'79 Fiat Spider 2000 - Michigan

[aevansgatech]

Hello Spider owners,

I recently lucked into a great deal for a '79 Spider. It's had a tough life, but I'm hoping to get it running in tip top shape.

I also have a 2014 Fiat 500 Abarth, and am active with the Michigan chapter of FCA (FLUiD)





Previous owner did a lot of work. Body repair, basic engine restoration (had it running 2 years ago), paint. It also has some strange modifications to the lights and side markers, but I'm concerned with functionality first and then I'll make it pretty.


Here's a shot with both Fiats


The first major problem is fixing this bird's nest. I'm missing some dash panels, but the only things unplugged are auxillary things like courtesy light, heater switch, etc.

[MMBRunner]

Nice! Hope you get it running soon!

[76was124]

Is that you Evan?

Welcome to the classic side..you and Simone are now the only dual (modern/classic) owners in the Chapter I think?

I have an extra beige radio council you could paint black if you want it.

Regards,
Kevin

[aevansgatech]

Hey Kevin, yep me and Simone are representing classic and modern Fiats!

I'll be asking you guys lots of questions along the way

[aevansgatech]

She runs!

https://youtu.be/wRCrJM5uTtY

[MMBRunner]

Congratulations on getting it running - sounds good!

[aevansgatech]

Tires have arrived and should go on tomorrow!

Then I can take it to our local Detroit 'carb whisperer' for a tune up

[aevansgatech]

Some recent glamour shots with a co-worker's 1970 BMW R50/5

[mscafide]

You have good taste in vehicles and friends.

[aevansgatech]

You have good taste in vehicles and friends.

Thanks! And it looks like you have very similar interests as well. I noticed the Ford 8N in your signature..

My "warm-up" projects to learn about carburetion / general restoration were two Ford YT garden tractors. Fun stuff but they had to go to make room for the Spider

[aevansgatech]

Spent a lot of time this weekend with a friend completely bringing life back to this red paint.

Tools:
Clay bar
Random orbital buffing wheel
Meguiar's cutting compound and polish
Klasse glaze
Zaino detail spray

Wow, what a difference!
A reminder of before (matte red)


After

[MMBRunner]

Looks awesome!

[aevansgatech]

Went for a 150mile round trip cruise in Michigan's "Thumb" region. Beautiful drive to Bay City, MI and absolutely perfect 70F Sunny Clear weather

[aevansgatech]

After a bit of research, it turns out this spider was originally Azure Metalico. Paint code 473

Looks good in red now

[RRoller123]

It really does surprise me how many had their color changed. I wonder if this is true with other enthusiast cars such as MGs, TR's, etc? My Spider was originally bronze, then green, now red.