My 1978 fiat 124 spider

[fezza]

Hi All

Just thought i would say hello and tell you all that the forum is great and very helpful!

I am currently in the final stages of restoring my 124 spider ready to take to the Le Mans classic in July this year and i cant wait.
I am going in covoy with 2 mates -another earlier 124 spider and a TVR Vixen.

Heres a few pics of the progress so far.


This is what it looked liked when i bought it...

Not sure why anyone would do that to the dash!!........

Horrible....

And so began the work......out with the metal and back to how it should be......

Then the floor was stripped back and waterproofed. Underneath was also waxoyled for the good old british weather!

It was quite a job........

Retro stereo was added but with Ipod capability....

New carpets go in.....

Interior cleaned up and new seat belts fitted...

Big heavy American bumpers replaced with lightweight Abarth style overiders, new front indicators and a new mohair hood

Luggage rack removed..

And as she is today.......

[ventura ace]

Very nice job with the restoration. I can see that you've been really busy!

Welcome!

Alvon

[fezza]

Cheers Alvon!
Yes many hours(and swear words!)have passed whilst doing this but its been worth it.
Not much more to do now.....a bit of painting, some new italian wing mirrors are going on and a few more mechanical tweaks and it will be done.
Will post some pics when its all done.

[rlux4]

Welcome to the forum fezza. Thanks for the pictures. We all enjoy seeing another Spider being taken good care of. Nice job.
Ron

[fezza]

Cheers Ron!
Appreciate the positive comments as it keeps the momentum going
Its been quite a long process but worth it and the attention you get is great as there are not many about over in sunny GB!

[So Cal Mark]

welcome! the car is looking good. How are the new overriders attached?

[fezza]

Hi Cheers!
The overiders were attached through the same holes as where the arms were for the bumpers. I had to remove the arms first and then the overiders slide in the holes and then a bolt slides through both the hole and the holes in the overiders and secures at the other side with a bolt. This was ok until i got to the rear driver side one and found that i couldnt get to the hole where the bolt goes through without removing the petrol tank first!
Anyway tank came out, bolt went in and through, was secured and then tank went back in, not too hard but a bit of a pain in the ass! Not too keen on messing around where petrol is concerned......

[baltobernie]

Hello Fezza, and Welcome!

Great looking car. The ability to add your personal touches makes owning one of these classics even more special. Not much you can do with contemporary cars except stick-on stuff. Enjoy your Springtime, and stay in touch.

[fezza]

Cheers Baltobernie

Yep i have tried to keep it to the original spec where needs be but then compromised on things like the heavy bumpers to get a more cleaner line and more speed etc....
Enjoy your spring too and yes i will keep in touch. Will post more pics after the next bit of work is complete.
Have you any pics to show?

[rlux4]

OK Fezza, here you are, a picture of my car:

[img][IMG]http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii11/rlux4/th_000_0004.jpg[/img][/img]


(Mine is the red one, third down in the row)
Ron

[fezza]

LOL...Cheers Ron
Sure its great but cant see much of it
The silver one is certainly....er...Different!...bet it goes like stink!
Wish the weather was that nice here...We get that for about 2 hours and thats summer done LOL!

[mbouse]

wow, that aluminum dash must have been a nightmare to drive with when the top was down and the sun over your shoulder!

welcome, and thanks for the pictures

[fezza]

Lol....Well i would agree except for the fact that Sun is an alien word in the UK! ha

[mbouse]

oh, my bad. so you actually detracted from the intended use of the modified dash?

[fezza]

Yep....it basically just looked rubbish and i like to keep things as original as they should be so it had to be changed