Thought I would share my most recent updates on the restoration of my 1983 Pininfarina Spider.

Here she is in the driveway after her first wash and passing CA smog first try


Pulled the driveshaft after hearing a weird rattle on acceleration.


Center support bearing was shot.


Replaced the center support, u-joints and guibo.


The driveshaft was rebalanced by a driveshaft specialist in socal, said the portion of driveshaft near the rear-axel was way out of balance, I bolted it up and it spins better than ever


The front end was looking a bit worn, decided it was time for a rebuild.


New center steering link.


Steering arm and hub assembly.


Well, I'd be lying if I didn't say I struggled to pry these springs out.


Springs before paint, control arms, and a couple new ball joints.


Sprayed them with high temp yellow paint.


Control arm before paint.


After sandblasting.


Painted all the control arms black.


I bought a really great spring compressor online, was originally marketed for coil springs on Mercedes Benzs but I was so fed up with the spring compressor I had I decided to risk it and buy this one. Wasn't cheap but it made the whole job take 20 minutes and I felt very safe.





Caliper before


A little compressed air and the piston slid right out.


Calipers after being rebuild with new seals and painted.


New brake hoses


Brakes bled, toe-in set


I pulled the A/C unit installed by the dealer, that thing was like 45 lbs. and never even worked! Still need to pull the radiator so I can get the compressor.


She's finally back on the ground!


Drying in the sun after a congratulatory wash






Sandblasted the airbox


Few coats of enamel black


Reassembled with the AFM


Still have to do the rear susspension, rear brakes, radiator, and thermostat so I will make this a running post.

Nice documentary tour! Thanks for sharing.

Good to see, can you come do my cay in Aus?

What brand spring compressor did you buy, and is there a model number?

That looks great. Nice these cars are simple .
Looks like a busy morning...Sooo, what did you do in the afternoon?

Chris

joelittel wrote:What brand spring compressor did you buy, and is there a model number?

I was just thinking the same thing. Maybe this?

http://zdmak.com/wbstore/main.asp?actio ... =1&LowCt=0

That does look like it...

joelittel wrote:That does look like it...

Thats the one! I payed like $75 for it on eBay. Works great for the front end.

Though I would add a few more photos of the restoration. Enjoy

Cork gasket had failed and started to leak coolant.


Plenum chamber after sandblasting


Removed the radiator so I can remove the last of the A/C components


All A/C equipment removed


Fan before


Dissasembly



Media blasted the fan shroud with aluminum oxide then painted it enamel black, clear-coated the rest.


Cleaned up the alternator


Sandblasted and wire-wheeled coolant tee


Crumbling fuel fill-neck next to it's replacement.


New thermostat next to the old one.


Old timing belt tensioner next to the new one.


New timing belt + tensioner


All put back together! She is complete..for now.

Thanks for sharing, we love pics!

very smart looking engine bay now, well done!

Wow, you do nice work!

Nice job! Do you remember where you got the orange plug wires? I'm looking for those.

Nanonevol wrote:Nice job! Do you remember where you got the orange plug wires? I'm looking for those.

I believe there stock from the factory, but they could have been put by a P.O.

That's a really nice read. Thanks for taking the time to work on the car, take pics while you are doing it, edit and post all of this. Keep it up!