New member from Indiana

[fredtheprophet]

I'm looking at swapping an older truck for a '78 Spider and I found this site while looking for a "buyers guide". It's about 2 hours away and I'll probably go eyeball it this weekend to see if it's worth my time.

the first 2 owners kept it in a garage, current owner has only driven it in the summer and had it garaged during the winters. the battery went flat last winter and a deal was made to sell the car, it was dragged out and didnt sell so there it sat.

the wheel arches were mostly patched with filler
new brake parts in the trunk
it will have a new battery (today with any luck)
seller says "no rust in the floors or trunk"

I had $1800 on the truck and seller has $2500 on the Fiat, I'm tempted to take it if it will pull itself onto the trailer. I'm not scared of going through the brakes and doing some light bodywork while it's cold out... it will get me away from Volkswagens for awhile.


an update already -- "Got the batt. in and sanded the points.It started right up. So just let me know what day your going to come up."

[fiasco]

Looks good Fred (way to include pics in your first post!). It'll give you something fun to work on, and if you can drive it around some too, all the better. I just picked up a '76 and am enjoying both the driving and the working so far. This forum is a great source of information, and there's a great Fiat camaraderie here as well.

Welcome!
-- se

[baltobernie]

Welcome to the forum. Looks like the car is quite complete. I hope you enjoy it and the folks you meet here.

[So Cal Mark]

welcome, I hope you can work out the deal to get the car.

[pope]

FYI

Famous last words....seller says "no rust in the floors or trunk"

Car looks like it is a nice base to start with.
Good luck

[mbouse]

of course, you know i gotta ask...where in indiana?

Huge state, i cannot see all the Fiats in indiana. But, dave and I would love to make your acquaintance. Just tell us where.

BTW-welcome to the site.

[fredtheprophet]

Profile updated. I'm in Sunman, Indiana right near the southeast corner of the state.

I learned all about floors, frames, and shock towers from a run-in with a pair of Spitfires a couple years ago.

[racydave]

Howdy Fred! Nice to know that there are a few Fiats in IN. This is a great forum to socialize, and get info on repairs and parts. Some of us were planning a trip to Madison next spring, looks to be about in your back yard! Hope you find the Fiat you want, They are out there, and Ive seen em for sale in Cincy on Craigslist, so its very possible to find the car you want! Good luck!

[rlux4]

Welcome to the forum Fred. You're withing hailing distance from several good guys. You'll be able to join them for get-togethers and Fiat runs, the best part of owning one of these fun cars. Good luck on your acquisition.
Ron

[mbouse]

Yeah, glad to hear that you understand floorboards and rust and such. I'd hate to think that you'd get left out on those learning experiences. (from another former SpitWad owner).

[kristoj]

Welcome to the site! I'm only a few hours from you in Ohio. Hope you are able to work out a deal.

[SpiderHead]

Yeah, glad to hear that you understand floorboards and rust and such. I'd hate to think that you'd get left out on those learning experiences. (from another former SpitWad owner).

Spitwads are the coolest Triumphs ever! I had a 78 1500, and loved every minute of it till I got out on the freeway. That car was designed for much smaller roads, with other small cars around you. Anyone that thinks a Fiat is small has never driven in a Spitfire on the 710. Not sure, but I think they are making skateboards about that big these days. and skateboards have a little more ground clearance. Needless to say, I got scared... and traded it for a '68 Mustang.

-Ryan

[fredtheprophet]

I had a few problems with the truck I'm trading but I've got most everything worked out and I'll be doing the hauling on Christmas Eve.

The seller let me know today that the Fiat goes, stops, the heat works and he's ready to own a vintage 1985 Dodge truck.

[fredtheprophet]

The Fiat has landed. It's only a little crunchy.

[TulsaSpider]

Allright! Congrats and welcome!!