Newbie in Vermont

[LEWISDR]

Hi Folks,

I just registered on this forum because I am interested in buying a 124 Spider. Years ago, in my youth (over 30 years ago!) my brother had one of these cars and I fell in love with how it drove and looked. So I would love to have one for summer cruising.

My concern is this. I'm not a great mechanic. I can do little fixits and oil changes and such but I am intimidated by much more complicated jobs.

Are there any shops up here in the Northeast that know the Fiat 124?

I'm thinking that I should try to buy a car that has had it's major issues sorted out and pray that nothing serious goes wrong.

What do you Fiat maestros think?

Is there anyone up here in the Vermont/New Hampshire area?

thanks
Dan Lewis

Regrds

[ga.spyder]

Welcome Dan , I am sure you will get some answers from people in the N.E. I met quite a few at FFO.I shared your concerns re. the mechanics of these cars ,as I am not an ace mechanic.I bought a well sorted ,fuel injected(I had bad exp. w/ carbs on some other makes) 82 model car .It has been very reliable ,and I have done almost all required work myself.This forum is the most valuable asset I have.Get a couple manuals and a multi-meter,and you will find these cars pretty easy to work on and maintain.
good luck and post some pics when you buy her ,
Craig

[So Cal Mark]

welcome. I'll agree that if you buy a good condition, well -maintained car you will gradually get to know what it takes to keep it that way.

[mbouse]

My concern is this. I'm not a great mechanic. I can do little fixits and oil changes and such but I am intimidated by much more complicated jobs.
Regrds

if the truth were known, neither are most of the rest-0-us.

learn as you go. everyone can change a fuse and a lightbulb. buy the tools you need just for the next project....use us and other internet sources to research what is involved; buy a shop manual...and away you go.

[kristoj]

Welcome to the site! I'll let someone closer to you geographically recommend a good shop, but I have to echo what the others said. When I bought my Spider last summer, I had the same exact concerns as you. I hadn't turned a wrench since high school (more than 20 years ago) and what little I knew from back then applied to American muscle cars -- which one could actually afford back in the 80s.

Like Craig, I bought a lightly used FI model from 1982. You pay a little more up front for one in that condition, but it's usually worth it on the back end. The first thing I did was have the timing belt and tensioner bearing replaced at a local foreign car repair shop specializing in German cars. They did a great job. What I came to leanr over the past year, though, is that these Fiats aren't nearly as complicated or intimidating as they initially seem. Over the winter, I reluctantly began the process of replacing my own exhaust manifold gasket (figured I would give it a go) and ended up tearing apart my entire engine bay and replacing/refurbishing nearly every part under the hood. I did it all myself in the weekends over a three month period. And the car actually ran when I put it all back together (dorve it 1,000 miles 2 weeks ago back and forth to FFO). By the time I was finished with the project, I could've kicked myslef in the butt for not changing the timing belt myself -- something I would have never even CONSIDERED a year ago.

So, as others suggested, get yourself a good manual (I like the Brooklands manual) and poke around at your own pace. these cars are far less complex than you imagine. Just be patient and buy the best condition car you can afford. And we are all here to help you through the process.

[rlux4]

Welcome Dan. Your brother had his Spider at just about the same time as I had my first one. The wife convinced me it wasn't practical for new married people so it got sold. But, like you I spent all the years since with the yearning for a Spider.
They do grow on you.
Good luck in your search, good ones are out there to be found.
Ron

[mdrburchette]

Welcome to the site Dan! The guys have already given you good suggestions. Decent Spiders can still be had and it's a good idea to get one that's been well maintained....but if and when you do run into a problem we've all been there and are willing to walk you through it. Remember, the only dumb questions are the ones not asked.

[LEWISDR]

Thanks to all for your kind and helpful suggestions. I bought a very nice 81 today. It runs great and I believe the mileage is correct at 39,000. It does appear to be totally original except for the items that the owner has replaced (cooling system, brake mester cylinder, exhaust, upper and lower front control arms, timing belt, idler pulley, water pump, and window channel rubbers)

It was repainted the original color about 9 years ago (kind of a Root Beer brown). The body looks great and I could find no bondo anywhere. If I knew how to attach a picture here I would. There is some light surface rust in some spots on the under body and in some areas like in the floor of the trunk. I wish I knew how to treat those areas to prevent and further corrosion. The car drove straight and ran perfectly.

I am excited about picking the car up in about 2 weeks. I feel reassured by the answers received that I will be able to work on this car.

Thanks
Dan

[So Cal Mark]

congrats on finding a car so quickly! I'd try to get that surface rust dealt with, and look at replacing any weatherstrip that is letting water in.
to post a pic, first upload to a sharing site like photobucket or flikr. Then using a key on the bottom of the page generate an html code. Copy that code and insert it here in the text box. Use the Img button at the top, then insert your link there

[msrmd]

If I can, anyone can.
Congratulations on the purchase, you're going to have a ball

[ga.spyder]

Dan ,I used to be involved in off-road vehicles ,where surface rust is a constant problem because of being in the water and mud.I had excellent results using POR15 or other rust convertors.Sand it well and just paint it on.If neccesary you can build up coats like a primer.I have seen long term results and they are very good. I know Eastwood Prod. stocks it(POR15) ,or a similar product. Pictures are a must.Do like a lot of us ...find one of your children,grand children ,neighborhood kid,etc...They ALL know how to post pix!!
Craig