Hi, I'm a new/returning member

[KimL]

I have a '74 Spider and started tearing it down a year and a half ago. Between changing jobs and emails I couldn't log in after I got reestablished, now that we finally have hispeed at home I can get back to the forum. I've been able to look in for the last year but any burning questions I had to look back through all the old posts. Since it is still well into winter here in Alberta it will be a while before getting back to work on the car anyway. So, glad to be back.

[ga.spyder]

Welcome back to the forum

[rlux4]

Welcome back Kim. How far along is your project so far?
Ron

[So Cal Mark]

welcome back, are you in Edmonton?

[narfire]

Hey another Canuck (or Flames/ Oilers?) Glad to see another fiat comming on line. Where in AB are you? Post some photos.
Do you know about Ital Motors in Edmonton,Fred and Mario great bunch up there. So many questions so little time.
I hope to take my spider to edmonton some time this year,bit of a drive but if it is well sorted I figure it will make it.
Chris, Naramata B.C.

[kristoj]

Welcome back.

[KimL]

I'll try to cover most of your questions in one post. First thanks for the warm welcome, from everything I've seen on this forum it is amazing how many helpful people own Fiat Spiders and are happy to share their knowledge. To continue I live in Drayton Valley, Alberta - about an hour and a half Southwest of Edmonton. Drayton Valley is a major oil field center. Not a big town 7000 +/_. I have dealt with Ital Motors in Edmonton and they are awesome while the internet seems a pretty good source for parts at times there is nothing like experience to guide you.

As far as the car goes, as I said earlier with changing jobs and stuff I didn't have the time or resouces to put in as much work as I wanted on the car. It still proceeding, at a slower pace, but with any kind of luck this summer should see her back on the road. I'm still deconstructing before a major paint job but it is close to ready for that. My son has been working in Autobody for a few years and is eager to attack the car when ready for paint.

I haven't posted any deconstruction pictures yet but I will do that soon. I think I put some of my '80 parts car on last year. It's pretty ugly. I haven't finished stripping that yet. Has anyone tried gas shocks in the trunk instead of the old prop stut or the later springs? Is there any of the photo websites that are better than the rest? Or are they all pretty good.

[kristoj]

Kim,

If you search, there is at least one string from a while ago on installing gas struts in the trunk. I know that one of our members in Australia, Adrians, recently installed them in his Spider.

[kmac33]

Kim,
Welcome back to the forum. I see that you are priveledged, as I am, owning the ideal year Spider. Despite what the crazy owners of the 82's think, the 74 is the perfect year - carbed to facilitate easier engine performance mods and of course, most importantly, the last year to have the good looking bumpers!
My 74 is currently about a week away from going to the paint booth. Good luck getting yours back on the road soon.
Kevin

[KimL]

Thanks Kevin, your '74 looks pretty decent without new paint it should be awesome when done. Good photosite I am planning on doing lots of pics as she goes back together and I have quite a few for reconstruction purposes. Just not organized yet.

[ga.spyder]

Welcome back to the forum. I see that you are priveledged, as I am, owning the ideal year Spider. Despite what the crazy owners of the 82's think, the 74 is the perfect year

Kevin....surely not you too!! Us poor 82 owners take so much abuse,just for having the good sense to get a car with the bugs worked out.

[racydave]

I guess some bugs are better than Gremilns! Its thoes little no-seeums I hate! Good to have your company Kim!