Yet, even more questions......

[4babycar]

First, I wanted to thank you all for your help and advise thus far. You haven't made all of my decisions easy ones but they have definitely been informed ones.
Anyway another update. At this point I believe (still not sure) I have decided to go ahead with trying to fix both cars. The plan right now is to get both physically and mechanically sound (The both run, though Betty still needs her clutch - but I am working on that), so that they can be driven and enjoyed and then slowly work on the cosmetic stuff and hopefully have them done before my girls (3 and 6) are ready for prom.
With that in mind, I have the following questions-
Brakes, on Betty (the new car) the front calipers are both locked onto the discs. Per Ron's advice I checked the caliper locking blocks on each side and they are both free. I had already planned on taken each off and rebuilding but does this indicate a potentially more serious problem. This appears to be new because the PO and I were able to easily push her onto the uhaul trailer before the 6 hour ride home.
Windshield, Babycar has a cracked windshield and therefore could not be inspected and I got a good deal on a windshield and frame so I thought I would just un-bolt and swap. It doesn't appear that simple.... Is there additional attachments other than the 2 on the side in the door jams? My dad couldn't get the old frame loose 15 years ago when he had her painted. (He didn't bother to tell me this until I bought the new frame.)
Floor Pans- Has anyone fabricated their own floor pans? and I don't mean they kind of ones from stolen signage. Through the company that I work for I can order, cut and weld sheet metal and this would be far cheaper than the stock ones minus the sweat equity value. (I wouldn't be welding myself, we certified welders here and some are familiar with this type of welds.) I am hoping to find someone who has gone down this road before and can tell me if I am insane/stupid for attempting this or can give me some hints/tips and how to do it. - Thanks again.

[So Cal Mark]

Yes you are approaching incurable insanity. you could be in lying on the couch instead of resurrecting Fiats. That said, when you are commited you will be in a ward with many of us so you won't be lonely.
Brakes-rebuilding the calipers, cleaning all of the caliper hardware and replacing brake hoses should cure your problem.
Very routine stuff on a car that has been sitting.
The windshield is only attached on the sides, but replacing it and fitting it properly under the front lip is a challenge. Make sure you have at least one other person to help. Clean the channels well and make sure the window rubber is pliable and well lubed
Your idea of replacing floor pans should work fine, and it sounds like it will save a chunk of money

[4babycar]

Mark,
Thanks for your quick reply, vote of confidence and your informed opinion of my current and future mental status.
Regarding the floor pans, I plan on measuring and laying out the pattern in CAD and hopefully have them laser or torch cut by our local metal supplier. Once I have completed the process I will make sure that I post the layouts somewhere so others may use. That is unless someone else has already done this, and if so I would love to have that information.

[So Cal Mark]

if anyone has done, they sure haven't posted it here. That would be a very welcome addition. Is it possible you'll become a floor pan supplier?

[4babycar]

I suppose it could be a possibility though, I really hadn't thought about it. I'll wait to see how my project comes out and go from there.

[mdrburchette]

There may be some caulking that's keeping the windshield from coming out. I had to move mine back and forth to break it loose. Maybe tapping it with a rubber mallot will help.

[So Cal Mark]

tapping glass with a mallet? I guess the small pieces will be easier to handle than that one large sheet

[mdrburchette]

Well, that could work. It's already cracked, right? I was talking about tapping the lower part of the frame to possibly break the hold loose. It might help to pull the cowl panel off, but I don't know. I just pulled the w/shield from my green car but the dash and cowl were off.

[So Cal Mark]

just having some fun with you D,

[mdrburchette]

I know Mark....but this new guy may think I'm the dumba$$ that I am.

[4babycar]

No, No, No...... I welcome any and all tip and comments. I have been around fiats enough time to know that all will want to take a hammer/mallet to them at some point in time. Did I every tell you that my 81' has often reminded me of "Christine - from Steven King fame....) D- I have read enough post on this forum to know that you are a treasure and asset to have and certainly not a dumba$$, thanks for the advice.

[mdrburchette]

Gosh, aren't you a doll!
I have Christine's little brother in my garage right now. I call him the Devil X.

[4babycar]

We will have to re-unite them at some point and time. We aren't that far from NC. She might be shamed into behaving a bit better once she sees your cars!