New from O.C.

[jimincalif]

Hello all,

Thinking about getting a Spider, I've loved them since a friend's father took me for a ride when I was 15. Bought a new 128 3P back in 1978, but haven't had a Fiat since.

While I'm reasonably handy, I'm no mechanic. On my 128 I did oil changes, replaced the fuel pump, the front brake pads, clutch cable and other minor maintenance. Gave it a tune up myself once, but that's about it. Am I getting in over my head with a Spider? On the plus side I'm only about 50 miles from Allison Automotive in Upland.

Does this site have a photo gallery for you to show off your great cars? I like looking at pictures of Spiders.

[So Cal Mark]

Welcome to the site! glad to hear you're not too far away. There isn't a photo gallery here, owners put pix in the individual posts. You'll find most owners' pix in this new members section.
Do you have any particulars on a Spider? Year range, price range, condition, etc?

[jimincalif]

Thanks Mark,

Hope to learn more reading the forums here. I'd prefer a better condition car over a project. From what I've seen here the year is less of a concern than the history of the car and what restorative work has been done to it. I believe that 1975 and order cars are smog-exempt here in Calif? Is this correct? Is this a concern with these cars?

Really like the looks of the car in red. Price range - I'm flexible, based on the condition of the car. Of course I'll have to convince the wife too!

[SpiderHead]

Welcome Jim!

You have certainly found the right place to hang out if you want a Spider!

I've been told that 1975 is the last year that doesn't need to be smogged, and oddly enough also told that it is the first year that does! hmm...

With no direct evidence either way, I suggest more research than me.. lol... someone here has the answer! for sure!

Good luck in your hunt! Get a good one before they jump in price! and yes.. I predict a massive valuation correction for our beloved cars. Inside of 10 years, these fantastic cool cars we love so much will finally get the recognition they deserve, and their value will reflect their true place in the car world.

-Ryan

[jimincalif]

Thx Ryan,

Per DMV web site, 1975 and older are exempt.

http://dmv.ca.gov/vr/smogfaq.htm#BM2535

[Makita]

Welcome!

Here is one photo gallery http://www.fiatspider.de/index.php?opti ... Itemid=168

[rlux4]

Hi Jim, welcome to the forum. Good luck sweet talking your sweetie into getting a Spider. You could try what worked for me, tell her you'll give up the motorcycle in trade. But that only worked for me because she thought I was too old and decrepit to ride it anymore, so it may not work for you.
These cars are not difficult to keep maintained, especially considering the help available here on the forum. Plus, Mark loves the owners who won't or can't work on their own cars.
Makita, that's a great gallery site, thanks.
Ron

[jimincalif]

Hi Jim, welcome to the forum. Good luck sweet talking your sweetie into getting a Spider. You could try what worked for me, tell her you'll give up the motorcycle in trade.

Makita, that's a great gallery site, thanks.

Thanks for the welcome and the gallery link everyone. No motorcycle to offer up in trade, just a sailboat. And I'm definitely not giving that up!

[mdrburchette]

Welcome to the site! it's a good idea money wise to buy one that someone else has spilt their blood, sweat and tears into. You're in the perfect state to find one too. Here's a link to mine:
http://gallery.italiancarclub.com/124og/SPIDER-LADY-72/

[kristoj]

Welcome to the site! Don't be intimidated -- you don't have to be a mechanic. I have always taken my time and not been afraid to reach out for help/advice on this site. I have done more mechanical work on my Fiat in the last two years than all the previous years combined and thensome. they are fun to work on and relatively simple to maintain.

Here is a link to my gallery: http://fluforum.italiancarclub.com/gara ... le&CID=198