new member in Baltimore

[baltobernie]

Greetings from Baltimore!

Recently retired, I've been looking for a project car, and have found a Texas car in pretty good shape. It does run, but needs a throwout bearing, head gasket, rear seal, top, etc. My goal is to make it a "driver" this year, in time for Pocono, and a restoration next winter.

I'm no stranger to Fiats, having purchased two sedans new in my younger years. But an old guy needs a roadster! Here's my 128. No longer have the car - still have the girl ...



Yes, that really is an 8-track player! Probably "Eat a Peach" locked and loaded.

I really enjoyed my orange 131, but Pennsylvania winters were pretty tough on those Italian bodies. I'm gonna register the Spider here on Historic tags; no emissions or safety inspections, thank goodness. The air pump is missing, so I'm going to de-smog the rest of the way. Any of you Californians want to trade some parts?

[mbouse]

Yeah, I remember 8 tracks. Wish I could say i was retired (or maybe not).

I hope the pants went with the car. Glad to hear the young lady made the trip though.

Looking forward to seeing you in the Poconos. we will at least root you on as we hear your progress. Keep us informed.

[baltobernie]

The pants are long gone. Too bad, they probably would have been a hit on eBay.

Yeah, retirement is definitely one of those "good news, bad news" deals. I have, however, met guys my age at the local hardware store (in the metric fastener aisle ) who are restoring a Spitfire and a 2002. What's the equivalent of "hangar flying" in this hobby? Starbucks restoring?

[mbouse]

I am in the process of restoring a Spitfire, and therefore am surprised to hear that you met a fellow restorer in the METRIC fastener isle. He should be looking for SAE National Fine fasteners for that Spitfire.

When you decide that the onsey-twosey method of fastener purchases is too costly, check out a fastener specialty store, usually in the business district. Something like FASTENAL. Or check into GRAINGER and MCMASTER CARR.

Oh, and by the way....the Spitfire is for sale, not for gift. SALE, any time - all the time.

[ga.spyder]

I remember having 8 tracks and hair like that! Or...having hair at all .Anyway welcome to the forum. Craig

[baltobernie]

Hey Mike,

Thanks for the Reply. SAE on the right side of the aisle, metric on the left. Whitworth? Fahgetabatit!

In addition to the fine companies you've mentioned, we have a pretty decent local company: http://marylandmetric.com Some good tech links on their site, too.

Craig - does nose hair count?

My buddy who loaned me his pickup and dolly to fetch the car is stopping by tomorrow with an engine hoist. I've decided to pull the engine and transmission together to replace the head gasket, clutch and rear seal. Not sure what I'll find inside the top end, as I've discovered that the serial numbers don't match. The Haynes manual from Amazon showed up last week, and my first transaction with Bruce's was smooth and accurate.

Here's the car: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 0208681297

[Danno]

That's a nice example of a 1200 dollar spider. Looks like you'll be in business in no time at all!

[mbouse]

yeah, looks like it is all there. and looks fairly typical of a $1200 Spider.

I'll be that kid who snuck into those shots knows something about the ding in the fender. Something about riding his bike with his eyes closed....and no brakes!

[mdrburchette]

Great looking car and I'm glad it found someone willing to resurrect it. It took a lot of restraint not to go for that car myself!

[baltobernie]

Did you see it? It was posted the day after Christmas, and I Bought It Now, after missing a few others over the last couple of months. I really wanted that red Los Angeles Spider with all the original paperwork that was offered a few weeks ago, but lost out to a higher bidder. But I'm with Gina now, for better or worse, etc.

The engine hoist arrived yesterday, and boy, have I found a few suprises! (See Engine and Tuning "Mismash")

Bernie