New Fiat owner

[DaveFromWorcester]

New owner of a 79 Fiat Spider 2000. Many hours spent on YouTube trying to learn as much as possible about the major pitfalls of owning this vehicle. So far, rust is the biggest issue, so I’ve learned. I do have a hole in the drivers side floor at the top of the seat rail. Frame appears to be solid as doesn’t the rest of the car. Hoping to gain insight into what’s next!

[aj81spider]

Welcome DavefromWorcester

There are a few of us in Massachusetts (I'm assuming the Worcester is Massachusetts). On August 5th (10:00 - 2:00) many of us will be at Tutto Italiano at the Larz Anderson museum if you want to see some other Fiats from the area (and Ferraris, Maserattis, Panteras, Alfas, etc). Bring your car if driveable, come by and say hello if not.

[DaveFromWorcester]

Hi AJ,
I won't be able to make that show but thamks for the info. I just registered the car and realized that there is no place for the front plate. How did you work this out? Next stop is my mechanic to see what has to be done, what should be done and what can wait.
Thanks,
Dave

[aj81spider]

I'm pretty sure your car has the tube bumpers. If I remember correctly from my old 81 which also had those there was a mounting bracket attached to the bumpers. If yours is missing it's pretty easy to find tube brackets that will hold it.

If you are running bumperless then good luck!

[nelsonj]

Most important things:
1) Timing belt - if you don't know when the last time it changed, change it. A 79 has a 2000 engine and I understand the pistons won't interfere/bend the valves (very good thing) but that the aux shaft (unless modified) can still interfere with the piston rods (very bad thing).
2) The rubber "donut" that connects the drive shaft to the transmission. Have it inspected, and if it has cracks or looks old/dry and about to crack, replace it. If it fails while driving, the drive shaft will drop to the ground and you'll have major issues.

I hope you'll share the feedback you get from the mechanic with this board before doing too much work. Lot's of knowledge here that should help you prioritize/decide what jobs you can tackle yourself.

Good luck and welcome.

Peace.
Out.