New Member From Dallas TX

[jmungo1]

Introducing myself as a new member from Dallas Texas.

Don't have a Spider yet but have always wanted to get an older car to 'tinker' with. Have always loved the look of the Fiat Spider. My wife recently gave me permission to buy my first Spider. Her only response is don't you already have enough hobbies! BTW, I also design and build large telescopes so she is used to the garage being filled with half finished projects.

Anyways, I have been lurking for awhile using the forum threads as an educational tool. The level of detail provided by the threads is just amazing and empowering to newbies.

Currently, I am looking to find a Spider. I am waffling on whether to get a carburated or FI version. It switches very day. I'll keep you informed on what I end of with.

Lastly, would love to hear from other members from the Dallas Fort Worth area.

Regards,
Joe Mungo

[Foster48x]

From one Texan to another... Welcome to the site Joe!

Rick

[jmungo1]

Rick,

Thanks for the reply.

A question back at you ... Can you recommend any places in the DFW metroplex for Fiat Spider service?

I live in Coppell but am willing to drive a bit for the right place.

Joe

[Foster48x]

I've never used any of these guys for service but here's a few that might be able to help you out or point you in the right direction.

ShadeTreeEnginetrics
http://www.shadetreeenginetrics.com/index.html
I've heard good things about this shop. Looks as though they can do just about anything you need. It's located east of Dallas on the other side of Lake Lavon in Nevada Tx.

Vick's Autosports
http://www.vickauto.com/
I buy allot of parts from them. They also have a service department. Located in south Fort Worth.

Auto Ricambi
http://autoricambi.us/
Great selection of parts but I'm not sure if they have a shop to service vehicles. The guys that own it are friendly and very knowledgeable when it comes to Fiats. If they can't service them they may be able to suggest some good shops in the DFW area. They're located in Southlake/Colleyville.


Rick

[jmungo1]

Rick,

Thanks for the recommendations.

Another question for you (or other Texas members) ... How are state inspections handled in Texas for mid-to-late 70's and early 80's cars? Especially emissions testing. Are they exempt, or are parts of the inpection waived? The reason I ask is because in reading other posts in the message archive it seems like many states handles this differently.

Joe

[Foster48x]

My 80 FI was exempt. In Texas if your vehicle is 25+ years old it doesn't require emissions testing, only the safety inspection.

Here's a link to the safety inpection criteria.
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/vi/inspect ... m_insp.asp

Good luck.
Rick