New Fiat owner, new to site

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BrotherJoseph

New Fiat owner, new to site

Post by BrotherJoseph »

Hello all! My name is Joe, and I'm from Richmond, VA. I'm probably one of the younger Fiat Spider owners(21), but maybe that's just some awful stereotype ;) Anyways, just scanning through the forums on this site has been a huge help to me already, as many people have already asked and had answered my questions. I have always loved and respected many European cars, but didn't expect that while still in the "starving musician" phase of life I would ever get to own my own.

About two months ago, I purchased for 400 dollars (and crossed fingers) a 1971 Spider with a 1608cc. The car had been sitting in the same spot, outside, under a tree, unmoved, for over fifteen years. Save the lack of thermostat union, paint, and a new coil, I think the car is all origional. My best guess is about 150,000 miles, and I don't think its ever had an engine rebuild, but I'm not ready to take that on for at least a couple of months. After an IAP run and many basics from a local place, I got the car to run around my yard, and run decently at that. I made a long list of things I needed to fix on the car when I got it, about thirty items, and I'm down to less than 10. I may even be able to try it on the road in a week or two, but the brake issues aren't completely fixed, and my gas tank is a goner, other then that, its just small stuff. Its been such a great experience over the past couple of months learning about this car, and the art that is older Italian cars in general. So thank you guys for all your expertise and for having such a helpful site! I will try to get some pics uploaded soon.

Thanks,
Joe
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launieg
Posts: 454
Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2008 4:17 pm
Your car is a: 1981 spider 2000
Location: Duncan, BC, Canada

Re: New Fiat owner, new to site

Post by launieg »

Hi Joe,

Welcome to the forum. I hope I speak for all us "older folks" that it is great to have your generation showing such an interest in these old treasures (the cars, that is). I sure hope you continue to work away at your Spider until you are able to really enjoy it - on the road :D It will bring a big smile to your face.

Sounds like you got a good deal - I'll look forward to photos!
Launie
'81 Spider Rolling Restoration
BrotherJoseph

Re: New Fiat owner, new to site

Post by BrotherJoseph »

Here are some pics.

The first three are of the car upon delivery.

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I haven't done a thorough cleaning of the engine bay, but it does look much better then that now. I wanted to have the car protected against further rust(the paint was some maaco low end stuff, and was coming off everywhere), mainly because though rich in tarps, I have no garage, so me and some friends decided to do as much hand sanding as possible, and get some paint and clearcoat on the car, even if it gets redone professionally in the future.

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As you can see, I'm no professional, just trying to make something of a neglected treasure.
katsi

Re: New Fiat owner, new to site

Post by katsi »

Wow, great job so far. I hope you included a new timing belt in that list of items to fix. Keep us posted. :mrgreen:
mbouse

Re: New Fiat owner, new to site

Post by mbouse »

welcome to the site. so, IAP is close enough for a personal visit? i think they are having a customer appreciation day this weekend... are you aware of that?

keep us posted with your progress. we love to hear those reports.
BrotherJoseph

Re: New Fiat owner, new to site

Post by BrotherJoseph »

Timing belt was the very first thing I did, before I ever even let the engine turn over on my watch. Most of the sensors are new, both belts, fan switch, water pump, etc. Thanks for the tip about IAP! Its about an hour and a half drive from me, so definitely worth a trip this weekend! Actually, thanks for bringing up the timing belt-I have a big question about timing, but I'll post it in the appropriate forum.
mbouse

Re: New Fiat owner, new to site

Post by mbouse »

sept 19 9 am to 2 pm

sounds like there will be several from this board that will be there. tell everyone 'hi' for me.
rlux4
Patron 2022
Patron 2022
Posts: 4211
Joined: Thu Jan 10, 2008 8:32 pm
Your car is a: 1982 2000 Spider
Location: Granite Falls, Wa

Re: New Fiat owner, new to site

Post by rlux4 »

Yo Joe, how does it go?
Kudos to you for not being intimidated by the work you're putting into your car. We can tell by your attitude that you know it's worth it.
These friends that helped you sand and paint the car, tell me, are they still friends? :lol:
A belated welcome to the forum from one of the old guys. And believe me, I qualify.
Ron
Ron Luxmore
rlux2n2@gmail.com
'82 2000 Spider: after 26 years between Spiders.
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