Well, Red finally gets his new tail lights. It's been two years now, but finally the cuffs match. a new drivers side housing
and a pair of NOS lenses from Canadan and a good condition passenger's side housing from an eBayer, and Red canm proudly show his rear end to anyone he can beat.

The 1971 housings are a "one year only" piece, and I believe that Red was rear ended some time in his past. Finding good examples has been challenging and satisfying. It's what makes this hobby fun.

Everyone needs a little help once in a while This link is to a page of individuals and vendors that have helped with this project.

Red was driven and enjoyed this summer (2001). The car has an "older", but still shiny, paint/body restoration, a brand new top, and is still quite presentable. Mechanically the car is sound with the exception of a couple minor oil leaks. It is a pleasure to drive and starts and runs well.

The car has been kept basically "Stock" with some period appropriate add on pieces. All modifications will be of the "bolt on" variety.

Cost is always a factor in these kinds of projects. Often we invest more in our cars than can ever be regained if we sell them, but I feel that there are three justifications for this kind of irrational behavior. Having a Spider is buying into a small group of enthusiasts and could be considered membership fee to have something different from an MG or Mustang. Second, that you are preserving something that is worth saving. The spider is the first of the "Modern" era inexpensive sports cars. And Third? Well having a hobby is always kind of more expensive than it's commercial worth. Don't feel guilty about spending all the money, it was educational and fun. Then and when it comes time to sell, be proud of keeping alive one of the truly great little sports cars.

Red has received so far: Complete new interior including carpet, seats dashboard, top cover, and upholstery. By far the most comprehensive work. The quest for parts has included dozens of small trim bits from various suppliers to replace missing or inappropriate bits. This included some beautiful floor mats, door handles straps, buttons levers and new weather sealing gaskets around the hood, doors, and trunk. The weather stripping really makes a difference in the sound of the doors closing and the hood no longer rattles or shakes at speed. Western Minnilight wheels from Green with BFG 205/60/13 Radial / TAs. Abarth steering wheel from Green Dual IDFs also from Green Install correct tail lights New OEM single chrome exhaust from the header back. Replacing a "custom" system that worked, but sounded a bit "ricey". Fiats bark and sing, not buzz! The Ansa system from Green just didn't look right to my eyes. I wanted to get back to a little more original kind of look. New Pinnin badges and gaskets for the rear quarters Polished cam covers and timing belt cover Install some retractable seat belts for safety Install a nice Kennwood Radio with 6.5" speakers in the kick panels and an automatic antenna. Abarth Vitalaloni reproduction DS mirror. New interior mirror Pinninfarina HT for cooler fall drives Install correct 71tail lights (NOS) A new Garage for Red (Completed 10/1/03) New Dash/Console wood pieces. Polished stock exhaust manifold and black VHT painted Story and pictures HERE New Old Stock 140mph speedometer Smoothed and buffed aluminum cam and timing belt covers HERE Replaced and refinished the wood instrument/shift panels License and inspection. Passed with flying colors Single Radiator Hose With in-head Stat HERE New slotted and drilled front rotors with EBC kevlar performance pads. Story HERE Genuine Fiat Roosevelt Alloy Wheels. Story HERE Next to be installed: Marelli Plex electronic distributor from Green Projects Scheduled for the near future Repaint Presentable. With the new interior, hardtop, wheels and a fresh wax job, Red is ready for what he was built for. Two people, nice twolane twisty roads and beautiful Spring, Summer, and Fall weather.	Factory Picture of the 1608 Eruopean Motor Weber IDFs and Manifold Now installed Above is a picture of the newly re-finished Fiat Roosevelt wheels with the new BFG 205/60/13 tires. These make a nice looking street setup for the car.