New from the Northeast

[kdog]

Hey guys,
I just picked up a 1975 spider. Pardon if I offend anyone, but I was origanally looking at MGBs. I test drove a couple and was still on the fence about it when I come across this Spider. One test drive and the decision was easy. The Spider was superior in every arena. I just put it on the road a couple days ago and have started putting some miles on to try and identify problem spots. It runs quite well really. Feels a bit clunky in the suspension (mormal?). It did not come with much service history, so I thought I would start by doing the 12,000 mile service and take it from there. First impression....sweet little ride.

[mbouse]

hey kdog. welcome.

anyone that chooses a Spider over an MG shouldn't offend anyone here.

new bushings, new shocks, etcetera are prolly in order to bring that suspension back into shape. Don't forget the timing belt and the guibo on that maintenance list of to-do's

[rlux4]

Hi Kdog, welcome to the group. We're with you, MGs are OK I guess, but the Spiders are special. I think you'll find you made a very good decision.
Post some pics of your new ride for us to admire.
Ron

[narfire]

Hi there from the northwest...sort of. Good choice in the fiat. You'll find the problems that might come up from time to time, are easy to sort out with the never ending help offered here. The parts supply for you car is great,used parts can be found here and there are several new parts vendors down there as well.
Oh yea... Pictures?
Correct me if I'm wrong,but don't the older MG's only have a 4 speed, lots of rpm at highway speeds.

[kdog]

Thanks for the warm welcome guys. I will work on some pics and post asap. Yes, the MGs are 4 speeds. Pretty much takes the highway out as an option.

[lanciahf]

kdog were are you located?

[driftandrally616]

I dunno about you guys but at 65 mph in 5th gear, I'm at about 36-3800 rpms, not exactly low (in my view). Many V8 powered vehicles with 4 speeds grumble along at 18-2000 rpms at the same speed in 4th. Just wish 5th gear in our cars was more of an overdrive than it is. .8 something : 1

[baltobernie]

65 MPH in fifth should be 3500 RPM in your car (3.90 rear), unless you have bigger tires than stock. Still quite a bit more than contemporary cars, tho ...

Hey, at least we can enjoy the sounds!

[kdog]

I am from upstate NY. 65mph, I am running 3500rpms. A 6 cylinder in this car would have been a nice option, no doubt.

[kdog]

[mbouse]

nice looking car. interesting bumpers in the front. what's in the back?

[kristoj]

Very sharp car. Welcome to the group.

[driftandrally616]

Nice car!! Yeah it's probably 3500, but that's still pretty high. It does sound good though!

[kdog]

nice looking car. interesting bumpers in the front. what's in the back?

Back is stock chrome bumpers. I have never seen these front bumpers before. I would like to replace one of them, but have no idea how to find them. Not in any of the fiat cataloges. I think they are some aftermarket universal fit type deal.