Hello all!

[81Spider4me]

Hey everyone! New here, from Chicago.
Story behind my Fiat: my father bought a 1981 Fiat spider 2000 in march of 86, and used to love to drive my sister and I around everywhere in that car! It was the coolest car I've ever been and seen as a kid!
Late 90's he was having some overheating issues with it, popped a few head gaskets, and suddenly that amazing car just sat in the garage with my father very upset with the car.
He never wanted to sell it, always preached to me how he would one day love for me to bring it to life for him again.
He got very sick with dementia in the early parts of 2000 so my time with him became very dedicated to him. Despite that illness, every time my mom or sister would mention getting rid of "That Damn Fiat" I would smile and ask if he wanted to, he ALWAYS replied "NO! We'll give it to the kids" I assume he meant his grandkids. So I always put the Kabosh to that idea and said I would fix it.
Well last year my father passed away, and after picking up the pieces and regrouping in my life, I've dedicated my time to now restoring and getting this car perfect in honor of him, for "The Kids" haha! It's a fry cry from perfect with rust, and motor problems. But, the car brings so much happiness to me, even the first day I touched it and started disassembling the motor. WISH ME LUCK ALL! THE FUN JUST BEGINS! haha

[AriK]

What a touching story. Your father would be proud. Lots of great info and advice to be found here.

[stuartrubin]

Although it's sad to hear about your father, it's a great story, and I know we'll all look forward to hearing how the story progresses! My own father died a few years ago just shy of 65 from a brain tumor. He wasn't much of a car guy, but he was a glaser by trade and very handy. Whenever I'm working on any project that involves tools, I think about him a lot and sort of imagine the advice he'd give me. Best of luck.

PS. Post lots of pictures of your car as it comes along!

[81Spider4me]

Thank you both so much! As soon as I figure out how to post the pictures I will. I already have the motor fully apart, and that's where I started taking pictures. I'm super excited to start this project, and look forward to meeting people and learning a lot on here!

[Joeype70]

Very touching story. Cant wait to see when you get her going again.