New Project, New Member

[msheldon]

I am a 63 year old retired school principal from Wisconsin, who, during college years, worked in a couple of garages. I have been a car/motorcycle 'nut' since being a young boy. Past vehicles include a '61 Alfa Guilietta Spider (very used first car), '65 Sunbeam Tiger, '69 Triumph GT-6+, '65 Austin Healy 3000, '60 Austin Healy Sprite, '67 Alfa GTV Veloce, '73 Fiat 124 Spider, '76 Fiat 124 Spider, '87 Honda CRX SI, '88 Honda Prelude SI, and a '98 BMW 323is. Motorcycles have included a '71 Kawasaki 500 H1, '84 Honda 500 Interceptor, '87 Honda 600 Hurricane, '83 Honda CB1100f, and currently a '04 Yamaha FJR 1300.

This past July, I traveled from Wisconsin to Boulder, Colorado to purchase a 1970 124 spider with what appears to be 111,000 original miles. I drove (limped) it back during a record heat wave. Evidently, this is a vehicle that was garaged, but only given "Firestone" tune-ups over the years (no offense to the brand, Firestone). The engine runs a bit rough with apparent carb issues, the interior needs carpets and some cosmetics, the engine needs a gasket set, and both the suspension and brakes need overhauling. The body is extremely dry and straight with a new top, the only rust being in the battery box area.

I have been viewing this website for some time and really appreciate the level of discourse and support for these cars that I have seen here. I am looking forward to restoring this spider and perhaps helping others in some small way as I do so.

[baltobernie]

Looks like you've found a great candidate for restoration, with no major issues. Welcome to the forum, and post some pictures soon!

[Exit98]

Well you have plenty of experience, but driving an unknown 40 year old spider from Colorado to Wisconsin is pretty gutsy for sure.

Love the early one's. How about some pictures and let us know how the project is progressing.