1982 Fiat Spider 2000 restoration project

[royn]

Hello everyone and happy new year!

I have started a restoration project on my 82 Fiat Spider 2000. Hopefully i will get some helpful advice and comments during this project !
Short history. A rust free two owner Arizona car, 60000 miles. I have had the car since 2011 and done some minor upgrades during this time.
Plans are complete respray in red color, old style bumpers, new cloth top and interior. Some modification on the engine and suspension, stainless steel exhaust. I have been collecting parts for some time and with some spare time i started this Christmas holiday tearing the car down.


[img][/img]

[AriK]

Hi Royn,
You have a very pretty car, these cars are sharp in that shade of red. I always was under the impression that by 1982 they all came with a passenger door side mirror. Having your interior apart i would chisel out some of that tar below the gas pedal and see what it looks like. It looks like some water pooled in that area at one time and that tar may be hiding some moisture trapped underneath. Search the other posts for tips documenting that type of maintenance.
How is the alignment on the car? There's some evidence of something taking a hit above and ahead of the shock tower at one time which may have knocked the camber out of alignment. Something really worth investigating now that everything is apart. Don't get me wrong, I'm not criticizing, just a couple of tips to look into.
Apart from that, enjoy the restoration, i really get inspired watching some of the fellas on this forum. The feeling they experience must be so rewarding.
Ari

[royn]

Hi Arik,
Thanks for your comments and advice, that what I like about this forum. Your observation about the front right side of the car is correct, the car has at some point been hit and badly repaired. As a matter of fact, that is the main reason for starting this rebuild. It doesn't seem to affect the driving, I have had a 4 wheel check and the car runs straight. But I want to do this properly. Its also effects the outside, the grill and stainless surround fit badly as do the front valance. I am lucky to have a friend, pro metal worker helping me with this issue. This also give me a nice opportunity to mount the stainless steel bumper. I have got hold of some original bumper brackets for the early cars. The floors seem to be very solid, but I will peel away some of the butul on the floors, just to be safe. I have been over and under the car and I cant find any rust issues . My car come with only one mirror on the driver side. I will mount early style mirrors on both sides. I will however move them closer to the quarter windows, I never liked the original position. My plan is to weld the holes for the turn signals and side markers and just go for some early cars turn signals on the front fenders. I will find some aftermarket turn signal in the front, mounted under the bumper.

[img][/img]

[SoFlaFiat]

My first thought, looking at your pictures...
Why would you restore this car? It looks amazing!!
But Ari is one very observant man!!
And now with a better picture of the front corner, I get it.
Nice find either way and I'm sure it will be incredible when back together!!

[royn]

Well the first picture of the car is taken from some distance. Looks ok, but I can tell that there are some imperfections and stone chips etc. Its been repainted without removing any of the lights, rubber and so on. Top is falling apart from inside and normal tear on interior.

I been an active reader on this forum for a while and its all you guys that have inspired me to get started
SoFlaFiat I am impressed of your work !!

[SoFlaFiat]

Thank you!
I am as well impressed by your organization and I'm sure the car will show it. Now, more importantly, do you have a Florida license plate on the wall?

[royn]

I used to collect car and motorcycles plates, the Florida plates are on the wall too !
I am not sure about the organization thing, its more or less a mess right now.

[imghttp://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m499/eagle59/1982%20Fiat%20Spider%20restauration%20project/IMG_1035%202.jpg~original[/img]][/img]


I found this little fellow behind the wheel arc ?

[img][/img]

[SoFlaFiat]

http://s1128.photobucket.com/user/eagle ... 2.jpg.html

Upon closer inspection I see it! I was going to send you one if not!!
Nice!!

[royn]

SoFlaFiat Thank you for your offer sending me the Florida plate, that was very kind !

Some more progress today, I removed the transmission from the car. Need to change the o ring in the front and the rear seal. My plan is to put the engine and transmission in the car together, lifting the body of the car. This will be done after I have repainted the engine bay.

[/img]



[/img]
Looks better after some cleaning

My center console was pretty bad, but I hope to save it.



[/img]
Started to do some work on it.

[royn]

I am still working on dissmantling parts. I am very pleased to not find any rust issues.

[/img]
http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m499/eagle59/1982%20Fiat%20Spider%20restauration%20project/IMG_1060.jpg~original[/img][/img]

http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m499/eagle59/1982%20Fiat%20Spider%20restauration%20project/IMG_1064.jpg~original[/img][/img]

I have a question for you regarding the door glass. I been thinking about removing the internal parts, window regulators etc for cleaning, but not sure if its a hassle to put it back on ! Anyone done this job !

The top bow seem to be ok and i will just clean and paint it

http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m499/eagle59/1982%20Fiat%20Spider%20restauration%20project/IMG_1059.jpg~original[/img][/img]

interior is now ready to go to the upholstery shop
http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m499/eagle59/1982%20Fiat%20Spider%20restauration%20project/IMG_1050.jpg~original[/img][/img]

[RRoller123]

Rust Free! Fantastic!

[Rambo]

Ive dismantled both of my regulators for greasing and repair. It is a tough job primarly because of the limited working space but it can be done with patience. I would guess if your doing a full restore it would be worth it to clean all that up.

[royn]

Rambo thanks for your reply.

I think its worth the time and effort cleaning and adjusting the regulator. I need to take a closer look at the driver side door lock as well. I am afraid to brake the key do to the force I have to put on to lock the door.

[royn]

Ready and off to the upholstery shop I went !

Not just around the corner by the way, it was a five hour one way non stop trip !!!

[imghttp://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m499/eagle59/1982%20Fiat%20Spider%20restauration%20project/IMG_1067_1.jpg~original[/img]][/img]

[imghttp://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m499/eagle59/1982%20Fiat%20Spider%20restauration%20project/IMG_1069.jpg~original[/img]][/img]

http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m499/eagle59/1982%20Fiat%20Spider%20restauration%20project/IMG_1071.jpg~original[/img][/img]

The driving was not the hardest part after all. I really had a hard time to decide what color to choose.

http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m499/eagle59/1982%20Fiat%20Spider%20restauration%20project/IMG_1075.jpg~original[/img][/img]

http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m499/eagle59/1982%20Fiat%20Spider%20restauration%20project/IMG_1076.jpg~original[/img][/img]

I had to make up my mind and I finally made a decision, I really hope it was a right one ! Time will show.

[davery]

Ready and off to the upholstery shop I went !

Not just around the corner by the way, it was a five hour one way non stop trip !!!


I had to make up my mind and I finally made a decision, I really hope it was a right one ! Time will show.

What are your plans for the interior?