Fiat1969/Intro

[fiat1969]

Hello, all out there. I'm new to this forum having been a FLU member for years and checking Mirafiori once a year whether I need to or not. I have had several Fiats and Alfas through the years and now am the proud owner of a 1969 Fiat 124 Spider and a 1988 Alfa Milano Gold. The Fiat 1438 gave up after about 400K miles and I had my mechanic son install a 1.8 liter for a few years. He finished that engine off with a bang - literally - and now I have a much faster car. He installed a 2.0 liter engine with 1.8 liter head, a header, and dual 40 IDF Webers. He upgraded it to electronic ignition (Fiat) and moved the battery to the back.

I told my wife I wanted to be buried in this car, but I don't think she is having any of that. Nor is the state of NC probably going to be cooperative with that either. So my son will probably end up driving it one day.

More to come later and maybe I'll figure out how to post pix of my ugly but wonderful little spider.

Meady

[mdrburchette]

Hey there, Meady, and welcome to this forum! We'd love to see pics of your 69 when you have a chance. Btw, North Carolina state law requires the car to be waterproof if you are to be buried in it, so I guess a ragtop doesn't qualify.

[mbouse]

i guess that would depend on who did the top install, 'eh Denise?

hey, Meady... welcome here.

[mdrburchette]

Good gracious, I didn't think about the top being up....mmm, maybe it can be done!

[racydave]

Hi Meady! Dinner has'nt been the same without you and your beautifull wife sittin across the table from me! After I thought about it, Im sure we have met before, maybe at Detroit Freakout? Anyway, welcome here! Glad to hear from you!!!

[rlux4]

Hi Meady, welcome to the forum. Getting the engine swap sounds like you get to have a new car again.
We'd love to see your 69. Here's a good tutorial on how to post pics.
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... res#p37831
Ron

[rocky]

Meady, welcome. How lucky you are, a Fiat and an Alfa. Your Spider must be a blast to drive. I love the 75s, great look and great handling. I also have an Alfa. It's a '74 GTV. Great fun with both my cars.

Greg
'77 Spider
'74 AR GTV

[thechadzone]

Wow, that's what I got! I also have a '69 Spider with a 2.0, 1.8 head, 40-IDFs and I just bought a damn nice performance header from eBay. I'm still spinning points, but other than that I've got what you've got, right down to the Alfa Romeo. Mine's a '77 2.0 Spider with dual DCOEs.

I made a very nice run up the West coast of Oregon last week in the Fiat, my first with the IDF set-up. It did amazingly well! I'm very impressed with its hill climbing abilities, its sound, and its top end speed. It was a 300 mile round trip. The 124AS is said to be over a hundred pounds lighter than subsequent spiders, and mine is sans-bumpers, despite yesterday's citation for no front license plate. $97.00 is more of a fee than a fine, right?

I have no problem getting plenty of smoke off the tires as I spin in circles in the parking lot behind where I work, but I have yet to go for an all-out top end speed trial. I've just topped 100 MPH in its current configuration, and I still had plenty of RPM left...

I've modified a set of mid- '80's BMW alloy wheels to fit the car, and replaced their center BMW logos with the Abarth center cap. Despite the heresy, they look very good! I have decent 60 series tires on them, and the car handles pretty well.

If you haven’t seen “What’s-His-Name’s” Positano Yellow ’69 Spider yet, go YouTube “Fiat Super Bowl” or some such thing, and it’ll pop up. It should be an inspiration to each of us. Please PLEASE post some YouTube videos of your car, and it’ll inspire me to do the same…

Welcome to the board

-Chad

[launieg]

I should say "welcome Meady" before I ask Chad how he modified the BMW rims, and if maybe he can post a photo of them. I have a spare set of them (not the European size of course) and I'd be interested. You guys sound like a fast crowd

[fiat1969]

Hi, I've finally remembered to log back in here and check my post. Wow!! What a welcome and thanks!!! I'll get some pictures together soon and post them. I am trying to find a way around the "waterproof" burial clause in NC Doubt I will do that though! I do finally have a new top to have installed NEXT WEEK. So driving in the rain should be lots more fun. The wipers are SLOW but they do work and that is saying a lot for this old ragtop.

Again, thanks for the hearty welcome and I'll be back more often. After all, I'm retired now and have NO excuse for time!!

Meady

[fiat1969]

I can't figure out how to just REPLY on this forum. Any help would be appreciated. I have had my '69 up to 110 mph on the local freeway and it had more to give me. I am thinking 115 or 120 maybe? Lotta midrange grunt too. I can't outrun the Milano but it sure is fun!!

Great to hear from you,

Meady

Wow, that's what I got! I also have a '69 Spider with a 2.0, 1.8 head, 40-IDFs and I just bought a damn nice performance header from eBay. I'm still spinning points, but other than that I've got what you've got, right down to the Alfa Romeo. Mine's a '77 2.0 Spider with dual DCOEs.

I made a very nice run up the West coast of Oregon last week in the Fiat, my first with the IDF set-up. It did amazingly well! I'm very impressed with its hill climbing abilities, its sound, and its top end speed. It was a 300 mile round trip. The 124AS is said to be over a hundred pounds lighter than subsequent spiders, and mine is sans-bumpers, despite yesterday's citation for no front license plate. $97.00 is more of a fee than a fine, right?

I have no problem getting plenty of smoke off the tires as I spin in circles in the parking lot behind where I work, but I have yet to go for an all-out top end speed trial. I've just topped 100 MPH in its current configuration, and I still had plenty of RPM left...

I've modified a set of mid- '80's BMW alloy wheels to fit the car, and replaced their center BMW logos with the Abarth center cap. Despite the heresy, they look very good! I have decent 60 series tires on them, and the car handles pretty well.

If you haven’t seen “What’s-His-Name’s” Positano Yellow ’69 Spider yet, go YouTube “Fiat Super Bowl” or some such thing, and it’ll pop up. It should be an inspiration to each of us. Please PLEASE post some YouTube videos of your car, and it’ll inspire me to do the same…

Welcome to the board

-Chad

[racydave]

Meady, looks like you are doin a good job replying, if you want to send a personal message use a PM. Otherwise, don't be a stranger! Denise is at the FFO along with Craig and bunches more. I hate them all! Stay in touch!!!