Back in the Fiat saddle again.

[mikeyjohnston]

New back to a Fiat again. Used to own a 1971 Fiat 124 Spider. Sold it in 1979 after serving in the military and driving it from Savannah GA, back to Los Angeles CA. I am picking up my 1980 Spider this week.

Michael Johnston
Lancaster, CA.

[rlux4]

Lancaster!!! Hey, we're neighbors! Welcome to the forum Michael. I use mine a lot for running errands around town, I wonder if you've seen me out and about in my red one?
There's a get together coming up next month down below, you should plan on joining us, we can ride down together.
Tell us about your car, is it a Ca. model with fuel injection?
I look forward to meeting you,
Ron

[mikeyjohnston]

Thanks for the welcome Ron, and I did note that you are from Lancaster. I will be picking up the Spider on Wednesday in Phoenix and driving it back home. I do know that it is fuel injected but I don't believe it is a "California" car. But it could be. I'll find out a lot more after I get her home.

[rlux4]

In 1980, the first year for fuel injection, only those cars imported into California had it. The rest of the country got the last year for carbs. Starting in 1981 all Spiders had fuel injection, and the road to perfection was almost complete. One more year, 1982, and perfection had been achieved. After that, the company didn't think they could improve any more, so they let Pininfarina take over production.
Ron

[So Cal Mark]

welcome to the site Michael, I hope you can make the Feb 1 run.
Ron, I lived in Lancaster for a couple of years and I can see how the blowing dust has clouded your thinking

[rlux4]

"Welcome to the Antelope Valley Wind Festival: Jan. 1 through Dec. 31"
Ron

[mbouse]

One more year, 1982, and perfection had been achieved. After that, the company didn't think they could improve any more, so they let Pininfarina take over production.
Ron

and herein take your first lesson about this forum. Do not believe everything you read.

i am certain your fuel inected '80 is a phat ride, but to believe the blatant LIE that Spider perfection was achieved in '82 is just craziness. Although fuel injection was a phenominal improvement for those that cannot or will not take the time to understand the shear beauty of a carbureted engine, it (F.I.) is not the do-all, end-all of the automotive world. and that "perfection" certainly did not occur in model year 1982. EVEN the italians continue to create more and more beautiful works of art post-1982, as they did pre-1982. in fact, 1982 was just a hiccup in the manufacturing process.

the debate will continue, i am sure. Some of us have little to do; and spend too much time at the keyboard.

be welcome in your presence, Michael. Please share pictures as soon as you can.

[rlux4]

Sure Mike. Next you'll be trying to convince us there's no Easter bunny.
Ron

[mikeyjohnston]

Ron, I did note that yours is an '82. Feeling a little bit of pride in your "perfected" ride are we. I hope my '80 turns out to be half as much fun as the '71 I had while I was in the service of our great country. We shall see!

[rlux4]

Mike, did you get the car yesterday? If so, how did it do on the drive? If you PM me your phone # I'd like to come over sometime, maybe this weekend and meet ya and see your new car.
Ron

[kristoj]

I have to go with Ron on this one, 1982 is definitely the pinnacle year for the Fiat Spider Mike has been sniffing his carb again. Must be running really rich. Welcome back to Fiat ownership!

[mikeyjohnston]

No Ron. The pickup date had to be pushed back until Feb. 3, due to a last second trip to Miami by the seller. I'll post when I get her here, and we will surely get together and check out each others ride. Being a little new to the site question, "What is a PM, and how do I send one?

[rlux4]

Good job figuring out how to send a PM. I got it, and I'm just getting ready to call you. Bummer that you couldn't get the car yet. We'll definitely get together and admire each others' ride when it gets here. Being FI, I will call you about what you may want to take with you, being as you plan to drive it home.
Ron

[mdrburchette]

Being FI, I will call you about what you may want to take with you, being as you plan to drive it home.
Ron

Like bringing another car? A 71 is so much less complicated and requires less parts. Sorry FI owners. I gotta pimp the early models when I can!

[rlux4]

Denise, I have something to admit. Mike came over to my place yesterday and we went through my car, showing him the FI components and talking about what to watch for. He complimented me on how nice my car looks. I told him the car he needs to see for real beauty is Ace's. A 70. My car should look as good as his and yours.
I won't let the cat out of the bag, we'll wait for Mike's pictures, but I will say it's a cutie.
Ron