New member from Maine

[Kevin1]

Just joined here after stumbling across the site while searching around on line at work. Uh, I mean, doing research at work. Been a member at FLU for several years, and recognize a number of names over here too. Recently started on the annual ritual of going over everything on the Spider yo be sure it is all ready for spring. A brand-spanking new set of Whoa Brakes is sitting here in boxes ready to install before the driving season, along with a new timing belt and tensioner. Other than that, the car is ready to go. I know it is only February, and there's still a foot of snow (more coming tonight) but it never hurts to be optimistic!
Anyway, hi to everyone here and I'm looking forward to plenty of good reading about one of my favorite subjects - Fiats.

[racydave]

Hi Kevin

[TulsaSpider]

Welcome!

[4babycar]

Welcome and where in Maine? Beautiful state by the way!

[kristoj]

No shortage of snow here in Northern Ohio either, but rest assured, Spring will come! Welcome to the site.

[rlux4]

Welcome Kevin. So, you also deal with Jon Logan, huh? He's a great guy.
Geesh, Maine. Doesn't it get kinda cold up there?
You didn't say what year Spider yours is. And we'd like to see it also, so please post pictures.
Ron

[So Cal Mark]

welcome to the site!

[mbouse]

Hey, Kevin. Welcome.

I just replied to your post over at http://www.flu.org concerning crackle paint !!

[Kevin1]

OK,what's the trick to post an avatar here? The instructions say 80x80 pixels, and under 6kb. It's the 6kb that's hanging me up. Can't seem to get an 80x80 pixel RGB jpeg that small.
4babycar, Maine is a beautiful state for sure, lots and lots of scenic driving with mountain roads, scenic coastal frives and everything in between. I'm inkennebunk, in the southern part of the state.
riux4, I met Jon Logan at last year's FFO. It only took him all of a minute to convince me this was the best way to upgrade my brakes. One day I'd like to have him rework an 1800 head for our 2L spider. Winter here can be a drag, but it does leave LOTS of time for wrenching between driving seasons. It's actually raining here today - a big improvement. Two weeks ago it was -20!.
Mike, I'm a big fan of crackle paint - have been ever since using it on my 1969 Chevy 90 van. But that's a story I'll save for sharing a beer at next FFO.
As soon as I figure out the picture thing I'll post it.

[mbouse]

wahhh - HOOO !!! Another crackle paint fanatic!! there is a god, there is a god...

can you use Microsoft Picture Manager? there is a compression option for webpage pictures that drastically reduces the kb size of your avatar potential pictures. it is what i used.

have you actually driven a Spider with those brakes? I had the luxury of driving Jon's Spider with Whoa Brakes last September... OMG you will be thoroughly impressed. this will be my #1 upgrade this year for the '80

and, i had Logan rework an 1800 head for my two litre as well. Very nice performance upgrade.

[Kevin1]

Mike,
The brakes will most likely be the only real "upgrade" I'll do before FFO this year, but save me some time one evening in PA. I'd like to talk to you and Jon about the head upgrade. If this keeps up, new upgrades are going to be the most expensive part of going to Freakout. I'm really glad to hear yor opinion of the Whoa Brakes. I have heard some good things from others, too about them. Can't wait to try them myself.

[mbouse]

kevin, check your email.

[ga.spyder]

Hey Kevin,
I thought about you the other day!I was rotating the tires and used the ''cool tool'' you gave me to set each wheel.I hope you and the missus are coping with the winter.Any progress on the kit car? See you again at FFO.
Craig

[Kevin1]

Hey Kevin,
I thought about you the other day!I was rotating the tires and used the ''cool tool'' you gave me to set each wheel.I hope you and the missus are coping with the winter.Any progress on the kit car? See you again at FFO.
Craig

Hey Craig, glad that little tool found a good home. (And I still smile everytime I use my windshield washers). I'm really looking forward to this year's FFO. Ineed a large dose of warm weather, a long drive to PA, and about 200 Italian car enthusiasts to mingle with! Can you tell cabin fever is killing me this winter? We haven't been without snow since late November. I must be getting old because winters are beginning to feel WAY too long. Woke to 6" of new snow this morning.
As for the car I am starting the conversion over to Whoa brakes, then will go topside and tackle installing a new heater fan and cleaning up a few minor upholstery details. Most of my Fiat projects were sidetracked by the Healey this winter, but come hell or high water I will be ready for FFO. Look forward to seeing you there.

[mdrburchette]

Welcome Kevin! Cabin fever is bad down here in the South too. I think we've got a total of 1 inch of snow out of two storms but it's been cold and rainy.
I think you'll enjoy your new Whoa brakes. They're easy to install and, though I've tried, I can't seem to get them to fade. I really like the upgrade.