My ongoing project

[MJSSpider2K]

Well, I decided to post a few pictures of my project. I am rebuilding a 1981 spider. Or at least taking 2 cars and making one safe sold fun car. I was told that Fiats rust, but holy cow!

http://pimikey.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Fiat ... 5162_A29U7

Feel free to provide constructive criticism, but just don't tell me I should have bought a better car to start with, because I thought I did.....twice!

[azygoustoyou]

Before you just cover the rust. You should treat it with something like Master Series or POR 15. It will help with your quick fix to last longer. I personally like the Master Series. Google it. It's worth the cost. Best way would be to sand/ media blast the rust and cut out the thin parts. Then add new metal. It depends on the degree of your intent. Good luck

[majicwrench]

Wow, serious project. I amazes me to see the extent people will go to fixing these cars. I just want a fun driver, life is too short for all that work. But that's just me, I gotta say I am impressed. Keep up the good work!!!!
Keith

[MJSSpider2K]

Brad, the pictures are actually a little misleading. All the pictures at the beginning are of the original car and were from June 2008, the latter are of the new car which I had blasted and am cutting out every spec of rust. The car was already sealed with SPI epoxy primer and the undercarriage is going to be primed then coated in a rubberized undercoating or a bed liner type of material to keep out moisture. I suppose I should label the pics a little better, but I prefer to spend my free time in the garage as opposed to behind the computer. Keep posting about your project because you are a few months ahead of me so your thread is like my instruction manual!

Keith, for me spending a few hours in the garage after my son goes to bed is a very therapeutic way to unwind. I wish I was driving the car instead of cutting it up, but its the next best thing.

[racydave]

One more Spider saved, one more on the road! Good deal!!! I like your wheels too. http://www.flickr.com/photos/wwwfiatspidercom/

[SpiderJim]

Well all I can say to you guys is that I take my hat off to you all. I was bitchin this week cause one of mine had a bit of surface rust from a stone hit. Maybe I should get the media blaster out... but then again I may open pandora's box? Glad I purchased desert cars...

[So Cal Mark]

big undertaking, keep posting pics as you go along. Those wheels are worth some bucks

[mdrburchette]

All I can say is you must need a lot of therapy! That car is going to keep you in the shop for awhile. Good luck with your project and keep us posted. I've got a 72 shell sitting on a rotisseri in my shop right now that I thought was in bad shape but your pics have changed my mind.

[narfire]

Well done. An excellent example of perseverance and patience. I tip my hat to all that have the skill set to do these things.
I know my limits and so my 72 is in a shop where someone else is doing the work.


Same thing,thought the front had a "bit of rust" start digging and .....
Rest of the car and floors are good though.
Your not alone in your quest, good luck and keep us updated.

[MNspiderman]

Its always fun to start from scratch because everything you do will be a fun and personal accomplishment. Oh by the way I thought I was the only one but we have the Identical fiat key chain. That black leather and fiat logo key chain. I hope the keys aren't the same.

[MJSSpider2K]

Well slowly but surely I have been cutting away the rust on my car and welding in new metal. I am going to weld in the pass floor pan tomorrow which is a huge deal to me because I feel like I am actually moving forward. I spent almost a year cutting out rust, and in the end I lost the entire floor front and rear and 3/4 of the trans tunnel and the rear cross brace! Since my new floor is going to be one flat piece instead of the angled rear like the factory pan (easier to fab) my lower control arm mount will also move which means custom arms! Good thing both originals were bent because some stooge tried to jack the car at the control arms. Again, I can't scream it loud enough START WITH A SOLID CAR. Luckily I enjoy learning how to fabricate and re-engineer.

If anyone has any comments or suggestions on something that may not be safe before I weld in the floors (and loose access to all the frame rails) let me know. I am learning to cut/bend/weld as I go so advice is welcome. None of the wleds were ground down yet so just dont tell me to gind my welds!


http://pimikey.smugmug.com/Other/Fiat-F ... 3951_NT9YW

Mike

[MNspiderman]

Did you have the hiccups while you were welding?

[MJSSpider2K]

I didn't, but I think my little 125 amp welder may have!