I'm going to have a couple weeks off and accesses to a garage this winter to work on my car (1982 FI spider w/ 150k mi), which is great since I usually work on the street. In particular this gives me an opportunity to throw the car up on stands that I don't usually have. Given that this is the case I'd love some input on what to rebuild/replace. Over the summer I managed to get the engine running smoothly and reliably and passing smog... so now it's on to drivetrain/suspension stuff. There's nothing obviously wrong with any thing on the car at the moment, although I'm sure it could use a fresh set of brake pads and rotors. It does squeak (sounds like wheel or axle) for about the first 10 meters driven when it has been sitting for awhile. So basically looking for advice on what is usually replaced when ripping apart suspension and rebuilding, a-arms? wheel bearings? tie rods? guibo? etc. etc. Would new springs/shocks be worth it? rear sway bar? Would love to keep budget under $800ish.
Cheers,
B

Have you replaced the timing belt recently? If not, that is an easy todo well worth the time.

It is tough to state exactly what you should do during these two weeks. I would imagine you will not know what parts you need until you get your hands dirty and inspect things closely. With that said, i would incourage you to get under the car now and inspect things closely so you will have parts on hand when you start the work and can order some additional parts as the need comes up in the middle of the job. make a game plan in advance with time for detours. Are the A Arms in good shape? if yes than no need to spend money on new ones. Maybe disassemble, clean and paint. shocks and springs. I would think so. Guibo, i would think so. Wheel Bearings? not sure if they were done before and re-packed. does not take long to inspect them to determine if new bearing are needed. Think of the little things you will need like a castle nut since they are indented and not pinned. tearing down and rebuilding the brakes with clean calipers and new hoses is a must if not already done. If tie rods and sway bar are in good shape then no need to replace. A bent tie rod needs to be replaced. good time to change transmission oil and differential oil as well as inspect the undercarriage for rust spots you can treat and coat.

hope that you assesment matches the rerality of what needs to be done. The folks on the forum are hear to help.

Here's a few ideas lol

http://forum.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtop ... ilit=+fall

Every piece of rubber on the front end of my '80 was cracked or torn. I tore into the front end and replaced all ball joints, steering ends, and A-arm bushings. New front rotors and pads. Replaced cracked brake lines. Packed the front bearings and replaced 1 bad bearing. New KYB shocks all around. Sway bar bushings.

Not too difficult. Take lots of pictures so you put it all back together properly. If you re-use the old A arms, be sure to mount the ball joints properly (the flange of the ball joint on top of or below the arm).

Search my posts for pics and details.

Replacing the fuel and fuel vent hoses is a good idea, especially if they are original. Be sure to buy FI pressure rated hose.

Here's a thread on the subject.

Very helpful advice, thanks guys. I will try and get under the car for a bit this weekend and snap as many pictures as I can, this gives me an idea of what to look at... I'll try and get some posted up soon.