Goal: Trade items and end up w/ a FIAT. SUCCESS!

[WBubble]

I couldn't convince my wife that we should buy a roadster, so I hatched a scheme. I'd acquire one through trades, thereby not "buying" said roadster, but acquiring it for very little or no investment!

Day one: Searching craigslist, I spot a guy offering to trade his '83 Suzuki GS550 motorcycle for a riding lawnmower. I email him asking what he's looking for.

Day 3: Buy a $50 riding lawnmower, replace drive belt.

Day 6: Trade Lawnmower for Suzuki.

Days 7-15: Buy several bits on ebay for the motorcycle, to get it running and a couple trim pieces to increase it's barter value.

Day 16: Locate a '79 124 Spider about 3 hours away and start the negotiation.

Day 21 (last night): Pick up the Fiat for a straight trade! SUCCESS!

My new car (I've never named a car but I'd really like to name this one) is totally rust free. The previous owner had a fender replaced and a metallic red paint job (so-so quality) done 2 years ago. He purchased a new top and tried to install it but couldn't get the rear fastened. Living in Washington that will be one of my first projects.

The car ran when he put it away for the winter and he "got it to start" once since then but would only crank for him. Today I replaced the plugs and fuel filter and she started! She began purging oil onto the ground from somewhere on the front in a huge black puddle, but she started!

I'll be fixing the oil blow out, re-stretching the top, replacing the seat covers (or seats), radio console and doing some general replace-as-you-go, but am completely thrilled.

Wish me luck! Any suggestions are welcome, especially regarding the oil purge. I'm thinking there's a crankcase pressure issue.

[RRoller123]

Welcome aboard! You will find plenty of knowledgeable and friendly people here.

Here is a thread on how to post pictures to the forum:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=21014

And here is a great picture-posting thread edited by SLOSpider:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 12&t=23084


Pete

[Exit98]

Hey Bubble,

I was just on the http://www.suzukiGS550.com forum and there's some guy bragging about how he unloaded a used up old Italian sports car for his cool new bike.

Just kidding.

But remember, its been said on here many times, a free Fiat Spider is often the most expensive one of all.

(what's with that oil thing? That doesn't sound good)

Good luck.

[narfire]

Good job. I sort of remember a fellow many years ago who started with trading a pen and then after quite a number of trades somehow ended up with a house....
Much rather have a Fiat...easier and cheaper to maintain...

Sounds like most issues are rather straight forward to get sorted. The oil thing could be something as simple as a leaking oil filter seal, but that usually sprays , don't ask how I know, or something a bit more of a chore like a front crank seal..
Good luck, good weather is on it's way , so a top is optional for a bit now.

[WBubble]

Thanks for the welcome! Ha! We were both thrilled with the trade!

Does anyone have a PDF shop manual to share? Or do we not talk about downloading those here?

[4uall]

sounds like you know these guys LOL http://www.aetv.com/barter-kings/about/

this will help http://www.artigue.com/fiat

[WBubble]

Thanks all for the welcome and for the advice so far! Oil purge was coming from the old oil filter. I changed it out and viola! no more huge leak....

Took my first ride in the Spider this afternoon and it enjoyed every minute!

Now on to diagnose and fix the no-idle problem.

Then I'll look for some replacement seats.

Then maybe I'll re-stretch the top....

[georgeramos]

LOVE the trade story, great job! Where are you in WA?

[vandor]

Great story!!

>Now on to diagnose and fix the no-idle problem.

Check to see if the idle solenoid is getting power. If it is, check to see if it clicks when it's energized.

Find the manual here:

http://www.njfiats.org/joomla/images/st ... ntents.htm

[WBubble]

LOVE the trade story, great job! Where are you in WA?

Maple Valley. You?

[WBubble]

Thanks Csaba!

[garion]

If you're looking for ideas names, check this out: Italian female names (assuming you wanted female names):

http://www.20000-names.com/female_italian_names.htm

[WBubble]

If you're looking for ideas names, check this out: Italian female names (assuming you wanted female names):

http://www.20000-names.com/female_italian_names.htm

I thought I would, but I talked it over with my kids today and we're going to call the car "Luigi" after the Fiat in Cars.

[georgeramos]

Im in Portland, OR. Theres an annual Fiat campout at Howard Prairie Resort in Southern OR. It is July 18-21. If luigi is up to the drive you should sign up!

[fiasco]

...trade his '83 Suzuki GS550 motorcycle...I've never named a car but I'd really like to name this one...

I'm thinking you just picked up a car named Suzi.