Newbie in Texas

[jerry13]

Hello all.

A liitle about me, my first car was 1973 Fiat Spider. Unfortunately 16 year olds, red convertible sports cars and insurance companys don't mix. I had insurance and drove it for a month then had to sell it.

I haven't owned another Spider since but always kept an eye out for one. I've missed out on a couple over the years and came across the one pictured below this weekend. It's a 1984 F.I. car and not that familiar with the "newer" model Spiders.
I don't like the tube bumpers but the price is right on this car and the int is in great shape as is the top. I've called the owner a couple times but get vm. If I can work a deal with him this will be my next toy.

Here are the pics, comments welcomed.

[jerry13]

The adjustable side mirrors through the vent window seem strange. Is this factory?

[rlux4]

Welcome Jerry, good luck with the car. The mirrors are one of the changes Pininnfarina made after they took over building these cars in '83, along with doing away with the rear seat and replacing it with a deck, bringing the console up into the dash are probably the most noticeable style changes they made I think. Check out the Avatar on the Fiat Spider header, same mirrors. And he didn't like the bumpers either!

[Danno]

you can only tell so much from pictures but there are a couple of things I noticed right off. The drivers door has some sort of an issue. look at it when closed, the bottom doesn't match flush. The rear bumper shot shows the shock being painted body color. that means this owner has hit some things with a spray can, wonder what else has been hidden this way. The mirrors are kosher like that. Interior looks good. rust doesn't seem unusual where you found it. Top is either installed wrong,or just an ill-fitting top.

Without knowing running condition I'd guess at around $1000-$1500, depending on how bad you want it. I'd lean more towards the 1000, but that's me.

[jerry13]

Yeah I took the pic of the bumper shock to show the paint overpray. I think the whole car has been repainted.

Has 108,000 miles on the for sale sign. The top is ill fitting for sure, large gap between the driver side window.

I don't know if it runs or anthing else mechanical about it untill I reach the owner.

The asking price is $2500 but that's too much, I was going to offer $1500 if it runs and drives ok.

I noticed the Spider at the top of the page after I posted.

Thanks

[Danno]

Yeah I took the pic of the bumper shock to show the paint overpray. I think the whole car has been repainted.

Has 108,000 miles on the for sale sign. The top is ill fitting for sure, large gap between the driver side window.

I don't know if it runs or anthing else mechanical about it untill I reach the owner.

The asking price is $2500 but that's too much, I was going to offer $1500 if it runs and drives ok.

I noticed the Spider at the top of the page after I posted.

Thanks

I think you should be good to go at 1500. He might say no, but I wouldn't go much higher than that. I could see someone who just really wanted this car paying 2k for it. that person would be overpaying, but sometimes the right car at the right time warrants doing that.

[So Cal Mark]

I noticed the crease in the left front fender from the door opening too far. It could just be a broken door check or the door may be cracked around the upper hinge. With the door open try lifting on the end and see if the door flexes. If it does, it'll need to be repaired. From the look of the oxidation, I'd guess the car has been repainted at some time which is to be expected with a 20-something car. I'd look closely at the front crossmember mounting and make sure you don't have cracks in the unibody too.

[jerry13]

Thanks Mark I'll do that.

I see your business is in Upland and since 1981. I lived in La Verne when I had my first Spider in 1986. Bought it from my nieghbors wrecking yard that specialized in Fiats, Lancers, MG's back then. M&G Auto salvage in Azusa.

[jerry13]

Another angle.

[So Cal Mark]

I know M & G. I started out in Azusa, just around the corner almost from them. They just recently sold the yard. I live in Claremont and know La Verne well. Too bad you're not there anymore. It's become a very active Fiat area

[jerry13]

Wow, Bill sold it.

My first job was there when I was 14. Worked there off and on through highschool.

They bulldozed our house and put the 210 through. Man that place has changed.

[So Cal Mark]

yes, the 210 changed things dramatically. It's much easier to get places, except when the 210 is gridlocked like every other fwy in So Cal

[mdrburchette]

The driver's door has dropped. I'd bet the hinge is cracked.

[Danno]

The driver's door has dropped. I'd bet the hinge is cracked.

Thanks Johnny...er ummm, Denise-Come-Lately....

...The drivers door has some sort of an issue...

... It could just be a broken door check or the door may be cracked around the upper hinge...

[mdrburchette]

Just comfirming that it's an issue he needs to investigate. Those door hinge mounts aren't the easiest things to repair.