Looking at a spider

[Deadwolf]

Looking at getting a Fiat 124 Spider project. It is a 1970. I'm going this weekend to look at the project someone else started. He has a video of the motor running before he started tearing the car down. From the photo's the drivers side floor pan will probably need patched at least, but the passenger side in the pictures at least looks solid. I have not seen any pictures of the underside though yet.

I'm just wondering if anyone has any major red flag issues I should look at before getting into this project? Once you start replacing floor pans are their areas that will be revealed that I can't see until the pan is out that would cause major rust repairs? Is their a location that I can find parts interchange between the years? Do they make a turbo kit for these small engines or would I have to custom engineer one if I go that route? Can an LS motor fit between the frame rails?

I'm not new to cars I currently have 2 other projects I am working on, a 1963 Impala that is being turned into a pro street build and a 1963 Impala SS convertible that will be more of a classic build. I can do body work, but I don't like it. If it is simply a floor pan replacement that can be done in a couple of solid days of work, I'm game. The idea behind this car is hopefully something I can build over the winter in the smaller garage that has heat and cruise around in over next summer while I work on the Impala's. The the next winter I can make upgrades to the fiat for the next summers driving. Rinse and repeat till the impala's are ready to cruise then probably let my wife or daughter take over this car.

[baltobernie]

I've noticed that the biggest challenge with inheriting a project someone else has started are the unidentifible parts that are included in boxes, and the missing parts that you don't know are missing. Here are two dated, but useful, articles that you should read before adopting a Spider project:
https://www.hemmings.com/stories/articl ... 124-spider
https://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/buyspid.html
Then Search this forum for "front shock tower rust" and "crossmember".

Lastly, resist the newbie mistake to "improve" the car before a thorough analysis and budget has been realistically completed.

[davebdave]

I am in the processes or putting together a project spider(1971.) It hasn't been too difficult so far especially with help from members on this site and a few local Fiat owners. Fortunately many of the fasteners were bagged and tagged but some were/are not. The parts are easily identifiable and there are plenty of exploded parts diagrams from online parts suppliers.

I drove a 124 spider just once and for me the fun was in managing the engine's power band and the car's inertia. I wouldn't modify it other than releasing the engine's full potential with exhaust and fuel delivery upgrades. Big power would change the character of car. It's fun to have a sports car you can drive full out and wave at the cops while doing it. I would suggest driving it stock with a sport exhaust (The engines sounds like a mini Ferrari) and see if it doesn't put a smile on your face.

Fiat did offer a turbo for the 124 spider 2000 in the 1980s but I don't know much about it.

Dave