Good option?

Bob7z7 · Post by **Bob7z7** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 8:07 pm

I love the look of these cars, and was thinking about buying one for a summer driver/hand down car to my sister. Specifically, I'm looking at an '81 Spider in the area. I'm pretty mechanically inclined, but most of my experience is in classic Mopars and other domestics, and I'm just wondering how hard/expensive it is in reality to find and buy restoration parts for these cars. Keep in mind that I'm in a small town, we have a NAPA and that's about it for automotive stores. Will they carry basic tune up/ matinence items? Will they not cost a small fortune? What about interior components like carpet kits and upholstry? Where do you recoment getting them and how much will they set me back?
Thanks for the info in advance!

jprisbe · Post by **jprisbe** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 9:08 pm

Parts a readily available on the web. Check out these suppliers:

http://www.baylessfiat.com/
http://www.vickauto.com/
http://www.international-auto.com/
http://www.fiatparts.com/

Bob7z7 · Post by **Bob7z7** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 9:22 pm

Thanks I ton! I figured you guys would have good sources, seeing as it IS a Fiat forum. Hopefully I can find one with a decent interior though, yikes. The $865 tag on the upholstry kit from IAP about made me jump out of my seat!

jprisbe · Post by **jprisbe** » Sun Jun 25, 2006 8:30 am

If need be, you might consider having a local upholsterer give you a price on doing an interior. Or watch eBay and the forums. Sometimes you'll see them on there.

BTW, here are two more forums that are excellent (IMHO)
http://fluforum.italiancarclub.com/
http://www.mirafiori.com/

Your mopar/domestic experience will serve you will and all the forum folks are more than willing to share their vast knowledge and experience.

I bought my '76 spider about 18 months ago and have done almost all my own work (and I didn't really have any experience working on cars before that). But be careful, once you get one there's no turning back... You'll be hooked:)

racydave · Post by **racydave** » Sun Jun 25, 2006 9:05 am

Im a ex GM tech, Its good to get back to the basics, no software problems here! Junkyard seats are on my list, ive read of many installed.

Mad-Machine · Post by **Mad-Machine** » Sun Jun 25, 2006 12:31 pm

well, as an Ex-gm tech.. if you so feel like getting an automatic spider.. they used the same auto as the chevette and european opels.. in other words, a GM unit.

I might also suggest the following forum.
http://www.fiatcenter.com

I also highly recommend Bruce at the parts bin (http://WWW.fiatparts.com) as he is an affable and quick to help guy. Just try not to call on mondays as that is his busiest day of the week.

Where are you located at anyway? You probably have help right in your backyard from fellow fiaters.

Bob7z7 · Post by **Bob7z7** » Sun Jun 25, 2006 4:05 pm

I'm in a small town called Scappoose about 30 minutes north of Portland, OR.
Portland's a fairly eclectic city, you're probably right, there's a Fiat club in there somewhere.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sun Jun 25, 2006 11:16 pm

also try World Upholstery at worlduph.com or talk to a local upholstery shop about redoing

Good option?

Good option?

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