1979 Spider 2000

[katsi]

Does anyone know how to remove the panels under the door that run the length of the car? I can find the screws but I don't know where to start popping welds and I don't want to damange anything.

[katsi]

I guess I posted my original introduction in someone's introduction - sorry about that. I'm new to this as I am to Fiat Spiders. All I know is that I have always wanted one. I test drove one back in 1985 when I was 17 and have always wanted one ever since. Anyway, now I have one and I need HELP. The one I purchased is a 1979 Pinninfarina 2000. I have just about read the manual from cover to cover. I can't say I know it all but I definatly have a better understanding of the cars now. Anyway, the body section of my shop manual did not cover any removal or installation of body parts. and I need to know how to remove the running boards or what ever they are called. Mine is pretty much a fixer upper and non driveable at this time - Paid $600.00 for it and I feel a bit ripped off - just kidding, it was a fair price. I have it running nicely right now and am replacing the complete brake system - in the process right now - All the parts came in today - Just around $500.00 total. Anyway, any help in the body would be great. Kinda lucked out and got one that is pretty much rust free - but, I am still looking for rust. No rust in the important parts but I can't be for certain untill I remove those lower panels.
Thanks
Katsi

[kilrwail]

Welcome to the board Katsi. If you can't see or feel any rust on the rocker panels, you might want to leave them. These cars usually rust first around the running lights, wheel wells and at the seams between panels. I suppose others may have seen rusty rockers, but I haven't. And sorry, I don't know how to remove them elegantly.

[rlux4]

Welcome aboard Katsi. Congratulations on getting your first Spider! A 79 was my first one also. As to the rocker cover removal, I couldn't say either, I've always assumed that they just come up when the screws are removed. But I wanted to welcome you anyway.
Ron

[pope]

There should only be screws.
On the top under the stainless steel door edge guard.
Front screws where the long stainless steel trim piece is under the door.
On the bottom of the rocker covers.
In the front and rear wheel wells, there should be one screw each.
There should be no welds, depending on previous owner.

[mbouse]

Hey, Katsi - - welcome to the site. hang in there and someone with sheet metal experience is bound to pop in. When you get ready for performance upgrade questions on that carbureted engine, look me up. i can get you headed in the right direction.

[mdrburchette]

Welcome Katsi. I recently removed the rockers from a 72 that I've got stripped. Under the stainless sill plates are several screws that need to be removed, along with a few at the wheel openings. The problem I ran into was the heads of the screws would strip and I ended up having to drill them out. I don't know what Fiat used when they made those dang screws, but I can tell you they were hard! I ended up grinding them down in order to get the rockers off. If you are considering replacing the rockers with new ones, go for it, but if you're planning to reinstall the originals I'd think twice about pulling them.

[narfire]

Welcome to a place with all answers to fiats.
As for the rocker panels,I've just put mine back on. Under the scuff plate are screws that hold the panels down and also on mine are a small stud that are found at each end of the panel that kind of fits into a hole on the inside of the wheel wells. A washer and 8mm nut hold it in place. Denise is right in that the screws can get seized and are a PITA to get out after breaking off.
Good luck and also......POST PICS! (please)

[katsi]

OK, I think I got the picture thing down. Here SHOULD be a picture of the late 1979 spider taken in it's previous grave yard that is going to be my goregeous Ferrari Red Fiat 2000 with tan interior.