New Member from Las Vegas

[Fiatlv]

Hello All, Love the forum, lots of knowledge in here.

My wife bought a 1969 fiat back in 1993 and it's been sitting in here parents garage ever since. It needs a lot of work. Definitely, new paint, new interior, new canopy. It runs but not sure how well. We thought about just having it towed to cash for clunkers ($400) but she really has her heart set on restoring it now. how big a job is this going to be for us what's I bring it to our home. I've done basic work on my car (1991 acura integra), alternators, valve covers & gaskets, basic stuff. Are we getting in over our head or just better to try to sell it as is?

Not even sure what ballpark costs I would be looking at for this project. Any guidance is very much appreciated. Will post pics once I get it.

Thanks in advance.

Allen in Las vegas

[calvinconrad]

before i started reading these forums, i toyed with the idea i selling mine. i found so much info here, that i feel much more comfortable working on and restoring mine now. can't help with ballpark figures for you, but check for rust.
Calvin

[kmac33]

Allen,
It all depends on how far/extensive a restoration you want to perform. These cars are actually pretty easy and straight forward to work on if you have decent basic mechanical skills. Total cost will depend on how much work you do yourself, how "perfect" you have to get everything, etc. Do you want a decent driver that looks okay, or do you want a car that puts the car that came out of the factory to shame? For a full "nuts and bolts" restoration, you will spend FAR more than the car is worth.

[Exit98]

HI Allen,

I'll be out in Sin City end of this month.

69 Spiders are rare birds (?!).

Bottom line is, if there is little or no rust it is definitely worth fixing up. Maybe by you, or by someone else. Don't sell it to the junk yard. You could search every website around for a month and not find another 69 for sale.

Even if you do decide to sell it, no harm now in seeing if it will start.

Just take it a step at a time. You'll need a battery to start (ha). Change the oil. Gas in the tank and lines has turned to varnish so when you are ready to try to start it you could put a little gas in the carb just to see. Before doing that though, see if the motor will turn.If its been stored inside it probably will. Take the plugs out, leave it in gear and see if you can push it, or turn the crank with a big wrench. If it turns put some AT oil in each cylinder before putting the plugs back in. If the plugs look OK I'd just use them for now.

Next step would be the brakes.

Lets see some pictures.

[Fiatlv]

Thank you everyone for the feedback and guidance. We now have some hope with doing the restoration thanks to the support in this forum. As you say, "take it a step at a time". Will post pics and info when I get them.

[TulsaSpider]

Welcome and as has been said these are really fun cars and fairly easy to work on but it's all up to your expectations and what you desire.

[Fiatlv]

Got an update. Just got confirmation that it's a 69 spyder 850 (2 seater). When I see it or get pics I will
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