New member in Indiana

[eddy314]

I'm thinking of buying a 1982 Fuel Inj. Pininfarina Spider 2000. It has the typical rust under the door sills but the shock towers and floors aren't too bad. It does have over 120K miles though and the transmission pops out of 4th gear. The overall body isn't too bad other than the rust around the wheels. Is the transmission fixable by a do-it-yourselfer or if I were to take it in, how much would it cost to fix the 4th gear? I've seen these go for over $5000 in good shape. If I can buy it for $500 is it worth it?

[racydave]

First, welcome from a fellow Hoosier. Second, thats a pretty good price. You should not loose, even if it was to turn into a parts car. You might be able to find a used tranny, or repair yours. WE are resourcefull on this site, and if you were to need anything, chances are this is the place to be! What part of the state are you, Im in Indy... Dave PS, Here is where I keep my pics http://flickr.com/

[racydave]

I just saw a used trannie for sale for 250.00 , they are out there!

[rlux4]

Welcome aboard Eddy. I got my 82 with a tranny that wouldn't stay in 4th gear. No problem, I just drove it as a 4 speed until I got a rebuilt replacement after 2nd gear blew out. Then it took me a while to get used to having 5 speeds! The price sounds good to me. I mean, face it, even if they're perfect we still put money into them.
Ron

[So Cal Mark]

that sounds like a great price. If you took the car to a pro shop, expect to spend $1500 on the tranny. If you're a first time do-it=yourselfer, rebuilding the trans would be a fairly difficult job to start with. Most owners opt for a working used trans in that situation

[mbouse]

hey, welcome.

Where in Indiana?

a good used tranny is the way to go, if you can find one. But, either way, i wouldn'd discount the vehicle just for a fourth gear issue.

the big thing you wanna worry about is structural rust

[ga.spyder]

I had 4th gear start popping out out on me after a few months of ownership.To echo what Ron said ,work on your 3rd to 5th up and downshifts.You can drive for years like that.My rebuild cost 1200,but I would look for a used one if I was to do it over.
Welcome to the site,plenty of help here.

[kristoj]

Welcome to the site. I am "next door" to you in Ohio. At that price, you can't go wrong. Worst case, you could make money just by parting it out. And oh yeah, I almost forgot. 1982 is by far the best year Spider you can own

[eddy314]

Thanks to all for the replies. I think I'll buy it if I can work out the price around $500. It will need a new center console and emergency brake handle for starters. I'd like to get it started and ride around the block first just to make sure, and hope it will make the trip back to Carmel, IN. I also noticed that many Spiders have had their bumpers removed, this car needs some welding done on both bumpers but I'm open for suggestions. Would also like to make aquaintance with other Indiana Fiat owners. I'm located in Carmel.

[racydave]

Ed, There is a local Italian car club here in Indy, we usually meet up at the Milano inn in April. Its a good group, but small, and our events are few. The club FLU ( Fiat, Lancia unlimited ) is the biggest in the states, and supports clubs across the states. Im in east Indy, and just happen to weld! Sincerly, David A Nicholson

[mbouse]

don't let him fool you Ed. Dave does more than weld.

if you own a Fiat and are within driving distance of Dave, he is an excellent friend to have