My purchase

[azygoustoyou]

I refinished my gas tank. I believe it cost about $40-50 for the kit. I can't remember the name of it. I know Eastwood sells a similiar kit for $49.00. http://www.eastwood.com/ew-gas-tank-sea ... -cars.html
It is a pain because you have to seal up all the holes and rotate the tank so each side of the tank is properly cleaned. But you could do it. I wouldn't do the Renu for $300. You could buy a new tank for less. Here's a link to one of our venders. Check around for a better price. http://www.international-auto.com/gas-tanks.cfm

[katsi]

Mice like to chew through wires too. My first spider had a similar problem with mice. Lots of chewed through wire. Wasn't too hard to fix but it made up about 90% of the electrical problems on that car. Good luck and welcome abord.

[jimincalif]

I wouldn't do the Renu for $300. You could buy a new tank for less. Here's a link to one of our venders. Check around for a better price. http://www.international-auto.com/gas-tanks.cfm

I considered a new tank, but spoke with someone else who had a brand new tank rust out very quickly, apparently rust was already started in a seam when he got it. Also, apparently the replacement tanks do not have baffles. Renu vs. replacement was essentially a wash cost-wise.

[pooldoctorstl]

Sorry about that, I am still learning to use this forum. Next time I will pay attention to the location of the responding member. Good to hear you might really have a life!

[spidernut]

Looks like an amazing find. I also have/had the same red interior. My car was also all original inside with ultra-low mileage. Unfortunately, the seats really started cracking from the vinyl being so dried out after 30+ years. I'm converting my interior to tan as a result (it is in progress as I'm awaiting arrival of the upholstery kit).

My recommendation is that if you keep the red console and want to make it look nice again, take a look at this photo
http://www.flickr.com/photos/91943036@N00/2484008903/

The picture of the console is from an 81 anniversary edition. It has sewn seams so it will fit the console without having to put a plastic cap over it, or replacing entirely. The fabric is glued down with contact cement to hold it tight against the top of the console and under the edges along the sides. You can see the inserts along the top, but I can't recall specifically how they were held in place.

If your carpet is shot, let me know. I made a red carpet set several years back that has been in my Spider. I just replaced it with tan. It is in excellent condition and has an edge binding in the appropriate places. Not sure what I'd want for it, but it is pretty close to the original color.

Glad you got such a find! Now comes the hard but fun part....restoring it!

[pooldoctorstl]

Spidernut/John/Sergio.... I definately want to keep the red console. Where can I get a cover like that or are you suggesting I make it? Looks like it might be a custom job from an uphostery shop. I agree, it looks great. My carpet is all like new, but thanks for the offer.

[spidernut]

I stumbled across the picture on the web several years back. When I saw it, it jogged a few brain cells and I remembered that my 1981 Spider came equipped new with that exact console. I had forgotten about the 1981 factory option (pictured) that came with the leather interior. I made the mistake of destroying my old, cracked, console when I bought a replacement console. The hard plastic consoles from IAP look O.K., but have an odd stippled texture to them. I wish I would have remembered about the sewn version like in the picture. I'd be happier today.

My guess is that you can find a good upholstery shop who can make the cover. The only seams are across the top edge of the console and one at the very back behind the coin cup. I've not been able to figure out why none of the companies like IAP, Bruces, Vick's, AutoRicambi, World Upholstery, C'Obert, etc., don't carry them. They'd be easy to make and easy to install.

John

[pooldoctorstl]

John,

Sounds like a business opportunity. Can you sew?

Jeff

[rlux4]

The leather padded console was a factory option. A very few cars in 1980 had it, then all of the Anniversary Edition models in 81 had it. Usually along with it came leather seats and a leather strip at the bottom of the dash. As on my 82;



Radiopilot sewed his own and it turned out fantastic.
Ron