[msmith10]

Very good day- installed new motor mounts and changed the intake runners while I was at it. The passenger side mount was really squished. What a difference in handling and shifting. Not as bad a job as I expected. I won't wait 37 years to do it next time.

 

[msmith10]

Replaced my transmission mount. Did the motor mounts a couple weeks ago. The tranny mount was harder, even with the pipe cap tool. If I ever have to do it again I'll use the old style mount as it looks much stronger. Discovered the old mount was installed upside down- not sure when that happened as I've owned the car for 34 years. Obviously the job was overdue.

 

[msmith10]

Putting the trans mount in the freezer overnight helps. Of course Anti Seize on the mating surface is a must.

Did both of those. Still a b*tch. Now that it's done though, it was worth it.

 

[msmith10]

Don't know about the US but in Sweden Alfa is also know as "fattig mans Ferrari" which means poor mans Ferrari!

Here in the midwest Ferraris are known as the rich man's Alfa.

 

[msmith10]

Finished rebuilding the front suspension following Vintre's excellent post- replaced all ball joints, tie rod ends, bushings. Long overdue after 37 years. Lower wishbone bushings and lower ball joint were shot as was the left center link end.
Need alignment now but on a short test drive, noticeable improvement- steering tighter, stays level around corners. Firmer feeling ride but takes bumps without jolting.
The upper wishbone must be under very little strain- ball joint still good and bushings look new although I replaced them anyway- I don't have any intention of ever doing this job again so better to just replace everything.

 

[msmith10]

Do you have a link to Vintre's excellent post?

It's a sticky- #98 in Spider FAQ Technical Digest.
Spider Technical FAQ Digest

 

[msmith10]

Just had a new Robbins top installed. Cloth is much nicer than original vinyl. Great fit. Today will be the last day for the year. Going to get cold in Ohio tomorrow.

 

[msmith10]

Nice top. Looks like a great installation was done. ↑

The installer, JJ Upholstery in Columbus, Ohio, is the best. He's won a bunch of prizes for his work on hot rods and show cars.

 

[msmith10]

Nice.

Where did you get the top from?

It's a Robbins top. I could have ordered it direct from Robbins but I ordered it through the installer. That way if there's a problem he takes responsibility and I won't get caught in the middle: "It's a problem with the materials", "No, it's a problem with the installation".
I didn't have any interest in installing this myself. I don't know nothin' bout working with cloth.

 

[msmith10]

Treated the Spider to 4 new fuel injectors. I'd had mine cleaned before, about 15 years ago but after 38 years I figured the original injectors didn't own me anything anymore.
I've also replaced the connectors for the injectors, CTS, TPS, CPS etc.

Which ones/ where did you get them, if I may ask?

 

[msmith10]

I get that sometimes with the Duetto - they just don't know what it is.
I once pulled up to the gas pumps next to a Miata. I sort of felt like, "Luke, this is your grandfather!" but the guy didn't even notice.

He noticed... he was just too embarrassed to let it show.

 

[msmith10]

I've gotten three compliments on my Spider so far:

Two were from people who said, "Nice Fiat!"

The other was from some lady probably in her late 70s who told me the car was "sexy". This left me feeling a little weird.

Trust me- you won't feel weird when you're in your 70's.

 

[msmith10]

Short version: Finished replacing springs w Eibachs, replaced limiting straps and reinstalled heater box. Also swapped wheels for a set of Chromadoras.
Nice car, and I wish I had your shop.

 

[msmith10]

While you are there, you should replace the fuel lines too if you haven't already done so. Mine injector hoses looked fine but super brittle once I dug into them. Removing the plenum also makes replacing the passenger's side motor mount a breeze.

I'll second that. Replaced the motor mounts last year. This year did the fuel lines and injectors. The worst part of all those jobs was pulling the intake plenum.