Hi from Charlotte, NC (Recently purchased 81 turbo spider)

[giuliot60]

Hi all.

I've just picked up an original owner 81K original miles brown turbo spider (turbo taken off around 40K, but I have the parts). The car is essentially rust free with a very good condition tan interior. The car had been taken off the road in '07, so it needs some mechanical and electrical refreshing. Already have some parts on order and looking forward to getting her back on the road.

This isn't my first Fiat. My first car was a pistachio mid 70's 128 sedan with tan interior with bucket seats and a 4 speed. Great car. The family also had a 124 coupe and a 124 sedan as well. I bought my first Spider, a cherry red '74 with tan interior and black top in the early 80's, and I recently caught the bug. My wife says it's my mid-life crisis kicking in, and I think she's right.

I can't seem to attach a photo of the car, but as soon as I do I post some.

I've been checking out the site for a couple of months now and have already learned a lot, look forward to learning more, and connecting with everyone.

Giulio (Yes, I'm Italian)

[ga.spyder]

Welcome to the forum! This is a great spot for info.We have some bigevents coming up not too far from Charlotte.Fiat Freakout is in Charlotesville Va. this year(details at http://www.flu.org) and Dixie Fiatfest is in September in Winston-Salem.I am not sure of the dates ,but someone will chime in.Do you plan to put the turbo back in? Many of the turbo cars have been converted to straight f.i.,because of lack of parts and sevice for the turbo itself.Good luck!

[giuliot60]

Thanks Craig.

The events sound great. I think I could make the Winston-Salem event.

I'd like to eventually install a turbo, but from what I've been reading it would only make sense to put in a current turbo system in, for performance and lack of original parts. What do you think?

[RRoller123]

Welcome aboard! Great forum!

[FiatMac]

Welcome! I am just up the road from you in Salisbury.

The Winston Salem event is a fun event and Denise is a great host. You will enjoy it.

[ga.spyder]

Hey Giulio,
I dont claim to be an expert on the turbos.I do know the turbos were installed in N.J.,by Legend Industries.They werent a actual Fiat part,and finding someone who knows them well is tough.The parts arent very plentiful either.That being said,I am sure it is possible but probably costly.Putting a more modern turbo using the stock-type setup and parts sounds very interesting!!

[giuliot60]

Yes Craig they were put on by Legend. I'm not in a rush to put the turbo back on, but could be something to do in the future to back up the name. First thing first, I need to get it registered and on the road.