What projects are you planning for the winter?

[Gunsmith]

His English is even better than dems peoples dat be livin downtown day whole lifes...........

Even the Spanish that is spoken here is the equivalent to backwoods Alabama English.

[sjmst]

You know, I started to work on detailing the engine. First step was to remove the air filter box to sand and repaint. It has been many years since I tinkered with the engine. I realized I must unbolt the air flow meter to get good access to the clips holding down the box. Then, a typical ratchet woun't work, as the space to access the bolts is too tight, so I needed and open ended wrench. Love Italian engineering.

[ga.spyder]

That has been the biggest challenge for me w/ the Fiat...tools and the space to use them.I have a collection of wobble extensions,ratcheting wrenches,indexable ratchets,and wrenches I cut in 1/2!! I didnt know some of these tools existed in pre-Fiat days.

Craig

[Jim DeShon]

I am retiring the end of 2008. This gives me time to get back to the things I enjoy. I am planning to get back to rebuilding my Spyder. It has not been driven since the mid-90's. I have owned the car since 1985. I am going to start with the braking system this year. I plan to replace all the brake lines, rotors and rebuild the hydrulics first. If money and time permits, I will then start on the drive train in the summer. The engine and tranny are apart and in boxes at this time. I have already rebuilt the cylinder head. A few years ago I went through the suspension with new springs and shocks but I would like to replace all it's bushings [someday]. Employment keeps getting in the way of fun ...J.D.

[WarbirdAL]

I am starting to work on my 1969 124 Coupe I found in the desert in Nevada this last weekend. It is in pretty good shape but needs lots of work. It needs a valve job which thanks to Mark I should be able to get done. Worked on the brakes the past couple of days, calipers are locked up in the rear. I think the toughest part will be finding a windshield without going bankrupt. What was I thinking?

[WarbirdAL]

well, after posting this I searched again and found my windshield, it will cost about 800 bucks, =apparently they have to make it. (laughing insanely to myself). Ok engine work comes first.

[mdrburchette]

That's a nice little speciman you have there! No wonder you're itching to start on it.

[fiasco]

well, after posting this I searched again and found my windshield, it will cost about 800 bucks, =apparently they have to make it. (laughing insanely to myself). Ok engine work comes first.

Here's a whole parts car (69 coupe) on Craig's List in SoCal for $600: http://santabarbara.craigslist.org/cto/843009459.html. Posted about a month ago.

Not mine - just remembered having seen it and thought I would pass the link along.

-- se

[Tappy]

i already want one , one for summer and one for winter !

[mdrburchette]

Uh, Tappy...maybe you should lay off that Belgium beer and get one running.

[Tappy]

The beer is al i've got

[WarbirdAL]

well, after posting this I searched again and found my windshield, it will cost about 800 bucks, =apparently they have to make it. (laughing insanely to myself). Ok engine work comes first.

Here's a whole parts car (69 coupe) on Craig's List in SoCal for $600: http://santabarbara.craigslist.org/cto/843009459.html. Posted about a month ago.

Not mine - just remembered having seen it and thought I would pass the link along.

-- se

oh no !!! I didnt need to see that, already figuring out how I can go get that one too. I see wife problems, but my birthday is coming up in November. I will have to talk to that guy and see if he still has it etc. Thanks Steve

[sjmst]

Having owned my car since new (26 years), I have recently started to spruce it up. New front end, misc body and interior parts, major service, new tires, detailing, etc.
A few things left to do. Address some clouded gauges, and detail the engine bay.
That will be a bit of work as I need to repaint the radiator , air box and a few other items.

Just spent four hours last night working on the engine compartment.
First, I found, after all these years, that to clean the corroded aluminum (e.g. air intake) all you need is a wire brush on an electric drill. Can't believe how fast and easy it cleans up.
Next step was to paint the air box, radiator, and the fan housing. After unbolting all these things, I sanded them down and painted the housing and the air box with Eastwood's under hood paint. Beautiful.
My can of radiator black from Eastwoods was dead, so I ordered a new spray can.
The top of the radiator sanded down to a beautiful brass. Just waiting for the paint to finish that off. Want to get all this done before it gets too cold. All in all, not a full resto, but a good clean up.
Will post some pics when through.

[stefhahn]

well, projects.... I had so many projects for the Spider in mind (rear lenses, front indicators, re-sealing the engine, doing the valve job,....) but then life came across - so we're expecting our first son in late february/early march next year, so I will be working on the house during winter to create him a cosy room out of my office and rebuild the rooms in the top floor to have a two nice office rooms for Christine and myself - Spider: next year, sorry.
ciao,
Stefan

[Europa]

Congratulations Stefan! At least you get to keep the Spider. I know of a few folks that had to get rid of their Spider when the family began to grow! Next year will fly by, especially with a newborn.