Squashed,...getting fixed!

[geospider]

my hood is FREE to you Todd. just sittin, covered in the back yard.
let me know if you need pics

[wetminkey]

HOKEY SMOKES! geospider, please check your PMs. I'll go back to email.
Thank you sir!
Thank you zachmac!
What a GREAT forum,...
Todd.

[wetminkey]

Since it's no restoration, I'll continue to post here.
I have two good hoods that are available to me, so that can be taken care of. Pics are coming, and I'll work on arrangements to ship after the first of the year. Otherwise, I and my Spider are kinda 'on call' for time with my frame/body guys, so I'm finishing out what else I can,...
New sun-visors, interior courtesy light, and the coolant T plug that I have been after for 17 years (mine needs a vice-grip at the moment!) are coming from AutoRicambi now.
I'll purchase the two small parts that my convertible boot is missing and a set of rear axle trailing arms soon. I can install the trailing arms in the next couple of months, on days when our temps are not so awful, and work on the boot can be done inside.
I'll have time now to return to the bodywork that I was working on just behind the driver's door and complete that while waiting for the big stuff to occur.
Steps forward over years,...steps back in moments. Struggling forward all the time,...
Todd.

[wetminkey]

New stuff on the way, and some new stuff already here,...and some ready to order. That should just about complete the car,...as far as parts go. We still have that BIG bodywork hurdle to get over.
My wife, and I, had a fantastic visit at Aspen Import Autos! They're a miserable 80 mile drive south, but WELL worth the effort! If for no other reason than to look at the car and parts collection! Just amazing! And it got me all of the large parts that my Spider needed. Good hood and pad, upper grille and surround.
Minor grille straightening by hand,...0000 steel wool to the surround, and those parts are nearly like new. I've been sanding/finishing the new-to-me hood. Roughed the body glaze just a bit ago after some minor bodywork. Rust free, good hinges.
Nice weather today, so I removed the backup light housings for the rear bodywork. It should be easy for 'my guys', pulling from those mounting holes.
New stuff: replacement sunvisors, a new coolant T plug, and a courtesy light to replace mine (with the broken switch).
Coming: Rear axle trailing arm set (pass. side damaged underneath) and front hooks for my boot (non-existent when bought 18 years ago). Ready to order: L and R hood hinges for '79 and retainers for my 'new' hoodpad.
I'll keep working until Brady and the guys are ready for the Spider. I hope to have my part done by the time they give me the word,...we'll see.
Todd.

[wetminkey]

Installed the visors today with just a bit of work,...tight fit over the plastic rod end. They look and function perfectly!
Test fit the new plastic hooks for my boot,...they also work perfectly. How nice,...owned the car for 17 years and never knew they existed. I'll set them in place tomorrow. It's the original 1979 boot! And I have FINALLY learned how my top is supposed to be secured when down,...
I installed the replacement 'courtesy light' today. It is not quite compatible with all of the '79's electrical plugs. Two will plug in bent slightly away from the light body. The third (red/black), must have the plug's plastic insulator removed to fit, and a new insulation added the the exposed end of the plug.
I now have a beautiful set of replacement upper, and lower, rear axle trailing arms to install. I'll replace rear shocks at the same time.
New hinges are on the way, as are the hood pad retainers.
Second coat on the hood today. It is really looking nice.
Keeping busy while I await time on the straightening rack!
Todd.

[wetminkey]

Had to hook up the batt. to start and turn the car around for the rear suspension work. My new interior 'courtesy light' works just great!
Shocks and springs are out and new upper and lower passenger side rear axle trailing arms are in place.
I was able to bust loose bolts on the opposite side, but ran outta time, and stamina,...and warmth. So the pair of trailing arms for the driver's side will wait 'till tomorrow for replacement,...
New KYB shocks are on the way.
Todd.

[wetminkey]

A little warming, some dinner, a 'bolster' or two, and I got 'er done!
New upper and lower rear axle trailing arms. Took some work to align bolts,...
Lowers were both damaged. Passenger side looks like someone high-centered the car on it. Driver's was just tweaked from straight. Uppers were fine, but 'old',...
Now I'll just have to wait for the KYB's to get here to finish putting it back together,...
All have a good evening!
Todd.

[wetminkey]

KYB's came yesterday afternoon.
Man! What a struggle,...gas shocks. Had to tie 'em down! Finished the job this morning,...
I found that I can disconnect the brake compensator torsion bar to lower the axle just a bit more (carefully monitoring the tension on the brake flex hose!). That made it easier to slip the top of the shock under the edge of the upper spring perch. I also cheated a bit by using my spring compressors, so they were easy to place. I cleaned the lower spring pads and perches, and applied WD40 to the steel prior to reassembly.
The rear suspension is now nicely quiet.
New 1979 hinges and hood pad push pins came today.
Other than a new windshield, dashpad, and upholstery, I've pretty much run out of small stuff to complete on the Spider while I wait for the bodyshop.
Happy Holidays, all!
Todd.

[dinghyguy]

Well done, now time to plan the flame pattern for the fenders, sort out what type of hood scoop to install and decide what color undercar lighting to install. Or maybe build a Plexiglas wind deflector, install the subwoofer, amps and navigation stereo system, think about the rear wing you have always wanted a la superbirds. just don't stop now.....

cheers
Dinghyguy

[wetminkey]

Ho, Ho, Ho, dinghyguy!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, your's, and everyone on the forum!
Todd.

[wetminkey]

Temps were acceptable enough today to get a coat of body putty on the "new to me" hood and the driver's rear fender that I have been working on. Unfortunately, I do not have a heated garage,...The fender's contour is improving, and the hood is really smoothing out very nicely.
Only about a month more of waiting for bodywork to start! And the Spider is ready,...new '79 hinges are here.
Happy Holidays!
Todd.

[wetminkey]

Temps have improved a bit today, so I roughed out the new hood bodywork with 220 on my flexible longboard. Looks good. The driver's rear fender edge will take some careful sanding,...so no longboards!
Both areas look very nice. Not done, but progressing nicely.
I sure wish Brady would give me "The Call"! I guess the Spider still has about another month to wait for the serious bodywork.
I want to drive my Spider! It runs SO well!
Todd.

[wetminkey]

Warmed up to running temp again today after all the COLD temps here. Ran great. Radiator steams a little, but does not leak. It will need a minor repair eventually.
I am down to one of my last minor projects,...damn vent window latches came off a long while back. Crappy adhesive, I'd guess.
What adhesive have any of you had luck with? I would like to install these latches just once more and be done with it!
Thanks, Todd.

[geospider]

Hey Todd,
Glad things are moving along.
I have some of this rapid Fix
https://allisonsautomotive.com/collecti ... l_fix_pack

Haven't used yet since I am not at that stage, but also need to attach the same aprt.

Geo

[wetminkey]

I don't understand how this site abbreviates links and makes them unusable, BUT I was able to find the light activated epoxy you refer to. I have heard of this product,...fantastic idea, geo!
I've thought of getting some for various other purposes, but hadn't yet. Now I've got a job for it! I'm almost afraid to use it, knowing how strong this type of bond is! But it will nicely 'stick' those vent latches in place permanently.
Easy to get a good cure with the UV through the back of the glass, and the bond will only strengthen with further UV exposure (via the vent window glass,...especially here in Colorado!).
Nice suggestion, geo! Thanks a lot.
Todd.