Let the fun begin! 1977 Restoration

[Leighnes]

Ok, so I am ready to embark on what will probably be a long restoration! Have discovered a previous owner was heavily into fibreglass as a means to hide rust.

So far I have removed fibreglass from both wheel arches on the drivers side, revealing holes. After removing the outer rocker panel I see the rot has eaten most of the front section of the outer sill. Luckily a repair section should cover that.

Anyway I guess more rust will be revealed when I take the carpets out, then I can make a list of repair panels I need and get started. Well, I need to learn to weld first! But that should be fun.

I have added a pic of the car before I started dismantling.

Leigh

[Exit98]

Hi Leigh,

Good luck and keep us posted.

FWIW, I don't know where you are located, but unless you want to do this, just because, you might want to consider finding a better (no rust) body and swapping out the mechanics. Its likely you are going to find more.

In any case, check out the front strut towers very closely, inside and out. If they are shot you need to think very carefully about proceeding.

[Leighnes]

Hi Doug,

I updated my profile so members can see my location, Norway.

There are very few Spiders here in Norway, unfortunately! So the possibility of finding a rust free example is pretty remote. I wouldn't have space anyway for a project car and spares car (nice thought though). I could have picked up a cleaner MGB roadster as a project, but when you have first studied the lines of a Spider you don't settle for second best. This car has a beauty few other small roadsters have.

As I have limited floor space in the garage I must check out one side at a time. As there have been previous impact damage to the front of the fender around the headlight area, I will need to change that. I discovered yesterday evening fiber glass around the shock absorber tower After prying it off I discovered a hole in the tower. I figure if I am removing the fender I can weld in a new tower at the same time.

I just hope it doesn't take too long to come up to speed learning to weld

I will post images of my challenges soon.

Leigh

[cos]

look forward seeing your progress. Keep us posted with photos.

[Leighnes]

Read your restoration with interest Cos! The restoration projects here are great inspiration.

You sourced a front wing from SpiderPoint. Did it arrive in two parts, the so called upper wing and Headlight nacelle valance? I don't seem to see a complete wing anywhere.

I will post images of the restoration as I take them. For now I am just looking over the car, making a list of horrors.

Leigh

[cos]

hi, yes it came in 2 parts as Fiat only produced them that way. Get a good fabricator/welder to join them.