Dumbest Thing Options

[bkrantz]

I know we have threads about PO stupidity, but how about the dumbest 914 thing you have done?

I will start with a, ahem, senior moment I had today. When I tried to add oil after my recent engine re-installation, it would not go in. Short version: I forgot to remove the paper towels I had folded up and tucked into the breather recess while the engine was out of the car, to keep anything from falling into the case.

I still can't believe that I installed the breather and did not see and remove paper towels.

[technicalninja]

Compared to what was available at the time a Fiat Spider was light years ahead of the competition. X-flow DOHC, 5 speed all syncromesh. 4 link rear suspension with panhard rod, 4 wheel disc brakes with load sensing prop valve. The real early ones were 2 side draft carbs.
Compared to a MGB or a Triumph they were hot rods.
Only an Alfa Spyder was better and not that much.

Mazda kicked everyone's ass with the Miata but It was far more like a Fiat Spider than anything else.

I was one of the last "Factory Certified" Fiat mechanics back in 1983-4 when they were getting the hell out of the USA. I hated them at that time.

Later I worked for Bill Sours (Passport engines-ATK and Vege distributors) and he was an old school Italian enthusiast. He taught me the mindset you have to have with Italian cars. Sort of like Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance.

I did come up with a better acronym for Fiat. First Italian Attempt: Transportation.

I can flat ass fix Italian shit...
One time I fixed a 6-month-old Maserati Bi-turbo with a rock!
It had been back to the dealership 5 times.