Sun Prairie 72 Update: progress at last!

[njoconnor]

Since the carpeting got installed in April, lots of other projects (large and small) have gotten in the way of quality Fiat time. We got home a little early from a vacation in Albuquerque, and after mowing the jungle and completing the new garden complex (ask me about square foot gardening.... ), I had a couple of days to focus on the car.

First, the carpeting/floor mats:

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Then, this past weekend, got the trunk/fuel tank all cleaned up, rust inhibitor-coated, and painted:

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And with some time left over yesterday, what-the-hey, let's see what I can do with the new soft dash:

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Trickiest parts of the dash install were 1) wiring the center console rotary switches and lights (not a lot of work room), and 2) making sure the forward dash bolts/washers were lined up correctly on the center brackets. Fit is solid and excellent; even the glove box door closes and latches!

For grins at the end, I installed the tri-color tail light housings I got from Steve, with their new gaskets. Pix when I finish wiring and current tests, and install the lenses.

Still wondering if anyone has ideas on replacing the weatherstripping on the convertible top quarter windows. The back edge/top of the window is no prob; the horizontal bottom edge looks to be a PITA. Thoughts?

Neil

[btoran]

nice work so far. i like the floor mats. where did you get them?

[njoconnor]

Thanks! The mats came from Vick's, and I was impressed with the quality of the work and the mats when they arrived. Pat really likes the Pininfarina logo, so they were a bit of a surprise for her. Nice addition of some color to the black/blue interior scheme.

Neil

[Funcar]

Great job on the trunk area and gas tank looks new! Can you tell me what the white plastic part is that is hooked up to the green hose and what it's function is. There is one mounted exactly the same in my car but the PO by passed it to the electric fuel pump.

[njoconnor]

I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I really don't know. I'd assumed it was part of a filtering or pressure system. Anyone else?

Neil

[Funcar]

I hate guessing but a guess will get a few chuckles from the pro's. One way fuel valve...

[johnsje6]

I had to do some work in the dash, and it was a lot easier with the steering wheel off, but maybe too late to help you. Love the blue color, good luck! JJ.

[njoconnor]

Yeah, it would have been easier with the wheel off. But I tried every trick on the forum, and then some (minus an 8 y/o kid) and that wheel will. Not. Budge. Even with a gear puller. But, the work progresses, and I think I'm past the banging head on bottom of wheel stage (re-installing the heater box was a treat).

Tonight begins the "why isn't that light lighting up" dance. Pray the Sgr Marelli smiles upon me.

Neil

[DanD]

I put a puller on one of those wheels once, and proceeded to pull and wiggle the wheel from side to side until it came off. I almost broke my nose.

Any chance we could see some more pictures ?

[njoconnor]

More pix as I advance, Dan! Last night was the initial foray into the jungles of Marelli, Division of light circuits. Overall, successful; I was pleasantly surprised that much of the "dead light" issue was "dead bulb". I have some fiddling to do with the left rear light fixture (loose ground I believe), but I've had to trash the two front amber markers (corroded bolts/wingnuts). Also, the R front marker bulb socket had a corroded terminal, and I'll need to source one of those. Otherwise, headlights, rear markers, license plate lights, front turn/parking, all good to go. Very big sigh of relief. I also tested the new LED bulbs in their respective circuits. Wow. Glad I went that route, especially with the 360 degree red in the brake lights!

Coupla favors, if anyone's willing. As I said, I'll need to find one each marker light bulb socket, and a pair of the amber markers with good mounting bolts. Also, if anyone has a picture of the wring on the back of their 72/73/74 hazard switch, I'd appreciate a copy. I think I may have switched a couple of leads around during dis-assembly (and forgot to take a picture while I was doing it.... ).

Thanks for the feedback and encouragement!

Neil