From Norht Bay Ontario Canada

[vinnypew]

Hello everyone, I just bought my 1978 1800 Spider and looks like I am going to need a lot of help. The guy I bought it from is a friend of mine so I know a little bit of the history. He had good intentions. The car has been stored outside for about five years and hasn't moved for the past 2 years. But I am hopeful. It will take some work but this is what I want and I am ready.

Vinnypew
78 Fiat Spider

[kristoj]

Yo Vinny, welcome to the site! You can get all the help you need here. A very good friend of mine in my university days was from Sudbury, so I know the area fairly well. I have fond memories of summers at his family's cabin on Lake Ministic just North of Sudbury -- beautiful country up there!. So how is the body? I would first carefully check the shock towers/inner fenders/front rails for rot. Five years in the elements in Northern Ontario cannot be helpful for a 30 year old car. If this checks out, everything else can be fixed fairly easily with time and money. Post some pix when you get a chance.

[vinnypew]

John, The GODS are looking down on us right now. In your reply you mentioned a friend from Sudbury and stay @ a cotage near Timmins. I am from Sudbury (now in North Bay) and right now at this moment, I am in Timmins

I crawled underneath the car and it has been undercoated. I am going to wait til spring to start on it. I will have it certified and work on it slowly. Thanks for the vote of confidence. Once I figure out how to post pictures here I will.

Vinnypew
1978 Fiat 1800 Spider

[kristoj]

Small world, eh? Their cabin was only about any hour north -- much closer to Sudbury than Timmins. My friend's name was Pat MacLean (I know, too common of a name to be helpful). We met at U of T in the late '80s.

[rlux4]

Hello, and welcome to the forum. Congratulations on the new car. Hopefully it didn't fare too badly while it was in the elements these five years. Sounds like you know what you're getting into though, so good luck, and keep us posted. You'll get all the help you need here, for sure.
Ron

[vinnypew]

Thanks Folks

[mbouse]

hI vinnie and welcome

[vinnypew]

Thanks for the welcome. I have been looking around the car and got some big plans that I don't thing will be a that big of a problem. but a lot of work (labour of love) I live in northern Ontario so I will have to wait til spring to get started.

[vinnypew]

I am going to get the car running today and store it for the winter. Over the winter I will be looking for some parts. Right now I know it needs door panels, floor on the right side and carpet.

[vinnypew]

I am going to get the car running today and store it for the winter. Over the winter I will be looking for some parts. Right now I know it needs door panels, floor on the right side and carpet.

Well, the car wouldn't run but it is put away for the winter. I will get back to it in early spring.

[kristoj]

I would definitely focus on the mechnicals first and get it running well, braking well and handling well. Once you have crossed that bridge, then you can move on to carpet, door panels, etc.