First Road Trip

[Schnauzer]

Took my first official road trip in the 76 Spider this morning. I had to present her in person at the DMV for a VIN verification. She took the 60 mile trip in stride. Temp stayed good. No real surprises. Cruised at 65 mph the whole way without a hickup or groan. This is the first time she has been further than pushing distance from the garage since I acquired her. She is currently at the front end shop for alignment, a spare tire mount, and suspension inspection. There is a clunk upon clutch release. I replaced the center support and bearing but still have a clunk. All in all I am pretty pleased with how she ran. Original 48,000 miles but has been sitting out for 20 years and tinkered with in the past by a hammer mechanic. I have most of the wiring sorted out so everything works but she is butt ugly. Interior, paint, top, wheels & tires this winter. I did learn that I need a coffee cup holder. Trying to drive with a hot cup of coffee between your legs is tough in a Spider,

Jim

[sptcoupe]

Check the bushing on the forward mount of the upper trailing arms, especially the passenger side.. When worn, these can cause a mettalic "clunk" when engaging the clutch by allowing too much squirm.

[mbouse]

Trying to drive with a hot cup of coffee between your legs is tough in a Spider

you'll get used to it. or not.

that clunk could be a myriad of things, and of course, we love to guess at those. you mentioned center support, so i gotta ask why you thought of the drivetrain first. and, with that question in mind, i wanna suggest u-joints and the guibo should be inspected/replaced.

[katsi]

I use the "cup" in rear part of the center console to hold my drink. Just mess with different sized containers untill you get one to fit. The thin water bottles work great. Then again, I don't drink coffee. By the way, good for you on your 60 mi trip. Question is, top up or down?

[kilrwail]

OK, here's the cupholder I made for the long haul to FFO. Holds a coffee mug or water botle. Cost $0.

[Schnauzer]

Heh Mike. Rubber was completely separated on center support. Mentioned that only to eliminate that as a possibility. Nice cup holder Kilrwail. Well chosen spot ergonomically for the left non shifting hand. Good thinking. Top frame down. Top material in a cardboard box. Will install top after paint. I am in North Idaho so I am guessing only a few weeks left to drive little Isabella or Ugly Betty as my wife refers to her. I think the trailing arm bushings are the cause of the clunk. Will keep you posted. Cold this morning but no rain. Really a pretty nice drive.

Jim

[Schnauzer]

Heh Sptcoupe: You hit the nail square on the head. Passenger side top front bushing. You get the Diagnosis of the Day award along with my thanks.

Jim

[rlux4]

Cup holder? You brought up my favorite addition to my car. This is the one I made, it serves as an armrest also. I decided I needed one after my first trip to the Mira Oregon campout, which is a little over 800 miles one way.



I made a pad that sits on top of it when it's being used as an armrest.



So far Ace has one in his car, he's been known to take long trips also, and Mike's wife has an ebony one in her car.
Ron

[jfrawley]

4 for $1.96 at Wal-Mart