1979 spider 2000 restoration

[fredguaz]

Keep up the good work, JD.
I hope you know that you are an inspiration to those of us out here who think WE have issues with our cars!
Now when I run into a major issue, I just ask myself, "What would JD do?"

[SoFlaFiat]

That work crap really gets in the way doesn't it?

[MrJD]

Look out, someone got back on the wagon tonight...



pounded flat after cutting off the car


replacement cut and shaped


fit isn't bad




Also got my radio in and installed in the dash and cleaned up my kick panels. Going to order new speakers to put in them soon. Need to find some chrome trim for the map pockets...


I wonder what these oversized valves are for? I ordered them from mark on Friday, they got here today which is a monday. Tomorrow they got in to the hands of my machinist. Gotta love good service, thanks Mark.

[steve8462]

how do the hinge plates look inside your doors. i have to try to find a way to re-build mine in the drivers door. i would love to see pictures of how you do it, if you have to.

[MrJD]

Are you talking about the area where the door hinge bolts up to the car frame/body?

One of mine is cracked unfortunately... I've not fixed it yet, but I plan on getting a thick peice of cold rolled still and making a bit of a "washer" out of it and bolting it between the cracked mount and the door hinge. This would give it enough support, and the door should be adjustable enough to compensate for the thickness.

If that is what you are talking about, I will take a picture and show you what I mean.

Jon

[steve8462]

i'm actually talking about in the door itself behind the door cards. it seems to be a chronic weak point for these cars

[MrJD]

funny reading my spelling errors, lol. Cold rolled steel*

So is yours cracked? Snap a picture and show me what you are dealing with.

[MrJD]

will update things done soon.

Question:

I have new reservoirs, a new head, new alternator, starter, waterpump/timing belt kit, new radiator and fan switch (need to order an electric fan), new carb, new manifold, and a full gasket set.

Should i upgrade anything in the ignition? i don't want a new ignition system, but should I mess with the 79 electronic ignition at all? I know i will get a new hot coil, but anything else?

Should I install new freeze plugs when I have it all torn down?

Also, anyone got a single intake stud laying around they can send me?


Ahem.

My plan: I want to start the car again with everything stock, I assume I can run the car on an "IV" of gas since I don't have the tank or lines in it. Once I know it runs, I am going to put the upgraded carb on the stock manifold and start it again. I just want to make sure the carb works!

Once that is done I will pull everything out, and replace it all. Might leave it out till the car goes in for paint... just to do the engine bay.

[vandor]

The stock electronic ignition is not bad, just make sure all the components are in good working order.

[MrJD]

Csaba

did you get my facebook message? I went ahead and ordered a rear passenger side fender lip repair panel from you guys, but wanted some detail about the rear upper replacement panel.

[124JOE]

One intake stud.yes pm me your address

[707kevin]

I just read every page only to find that there is no news since last December
Looks like it was going so well, how is it now??

I'm about to cut the RH floor out, then take care of the rear valance rust. Rockers will come off tonight, hopefully not bad!

[joelittel]

I just read every page only to find that there is no news since last December
Looks like it was going so well, how is it now??

I did the same and would love to know how the car turned out. Any pictures you can share?

[707kevin]

I did the same and would love to know how the car turned out. Any pictures you can share?[/quote]

Right? What else an I supposed to do at work?

[MrJD]

I took a little break for the last few months. I have worked on it though. I don't know what to do about the rear panel on the car. I hate to put filler over rust holes, but I am getting to that point. IF I use filler on the rear panel to cover some holes, then all I have to do is weld in a new structural member on the right side, and install the right rear inner fender and the body work will be done.

Sometimes, you just have to take a step back.

And I still need an intake stud, and also some nuts and bolts. Anyone have a warped head laying around they can strip a fastner or two off of?

I'll post pictures of my epic 1 year only head later.