Looking to Own a Spider

[Toti]

I am Looking to buy a spider, Actually looking at one now. Its only $2850 Its a 1979 2000 spider convertible Aprox 80k miles on odo.
It Looks like its in good condition, minor body work needs done. While it was parked it ran fine no noises or smoke from engine. We took it for a spin, The engine seemed loud, Don't know if it was normal. Also the car shook a lot on the road. Given the road was poorly paved but it was way too much shaking. Clutch shifted well, but let out high.

Interior needs redone, and the top probably does as well. The Minor mechanics worked fine, Electrical, wipers, etc

some pics:




Lemme Know what you all think.

[kmead]

When you say shaking was the wheel shaking, the cowl shaking or ?

Understand this is an older car, they are indeed different from current modern cars which really will feel different from this.

There are a large number of things which could contribute to shaking starting with old or worn wheels, shocks, ball joints, idler arm, tie rods, loose steering box (adjustable), bad wheel bearings, incorrect wheel alignment and so on.Given the car's age it could easily be any one of these or several of them in combination.

Loud engine could be normal or an exhaust leak, valves that need to be adjusted or engine wear and so on. Again its an older car and will not sound like a modern car. Was the noise harsh and metallic, a whine or just loud exhaust?

From the pics it looks pretty nice. Rust or other issues?

I always try to take pics of the car to analyze later as we all tend to forget what we really saw given the enormity of evaluating a car we haven't seen before.

[divace73]

go for it, just get somebody who knows fiats to check itout properly, if the clutch id high it may be on the way out, the engine shouldn't be that loud, that could be a simple fix. If shaking a loton the road have a look at the front suspenction set up, these are a 'waekness' on the spider if they are not maintained properly.
Don't what country you are in but there should be somebody on this forum that recommend a fiat inspection person, just let people know where you are??
Good luck, if she's good to you, you'll love her, if she's bad....you'll soon forgive her, pour lots of money into her, then love her....

[TronDD]

I have noticed my spider shake over rough roads. The suspension was redone by the previos owner. I think it's just that it's a convertable. It's not going to be too ridgid. That's different than a vibration, though, which could be a sign of old and worn parts.

Tim.

[Toti]

From what the current owner tells me he rebuilt the engine, All he did i do not know, but he says he drove it daily for a few months till he what looks like hit another car... there is a small wrinkle in the hood, and the Protective bumper on the front left of the car is pushed in.

The Engine was just loud, and semi metallic and a little exhaust, I have a feeing it has to do with the clutch but I don't know enough about fiats to say thats what it was for sure.

Rust is minimal, and the exhaust was partially rebuilt, (just from about mid car back mostly pipes).

Shaking:
I didn't give the suspension a very good look to know what it looked like. It didn't feel like it was coming from the steering column. It was more of a physical shaking of the entire car.

I Live in Atlanta, GA, and the car is located just outside perimeter.

[2ndwind]

There are several driveable spiders in your craigslist for sale. You should go check out and drive as many of them as you can. Especially the more expensive ones so you know what these should sound, look, and feel like.

[velozi]

Get it. We need more Atlanta drivers.

[Exit98]

Toti,

Here's my advice. Don't rush into this. There are plenty of Spiders around at all different prices. I spent 7 months looking for mine. Every one I looked at I learned a little more. The one got I love, but I'm still learning more about it every day.

Get in touch with some of the Georgia guys, they are a great bunch. They can give you plenty of help.

And number one, no rust.

Good luck.

[kmead]

Toti,

Here's my advice. Don't rush into this. There are plenty of Spiders around at all different prices. I spent 7 months looking for mine. Every one I looked at I learned a little more. The one got I love, but I'm still learning more about it every day.

Get in touch with some of the Georgia guys, they are a great bunch. They can give you plenty of help.

And number one, no rust.

Good luck.

This is my vote for how to proceed. Rust is an expensive thing to fix that most folks can't do themselves. Mechanical bits can be replaced. Cutting and welding is not quite so easy...

[2020Trader]

I have a 78 spider for sale. This may be the one you're looking for....It was previously owned by the president of fiat lancia unlimited (FLU) club and fully gone through from a mechanical standpoint.
The car runs very well, just drove it last week for a drive in the country. I've asked John if would be willing to talk to anyone potentially interested and he said he would be happy to do that. He knows the car well and all the details of the many mechanical issues he addressed. The car is all original with exception of the top which was replaced and is in very good condition. Always garaged. I can provide pictures if interested. This was a Georgia car, but it is now with us in Little Rock, Arkansas. Made the drive without a hitch. Need to sell as we now have too many toys and need to make room in the garage. Sorry for the informal ad, but this is just a spontaneous response to seeing your post.

Call or email if interested in more information, talking to John, seeing pics, etc. I'll be out of town for a week, but will respond as soon as I can.

Grant Swanson
Conway, Arkansas
swnsnkr@aol.com
770-826-8645 (cell)