Hello!! I am Steve from Fontana Ca. i figured it is a good idea to introduce myself. i don't have a Spider yet, soon we will be in the market for one. i have for decades been playing with Mopars. recently have been playing with old Datsuns, water cooled Diesel VW's and early Toyotas too. we have 7 hobby cars at the moment. i just bought the wife a 2012 Fiat 500 sport. the best part is, she loves it. she currently has a 74 260Z as well and wants a Spider too. i have learned to stay happily married you must make the woman happy. in reality, i get another toy.... win win! i would like to find a nice project preferably pre-smog. any tips, suggestions or info that will help me, i am all ears. plus an locals would be cool to meet. there is an unknown Guy somewhere out here in Fontana that has a "71 SPIDER" it was an inspiring car....
Peace!!
Hello from Fontana, Ca!!!!
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vandor
- Posts: 3996
- Joined: Sat May 23, 2009 1:23 pm
- Your car is a: 1971 124 Spider
- Location: Texas, USA
Re: Hello from Fontana, Ca!!!!
Hi Steve!
Your wife has god taste ! I have a 2012 500 aswell
When looking at a Spider the most important thing is to watch out for rust! Not a huge issue in California, but these cars are old enough that even in a dryer climate they car rust in places. Most likely the floors will have some surface rust, maybe a few holes, that's not uncommon. They usually rust toward the rear of the seat towers (things on the floor the seats are bolted to),
and behind the front seats, as that is the lowest point for water to collect.
Also check the rocker panels (the outer panel unbolts, so an easy replacement, but it can hide horrors), behind the front wheels, the front shock towers (rust prone), and the area where the engine crossmember bolts (not as much for rust, but for damage, or a welded-on crossmember).
Another common weak point is that the shock tower starts to push the inner fenders toward the center of the car. I'd say 75% of Spiders have this problem, and it is usually not a huge issue, but I've seen a few where it was very bad. Definitely worth checking.
Even if you find a nice looking Spider, always check for rust and the mechanicals, often a nice exterior hides some ugly surprises.
Your wife has god taste ! I have a 2012 500 aswell
When looking at a Spider the most important thing is to watch out for rust! Not a huge issue in California, but these cars are old enough that even in a dryer climate they car rust in places. Most likely the floors will have some surface rust, maybe a few holes, that's not uncommon. They usually rust toward the rear of the seat towers (things on the floor the seats are bolted to),
and behind the front seats, as that is the lowest point for water to collect.
Also check the rocker panels (the outer panel unbolts, so an easy replacement, but it can hide horrors), behind the front wheels, the front shock towers (rust prone), and the area where the engine crossmember bolts (not as much for rust, but for damage, or a welded-on crossmember).
Another common weak point is that the shock tower starts to push the inner fenders toward the center of the car. I'd say 75% of Spiders have this problem, and it is usually not a huge issue, but I've seen a few where it was very bad. Definitely worth checking.
Even if you find a nice looking Spider, always check for rust and the mechanicals, often a nice exterior hides some ugly surprises.
Csaba
'71 124 Spider, much modified
'17 124 Abarth, silver
http://italiancarclub.com/csaba/
Co-owner of the best dang Fiat parts place in town
'71 124 Spider, much modified
'17 124 Abarth, silver
http://italiancarclub.com/csaba/
Co-owner of the best dang Fiat parts place in town
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calvinconrad
- Posts: 104
- Joined: Sat Mar 19, 2011 10:22 pm
- Your car is a: 1976 spider
- Location: Cape Coral FL
Re: Hello from Fontana, Ca!!!!
Hope you find your Spider soon.
I remember seeing a really nice early 70's for sale in the recycler or auto trader a couple years ago in Fontana. maybe the same one.
I remember seeing a really nice early 70's for sale in the recycler or auto trader a couple years ago in Fontana. maybe the same one.
1976 124
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SirLoinOfBeef
Re: Hello from Fontana, Ca!!!!
we will be looking forward to our next project i just not sure when. the wife doesn't want to part with her 260Z. i was leaning on cash from the 260Z to get a nicer Spider. i like to drop a few extra bux for a cleaner car. so i will be practicing some patience.