Returning Spider owner

[digitech]

Hi All! After a bit of a hiatus, I am back, working on the Fiat. In 2003, I picked up a '79 Spider here in Atlanta that was in reasonable shape - the PO had started refurbishment but given up. I made some repairs and drove it thru the summer. That winter, I tore it all down, stripped of the emission equip., rebuilt the engine, etc. and drove it the next spring. I found it much improved and a fun car.

However, I began to suffer overheating issues during the summer that I traced to air in the cooling system. I bled it, replaced parts, installed the flushing tee, etc. but nothing seemed to work for more that a couple of days. Finally traced the issue to pinholes leaks in the heater core allowing air to get sucked in but before I could replace it, I lost an oil galley plug from the frnt. pass. side of the block ( it was a replacement block which arrived without any of the plugs installed; I thought an 18mm freeze plug stlye could be used but I was very wrong). I finally sourced the proper plug from GC but then lost interest. Having bought a Miat in the meantime didn't help.

Now I'm getting it back together after 4 years of sitting disassembled; I had hoped to make it to this years' FFO but it isn't to be. Next Year!! Thanks in advance for all the help/hand holding you'll provide and thank God for this site!

Russ Weedon

[mdrburchette]

Welcome to the site, Russ. Boy, interesting story to say the least, but I'm glad you've picked up on the Spider once again. There's a possibility FFO will be in the South next year too, so your timing is perfect!

[digitech]

Trying to post a pic to show what is sucking up my free time and money! Hopefully, I did it correctly. I hope to have this machine back together in time for some Fall driving!

[racydave]

Sweet!

[pope]

That Spider is a beaut! Seems to be in great hands.

[mbouse]

welcome back.

is that your garage or your living room? too clean for me!

[digitech]

Thanks for the kind comments! The PO had it painted about 10 years ago - a fair job - I don't know much about painting but something wasn't right. It gets nicks and dings way too easily. I call it a 10x10, 10miles an hour at 10 feet away. Anyway, I've got it cleaned up and making as many improvements as I can afford. 'Course, I've made many mistakes already - one, wishing I'd sent the engine/trans to Jon Logan for rebuilding instead of the shops I wasted time/money on - we'll see how it turned out. I'll post some before/after pics soon as well as some of my improvements which you may or maynot agree with. My goal is to have as reliable a Spider as is possible with a little extra kick - not to have an all original, garage queen.

What are you talking about Mike? Look at that dirty floor!!!!!! No wonder I can't get anything done.

[mbouse]

well, i did notice that your exhaust is hanging WAY too low! or, maybe the floor has risen?

[ga.spyder]

Hey Russ...and welcome from another Ga. owner!!I am up here in Blairsville(Curve Capital of Georgia),but there are 6 or 7 owners on this Forum that reside in Atl.You did mis FFO..it was great.But,Atl's Italian Car Day is next month..Oct 10and 11.Car show (not concourse any car ,any shape,all welcome) on Sat. at Kurt's Restraunt in Duluth.Sun.,the 'Fall color tour' begins in Duluth and finishes here in Blairsville,at Vogel State Park.And I am buying...er..water.Bring your own food
Send me a email address and I will get you the details on ICD,look forward to meeting you there.
Craig

[digitech]

Hey yourself Craig!

Yeah, I'm hoping not to miss the next FFO! I am familiar with Italian Car Day - I showed my Spider there soon after I got it. Might have been in 2005???????? I am thinking of looking in on the next one although I won't be bringing my Spider as it won't be ready. But, I always find these shows are a great resource, between the pictures I take and the people I meet.

I'll have to get up your way sometime - love to look over your cars!