Hi from Montreal

[aguiarj]

Hi from Montreal.

My name is John (user ID aguiarj). I own a 1980 Fiat Spider 2000. Fantastic car and a great ride.

I am putting it back on the road after 7 years in hibernation. I had help last year getting the engine started and checking electricals. It running, but still some things that need fixing. Starting is rough, sometimes it does sometimes it doesn't. I have coolant pooling over one of the spark plugs, it leaks oil, (but it's always done that). It's in running condition now and I am looking forward in coming days to getting it through inspection, properly plated and on the road again. I have a few things that still need work, ie coolant pooling, change airflow sensor, RAD, need new wheels. I can do some of this stuff myself, but could use a qualified mechanic to help, (anyone know a good mechanic in the Montreal area?).

I'll post some pics in here soon.

In the meatime, thanks for a great site and look forward to contributing where I can.

John

[So Cal Mark]

Hi John
welcome to the site. Are you supporting the Habs in the playoffs?

Your coolant leak could be from the water outlet, temp senders or the heater hose.

[rlux4]

Hello John. Welcome to the forum. Is your '80 carb'd or fuel injected? You'll find plenty of help here if you take on some of the repairs yourself. If you get stuck just run in to the computer and ask. This forum is so busy that you'll usually get an answer in just a few minutes. 7 years is too long not to be enjoying your car.
Good luck with it.
Ron

[mbouse]

Hi John. welcome to the site. pictures are essential....

[Logan]

Hey John;

Did you get anywhere with your query? I am looking for a good mechanic in Montreal as well --- someone who can put my 1980 Spider back on the road after 4 years in storage --- any input would be appreciated - thanks.

Logan

[aguiarj]

hi everyone,

i though I'd post a reply to some of the responses and inquires from some of the members here.

First off, I have to same that this is one of the best online sites I've ever visited (and now member of). Thanks for your responses and support.

I am working on pics and should have some this coming weekend.

Re inquiry if 80 is carb'd or FI, it is FI.

Habs in the playoffs, what can I say. I've been a Montrealer for 35 years, it would be inappropriate of me not to support the home team. GO HABS GO!

Re Logan's inquiry, the mechanic I used last year got the engine going, did a check on the electricals and changed ignition switch (seems the cutoff switch i had previously installed was creating problems). The car was with him for several months during the summer. I got the car back in running order, but was told that I had to change out airflow sensor. The work he did cost me 1500$ without airflow sensor. Seems though that he's got his hands full with other customers (naturally) so I am uncertain how much time he'd allocate right now to a project like this. If you're interested, let me know and I can provide you his contact details.

[pope]

Hey aguiarj and Logan,
Way to riot and burn police cars after winning in the FIRST round of hockey playoffs. My Red Wings win and not a parking ticket was given. Oh well!

Hope you didnt burn the Spider! LOL.

[aguiarj]

nope, Spider is safe. but what an embarrassment.

some people have no scruples and never grow up. someone should give them a taste of their own medicine perhaps.

in any case, its off to round 2. may the best team win and Good Luck HABS!

[aguiarj]

hi everyone..

as promised, some PICs here:

http://www.freewebs.com/aguiarj

[So Cal Mark]

the car looks great!

[rlux4]

Yup, that's fuel injected. Is your AFM flap moving freely? (Kind of a running joke around here)
That's a very nice color of green. Goes really well with the interior color.
Ron

[YourNameHere]

Hello and nice car.

I wonder why it is that everyones clock hazes over?

[So Cal Mark]

plastic lens instead of glass like the other gauges

[mbouse]

yeah. plastic lens. go figure. no one anticipated these cars to last as long as we have made them go.

so, drilling a hole for the stem in a piece of plastic was easier than doing so in a piece of glass.

replacement plastic lens is available from our favorite vendors, or if you can find the right size.... just use a flashlight lens.

[kristoj]

Hi John
welcome to the site. Are you supporting the Habs in the playoffs?

Your coolant leak could be from the water outlet, temp senders or the heater hose.

I would also check the gasket and hose connections on the throttle body heater plate (the gold, rectangular plate with two small hoses attached on top of the throttle body).