Edit... Resto mod FIRST DRIVE

[SoFlaFiat]

A little more work on the drivers door





Then I thought I would get the top frame sorted out.

[Ptoneill]

Ok I will never complain about my rusted broken door hinge....I am amazed you were able to restore that door...Great Job!!

[SoFlaFiat]

the drivers side was already half fixed so I didn't have to do that much. The passengers on the other hand has both hinges loose and cracked.

On a happy note, my wife presented me with a gift certificate from AR this morning. One good reason to have a birthday!
So, I will be able to find a skin for that top frame I just hauled out of the shed! Sweet!!

[AriK]

[SoFlaFiat]

Nice!!

Thanks Ari!

So, do I look at this as a challenge and go head first into rebuilding this mess?
Or, do I start asking around as to available parts?

See, I'm missing some completely



And some partially...





Somehow the partially missing parts seem like a bigger problem! Ya think?
Ha!!

[AriK]

I'm bewildered at how these header bows turn to dust. The exposure factor doesnt look as severe as say a rocker panel or a lower quarter panel where water and unhurried drying come into effect.

[Ptoneill]

Being covered with a low density foam probably did not help.....like keeping a sponge against the metal. Not to mention that as soon as the rain stopped the top was put down and covered. You would think that someone would resign a replica made of reinforced fiberglass or plastic.

[SoFlaFiat]

AND, just like on TV, after we return from the commercial break...





Yea, right!!
Ok, so this one is in better shape but like Pat says, let's go ahead and make fiberglass molds so I don't have to do this again!!

And I think Pat is spot on for the reasons these things end up like Swiss cheese.

[njoconnor]

Yeesh.

Makes me grateful mine lived in a steel sided barn for 20 years before I bought it.

Neil

[fiat218]

Nice!!

Thanks Ari!

So, do I look at this as a challenge and go head first into rebuilding this mess?
Or, do I start asking around as to available parts?

See, I'm missing some completely



And some partially...





Somehow the partially missing parts seem like a bigger problem! Ya think?
Ha!!

your MISSING TWO SCREWS

[SoFlaFiat]

And a lot more loose ones!!

[toplessexpat]

Come on Alan - giddy up!

(Ok - so it's looking awesome and the quality of your workmanship is v clear!

[njoconnor]

Hey, that frame cleaned up nicely, Alan. What was all that nasty looking stuff?

Neil

[SoFlaFiat]

I'm just a joker Neil, the front bow in the first pictures is now in the dumpster. I had a spare which is in much better shape.
It's all off the car again as I make a fiberglass mold of the top and bottom. I will store the molds for future use and finish cleaning up and install the metal one.

"Come on Alan - giddy up!"

I know huh? I'm running out of time!! I ordered paint! That's got to be a good sign! I did go ahead and reserve a room in Pittsburgh just to pressure myself!!

[AriK]

Did somebody mention roadtrip?