Hello from South Jersey!

[BigShirl]

Hello all! I'm Eric aka. "Big Shirl" from Cherry Hill,NJ. but recently found myself planted further south in the woods outside Millville. I am a Master Tech and have been in the business for over 15 years. I have been watching the posts for a bit and finally decided to make my presence known. I have just recently purchased a pair of spiders, a 79 carbed and an 81fi. Unfortunately the 81 is reduced to the status of "parts car" due to extensive rust...well that's putting it lightly...did I mention the quarter panels were gone and the doors fell off when I opened them? The worst part of it is that all the good parts such as roll bar, flares, wheels/tires, fi engine, new top, better interior, etc. are in the 81. The 79 is decent with a few rust issues, but for the price I really couldn't complain. They both run and drive...well, the 81 is a little scary as most of the structure is gone. I plan on doing a driving resto on the 79 and replace/ upgrade with the parts from the 81 as I go. I stumbled upon these cars on a search for a more fuel efficient car to replace my very thirsty big block 65impala. I was looking at a few MG's and a Triumph, but when the spiders popped up,I couldn't resist. They were in close proximity, running, and had boxes of extra parts. Now, for the interesting part...I'm 6'4 260ish...have you ever seen a gorilla in a go-kart? I got passed some of the spacial limitations so far by a slight shifter mod and center console mod to better facilitate my size15 boots. We'll see how she goes!

[kilrwail]

Welcome aboard Eric. I'll wait for you to voluntarily fill us in on the reason for your nickname, but it's cool. You should find all the help you could ever need in this group on the peculiarities of these cars, except for the size 15 boot thing. That's a new one on me. Being near Millville, you must be close to NJMP. I plan to be there in September and I'm looking forward to it. Have fun!

[BigShirl]

Well...A few years back (maybe 16 or 17 years back)I was working on a friend's 63 corvair and was having one of those days. I apparently was flappin' off about something and my friend's mother tried to call me a big sissy...out came "Big Shirley"...after weeks of laughter it stuck. Now it has grown on me and I wouldn't change it for anything.
I have yet to get over to the NJMP, although, they did just put a sign in my front yard. I am all of 5 minutes down the road. I have tossed around the idea of running the spider upon completion...could be interesting!

[kilrwail]

You should do it. Most fun you can have with your clothes on

[rlux4]

Hello, and welcome BigShirl. I'm sure you'll get much more fun out of the Spider(s) than you would either of the other choices you could have made. I know you have some work to do on your car, but let us see the "before" pictures now. All the better to ooh and aah as you update us on the resto.
Ron

[So Cal Mark]

welcome Big Shirl. Maybe you should remove the rear seat and move the buckets back for a better fit

[azygoustoyou]

Hi Eric,
Welcome to the site. You'll like this site. A lot of good people here. I live in Franklinville. About 10-15 miles away. I'm restoring my car as well. I have a 78 and a 81. I have a new set of rear fender skirts for the 78 I don't need. If you want to get rid of the roll bar, let me know. I don't know how well your 79 is. Let me know if you need parts.

[baltobernie]

Hello BigShirl and welcome!

Fiats have always amazed me with their efficient use of space. Are you familiar with the Fiat 500, the original microcar? The guy on the left is the owner, the guy on the right has a 124 Spider. I'm in the middle, 5-11, 200#.



Some great driving roads in (most of) NJ; enjoy them in your new toy. The national Fiat get-together is in Valley Forge this year - hope you can make it. Details at http://www.flu.org/

[mbouse]

surely you jest!

Don't call me Shirley...

of course, you have heard that before. Welcome to the site Eric.

well, that '81 if purchased at the right price will provide many hours of fun as you modify your '79. A F.I. engine is a sure fire way of improving the performance of that '79, if it is stock. And, if you could find a used roll bar within driving distance, it would cost you about $200 just to bring it home.

Please post some pictures soon.