Kick panels

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Zaffer
Posts: 90
Joined: Tue Apr 26, 2011 8:50 pm
Your car is a: 1982 2000 Spyder

Kick panels

Postby Zaffer » Mon Mar 26, 2018 6:27 am

I have an ‘82 and when I bought the car, the front kick panels were not installed as the PO had removed them and modified them for speakers. My question is: is there supposed to be plastic installed on the body here, because when I drive, especially in cold weather, there is quite a bit of airflow through this region.

Thanks!
Current vehicles:
1982 Fiat 2000
1975 Porsche 914 2.0L (in pieces)
1987 BMW 325e
2002 BMW 325iT
2006 MB E350 Wagon 4Matic
2011 Toyota Tundra SR5
1997 Mazda Miata M-Edition
1984 VW Rabbit GTi

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RRoller123
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Posts: 8179
Joined: Sun Nov 13, 2011 2:04 pm
Your car is a: 1980 FI SPIDER 2000
Location: SAGAMORE BEACH, MA USA

Re: Kick panels

Postby RRoller123 » Mon Mar 26, 2018 9:15 am

More likely that the air flap is open under the cowl, it is controlled by the levers in the center console between the seats.
'80 FI Spider 2000
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle

Zaffer
Posts: 90
Joined: Tue Apr 26, 2011 8:50 pm
Your car is a: 1982 2000 Spyder

Re: Kick panels

Postby Zaffer » Mon Mar 26, 2018 12:04 pm

It’s definitely coming from the kick panel area. I don’t have the kick panels installed currently because I just want to be sure that there is nothing between the kick panel and body. If I put my hand at the kick panel area, the airflow is coming from there, and yes, the fender liners are installed.

I’ll try to post a pic this evening if what I’m talking about.

Thanks!
Current vehicles:
1982 Fiat 2000
1975 Porsche 914 2.0L (in pieces)
1987 BMW 325e
2002 BMW 325iT
2006 MB E350 Wagon 4Matic
2011 Toyota Tundra SR5
1997 Mazda Miata M-Edition
1984 VW Rabbit GTi

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spidernut
Posts: 1905
Joined: Wed Jan 25, 2006 12:20 am
Your car is a: 1979 Fiat Spider Automatic
Location: Lincoln, CA

Re: Kick panels

Postby spidernut » Mon Mar 26, 2018 9:47 pm

There was a thick insulated panel with a black surface. It is the same as the insulation on the console area and that along the firewall.

On some Fiat Spiders, you'll find if you remove the front fender well liner that the speaker area is open to the fender well. Water and debris can splash into the speaker compartment. Many other years, like my 79, are sealed off. I don't know if that was from improper assembly at the factory, if it was designed that way, if it was from poor body repairs or if it was for some other reason.

If you have the open type (like I had on one of my EFI Spiders), I got a clear plastic pot liner from Home Depot's garden department that fit into the opening. I used a silicone glue to adhere it to the opening sealing off the area so my speakers would not be damaged from the water/moisture.
John G.
1979 Spider (Owned since 2000)
1971 124 Sport Spider (Owned since 2017)
1977 Spider (Sold 2017)
1979 Spider (Disposed of in 2017)
1979 Spider (Sold 2015)
1980 Spider (Sold in 2013)
1981 Spider (Sold in 1985)
2017 Spider (Owned since 2019)

Zaffer
Posts: 90
Joined: Tue Apr 26, 2011 8:50 pm
Your car is a: 1982 2000 Spyder

Re: Kick panels

Postby Zaffer » Mon Mar 26, 2018 9:55 pm

Thanks, this is the info I was looking for! I figured there was supposed to be something there to keep water out. I was thinking of using a 6-mil black plastic. I am looking to install speakers there, whenever I get around to installing the radio.
Current vehicles:
1982 Fiat 2000
1975 Porsche 914 2.0L (in pieces)
1987 BMW 325e
2002 BMW 325iT
2006 MB E350 Wagon 4Matic
2011 Toyota Tundra SR5
1997 Mazda Miata M-Edition
1984 VW Rabbit GTi

PhillySpider
Posts: 325
Joined: Tue Apr 26, 2016 6:51 pm
Your car is a: 1980 Spider 2000
Location: New Hope, PA

Re: Kick panels

Postby PhillySpider » Mon Mar 26, 2018 10:55 pm

I don't have a fender liner on the front driver side...and the fender well is open. If you get down on one knee and look down the driver side you can see the back of the speaker sticking out! Been meaning to address this, but vendors never seem to have the liner in stock and I don't drive in the rain.

redcars
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Posts: 487
Joined: Sat Jul 31, 2010 9:36 pm
Your car is a: 1981 Spider 2000
Location: Collinsville, IL

Re: Kick panels

Postby redcars » Thu Mar 29, 2018 10:38 pm

On the FI models you can get speaker covers for marine use and put in there. They will seal and weather proof it.
1987 Lotus Super 7 clone
1981 Fiat Spider 2000 AT
1982 Fiat Spider 2000 5sd
1970 Fiat Coupe

ORFORD2004
Posts: 1099
Joined: Wed Mar 17, 2010 9:48 pm
Your car is a: 1983 PININFARINA
Location: Sherbrooke, Qc, Canada

Re: Kick panels

Postby ORFORD2004 » Fri Mar 30, 2018 12:16 am



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