new to Fiat

[hwyrnr]

Hey there. Well i just got a 1981 Fiat Spider 2000 FI. The car wasnt running when i got it but after a little tinkering i found that the connector under the dash from the ignition was loose. Woo hoo it runs. Well took it around the block and when i got to about 30 mph the thing jerked to the right and about scared the heck out of me. Got it home and the driver side tie rod sleeve was bent. Ordered two new tie rod kits from Vicks " thanks to this site" while backing the car in the garage found out the little car doesn't want to stay in revers without me holding it there. Any sugestions on that? But for $1500.00 im happy with it. Thought it might be a nice little project.

[RRoller123]

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

Here is a thread on how to post pictures directly 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

[2ndwind]

Welcome,
Sounds like a good buy. Popping out of reverse is, unfortunately, not uncommon. I believe the cure is a tranny rebuild or a heavy hand.

[TX82FIAT]

Welcome and good luck with your project car. If she is running for $1500.00 and the body is in good shape you did well.

[hwyrnr]

Thank you. The body looks pretty good a couple of door dings. Idk if its a standard thing but the car has under cote almost on everything on the under side. There is a couple of small rust bubbles but not to bad. Got the tie rood kits put in and getting some new tires tomorrow.

[hwyrnr]

Got the tag for the car and some new tires. Took it to the muffler shop to have the exhaust done. The trans mount was completely torn up. He raises the trans back up and stuck a bolt through it so he could do the exhaust. I was telling him about my problems with reverse and he said heck it might be because the trans mount. Low and behold I now have no problems getting it into reverse. So when I got home I ordered a trans mount from Vic's. my $1500 fiat is looking better and better.

[2ndwind]

Excellent! I hope you got an alignment after new tie rods and tires.

[AngieSophia]

I bought my 79 Fiat for $2000. Have put about $3000 over the summer into it but that included parts and my mechanic's labour charges. The following has been been done:

New brakes, including pads and calipers and hoses
distributor rebuilt
new alternator
new thermostat
new speedo cable
various oil leaks found and fixed
new carb and filter installed
wiring fixed (turn signals etc)
fuel sensor replaced

She's running great and I've been auto-crossing her over the summer. The body is solid and in very good shape thought of course a few spots of rust are bubbling up under the paint. Interior is pretty good too but eventually I'll get to the interior and exterior over the next couple of years.

I'm having a blast with her. Enjoy!

Liz
Victoria BC Canada