Rocker panels

Hello, I just bought a 1980 Fiat Spider from someone on ebay. The car is pretty incredible - $4,000 paint job, ~1,200 wheels/tires, new top, new front suspension, runs strong (so far). But there are two issues - one of which the previous owner stated, the other not. The first one had to do with the heater. He said that his mechanic disconnected the heater because the car tended to run hot (nearly red line). Now it doesn't (which I've verified - although it isn't hot outside). But anyway, I always thought that a heater acted like another heat exchanger and, if you had to, you could actually help cool the engine by using it. I suspect that the heater leaked - and I do see "wetness" by the heat control valve under the dash. Maybe he was losing coolant over time to the point that the car would run hot? Does anyone have any ideas? Can I rig up my garden hose to the heater inlet/outlet and test it for leaks that way?

The other issue has to do with rust on what I've always associated with "rocker panels" - altough I've never dealt with these before. There is a body panel that is attached to the door sill and wraps under the car. Under the car, where the body panel is screwed is where there is quite a bit of rust - some holes through. Is that the rocker panel and how is it secured to the car - bolts, welding?

Thanks for your help.

Jim Delaney
Sparta, NJ

i think you're rocker panels you are referring to are the sills which will be welded on,the parts quite cheap but the welding ain't.as for the heater matrix( the mini radiater in the car),yes you're right you can use this to help cool the engine(as i do on my cinq) unless maybe if he bypassed it because it was blocked but i doubt it,i would agree its more than likely a leaky matrix which you can test with the hose and if it is leaky then its a replacement (if available) or a repair

The Fiat Cinquecento
Fun While It Runs

Thank you custard. Being a newbie, did I post my question in the right spot? Regards.

Jim Delaney
Sparta, NJ

afraid not you wanted 'other fiats' or 'general fiat' but were nice here,one of the moderaters will most likely move it for you;)

The Fiat Cinquecento
Fun While It Runs

The 2000 "spider" has the rocker panels held in place with screws.
http://pub79.ezboard.com/ffiatcenterfrm26.showMessage?topicID=25.topic
If you look under the undercoating you will see them, I don't remember about the real spiders.

John R. Rushton
79 Spider 2000
http://pub79.ezboard.com/bfiatcenter