New Fiat owner from Nova Scotia, Canada!

[mattysmith440]

Hi all. Picked up a 1975 Fiat Spider a couple months ago for $600. Has 94000 miles on it and was in "decent" shape. Wasn't running but apparently ran "a few months ago". Well a thorough cleaning of the tank, a new fuel filter, and some fresh gas and the old thing came to life! Let it run for a good 20 minutes, and seemed to run very smooth! Since then I have the thing Completely stripped. Gonna do a full on restoration. What are some upgrades you guys would consider for the fiat? I've got the fog lamp kit ordered to lose the front bumper, as well as a front spoiler, Timing belt and tensioner, new carpet, some rear wheel arches since that's the only bad spot on the car in terms of rust. I have a new complete engine gasket set. It is pretty stock as far as I can see. One thing I want to get rid of is the stock carb and the hideous air intake. Any thoughts on the gear reduction starters? The higher amp alternator? Fiat 500 front brake upgrade? Basically looking for info from you folks who have experimented with some upgrades, both performance and cosmetic ! Thanks guys and gals, and hello from the land of snow!

[NSFIAT]

Pretty cool to see another Nova Scotian on the site - congrats on the purchase! I'm working on an 81 at the moment and have a small supply of parts, but not sure how much could be swapped. I'm just in Halifax - not sure if you are local or not, but hopefully the snow melts soon!

[RRoller123]

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

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

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

And here is another picture-posting thread:

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

And here is a link to a map of Spider owner’s locations. Many forum members have listed their locations.

https://www.zeemaps.com/map?group=191825

Pete

[mattysmith440]

Hey the nsfiat. I am also in Halifax! Just in Hammond's plains. Not too sure if any parts are interchangeable but would be interested to see another fiat in restoration process! As for the snow, all I have to say is Wednesday!!

[pgilling]

Hi Matty, I was in a similar situation to you just over a year ago, but thanks to this forum I've learnt an awful lot.

This link will show you where I've come from in the last year! http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 30&t=27520

You mentioned Fiat 500 brake upgrade, I posted some information below as I recently did the upgrade myself:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... a&start=60

The main point to take away is that you really do need an upgraded master cylinder and booster as that makes all the difference and is well worth the additional cost.

I also replaced the stock carburettor with the Weber 32/36 DGAV. I am really happy with it because it is relatively cheap, easy to fit, economical, yet gives a real kick when the second choke opens.

And I did fit a high performance gear-reduction starter. I needed this because of the engine upgrade and the higher compression, but it works every time and turns the engine with apparent ease.

Best of luck and do post some pictures soon!

[narfire]

I would say hi from Canada's wet coast but I think you are going to get damp in the next few days.....(30 degC here today) Hope the car has a roof over it.
Upgrades eh.... Well my opinion is in the handling area. Brakes are in good shape, new lines ,rebuilt calipers, new pads. After market springs are nice with a set of Koni yellows and the 1 inch front sway bar. perhaps upgrade to 15 inch wheels with 195 or 205 series tires. Check the ball joints, tie rod ends, slack in the steering removed. Wheel alignment...
These cars are not neck snapping fast without spending an obscene amount of money on the engine but can easily maintain a good rate through the twisties. A carb upgrade will give a noticeable boost though.
I'd spend the money on the suspension and handling before bolt on bits and pieces..
Chris

[pgilling]

Hi Chris,

Ha! I see your debunking the stereotypes about Canadian weather not being very good, and funny you should mention our weather as it's been really lovely over the last few days (22-23 deg C not in the 30's!) but now it's just started to rain for the first time in nearly 2 weeks!

It sounds like your spider is in pretty good nick, I agree that if the motor is pretty good then why mess around too much. I must admit I did get 'mission-creep' and spent a lot of money on having my engine rebuilt by Guy Croft. My was a Californian spider strangled by the emissions gubbins, plus it was on its last legs anyway, and with Guy Croft living just up the road the temptation to have him built me a beautiful engine was too much!

I've included a link to my rebuild below, mainly to show you the wheels and suspension mods I did. I ditched the old American springs and fitted European height Springs. I also fitted polyurethane bushes on the front suspension, I'll do the rear suspension this winter. The great thing about it coming from California was it was completely rust free.

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 30&t=27520

Cheers, Phil