Trying to identify a new to me Spider 124.

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nn4w
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Aug 06, 2019 9:21 pm
Your car is a: 1978 Spider Convertible

Trying to identify a new to me Spider 124.

Post by nn4w »

Hi all,

I'm new to the group and am looking for some help. I'm going to be picking up a 1978 Spider 124 this weekend and could use some information on how to identify it.

I asked the seller for the VIN, but what he sent me appears to be a serial number instead. Here's the number:

124cs1 0133520

Is there a database where I can look this up, (I'm new to Spiders). I'd like to get the actual VIN so that I can get it on my insurance.

Here's the original ad for the car:

https://macon.craigslist.org/cto/6941351732.html

Thanks for any help!

Scott
NN4W
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geospider
Patron 2020
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Posts: 585
Joined: Mon Mar 20, 2017 9:07 pm
Your car is a: 1979 Spider 2000
Location: concord, ca

Re: Trying to identify a new to me Spider 124.

Post by geospider »

That's how the VIN is on mine. Was strange to me too at first.
I would give it a real good lookover for any rust: floor pans, around strut housing, etc, given some rust in the pics.

Geo
nn4w
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Aug 06, 2019 9:21 pm
Your car is a: 1978 Spider Convertible

Re: Trying to identify a new to me Spider 124.

Post by nn4w »

Geo,

Thanks for the quick response. If you look at the pictures in the CraigsList post, there is one small rust bubble. I hope it's not an indication of a larger issue.

Is yours registered under a VIN or by the serial number?

Scott
NN4W
wetminkey
Patron 2018
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Posts: 1199
Joined: Tue Jul 15, 2014 4:57 pm
Your car is a: 1979 2000 Spider
Location: Ault, Colorado

Re: Trying to identify a new to me Spider 124.

Post by wetminkey »

My 1979 Spider is 124CS2 0152496. That's my VIN,...says so on my insurance card.
Serial number?
1988 Mazda RX-7
1979 Fiat Spider 2000
1978 3/4 ton Chev 4x4 P/U "FRANKENTRUCK"
1976 Camaro
1972 VW Superbeetle
1969 Ford F100
1968 Mustang coupe
nn4w
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Aug 06, 2019 9:21 pm
Your car is a: 1978 Spider Convertible

Re: Trying to identify a new to me Spider 124.

Post by nn4w »

Thanks again,

A web site I looked at referred to that number as a serial number, not a VIN. I think I'll run over to the DMV tomorrow to see if that's all they need to register it. It is a 40 year old car after-all.

Scott
NN4W
18Fiatsandcounting
Posts: 3799
Joined: Fri Mar 15, 2019 11:23 pm
Your car is a: 1969 and 1971 124 spiders
Location: San Francisco Bay Area

Re: Trying to identify a new to me Spider 124.

Post by 18Fiatsandcounting »

124cs1 0133520 is your VIN (and your serial number). 124cs1 identifies the year and body; see:

https://autoricambi.us/pages/engine-id-chart

0133520 is the serial number of your particular car, and by this chart, yours looks to be a late 1978 model.

-Bryan
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aj81spider
Patron 2020
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Posts: 1526
Joined: Fri Mar 11, 2011 9:04 am
Your car is a: 1974 Fiat 124 Spider
Location: Chelmsford, MA

Re: Trying to identify a new to me Spider 124.

Post by aj81spider »

Prior to 1981 there was no standard for VINs, so every manufacturer did their own thing. This is why the VIN may look strange to you.

You have identified the VIN for your car. Fiat's approach was the model and then a serial number for the VIN.

You shouldn't have any trouble with the DMV
A.J.

1974 Fiat 124 Spider
2006 Corvette
1981 Spider 2000 (sold 2013 - never should have sold that car)
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aj81spider
Patron 2020
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Posts: 1526
Joined: Fri Mar 11, 2011 9:04 am
Your car is a: 1974 Fiat 124 Spider
Location: Chelmsford, MA

Re: Trying to identify a new to me Spider 124.

Post by aj81spider »

Prior to 1981 there was no standard for VINs, so every manufacturer did their own thing. This is why the VIN may look strange to you.

You have identified the VIN for your car. Fiat's approach was the model and then a serial number for the VIN.

You shouldn't have any trouble with the DMV
A.J.

1974 Fiat 124 Spider
2006 Corvette
1981 Spider 2000 (sold 2013 - never should have sold that car)
gregarious
Posts: 5
Joined: Sat Sep 02, 2017 8:40 pm
Your car is a: 1976 Spider
Location: Camas, Wa

Re: Trying to identify a new to me Spider 124.

Post by gregarious »

On a separate note... anyone else wondering about that interior? Are those aftermarket A/C vents on the passenger side below the glove compartment?
nn4w
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Aug 06, 2019 9:21 pm
Your car is a: 1978 Spider Convertible

Re: Trying to identify a new to me Spider 124.

Post by nn4w »

That's a great question. I haven't picked up the car yet due to scheduling difficulties between myself and the seller but I'll make sure to ask.

Scott
NN4W
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