Might I be the Youngest member???

[JamesFindrik]

Heyyo!
My name is James Findrik, Im 23 years old and I just fell in LOVE.
I typically look for cars while Im bored, and I found my Fiat.... My lovely Lady!
Shes a 79 Fiat 124 spider that I bought for $200.
When I bought her she hadnt run in 4-5 years but once I towed her home, I put in a battery and fired her up!!
Ive had her for a little over 2 weeks and have started some serious maintenance and TLC.
Im hoping in about 2-3 weeks to have her road worthy!
Im really excited to join this forum, so I can learn the hidden secrets of the Fiats from some old pros.
Thanks all and cheerz!

[narfire]

Hi James, welcome to the forum.
Sounds like you have found a gem in that she runs.
I trust in your maintenance to get the car sorted for daily driving,you'll be addressing the timing belt (put a new one on) and the rubber "donut" on the drive shaft just aft of the tranny. That cracks with time and has been known to let go with catastrophic results. Clean the fuel tank and change the filter and of course the brakes are looked at and checked.
Glad you've chosen a spider,a fellow of your vintage that lives near me bought one a year or so ago and with time has got the car sorted and now drives it every day.
Good luck and...where do you hang your hat and I'm sure you'll post a pic of your $200 sweetheart
Chris

[Exit98]

Hi James,

Well I'm not sure you are the youngest. Seem to remember a teenager or two posting from time to time. But whatever, welcome to the club.

Our Spiders are timeless.

Need to know where you're from and see a picture of your gem. There are sure to be an owner or two in your general vicinity.

[TX82FIAT]

Welcome, let's get some pictures up. it's good to have some young blood on the site. Roadworthy can mean a lot of different things to different owners. This is the right place for help. $200 can't go wrong if she runs. Make sure she is structurally sound, the shock towers tend to rust and there are some other areas like wheel hubs you need to have confidence in. Very cool project and all the best.

[greenharoguy5]

Hey James,

I think I got you beat, I am 18 now, and I got my first Fiat when I was 15, I have had 6 since then, currently owning 4. (3 Spiders and one X1/9) Im glad to hear some young people besides me are getting into these cars! They are truly amazing machines!

[JamesFindrik]

Thanks all for your replies and advice! But I guess Im not the youngest... Darn
Im gunna go through the posts and write down the advice I was given. I dont wanna let this one go!
Ill try to post some pictures right now!
Thanks all

Where and how can I add pics :S

[bulldog4444]

Welcome! Just upload your pics at Photobucket then in your post click on "Img" and copy in between the two [Img] [Img] and just like so your pic will be shown.

Once your get everything sorted out this is one reliable car. There are some things that must be done if your don't know the full history of this vehicle such as changing the timing belt, replacing the upper and lower ball joints, checking to make sure the clutch lever where the cable attaches is not bent (you'll bread alot of cables if it isn't) and so on. This site will be a great resource for you.

While you are at it, when you check over the engine, anytime you see a cloth covered fuel hose change it out with fuel injection hose and the clamps that go with fuel injection. The reason being you won't get stranded with a broken fuel line and the fuel injection hose is much better even for carbed engines. Just my experience.

Good Luck,
Bull

[124JOE]

i have a few Qs is it points?or a CA car?is it stock all over or some mods?and most importantly
DO YOU WANT TO GO FAST?

[JamesFindrik]

Thanks for the concerns!
So far i have replaced the timing belts and V-belt. New spark plugs and wires. New rad hoses and swapped the thermostat. Definitely did and oil change LOL
Right now Im working on replacing my seats ..... I heard that honda seats are an easy swap, its gunna be goofy but I need something.

My goal is to turn Her into a reliable daily driver for work, this year I might drive her for a month.

Next year Im gunna be doing some heavy work, like Clutch swap, brakes, rotors and lines.

[JamesFindrik]

Im the guy in the Driver seat, other guy is my lil bro