Do I want a 78 Spider

[dirtybob72]

Hello for Savannah GA, I'M Bob. Someone has offered me a 78' Spider as payment for work to be done on another car. I've seen the Spider but haven't looked at it close. What are the problems that would make this project too much to want to deal with? It is complete and running, needs a top and paint. A little rust around the rear rear wheels. Where should I look fore more hidden rust ? Are there good suppliers of aftermarket parts? What are the best upgrade to make? A few things I already have questions about 1. Is there a way to change the spindles/axles to use 4x100mm wheels 2. Can you replace parts to use an newer style top. 3. Wiring is this as big of a problem as some make it out to be. I would like to ask more questions but I'll wait. I would appreciate any info.



Thanks, Bob

[dmwhiteoak]

Hello and welcome Bob. If your trying to talk yourself out of it you have come to the wrong place. We love spiders. They are one of the most exhilarating cars I have ever driven. A few miles and you will know what I mean. Parts are easy to get , there are venders on this forum that have many parts and tops are no problem. Look at floor pans for rust but as I hear they are not a problem to replace. The shock towers also need to be looked at and they do take work to replace but it can be done. I guess the answer to your first question would depend on the amount of work you would have to perform on the other vehicle. There are very knowledgable people here who are more than willing to help. Stay active on the forum and before long you will be a Fiat fanatic. All I think about on pretty days is driving curvey roads with the top down.

[124JOE]

hello and welcome
yes look under the carpet inthe rear and front for rust
ft shock towers will spread if too rusty
www,arigue.com for wiring and service buillitens
but most issuse are GROUND related
you can go stock or aftermarket,depending on your buget
heres my car

[baltobernie]

A "running" Spider can be had for $2-3k, for your point of reference. Such a car would have a functional top and interior, with most critical systems operational. Somewhere between $2k and $20k is where 99% of running Spiders ultimately reside.

Spiders of late-'70s vintage are both the greatest number and poorest performing models produced.

Do not even think about aftermarket accessories and upgrades at this time. Many, many enthusiasts end up selling four new, unused wheels and tires along with the project car that was never completed.

Buyers Guides: http://www.hemmings.com/hsx/stories/200 ... uide1.html
http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/buyspid.html

Parts sources: http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=5256, and a new one: http://www.autoricambi.us/

Spend a couple of hours Searching this site, and you'll get a feel for the joys and challenges of owning one of these delightful cars.

[SergeantSavage]

Hi dirtybob. I'm a Fiat newbie myself. All my life I've heard the stereotypical things that scare people away from these cars. Now that I have one I can say that while that bad reputation has maybe been earned in some ways, it's such a pure and soulful little car that fighting through the little problems is definitely worth the effort.

IT'S FUN TO DRIVE!! In a way that most cars could never be. With some mecanical aptitude and an understanding of how things work, I find the Spider to be a very affordable and enjoyable hobby car-- THANKS in large part to the guys right here on this forum.

[georgeramos]

I agree with the Sargeant! I owned my first Spider in the early 90's when i was in my early 20s. I waas working full time and college at night so my "tinkering" time was limited at best. I had no fellow enthusiasts (ie this forum) to help me diagnose and sort out the issues (ant they DO happen) so I never quite got the better of it and ultimately had to give it up. I actually bought a Miata NEW after the Fiat and while it was a blast too it did not have the soul that the others mentioned.

i just bought a 71 and while I am a bit nervous about my mechanical and financial aptitude i am truly excited at the prospect of driving it top down on some of oregons many beautiful roads (once it stops raining).

The best advice is to look for a car with as little rust as possible (unless you are a body work guy...) If the car is running you should take it for a long spin (top down if an option) and see what we mean!

Best of luck in your decision

George

[wikkid]

As to the tops, the design of the Spider top is far superior to other vintage ragtops. The top can be raised by pulling it up with one hand while seated in the driver's seat (this of course puts too much flex strain on the seat-back frame, but that's another story). In short, no need to look for a different "type" of top. If the '78 needs a new one, they can be had for between $200 and $300, from many sources.

Info for a first-timer:
http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/buyspid.html

and

http://reviews.ebay.com/Fiat-124-2000-S ... 0002125761

and a short history of the evolution of the model:

http://www.esportscarparts.com/Fiat/SpiderHistory.htm

[dirtybob72]

Thank all of you for your comments. The deal is done. I checked it out today and will be collecting payment in full next Saturday. It started and Idled with a little coaxing, two things It turned over for several seconds before starting and the starter and accessories did not respond when I turned the key consistently The explanation for this was the fuel pump is mechanical and needed time two prime. It has been a while since I have had two deal with a mechanical fuel pump But I believe it. The ignition is more interesting, in my experience when the solenoidal is bad the accessories will still work so I think it is the ignition switch itself. Any ideas.

[124JOE]

yes when i start mine i turn it over and tap the gas to the floor
if it hasnt ran for a while it takes longer but always starts
if you get a new ign switch,you can tinker with the old one and make it better

[dirtybob72]

I read on another post that the aftermarket ignition switches were less than good.

[wikkid]

Yes, you are right about the aftermarket switches, but you can also rebuild an original one:
http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/switch/index.html
And you can do the brown wire fix which won't really help the switch but will run power better to the system. And you can also set up a starter relay, so as not to run full high-amp power through the switch at startup (making the switch activate the relay to activate the solenoid, instead of a direct, thru-switch run).

Now post some pic's!!!