Hey Whats UP

[jboggess]

So im James and i live in Utah and im 25 years old, right now i own 65 Mustang Convertable what im restoring and its almost done! But im looking for a good clean restored Fiat Spider for a daily driver, and i would be driving it during winter. So do they make good daily dirvers? and how do they handle in the snow. So nice to meet you people!

[narfire]

Wecome to the site.
Looking for a spider, Take a look in the for sale section at the bottom of the forum.
I thought there might be some in Phoenix on craigslist. Lucky your closer to the drier climes,if local car then usually fewer rust issues.
How do they drive in the snow.... In my experience I could have done better with roller skates. I lived in Vancouver BC and had a 70 spider as a daily driver(30+ years ago). I put 2 inch steel rounds in the trunk and decent snow radials and had issues. However the coastal snow turns to grease when packed down and unless you have studded tires your gonna have issues. Perhaps the drier snow your way and some good new snowies you might fair better.They do not like wet salted roads!
Happy your going to look for a fiat. Great cars,lots of parts and support here on the forum.

[ROOK1]

Welcome! Its funny how many mustang guys are fiat guys too. I had 2 67 coupes a 68 coupe and 67 convertible. I really don't think you want a spider as a winter driver in Utah. Find a cheap jeep to get you by. Plus a spider won't last too long after a few winters on our salty roads.
If you are looking at a spider there is one in bountiful that is real nice but the guy wants a pretty penny for it.
If you end up with one check out my site in my signature and sign up.

[maytag]

'sup?
There's a '79 Spider on KSL.CARS right now for $850. Looks clean enough, but no information on it. Don't know if it's a roller, or?
It's in West Jordan. Where you at?

And I gotta giggle at folks who think Utah weather is good for cars..... Utah weather extremes (combined with our lousy roads and salting) will destroy a good car in 5 years FLAT!

oh, and I agree Rook: I've owned a '68 'stang fastback, and an '89 GT Convert. But I still wouldn't call myself a "Mustang Guy".

[jboggess]

You guys are awsome thanks for the advice, i just test drove the spider in Bountiful the other day, it was a really nice car. I tried to talk the guys down on the price but they wouldnt budge. They said the owner of the business like to come in and drive it once in a while, so there not in any rush to sell it. Hey another question what type of gas mileage do these cars get. I notice the spider in bountiful didnt have power steering is that normal? It didnt really bug me because since it is a small car you really dont need it. Also did any of the spiders threw out the years come with Air Conditon? I did find a site that you can buy a kit and install it but it look to compicated. Well thanks for the replys.

[mdrburchette]

Welcome to the site. Air conditioning was a dealer add-on so it'll be hit and miss to find it on a car. They were hp robbers to say the least. As for power steering, it was not an option but the cars really didn't need it.

[jboggess]

So does any body suggest the year of the spider i should look at?

[rlux4]

1982.
Welcome to the forum.
Ron
(There's a running gag related to my reply.)

[jboggess]

Ok great thank you.

[Jimb]

So does any body suggest the year of the spider i should look at?

85.5

Jim

[Zebbidog]

Welcome! Its funny how many mustang guys are fiat guys too. I had 2 67 coupes a 68 coupe and 67 convertible. I really don't think you want a spider as a winter driver in Utah. Find a cheap jeep to get you by. Plus a spider won't last too long after a few winters on our salty roads.
If you are looking at a spider there is one in bountiful that is real nice but the guy wants a pretty penny for it.
If you end up with one check out my site in my signature and sign up.

That's definitely the truth! I too had a Mustang in my past...a `65 coupe. Now to the next passion! We definitely need to plan a spring time ride! Hopefully some new additions will come to the group.

[Exit98]

James, you don't want anything after 1972.

That was the best year.

[WarbirdAL]

I am with Doug except I would take up to a 73. I love the look of the older ones (bumpers). Plus you dont have to worry too much about emission issues. Every year I have to have the carb on my 77 re-jetted to pass emissions. Power what? hehe. I used to drive my Spider in the snow years ago (late 70's) before we were really aware of the rust issue. It handles fine in the snow. I drove my 73 124 sedan and 131 sedan in the snow in Utah. Shipped the 131 to Germany when I was stationed there. Loved the way these Fiats handle.

Sadly I left the 131 in Germany in a junk yard after 3 years.

[jboggess]

Hey thanks guys i think i want a 1980 spider just for the power windows and the full wood dash board across the front. Does any body know what year the fuel injectors started to be on the Spiders?

[mdrburchette]

Fuel injection began in 80 model cars. Since it was a transitional year, some were also carbed.
The REAL wood dash was on the early model cars. I'm with Doug and Al. The best cars are the early models.