Hello from Oklahoma

[1980Fiat]

New forum member. I had a 1979 Fiat Spider as my first car when I turned 16. I loved it so much I am currently restoring a 1980 Spider. Engine was pulled and fully rebuilt to perfection and a new wiring harness was put into it. Last week I had it stripped and completely taken apart so it could be "soda blasted" and become "paint ready." Sadly, once all the old paint was stripped the true condition of the body was revealed. It's a mess so I need to find a donor car to use for new body parts. I will not be dissuaded though, the project goes on. This car will be perfect when done -- just need to find a donor car.

Looking forward to completing my restoration with help and advice from many of you. I'm learning as I go that's for sure!!!

[mbouse]

The '80 is a great car! when do we get to see it?

welcome to the site, by the way.

[rlux4]

Hello, and welcome to the forum. The 80 can be either, is your car carb'd or FI?
What a bummer to have the engine in perfect condition and then find the body in such bad shape. Good luck on your restoration project. Keep us updated.
Ron

[1980Fiat]

Mine is carb not FI -- I wanted it that way (no offense to you fuelies). Thanks for the welcoming.

I have a website going that tracks the restoration at http://www.houghtonfamily.net/Houghton_ ... oject.html

I haven't updated my site in a couple of weeks to reflect the soda blasting results but I will try and get those new pics posted soon. It looks TERRIBLE fully stripped and blasted. Some of you will cringe! Nonetheless, I remain on the hunt for a good replacement body - determined to finish what I started.

Thanks!