New member with 81' 2000

[Gerard]

Hi,
Thanks for an interesting and informative site.
I recently purchased an 81 Spider 2000 with 96k on the clock from the original owner ,it's straight and rust free but hasn't been run often in the last 3 or 4 years .
I need your help and advice. What is a good source for parts ? The car is missing some bits, like the right wing window locking device and the straps to hold down the top when folded. Are such things available anywhere?
I would also appreciate a reference for a mechanic to "check the car out " and look at the brakes , wheel bearings and wheel alignment and other saftey relate components , before I attemp to drive it very far. I live in the western end of the San Fernando Valley.
Thank you , Gerard

[mbouse]

Hi Gerold, and welcome.

Please post some pictures of your amazing new phat ride!!

yes, those items are available, and your car is not the first to be missing them. we have a variety of vendors for both new and gently used parts, and i will give you some of my personal favorites (not in any particular order):
http://www.vickauto.com
http://www.midwest124.com
http://www.fiatparts.com
http://www.international-auto.com
http://www.baylessfiat.com

then again, you should post in the parts wanted section here at this forum to see exactly what your fellow forum buddies have available as well.

[kristoj]

Welcome to the site and congrats on purchasing a Spider. I echo Mike's advice to post what you need on this site first. One of my rookie mistakes early on was paying a lot of money for a rebuilt distributor when I could have gotten a good used one on this site for over $100 less.

[mbouse]

We are together because that is what makes the most sense for us!

that includes our pocket books

[Gerard]

Hi All,
Thank you for your prompt and helpful responses to my posting. I have owned several Triumphs in the past and am new to the Fiat world, glad to learn there are a number of parts sources.
Any suggestions of a good Fiat mechanic in the SFValley or Ventura County Ca. will be appreciated. I don't want to drive the car too far until someone familiar with the Spider gives it the once over. It pulls to the right (alignment ?) and the brakes are weak.( the fluid was low ,I topped the reseviour to the fill mark , it did not make any difference in pedal travel , so I assume they need to be bled ? ).
Your recommendations are appreciated.
Gerard

[rlux4]

Welcome to the forum Gerard. You live in a good area for Spider owners. You're surrounded by fellow enthusiasts. I live in Lancaster, Ventura Ace lives in..... I can't remember where he lives. And there are others pretty close also. I'd like to make a trip down to your place and toss around ideas. Ace, how about we make a date to go over?
You're right between the two of us. Ace has a lot more skill that i do with these cars, but I have the advantage over him as far the FI goes.
Then there is the new SoCal FLU chapter forming now. FLU is "Fiat/Lancia Unlimited". It is the largest club in the US for us owners. We'd love to have you join us.
Ron

[ventura ace]

Hello Gerard,
Welcome! You might try Jack's Auto in Reseda. I haven't been there in a while, but this is what I got from Google:

18421 Hart St
Reseda, CA 91335
(818) 345-4458

I'm pretty sure he is still working on Fiats.

Hope to run into you one of these days soon!

Alvon

[mbouse]

A convert!! you'll find Spiders a lot more pleasing than those LBC's

does it pull to the right all the time, or just when braking?

fantastic brake upgrade kit available at http://www.midwest124.com

[launieg]

Well, I think I've been watching this board long enough to welcome a new member, particularly another one with an '81 FI, definitely the best year for these cars, if my memory of the posts on this board is correct Mine has the same mileage as yours, and although in worse condition than yours (I bet) is a treat to drive. Can hardly wait for springtime!

As others have said, you should always bring your problems to the forum before spending dollars, to get the right info and save money!

[Gerard]

Hi All,

Thanks for the warm welcome to the group and the advice.
The offer to stop by from Alvon and Ron is truly appreciated , I would really enjoy meeting you and getting your counsel on this car. May I have a rain-check until April ? I am out of town until then. I picked up the car the day before I left and have only driven it 1.5 miles from my neighbor's house to mine , it seems to pull right all the time , the brake pedal goes almost to the floor, so I was a little cautious about driving it too far, especially in a hilly canyon.
I live in Bell Canyon , which is in Ventura County and accessed from Valley Circle Blvd. in the Valley.
Thanks for the referral, I'll call Jack,
See you in April, Gerard

[mbouse]

i wish i could be outatown until april!! how do you accomplish that?

[rlux4]

April is actually better than right now for me. Plus, that gives me time to make amends to Ace for practically dragging him into the trip before discussing it with him. OK Ace?
When you're new to these cars it's neat to get a couple more together to compare and learn about your own.
I look forward to April. Just get back on the forum when you get back and we'll set a date.
Ron

[ventura ace]

Gerard,
I mentioned Jack's Auto, mostly because you mentioned that you didn't want to roll the car very far before getting it checked out. Jack is very familiar with our Fiats, however I've been reading feedback that he doesn't keep a very regular schedule. If that becomes an issue, and you feel safe with rolling the car a little further, Mark's shop in Upland should be your first choice. It's the same Mark Alison that you see here on the Forum, helping answer folks' questions, so you can bet he knows your car very well. He's open every day and part day on Saturday's, I think. I've always been pleased with the help that I've received from Mark.