For Someone, a dream come true

[4babycar]

On the off chance that this may be someone's lifelong dream, I thought I would post this. I suppose it would make and "interesting" project.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/pts/814830348.html

[JeremyB]

Yet further proof that we should institute mandated lobotomies for the stupid!

[racydave]

Yep, drain bead for sure! Canidate for a transplant.

[Tappy]

looks more like a nightmare to me ....

maybey you can match it up to this one

[kristoj]

On the off chance that this may be someone's lifelong dream, I thought I would post this. I suppose it would make and "interesting" project.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/pts/814830348.html

Haven't heard from you for a while. Give us an update on where you are with YOUR project. Last I heard you were trying to determine if the shock towers could be repaired. What did you decide? I'm hoping you have it all figured out!

[4babycar]

Well you had to go and ask didn't you..... OK, so maybe you all could help with my decision(s). I bought a parts car, one that would be either a suitable donor body for my 81 engine or a supply of the needed basics I need to fix my 81 outside of the rust issues. Well after the debacle that was getting that car home we were able to get it running after about 2 hours so I now have two running fiats! The new car is in decent shape, lots of minor body work and the only cancer is over the rear wheel wells. She needs a new clutch but the PO gave me a new one to go with. Here is where I am. After doing more investigation on my 81 I think all in not lost, I think with a new muffler, windshield, top and floor pans, I can get the shock tower area fixed and reinforced and be fine outside of the cosmetics. The damage currently is only on the exterior of that axial rail so I think a bit of clean-up, reinforcing and covering and she will live. So my dilemma is do I continue with both cars, pull the needed parts from the new car and continue with my 81 or continue with my new car and abandon my 81. Budget is the issue at the moment. The other part of this is the new car has been updated with performance in mind pretty much across the board (drilled/slotted roters, 40idf Webers, Koni's, Exhaust (Not Marks but updated), BWA wheels......) and I would love to see what she could do. Finally, my daughters have also named the new car Black Betty after the song (http://www.last.fm/music/Ram+Jam/_/Black+Betty) and seeing your 3 year old play air guitar for the first time really does bring a tear to your eye! So as you can see we get emotionally attached to fiats quickly around here. I welcome comments and advice as always!

Question, with the 81 sitting the brakes seem to be stuck what would be the likely cause and how should I go about identifying/correcting said cause(s). Also, how difficult is putting in a clutch yourself?

[rlux4]

The hardest part of changing out a clutch is dropping the tranny. That's not even particularly hard, but the two top bolts are a bear to get to, and the first time you do it, it takes a while to get the right configuration of extensions and u-joint sockets figured out. Drop the drive line, unbolt the starter (also fun to unbolt at the top), unbolt the tranny. Oh! Step #1: disconnect the battery. This is the perfect time to check out the flex disc, carrier bearing and u-joints.
The brakes have a "caliper locking block" that is designed to allow sliding of the pads. If it's rusted and gunked up it can cause sticking. It's pretty easy to take apart and clean and lube though. Be sure to check for good condition of the brake hoses while you're in there.
The clutch alligning tool is the same for some models of Ford, I have one, I can look up the Napa number for it if you do the job.
Ron

[kristoj]

I still think you have to save the one you've had since high school -- the one you first dated you wife in. The one you,,,okay, we won't go there. You'll be surprised how much cash flow you'll generate by parting out what you don't need from the other car.

[Nick]

looks more like a nightmare to me ....

maybey you can match it up to this one

That thing is awesome... where can I get one?!

[4babycar]

I failed to mention one other little item in the decision process. My wife now is liking the idea of his and her's fiats! I think she might be a little jealous of Denise. Though, she says she gets Betty (the performance one) since I used to beat the socks off of her Mazda 323 hatchback in High School.

Yet another reason to get the Fiat back up was I ran into one of the old "Cool Kids" from High school tonight at my daughters pre-school open house. You know the one, the young good-looking italian kid (not the car). Anyway, the first thing he said to me is I remember that Fiat you used to have! Too bad he couldn't get the girl or the car since I have my wife and he has a Triumph.

[So Cal Mark]

an Italian with a Brit car? something wrong there

[Gunsmith]

Those montster truck Fiat's would fit in great down here in South Florida. No one would even stare?

If any of you need a good laugh or an understanding of Jeff Foxworthy jokes please go to the following link for "Mudfest" which takes place every year about a half hour away from our range. You can also "Google" "mudfest" and see additional entertaining examples of where Mr. Foxworthy get's his material. http://www.stroid.net/mudfest05.htm

[spiderrey]

that xi9 is awesome, and that spider has potential. ive always thought about taking a rabbit truck, throwing it on a stretched samuri frame and having a cool little 4x.