Oh hey there

[Juarez]

Last week I acquired my 1980 baby, Fiat 124 Spider 2000, and it happens to be my first car! I've driven many cars, but this is the first one I purchased and owned myself and for that I'm excited.

It needs a touch of work and skill.
-Head gasket replacements. ( a kit is already on the way, also a service manual)
-Finding root of previous over heating issues. I hear that's common here.
-Fix wiring of radio, amp, and aux jack. Wires are fine, just have to just the puzzel together. Haha and figure out what the previous owner was doing adding a few in there for.
-Handle little wear and tear on body, a bit of rust here and there. (once thats fixed the black and tan top will look gorgeous)
-Finally I have to name it.

Seeing as I took a road less traveled by its going to be abit of work, but thats the whole idea. Photos on the way, and any advice is always appreciated.

- Bel M Juarez

[RRoller123]

Welcome aboard! You will find plenty of knowledgeable and friendly people here.

Here is a thread on how to post pictures to the forum:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=21014

Pete

[georgeramos]

Welcome. You are on a very commonly travelled road and among friends. You will be amazed at the level of knowledge and hospitality and your car will be a great source of pride and maybe frustration oh and you will spend more than you ever thought you could earn but...kidding on that one.

Have fun

[divace73]

Congrats on the purchase..
I have a 1980 as well, it is not that common to over heat, if all is working they never overheat.

While you are doing the head (which could be the cause of the overheating??), I'd suggest you change the timing belt and tensioner as well (some suggest water pump, if it is not leaking it can be done later if need be??)
Also get the radiator flushed out professionally, you'd be surprised the gunk that comes out or how blocked it can be.
Also check the thermostat operation in some boiling water.

And change all the fluids
Brake
Gear box
Diff
Engine (do that as you could have water in it due to the head change)
Keep us updated

[RRoller123]

Also: Changing the front engine oil seals while the belt is off is not too hard or expensive and well worth it if there is any leaking there.