you missed a great pick-a-part

[mbouse]

Pope, Lee Putman, Dave R. and i had a grand time tearing apart a 1980 Spider this past saturday. none of us could imagine the fine weather we'd encounter (above the 66°F predicted, sunshine abounding).

"Chap" from this forum met us in the early part of the day to view the body and underbelly. Sounds like he and his father will be returning this coming weekend to pick up the shell and the title. Makes me smile to know that this particular car will not be lost to the world.

Many parts went to Detroit or West Chicago. Some parts are continuing to be spread throughout N America. contact me if you have a need.... especially blue interior stuff.

the most important thing is that four Fiatsu gathered together for a full day of fun and friendship. we shared stories, beer, pizza and parts. We got to see a swatch of the gorgeous red leather that Pope is using on his interior. i think we used some non-mechanics tools along the way, and may have used some other tools in new and unique ways. i will be taking bribes to keep the pictures off the 'net... or bribes to share the pictures on the 'net... whichever comes first.

November in shirt sleeves, outside wrenching could not have been better.. thanks algore!

[pope]

Dont forget about the guy who just happened to drop by with his 1959 190SL Mercedes Convertible. White on white leather with a dark blue cloth convertible top. Just beautiful. Styled very much like the gullwing door version of 57. Chrome that shined like the dickens

[mbouse]

yeah, well... we did have a few folks stopping by to investigate at several points throughout the day. Seems that a FIAT flag hanging in the front lawn does not detract.. but ATTRACTS visitors!

plus, thanks to the guys for chipping in and giving Miles a hard time. Seems that a pick-a-part party is a good location for a young man to be brave enough to ask for my blessing in giving my daughter's hand in marriage!! Any young man willing to go through that gauntlet should get an extra special nod, don't you think? even if he's a Mopar boy.

[Chap]

Yes, we will be up this weekend to take the shell home. It was a pleasure meeting you all.

[mbouse]

Steve,

Don't forget to collect the title for that car! If i am not around, i will tape it to the dash in a plastic bag....

[leeputmanjr]

...yeah, that was a fun day! It was GREAT to meet some new Fiat friends, and it was a lot of fun getting to know Pope, and joining him in some good-spirited ribbing of Mr. Bouse!

I got to pull apart several areas of a Spider previously unknown to me, and that alone was worth the trip! We each also had quite a bit of fun with the "OOH! I need THAT!" discovery of bits & pieces that make all our cars a bit better than they were before.

My Jeep Wrangler was riding a bit low on the way home...

[katsi]

Did sombody mention blue parts? How are the door pannels? I really just need the arm wrests. Center console? Good ? Bad? Tell me more. I've got a bluie and I want to keep it stock. How are the seats? Rear seat? Anything blue I'm interested in.

[mbouse]

ahh... you missed my posts of last week. the blue door panels are in really nice shape, as are the arm rests. the center console is toast, but the radio console is adequate.

Seats are fair, but i don't think they are worth the shipping expense to the great expanse called Texas, from the Winter Wonderland. if someone in need could pick them up, they'd be worth the effort.

rear quarter panels are available, but of questionable value.

send me an email and we can talk / swap pictures.

[racydave]

Really wanted to join you guys, but the homestead needed new water lines. I will come up soon to help remove the eng and trans from your steed

[mbouse]

your lenses will be waiting for your arrival.

i will let you know when we can start that project.