Grampa has a new toy

[66ragman]

Hi Kids,
I've been retired for more than 17 years now and thought my adventures with motorized toys was now limited to lookin'.
SURPRISE! Somehow I talked myself into another project. I just found a 1983 Fiat Spider that's been hidden away for the last 25 years in a heated, dry, cement floor, garage. Originally from Fla., and only 20+k on the clock. Pretty choice in and out. I don't know yet what I'm in for to get it up and runnin'. Over the past years I have come to believe in, and trust the auto forums, so here I am talkin' to y'all. I have been an amateur builder and restorer for the past 67 years. Starting with my first basket case Whizzer back in '53. My only other Fiat was a '59 Bianchina 500 (is that the way it's spelled) Two cylinder, 500 cc, air cooled, drop top. OK , us old guys tend to wonder, so back to the topic. Before I haul this jewel out of its' tomb and start turnin' wrenches etc. What should I know and do that might be special for this "Fix It Again Tony.

Rog aka 66Ragman

[RRoller123]

FIAT = Feline Italian And Topless !! Welcome!

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Rog, welcome, and there's lot of expertise here to help you out as you work your way through the nuances of your new "toy". Feel free to ask any questions, and I'd suggest putting these in the appropriate forum thread so as to get the most views (and thus responses).

-Bryan

[scrapironchef]

If Tony couldn't fix it properly the first time why would you take it back to him?

Of all the tired old jokes about Fiats this is this has to be the worst.

[66ragman]

FIAT = Feline Italian And Topless !! Welcome!

Much more fitting!!! Yessss

[66ragman]

If Tony couldn't fix it properly the first time why would you take it back to him?

Of all the tired old jokes about Fiats this is this has to be the worst.

You are so right.. I just discovered that a friend of mine (he also owns a Fiat ) was quick to set me straight on being P C with Fiat owners. NO fix it again Tony jokes! So I told him after all the years that we have known each other, he obviously wasn't aware of my Polish ancestry. We're still friends..

[tima01864]

1983 to 85.5 are a bit different from other years but the same. Enjoy your good find.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

You are so right.. I just discovered that a friend of mine (he also owns a Fiat ) was quick to set me straight on being P C with Fiat owners. NO fix it again Tony jokes! So I told him after all the years that we have known each other, he obviously wasn't aware of my Polish ancestry. We're still friends..

Well, the jokes aren't confined to English, as FIAT finds itself referred to in German as "Fehler in allen Teile", which translates to "mistake in every part".

If you like the car, pay no attention to the peanut galleries! They exist for every brand.

-Bryan

[redcars]

The first thing is get an OEM repair manual and wiring manual. If the engine turns over free replace the timing belt. Then go completely through the brakes as stopping is more important than going. Now replace all the rubber hoses and v-belts as what you have is dry rotted. Replace the rubber flex disc in the driveshaft. Once you are ready to testing drive it put on new tires . Change all the fluids. The timing belt and rubber flex disc not to be skipped! Now drive it and report back.

[TX82FIAT]

great list of to do's starting with turning the engine and moving to brakes and rubber bits. As you change the fluids scope the gas tank. With the low miles and being stored in a garage you may be real lucky and have a car that had the fuel drained or little fuel in the tank. 25 year old gas is not something (even with additive) I would want to try to fire the car up on. You may need to clean tank or buy a new one. Wow, an 83 with only 25K. That's awesome!!!!

[66ragman]

Rog, welcome, and there's lot of expertise here to help you out as you work your way through the nuances of your new "toy". Feel free to ask any questions, and I'd suggest putting these in the appropriate forum thread so as to get the most views (and thus responses).

-Bryan

Hey Bryan,
How do I transfer this post to the general discussion ? I have many questions that will piggy back off of what is said
Rog

[18Fiatsandcounting]

I'm not aware of how to do this. I'd just start a new thread in the appropriate topic and go from there. People will catch up soon enough.

-Bryan

[redcars]

I am with Bryan I think you have to start a new thread.