So the saga contiinues. While I was waiting for the new master cylinder to come in, I decided to continue with replacing rubber hoses so I started working at the rear of the car. Got the smaller fuel line run, and a new line between the fuel pump and filter, and filter to hard line. Got the larger line from tank to pump out, but need a longer piece than I had, so next time I pass a parts store, I'll pick up 3' of 7/16" fuel line. Of course, now that I can see the rear end, it's completely covered in grease. Looks like the pinion shaft seal's been leaking for quite a while. I'll make sure it's full before I drop the car.
The master cylinder came in this afternoon, so I masked it off and clear coated it for some rust protection, and got it installed and the reservoir filled. I'll bleed the system soon, probably tomorrow. Maybe I can actually take this car for a test drive one of these days.

Today I drove the spider.
I have taken to calling it "my beautiful trainwreck".
It will need a good bit more work if I'm going to keep it.
The brakes are shit. No pedal feel, and very weak. The left front wheel is hard to turn by hand, and I think I heard the pad rubbing the rotor on my drive today, so more investigation is needed. If necessary, I have access to a brake hone, and rebuild kits are cheap.
The radiator leaks. It appears to be leaking at the filler neck. The gauge edged up to about 200, then steadied. When I get time, I'll make some calls and try to find a local rad shop to repair it.
The fuel gauge reads full. It wasn't.
Third gear whines. I just put that tranny in there, it ain't comin' back out for a while. I'll live with it.
I stopped at the gas station, and filled it with premium.
I'm going to drive it for a week or two. I know the car has been sitting idle since August 2013. I have seen problems fix themselves after a few heat cycles on other garage queens. It's worth a shot.
On the plus side, the motor runs out nicely, got it up to 5k rpm at one point. It steers well enough, has good power, sounds great. None of the new fuel or brake lines seem to be leaking, the clutch is strong.
More later.

My 1800 with fuel injection would be my dream motor. The 32/36 weber I have on it is, according to the tuning shop, way too small and is strangling the motor. I will be replacing with dual webers but the cold start reliability of fuel injection is great, as is the ease of adding power via boost when you're already fuel injected. But then I love playing with computers and tinkering so that's just me.

Rebuild the 2 liter, keep the FI setup, consider doing a few power adders and let her rip. My modified 1.8 spins my 205 width tires in the rain relentlessly through second and a good part of third. Others who have driven my car describe it as frightening because there's literally no way to drive it in the rain without the back end flicking around like it's on casters. Tons of fun, and nothing sounds like a Fiat twin cam. Trust me, if you want to spend the money not only can you get some nice figures out of the engine considering its age, but it'll be reliable if done right, and sound absolutely italian

2500diesel wrote:Today I drove the spider.
I have taken to calling it "my beautiful trainwreck".
It will need a good bit more work if I'm going to keep it.

Welcome to the exciting world of Fiat ownership!! Look at the bright side....most of the problems you listed are easy to fix over the course of a couple of weekends...and several 6 packs.

The fact that it is drive able makes it worth fixing!