My Fiat Topolino is a Flip Top now

No doubt! Back in the '80s I crewed for a guy who ran a 440 powered Dodge Colt. Seemed like it was sideways more than it was straight. Looking forward to seeing videos of this little monster running the quarter.

 

With my coupe I have to buy shorts by the 12 pack. LOL. Good times

 

A friend of mine in Washington State had a stock 80" wheelbase Fiat with a 350/350 combo that he used to drag race from time to time. Said the car handled well until you got out of the throttle through the traps. Then the car would start dancing across both lanes until it would decide to settle down. He described it as needing a change of shorts also. It was my assumption that when he got off the gas the chassis would un-spring and cause it to be loose on top end. I hope mine won't be so sensitive with the longer 90" wheelbase, because new shorts every pass can get expensive.

 

The longer the wheelbase, the higher you can get the front wheels in the air

 

Kind of the way I feel about my truck thread at times, maybe it's just to much "race car" for some people.

 

it is possible. I do enjoy the conversation side of this site. There are so many talented and informative people here. I have learned a lot from my thread along with other build or technical threads. I haven't yet learned anything from a like button or had anything constructive to add myself by clicking it.

 

Sorry, I just had to hit the "like" button,

 

Ha ha I knew you couldn't resist.[emoji12]

Sent from my SM-G900V using H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

Fast answer.... 'Depends'.... LOL!

 

Here is a before and after shot of the rear door.

 

That come out real nice! That lower panel is where you're going to put your tail lights right?

 

Yes, Tail lights , license plate or maybe a parachute. It gives me options that I didn't have before.

 

I hit the like button because I like everything about this car! Rear door looks good, gota love that little window. Have you decided on the tail lights yet? What type?

 

Haven't decided on tail lights. Been looking on ebay and speedway just can't decide. would like to have LED but have never wired them , not sure what I need or the proper way to make them work.

 

I think '46-48 or '49-50 Ford taillights would look great. Understated, 'old-timey' enough to fit the styling, and less used than the usual '39 teardrops, late 40s Chevy, or early 50s Pontiacs. The '46-48 are available as new reproductions and not all that expensive...

 

In guide coat ready for final block sanding before paint.

 

Back door looks great.

 

Wow! Looks great with the rear tires on it. Not a big car but it should be fun getting them panels real straight. Keep the updates coming.
Tom

 

You're gonna have to be extra careful around it once that paint goes on and I agree about the rear tires.

 

Okay, here is my question for you guys. I can't decide if I want to run the rear fenders or leave the back tires open wheeled. If I run the rear fenders they will have to be widened about 1 1/2" so I have room to get the tire on and off. They are currently too tight to the tire and there isn't enough room to get the wheel off the studs. I like it both ways. Would just like to have your opinion which way to go.

 

I think you should run them it gives the car that flare it needs with the front fenders. Awesome work on the rear door it came out great keep it up. Don't forget to post a video of it going down the strip!

 

I like the rear fenders too. You got to be pretty excited knowing you'll have color on it soon.

 

If it was my car I wound run it with the fenders. That's the way I like it. If you're going to drive it on the street, fenders will keep the chips off of the paint.
But if it was a gasser from the 60's it would have the tires hanging out of the fender wells.
I still vote for the fenders because it'll give it a clean look.

 

I would run the rear fenders. I widened all mine so I guess that's why I like yours with fenders. The coupe back window and what you did with the rear door looks great also.

 

Thank You, There will absolutely be a video or two.

 

Bob, I am so excited it is hard to stay focused on anything else. It is not only getting the car in paint, it is all the other issues with the car that are being addressed as well. It is all starting to come together.

 

I do like the open wheel gasser look. It also makes it very easy to get the wheels on and off. But then again the fenders are an important part of the true originality of the car.

 

Thanks Wayne, I am very pleased with the rear door also. Not going to make them quite as wide as your. lol

 

That's almost the right answer; it should have the fenders, but they should be radiused. Best of both worlds!

 

One more vote for fenders.