New Member - Seattle

[TEYESpider]

Hi All,

Just picked up a 79 Spider on Sunday. My wife still hasn't gotten over the shock of it all.

It's got about 110K but it's in good shape. No rust.

The Cooling fan doesn't turn on but I tested it out and the fan is operational. Gotta work on this.

The big thing is to change the timing belt. The previous owner put on about 25K but had it for 10 years. They don't know when the belts were replaced last.

So, I drove it home and put it in the garage. I'm reading everything I can get my hands on to learn how to do this myself. That's part of the fun right?

there's the lady I purchased it from.







nice to meet you all.

[htchevyii]

Looks Good! I'd add the rubber coupler on the drive shaft to your "to do" list. Also if you change the trans fluid make sure you use the GL-1 Mineral oil, available at Napa. Good luck with your new ride and welcome!

[digitech]

Good to meet you - I've got a '79 and can provide you with some help as well.

[TEYESpider]

good to meet you guys. I'll do a search on the rubber coupler. Heck it's rubber, I assume it's meant to fail!

[TEYESpider]

I tracked down info on the guibo rubber donut. Sounds important. Surprised I haven't seen more about it.

good thing I bought the car before the rainy season. Lot's of time to work on it.....

[katsi]

Sweet ride - Jump on in, the water's fine

[mbouse]

nice looking car, love the wheels. the seller does not look very pleased.

thanks for the pictures

[TEYESpider]

The seller was ok. It was actually her husbands car. He wasn't there to sell it but left a nice hand written note regarding the history and the maintenance of the car. It was clear from the note he really enjoyed the car.

My wife on the other hand just starting talking to me again. It's not the money, she doesn't consider it practical. I think I got a decent deal and I'm really enjoying learning about this car and trying to tackle the timing belt replacement. My kids like it too. I figure you could either buy gold, leave the money in the bank and watch it disapear or buy one of these at a good price. I'll enjoy working on it, driving it, and if I need the money I can always sell it again. It makes perfect sense!

[mbouse]

if she persists, just buy her one of her own. she'll soon change her mind

[rlux4]

Hi TEYE, Welcome to the forum, and congratulations on getting a very good looking Spider. I'm originally from up in your area, so I know you have some gorgeous country to drive in, and when it's not raining there's no place prettier.
Here's hoping your wife will come around and begin to see what a great car and community of owners your into now.
Ron

[youngki]

Welcome TEYE!
Good to know that there are neighbors here... I'm from Bellevue.
I'm new here as well... just picked up a 78 124 yesterday!

[SpiderJim]

Hi Brent

Good looking Spider. My wife also could not see the practical side of me being on my arse or bending over working on the car all the time so I got her one. I fly to vegas to pick it up this Monday. Now she is all up to working on them together. I'm so glad she is not into shoes!. Maybe next year we in the North West can all get together touring? I had to join the brit car club up here in Campbell River BC just to have friends to play with. I take a ribbing but at least mine runs Ha!

Welcome Jim

[TEYESpider]

Jim, I look forward to it. Let me know when you are in town and you can show me where the great road trips are.

My wife tolerates the spider now
I changed the timing belt and about ready to put the radiator back in. Ran into a bit of a problem though. I will post in the maintenance area for tips.
Brent

[htchevyii]

Our first one was for my wife, she wouldn't let me drive it so I had to buy another.

[jpmilesdds]

That's a beautiful car. I love the color.
Looks like it sits high; you might think about IAP's lowering springs. Check the threads on "cutting springs."
I found that removing the radiator made the job of timing belt replacement much easier.
Oh, and buy a shop manual and electrical diagnosis manual if you don't already have them already.
Is it carb or FI?