Hello from NY

[MrBlimp]

Just joined the forum - considering buying a Fiat Spider - going to look at it tomorrow.

Looking for general information on what to look for when I go see the car.

I already own a 69 Triumph Spitfire, a 70 MGB and a 92 Mustang (Fox body) LX so I know about identifying rust issues.

Given I own the 2 British cars I also understand Lucas wiring.

Just wondering what are the specific Fiat concerns (starting, idling, handling issues)?

I've been reading some of the forum posts - just starting to get acclimated.

I believe the car I am going to look at is a 78.

[joelittel]

It seems like most of them leak a little bit.

They rust easily, but you already know that.

They can be very temperamental until you get to know your car and learn it's needs.

Parts are available from multiple vendors and easy to find.

To FIAT's credit, I have made a few big mistakes while building mine up and every time I'm surprised to find the car has suffered no irreversible damage. They're a lot tougher than they get credit for.

[MrBlimp]

It seems like most of them leak a little bit.

They rust easily, but you already know that.

They can be very temperamental until you get to know your car and learn it's needs.

Parts are available from multiple vendors and easy to find.

To FIAT's credit, I have made a few big mistakes while building mine up and every time I'm surprised to find the car has suffered no irreversible damage. They're a lot tougher than they get credit for.

Well, I'm off tomorrow at the crack of morning to see this car - it is a toss up between this one (78 hour and a half away) and a 65 Plymouth Valiant (5 minutes down the road).