Newbie with a project car

[Newbie1979Pini]

New to Fiat (period). My son got a hand-me-down 1979 Spider 2000 from his Aunt. We've been debating switching it from manual to automatic. We understand the pitfalls of dropping from the five speed to a three speed. The amount of parts needing to be changed might be the deciding factor. We have the transmission, torq converter, flywheel and an oil cooler. Thoughts on rear differential gearing and/or any electrical concerns?

[SunnySideUp]

Welcome aboard! If your 5-speed Spider is in good condition why not sell it and then buy one that is a factory automatic? You will be way ahead in the end all things considered.

[Newbie1979Pini]

My Sister-in-Law drove the heck out of the car when she lived in California, and it has been sitting for over ten years. We were told the rear crankshaft seal leaks oil, and her husband has the wiring all hanging out from under the dash (looks like a nightmare). If I remember correctly, there might be an issue with one of the gears on the manual transmission. At best, I'd like to make sure it works before thinking about selling. My son thinks he'll be okay on learing how to drive stick, so we'll probably just keep it manual.

[phaetn]

Welcome!

If your son is willing to learn to drive a manual then for sure keep it stock. He will learn a lot more about car control and anticipating varying conditions with a five speed manual than he ever would with a point-and-shoot automatic.

Whatever the work required, make sure to have fun!

Cheers,
Phaetn

[Newbie1979Pini]

So far, we've decided to stick with stock. We've already dropped the transmission and replaced the rear main oil seal. The transmission is back in, (but may be back out sooner than later because rumor has it the 3rd gear pops out back to neutral), just need to fill with oil and get a battery to fire it up. It has sat for a long time, so keep your fingers crossed for us.

[2ndwind]

Very exciting to save another spider. I had 2: 1982 spiders at the same time fairly recently a 5spd and an automatic. I was surprised at the reasonable acceleration of the automatic in a 4cyl. (always had manuals in any 4cyl.) That being said it just didn't compare to the 5spd in acceleration, control and the fun factor.

[Exit98]

My son thinks he'll be okay on learing how to drive stick, so we'll probably just keep it manual.

IMHO a Spider is one of the easiest cars to learn stick shift driving. They are tough, the clutch is light and engages easily, and it is very forgiving. A teenager with a little determination will learn in a couple hours. Like a new video game.

My son, years ago, taught himself on my old 5 sp. Integra by driving up and rolling down our slightly elevated driveway. Once he mastered a smooth start in first gear on the incline off he went.

Its like learning to ride a bike.

[RRoller123]

Welcome aboard! You will find plenty of knowledgeable and friendly people here.

Here is a thread on how to post pictures directly to the forum:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=21014

And here is another picture-posting thread:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 12&t=23084


Pete

[Newbie1979Pini]

Project update:
Oil seal is replaced, and the manual is back in. We have a battery, filled the oil, replaced the radiator cap and tried to fire it up. It would not turn over. I'm going to check the grounds, but the biggest problem is we have a fuel leak at the carburetor, and puddled under the trunk. I'll be replacing the rubber lines out of the tank to the metal fuel lines (hopefully that will solve the trunk leak), and will be spending some time under the hood today.

[Newbie1979Pini]

IT'S ALIVE!!!!
The engine sounds good for one that's sat for countless years. Ran it through the gears while on the lift, and they appear to be sound (even though my Brother-in-Law thinks one of them 'pops' out on its own), but need to test them on the road. My next hurdle is the interior electrical. None of my gauges are working, no turn signals, no break lights. I want to drive it sooo baaaad, but I want to have tail lights, (communicating with other drivers is big on my safety list), and know that I'm not speeding (too far over the limit). I have no idea what my Brother-in-Law has disconnected under the dash. Wish me luck with tracing wires and checking fuses.

[azruss]

3rd gear will pop out under load. This is the weak spot on these cars. If it hasnt been abused and the synchros are ok, then it may be as simple as worn pads on the shifting forks.The fact it goes into gear without load is a good sign.

[Newbie1979Pini]

Almost finished with the transmission rebuild. My neighbor has 80/90 gear oil, is that the weight I'll need for the manual transmission, or is there a more specialized oil for the 1979 Spider 2000's? I read on one of the bottles that it is suitable for "non synchronizing manual transmissions". Thoughts?

[Exit98]

GL1. Get it from your neighborhood NAPA. Part # NHF 65201

I think the gallon is about $11.

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Catal ... 0006545685

[Newbie1979Pini]

Synchromesh. 2 quarts from Napa. All buttoned up and reinstalled back on the car. Lowered her off the lift and backed her out of the drive. Drove two doors down to back her up my drive. She stalled out and the battery dragged so I figured I'd just push her up so she could charge. I don't know why I reached in to try starting her, but she fired up. That is when it went all wrong. I put her in reverse, and heard a PWING sound - right before she abruptly shut down. The shifter didn't come out of reverse too easily. I pushed the rest of the way into the yard and let her sit overnight. I started her the next night, but the transmission wont leave neutral. I'm thinking of having a burial for the tranny, back in our pet cemetary. I guesse I'll be trying to install the automatic afterall. Manual transmissions are obviously out of my mechanical abilities.

[FiatBen]

I guesse I'll be trying to install the automatic afterall. Manual transmissions are obviously out of my mechanical abilities.

Wow. I've always though of autos as big mysteries whereas a standard is just gears, linkage, levers and cables. I'd tackle a manual rebuild but would be scared to death of an automatic. Different experiences I guess. Sounds like something snapped and bound up, but might not be a big thing.

I agree about the value of learning to drive a stick. Invaluable experience that improves anyone's driving.

Whether you do the swap or repair, I'd love to see a thread on it posted here (in the appropriate sub-thread).