one spider or two?

[HofDesigns]

So I first posted when I was days away from buying my first Spider. That deal fell through last summer, but now I find myself spider shopping again. I've got two choices and I'm looking for advice.

A: I've got a guy who'll sell me two Fiats, a 75 and a 79 for 3000. They both run, the 75 with a little lifter noise but will take only a little tlc to make road safe. Rust wise, nothing horrible. Rocker and wheel lip bubbles, some small dings. Both will need complete paint jobs (someone actually used housepaint on part of the 79). Interiors are fair to poor on both, but I am an auto upholsterer so I can handle it.

B: Another guy has a 84 that has minimal rust. more like incidental oxidization. The seats are ripped and worn, but other than that, a good interior. The paint is original but pretty good. The only problem here is that the car has not been driven for a few years. According to owner, it ran fine when he parked it and now it's fuel line problems. The engine cranks and sputters so it seems plausible. He's asking 5000.

So if I'm going to take on a project, which of these choices would be better who is new to these cars, with average mechanical and bodywork ability. I appreciate any help with spending my tax refund.

[narfire]

I'd go for the 84. I find,cause I have one,and just sold another, the FI system easy to work on. It it has not run in awhile I'd start at the tank and clean it out. Change the fuel filter and try new fuel. If the tank was rusty the fuel pump might have to be changed out as well.
You will be changing the timing belt and flex disk so you are starting with know good parts. Just my opinion in that $5000 might be a bit much for a car that does not run. I'd think all cars ran before they were parked as that is likely how they got there.
No matter what you end up choosing,you'll have a Fiat
Chris

[Zippy]

$5000 sounds like a lot for a car that doesn't run in the shape you describe. I'd think about $2000 to $3000 tops. I wouldn't rush into anything, but I guess it depends on how many spiders are available in your area. Unless you are good at rust repair, or have the money to have it done, I would be cautious there too. Just my 2 cents.
Check out this one on Seattle Craigslist.. http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/2324026186.html

[spidernut]

The 84 is overpriced from the description. I agree that $3K is a bit closer to reality since the fuel problem is not actually known. EFI parts are big bucks to replace.

Of the cars, I would personally prefer the 84 due to the EFI (better fuel mileage, good power at various altitudes, smooth running). The other nice features are the rack and pinion steering, rear compartment versus the seat and a few other tweeks that Pininfarina made with the car. The downside is that you can't get all the parts that were changed if anything is wrong with them. Check out the vendor websites for availability for the later parts.

Parts for the 79 are readily available, but the carb, intake and exhaust manifold are terrible. My 79 runs fantastic, but the horsepower is highly compromised due to the emissions design. They can be swapped with older parts for a big change in performance. Living in California, I'm stuck with the stock stuff.

Replacement parts are available but getting harder to find for the 75. Also check the websites for availability.

I say, try to get the 84 for $3K...if you can't, buy the two cars instead.

[HofDesigns]

Thanks for the advice. Armed with this info, I'll try to talk the guy with 84 down. I'll let you know what I end up with.

[HofDesigns]

Thanks for the advice, but once he came to 4000, I was sold. Maybe a bit high, but there is not one fleck of rust on this car. It just needs to be rubbed out and waxed. No rust anywhere on the undercarriage. 66k miles. New tires.

It is an 83, btw. Just rolled it off the trailer and into my garage.

Part of me still wants the other two. Is that a sign of hoarding?

[narfire]

I thinks GOOD CHOICE. well done. Glad to hear about the lack of rust as you could sort out most mechanical issues yourself with a half decent set of metric tools.
Still want the other two eh... I started with one then needed a parts car now have 6 including parts cars... hoarding can be an issue. I'd stick with the one and source any parts you might need here or on CL. My wife has a rule (lots actually) regarding these cars... they can come home when they work and are insured
Chris

[Zippy]

Part of me still wants the other two. Is that a sign of hoarding?

No! But it is a sign of "The Fever" Pretty soon you will have a yard full of Fiats. Some will run, some will have parts "you will probably need", some you are parting out to support your habit. There really is no known cure. Some people are more susceptible than others. It is directly proportional the the amount of real estate that surrounds your house. If you are like me and live in a covenanted community it will be forced into remission. That may be your only hope, move now.