Looking to Get Into a Fiat

[pokesmont]

Hey everyone I am the process of buying my next project hopefully an early 80's Fiat. I have to say I have already learned a lot from reading different topics on these vehicles and can't wait to get my hands on one. My friend had one in high school and always enjoyed cruising around in it. I found a couple of CL and was hoping for some advice on the cars if I should pursue it or wait for the next project. I read a couple of links on here about issues I should look for & the buyers guide, but wanted to get some more advice from the guys the work on these and know what to look for. Here are the links
http://montana.craigslist.org/cto/3456789855.html
http://bozeman.craigslist.org/cto/3389722253.html

I am leaning towards the first one supposedly has 50,000+ miles but no service record to verify it and he just replaced the heater. Its also carbureted and he supposedly drives it often.

The second one seems to be in better shape from the exterior but would require rebuilding the trans since first gear doesn't work. How expensive are trans and are they difficult to replace. Miles: 77,000

[narfire]

My opinion would lean to the rust free(er) car. Pull the back seat and have a look. Front floors under the foot wells are prone to rust. Shock towers...
The tranny can be repaired, or perhaps there is a parts car around that might have a decent tranny. I find the mechanicals are relativily straight forward, the body work for me ..no.
There is a fellow well versed in these cars up in Libby,a bit of a drive though.
I like the FI cars as well. The 80 carb'd was the same set up as the 79...I think around 85 HP . Both can have some work/add-ons to the engine to improve the power if wanted.
There is one in Spokane as well
http://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/3459551448.html
Good luck
Chris

[RRoller123]

My personal opinion too is to pretty much go for the rust free car. The rest of it is easier to fix for most people, (me included). Check the front cross member beam too for cracks, missing/broken bolts, etc. Electrics may suck, don't worry too much, generally easy to fix things like gas gauge, temp sensors, etc. There is a great FI manual available from Brad Artigue here on the forum that will get you through all that stuff. Have fun, great little cars! Addicting!

[vandor]

The second car has no rust in the rear wheel arches, and is fuel injected, both of which are huge pluses. The interior looks better too, but then pics lie...
I'd check out the second car first and look for any bad rust (rear wheelarches, rear inner fenders, front shocktower, inner rocker panel). Don't be afraid of some floorpan rust, almost all of these cars have it, and it's easier to fix, as it is not cosmetic.
A reman'd tranny is ~$1250, but if all else if fine with that one then the first gear can be fixed for ~$3-400 if you pull the tranny yourself.

[pokesmont]

Finishing up my cafed out 77 kz650 project and use that to pay for my fiat project. Thanks for all the good info that's what I needed to know. Hopefully I will be starting my own build thread soon.