Another 78 owner

[CarNut]

Hello everyone. I'm new to the forum and Fiats. Just purchased a 78 Spider. I also own a 67 Triumph GT6 and my first car was an Opel GT so I'm aware of what I've gotten myself into. Unfortunately it's winter here and the Spider will be sitting until spring. At least I'll have plenty of time to check it over before hitting the road.

[So Cal Mark]

welcome! the car looks great. Must be tough to put it away for months!

[mdrburchette]

That's a very nice car! Welcome to the forum.

[Michael N. Marcus]

It's a beauty. I hope you'll keep it out of the snow.

[mbouse]

Hey!! What part of Michigan are you from? If you care to investigate a Fiat Addicts Support Group, look us up at: http://flumichigan.italiancarclub.com/

or give me a shout at my email address....

We'd love to help you with your "problem". As you can see, i am as bad off as you (maybe worse) with two Fiat Spiders and a '69 Spit 6.

BTW - NICE looking Spider you have there. Looks like you got more snow that me this weekend.

[CarNut]

Thanks for the comments guys. mbouse, I'm in Traverse City. I'll check out that site. None of my toys will touch MI roads from the first salting until spring rains have thoroughly washed it away. I wasted too many days in my youth trying to fight back the rust. SoCal, you have no idea how good you have it. I spent 6 great years in SanDiego marveling at all the rust free classics pounding the highways. Near as I can tell this Fiat has never seen salt. Its been painted but the bottom and inner fenders were left clean - no fresh undercoat to mask cancer.

[mbouse]

Ha! We were guessing Charlevoix. Wrong side of the puddle, i guess.

Our group was just in your area. Had a great time in Leelanau. http://flumichigan.italiancarclub.com/E ... ngrock.pdf


We have a contact in your area. Owns umm... four Fiats and lives in T.C.

[CarNut]

...Our group was just in your area. Had a great time in Leelanau...

Wasted many gallons of gas cruising around Leelanau in my younger days. Did you happen to find "that"road in Empire? I can't remember the name of it but they used to have hill climbs on it back when these cars were new. Its very twisty, barely two lanes, and had canopy of trees with trunks practically touching the asphalt. It's not the Pierce Stocking Scenic drive either. Having a little fun on that road would defintely get you in trouble.

[mbouse]

Coldwater is 13 miles from the Indiana border. So, when i actually convinced my wife that she drive the entire trip up and she agreed...i was extatic. Not only was this her furthest drive piloting her car, it was also the longest she'd driven any Fiat for any event we've been on.

And, while on the peninsula, she did most of the driving as well. She finally learned the joy of Spirited Italian Motoring!! I cannot tell you how happy that makes me. Not one drop of fuel was "wasted" on this particular trip.

No, we did not find that particular road, although M22 is delightful in its own right, especially on the west side of the peninsula. We found the cannery and several other sites we missed on our last excursion there.

This next fall, our group is planning a weekend in and around the Ludington area. Gonna eat elk burgers, and maybe go skinny dipping in the big pond (Lake Michigan). You'll not want to miss that event.

OK - - - - just kidding about that swimming comment!!

But, if you seriously want to meet us during the off season, consider dropping down to Grand Rapids for our Valentine's Pizza Party. Check the website for more info.

[azygoustoyou]

Hi, I just got a 78. It needs a lot of work. I can't wait to see mine look nearly as nice as yours. I was curious to how much one like yours would cost. I picked up mine for 1200. It needs body work and interior and of course the floors. I hope I didn't pay too much for it. Anyways take care of it.