Whats happenin, from Columbus Ohio

[soldier989]

Hey guys!

I bought a 1977 Spider 124 MTX yesterday and am very excited to have found an owners group for this car. I was looking for a fun toy for the summer coming up, I was mainly looking at Miata's in the beginning until my dad reminded me cars he grew up with. A couple years back I was looking at an MG, which he said if I liked the MG I would like a Fiat. So I hopped on Craigslist and found one locally, drove to see it, and fell in love with it. It has only a tiny bit of surface rust (which I will definately be grabbing here shortly) and no rot anywhere. Seemed like a winner to me. I went to Autozone to have the alternator checked right after buying it and I already had one person say "I havent seen a Fiat in that good of shape in a long time!" So that makes me feel good, especially living in a hard hit winter state like Ohio.

The top needs replaced, and theres a terrible drivetrain noise coming from the rear (see Engine forums) that I need to take care of. But other than that I am excited as a kid in a candy store to have it! Im glad there is an owners group for the Spider, I know my Cougar owners group has helped me out a lot and Im sure this one will to!

So, its good to meet all of you!

Pics are below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1x31D0mwlM

[So Cal Mark]

welcome! I'd suggest checking the driveline noise promptly. If the noise is from a broken flex joint, complete failure can cause considerable damage

[soldier989]

I will have to pull out the good old Haynes manual to really know what your talking, Im still learning Im sure my dad would know what your talkin about, thanks for the input!!

[racydave]

Howdy! Youre in the midst of some other Fiats, Jon Logan has a Fiat shop, and sells alot of parts, and is a member of FLU. Hes in Colombus. Im pretty sure there is a local FLU chapter there also! Welcome!

[soldier989]

Thanks Dave, I would definately be interested in a local chapter. Especially if I can find someone local who could help diagnose the rear end noise my Fiat currently has.

[mdrburchette]

Congrats on your find and welcome to the forum! I'm sure with a little help you'll sort your problems out and Jon Logan is a good source for new and used parts. His website is http://www.midwest124.com There should be contact info on the site.

[mbouse]

welcome columbus!!

Jon's email address is parts@midwest124.com tell him we sent you.

get that drivetrain figured out before you drive another mile, please!

[soldier989]

Wow, I just checked out his site, I must say Im lucky to have a local shop if I ever need help! Awesome, and thanks for that information!

[racydave]

Jon is a good guy, and we wanna see you on the road asap!

[soldier989]

Heres some pics of the Fiat. It was a nice day today, so I took it for a spin and also made a quick video of me driving while you can hear that noise. Youtube has yet to post it, so for now, some pics of the car.

[racydave]

Lookin good! http://flickr.com/ heres mine

[mbouse]

very nice, thanks for sharing.

[pope]

Nice spider!

I just saw your key chain....whats going on there

[kristoj]

Welcome! I am up in Canton, Ohio, and there is definitely an active chapter of FLU that you should consider joining. The contact is:

Jim Hyler
Ohio Valley Chapter contact
Fiat/Lancia Unlimited (FLU)
jim642@aol.com
(740) 862-3081 (h)
(740) 255-1976 (c)

I look forward to meeting you at upcoming events!

John

1982 Spider 2000 Turbo

[mbouse]

Hey, Jim. Are you planning on sending some cars to meet us on our cruise to the Pocono Mountains this July?