HI from NC!

[mdrburchette]

Maybe a couple of us can meet and go see it. I'm in Charlotte on Monday evenings and am willing to check it out for you.

[MrJD]

This car is near Chapel hill. Paint is very tired, despite how it looks. Top needs to be replaced in the worst way also


front left part of bumper is actually pushed in about 3 inches







the bad







in theory, it also comes with this parts car.. but itd cost me $500+ just to get the parts car home! Might let him hold it and I'll pay for parts if I ever need them.


The body clearly has rust issues, and every panel needs attention in one form or another. There is one nasty dent in the back near the gas door, but otherwise its as you see it. The underbody was coated well at some point, and I saw very very little rust. The front shock towers were perfect, and the rear suspension mounting points looked fine also. That being said, all of the rubber in the suspension has perished and needs to be replaced. Brakes seemed to work ok, though it pulled a little to the right when braking hard.

Front left wheel does not look to be aligned correctly... its got some toe out that needs to be adressed... im sure all four wheel bearings need to be done also... basically a full suspension and brake job is needed.

Interior looks ok. Dash wood is good, need to replace that around the shifter though. Radio looks like crap, and there are speakers that were cut into the map pockets... but otherwise it looks ok.

Engine is out of a 1975 model, and seemed to run fine under load. When decelerating or sitting, it sputters and pops. Exhaust has no cats and no muffler... its a straight pipe. Its not had a timing belt in 10+ years from the conversation i had with him...

Tranny: The guy said it has had a clutch in the last few years... but there were times when it was very tough getting it to go into gear. At one point, I pulled over to look at the car. When I tried to go again, it was lots of work getting it into first. It never made any grinding noises, and never popped out of gear... but it was work getting it IN to gear. Maybe a linkage issue?

Other red flag... when we got there it had already been warmed up. Next time I go (to get it if i do) i will tell him to leave it cold so I can see how it runs and starts. Forgot to check the oil and water (had my wife with me....) and next time I am going to take it on a long test drive to make sure it doesn't get hot. I think it was hovering around 190 most of the test drive this last time.

Also, the color tag is still in the trunk. 151 Rosso i believe it was.

Tires were brand new. Also comes with some other random parts.
What do you guys think?

Also, I found a little wrench in the glove box, he laughed and said it was to do something tightening down the distributor and then kinda put it away. I get the feeling there is something wrong there that needs constant attention. Thoughts?

He is asking $3500. I think this might be my first dive into classic motoring!

[aj81spider]

This fall I sold one in a lot better condition than that for $3000.

If you're looking for a challenge and you aren't too concerned about how much time and money you're going to put into it then I'd negotiate him down a lot ($1500?). After that expect to spend months (and thousands) getting it fixed up.

If you want a car you can drive and have fun and only put routine maintenance into I'd spend a little more and run away from that one.

[mdrburchette]

$3500 is too much for it. No telling the extent of the rust until you start stripping. What year model are you looking for? Carbed or fuel injected? I know of a fuel injected on in VA I can go look at if you want.

[MrJD]

In a perfect world I am looking for a red spider with tan interior, with early door handles (pre 79).

I could care less about the engine. In the end I would swap in a built 2ltr carbed unit.

[MrJD]

you guys really think this one is that bad off? I figured it needed a tune up, some new suspension rubber and shocks, and extensive body work...

I wonder if it was tough to get in gear due to my never having driven an older car? This thing was really talking to me when I looked at it... made me want to bring it home immediately and give it some much deserved TLC... But you guys are the experts. So I'm listening to you.

[giuliot60]

Yeah. Stay away from it, unless you get it for really cheap. But then, like someone previously mentioned, you'll still have to put loads of time and money into it. Just buy the best you can get. I waited and I'm very happy with what came my way. We'll find you something.

What ever happened to the widow car in Charlotte? Like Denise said, if you need some of us to look at it, even with you, just let us know. Nothing like having a few owners with you. You become very familiar with these cars once you own one.

[giuliot60]

Just found these on search tempest. If you haven't used it, I would try it.

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/4186160995.html

http://hickory.craigslist.org/cto/4177975425.html

http://hickory.craigslist.org/cto/4116240817.html

http://winstonsalem.craigslist.org/bar/4127421716.html (this one's near Denise

http://greensboro.craigslist.org/ctd/4162368608.html

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dl ... rid=229466 (some feel the '71 is the best year.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dl ... rid=229466 (this one's a little pricy)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dl ... rid=229466 (and this one's outrageous)

[giuliot60]

There is also this one on this forum that looks really nice and perfect for you, but on the pricey side. http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 10&t=18099

[MrJD]

This is the 79

I have not been to look at it. Is anyone close to it? I don't think I like those later style door handles or tail lights, lol. Picky picky.

[sixcharlie]

Hi Jon,

Welcome to Carolina. I'm Chris, I'm in Charlotte, I have three 124s right now, one being a red / tan. I'm sending you PM.

[MrJD]

Chris:

Reply sent.If you've got something decent I can tool around on, I am totally interested.

I'm still curious as to what you guys think about the last car posted though. I think I could get into it for sub-$3000 money.

Jon

[sixcharlie]

Sending you the rest of the story and I'll work on getting some pictures to you.

On the public discussion side, I would think the general consensus is to try to find a car with the best body, sorting the mechanicals is more cost effective and pleasing then dealing with multiple intrusions of the rust monster.

From experience, I wanted one car, paid very little for a rusty one that was too far gone and now have purchased 4 whole cars and a room full of spares. All in an effort to have that one car. It's been fun though.

[MrJD]

So there is a car show in charlotte this weekend? I am so tempted to drive the wife to work,,, and drive my rear end up to see your car, the car I posted above, and then go to the car show!

[sixcharlie]

Yes, the Charlotte Auto Show is this weekend. Not going to see a bunch of new stuff because those won't unveil until next week in LA and Tokoyo.

This is all new car stuff, but GT's Spider is in there and they have a "History of the Car" exhibit. Because of GT's EDIT ->precipitation,(*participation) he has some extra tickets. I have a friend who just moved here from Germany and is looking to buy a car so I'm taking her tomorrow afternoon to shop and then GT and I plan on going back sometime over the weekend, and again to pick his car up.

Come on down man. I just finished sending you even more info and I'm interested what look will be on your face when the tought "I didn't realize Fred Sanford is really a middle aged white guy".

It'll be fun. I promise I haven't warmed her up or cleaned her. Full disclosure.