New Member from Virginia Beach

[jagreen2]

Hi everyone, picking up a '78 124 Spider in a few days. I know nothing about Fiats but am looking forward to taking it for that first real drive (car isn't registered right now so I could only drive it up and down the alley).

I know it definitely needs new floorboards but other than that, don't know how much work it'll need until I take possession. Anything I should look out for?

[mbouse]

welcome.

if the floorboards are shot, i'd take a very good look at the shock towers for rust.

[gigi]

Welcome!
This is THE place to come for any and all info on your new baby!
I recall the first day with Gigi; we sat out in the driveway for
about an hour because I was afraid to turn the key. That wore
off right quick once I finally said, 'Here goes it!'! That was the
second most awesome day of my life (second only to the day my
husband rescued her and every other day she started right up!)
In order of priority, the items that were handled quickly were
all safety issues (dry rot tires, fresh LOF & fuel, lights etc),
then prompt inspection by the mechanic for rust issues, then
anything else related to keeping her running.

[4babycar]

Welcome and congrats, from another Virginia Spider owner. Let me know if you ever in the Lynchburg area we would love to get together.

[rlux4]

Hi, and welcome to the forum. Have you picked up your car yet?
Mike (mbouse) is right, if the shock towers are rusted out, it would be a nightmare to repair.
Most everything else, rocker panels, wheel arches, etc. can be fixed a lot easier. Just ask racydave.
Ron

[jagreen2]

Made an attempt to pick it up on Saturday. Spent about 5 hours trying to drive it the 17 miles from the PO's house and my gf's house. I'll be getting it towed from there to my house sometime this week so I can attempt to figure out what's wrong.

[Zebbidog]

Welcome from another newbie to the forum!
This has indeed been THE PLACE to be for Fiat owners! I picked up Sophie (`77 spider) about a month ago now from a seller in California. She is my first Fiat and I am very happy to have picked her up! If you can sort out the issues with your `78 you will find these cars to be so much fun!
This forum will definitely help you sort the issues out and get you back on the road.
Best of luck, and welcome to the family.

[jagreen2]

Thought I'd go ahead and add some pictures.

Loading her up on the truck to get her home...


Miscellaneous Photos...

[rlux4]

Looks like she's in pretty good shape. A little makeup and she'll be a knockout!
Have you figured out if it's fuel or ignition that's a problem?
Ron

[jagreen2]

Seems like it's fuel. I replaced the fuel filter because it looked like it was full of rust and she started behaving herself. Ran her a few times and the filter is getting rust-covered again. Looks like once I get through this tank of gas, I'll be cleaning or replacing the tank.