Just bought a '79 2000

[rahm1127]

I just picked up a 1979 Spider 2000. It runs pretty well, but it needs some cosmetic help to make the wife happy. Any suggestions for what to look for, where to get parts, what modifications work well etc. are welcome. Looking forward to making this car nice to drive and look at.

[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

And here is a great picture-posting thread edited by SLOSpider:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 12&t=23084


Pete

[steve8462]

look at the shock towers in the front. you can see them by looking over the front tires in the wheel well. inspect for rust or rot. put your hands up into the rear wheel wells to see of they are still there. if both spots look good, then the rest is relatively minor.

[TX82FIAT]

Welcome! For the most part you can get any part you need for a 79. There are a ton of great vendors such as Allisons, Auto Ricambi, International Auto, Vicks Autosports, Midwest Bayless and a lot more. A lot of folks on the site have spare parts so ask around about what you think you need and draw on the experience here. You will find some parts vendors are more helpful than others and the prices actually will vary so shop around before clicking buy. You mentioned modifications, I would suggest getting the car running well before starting modifications. First order of business change all the fluids (including brake fluid), see if new brakes are needed, see if new plugs are needed, mark your timing and make sure timing is right as well as new timing belt on. Make sure your electrical system and cooling system are doing what they are supposed to. Once you have it running well i would suggest one modification at a time. When something goes wrong i have found it easier to find the issue by backtracking what i changed. When troubleshooting try to make sure you know what is wrong before ordering new parts to fix the problem. For example, a fuel issue could be the tank, pump, lines, filters, one of many parts in the carb and so on. Todays car have diagnotic codes and are built in a manner that parts replacement will fix almost any issue. With the Spider, simply replacing parts is not always the answer and can get costly. If you can do the work yourself then give it a shot. It makes you a better owner more prepared to handle issues if you have one with a 34 year old vehicle.

After you get her running well I would take all the smog equiptment off of the 79 to get a little extra pep if it has not already been done. The best FIAT is the one that had a good prior owner. All the best and post some updates as you move through the car. Have Fun!!

[fiat218]

You wrote a book

[TX82FIAT]

well, hopefully it helps. I'm sure we could all write a book on what to look for on these cars.

[fiat218]

well, hopefully it helps. I'm sure we could all write a book on what to look for on these cars.

Just joking,I'm sure what you said,helps alot,I have learned alot on fiats from all of you

[westy64]

The best FIAT is the one that had a good prior owner. Have Fun!!

Here is what I would highlight from the book !
That's how I chose my Prunette.
A winning rallyman as a PO is a warranty of a good maintenance.
And a good aficionados site does help !