builder Sollutions" in London it would go well with your engine compartment if you could find a spot for it.



I placed mine above the computronics coil pack.

You have done an incredible job on the engine compartment!

[pgilling]

Hi Ptoneill,

Sorry for my tardy reply but I really like your washer tank but unfortunately I've measured it up and I can't fit one in. I've decided to get one of the original 'bag' type washer reservoirs to a similar position to where yours is.

Phil

[Ptoneill]

I have one if you need it, worked fine when I pulled it out.

[pgilling]

Many thanks for the offer but I'd have to rearrange a few things to make it fit - shame but I'll have to use the bag.

[pgilling]

An update on the final round of work that has been done to finish off the engineering work on my Spider.

First of all I had a local specialist install a Fiat Miafiori 131 gearbox and alter the front suspension. Everyone told me that the original gearbox is weak, and with a Guy Croft engine producing 150 BHP it would only be a matter of time before the 124 gearbox failed! The new 'box ix fantastic, slightly taller ratios that make high speed cruising very relaxed plus it can easily handle the power.

As for the suspension, the Spider's turn-in and self-catering, plus the general feel, is pretty poor. Therefore, the lower wishbones were strengthened and moved 10 mm forwards to improve turn-in and self-centering. The crossmember was also strengthened and the anti-roll bar mounts were changed to compensate of the changes to the geometry. I also managed to have a towing eye installed so that if necessary a solid towing arm could be attached!




A Fiat Miafiori 131 gearbox that had a remote shifter installed.


Rubber doughnut removed and a torsion propshaft installed.




The role of the rubber doughnut is done by rubber that is between the 2 propshaft tubes above.




The solid bar to fit a towing eye to. It attached to the modified anti-roll bar mounts.


Wishbones strengthened and moved 10 mm forwards to improve turn-in and self-centering.


Crossmember cut out to clear the sump after the engine was lowered by around 25 mm to fit the gearbox. Race spec' engine mounts were used to lower the engine (sump now repainted!).
The mods to the gearbox support and lowering the engine meant that the transmission tunnel needed no modifications to make the 131 gearbox fit!


Exhaust now Zircotec coated (antique silver) to help keep under hood temperatures down. Weld 'scar' on No 1 pipe to repair a crack. The coating also meant I could ditch the ugly heat shields!



And finally the SPAL fan that really helps keep the coolant temperature down. The one I had that came with the car was some cheap Chinese knock-off that was n to up to the job. The SPAL fan creates around 30 mph of air which stops the car overheating in slow traffic.

[Ptoneill]

Many thanks for the offer but I'd have to rearrange a few things to make it fit - shame but I'll have to use the bag.

I was referring to the bag...my old one, has a good pump.

[pgilling]

Oh I did wonder! That's really kind of you but I've just ordered one today.

Thanks again for the offer though.

[pgilling]

Now most of the car is pretty much finished I've turned my attention to doing some small cosmetic jobs. The cam covers always had a few small blemishes that I could not get rid of.

They are not too apparent in this picture but the marks are there:


So I decided to paint the cam covers with VHT paint to get the crinkle effect. I was very please with the result.


And this is how they look on the engine. Personally, I'm really pleased with the result and how easy it is to get a professional looking finish.

[cingarbage]

The next job was to junk those 'Turbine' wheels which I do not like. After much investigation I chose some replica 15" Cromodoros. I chose 15" over 13" as I think they look better without looking too modern. Also, decent 13" tyres are getting hard to come by.

I also replaced the US spec' springs with European height ones and of course replaced the old shocks.




I was very pleased with the results

Hi PG !
Amazing work on your Spider !!!
Was wondering whether you and/or anybody else on the forum can further comment on those "Turbine" Wheels. Were they sort of "original" for US Spiders? I also own a '77 CS1 imported from USA to Belgium and it is fitted with the exact same rims. I did not find any reference for those wheels. I don't really like them either and just bought original Cromodoras CD3 (waiting to be painted)... but was just curious !

Thanks...

[pgilling]

Hi, and welcome to the forum and the world of 124 Spiders!

I understand that the Turbine wheels were standard fit standard fit for Californian Dpiders for just a year or so. I don't think I have seen anyone who has kept them as I guess most people think they don't suit the car - myself included!

It'd be great to see pictures of your Spider.

Cheers, PG

[cingarbage]

Hi, and welcome to the forum and the world of 124 Spiders!

I understand that the Turbine wheels were standard fit standard fit for Californian Dpiders for just a year or so. I don't think I have seen anyone who has kept them as I guess most people think they don't suit the car - myself included!

It'd be great to see pictures of your Spider.

Cheers, PG

Thanks, PG !

This is a good piece of info re: Turbine wheels... Here are a few pix of my '77 still with Turbine rims (soon to be replaced by the CD3s). I also need to figure out whether the springs need to be replaced to revert to EURO height (not sure whether the PO already did that). Also need to replace the Wood dash (original is still in the car but very damaged and covered by a simple vinyl foil... beurk). Any good suggestion for wood replacement as close as possible to the original wood is welcome. Otherwise pretty decent overall condition....

[pgilling]

Hi Cingarbage,

Your turbine wheels are in far better condition than mine and I don't think they look all that bad, but I still think the Cromodoras are far nicer. Going for 15" rims give you a couple of advantages; like you said, a greater choice of tyres are available plus they can accept upgraded brake calipers and discs.

As for the dash, I haven't seen any like mine so I'm unsure if it is original. I like it but some aren't so keen. Have a look around to see what you like and check out companies such as SpiderPoint in Germany or Allison's Automotive in the USA for replacement dash facings.\

I hope that's a help.

Cheers, PG

[cingarbage]

Hi Cingarbage,

Your turbine wheels are in far better condition than mine and I don't think they look all that bad, but I still think the Cromodoras are far nicer. Going for 15" rims give you a couple of advantages; like you said, a greater choice of tyres are available plus they can accept upgraded brake calipers and discs.

As for the dash, I haven't seen any like mine so I'm unsure if it is original. I like it but some aren't so keen. Have a look around to see what you like and check out companies such as SpiderPoint in Germany or Allison's Automotive in the USA for replacement dash facings.\

I hope that's a help.

Cheers, PG

Thanks ! Already checked Spiderpoint and few other sites... but difficult to figure out which replacement dashes are actually NOS or OEM type equipment (hard vs soft vs ...). I 'd rather try and get an original decent condition one (I understand those are a pretty hard find ) or new but same material / similar vinyl ... Will keep checking !

And yes CD3's are on the way (original ones just need repainting) but will likely keep the turbines too...

Cheers, Cin

[pgilling]

Bumpers!

I've not been totally idle over the winter, I finally fitted the classic bumpers. I initially pushed the US spec' ones closer to the bodywork and I quite liked the 'broad shouldered' look. But I eventually decided to try some polished stainless ones that used mounting kits that didn't require any holes to be cut in the front of the car.

Old bumpers before they were pulled close to the bodywork.


Bumpers pulled in to bodywork.


New bumpers. Note the small indicator lights I had to fit. But I didn't like the huge numberplate, it reminded me of Nanny McFee's tooth!


I weighed the old bumpers and they were around 45 Kg. I didn't weigh the new ones but they are thin and very light. I can report that unsurprisingly the car does feel somewhat more sprightly.


I then bought a new number plate where the 'style' at least is legal :