My name is Justin
I recently came across a 1980 fiat spyder with only 47k on the dash. I want to bring her back to her former glory. Its an automatic. Are there any common issues these cars have that I should be aware of?
Thanks for viewing my post, and have a great day.
Newb to fiats
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RRoller123
- Patron 2020
- Posts: 8179
- Joined: Sun Nov 13, 2011 2:04 pm
- Your car is a: 1980 FI SPIDER 2000
- Location: SAGAMORE BEACH, MA USA
Re: Newb to fiats
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
And here is a great picture-posting thread edited by SLOSpider:
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 12&t=23084
There are many issues that crop up common to these cars. Cooling is one of them, and wiring gremlins is another. And then there is the rust issue.... I would suggest that you do a search of the forum on these topics and you will find a lot of good information!
Pete
Here is a thread on how to post pictures to the forum:
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=21014
And here is a great picture-posting thread edited by SLOSpider:
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 12&t=23084
There are many issues that crop up common to these cars. Cooling is one of them, and wiring gremlins is another. And then there is the rust issue.... I would suggest that you do a search of the forum on these topics and you will find a lot of good information!
Pete
'80 FI Spider 2000
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle
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Jwindbigler
Re: Newb to fiats
Right now I have rust on all 4 wheel wells, and a little in the trunk. Overall it's not too bad I don't think.
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Jwindbigler
Re: Newb to fiats
Thank you for the advice. I appreciate it. I'll post up pics as soon as I can
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RRoller123
- Patron 2020
- Posts: 8179
- Joined: Sun Nov 13, 2011 2:04 pm
- Your car is a: 1980 FI SPIDER 2000
- Location: SAGAMORE BEACH, MA USA
Re: Newb to fiats
Auto Ricambi is great for parts, IAP also, and has a buyer's guide. There are indispensable electrical schematics from Brad Artigue. Man where do we begin!? The search engine is your best friend on this site. You will find just about every answer here, and if not, ask and we will do our best to make one up! 
'80 FI Spider 2000
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle
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steve8462
Re: Newb to fiats
pull all your carpets and inspect floor pans closely for rust and rot holes
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Exit98
Re: Newb to fiats
Justin,
To Pete and Steve's point, before you spend any great amount of $ you need to assess the extent of your Spider's rust. Wheel wells and floors are somewhat cosmetic and can be fixed, but if its worse, and it may be, then you'll really need to decide where you want to go with the car.
The shock towers on our cars are prone to rust and that's a serious safety issue and an expensive fix. Bad floor rust can lead to rusted out seat anchors, and worse, rear suspension pick up points which are welded to the floor behind the seats.
Mecanically and cosmetically the cars are easy. Rust, not so much.
Do a search under "shock towers"
Good luck.
To Pete and Steve's point, before you spend any great amount of $ you need to assess the extent of your Spider's rust. Wheel wells and floors are somewhat cosmetic and can be fixed, but if its worse, and it may be, then you'll really need to decide where you want to go with the car.
The shock towers on our cars are prone to rust and that's a serious safety issue and an expensive fix. Bad floor rust can lead to rusted out seat anchors, and worse, rear suspension pick up points which are welded to the floor behind the seats.
Mecanically and cosmetically the cars are easy. Rust, not so much.
Do a search under "shock towers"
Good luck.