Just to start up, I have posted two replies here as “ThePorsche”, but thought this name (BenjamminsFiat) was more appropriate considering the forum subject matter and the fact that I’m currently trying to sell my 911sc. I’ve been lurking here even longer reading all of the awesome advice and information on this forum and trying to apply it where possible. After buying my latest Fiat over Thanksgiving, I thought it was time to really get into the community, so here I am.
My first Fiat was a ’73 124 Spider I bought about Five years ago. I got it by accident, on a whim and really fell in love with that car. These cars just look great. However, after having it about two years, I was driving on a Sunday afternoon and a lady ran a red light and BAM… totaled. It was a heck of a wreck (I still have the scar on my head to prove it), but could/should have been much worse. No real lasting injuries except for the loss of the car and the scar.
Either way, I got the urge for a Fiat again last year and found a ’76 on eBay that seemed to be in decent shape. After speaking with the owner, I was convinced it was the car for me. The only problem was that it’s was in Sequim, Washington. I’m in Texas… That’s a long way. But with the help of friends and a BUNCH of really nice people along the way, I was able to trailer it to Las Vegas and then drive it back to Houston. Believe me, I could write a whole long story about the trip and the people I who helped me along the way, but that’s for another day. Suffice it to say it was a small miracle that the car made it the 1,500 miles without any major problems. This only solidified in my head that this was the car for me. I’ll never get rid of her.
So now, I have the car back home and am enjoying the heck out of it. The weather is starting to get nice here and the car is running great. Speaking of which, I’m planning to do most of my repairs myself. I’ve had really bad experiences with shops in the past and working on the car is a fun hobby I’d like to have. I’ve never been a mechanic, but I’ve done some repairs to cars by necessity when I was a bit younger, so I think if I take it slow I’ll be able to do just fine. I already have a ToDo list I’m progressing through quite nicely. As of today, I’ve done:
1. Trailing Arm – Passenger side, the driver’s side was replaced in Vegas two months ago
2. Brown Wire Surgery
3. Removed almost all of the smog equipment (don’t need it in Texas), which wasn’t working anyway
4. Replace Plugs
5. Removed Timing belt cover – It had a broken bracket and I have a replacement cover, still need the bracket
6. Bled the brakes – Fronts only, couldn’t get the bleeder screws to budge on the rear
7. Replaced the Coolant fan switch – Remarkably easy and needed since it’s warming up
8. Tested the alternator/regulator to see if they were working correctly… The light is lit up, but I’m pretty sure that’s a wiring issue since it’s charging just fine and NOT overcharging.
That’s about it. Next on my list is the timing belt, but I’m saving up because I’d really like to replace all of the seals in the front at the same time to minimize the car’s downtime. Although I have other cars, I really hate when the spider’s down for repairs. : )
Anyway, here are some pictures. Now that I have my account set up, I mean to start posting replies and getting involved more. I know there are a bunch of people who know a heck of a lot more than me, but I figure if anything, I can help dumb it down for others like myself ; )
Ben
BenjamminsFiat
PICS!
Artsy pic taken by a female friend of mine... don't misconstrue and think I'm a poser
