What order for projects?

[sc81fiat]

Hello all,

New to the site, searched through the topics but didn't really see an overview of the best order for upgrading parts (if there is one)? I figured there might be SOME kind of order logic (if you have "x" apart you might as well fix "y"). I'm looking to:

1. Upgrade suspension
2. Lowering springs
3. Removing bumpers
4. Upgrade brake system
5. Larger wheels
6. Steering upgrades
7. Abarth style exhaust (similar sound as my FIAT 500 Abarth)
8. Body work/ Paint job

Thanks!

[narfire]

I'm figuring you have a FI car so it goes not too bad without messing with the engine... perhaps motor mounts replacement.
Brakes are usually decent but perhaps upgrade to the braded steel lines, flush the brake lines, bleed them. Not too difficult really to replace the rubber in the calipers as well. Being able to stop gives you a piece of mind.

Suspension next....progressive springs perhaps and if the funds permit I found the Koni's (yellow) a huge improvement with a 1" front sway bar.
15" wheels and rubber either 205's or 195 series works well.
Removing the bumpers lighten the car a bit but you are now at the mercy of parking lot goons and inattentive drivers at stop lights or signs. Doesn't take much to crease these cars. Your choice....

Not sure about steering upgrades....stock system is great, just make sure you take any play out of the wheel and the idler and steering box has fresh oil in it. A good alignment after suspension, and new wheels are installed is a must.
Body work/paint......diy or shop? can be opening up a can of worms if rust is found....
have fun FIAT is Fixing It As Therapy
Chris

[AriK]

Welcome!
You didn't mention the car's condition, whether this car is a daily driver, whether you just bought it, has it been sitting for a number of years, etc. Rolling restoration or total teardown? Generally, if you plan on driving it while it undergoes the work it's wise to concentrate with safety first items such as fuel system, brake systems and suspension and finally proceed to cosmetic upgrades such as body work and paint.
A good visual inspection is obviously the first step before everything, check for rusted shock towers, crossmember condition and a general rust assessment. Try to evaluate a budget. This is an important step in order to discover any deal breakers before you sink any $$$ into it.
Please post some photos, we love photos. Our answers may be more helpful when we see what you're dealing with.
Ari

[RRoller123]

Welcome aboard! You will find plenty of knowledgeable and friendly people here.

Post some pictures!

Here is a thread on how to post pictures directly to the forum:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f15/viewtopic ... 13&t=32169

And here is another picture-posting thread:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f15/viewtopic ... 12&t=23084

This short instruction covers how to resize pictures so that they don’t get cut off at the right side:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f15/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=30441

And here is a link to a map of Spider owner’s locations. Many forum members have listed their locations.

https://www.zeemaps.com/map?group=191825

[sc81fiat]

Thanks guys! Your information will be invaluable as I go through and upgrade the car!
A little background: Bought it a couple months ago, same owner for over 20 years with 50,000 original miles. No visible rust, always garaged. Pretty much a daily driver. No leaks. A good amount of "play in the steering wheel" and the brakes take forever to stop. Suspension feels "spongy". Got it for a good price, so I don't mind putting some time, energy and money into it.

Here are some pics!

[narfire]

Car looks great from here....
If the steering has just a bit of play, one can usually adjust that out at the steering box. Perhaps the rod ends and ball joints are hooped. If you are going to replace the springs, might as well re&re the rod ends and ball joints then you are starting at a known point. Kinda crazy to replace the springs and shocks and at a later date take it all apart again to replace the ball joints.(not expensive) Jack the front of the car up and hands at the top and bottom of the wheel push/pull and see if there is any play. Wheel bearings ok?
Chris

[AriK]

Hey, looks like you got yourself a real looker there! 50,000 miles, she's just a spring chicken! Interior is great, the hardware is all there, she's all complete. Seems like a rolling restoration as it seems like the paint and bodywork is flawless. My opinion, and others may want to chime in just in case i'm missing certain areas, is as follows:
1. Brakes. You definetely want to make it stop once it goes.
2. Change everything rubber if there are no records, timing belt/tensioner, flex joint in the driveline, rad hoses, fuel hoses including filler hose, get ethanol resistant.
3. Suspension/lowering springs, steering, wheel upgrade/tires--> (if it will make you happy). Once you're in this area do it all at once. You'll never look back afterwards.
4. Exhaust
5. Remove bumpers (if it makes you happy). You may want to give this some thought, local laws concerning bumperless, insurance coverage stipulations. Body work will be very easy to ding, stay away from parking lots, high traffic areas etc.
6. Paint, bodywork n/a in my opinion, at least for the time being.
In this day and age we have access to great Fiat parts vendors and the quality of the goods highly exceed what was accessible a decade ago. These vendors regularly post on this forum and stand by their products.

Good luck at what you do and have fun doing it.
Ari

[sc81fiat]

Thanks Ari and Chris!
I do want to replace as much as I can when I am getting it done. In terms of the Suspension, Steering and Brakes.... is there a list of "all connected parts" or some kind of "package of components" to look for? I don't want to miss replacing a small $2 part and it affect the whole thing