Hi all,
I've been lurking around here for the last couple of weeks, and now, thanks to Mark, I am registered.
I entered the world of Fiat ownership last June on a whim. A friend of mine was having a casual conversation with someone about cars in general and the guy said "If you know anyone who wants a Fiat, have them call me. My wife wants mine out of the driveway so she can park in the garage again."
When I heard him say he only wanted $700, I thought I'd better at least go look at it, and when I discovered he only lived a couple of blocks away I knew I had to look.
On my way home, I drove by his house half expecting to see a disaster. Actually, the car was in amazingly good condition. Decent paint (although I suspect it's a $99 Maaco paint job), good body and interior and a new top. It fired right up, but wasn't completely driveable because of a bad brake caliper.
The car hadn't been driven in several years due to minor issues. He'd bought it as a project and got frustrated and gave up.......
So, I bought it and limped it home on three brakes. I gave it a tune up and puttered up and down my street several times.
I just finished the brakes last night, and just crawled out from underneath the car after disconnecting the broken speedometer cable.
As soon as I get the new speedometer cable in and the speedometer working, I'm going to tackle the tachometer. It's out of commission, too!
New Member
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spider79
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mbouse
well, you picked a good location to live and own a Spider at the same time. How far are you from Hilliard OHIO? I have a friend who runs a Spider parts outlet there.
there are a few other parts that you will want to consider; two of which very, very soon.
1. Flex Disk, sometimes called the "donut" connects the transmission output shaft to the drive shaft. it is rubber, and deteriorates over time. if not replaced in a timely fashion, can create some very displeasing results.
2. Timing belt should be changed every 30,000 miles. if it breaks, you risk smashing your valves into your pistons, and will need some major engine work.
not expensive items to maintain....a true financial disaster if ignored.
Of course, when you get it figured out, we need to see some pictures.
there are a few other parts that you will want to consider; two of which very, very soon.
1. Flex Disk, sometimes called the "donut" connects the transmission output shaft to the drive shaft. it is rubber, and deteriorates over time. if not replaced in a timely fashion, can create some very displeasing results.
2. Timing belt should be changed every 30,000 miles. if it breaks, you risk smashing your valves into your pistons, and will need some major engine work.
not expensive items to maintain....a true financial disaster if ignored.
Of course, when you get it figured out, we need to see some pictures.
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spider79
Mike,
Thanks for the tips! I've read the horror stories about the dreaded "donut". I just crawled out from underneath mine (from replacing the speedometer cable) and it actually looks like it's in good condition. (no visible dry rot, cracks or chips)
The P.O. said that this car had had quite a bit of work done to it before he bought it. (new clutch. new top, new paint) I can tell it had some TLC because of the # of new parts underneath it. For whatever reason, 3 of 4 calipers had been rebuilt and had new pads on them. The fourth, on the passenger rear, had issues. The P.o. claimed he drove it with the parking brake on and got it hot, but it didn't visually appear like that to me.
It had some severe rusted frozen bolts that took a serious soaking in PB Blaster and a couple of days worth of trying to break it loose. In fact, I attempted to get everything loose 4 times over the last couple of months before I was successful this week! Patience is a virtue, as are extra cars!
I'm only about 45 minutes east of Hilliard, Ohio. In fact, my brother lives there. Post or PM me your friends contact information, because I know I'll be buying plenty more for this car.......
Thanks for the tips! I've read the horror stories about the dreaded "donut". I just crawled out from underneath mine (from replacing the speedometer cable) and it actually looks like it's in good condition. (no visible dry rot, cracks or chips)
The P.O. said that this car had had quite a bit of work done to it before he bought it. (new clutch. new top, new paint) I can tell it had some TLC because of the # of new parts underneath it. For whatever reason, 3 of 4 calipers had been rebuilt and had new pads on them. The fourth, on the passenger rear, had issues. The P.o. claimed he drove it with the parking brake on and got it hot, but it didn't visually appear like that to me.
It had some severe rusted frozen bolts that took a serious soaking in PB Blaster and a couple of days worth of trying to break it loose. In fact, I attempted to get everything loose 4 times over the last couple of months before I was successful this week! Patience is a virtue, as are extra cars!
I'm only about 45 minutes east of Hilliard, Ohio. In fact, my brother lives there. Post or PM me your friends contact information, because I know I'll be buying plenty more for this car.......
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mbouse
Anyone that attempts to rely on a Fiat Spider for daily transportation is either real lucky or a glutton for punishment. For that matter, extend that to anyone that relies on ANY antique, orphan auto.
Yes, having a "real" car in reserve is the essesence of the joys in Fiating. I drive it cuz it is fun; if i need to repair it, that is natural.
Your email will have the requested information.
Yes, having a "real" car in reserve is the essesence of the joys in Fiating. I drive it cuz it is fun; if i need to repair it, that is natural.
Your email will have the requested information.
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spider79
Rescuing a 30 year old car that's been parked for several years is enough of a chore. Doing it without another means of transportation would be enough to kill a normal person.
In my younger years, I spent enough time under the hood of an MGB and Triumph Spitfire with a flashlight to cure me of ever having that desire again. There's nothing worse than trying to track down and fix a problem in the dark under the pressure of knowing if you don't find it, you'll be bumming a ride to work or school.
It sure is much more pleasant to tinker for fun!
In my younger years, I spent enough time under the hood of an MGB and Triumph Spitfire with a flashlight to cure me of ever having that desire again. There's nothing worse than trying to track down and fix a problem in the dark under the pressure of knowing if you don't find it, you'll be bumming a ride to work or school.
It sure is much more pleasant to tinker for fun!