New Old Spider Owner

[jlrice54]

I though I should get my introduction in before the 48hr clock ran out so here I am.

I am doing a resto-mod on a 1971 Sport Spider that a previous owner transplanted a 2.0L carb engine from a Lancia. I bought it on eBay and after driving to Alabama to pick it up, it became apparent that it's condition was less than thoroughly described. But it is what it is, so instead of my usual "Have to contact Italy for the exact correct washer for that bolt", I decided I'm going to have a bit of fun with this one.

I live in North Central Texas about an hour north of Dallas. I've dropped by VAS and spoke to the guys there, I dropped by Shade Tree in Nevada but they weren't in that day and I'm going to drop by Csaba's place in Colleyville as soon as my travels takes me there. Years ago when I was driving a 1962 1200 Cab as a daily driver, I dropped in on Bayless in Atlanta while on a business trip. I always like a face to associate with the voice over the phone or behind the emails.

As I mentioned I've owned Fiats at several different times during my 60 years. I have owned, repaired and restored 850 Spiders, a 128 and the aforementioned 1200 Cab which I kept on the road for 12 years before the internet made parts hunting easy. I waited 6 months of 1977 for a cluster gear ordered from Fiat in Italy through Precision Motors in Dallas and spent 9 months of 1998 tracking down the correct 36DCD6 carb from Weber -that one turned up in a BAP/Geon warehouse in the Carolinas along with 28 others.

I have a fairly well equipped shop. The shop building is 30x60 with 13' clearance to the joists, I have lathes from 6"x18" to 16"x144", a couple of mills, welders for gas, MIG, TIG, AC/DC stick and spot welding, presses to 30T, a 50 year collection of hand and air tools, sand blasters, several air compressors, a pretty good assortment of OTC pullers and service tools, a pair of engine cranes rated at 1T and 2T, engine stands, a 12'x10' A-frame that I have used to lift 5000# with no issues and my newest toy, a 9000K two post car lift.

My shop time varies depending upon work. I'm a self employed IT consultant and run a hosting service for medical practice management software. I've had some weeks that I worked 2-3 hours and other that I work 70 so I have to take it as it comes.

I sold my last Fiat in 1987 and moved into Porsche and Mercedes for a couple of decades. Then my 16 yo daughter fell in love with the new 500 and I bought her a 500 Lounge Gucci edition in October. After driving it around, I started jonesing for another spider so here I am. Now my 15yo daughter informed me last week that she wants a 500C for her first car. So I guess I'm back in a Fiat family again.

I've rambled enough for today. I hope I haven't bored anyone to death.

[aj81spider]

Welcome! I am extremely jealous of your workshop - sounds fantastic.

[Exit98]

1971 is a great year, and while I favor the original 1600 motor the 2L should move it along nicely.

Good luck with it. We'd love to see some pictures.

[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 another picture-posting thread:

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

And here is a link to a map of Spider owner’s locations. Many forum members have listed their locations.

https://www.zeemaps.com/map?group=191825

Pete

[jlrice54]

I've been lurking for a few weeks soaking up tidbits of knowledge. It's been a couple of decades since I worked on a Fiat and there is much I didn't remember.

I have already pinned myself to the map.

James

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 another picture-posting thread:

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

And here is a link to a map of Spider owner’s locations. Many forum members have listed their locations.

https://www.zeemaps.com/map?group=191825

Pete

[azruss]

you will find these cars enjoyable as most parts are easily available from a variety of vendors and the prices are right.

[baltobernie]

Agree that the '71 is a pretty car. Does your car have a flat hood, or one with two bumps? We have a club member that has finally completed the shell of a '71 which he started several years ago. It will be a stunner when he finally builds it out. Only thing tricky about the '71 is the unique-to-that-year rear lamp assembly. They are so rare that some restorers fit adjacent MY assemblies. Still not commonplace, but much easier to find lenses, etc. We'd love to see photos of your project, and welcome aboard!