Road ready...but work to do.

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pooldoctorstl

Road ready...but work to do.

Post by pooldoctorstl »

First, I want to thank all of the forum members for their advice, information, and humor. I can't begin to tell you all how much help you have been. Almost avery Saturday and Sunday for the last 6 weeks, I have gone from pics of the my 82 Spider on the rollback the day I brought it home, to pics in my driveway after a drive with my daughter teaching her to drive a stick. (The clutch and transmission survived). It sat for 8 years and has 52,000 original documented miles on it.

Here's what I have done so far...
Pulled the gas tank and took it to a radiator shop to have it cleaned and coated. Came back like barand new.
Rebuilt the entire brake system with new master cylinder, I rebuilt all 4 calipers, rebuilt the compensator, new brake lines and hoses, new pads all around.
Changed all oils and fluids. 10w-40 in the engine, GL-1 in the trans, and GL-5 in the rear end.
New timing belt.
Radiator flush and fill.
Complete tune up and injector cleaning.
Ran like crap after I got it started and it warmed up, it had a bad temp sender and now runs great.
New stereo and speakers.
New top. I bought the $149 one on e-bay and it fit and looks great. The only problem I had installing it was not related to the top, but I had to do some repair work top the front bow due to rust, so it took a full weekend to install it.
I put all of the trim and lights back on so I could drive it some before the body work starts. I learned a long time ago (the hard way) to not to paint until the mechanical stuff was done so I don't damage the new paint pulling the engine or leaning over the fenders.
Console overlay should be here Monday so I can finish the interior.
Bought a red headrest cover and convertable top boot from another forum member to replace the ones that were eaten by mice while the PO left the car sit in the woods for about a year.

It now runs great, stops on a dime, and drives great. Bodywork is next. In case anyone is interested, I paid $1,000 for the car and have about an additional $650 in it at this point (parts), total $1,650 if my public school math is correct. :)

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mdrburchette
Posts: 5754
Joined: Wed Jan 25, 2006 5:49 am
Your car is a: 1972 Fiat 124 Sport
Location: Winston-Salem, NC

Re: Road ready...but work to do.

Post by mdrburchette »

That's great news. You're well on your way with your car. Thanks for the update. :D
1972 124 Spider (Don)
1971 124 Spider (Juan)
1986 Bertone X19 (Blue)
1978 124 Spider Lemons racer
1974 X19 SCCA racer (Paul)
2012 500 Prima Edizione #19 (Mini Rossa)
Ever changing count of parts cars....It's a disease!
rlux4
Patron 2022
Patron 2022
Posts: 4211
Joined: Thu Jan 10, 2008 8:32 pm
Your car is a: 1982 2000 Spider
Location: Granite Falls, Wa

Re: Road ready...but work to do.

Post by rlux4 »

That is a great and appreciated update. Congratulations on the success of all your hard work.
I think you have a great car, especially considering the relatively low investment you have in it. (Not counting labor)
Way to go.
Ron
Ron Luxmore
rlux2n2@gmail.com
'82 2000 Spider: after 26 years between Spiders.
2ndwind
Posts: 548
Joined: Tue Oct 27, 2009 10:17 pm
Your car is a: 1982 Spider
Location: Cincinnati OH

Re: Road ready...but work to do.

Post by 2ndwind »

Looking good. I like the idea of getting it totally road-ready and tested before bodywork and paint.
Steve
1982 Red Spider 2000
1919 Old Town Sailing Canoe
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ga.spyder
Posts: 3478
Joined: Tue Nov 06, 2007 7:19 pm
Your car is a: 1982 Spider 2000
Location: Blairsville ,Ga.

Re: Road ready...but work to do.

Post by ga.spyder »

You have about the same in yours as I have in my 76 project.One big diff...yours is a 82!As we all know,that is the best year Spider :D Congrats on getting her up and running.I often question the wisdom when people dive into body work before the car is mechanically sound.Good luck
Craig
Craig Nelson

1982 Spider 2000...pride and joy
1981 Fiat X1/9..gone but not forgotten
1976 124 Spider..the self-healer
2001 BMW 328ci daily driver and track car
Fling It Around Turns !
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