New Here from OK

[czd3my]

I am new here and this is my first Fiat. I have owned a few Alfa Romeos in the past; an 87 Milano and an 84 Spider. My Fiat is a 1974 124 Spider Sport. You don't see many of these here in Oklahoma! The car has been neglected for at least the past 14 years. The previous owner had good intentions but never followed through so it sat since 1994. There is some rust in the floors and the quarters but I am determined to make it good. I picked up the car for $150 and it is mostly complete minus the seats and the dash. It is surprising that is is in as good condition as it is. Anyway,I have looked around here and this seems to be a great site for info! I will probably have a few questions and hopefully can help answer a few. I will try to get some photos up in the next few days. It's good to be here! Thanks!

[kristoj]

Welcome! Sounds like you found yourself quite a project. You came to the right place for technical knowledge and a friendly atmosphere. Don't forget to post the "before" pix for us and pictures of your progress. And don't be shy about posting.

[mbouse]

woo, hoo... another ground up restoration.

don't forget to share some in - progress pictures as well.

[TulsaSpider]

Greetings! Finally another owner In OK! Where are you? I am in Tulsa. This is my first Fiat as well. Mine hadn't been tagged since '94 either, but it only took me a few days to get it in running shape thanks to this site!
Clark

[msrmd]

Welcome next state neighbor. I haven't seen another 124 around here since I sold my first one in 1984.
I'm in the process of restoring 2 fiats and will be glad to share what I have learned form my mistakes.
The kind people on this site will save you lots of time and money... well, if saving money is what you are really interested in you had probably best go ahead and sell the spider now. But think of all the fun you will miss

[czd3my]

Thanks for all the welcomes here! I am in Shawnee, just East of OKC. I happened on this car by chance. You could say I got lucky but I'm not so sure yet! I enjoy all cars and this one looks like a blast! I'm sure I will have to take you guys up on the offers of help since I'm new to Fiats. I do have a question already. Where is a good place to find a repair manual? I know cars and have built several but there is always something new to learn!

[kristoj]

I bought the Brooklands manual from Amazon. It is pretty good. You can also download the original factory manual here: http://www.danielreinhardt.com/fiat/ServiceManual/. The Brooklands is more user friendly, but the Fiat manual is more thorough. Between the two, I can usually get the info. I need. But don't be afraid to post here as well because you can learn tips from the pros that the manuals do not cover.

[msrmd]

I got one on Amazon. I think I have also seen them at some of the online parts resources as well.

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/ (not to far away in Ft. Worth TX)

I have used all these and have been pleased with service and parts. I would avoid Caribou. Along with others on this forum, I have had a bad experience with them.

Good Luck

[htchevyii]

I got one on Amazon. I think I have also seen them at some of the online parts resources as well.

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/ (not to far away in Ft. Worth TX)

I have used all these and have been pleased with service and parts. I would avoid Caribou. Along with others on this forum, I have had a bad experience with them.

Good Luck

I've had good luck with all, except Bruce's. I don't know If I caught him on a bad day or what, but he was so rude when I called that I hung up & placed my order with I.A.P.

[rlux4]

Welcome to the forum. I'm sure Clark (Oklahomanewbie) is stoked about your presence. Good luck and have fun with the restoration, it's great you got it instead of the crusher.
msrmd, Ed at Caribou closed up shop a couple years ago to spend time with his family. He left the website up only for archival info.
Trey, I'm sure Bruce was having a bad day. He does have a gruff phone personality, but I've had really good luck with him, price wise and he ships immediately. Hey, he's from the east coast, can't blame him for being sore.
Ron

[JeremyB]

Welcome fellow Midwesterners! I;ve been a little busy, and havent stopped by much on this site. For you guys in Oklahoma, and Arkansas, I'm not sure if you know about MOFLO or not, but check it out. Its an Italian car club for the midwest. It covers Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma. We have annual meets at the Lake of the Ozarks. There is a meet later this year in Arkansas. Check out the link, and subscribe to the list serve. Good stuff, good group of people. Hell, If I can help out, gimmie a call

(314)229-3500

Jeremy

http://www.moflo.org/

[TulsaSpider]

The info on that site is soooooo outdated! There's only one event on their 2006 calendar.. There is info on the June event, however you get there by clicking the join now links so I haven't been able to figure out how to join.... I email a gentlemen on there but he was less than helpful. So I would like to join but this website is dismal!!

[JeremyB]

If that is the case, then try this link

http://mirafiori.com/mailman/listinfo/flostl

this is a st. louis fiat lancia owners group. We have people from roamin chariots here as well. There are guys from Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri on the list. I think most of Roamin Chariots are here. Check it out, apparently, there is a meet in Arkansas this fall.
Hell, if ya still have trouble, give me a call (314)229-3500. Im mostly available at work, during the day. I'll get you pointed in the right direction.

[baltobernie]

Welcome to the site, and a big Hello from another chrome bumper owner. The Haynes service manual comes up used on eBay and other sites regularly, and it does a pretty good job covering the older models. The first job of many new owners is to find out excatly what the heck they've bought! Seriously, these pre-emissions models often have an assortment of power train components cobbled together by POs. Because of this, pictures of items-in-question are helpful when posting maintenance and repair questions.