New Owner From Strasburg, Pennsylvania(near Lancaster)

[Spidey23]

Hi, I'm a new owner of a 78 Fiat Spider....it's definitely a project car, but I know there is beauty under all that old paint, rust & cracking top! Always wanted one since my neighbor & friend had a Spider in the mid 70s...she looked & drove Great!! I'll be asking lots of questions from everyone in the forum as I am new to this and will need expert advise. Right now it is not running real well as the guy before me changed the carb over to a Weber 32/36 w/out changing orig air cleaner,etc.
I appreciate this forum, And hopefully will get this car in shape to leisurely cruise out to Santa Barbara, CA to visit my son & daughter-in-law...Thanks....Ken in PA.

[rlux4]

Welcome to the forum Ken.
You'll have to keep us informed of when you make the trip out to Santa Barbara. I make the trip from Lancaster to Ventura every week and do occasional jobs in Santa Barbara. Lancaster, Ca. that is.
Post pics of your car for us, so we can see the "before" part of the project.
Ron

[Spidey23]

I'll work on the pics, but it's not much to look at right now!!

[mbouse]

ken, welcome.

the 32/36 is not always a drop and swap in an 1800. some futzing about may need to be done. more than just the air cleaner issues. be sure the electric choke is operating correctly.

[Spidey23]

Thanks, I'll look into that possible electric choke problem. Is there a fuse on the 78 that applies to the electric choke only? Ken

[mbouse]

the '78 was stock with a water choke. i am suggesting that the electric choke of the aftermarket 32/36 may not be functioning properly which may be causing some of your issues. i also have other suggestions once i hear the results of this investigation.

the recommended feed for the electric choke is the old idle solenoid feed, however, we dunn know what your previous owner did to supply power to the carburetor's choke until you tell us. additionally, we do not know if the electric choke is adjusted properly to open and close when needed.

[Spidey23]

Wow....lots more to look into....thanks for the tips!! Ken

[ga.spyder]

Hey Ken,welcome to the forum.I will introduce myself in person next week at Fiat Freakout in Valley Forge!You surely plan on going ...dont you? Details on http://www.flu.org The show on Sat. would be great for a 'newbie'
Craig

[Spidey23]

Craig, thanks for the welcome. Not sure I can get to it this year...I was late joining & finding out about it...they charge a hefty late fee for registration after 7/31/09. Also, Fiat is not in shape to drive yet. Ken

[baltobernie]

Yes on the registration fee, but you can certainly drive the family car to the event on Saturday. There you can look at other cars, meet other owners and vendors without charge.

[ga.spyder]

Bernie's right.I am not bringing my car and havent pre registered for events.I am staying off site,but want to be there for all the meet and greets and to see some great cars.Kind of a last minute thing.You should try to make the Sat. show,its free to walk in!
Craig

[Spidey23]

Thanks to Bernie & Craig for the heads up about the Sat event...didn't know you could walk in like that...will try to free up some time to drive over...thanks again....Ken