Rolling Chassis Project

[somatdad]

I am not sure if the photobucket link will take you to the slide show of the fiat frame I started or not.

http://s1360.photobucket.com/user/somat ... at%20Frame

In 2006 or 2007 I saw what V6Fiat had done with a fiat and I thought that would be a fun thing to try, and I saw photos of the fellow that crammed the LT1 in his fiat. I thought I would try to put a new motor and transmission in the fiat and surround it with new wiring, new brakes, suspension etc... That way I would have the fiat spider style and potentially modern reliability. I found a 2.4l Ecotec motor, was dual over head cam so I figured that was fitting for the spider, I built a model of the motor to make sure it fit in the engine bay. I engineered the front end and purchased a Mustang II kit from TCI back in 2007. I had the body cleaned of all rust at American Metal Cleaning, where they dip the body and use electrolysis to get rid of the rust. I sprayed the body inside and out with epoxy primer. Then life took over with other commitments and projects and I did not start on this project until last fall 2012. In the mean time I had acquired another project car that my wife really likes, a wrecked police cruiser with an excellent motor and transmission to go with it and a vintage trailer to boot. You can see where this is going.

I had all these parts for the Fiat and felt like I needed to give it the old college try so I did. I am pretty proud of my frame and the fit of the body to the frame. Had about 1/8" inch side to side of clearance. I cut out the bottom of the Fiat frame and nestled it over the top of the new rolling chassis. My front axle and rear axle are dead on center of wheel well to center of wheel well. However, when I lowered the motor on the frame I discovered that by going with the mustang II front end I had raised that motor up a good 4 inches and it would no longer fit as I had planned. Anything can be made to fit, with enough time and money, however, I looked at this project and thought, I am too old too finish this and finish the 55 at the same time. One of them has to go and since my wife loves the 55....... So if anyone out there knows of a crazy car guy that wants a body and frame for a fun project let me know. If nothing else, this forum seems like there are people that would get a kick out of seeing this project.

[v6spider]

Hmmmmm...this is a great start to put a v6...wouldn't even think of a 4 cylinder engine after going to all the trouble you have went to...just my two cents...
Rob

[So Cal Mark]

where is the car located and what are you asking for it?

[somatdad]

I am located in Dallas, Oregon. I would love to get $1,000 for the chassis and car, especially if someone would continue the project. Add all up the parts and derusted Fiat body I'm into it 4K. Car guys, just a little crazy.

[somatdad]

Oh by the way, Rob you were my inspiration 6 years ago as I looked at your web site and the first V6 you did.

So when i sat around talking with my buddies and say what if we did this or that, it just got a little crazy. Just don't have the space or time, or resources to finish all the projects. Would love to see your v6 in person someday, what's 4 1/2 hours between Mt. Vernon and Dallas.

[v6spider]

I appreciate the nod! Thank you very much! The first v6spider I built was a blast and the new version will be even better as I am addressing issues had with the first version plus building it up from the ground up. The first version was just basically a test to see if my ideas worked and they did. The new version is going to be a total sleeper with no hood scoop or visual cues of what lurks beneath the hood. I spent less than $4000 on the first car and I expect to only have to invest $1500 more as i already have everything I built from the last car. Upgrades will be polyurethane bushings for the suspension, new redesigned steering arms, edelbrock 2114 intake, world class borg warner t-5, aftermarket aluminum radiator, and a new reground 290 degree duration - .525 lift roller lifter cam for my 4.3L Chevy v6. Plus unibody reenforcing in the areas that need it.

Shoot put a 4.3L v6 in your car you won't be disappointed!

If I every get down towards dallas with the spider I'll look you up.

Rob

[somatdad]

Well I definately had the unibody reinforcement covered with the 2x4 tube frame. I keep getting the bug to finish it when I talk about it with folks, and if I can't find a buyer for the frame I'll still have it and who knows.... Or if I can find someone that wants a good start here it is.

I'll look forward to checking on your progress as you put your second one together. Hope to see it someday. I still have my stock 73 and relatives in Tacoma so may have an opportunity to take a drive to check out Mt. Vernon.
Good luck with your project.

Jim

[v6spider]

took a good look at all your pics on photobucket... very nicely done. Although not much fiat left. Nothing wrong with that. my idea was to keep the handling and not change much.Despite the fact I changed the steering linkage and steering box to accommodate the engine out of necessity, I am still using the fiat suspension.

Most people will say that what we are doing is blasphemy! I say our cars are unique and that is what i like. and that is all that matters is making your car the way you want it to be. Everyone here has done that to one extent or another.

Rob