It’s arrived…my 1979 Spyder 2000!

[Luigi]

So it’s here, my auction purchase was delivered today and on close inspection outdoors it looks as good as the photos.

Bodywork is very clean, no rust or paint bubbling, some evidence of a little crustiness on the door apertures but nothing to worry about. Clearly looked after in this department.

So has the engine and gearbox.  Drives very direct with good pull and gear changes like a car a fraction of its age.

Wheels are original and spotless.

But there are some jobs to do, and questions to ask:

1. On startup should the choke (it looks like a choke) light flash for around ten minutes?  I started it on the button today, presumably from cold (so I may have answered that one already),

2. Are the seat belt fasteners supposed to be different?  Or, when one inevitably got replaced in the distant past, was it a case of finding a compatible one instead of an original?  I know it’s a quirky car in many ways but it does seem odd.  One has a square release button, the other is long,

3. Other than the hazard lights and heated rear window (which lights up when switched on, even though it’s a Spyder!) what do those other two rocker switches do?  I haven’t seen anything work when they’re switched on,

I have just ordered a used Haynes manual for the car (assuming, incorrectly, that one would come with it) simply so I can see what everything does but also to replace a number plate lamp, interior lamp, possibly a wiper motor (they work but are painfully slow) and remove the door cards as neither of the doors lock.

Oh, and a year’s gym membership to steer the thing at low speed!  But I’m sure I’ll get used to it 

[peteracs]

Hi

There is no choke light, the only flashing light is the handbrake on light, apart from the indicator ones.

As you say the seat belts will have been changed in that case as normally the same.

No idea on the switches as have the pre facelift car which is different.

The Haynes manual only coverstory pre facelift cars so is limited on dash/trim etc which are totally different.

As you say the Spider does not have a heated rear window, though Theresa's a rare hard top which did have a solid rear window with heating elements I seem to remember.

Peter

[JASPER_40]

Hi Luigi,

Congrats on your new purchase ...really hope you enjoy.

Just curious about the switches...as far as I am aware, all active switches have a symbol on them to denote their function which illuminates when the headlights are on.

Other OE switches without symbols are blank / dummy switches. Maybe you have some aftermarket rocker switches.

Post a pic of the dash showing the switches that don't do anything.

Also, solving a slow wiper issue is a right of passage for a new owner. There are plenty of threads on this forum which will help.

Cheers,

Steve

[peteracs]

Hi

On the steering, what sizes tyres do you have and how old they? This makes a difference.

Also there was a bush in the manual rack which disintegrates and may not help.....

Peter

[rossocorsa]

Hi

On the steering, what sizes tyres do you have and how old they? This makes a difference.

Also there was a bush in the manual rack which disintegrates and may not help.....

Peter

Failed steering damper as well

[Nigel]

Rich,
On the switches: the only functioning switch on the Spyder is the rear fog (upper bank)
and that only works when dipped beams are on. The orange tell-tale on the dash should also illuminate.
You may have another one down by the cig lighter socket which is intended for front fogs when fitted.

On wipers: as already said, faulty wiring is the common cause, but check all the earthing points as well.
There is a well-populated earth point behind the dash panel. The wiper motor itself is very reliable.
I failed to find the faulty wiring on mine, and ended up rewiring the circuit from column to motor, incorporating
the delay relay. The hazard switch is a part of the circuit but I didn't need to go there.

Nigel

[Luigi]

Sorry for the delay, went to Simply Italian @ Beaulieu on Sunday and got simply wet through and caught a equally simply nasty cold…

Got the car back out today in a window of dry weather.  The Haynes manual also turned up bang on time.  Found out that two of the switches are just spare switches!  I have the (working) hazards and (working) HRW but the two others are just spare switches.  Call it Lancia madness   

On the tyres, I have new-ish (date stamp 4922), albeit Chinese, 185/70s which aren’t exactly original (should be 175s) but pressures were all over the shop between 20-30psi.  Not excessive, but should all be 24psi unladen which seems slightly low to me.  It’s only a 1050kg car though.  Made a slight difference but I’m sure it should still be easier to steer.  Not looking forward to getting access to the rack (or damper?) - that’ll be a garage job.

I’m off again tomorrow so will check the earths for the wipers.  Also will look into the horn as it doesn’t work; I had the steering wheel horn push off today, checked the contacts but no joy, could just be wiring again as the fuse (no.14 of 16) seems intact.  The windscreen washer jet motor’s wires were detached when I opened the bonnet (even the fluid pipes were loose!) so got those working too.

The left side of the dash needs looking at too, as the speedo worked initially then stopped along with the odo/trip, when I pressed the trip reset button.  Possibly earthing/wiring, seems to be a running theme….

[peteracs]

Hi

You can get the rack out, it is held in by two U shaped brackets and the connection to the column. I seem to remember one side was easier than the other, but cannot remember which!!!

I run 28psi on my 175 tyres, the 185 will be slightly more effort, but should be fine once moving?

On the horn. Assuming your later car uses the column to route it to GND and I found it can be a bit hit/miss to get a good connection.

Peter

[Neil-yaj396]

The speedo isn't electronic, it's cable operated, so you will need to check that it is properly connected at the back of the instruments.

[Nigel]

There is an earth spade terminal on the rack near where the column attaches. This should have a short wire connected to earth the column. Horn won't work without this.

[Luigi]

Productive morning.  Horn is now functioning (loose wire by the steering, bonus point to Nigel ), and while I’m down there got the speedo/odo to work again.

With 30psi in the tyres, cornering feels a little easier too.  I’ve no reference having only driven a Mini Clubman of a similar vintage in my youth but certainly what I’d expect of a car with no power steering. 

Same with the brakes.  No leaks in the system, just a pump or two on the pedal to firm up.  I guess I’ve just got to get used to driving an old car again.

Thanks everyone 

[peteracs]

Hi

The brakes should be solid and as good as modern ones. Anything less and you have an issue with them.

Peter

[Ferrit]

My brakes were (before I ripped them apart) felt all good, like Peter says just like a modern car.

I drove my mates very clean and restored Stag and it was horrible, zero feel and wooden.