Rusted Out 1970 850 Spider Fix-Up
- Thread starter Daniel Gibson
- Start date
Jeff Stich
True Classic
That convertible top cover panel is likely ruined now. 
NM850
True Classic
So are the front fenders. I’ve heard it was a real problem at dealerships in the early days. Convenient height and the fact that the sheet metal was a little thinner than in American Iron.That convertible top cover panel is likely ruined now.
That convertible top cover panel is likely ruined now.
Yes they ruined the panel and perhaps more for a record cover.
Daniel Gibson
True Classic
I am not sure how this landed in my car thread, but I can go with it. Look carefully at how they are seated. The girls in front are seated near the hood, so it is stronger than the middle of the fender. And the guys in the back are seated not directly on the back panel, but half on and half on the fenders. And the middle guy is seated right on the gas tank area. The car probably was just fine.
Daniel Gibson
True Classic
Well, thank you! Took it for a drive yesterday. Runs pretty good, FINALLY!We just wanted to hear from you and your Spider again.
I have read all 700 postings in your thread and must say, greatest respect!
I never thought that this rusty car, ever again drives on the road.
Daniel Gibson
True Classic
Hey gang! I need a good outside car cover for this old bucket. Anyone have a preference? Fitted is preferred.
Thanks!
Dan
Thanks!
Dan
johnph
True Classic
I have purchased 3 covers from California Car Covers Co. Take a look at their website and select the material that is right for your weather.
Daniel Gibson
True Classic
It was a cool but nice day yesterday, so time for a wash, polish and drive with the top down. Hard to believe it is almost two years since I started on this car. For the most part, things are holding up well, but here is a list of things to do this spring:
Re-glue some of the vinyl pieces. The so-called “premium glue” did not hold, so it is e-6000 time.
Do the dash. I hesitate to pull out all the gauges and the like, as I know something is going to break, but I need to get it looking better.
Maybe fix the heater while the dash is out. It is leaking somewhere, and I am not sure I care.
Maybe install a tonneau. Does anyone have details on who sells them?
I am thinking about getting the bumpers rechromed. They kinda let the car down a bit.
There are a few places where the bodywork is failing a bit, but I kinda expected that. Still looks decent polished up, although I must admit that Valspar enamel does not hold up to the sun all that great. Oh well, for a 50 dollar paint job I cannot complain.
And I just need to drive the darn thing and work out any remaining kinks!
Daniel Gibson
True Classic
So, Texas is back in business, and the car shows are reopening. Time to clean up the Fiat, take it for some test drives and maybe let it make its grand debut next week!
Daniel Gibson
True Classic
Back from it’s first car show! Ran like a champ...just did not want to start at the car show. It appears that my alternator has stopped alternating. Time to find a rebuild shop. May have them do the starter at the same time. Anyone have a cheap dead starter? Might as well get two done and have a backup.
Oh, not a lot of cars there, but quite a few lookers at it. I think it fell into the category of “oh look, there is something that is not a corvette or a tri-five Chevy. Let’s look”.
Oh, not a lot of cars there, but quite a few lookers at it. I think it fell into the category of “oh look, there is something that is not a corvette or a tri-five Chevy. Let’s look”.
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gene cooley
Autocrosser
If you haven't cleaned up all of the alternator wiring connections it might be worth a try. My '72 just needed a good cleaning and it worked fine after that.
Same with the starter, but if you are going to rebuild 2 starters just go for a gear drive instead.
Frank L. Di Gioia
True Classic
As stated by Gene Cooley GO FOR THE REDUCTION STARTER! You can get one new on eBay for around $200 and they are well worth the expense. The center stud for mounting the unit MAY need trimming in order to fit the nut. If the radiator is out it's easy. I actually ground down a 13mm open end wrench to narrow the opposing sides and shortened it so as to be able to tighten/loosen this nut. Final modification was to slightly shorten the stud where it tapers to a point. My starter may have a thicker than normal mounting base though.
Daniel Gibson
True Classic
So, what does YOUR voltage regulator fuse look like? Mine, not so good. Got this mess cleaned up, but still not working right. My field relay is in terrible shape, with corrosion and the cardboard base falling apart. Got a new one on order. Like I said before, fix the things I missed the first time around.
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Daniel Gibson
True Classic
Hi gang. I need your smarts. I have the replacement alternator field coil relay, but my old one is so gross, I cannot read the numbers. Based on a wiring diagram I have found, I think I have them labeled correctly, but I would appreciate some other eyes on it. Thanks!
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Loren Field
True Classic
Hi - those numbers match a solid state relay I purchased but have not installed yet (with the caveat that the 86 on my relay is hard to read, but that was my take)