Just bought a 1981 Spider! - Northern Illinois

[CarlaRWG]

I had to get mine from NJ and what I received wasn't exactly as described (my car came with house carpet installed in it). Iam having problems getting it worked on right now, my husband wants the garage for his new Mercedes (what a baby). Hope the one your going to see is a real find!

[Kevin Bischel]

Nice car - runs and has almost no external rust. Anniversary present to my wife. I will be receiving metric tools as birthday gifts for years. Any other Fiat owners in the area?

[So Cal Mark]

congratulations on the acquisition! Along with the metric tools, pick up some repair manuals

[Danno]

i'm "kinda" in your area! where at in Northern IL? i lived Rockford for 2 years...

[mbouse]

How far are you willing to drive in your "area". Coldwater, Michigan is only a couple of hours away - depending on how fast you drive.

We are having a get together/cruise in West Michigan the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, if you feel up to it. Drop me a line via email if you are interested.

[Danno]

... only a couple of hours away - depending on how fast you drive.

I love that; not "depending on where you are", lol! its all about how you look at it I guess!!!! I so wish mine would be running by then. even if ugly as heck id come out to see you guys!

[Kevin Bischel]

Thanks for the replies. I am about 14 miles north of Rockford right off I90. After I change the rest of the fluids in the car and the belts then Michigan won't seem so far. But I don't think our small children would be safe riding in the bench "seat". I have the Fiat 124 Spider Shop Manual and the Brooklands Fiat 124 & 2000 1971-1984 Shop Manual. Haven't done much wrenching on cars except for general maintenance so I am looking forward to this car as a challenge. My wife and I are hoping to find and join a local car club. We are near Blackhawks Farms Speedway so hopefully we will get lucky.

[baggins987]

I'm also in northeastern Illinois - Bartlett, to be exact. Right next door to Elgin. Just bought a 77 Spider.

[Danno]

wow, I'm seeing an illinois meet in the future sometime!!!!

[leeputmanjr]

I have a '74 Spider, and I'm in Schaumberg, and it'd be great to find other Fiat owners around here! The country roads between here and Rockford are a great place for Fiat cruising...sadly I have mine partially disassembled right now, replacing shocks, flexible brake hoses, and learning the hard way how to bleed brakes because I can't find a shop willing to work on this sucker! Not sure I want to drive a car with brakes I've "fixed" myself, you know??? I love driving it...but getting tired of people always asking "is that an old MG?" 'Aint no British tash, I always say! [/i]

[CarlaRWG]

I'm in Plainfield, just a spit distance from beautiful Joliet Prison!

[cicio]

Hello, I am north Illinois also, Fox Lake area. I had a 124 sports coupe, wish I had it now, and a 1976 spider many moons ago. How did you locate a clean spider in the midwest ??? I am still looking . I hope to go look at one this weekend. he says in need of a minor restore , hope he is accurate in his discription. Congrats on your find and have fun. I to would like to do my own restore and learn, need to get the garage clean and well lit !