New to FIAT, and I jumped in with both feet

[hypperauzzie]

First off I consed defeat that you guys will know more than I probably ever will about Spiders...

I have always had projects and 2 weeks ago a project landed in my lap and it was an offer I couldn't refuse. I ended up getting a 1975 Fiat Spider with the 1800 engine in it. I got it as a rolling project with a lot of spare parts and books upon books, as a second chance rebuild.

I picked it up this past weekend and spent the weekend finding out what I can about the car. The engine rebuild seemed to have been nearly finished before it was forgotten about. Checked the dip stick and what little oil was on it was clean, and started pulling the oil filter off and the oil that came out looked new. Pulled the valve covers to find new gaskets and clean channels. Went out and got a large enough socket to turn the crank and it turned with little resistance, no breaker bar needed. Finally i pulled the spark plugs and the piston tops were shinny when I flashed a light in the holes. The only issue I found was when i pulled the water pump, the water channels are corroded.

It is my plan to reset the starter (tested good at local auto parts place) and get it to spin freely. Reset the distributor and coil pack and see if it will fire up with a quick spray of fuel.
If that goes well start re-plumbing the fuel lines and get her running. Many updates to follow.

Cosmetically she is OK, not a lot of rust. The biggest spots are in the floor board of the drivers side floor.

Let me know what you think....

[eman2112]

Get under her and look for more rust cancer of the floor pans. Pull the carpet panels and padding up along the rails to check there. Also, along the seat mounts. Mine are horrible.

[RRoller123]

Welcome aboard! You will find plenty of knowledgeable and friendly people here.

Here is a thread on how to post pictures to the forum:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=21014

And here is a great picture-posting thread edited by SLOSpider:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 12&t=23084


Pete

[tartan18]

Welcome. I also have a 75 which I got 3 years ago. It has been a lot of fun getting it running. Now it is my daily driver. As has been suggested, check out all the places that have a history of rust in these cars. Then you can decide how much $$ to spend. Many very knowledgeable and friendly folks here that are willing to share their expertise.

[hypperauzzie]

Thanks guys... I will have to get a Photobucket account and post photos that way. Once I can get her running I will get her to a lift and blast her underside and try to find all the spots of rust to fix. The under coating is pealing off so, that is on the list of may projects to come.