Dumb questions from Newbie

[amsiegel]

Hi all

Got my garage painted and new lights installed waiting the arrivial of the car next weekend.

Since I have a million questions running through my head I figured I ask some.

What brand / type motor oil do you suggest? (I live in Florida it's Hot) driving will be light.
Same thing with trans oil , coolant, break fluid, other fluids, spark plugs, wires, points. I like to chage everyting when I get a car.

Do you put any addivtives in your oil or gas (IE. zmax, chevron techron, STP, etc)

If the car is in the garage with a car cover over it should I leave the top up or down. ( I said they where dumb questions)

If you hwere to make a small tool kit to put in trunk what would you put in it. To make it challanging lets limit the size as to everything has to fit in a shoe box that a pair of man's sneakers came in. What about small spare parts. (on the triumph motoecycle we always carried a set of points and new plugs in the saddle bag)

Is there anything that you think might be a must to change or update with a more modern part on a Spider.

Is there anything I should keep an eye on(is there one thing that gives a problem alot)

Are the newer after market electric radiator fans better than the original.

Thanks for any input

Andrew

[So Cal Mark]

wow, it would take volumes to answer all of those questions at one sitting.
I'd suggest Rotella for oil, or any thing you choose if you use a zinc additive
ethylene glycol for coolant
GL-1 for the tranny
80/90 ep for the diff, or a specialty gear oil if you like
Dot 3 brake fluid
Without knowing what year the car is, spare parts will vary.
As for a tool kit, you can do most anything with a 10mm, 13mm, 17mm and 19mm. Put wrenches, sockets, a swivel adapter, extension and ratchet, screwdriver, pliers, fuses, repair tape and a test light and you'll be in good shape.

[spider2081]

For most of my professional life I have used Snap-on wrenches and screw drivers. However at home I have found Kolbalt tools sold at Lowe's work very well. I feel quality screwdrivers are a must. Also for wrenches I want but that I seldom use Stanley tools sold at Walmart work well also.

[sptcoupe]

I would also add to Mark's kit a spark plug socket, a set of plugs, a distributor rotor and cap, depending on what year car it is (I usually just carry around the old pieces that I have replaced), electrical tape and a good flashlight. Maybe an 8mm wrench, too.

[amsiegel]

Its a 1977. Sorry should have put that in the first posting.

Thanks for the great info.

[So Cal Mark]

I would carry a spare set of points and condensor, or convert the dist to single points and leave the 2nd set in place as a backup

[jwhite]

These are not tools, and you might already know to have these handy especially if you go on a long trip is a spare alternator belt , magnetic pickup (electronic ignition cars) and a "Guibo" (flex disc). I also carry a fire extinguisher.

[htchevyii]

It's better for the top if you store it with the top up. The gl-1 trans oil is one that confuses most people, unlike most oils, you don't want to use a higher rated one like gl-4, the sulfur destroys your syncros. I had a difficult time finding it locally, Vicks & IAP carry it, I've heard tractor supply stores carry in and Napa can order it.

[mbouse]

SHORT TERM storage of the top, i leave up or down depending on how i drove the car into the garage.
LONG TERM storage of the top, absolutely...top up and clasped into position.

rubber wear items you need to be aware of:
guibo
timing belt

if you dunno when these were last replaced, do it NOW.