new member old fiat new car owner

[cognibeat]

Hey, I just got a 1978 124 spider as my first car and love it. i def took a leap though in buying it because it needs cosmetic repair and everyone tells me how bad of an Idea it was to get the car because they say it breaks down a lot. But I figure I believe in the morals of zen and the art of "Motor Cycle Maintenance" and am willing to work on it and bring it back to life.

Even though it is in need of massive cosmetic repair it runs beautifully in my opinion and is sooo fun to drive. Along side being a new car owner I am new to stick shift and to working on cars. call me crazy. Hey life's about taking leaps of faith and enjoying the ride right? I am 17 years old and am a senior in high school so i figure working on cars is part of the deal. I do work on boats alot because I have lived on one for 7 years and 23 countries so i'm not a noob to work in general. the only problem I have with the machanics of the car is that it takes 10 minutes of starting the car beforeI can move on the first start of the day. but other than that I love it.

I bought the car for 1600 and it has new tires a new radiator, is smoged, and runs good, so I don't think I did too bad. I also need a new top because the old one is completely ripped up. I plan to replace the dash and get good seat covers. also somewhere down the line a new paint job.

So if anyone has any thing to say that can help me in my restoration or just about the car I would relish good comments.
thanks, vive chevre.

[DUCeditor]

If you absolutely need a dependable car to get through your daily life then your friends may have a point. But if you can live with some occasional frustration and if you enjoy mechanical work the pleasure restoring this car will give you can more than make up for any pain involved.

By all means ask for suggestions here on the forum. You'll find many knowledgeable folks more than willing to help.

Good luck and much pleasure to you and your new/old spider!

[tonyfromjersey]

Welcome, and enjoy your car. You'll meet some interesting characters and learn a lot. Ask all the questions you can think of. The level of knowledge on this forum is outstanding and the willingness to help is overwhelming sometimes.

Everyone told me I was nuts buying my little project car, but now they love it and ask me to take it out even when I don't feel like it. Ignore the naysayers and do what you like.