Top of shifter hump framing

Maintenance advice to keep your Spider in shape.
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azygoustoyou

Top of shifter hump framing

Post by azygoustoyou »

My 1981 car is rusted here and I was going to fab some steel like a gasket to go around the area and weld it in. I want to know if there is an issue by adding some steel plate to the top of the hump. I didn't take the tranny out so I don't know how it went together. Also I would like to know if someone has a pic of that area. I don't exactly know the shape of the one side since it's rusted away. I do realize that each side doesn't mirror the other. Would the 78 be exactly the same in that area. My luck it's rusted too. Here's a pic of both sides. One with a piece of card board as a template.
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manoa matt
Posts: 3442
Joined: Thu Oct 26, 2006 4:28 pm
Your car is a: 1978 Fiat 124 Spider 1800
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii

Re: Top of shifter hump framing

Post by manoa matt »

Aside from the early cars with 4 speeds, and automatic versions, all the 5 speed trans tunels should be the same for various years. I got a 76 that is a bare shell. Over the next few days I'll be cutting various pieces out for other members. Do you want that piece? I can cut it out for you. matt.scarton@gmail.com
azygoustoyou

Re: Top of shifter hump framing

Post by azygoustoyou »

I really appreciate it Matt.
It would be so easy to make the piece. I just need to know if I can add to the top of the hump some sheet metal. Or if I have to cut the top out. Then add the metal. I'll look at my 78. That's the trans that's going into the car anyways. Wow, your in Hawaii. I bet you get some nice days to cruise around in.
baltobernie
Patron 2020
Patron 2020
Posts: 3466
Joined: Sun Nov 25, 2007 6:00 pm
Your car is a: 1973 Spider [sold]
Location: Baltimore, MD

Re: Top of shifter hump framing

Post by baltobernie »

Just happen to be working in this area today ...

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I don't know the purpose of the rolled edge of this pan; maybe anti-rattle?
azygoustoyou

Re: Top of shifter hump framing

Post by azygoustoyou »

Do you see any reason I couldn't add to the top of the hump? I don't want to cut out the existing frame if I don't have to.
mbouse

Re: Top of shifter hump framing

Post by mbouse »

if by "top" you mean on the cockpit side of the tranny tunnel, then NO. there is no performance related restrictions.

of course, depending on your actual method, you may cause fitment issues for your center console. Other than the shifter mechanism that is the only cabin side thing i can think of.

you will want to keep the shifter opening available, for maintenance of those wear item parts. else you could some day need to pull the tranny just to fix a worn shifter part.
User avatar
manoa matt
Posts: 3442
Joined: Thu Oct 26, 2006 4:28 pm
Your car is a: 1978 Fiat 124 Spider 1800
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii

Re: Top of shifter hump framing

Post by manoa matt »

Are you sure you don't need it? Comes with the tabs to hold the wiring harness and fuel/brake lines. $10 plus shipping...or it goes to the scrap man.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigtimes_fiat/3386971864/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigtimes_fiat/3386972346/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigtimes_fiat/3386160337/

matt.scarton@gmail.com
azygoustoyou

Re: Top of shifter hump framing

Post by azygoustoyou »

I really appreciate it Matt. My hump "LOL" only has a little rust around it. It has one side that must have been yummy or something. I can fix it easier without cutting out that much metal. Thanks anyways.
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