New Member / Non-Owner

[Tango]

Hi, everyone.

I am looking to educate myself on Fiats. I have been looking at various makes and models of sporty two seaters from the 60's-70's towards purchasing one. Since I was a teenager I wanted an MGB, but I actually owned an Austin Mini in 78 and in Canadian winters they were basically biodegradable. They rusted out like nobody's business. But worse, the quality of the components everywhere was highly suspect. (While tightening the bleed nipple on a wheel slave cylinder block, the force of tightening the nipple with a hand wrench caused the whole block to split in half. Not encouraging on a brake component. Then one day the pinion ceased to engage with the steering rack -- this was two blocks after exiting a major highway). So as I recalled this I was talking myself out of British Leyland products.

Then I saw a friend's Karmann Ghia convertible and realized that here was a basic technology that had been so successful (in its Beetle incarnation) that it had competed well for decades. Trouble is, they are like hen's teeth around here at reasonable prices anyway.

All this and an article on the Canadiandriver.ca website has led me to think that a Fiat Spider might in fact be a good alternative. And so I am here to educate myself on things to look for, general price ranges (Ontario Canada), etc.

[launieg]

I was interested, so I looked up the article. Can be seen here:

http://www.canadiandriver.com/2009/07/1 ... 6-1982.htm

By the way, welcome to the forum! It will keep you busy, even if you don't have a Spider

I have to tell you that the first time I drove my Spider, I had the biggest smile on my face as I went down the drive. And that experience continues. In fact, I've had my Spider off the road for a few weeks, and I can hardly stand not driving it! So you are definitely and finally on the right track.

[Fonz]

welcome to the forum, I dint know the Karmann came in a convertible trim. They are easily obtainable here in california, cheap too. Best of luck finding your spider, look out for rust because it is not uncommon.

[kilrwail]

Welcome to the forum from a fellow Ontarian. There are lots of enthusiastic Spider owners in Ontario and some amazing examples. We did really well at the concourse at Fiat Freak Out last month. Of course none of us would consider driving our cars in winter; most of them never have been. I'm located in Ottawa and would be glad to help you find or examine the Spider of your dreams.

[azygoustoyou]

Welcome to the site and good luck on your search. If I was you, I would take Peter up on his offer. You won't find anyone more knowledgeable on the spider that's willing to help.

[Tango]

Thank you all. Just to clarify, I drove the MIni in the winter because it was a cheap ride and all I had. But with 10" snow tires it chewed through just fine. I bought it for $300 and got over a year from it.

I would not think of driving my sports car in winter. Not in Ontario.

I will be in touch with Peter shortly. I certainly appreciate the friendly reception and offers of help!

Oh, and re the Karmann Ghias in California -- actually, yes I have seen a number listed there. My friend's KG actually came from there, but I couldn't buy long distance without seeing it. My friend has restored a few cars / bikes / trikes and is more at ease with it. When he located the car that he wanted he made the deal and his father-in-law was despatched to pick it up and drive it back to Ontario. He got as far as Michigan when he was rear-ended in traffic.

Cin cin.

Tim

[htchevyii]

Welcome, I'd recommend trying to hitch a ride or drive in a Spider. Before getting Spiders, I bought my wife a 71 Karmann Ghia and had a 62 Bug. They are now gone and we have a '72 and '82 Spider. I really like the Ghia's styling, but without alot of mods my wife decided it was too loud and too slow. The Spiders drive like a much more modern car with decent power and cruising speed. There is alot you can do to VW's, (freeway flyer trans, big bore, etc) and I saw some pretty impressive ones at the Bug-o-Rama but, in my opinion they need mods to be more than a "around town car". I'd drive both and decide which suits you best.

[Tango]

Welcome to the forum from a fellow Ontarian. There are lots of enthusiastic Spider owners in Ontario and some amazing examples. We did really well at the concourse at Fiat Freak Out last month. Of course none of us would consider driving our cars in winter; most of them never have been. I'm located in Ottawa and would be glad to help you find or examine the Spider of your dreams.

Peter: I would very much like to get in touch. Did you get my email?

T

[kilrwail]

E-mail sent.

[Tango]

Hey, I am an owner now -- assuming it passes Safety Inspection tomorrow.

I have a 1981 Fiat Spider! I will post pics once I get it picked up in a week or two. Too bad it is so late in the season, but on the other hand, I've got a few months to make sure that everything is up to snuff, change out the timing belt, etc.

I appreciate the advice, I pestered Peter Brownhill mercilessly for tips and information and the seller was very good to deal with.

T

[launieg]

Congratulations T! The best year for a spider It's terrific that this forum hooked you up with Peter so you could get the advice you needed.

[rlux4]

Way to go Tango! Welcome to the forum and Spider ownership. Welcome to the club.
PICS!!
Ron

[Tango]

Thanks. We trailered it home yesterday. I will have to wait for the weekend to take pics. The old owner never drove it in the rain and was a bit startled to see us loading it in a driving rain and high winds. Well, at least I know that the roof doesn't leak.

I'm just working on a must-do list so that I can get it running reliably over the winter. I'll be on the forum shortly with lots of questions of how-to....?

Tim