New Member, considering purchasing a Spider

[mrabody]

Hi,

I'm a Canadian currently living in the UK. I've never owned a Fiat before but like the styling of many of their products and I'm considering purchasing a Spider for a family road trip this summer. We will be driving from Vancouver BC to Saskatchewan and back. I'm looking for a cheapish spider that we can enjoy some top down motoring fun in. I'm capable of doing any mechanical work necessary, but would like to know any weak points are on these cars (aside from rust) so that I can address them beforehand.

[courtenay]

When you say "family" road trip, I assume you mean a family of two, because that's all you're going to fit in a Spider. To get a car that's road ready and reliable for that kind of trip, you're going to have to find one that's either already been restored or is a survivor with low kms in great shape. Look to spend well in excess of $7000. Oh, and make sure you have lots of room on your Visa card and a CAA card along with you on your trip. Good Luck!

[narfire]

Hi there. Yes a well sorted spider would do that trip without too many issues. Long climbing hills in 35+deg C heat might be an issue but with the top down and heater on doable.
There was one in White Rock I believe for sale but I don't see it advertised any more. That was around $13,000 thou though. Another I remember was near Nelson( Kaslo-Medow creek) that looked good. There is one here in Penticton that might be for sale this spring. he has gone over it pretty well and was going to rebuild the engine this winter.
My druthers for that kind of trip would be a FI car but many would not hesitate with their carb'd cars either.
Bruce's is right in the price range for a well sorted car in the lower mainland. There is a 79 for sale in Surrey that would be sorted but that year had a pretty low HP rating
Good luck eh.

[baltobernie]

You're asking for trouble trying to drive an unknown 40-year-old car 2,000 miles. The Griswold's Wagon Queen Family Truckster would be a safer bet. Rent a new car, you'll have more fun for less money.

[Exit98]

You're asking for trouble trying to drive an unknown 40-year-old car 2,000 miles. The Griswold's Wagon Queen Family Truckster would be a safer bet. Rent a new car, you'll have more fun for less money.

+1

[mrabody]

I've driven the route in a 40 yo car before (66 Valiant to be exact). I've driven plenty of other old cars on road trips before and know others who have done so as well. I would be going through all the mechanical bits on the car beforehand - timing belt, brakes, etc to minimize the chance of problems. Cosmetics aren't terribly important, just as long as it isn't a complete rotter. I have a friend in the Vancouver area who would inspect the car before purchase and to see how it runs.

That said, from the feedback on here, it sounds as if you don't think these cars are up to it unless they've had extensive restoration, so I'll probably look at other options instead.

[courtenay]

I don't think anyone here has suggested that a Fiat couldn't make the trip. What many of us are saying is that unless the car - any 40 year old car - was well sorted mechanically, such a trip would be risky. Many of us on this Forum have Fiats that we would not hesitate taking on your proposed drive. I suspect you had done a pretty extensive mechanical inspection of your old Valiant before you took it on the long drive - and that's pretty much what the folks here are suggesting you do should you decide to do the drive in a Spider.

[btoran]

i learned to drive on a '68 valiant and wouldn't drive that car more than locally. i've had my spider for almost a year and it's close to being ready for that kind fo trip.

as others have said, any older car would need to be inspected well before making that trip. another thing to consider is the lack of storage space. if "family" is you and wife, you can put bags in the shallow (but relatively wide) trunk and on the "passenger shelf" (aka back seat). if you're sticking kiddies back there, you better pack light. also to consider is for a long trip like that, some kind of wind screen would be beneficial to cut wind buffeting.

good luck with your trip, what ever car you decide to take. it sounds like fun.

[mrabody]

I'm sorry if I gave the impression that I just hoped to buy a spider sight unseen, jump in it and drive it 2000 miles with a family in tow. I may be insane, but I'm not stupid.

If a suitable car can be found and bought it's my intention to fly out early and go through it mechanically. New timing belt, full service on engine, check radiator, water pump, clutch, brakes and wheel bearings and replace as necessary etc.

Are there any particular weak spots that I need to look out for?

[btoran]

general areas of concern are usually rust (especially in the shock towers), fuel smell (often a sign that one or more hoses need to be replaced), dim lights (cured via an upgraded alternator, headlights, headlight relay setup, and the "brown wire fix" - do a search on here for that one), and a variety of electrical gremlins (most of which can be cured by providing good grounds). later-year models may have smog emmisions equipment removed for better performance / mileage. the radio / speaker setup usually needs enhancing to produce any meaningful sound, expecially at highway speeds.

these cars are easy to work on and customize, and relatively inexpensive, which can lead to some questionable customizations and "upgrades" by previous owners.

also note that the engine is high-reving, even in 5th gear. some have swapped rear-ends to reduce rpms in 5th gear but most happily live with it.

[Olaf]

The common worries on these cars are:

Rust on shock towers - this is the show-stopper, find where the shock towers are and ensure no rust.
Wiring/Electrical - Has any upgrading been done? The common first fixes are 'the brown wire' fix and adding headlight relays. But generally check all the functions and ensure there's no oddities.
Front Cross Member/Sway Bar - The rubber bits on the front steering/assembly tend to wear out and not get replaced because it's a tedious job. This can cause stress on various other bits, so be very sure that area is solid, rust free, and not previously repaired.
Clutch Cable - Tends to rip through the firewall - check the full path and inspect any previous repairs for quality.

You may also want to prepare to remove all emissions stuff still on it.
-Olaf
As I now know, a good-looking car can show a lot of small issues over time. Find an already restored version if you can afford it.

[azruss]

common to see these cars pop out of gear. Sometimes it is as simple as worn shifter forks from rest your hand on the gearshift knob.

[baltobernie]

The question is not so much "could you?" as "why would you want to?" Of course you could buy a Spider in running condition, inspect, repair and upgrade as necessary, and drive it 2,000 miles. Heck, at least one forum member has done a complete lap of the United States in one. (This same guy has ridden a bicycle 2,000 miles as well, but that doesn't mean you should try this too.)

My '73 Spider has been restored/modified from top to bottom; improved electrics, balanced & blueprinted engine, even a cruise control. It is completely and totally reliable, without so much as a hiccup in the 23k miles since restoration. 200 miles in one day leaves me knackered. Yes, the engine is silky-smooth, but it runs at 4,000 RPM. The suspension is sporty, but expansion joints have me wince ahead of each one. On a glorious Spring day on a beautiful smooth, twisty road, it is an absolute joy. But it is not a long-distance car.

Have you actually driven a vintage sports car for any length of time on modern roads? A couple of hundred miles in an MGB on A and B roads can probably be arranged, and is guaranteed to cure you of this notion.

[2ndwind]

I have to agree with Bernie. Unless you are going to do 2000 miles of back-roads, this would not be a fun time. Today I drove my spider to the auto shop to pick up the keys for my son's '91 Accord that left him stranded in the MIDDLE of the highway Friday night. It was a beautiful partly cloudy day on twisty roads. Tonight I had to go pick him up at college to bring him to his car. I chose my Toyota Pickup because I'm not too fond of driving the spider on the highway due to wind buffeting, constant speed, big trucks, firm ride, and boredom. Sure, I could do it, and have done it. It's only a 25 min. drive one way.

[narfire]

Well if you go for a decent spider, have a look at this.... If you can get someone to drive you there, you would have a hoot driving it home on HWY 3..
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/van ... nFlag=true
This was originally around $7500+ last fall.
Medow Creek is about a hour north of Nelson, next to Duncan Dam. Kaslo is a great place to visit.