First Time Fiat Spider Owner

[Tobi]

Hey Greg, welcome to the forum. I live in MPLS and was a tool and die maker in my younger years, not very successful though.
I also have been thinking about going completely topless and remove the triangle windows. I lost my bumpers a few days after I got the car. That is what I like about cars like your blue one, you don't have to feel guilty about customizing it.
You should check out WOI http://www.wheelsofitaly.com
They have an annual meet up in MPLS.
I hope we will get to see lots of photos of your projects.

[thewizard]

Thanks Tobi,
Maybe we can hook up sometime. My daughter lives in Eden Prairie. Be visiting her on Mothers Day. Hope to get the timing belt in Sat so can feel comfortable driving the "new" 1981 Spider at highway speeds.
Got a line on a '60 Bugeye today for 2500. Supposedly a 10 y/o nice, no rust, decent restoration, original motor etc.
I'll be all over that one big time if it materializes. I put about 40000 miles on a couple of Bugeyes back in the late 60's.
AH's are my first love, even in the literal sense if you get my drift, how? I don't know....remember. Good times though. Still married to her after 39 years.

[thewizard]

Everybody have a good and safe Memorial Day and please pay tribute to those to which it honors.
Well I found out about the $2500 Bugeye.
It turned out to be a very sweet 1960 100-6 for $25000.
The guy hasn't driven it for 5 years and couldn't even remember the model of the car.
He thought it was a Sprite when I first talked to him about it. Must be nice to be rich and clueless.
Said he had it restored by some specialized re-builder in Minneapolis 10 years ago, can't remember who but supposedly a noted builder.
Wish I had the cash as think price is right.
I think if he researched it he could get 40+ for it if everything checked out on it.
You have all seen the nice Kurt Tanner ones bring $100000-150000 plus on Barrett-Jackson.
Car was a cover shot for some AH enthusiast magazine.


My very first car was a 1954 Austin Healy 100-4, bought it for $50 sold it a month later for $75. It was so cool with the fold down windshield.
I was 15. Young and dumb.

[giuliot60]

Welcome Greg/wizard.

I just bought a rust free '81 turbo (turbo removed) from the original owner with 81K original miles. Sounds like you had some nice cars. I was seriously thinking of picking up an MGB/GT, but test drove a Spider in the process and there was no comparison. DOH cam, Fuel injection, 4 wheel disc brakes, 5 speed, wood dash, more room, back seat (I have a 4 and 7 yr old) for the same money.

GT

[thewizard]

Thanks for the welcome GT.
I had a friend who had a MGB/GT.
Myself, I need a convertible.
It was a fun car none the less.
Yes I really like my Spiders. Think Spiders are probably undervalued at current time.
Parts seem fairly reasonable and abundant.
Have fun with you new acquisition.

[majicwrench]

Wiz, I like your motto.
Mine ( I'm an old guy auto mechanic) "Enough time and money and I can fix anything"
It scares away some of the people it should scare away

[thewizard]

Yep Majicwrench, challenges can be both rewarding and disappointing. But they can be done.
I am posting some pics of a brand spanking new custom Kenworth we just put some final hitches and shortened the frame by 14". It going from MN here to Hawaii on Monday. All wheel drive, front wheels are hydraulic drive, push-pull set-up, 600 cu. in., 2250 foot-pounds torque.
We also made a 45 thousand pound counterweight that will stacked on rear frame. Last year we put a 60,000 pound weight on a similar tractor that was carrying a 400,000 pound transformer.
This one is pulling windmill parts. The trailer behind this is a computerized GPS steering 19 axle, all axles turn as needed to negotiate tight turns or maneuvering in to place, 200 foot plus long that weighs in at 230,000 pounds itself empty. The setup carries a 260,000 payload. On some hills they have been on the driver that has used that trailer before told me at times they have 2 D8 Cats hooked up to help push, pull or add brake ballast.
Pretty awesome unit.

[courtenay]

Well, that's the big and small if it, isn't it?? All I can say is WOW - that's one big effing truck!!

[narfire]

Nice looking car. Good comparison in the size difference.


Bruce, If you go onto the logging roads behind you, you could run accross some of these. They are still being used on the private roads.

[thewizard]

Thought I'd post an update on my '81 2000.
Now have put 2500 miles on it in 3 months.
Oil level still at where it was when I changed oil.
Ran a little hot at stop lights; added about pint and 1/2 to overflow tank and that was that.
Runs 190-200 now. Has a little top end blow by I see at stop signs but hasn't affected oil level in 2500 miles so not much of an issue i guess.
Finally got the blue 124 in the garage last weekend, much to wife's delight.
Funny, I thought it made a great lawn ornament.
I love my Fiats. Wife told me she knows I love them.
You either do also or soon will if you buy one.
From owning previous Triumphs, the Fiat is really a pleasure not to work on it EVERY time I drive it.

[thewizard]

Another little update.
Got my blue 76 CS1 licensed today.
It had no title, bill of sale.
In Minnesota they will give you the plates and registration up front when applying for title.
Then in 5 or 6 moths they tell you if you can get the title or take the plates back.
Seems backwards, as I can now legally drive the car but technically don't even own it.
Plan on driving it through the neighborhood today, then getting to work on ratting it up.

[giuliot60]

Good luck with the title. So how is the blue car running? What kind of mileage does it have on it? Is that the original blue?

I've prepped and painted my wheels on my 81 this week (tires off), currently letting the NC sun bake the finish before getting the tires on them tomorrow. Missed driving her this week, but it has been pretty hot here.

[thewizard]

Thanks, I think it will go smoothly, title wise. Car was sitting 24 years under a roof outside.
Had a slight spark problem but got the wire fixed and car started right up.
It runs unbelievably well. Has no fuel pump so used lawn mower gas can sitting on cowl with a outboard motor squeeze bulb.
Have a new mechanical pump I plan to put in.
Car has only 023000 miles, is extremely solid.
Paint is original.

[thewizard]

Guess this thread is getting pretty old by now. Need to jump on some others.
Anyway drove the 76 around a couple blocks last night.
No brakes, still fun though. They all know me around the neighborhood.
Started on repairs tonight. Pulled rear inner 1/2 dust shrouds, busted 1 of 8 bolts.
Drilled the one out, retapped no big deal.
Busted off the bleeder screw on right rear caliper, drilled it, broke easy out.
Guess it's carbide at work on Monday. I'll get it. Some things just take longer.
Carbide doesn't get it I'll head to the sinker.
That don't work, we'll just mod it. I'm not looking for stock or concours.
Do it all the time for customers.

[thewizard]

Headed for bed now, but after just barnstorming with another toolmaker (he's got crap he made headed to Mars on a rover for God's sake) buddy of mine, we decided to come up with a welded log chain bumper painted flat black (massive 1/2" diameter links, heavy duty stuff) and accent bumperette maces for the rat.
What outdoor fires and a couple beers will do.
It's gonna be sweet.
Will post pics although it could be a month or two, wife has me scheduled for a bunch of her pet projects also. (never ends)
The '81 will be kept stock. The '76 will be a no frills on the cheap ratter which in reality will take some time due to creativity, lack of funds and some stupidity mixed in.