My Fiat experience thus far.. (pictures)

[Fonz]

haha maybe that's why it sounded like I was starting a furnace every time I turned the key.

[katsi]

its not the connection because the car runs every time... I just have to jump start it

Sorry, I was having the exact same problem. CLICK, CLICK, CLICK. Jump start perfect every time.

Ended up being a bad connection to the starter.

[Fiat88]

I also moved the radio in to the glove box while I was at it.

How's that working out, my friend suggested I'd do that too. As you can see I've got no radio at the moment,lol. Got any pics?

[Fonz]

thanks katsi, ill take a look at it.

Fiat88 I just took out the "cubby" inside the glove box and drilled a 1" hole through the back, passes all the wires, done. Ill have some pictures when I tuck more of the wires.

[Fonz]

I am almost done with the interior, a few minor custom applications and ill move on to the suspension.






(my mess in the back )



(here is a picture of the radio Fiat88, Its not much to look at, the white cable is for Ipods)


(the after just for comparison)

[Fonz]

I replaced the battery at no cost due to warranty, turns out that was the problem. Everything as far as electrical is A-OK, I do have an odd problem though. My turn signals wont work unless my caution light is switched on (weird right). My courtesy light only comes on when i open the passenger door. (it flashes 3 or more times) Anyone encounter this problem?

this is what I am shooting for but in black (photo editing involved). I have to change the tail lights and mirrors before I send it in to the body shop. (To the owner of the picture pm me and I will take it down upon request).



(man I want those mirrors..)

[kmead]

Presuming you intend to drive it, I wouldn't go that low. What you show there is a completely compressed suspension which will not drive well at all. I know its all the rage on the Car Lounge to drop it, but that doesn't mean the car (and these cars in particular) will handle properly.

Looks good. Great work on the interior.

Your electrical problems are likely a result of some of the wiring for the hazard switch being incorrectly installed. The hazard system and the turn signal system share much of the same wiring going through both switches.

The interior lights are much simpler, two pin switches that should have a hot lead, the switch acts as a ground which allows the light to turn on. Pull the door pin switch and clean them, ensure the one on the driver's side actually has a wire on it.

[htchevyii]

I've got to say, it does look sweet, but I think major mods would be needed for it to drive properly that low.

[Fonz]

ah you guys are just old

I can drop the car 4" and still have 2" of clearance given that I switch to a permanent test pipe. I still cant find aftermarket coilovers but I am confident I will get what I want as far as ride height goes. (You guys should see my other cars)

[htchevyii]

The problem is the handling turns to poo when the front is radically lowered on these cars. When the lower arms aren't parallel to the ground the geometry gets lousy. I think relocated control arms or custom arms are the only fix. Jason miller (millers mule) has a prototype crossmember to correct the issues, but I don't know if he has plans for production,(sounds like his plate is pretty full).

[kmead]

ah you guys are just old

I can drop the car 4" and still have 2" of clearance given that I switch to a permanent test pipe. I still cant find aftermarket coilovers but I am confident I will get what I want as far as ride height goes. (You guys should see my other cars)

Nice try. I may be older, but I do know a thing or two about cars and handling. The issue is the geometry of the suspension and the fact that some suspension travel allows it to absorb changes in the surface of the road without upsetting the handling of the car.

As pointed out once the lower A arm goes from level to an upward angle from the lower subframe to the suspension upright the geometry and motion of the suspension will be far from ideal. In addition the steering geometry will also be similarly effected and will likely suffer considerable bump steer issues.

Racing cars have the tub, engine and transmission lowered relative to the suspension mountings to get so close to the road, presuming they have double a arm suspension all around you would see that the suspension is not at extreme angles at rest.

Yes you can get there, it just may not be ideal in terms of vehicle longevity or absolute performance. However given that it is your car, and it will indeed look great, more power to you. Definitely make it your own.

[Fonz]

Custom arms are in the works along with front and rear sway bars. I dint mean to offend you guys its all in good fun. I have to wait for the wheels to come in and money is running short. Anyone know a good place to order bushings?
once again I greatly appreciate your feedback gentlemen.

Edit: found the bushings http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=7316

[kmead]

... I dint mean to offend you guys its all in good fun. I have to wait for the wheels to come in and money is running short. Anyone know a good place to order bushings?
once again I greatly appreciate your feedback gentlemen...

No worries and certainly no offense taken, I am just happy another Fiat is being cared for and brought back to being a great looking, enjoyable and enjoyed car. I also really appreciate being able to follow the journey with your pics, commentary and your goals for the car.

I am sure when I was younger I did some things to cars others didn't approve of or thought was a little off, didn't stop me from enjoying my car and making it what I wanted. We all make mods to our cars, some as simple as a different hood insulation, removing the bumpers, frenching in the taillights or what have you. After over 40 years since the cars were introduced, I bet there are a pretty limited number of them that are exactly like they were delivered from the factory.

[Fonz]

[Flyingthere]

Man you did a nice job on that interior, well done! Something to note is that the clock can cause the battery to run down in time and if a battery is not in the best of conditions it can drain and then not charge again enough to crank the engine. When my car is going to be sitting for some time I will disconnect the battery and it generally is in good shape later on. Of coarse your problem is solved but I just wanted to give my 2 cents and acknowledge your find job thus far.