My gosh! This was my dream back in 1976. I had a ‘72 Spider when I was in high school and the biggest plan I had was to turn it into a high performance car! Never got enough money to do it... I even wanted to paint it orange! You’re living my dream. This is an old TH-cam post, hope you’re still checking comments on it...!
@@bradmathews1005 Hi Brad, I wish I had such an offer 20 or 30 years ago! Sadly though, I am not in the market, but boy, that’s a nice car! Good luck with it!
Nice mod! I like the way you superimposed all the makes into one logo. I'm a bit of a Italian made purist but who has time to get Italian parts when you can retrofit a nice block in there! Good walk around vid too. Although I would've liked to have heard more of the drive. However, I'm glad you didn't continue filming your croch on the drive!
Thank you the conversion was completed thirteen years ago Sorry about the crouch shots ha ha. Here's a short ride video th-cam.com/video/K0aGFL6USwM/w-d-xo.html
My first car that I acquired from my grnadpa when I was maybe 10-11 that he purchased at a yard sale and saw it sitting under pune trees was a Rosso Cherry/tan interior 1980.5-81 (could never find out through the VIN) Fuel Injected. Sadly never got to see her run, to this day I will always remember the VIN and WILL obtain it again one day. At a point I wanted to put a 5.0 in it so badly lol
@@bradmathews1005 I cannot stress how much I appreciate your input and I will personally search into as soon as I finish this video (let's see how that goes lol). I haven't thought of researching my VIN since I was maybe 13-14 and I spent maybe a whole weekend googling my VIN and whatever else I could think of at the time. Luckily this caused me to have my VIN embedded in my memory (as my Grandfather is no longer with us) and I really hope one day to do what I should have done before then.
I have a couple questions for this amazing build, where did you get that trunk spoiler? And also what’s the suspension setup/ tire and wheel size, I love the fitment it looks really good
I'll have to get back to you on tire & wheel size. I remember 17" wheels but the tire size I'm pulling a blank. I put a rear end from Chevy S10 but moved the Fiat 4 link onto it. To match the five bolt pattern of the Chevy rear end. I changed the A arms to hold Chevy ball joint and added 2" drop spindles. Changed the shocks and spring to the desired height. The rear spoiler is from a 98" Ford Taurus SHO to best of my memory. Found at a junk yard. Thought if might work. I like it, its not over the top. I'll get back to you on the tire size personally I would like to bring the rear tires in about a half inch. It can be done just haven't wanted to spend more money on such a small issue.
the beauty of such little cars like this is that I can remember the AC COBRA, and THE SUNBEAM TIGER and a few others that made driving FUN. Your example is another one like that of the Mazda Miata. FUN! I WONDER??? IF A V8 IN FIAT X1/9?
The Cobra and the Tiger inspired my build. Both were built with one very important spec, Power to weight. The X19 would be a really hard conversation build. I really don't know much about it. But I haven't heard much good. But it is being done with the old Pontiac Fiero. Mallet performance has converted the Satern Sky and Pontiac Solstice. With Ls V8 motors.
My dad and I are thinking of doing same thing. Have a lot of questions. How did you get it to balance? Fit the headers? Where can you find a conversion kit? Probably have many more...but all I can think of off the top of my head. By the way...beautiful car.
Wow, big question, we moved the firewall back 10". Lowered cross member 2". Block hugger headers by Sanderson shortened about an inch. There are no conversion kits. Cut and weld. If you need more details maybe I can help. Sorry short on time right now. Thank you
Hey I know this is an old build I'm doing something fairly similar with mine do you by chance remember what you used for a rear end I dont think the golf kart rear end fiat supplied will hold up to much thanks
Liam, I used a rear end out of a 89 chevy S10 truck I'm thinking it was 49.5 inch wide in any case it was the correct width. I think a late 80's Camaro had the same rear end. I then added the Fiats 4 link to it. And a pan hard bar. That I crafted a cam adjuster like a Corvette. At this time I'm dealing with the wheel back plate. That needs replaced. I would suggest adding disc conversation will making the install. The 89 has a horrible wheel cylinder when it come to replacement. The eheelmplate is understandably worn over the years. And I'm using a 3.73 gear
Notes no, but I have a suitcase full of paper invoices. A lot of info given in my comments to others. I would be glade to give any info I can. Feel free to write bradmathews124@gmail
I am in the early stages of putting together another Fiat Spider 2000 with bigger engine. Looking for a cleaner car that has not been rusted out too badly, Any suggestions on a smaller, yet fast engine to consider for a Spider? Thanks, Danno
Ok, I always called them breast. There's a guy I lost contact with he has it posted on you tube with a chevy v6 I was looking at Buicks v6 with a turbo. But it's a hard find. I'm kinda out of the loop on that anymore. If you go turbo the imports have plenty to pick from .i think the breast started in 73''
The original A arms altered to except Gm ball points And 2" lowering drop spindle. For Steering I have Flaming River Pinto rack & pinion. But I would look into th we mustang II steering rack. Evan Mustang II front clip.
Purchased over 34 years ago from some guy name SCOTT? IN California. I think I saw a new supplier. Go to Fiat restomod Face book group and check I think I have a screen shoot of it I'll look for it.
@@bradmathews1005 Thank you so much, I think I saw somewhere here you put an s10 axle in the rear, if so did you beef it up at all? I am looking at doing a 302 paired with a zf5 that I can get a good deal on and putting in a 78 thats for sale for 1000. I can do all the fab myself so that saves me a lot of money doing this lol.
No, I did not do any thing to the S10 rear-end. Other than transferring the four link from the Fiat to it. It can more than handle the 302 power. We raced an S10 for years with the same rear end with over 750 HP. With no problems.
This is stunning. Out of this world. Please respond if possible how much Power did this make and of course it needed some rear end re enforcements. Friends of mine blew the rear end right off of one lol
Thank you. Power est 300hp Ford trans C4 to a chevy rear end from a S10 pick up. With the Fiat four link grafted on it. The Chevy rear end, can"t remember the year is a perfect width 49"? I think, It's been 13+ years.
I put a chevy small block V8 in my 1970 fiat 124. It's a fun daily driver. You can check it out at '124 fiat 1970(Frankenstein)' on youtube. Still needs some interior work. Old hot rodders never die.
john nasmith very cool I will definitely check it out. The Chevy engine I think is even a harder conversation due to its size . I'm sure the headers were fun.
No way. Never. The 1.8 makes 80 hp. With a turbo if it didnt blow up would be 110 hp because youd need low compression. Youd be around 10 seconds 0-60 like the 2000 fuel injected. This is probably 4 seconds
I'm not trying to avoid your question. But read the comments. You will get some insight. It's not easy my any means. And you will spend more then you will ever be able to sell it for. Mine maybe going up for sale in the near future.
I see below you might want to sell this car. I have a 1979 and have been discussing the possibility of doing something like this. Maybe I'd be better off hearing what you might want for yours.
No idea, many donated parts short block, transmission, I do know I don't want to think about it. Not much more then a good restoration would have cost 13 years ago when I did this.
Clyde Ream II I don't think I have any pictures of the frame. It's a unibody car. I added sub frame connectors and the roll bar firmed everything up quite a bit.
Clyde Ream II thank you Clyde, if there is any info that I can help with I'll try. You can look through some of the comments to get some insight. But I'll do my best to help. What motor are you planning?
Ford, 306 30 over, E303 cam elderbrock heads & intake. HOLLY TBI injection.system . DUI distributor and Sanderson headers. Ford C4 transmission to Chevy rear end from a S-10 pickup racing spline axles 3.73 gear
My gosh! This was my dream back in 1976. I had a ‘72 Spider when I was in high school and the biggest plan I had was to turn it into a high performance car! Never got enough money to do it... I even wanted to paint it orange! You’re living my dream. This is an old TH-cam post, hope you’re still checking comments on it...!
Thank you, this dream car could be yours. I just said to my wife I was thinking about selling it. Would you be interested?
@@bradmathews1005 Hi Brad,
I wish I had such an offer 20 or 30 years ago! Sadly though, I am not in the market, but boy, that’s a nice car! Good luck with it!
No problem, take care
@Mike sure,.
@Mike write me at badbradm55@aol.com
I had one of these back in the day with the stock engine and it was pretty quick. I can only imagine how fast it is with a 302.
All that loving work paid off big time.
yep, thank you
Nice mod! I like the way you superimposed all the makes into one logo. I'm a bit of a Italian made purist but who has time to get Italian parts when you can retrofit a nice block in there! Good walk around vid too. Although I would've liked to have heard more of the drive. However, I'm glad you didn't continue filming your croch on the drive!
Thank you the conversion was completed thirteen years ago
Sorry about the crouch shots ha ha. Here's a short ride video
th-cam.com/video/K0aGFL6USwM/w-d-xo.html
Holy crap, that’s insane!! Lol!
I need new underwear....the 79 sitting in my garage is crying right now because I'm looking at it with aggressive intentions 😂
Lol, thanks
My first car that I acquired from my grnadpa when I was maybe 10-11 that he purchased at a yard sale and saw it sitting under pune trees was a Rosso Cherry/tan interior 1980.5-81 (could never find out through the VIN) Fuel Injected. Sadly never got to see her run, to this day I will always remember the VIN and WILL obtain it again one day. At a point I wanted to put a 5.0 in it so badly lol
There is a Fiat registry collecting Fiat VIN numbers, you may want to check into that. I'll see if I have the info.
Check with fiatspider.com about registry
@@bradmathews1005 I cannot stress how much I appreciate your input and I will personally search into as soon as I finish this video (let's see how that goes lol).
I haven't thought of researching my VIN since I was maybe 13-14 and I spent maybe a whole weekend googling my VIN and whatever else I could think of at the time. Luckily this caused me to have my VIN embedded in my memory (as my Grandfather is no longer with us) and I really hope one day to do what I should have done before then.
I just submitted an account, thank you.
Good luck Mark
After watching that ,i had a headache from your shaking camera! LOL
Aww...automatic, Boo. But a beautiful install, paint color, and interior. We had eight of them over the years.
That's awesome!!! Forget the mx5.
Thanks John, I know a guy who converts Mazdas to V8. I think it's a good formula for fun. But I don't fit well in them.
Absolutely love the color
Thank you it's a Fiat color
I have a couple questions for this amazing build, where did you get that trunk spoiler? And also what’s the suspension setup/ tire and wheel size, I love the fitment it looks really good
I'll have to get back to you on tire & wheel size. I remember 17" wheels but the tire size I'm pulling a blank. I put a rear end from Chevy S10 but moved the Fiat 4 link onto it. To match the five bolt pattern of the Chevy rear end. I changed the A arms to hold Chevy ball joint and added 2" drop spindles. Changed the shocks and spring to the desired height. The rear spoiler is from a 98" Ford Taurus SHO to best of my memory. Found at a junk yard. Thought if might work. I like it, its not over the top. I'll get back to you on the tire size personally I would like to bring the rear tires in about a half inch. It can be done just haven't wanted to spend more money on such a small issue.
Brad Mathews alright man thanks!!
Front tires size 215 /40 /17
Rear 235 / 40 / 17
The spoiler is a from a 98 Ford SHO Taurus.i believe. Found at a junk yard.
You mentioned using 2’’ dropped spindles from ? S10 ?
I must say. True craftsmanship!!!
Clyde Ream II, thank you Clyde.
Awesome! I bet is a blast to rip
A blast for sure
the beauty of such little cars like this is that I can remember the AC COBRA, and THE SUNBEAM TIGER and a few others that made driving FUN. Your example is another one like that of the Mazda Miata. FUN! I WONDER??? IF A V8 IN FIAT X1/9?
The Cobra and the Tiger inspired my build. Both were built with one very important spec, Power to weight. The X19 would be a really hard conversation build. I really don't know much about it. But I haven't heard much good. But it is being done with the old Pontiac Fiero. Mallet performance has converted the Satern Sky and Pontiac Solstice. With Ls V8 motors.
@@bradmathews1005 How about the VW V6? Like from the Scirocco?
Loved it, I almost bought one back in the early 80s
I wonder if the Volkswagen VR6 would be a good fit.
I just watched the humble mechanic fooling with a VR6. So I'm thinking honda K20 engine.
This is soooooooooooo freaking sweet!
Mitch Kavanagh thank you.
Sick!
Thank you
Thank you
That is SWEET!
I really like the rear spoiler on this. I have an 80 Spider V8. What did the spoiler originally come off?
Thank you I believe it was a 98 Ford Taurus SHO. Not sure on the year. But it was for sure the Ford Taurus SHO. Purchased at a junk yard.
@@bradmathews1005 Awesome! Thank you very much
Hey Brad I know you have a lot of comments but what kind of transmission you put in that thing? This is beautiful
It has had two different transmissions first a Ford AOD, now Ford C4
By the way, beautiful build!
Thank you Chris
Do you have any pictures as you build the car?
No not really.
My dad and I are thinking of doing same thing. Have a lot of questions. How did you get it to balance? Fit the headers? Where can you find a conversion kit? Probably have many more...but all I can think of off the top of my head. By the way...beautiful car.
Wow, big question, we moved the firewall back 10". Lowered cross member 2". Block hugger headers by Sanderson shortened about an inch. There are no conversion kits. Cut and weld. If you need more details maybe I can help. Sorry short on time right now. Thank you
Brad Mathews thanks
So powerful!! Shaking the ground!! Lol
Hey I know this is an old build I'm doing something fairly similar with mine do you by chance remember what you used for a rear end I dont think the golf kart rear end fiat supplied will hold up to much thanks
Liam, I used a rear end out of a 89 chevy S10 truck I'm thinking it was 49.5 inch wide in any case it was the correct width. I think a late 80's Camaro had the same rear end. I then added the Fiats 4 link to it. And a pan hard bar. That I crafted a cam adjuster like a Corvette. At this time I'm dealing with the wheel back plate. That needs replaced. I would suggest adding disc conversation will making the install. The 89 has a horrible wheel cylinder when it come to replacement. The eheelmplate is understandably worn over the years. And I'm using a 3.73 gear
Contact me if I can add any more info.
@@bradmathews1005 thanks I really appreciate it I will share some pictures when it is a little more put together
@@liamtoohey9526 I look forward to it. My contact info :
Bradmathews124@gmail.
Com
Do you have Any build notes for this? I will be doing this project and interested in any notes you may have
Notes no, but I have a suitcase full of paper invoices. A lot of info given in my comments to others. I would be glade to give any info I can. Feel free to write bradmathews124@gmail
Very cool car
Top Speed ? VERY COOL CAR, only thing I miss is those 2 cool bumps on the 124 and Spider 2000 models, but very sweet
Never tried to get top speed. I've been to 100. Does 84mph in 1/8 mile 8.1 sec Thank you!
You maybe one of very few, who likes 2000 bumpers.😀
Not the Bumbers,.... The two "Bumps" that are on the original hoods. I don't like the bumbers either
I am in the early stages of putting together another Fiat Spider 2000 with bigger engine. Looking for a cleaner car that has not been rusted out too badly, Any suggestions on a smaller, yet fast engine to consider for a Spider? Thanks, Danno
Ok, I always called them breast. There's a guy I lost contact with he has it posted on you tube with a chevy v6 I was looking at Buicks v6 with a turbo. But it's a hard find. I'm kinda out of the loop on that anymore. If you go turbo the imports have plenty to pick from .i think the breast started in 73''
where you do this i want one
You made it loud like an American instead of sexy like an Italian.
Couldn't agree more. The wheels are hideous! Beautiful work on the engine though.
Sorry you don't like it. ButI I really don't care, I didn't make it for you.
What are you using for a front suspension and are you using a rack pinion steering, thanks
The original A arms altered to except Gm ball points And 2" lowering drop spindle. For Steering I have Flaming River Pinto rack & pinion. But I would look into th we mustang II steering rack. Evan Mustang II front clip.
@@bradmathews1005 thanks for the info 😎😎
I have an '81 spider 2000 currently. It's a sunny day driver. I love your rear spoiler! Where did you get it?
Junk yard, from 98 Ford Taurus SHO. To best of my recollection.
@@bradmathews1005
Thanks a lot. Mind if I copy your rear spoiler idea?
It's all good, go for it
@@kerryclark1926 the 2000 is ok but it needs at least 175 hp. It only has 100.
Nice cam.
Ford motor sports E303 cam
Where did you get the front spoiler?
Purchased over 34 years ago from some guy name SCOTT? IN California. I think I saw a new supplier. Go to Fiat restomod Face book group and check I think I have a screen shoot of it I'll look for it.
Look on eBay 1969-1983 124 fiat spider showcars-duct-front -spoiler
Showcarrob, is the vendor from Canada that's all I got. Good luck
www.ebay.com/itm/122898482787?hash=item1c9d520663:g:~1wAAOSwKXdaT8jP
@@bradmathews1005 Thank you so much, I think I saw somewhere here you put an s10 axle in the rear, if so did you beef it up at all? I am looking at doing a 302 paired with a zf5 that I can get a good deal on and putting in a 78 thats for sale for 1000. I can do all the fab myself so that saves me a lot of money doing this lol.
No, I did not do any thing to the S10 rear-end. Other than transferring the four link from the Fiat to it. It can more than handle the 302 power. We raced an S10 for years with the same rear end with over 750 HP. With no problems.
This is stunning. Out of this world. Please respond if possible how much Power did this make and of course it needed some rear end re enforcements. Friends of mine blew the rear end right off of one lol
Thank you. Power est 300hp Ford trans C4 to a chevy rear end from a S10 pick up. With the Fiat four link grafted on it. The Chevy rear end, can"t remember the year is a perfect width 49"? I think, It's been 13+ years.
I put a chevy small block V8 in my 1970 fiat 124. It's a fun daily driver. You can check it
out at '124 fiat 1970(Frankenstein)' on youtube. Still needs some interior work. Old
hot rodders never die.
john nasmith very cool I will definitely check it out. The Chevy engine I think is even a harder conversation due to its size . I'm sure the headers were fun.
How much did it cost to do the engine and transmission swap?
Fifty bucks for the block, $ 200 for the trans. Then a shit load of parts and time. But if the cost is your concern, Don't start.
Really cool, though I'll stick with my Fiat 1800 engine. Maybe I'll turbo it and beat you there! hahaha
No way. Never. The 1.8 makes 80 hp. With a turbo if it didnt blow up would be 110 hp because youd need low compression. Youd be around 10 seconds 0-60 like the 2000 fuel injected. This is probably 4 seconds
@@chrishuber8930 Sure, whatever. It's already above 110 HP and I've barely started doing anything to it.
@@GudrezBilly no its not above 110.
@@GudrezBilly what year is your car. Is it a 70s spider or 60s? Is it the inline 6?
@@chrishuber8930 78 with the 1.8 4 cylinder, of course
Scott Goodson, for whatever reason your comment isn't posting. Anyway to answer your question it's a 72"
I know this video is 7 year old but where could I contact for questions in this swap
@@hernancardona9841 bradmathews124@gmail.com. Or "Fiat restomod" Facebook group
Needs a Nardi steering wheel!
Can you tell me how to convert my 79 fait spider. I want to install at 302 engine.
I'm not trying to avoid your question. But read the comments. You will get some insight. It's not easy my any means. And you will spend more then you will ever be able to sell it for. Mine maybe going up for sale in the near future.
I see below you might want to sell this car. I have a 1979 and have been discussing the possibility of doing something like this. Maybe I'd be better off hearing what you might want for yours.
Phil Carpenter if you are interested contact me
Bradmathews124@gmail.com
How much did you spend to do all that?
No idea, many donated parts short block, transmission, I do know I don't want to think about it. Not much more then a good restoration would have cost 13 years ago when I did this.
@@bradmathews1005 How long did the project take you to complete to where it is now?
About 1 1/2 year nights and some weekends.
What were the bumper guards off of?
The bumper guards are for an Fiat 124 Abarth
Please show some frame pics or vids
Clyde Ream II I don't think I have any pictures of the frame. It's a unibody car. I added sub frame connectors and the roll bar firmed everything up quite a bit.
It is a beautiful machine. I am getting ready to start a 1982 fiat spider. Planned on similar set up
Clyde Ream II thank you Clyde, if there is any info that I can help with I'll try. You can look through some of the comments to get some insight. But I'll do my best to help. What motor are you planning?
IS this a toilette Edition?
It is my toilette edition
I guess so, you would shit your self if we went for a ride.😀
Can you contact me about this car I am interested in doing pretty much the same to mine
John Barbee contact me at bradmathews@comcast.net Put Fiat in the title to get my attention.
Brad Mathews how did you create the headers
Sanderson block huggers shorten up approximately 1.5 inch.
HOW MUCH BRAD
Are you asking to buy it?
Specs?
Ford, 306 30 over, E303 cam elderbrock heads & intake. HOLLY TBI injection.system . DUI distributor and Sanderson headers. Ford C4 transmission to Chevy rear end from a S-10 pickup racing spline axles 3.73 gear
Come rovinare un mito ! 😱