New Member from Cincinnati

[cincifiat]

Just a post to introduce myself. I just bought a red 1980 spider. It is an automatic. Can anyone tell me if this is more rare than the 4 or 5 speeds? It has 48,000 orignal miles. Body is in really good shape no rust. It has quite a few rattles that I plan on correcting but have mostly been driving it.

Have been reading some of the posts sounds like I have the typical problems that all of them have. Wiring, dash lights, tach not working, turn signals, horn...etc..

Look forward to reading and sharing with all of you.

Ray

Will attached pics when I figure out how to add them

[htchevyii]

Welcome Ray,
The auto is rarer, but to many less desirable than the 5sp, (to many it's just not a sports car without a manual trans). But by all means, don't let it bother you if you like it. BTW the trans is based on the Chevette trans and is reliable and fairly easy to obtain parts for. The biggest problems in the electrical system are the ground pods, (in the front of the engine compartment on both sides and under the dash), and the flasher switch, (all the turn signals, brake lights etc go thru it). Cleaning the grounds and replacing the flasher switch fixed all of my problems. Good luck with your car and show us some pics. Here's a link to Brad Artigue's wiring diaghrams if you need them:
http://www.artigue.com/?page_id=41

[mbouse]

Ray, welcome here.

please post pictures as soon as you are able. we love to see other members' cars.

those electrical gremlins are all over the place as soon as any Fiat changes hands. it is like they breed on sales agreements and title transfer paperwork. You will find 90% of your solutions in cleaning connections and securing ground wires. i also recommend adding an additional grounding strap between the engine and the inner fender.

Cincinnati? i have friends with Fiats in cincinnati. perhaps when you get your feet on the ground, you will send me an email and i can connect you with them. certainly, they have some advice, expertise, spare parts, and social events they'd like to share with you. Perhaps they'd even be willing to stop by and get you off to the right start.

when John Kristoff pops in, be sure to talk to him about the Ohio chapter of FIAT LANCIA UNLIMITED.

according to my friend Lee, you will need that horn; but not the rear view mirror. So, by all means, if the gremlins get you down, please don't hesitate to ask for advice. we've not yet charged anyone for advice, but lunch is always nice..

[rlux4]

Hi Ray, welcome to the forum. I wish I had another Spider, but with an automatic. Our daughter is learning to drive, and when I took her out in the Fiat, she looked down at the shift pattern on the console and almost drove off the road! here's a tutorial on posting pics so we can see your new pride and joy. (Please post pics of the car, not furniture polish and dish soap.)
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... res#p37831
Ron

[launieg]

(Please post pics of the car, not furniture polish and dish soap.)

Ron, I know you are being funny, but I don't get it. What did I miss here? I hate not knowing..

[rlux4]

As in "Here's a picture of my Pride and Joy"

When you said I was being funny, you were almost right Launie. It's only funny if it's understood. What I was doing was trying to be funny.
Ron

[launieg]

Ron you are so subtle Thanks for clarifying.

[cincifiat]

Hey Ron,

Thanks for the link to load my pics. I've been driving the car so much that I haven't had time to take too many pictures

Will post some soon.

Ray

[mbouse]

please forgive Ron. at his age, sense of humor is such a touch-and-go thing. Luv ya Ron!

[kristoj]

Okay Mike, I'm popping in! Welcome to the site Cincifiat! Mike is correct that you should consider joining Fiat-Lancia Unlimited. It is inexpensive to join, and you will connect with other members in your area for expertise, as well as social events. Check out more info. here and here.

[cincifiat]

Hey Guys,

In the mist of driving this fun creator I stopped in the driveway and finally took the time to take some pictures of my ride.

Hope you enjoy the photos as much as I've enjoyed the first 1000 miles of driving it.

Let me know what you think of her. hope I didn't post too many

Ray

[kristoj]

That is SHARP! You must be proud. Kudos on putting 1000 miles on her so quickly.

[kilrwail]

Very nice and good photos - can't post too many!