quite a project

[Rspider]

Hi all,

Last weekend, picked up an 83 spider at an auction. 86K original miles. $350.

I know you're thinking, "what a steal!" It looks like 800K mi. We'll see how this project is going to pan out, I'll post a few pics here in a few days. I'll be looking for advice, parts, and answers to the normal new-to-fiat questions. On paper, this car seems like a fun platform and appeared to run fine on the way home for a car that probably hadn't run for a couple of years.

I have experience tuning forced induction efi engines, and 20 yrs of experience as an electronic technician. So, I'll help who I can in the forum.

Take care, have fun,

Bryan

[maytag]

welcome!
And I'd say ANY SPIDER YOU CAN DRIVE HOME is worth $350. Good Job!

[azygoustoyou]

Awesome Buy and welcome. Can't wait to see the pic's. Let us know what your going to start on first and I'm sure the appropriate people will chime in.

[rlux4]

Hi, welcome to the forum. Where are you located? Maybe we can hook you up with others in your area.
Please post pics of your car. (I'm dying to see a $350 Spider that runs!)
Ron

[Rspider]

Thanks guys,

Will post some pics as soon as I figure out how..... a little help?

also, any threads with one of these bodies VERY apart?

Thanks,

Bryan

[Rspider]

May have figured it out... Let's see

This picture is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOo deceiving! My dad was over today, and I bumped the key to a perfect idle. Half tank of old gas, haven't even put a plug in it.

What's my plan? This car is rotted in places all over. The Driver's side much worse. The Driver's door actually fell off when I opened it the first time. Different door already on it in this pic. Strengthen the body, smooth and paint. Then interior and top (top frame seems good once cleaned, oiled, and painted) need replaced. Then will come the tidy up brakes, suspension and driveline.

Are there any threads with one of these bodies VERY apart? I think I'm going to start w/ bodywork, but 4th gear needs a synchro, and It seems like the electricals (lights, switches, etc) need some going over.



Bryan

[pooldoctorstl]

$350 for that was a no-brainer, especially if it runs. The wheels alone are worth that. Before you spend a lot of time with electrical issues, check and clean ALL of the grounds in the car. Bad grounds are the root of most electrical issues with these cars. Also install relays on the headlights, it will make them a LOT brighter and eliminate the risk of a switch meltdown. You can search posts here for directions on how to do it.

Good luck!

Jeff

[Rspider]

Had this car 2 weeks, couldn't figure out what you meant by "wheels alone worth that." guess they're turbo wheels? huh, go figure. I didn't think they were very attractive. They may have to change zip codes at some point. Tear-down beginning in earnest. Presently shopping for body parts. Midwest Bayless here in town, may try to stop by tomorrow.

Bryan