New member---Any advice before purchasing a Spider?

[SAS]

Have always liked these car and I am becoming serious about purchasing one ---- I like the early small bumper cars the best,- but a good one can be difficult to find.---I am beginning to think a 79 could be the best choice for me--They seem to be easier to find,--I like the door handles and the fact that it still has a simple carbureted engine-- A 79 fitted with older style bumpers is what I thinking about--- Any thoughts or opinions from guys more experienced with these cars than I am would be appreciated

[narfire]

Many will suggest when looking for a Fiat Spider, one should look for the best rust free car one can find. The mechanicals are relatively easy to sort out, but if you do not have the time or skill set for body work, stay away as replacing body panels, shock towers ect. can get expensive at the body shop.
A nice sorted car can be found around here for $4000.00-$10,000.00. You can drive it while adding anything it might need.
As for years of manufacture...yes the early ones I believe have that "classic" look while the 79's seem to be more frequent. The 79 and 80 carb'd versions were the years with the most de-tuned engines though. However a few bolt on bits and pieces will bring that engine back to a better power rating.
Good luck with your quest
Chris

[81SPIDERMATT]

x2 on rust ..... a rust free car that runs like crap is worth far more than a car that runs great and needs bodywork .... if you have the skills and tools to do body work and enjoy it that might sway your decision some... but rusted out shock towers would be a deal breaker for me .... and I would not be fearful of the fuel injected spiders also .... they are simple to work on and joining this forum is like having countless experts at your disposal that are willing to help even the most novice of owners

[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

[Exit98]

SAS,

Where are you from by the way?

I've got some advice too. #1, Rust, avoid it at all costs.

Decide on your budget then take your time. And don't be afraid to consider an out of state car. Shipping isn't a real big deal any more.

The mechanical stuff is easy. Used engines, trans, rear ends are readily available as well as new stuff from our great vendors.

If I found a solid one that struck my fancy I'd buy it with a bad transmission, or a blown head gasket or whatever. In fact it could be a good deal.

Check ebay and Craigslist every day. Search Tempest will search any and all Craigslists around the country.

Enjoy the search, its part of the journey.

[azruss]

Of all the years, a 79 is my least favorite because of all the pollution crap that goes with the carb. If you are in a state where you can go to an earlier carb, i would recommend it highly. Changing to early bumpers is not a small task and requires lots of fitting and even some body modifications to do it right. Earlier models also have an oil pressure gage that was eliminated on the later cars. There are also models around the 79 era that had 80 mph speedos. Post 75 cars had taller springs, particularly in the rear and downgrades the handling of the car. Many replace the springs to get back to original height. As everyone has said, the mechanics are easy as most years interchange. Rust is the big bad wolf. Shock towers, bottom corners of the doors, front and rear fenders as well as the rear wheel flairs are where you will find. Many cars have rust along the outside edges of the floor boards. Dont know what your budget is or your mechanical prowress, but it is cheaper in the long run finding a car that some else has already sorted out. If you find a specific car. take lots of pix and run it by the brain trust. They will be able to pick out issues a newbie wouldnt see.

[76was124]

There is a very nice thread on buying a Fiat at: http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/buyspid.html