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
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