'76 Spider in Asheville, NC

[scripsit]

Okay, it might be an exaggeration to call the pile of bolts I just bought for $300 a 1976 Spider, or a car of any kind, but the very nice guy I bought it from swears it was his daily driver -- twelve years ago. It's got rust, it's missing parts, and its last ambulatory act was to burst into flames somewhere in Florida. "Just needs a new starter", he says. But it's cute as heck and I'm going to see what I -- or rather what my very indulgent mechanic -- can do about it. He's really generous with his time if I bring him enough Bud Lights. And I'm sure a lot of time will indeed be required. The tow truck that brought the car to my garage couldn't even get it into place without pushing it off the ramp. Rolling, it seems, is not in its repertoire. Not yet, anyway. I have a non-operative left leg from childhood polio, and my ambition, if we get that far, is to use this car to try out various doohickies and gizmos that allow you to operate a clutch pedal by hand, rather than by leg. I've always hated the automatics I'm forced to drive. I'll keep you posted!

[mdrburchette]

Welcome to the forum. Wow, you've really got a project going, don't you? Please post pics of your car when you have a chance. Rust is an issue with these cars, especially here in North Carolina where we seem to get our share of rain and humidity. Good luck with it!

[baltobernie]

operate a clutch pedal by hand, rather than by leg.

Hello and Welcome! Here's one solution, but I think the price is close to $3k. Maybe your state or local govt. can contribute some or all of that. http://www.elap.co.uk/adaptations/clutc ... ck-clutch/

Fortunately, the Spider clutch is not all that difficult to depress with a working left leg. So a Cheap and Dirty solution would be to measure and have fabricated a clutch cable that would attach to the e-brake handle. Remove the locking dog, and away you go. Get a brake Line Lock if you want an e-brake.

These cars sure are captivating, but if you Search this forum, you'll find plenty of tips regarding rust areas that you must avoid, and other evaluation no-no's. If that fire was electrical, you are climbing a very big hill. At $300, you can call what you've got a parts car; there are plenty of running cars out there for far less than what you're going to spend in three weeks, let alone the months it will take to git 'er done.

Good Luck and keep us posted