Looking to buy a Spider

[Xrslug]

Hello all --

I'm in the market to buy a Spider and found this forum. I came to Italian cars by way of Italian motorcycles (I currently own a 1978 Moto Guzzi LeMans, for any motorcycle enthusiasts here). I was kicking around the idea of getting an old roadster and happened to see a silver Spider in nice shape down the street from my house and thought it looked just like what I had in mind. So here I am. I need to do the usual studying and learning before I start shopping in earnest, so I'm looking forward to the info here.

[NJFIAT1981]

Welcome to the site. Plently of friendly, helpful folks here. Ask lots of questions. You can probably find a spider right here on this site. Where are you from? Regards, George

[Xrslug]

Thanks, George. I've already seen a few nice examples in the ads here. I recently moved to Los Angeles (home of rust-free cars and ideal for convertibles). I need to answer that classic question of how much to spend initially vs. how much work I want to do out ofthe gate. I am fairly handy (I've replaced the cam, cylinders and pistons on my Guzzi, for example) and I do like wrenching but I think I'm probably inclined to spend a little more for a nice example instead of a project. At least for my first car!

[baltobernie]

Hello Guzzi, and Welcome! Yes, the old axiom about allowing the other guy to spend lots of time and money on restoration rings true with Fiats, too. Every $1000 extra you spend up front probably saves you $2000 after you drive her home.

Here are some well-written (if dated) articles to get you started:
http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/buyspid.html
http://www.hemmings.com/hsx/stories/200 ... uide1.html

Residing in CA, you're probably wise to limit your search to pre-1975 and post-1980 Spiders. 1980 was the beginning M/Y for Bosch fuel injection.

[georgeramos]

Nut sure if your aesthetic taste would dictate your choice but pre 75 Spiders are much prettier IMHO with the small chrome bumpers and the pre smog carbed cars have the sound and feel of true italian Sports cars. no offense to the hoardes of FI owners, those are gorgeous AND well mannered...