New Owner of a 1978 Spider

tetrah · Post by **tetrah** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 6:50 pm

I purchased a 1978 Fiat Spider 1800 on eBay late last night and I'm going to pick it up on Sunday. It's a bit rough in certain areas, but the price was right and I've been wanting something fun to drive around for quite some time.

Any tips, etc. for me to do upon my purchase? I am going to attempt driving it home, but I am having my father follow me back in case it doesn't make it.

P.S. - I will post more pictures when I get the car (and when I undoubtedly upgrade it: paint, etc.).

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 7:09 pm

the first couple of things I'd do would be change the oil & filter, timing belt, flex disk, plugs & wires. Then I'd set the timing and make sure I had fresh gasoline and a new fuel filter.

Then drive the heck out of it for a while (providing you have good brakes). get the feel of the car for a while. then start dreaming of all the things you wanna work on next.

remember to enjoy the experience, since this is not your everyday get back and forth to work car.

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 7:10 pm

oh, and welcome to the forum!! congratulations on your acquisition.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 7:27 pm

good advice from Mike, but I'd also check all of the fluids; trans, diff, brakes before doing much driving. Make sure the cooling fan comes on at 195F also. Then inspect it for leaks, especially from any fuel hoses. While you're underneath it, check around the front crossmember where it mounts to the unibody for cracks.
Then go out and flog it!

tetrah · Post by **tetrah** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 7:53 pm

Thanks so much for the suggestions.

racydave · Post by **racydave** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 12:05 am

Looks like a car from Indy??? welcome to the forum!

tetrah · Post by **tetrah** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 11:10 am

By "Indy" do you mean the state of Indiana?

The eBay description is as follows:

"1978 Fiat 124 Spider, This car is in good running condition, has some rust on the rear quarters and the floors. Would make a good project, the car is complete. The previous owner added an A/C unit but never had it charged. Interior needs work, top is good looks like new. "

Not the most descriptive bit, I know, but do you guys think I did all right with spending less than $1000?

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 11:18 am

for less than 1000 I'd say you did well. How extensive is the rust?

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 12:32 pm

dave brings up a good point, where are you located? wouldn't it be cool if one of us were nearby?

tetrah · Post by **tetrah** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 9:27 pm

Southeastern Missouri, actually. It is the only one I've seen nearby.