Austin TX!!!

[dozy]

I am have been looking for a spider for a few weeks - maybe a month, and in that time exhausted the articles out there on this beautiful car.

I am 26 years old grad students, but as my life is taking a turn, I decided to leave normal behind and embrace my true desires. I am a car nut, a driving enthusiast, and a genuine fanboi for all things automotive. Back in a day, I sold a perfectly good 5 months new Ford Focus because I fell in love with Mazda3 - and bought one.

Now, I am in love with the Fiat. Came to discovering it though a CL posting for a busted up parts car - transmission was about the one thing that worked on that car, and the seller was asking for $2,000, but through finding that post, I started researching this cal and knew quickly it was for me. I have never worked on cars, but I have built houses, and I will simply have to learn how to work with different kind of tools.

A great friend of mine advocated for the more traditional route of MGB's, but since I read up on the Pininfarina body, the DOHC engine, the 5 speed transmission .. I knew. The 124 was my car, and - at one point, I will own one. )I just have to find out how to get a small bumper car with the independent rear suspension (And the FI engine ... hmm I smell a project coming!). The final nail in the coffin of any chance of me escaping the ensnaring powers of this car was this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSuLG9JDgfM

I do not own a Spider quite yet, but I do have a prospect. A 1974, Salmon colored spider with CA/MD bumper blocks - in a daily driver condition with a well worn exterior and interior, a car that just drove from Denver to Austin (800 miles) without a hiccup. I will probably spend the next two weeks talking about this car, as the seller fixes a few new things (adjusting the carb for lower altitude) and I brace myself for the ownership of a vintage. There is plenty due dilligence left to be done on this car (I have yet to crawl underneath or take it to the mechanic). but so far I am excited.

I took it out for a nice hour long drive with a friend of mine and I even turned him into a believer. On a rainy day, with a top up, we thoroughly enjoyed the little spider, and I know I want one. I used to write for a car magazine, and drove a ton of cars - I always liked putting a car in a first or second, and seeing how close I could get it to step out of line. I never had a car take the hand offered, grab it, grin in my face and say "you wanna play? let's play!" The Fiat on moist pavement was ready to play in every corner casting a long shadow over all the other cars I have ever driven. It was all motor, all car, no joke and it asked for all the attention I was offering ... It stepped out of line predictably, gracefully, and without hesitation, yet turned into an agreeable cruiser when called upon (I even took it on the highway). it was simply an epiphany - and it was narcotic.

In case I have not made myself clear yet, I love the Spider; I want the Spider. But, want is one thing - knowing I can actually own one is another. This would be my first vintage car, and I do not have a garage (despite having plenty drive to work on my car). While I have always wanted a car project, hesitations remain, and that is why I am here. I need to know more, understand more, and absorb more, so I know what I am getting myself into. I am hooked on the drug, but I want to know what the addiction entails, so I can seem reasonable falling for the habit!

I am from Austin TX, desperately looking for locals that I could meet up with, and whose brains I could pick, learning about the car, as I work along their side. I am also in a search of a good mechanic, and finally in search for advice on the car I am considering (and cars I Will consider in the future,should this one not check out).

So this is me.

Call me Dozy.

[kmead]

Welcome to the the forum, appreciate your enthusiasm and look forward to seeing what you end up with. Keep us in the loop as you continue your search.

[ga.spyder]

Dozy,
I think all of us were in the same frame of mind at one time or another.I was not looking for a Fiat when I stumbled across one.I was worried about owning a vintage car with a 'spotty' reputation.I have found my 82 F.I. to be a blast to drive,easy to maintain ,and very reliable.I recently bought a 2nd Spider as a project!
By the way,the early model cars are solid axle,not independent,just like the late model cars.There have been some attempts at fully independent susp. on these cars by some ambitious owners.The f.i. into a earlier car is a popular swap.Good luck,keep us informed.
Craig

[kilrwail]

Dozy - Welcome to the forum and good luck with your search. If you're patient, I'm sure you'll find a good car within your budget - there seem to be a lot out there.

[rlux4]

Hi Dozy. I'm away from the computer during the work week, so I'm chiming in with a belated welcome. Owning one of these "vintage" cars is a whole lot easier to do than it sounds, thanks to this forum, which is an excellent source for help when you need it.
Ron