Greetings from Dorset, United Kingdom

[Webweaver]

Hi fellow Spider lovers

I bought a very unloved 1976 Fiat 124 Spider three years ago and have been slowly getting it back into condition. It will have to be a slow job as finances won't allow an immediate and complete restoration but I have just about managed to keep in good driving condition during the summer months for the past two years.

I'm hoping to get it on the road again for this summer in the next few days after a major mechanical overhaul and a bit of serious bodywork repair.

I'm keen to share experiences and perhaps gain some insight from others who have been involved in major restoration and finding parts for their Spider.

I'm also keen to hear from other owners in the UK - there dont seem to be many of us!

I'm pleased I found fiatspider.com

Paul Rodgers

[mdrburchette]

Welcome Paul. It sounds like you're well on your way to bringing life back into your Spider. Pictures of your project are a must when you have a chance. As for restoration parts, we have several vendors we use such as:
http://www.fiatparts.com/ (Bruce's parts bin)
http://www.fiatplus.com/ (C.Obert)
http://www.international-auto.com/index ... wSession=1 (International auto parts)
http://www.spider-point.com/framework.php/mode// (great german resource)
http//www.vickauto.com/

There are also several of us with parts cars that are willing to help with an odd piece or two. Good luck with your car.

[Curly]

Not from the UK, but we're still part of the Commonwealth down here - at least until the next Republic Vs C'wealth referendum
Has your car been converted to right-hand-drive yet, if not, are you intending to do so? We find it's easy enough to source the mechanical components down here because we had the 124 coupes imported here when new and there's still quite a few getting around. Spider parts (Interior, trim and panels especially) are hard to come by, but having dealt exclusively with Bruce at http://www.fiatparts.com I feel confident in recommending his services.
Now let's see some pictures

[kristoj]

Welcome to the site! They didn't send too many Spiders to the UK did they? But you came to the right place for support and assistance. We would love to see some pictures of the progress you have made to date.

[So Cal Mark]

welcome to the forum! Is your car a euro spec car or us version?

[mbouse]

you're not kidding when you say there isn't much activity for our cars "over there" in the UK. the fiat forum for Spiders in the UK has nearly zero activity, and about half of what is there is USA folks unaware of this site.

lots of activity here, however.

good luck on your restore project.

[MikeR]

Hi Paul,

Mike R. from West Berkshire, UK here. Great site isnt it? Between this forum and the UK SportSpider site I have never failed to get answers to my Spider issues. There are so many very knowledgeable and helpful people willing to share their expertise I find it hard to imagine how things were before forums and chatrooms. Mine is a US model so the wisdom and experience in this forum is invaluable to me.

I am planning to be in Wroughton, Wiltshire this Sunday (3rd August) with my Spider at the Classic Car meet, which may not be too far from you. Let me know if you want to meet up for a chat there.

Best Wishes, Mike R.

[msrmd]

Welcome
It is my understanding that the 124 Spider was never marketed in the UK. I would imagine that adds to its already exotic flavor and that it will be a real head turner for you.
I can endorse the sources for part previously listed, and assure you that you will find a wealth of help and information here as I already have.