Rebuilding '81 - need some assistance

unplugged · Post by **unplugged** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 12:33 am

I have a '81 spider that I will be attempting to rebuild. I just got it back from the body shop who had it for close to 4 years. It is currently nothing but a newly painted rolling shell. After 4 years I have forgotten most of the minor details and the notes I took now seem very inadequate.

Here are some before and after shots.

http://www.myfiatspider.com/

I am close to finishing the engine which has been modified a bit. The head has been reworked, new cams and HC pistons. I will be using MegaSquirt to control the EFI and Ignition.

The first thing I want to do is get some of the rubber molding/weatherstripping in place to protect the doors/hood/trunk when being opened and closed. If anyone can send me pictures of details on how the windshield frame is mounted, how the door molding is finished off at the ends and any rubber that is mounted on the door ends etc... that would be greatly appreciated.

As I progress I expect I will have may other questions so any and all help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Dave

mdrburchette · Post by **mdrburchette** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 6:22 am

It looks like it's shaping up Dave! I can send you pictures, but mine is a 72. Still, I don't think there is much that is different. Send me a PM with your email address and what you need if you think this will help.

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 12:34 pm

love that blue. Four years? must be one hecko paint job!!

unplugged · Post by **unplugged** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 1:01 pm

That had me ROFL.

It was more an issue of finding someone who would even take on the project and then being caught between not pushing them so they did it right. So he took his very sweet time and then some more time.

There was also a wee bit of "out of sight out of mind" on my part.

Mark_vaughn · Post by **Mark_vaughn** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 6:42 pm

It actually looks cool without the windshield. Might be fun to drive that thing with a helmet and goggles. Just throw a roll bar on top.

Probably not legal though...

Gerard Del Monte · Post by **Gerard Del Monte** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 8:40 pm

Wow Mark, you are right on. That thing looks very zoomie stripped out without a windshield. Almost looks like a Jetsons mobile from the rear. I especially like the shape of the taillight recesses, looks very modern, it would be great to fabricate a set of inset tailights to preserve that look.

mdrburchette · Post by **mdrburchette** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 10:39 pm

And what do you do with bugs, spit em out? I dunno, I think you should put the windshield back on.