Hello from Chicago!!!

[filipm]

After about 8 years, I finally found my Fiat! Living in the city and in an apartment, having a Fiat to store and work on was an issue. Now with a garage, problem partially solved. 1980 Fiat 124 Spider FI, Red/Tan.

4 days in learning as much as I can from this site and getting to know the Fiat. Very clean car to start with and lining up some projects to try to get some items squared away. No wipers, horn doesn't work, rear passenger brake light out (changed bulbs and sanded terminals, left one functional), replacing antifreeze overflow bottle that's about to disintegrate, and a slight brake issue (soft brakes until you give it a pump). Looking forward to the journey!

[micbrody]

What part of Chicago? I grew up on north side; but live in NW Indiana

[filipm]

Grew up north side as well! Now just a little further north in the burbs but close enough.

[joelittel]

I’m in Evanston. If you’re ever in the area let me know, I’d love to see your car.

Joe

[micbrody]

I grew up in Skokie. Mother still lives in Lincolnwood.
I have thought about driving it up north.....daunting task however via highway ( lots of truck, crazy drivers, , essentially two rush hours, no airbags, ); if I go local, would take 1:45 plus some “exciting” neighborhoods

[joelittel]

“Exciting neighborhoods” in an eye catching Italian convertible... probably not the driving experience you’re looking for.

[filipm]

Live in Wilmette and work in Evanston. Would be great to see some other Fiats out there!

[joelittel]

I have been off the road since August but am getting ready to get the car out again. If any of you guys are going our for a drive let us know.

[filipm]

Still haven't been out this year. Been fighting some issues the rear brakes and now my trusted mechanic moved further away. Anyone here local have a mechanic that will work on Fiats?? (Other than autosprint) Called a few locals shops and they said weren't comfortable working on it.

[joelittel]

I’ve used Auto Doctor in Evanston, Willow Automotive in Chicago and AutoSprint.

AutoSprint is clearly the best shop but Willow is really good. Willow doesn’t specialize in FIAT but Brian, the owner, knew all about the Lampredi engine before I even popped the hood. The last time I was there he had a Lancia Stratos waiting in the bay to be picked up. He knows his stuff.

Auto Doctor was good until a mechanic dropped a spanner on my car and dented the body panel. When I went to pick it up the guys acted like they knew nothing about the dent, but I was 100% certain that dent was new. I spoke with the owner and we we worked everything out, but those mechanics will never see my car again.

[micbrody]

What’s the brake issue? Maybe I can help

[filipm]

Thanks for the replies guys! My mechanic, who between myself and my dad, have been using for 40 years (son took over pop's shop) moved from Northbrook to somewhere past Wheeling and getting just a bit too far. They've worked on all of my cars and know foreign cars well, including getting my Fiat in good shape when I first bought it (radiator, brake boosters, master cylinder, injector o-rings, rear calipers, hoses, etc)

My issue now is a leak at the connection from the hard brake line that goes to the rear and connects to the rear center hose. It's a new hose that they put on and either threads are messed up or flare nut distorted. I tried to get the nut to move with some flare wrenches I have, with no luck. Not sure whether there's enough metal for a new nut to be put on, or if I'm looking all new metal and some adapters for the fittings.

I'll make a few more calls and see what can be done. Bryan's Garage in Evanston said they'd look at but seemed apprehensive (lots of good feedback from coworkers on that garage). With summer finally showing up, need to get it on the road!

[joelittel]

We’ve taken our Honda to Brian’s garage and were very happy with their service.