Just Flush the Coolant, Changethe hoses
- RRoller123
- Patron 2020
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- Joined: Sun Nov 13, 2011 2:04 pm
- Your car is a: 1980 FI SPIDER 2000
- Location: SAGAMORE BEACH, MA USA
Just Flush the Coolant, Changethe hoses
Just flush the coolant over the Winter, I said.... Maybe just change a few of the radiator hoses, I said. No idea where this will stop.
'80 FI Spider 2000
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle
-
- Posts: 313
- Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2008 12:44 am
- Your car is a: 1979 Fiat Spider
Re: Just Flush the Coolant, Changethe hoses
Umm not really necessary to remove the cam covers to change the coolant. . Not sure where this is going to lead but at least it's man work.
- courtenay
- Patron 2020
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- Location: Courtenay, BC, Canada
Re: Just Flush the Coolant, Changethe hoses
Project creep??
Bruce Shearer
'80 Spider Fi
'10 Volvo XC70
'06 GMC 1 Ton PU
'72 Spider a long, long time ago
'80 Spider Fi
'10 Volvo XC70
'06 GMC 1 Ton PU
'72 Spider a long, long time ago
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- Patron 2018
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- Your car is a: 1979 Fiat Spider
- Location: Montreal Canada
Re: Just Flush the Coolant, Changethe hoses
Didn't you ever realize that Fiat created a painted cowl surface because it was expected that owners would never have to work on their cars and place tools, bolts and hardware on it?
It's a Fiat no-no and any mechanic who commits the dirty deed on mine (without laying down a drop cloth) must die afterwards.
By the way, how far down will you go??
It's a Fiat no-no and any mechanic who commits the dirty deed on mine (without laying down a drop cloth) must die afterwards.
By the way, how far down will you go??
- RRoller123
- Patron 2020
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- Joined: Sun Nov 13, 2011 2:04 pm
- Your car is a: 1980 FI SPIDER 2000
- Location: SAGAMORE BEACH, MA USA
Re: Just Flush the Coolant, Changethe hoses
Hahahah! Well I spoke with the owner, and he said that he only meant to flush the coolant and replace a couple of hoses, then he got the thing up on stands and realized it was going to sit there for a few months, so he decided to retorque the head and cam boxes, check the valve lash, paint the valve covers, paint the air plenum and throttle body, remove the TPH, install a new heater pipe, and install a flushing T. Oh yes, and replace a couple of hoses and flush the coolant.
I have a performance head/Cam gears and Cams waiting for the funds so that I can get the HC lower end done, so this is as far down as it goes for now. Been waiting a long time, but again, it won't be this year I think. Money is too dear.
Little steps. Kick the shit out of wife's cancer, save the pennies, keep occupied, carry on.
I have a performance head/Cam gears and Cams waiting for the funds so that I can get the HC lower end done, so this is as far down as it goes for now. Been waiting a long time, but again, it won't be this year I think. Money is too dear.
Little steps. Kick the shit out of wife's cancer, save the pennies, keep occupied, carry on.
'80 FI Spider 2000
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle
- RRoller123
- Patron 2020
- Posts: 8179
- Joined: Sun Nov 13, 2011 2:04 pm
- Your car is a: 1980 FI SPIDER 2000
- Location: SAGAMORE BEACH, MA USA
Re: Just Flush the Coolant, Changethe hoses
Valve covers crinkle painted in Ferrari Red. They look ok from a couple of feet, but then again, nobody should be sticking their head in there and sniffing around.
One thing I noticed with the crinkle paint that I thought I would share: I followed the instructions meticulously, but if you actually DO put on multiple, very thick coats as instructed, you get WAY TOO MUCH crinkling, and it looks badly. I had to sand and chip away for a number of hours to get them to look acceptable. Next time I will put on the same number of coats, (3, laid down at angles to each other) but thinner, regardless of the instructions on the can.
Once fully cured, you can lightly sand the crinkle to somewhat level it out.
Not sure if a clear coat is advisable or not?
Pete
The Plenum box is next, that will be done in silver, or an aluminum-looking sort of tone.
One thing I noticed with the crinkle paint that I thought I would share: I followed the instructions meticulously, but if you actually DO put on multiple, very thick coats as instructed, you get WAY TOO MUCH crinkling, and it looks badly. I had to sand and chip away for a number of hours to get them to look acceptable. Next time I will put on the same number of coats, (3, laid down at angles to each other) but thinner, regardless of the instructions on the can.
Once fully cured, you can lightly sand the crinkle to somewhat level it out.
Not sure if a clear coat is advisable or not?
Pete
The Plenum box is next, that will be done in silver, or an aluminum-looking sort of tone.
'80 FI Spider 2000
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle
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- Posts: 614
- Joined: Thu Jul 05, 2012 7:06 pm
- Your car is a: 1972 124 Spider
Re: Just Flush the Coolant, Changethe hoses
Pete, your last post got me wondering: anyone out there know the original color of the cam boxes? Were they just their natural aluminum finish, or were they painted (like the cam belt cover)? Gonna have mine off to replace gaskets in a month or two; might be tempted to prep and paint 'em for grins, if nothing else.
Maybe a blue matching the exterior....show Allen what he missed by going gunmetal on his block....
Neil
Maybe a blue matching the exterior....show Allen what he missed by going gunmetal on his block....
Neil
Neil O'Connor
Madison, WI
72 FIAT 124 Spider
12 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit
14 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn Eco-Diesel
ex-71 FIAT 124 Coupe
and a host of Audi's, Saabs, VW's, MOPAR's, Fords, and a Bimmer....
Madison, WI
72 FIAT 124 Spider
12 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit
14 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn Eco-Diesel
ex-71 FIAT 124 Coupe
and a host of Audi's, Saabs, VW's, MOPAR's, Fords, and a Bimmer....
- RRoller123
- Patron 2020
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- Joined: Sun Nov 13, 2011 2:04 pm
- Your car is a: 1980 FI SPIDER 2000
- Location: SAGAMORE BEACH, MA USA
Re: Just Flush the Coolant, Changethe hoses
I have 2 sets, and they both appear to be natural aluminum. Now they may have been factory clear coated at some point, but I really doubt it. there is no visible evidence to support that. They seem to be just plain old aluminum. Same with the valve covers.
'80 FI Spider 2000
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle
-
- Patron 2018
- Posts: 1148
- Joined: Sat Apr 02, 2011 7:58 pm
- Your car is a: 1979 Fiat Spider
- Location: Montreal Canada
Re: Just Flush the Coolant, Changethe hoses
Sharp engine bay Pete!
Clear coated at the factory? Highly unlikely. I doubt that surface was ever shiny even when new and it probably began degrading from day 1.
I spent way too many hours sanding and polishing my cam boxes and covers to a smooth chrome-like finish. The engine bay is a looker however I'll never do it again as i've probably ingested more than enough aluminum either by inhalation or through my skin.
Clear coated at the factory? Highly unlikely. I doubt that surface was ever shiny even when new and it probably began degrading from day 1.
I spent way too many hours sanding and polishing my cam boxes and covers to a smooth chrome-like finish. The engine bay is a looker however I'll never do it again as i've probably ingested more than enough aluminum either by inhalation or through my skin.
- 4uall
- Posts: 4145
- Joined: Mon Sep 26, 2011 12:09 pm
- Your car is a: 1980 Fiat Pininfarina Spider 2000 F.I.
- Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Re: Just Flush the Coolant, Changethe hoses
AriK has a beautiful engine bay..................and heart
Jay
Fiona
1980 FI 2000 Spider
ITZEBTZE
https://goo.gl/photos/eNKaX7hrXhBu9fmp6
FINN (FN-2187)
2014 Jeep Wrangler Sport
MYTHERPY
Fiona
1980 FI 2000 Spider
ITZEBTZE
https://goo.gl/photos/eNKaX7hrXhBu9fmp6
FINN (FN-2187)
2014 Jeep Wrangler Sport
MYTHERPY
- RRoller123
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Re: Just Flush the Coolant, Changethe hoses
That is fantastic! First prize in my book. Who/How did the artwork on the air filter?
I think it likely that the cam boxes are a zinc-al alloy, die cast, (maybe sand cast, have to look a little more closely) although we tend to call them "aluminum".
Pete
I think it likely that the cam boxes are a zinc-al alloy, die cast, (maybe sand cast, have to look a little more closely) although we tend to call them "aluminum".
Pete
'80 FI Spider 2000
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle
-
- Patron 2018
- Posts: 1148
- Joined: Sat Apr 02, 2011 7:58 pm
- Your car is a: 1979 Fiat Spider
- Location: Montreal Canada
Re: Just Flush the Coolant, Changethe hoses
Pete, this is the guide that i followed when i detailed the aluminum. If you have enough patience you can create awesome results on your plenum.
It's an oldie but the procedure lives on.
http://www.poleringsguide.se/english/
It's an oldie but the procedure lives on.
http://www.poleringsguide.se/english/
- RRoller123
- Patron 2020
- Posts: 8179
- Joined: Sun Nov 13, 2011 2:04 pm
- Your car is a: 1980 FI SPIDER 2000
- Location: SAGAMORE BEACH, MA USA
Re: Just Flush the Coolant, Changethe hoses
Thanks, your work is astoundingly good!
'80 FI Spider 2000
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle
- RRoller123
- Patron 2020
- Posts: 8179
- Joined: Sun Nov 13, 2011 2:04 pm
- Your car is a: 1980 FI SPIDER 2000
- Location: SAGAMORE BEACH, MA USA
Re: Just Flush the Coolant, Changethe hoses
Gotten this far, so far, this Winter.
Pete
Pete
'80 FI Spider 2000
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle
- joelittel
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Re: Just Flush the Coolant, Changethe hoses
Pete your plenum looks like a million bucks. What kind of paint did you use?