hey all!

[maytag]

hey, Maytag...

i dunn know how they do things out there in Utah, but here... we keep the wires tucked under the dash

looks like an ambitious project to have it all back together by this weekend.

w/ the mess the previous owner left for me, I may want to keep as much of this wiring as visible as possible for a while...!?!?!?

We'll see how it goes. Last night went away really quick, by the time I finished helping my kids with their homework.
I was in the office at 5am this morning (I'd have started sooner...but Starbucks doesn't open 'til 5 ) to try to get out a little earlier this afternoon (maybe by 5-ish.. ? )

Keep ya posted!

[rlux4]

A belated welcome to ya Maytag. (I don't get home to the computer until the weekends.)
You're in good company out there in Utah.
At least, having owned Spiders before, you know they can be fixed.
Looking good so far.
Ron

[maytag]

well, I took 'er for a spin today! Now I remember why I've always loved these cars! What a HOOT!
But I was surprised to see how much attention the car gets. Thumbs-up everywhere, brake lights so people can slow down for another look.
It didn't used to be like this! (But then again; it's been 18 years since I last drove one!

I've still got a couple of issues I need to work through: fuel leak back by the tank. No Hazard lights (which is really weird to me). But the biggest deal is the "SWAY" in the rear, every time I step on the gas. Without having looked closely yet, I'd have to guess that the Panhard bar is bushing-impaired. I'm sure the rest of the bushings are bad too. Anyone know what's available for the rear of these cars?

I'll try to get it cleaned-up and post some proper pics tomorrow.

Having fun now!!

[rlux4]

Just about anything is available. If you don't have it yet, here's a thread that will give you most of the major suppliers:
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... ers#p21626
Ron

[maytag]

Thanks Ron, for the link. But in perusing all of those sources (a couple were new) I'm not finding any 'bushings' really, for the rear end.
Yes, there are "Sway Bar" busings for the rear on IAP's site.... (Rear Sway Bar?) and BPB lists a bushing for one end of the panhard bar.

that's it.

do I really have to replace the trailing arms (upper and lower) to get new bushings?

[WarbirdAL]

Hey Maytag, I too have a noticeable sway in the rear when I step on it at freeway speeds and then when I let off it sways too., havent figured out what the problem is. Sway bar you say?

[Zebbidog]

some of us Utah folks oughtta find a nice thread we can yack in without taking-up everyone elses' bandwidth!

But we should get together for pizza or sumthin'... see if I can get my 14 yr old boy interested.

And then we should plan a day out to God's Playground... er... I mean: Miller Motorsports Park, just to go play. Even if it's just in the karts....

Hey maytag,

I completely agree with the idea of getting together. I joined Utah Fiat Association (rook's Yahoo group) and everyone there is great!
I have worked out at Miller Motorsports Park each of the past three years so far just doing some fun work when they have the need. It is definitely one of the best tracks in the world!

[maytag]

Hey Maytag, I too have a noticeable sway in the rear when I step on it at freeway speeds and then when I let off it sways too., havent figured out what the problem is. Sway bar you say?

No, not the sway bar (don't have one in the rear); more the bushings in the trailing arms and panhard bar.
there are 5 bars used to locate the rear-end, in relationship to the body. each of these are held on either end with a rubber bushing, pinched with a bolt into a saddle. when these rubber bushings age, they get soft, break-down, sag, etc etc. This allows movement (sometimes significant) of the rear-end, and that is exacerbated by the torquing of the drivetrain when there are sudden / severe changes in throttle.

I hope that made sense?

I've ordered parts. we can have a Utah Fiat Spider meeting in my garage while I put 'em in.... that is, if Rook1 wants in, since it's his group 'n all.... but that's really just a ploy to get free labor!

So; what have you done out at MMP? I've spent my fair share of time out there too.... would I recognize ya? first name?

[Zebbidog]

Sounds good on the labor party! I will learn a thing or two helping you and then we'll do the same on mine when I replace my Panhard bar likely in the springtime.

As for MMP...I started working out there to be a part of it even if that meant being in the security department. I didn't do a whole lot working for them this season. Went out as a spectator for the SBK races. Watched the amazing Ben Spies take another win leading to his title!
Anyway, when I work out there it is with Security. But my regular sales day job may allow me to play some of my skills and hopefully land a Sales job with them when the economy improves...

By the way, it's Brent.

Best,

[maytag]

cool!

I've spend WAAAY too much time and money out there. my wife only knows the half of it, and she still shut me down!
as a matter of fact: that photo in my avatar is me, at MMP, on Miguel Duhamel's '06 FX Daytona-200 winning bike. Sorta my 5 minutes of fame....

[azygoustoyou]

I remember those days. I feel it everytime the weather changes.

[Zebbidog]

cool!

I've spend WAAAY too much time and money out there. my wife only knows the half of it, and she still shut me down!
as a matter of fact: that photo in my avatar is me, at MMP, on Miguel Duhamel's '06 FX Daytona-200 winning bike. Sorta my 5 minutes of fame....

That is cool! Miguel is one of my idols when it comes to bike racing.
I have a `05 Yamaha R1 that I picked up last September that I hope to spend some R&R time on some track days out there.

Definitely need to get together with the Utah group and talk Fiats - but sounds like bike nights may also be in order. If nothing else, the occasional viewing of SBK and MotoGP races.

[ROOK1]

I'm in guys, just let me know when and where. Send a message to the group so everyone knows. I am also willing to lend my garage if needed, 3 car with a bunch of tools.