Greetings from Central Florida!

[HeavyMetalFL]

Well, I was given a 1973 850 Spider a few days ago from one of my mom's former patients. It'll be one heck of a long haul but I figured I'd get some useful advice from those of you who are familiar with these cars.

[msrmd]

I have 124s and don't know much about the 850 but there are those here that do.
From the picture I'd say that your first order of business will be to evaluate the amount of underbody rust damage you have.
Good Luck and Welcome

[mbouse]

since the car does not have a frame, pay particular attention to the shock towers and floor pans for rust. if you can poke a hole thru the floor pan with a screw driver, you have some SERIOUS rust issues that will affect the structure of the car.

welcome to the site, let us know how we can help.

[So Cal Mark]

welcome! I too suggest checking the rust situation not only along the rocker panels but check in the engine compartment around the rear corners for cracks and rust

[rlux4]

Welcome to the forum. If you didn't have a hobby before, you have one now! Does your new car run? If it's sat as long as it looks like it did, wouldn't hurt to soak the cylinders with ATF a while before cranking it.
Have fun with it, and keep us posted on your progress.
Ron

[kristoj]

Definitely need to ensure it is structurally sound before investing any money or time in it. Assuming it is, that looks like quite a project. But if you do pursue it, I'm sure it will be a labor of love. Good luck and welcome to the site!