New 124 mechanic in training from Chandler, AZ

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AZRoadster
Posts: 15
Joined: Thu Aug 11, 2016 9:38 am
Your car is a: 1978 Spider 124
Location: Chandler, Arizona

New 124 mechanic in training from Chandler, AZ

Post by AZRoadster »

Hi folks,
Picked up a 1978 Fiat Spider a few weeks ago. I have already started digging in to get her running again. My wife has known the previous two owners, which accounts for ~27+ years of the cars life.

Currently working on getting the 4 corners all working correctly. Bearing, brakes and bushings if needed.
The engine runs, but not really well. That will be the next step.
Image
Here is the pic my wife sent me seeing if I wanted the car.

My other hobby is autocrossing. I started this about 3 years ago in the Phoenix area driving a Subaru BRZ. I am not sure how competitive the 124 will be, but thought about running it in a heritage class if we get enough folks to participate.

I have been watching the forum in the past weeks getting tons of valuable information.

Dan
garion
Posts: 508
Joined: Tue Sep 18, 2012 10:20 pm
Your car is a: 1979 Fiat 124 Spider
Location: Phoenix, AZ

Re: New 124 mechanic in training from Chandler, AZ

Post by garion »

Welcome.. There's a few other members that are in Phoenix too. I'm actually not that far away from you, in Maricopa..

I've always wanted to do autocross, but just never got there..
--John
1978 Fiat 124 Spider (for sale soon)
1979 Fiat 124 Spider
2007 Audi A4
Blog: http://www.technobabelfish.com
AZRoadster
Posts: 15
Joined: Thu Aug 11, 2016 9:38 am
Your car is a: 1978 Spider 124
Location: Chandler, Arizona

Re: New 124 mechanic in training from Chandler, AZ

Post by AZRoadster »

John,
Probably even closer than you think, I am right off Riggs road.

If you want to see what autocross is about you should come to one of the events. I am the worker chief for the Phoenix based events. Warning, it can be addicting. Our next event is Sept 10, downside is it is on the other side of town near Luke AFB.
Dan
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azruss
Posts: 3659
Joined: Sun May 30, 2010 12:24 pm
Your car is a: 80 Fiat 2000 FI

Re: New 124 mechanic in training from Chandler, AZ

Post by azruss »

Dan,
I live in Peoria and would be interested in running out to the autocross. can you send me details. I used to autocross 45 years ago with a hopped up 600. That car was a blast to autocross. A 124 is not a great autocross car without some suspension work and sure isnt competitive with the modern sports car.....or family sedan for that matter. :lol: If you don't care about walking home with a trophy, it can still be great fun.
User avatar
johndemar
Posts: 716
Joined: Sun Feb 24, 2008 11:12 am
Your car is a: 1976 Fiat 124 Spider
Location: Phoenix

Re: New 124 mechanic in training from Chandler, AZ

Post by johndemar »

Dan,

Ditto with what John and Russ said about the autocross event. Just getting together and observing sounds like fun.
Please post the time and place.
76 Fiat 124 Spider
One owner since July 20, 1976
Amadio Motor, Jeannette, PA
AZRoadster
Posts: 15
Joined: Thu Aug 11, 2016 9:38 am
Your car is a: 1978 Spider 124
Location: Chandler, Arizona

Re: New 124 mechanic in training from Chandler, AZ

Post by AZRoadster »

The details for the next event are below. If you do show up for the event to spectate or ride along the event is free. If you do want to ride along with one of the drivers just let the person know where you will be signing the waiver at the gate. They will set you up for a free SCCA weekend membership, and give you a wristband that lets you ride along. They have extra helmets at the event.

I plan to be at this event, so look for a blue Subaru BRZ, I usually park in the far Northwest part of the parking area.

If you cannot make this event you can always check azsolo.com. This link covers most of the SCCA Solo2 events that happen in AZ.


September 10, 2016 Event Details
Event Name: Fall 2016 Event #1 - September 10, 2016
Location: Arizona Motorsports Park Skidpad 92 DBA Limit
15402 W Camelback Rd, Litchfield Park, Arizona 85340
Registration Fee SCCA Members: $25 Pre-Registration, $35 at Event
Registration Fee Non-Members: $35 Pre-Registration, $40 at Event
Online Registration: MindTheCones.com
Time-Only Runs: $15 (you must participate in competition runs to do time-only runs)

Event Schedule:
7:00AM Gates Open
7:15AM - 8:30AM Registration
7:15AM - 8:35AM Tech Inspection
8:35AM Course closed for walking
8:45AM Driver's Meeting (Required)
9:00AM First car in Run Group A starts
typically 60 minutes Run Group A
typically 60 minutes Run Group B
typically 60 minutes Run Group C

typically 60 minutes Run Group E (Time Only)
typically 60 minutes Run Group F (Time Only)
4:00 PM Course teardown
5:00 PM Everyone Off-Site
garion
Posts: 508
Joined: Tue Sep 18, 2012 10:20 pm
Your car is a: 1979 Fiat 124 Spider
Location: Phoenix, AZ

Re: New 124 mechanic in training from Chandler, AZ

Post by garion »

I can't make it to that one.. But the November ones look do-able (and right up the road from me.)..
--John
1978 Fiat 124 Spider (for sale soon)
1979 Fiat 124 Spider
2007 Audi A4
Blog: http://www.technobabelfish.com
AZRoadster
Posts: 15
Joined: Thu Aug 11, 2016 9:38 am
Your car is a: 1978 Spider 124
Location: Chandler, Arizona

Re: New 124 mechanic in training from Chandler, AZ

Post by AZRoadster »

John/Russ,
It was nice meeting you both on Saturday. Both of your cars are really nice! I know quite a few of the folks asked some questions about them.

Probably a good thing you did not stick around for my run group...it got really hot. And, we had a timing issue 2 runs into group C that slowed us down by 30 min.

I ended up finish 4th out of 12 in my competition group, running a 52.0. I cleaned this up to a 51.3 in the later time only runs.

Good call on that 1970 Camaro running some fast times, he was in the 47s.

Dan
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