Now I have a 1976!

[NJFIAT1981]

After the crash and totaling of my 1980 I began a search for a replacement. Found a 1976 non running spider here in New Jersey. I spoke with the owners son. He advised that his Dad purchased the spider new in 1976. He was the only owner and it was garage kept it's entire life. It was gone over by a restoration shop about 7 years ago which also included a paint job. It was parked 6 years ago and had not been moved or started since. He advised that the top was rotted from being stored in the down position it's entire life. It would need the gas tank relined.
Scott (NJFIATS) member and I went to have a look. What we found is what appears to be a original stock 124 Spider. I was unable to find any rust on the body. Engine turned freely.The dash was not cracked. Seats had some rips along with the drivers side door panel. Yes it did need a new top. The paint looks like a Macco cheap job. Will need to be redone. Still could not find any rust or bondo.
Well we agreed on a price and pushed it up on the trailer. On the way home we discussed if it would take longer than 1 hour to start it. We threw a couple cans of Heat in the gas tank. Put in a battery and sprayed some starter fluid down the carb. Started right up. Found a fuel line leak. Fixed the fuel leak and restarted it. Drove it off the trailer. Runs great. Shifts easily through all 5 gears and reverse. Let the restoration begin!!!!
Checked the fuel tank and found it to be clean and rust free. Forgot to mention it only has 40,000 miles on it.

[RRoller123]

Excellent! Quite a find!

[ronarthur]

Where are the pictures George??????

[NJFIAT1981]

Photo to follow

[rlux4]

Wow! That sounds great George. I wonder how many makes of cars will turn freely and start up after sitting so long. '
Congratulations, and good going.
Ron

[courtenay]

Sounds like a great find!! 40,000 miles on a 36 year old car is amazing. And garage stored probably means on underbody rust too. Have fun!!

[lanciahf]

[NJFIAT1981]

I was very suprised myself. Very clean underneath. No rust. Very happy about this

[124ADDHE]

She looks like a beauty! good show, you deserve some getting nailed like that

[ronarthur]

Looks like a nice find George. It has my favorite color combination with the dark blue exterior/tan interior.

[scarlson]

The car looks really good. The paint is not bad. It can wait until you remove the smog (if your place of residence allows) and get a larger carb, better exhaust, etc.

congrats!

[ga.spyder]

Congratulations,George! Glad you were able to find something so quick,it looks really nice.I look forward to seeing you and the car at FFO!
Craig

[Weelan]

Congrats! Looks like a great car! Glad it ran so easy for you, that's really awesome

[leeputmanjr]

How long until your old Spider's rims make it onto the '76?

That 1800 motor will really run wonderfully once it's de-smogged, and gets an electronic ignition, perhaps an uprated intake & exhaust. You could use the exhaust off your fuel injected car...

Love that Navy blue color, too. Not many Spiders around with that color, this car looks to be a wonderful find.

Good to see you're back in the saddle so soon!

-Lee

[swede]

Congrats George that car looks awesome
Will there be any breakfast meeting soon?

Im heading to the states on sunday and will be in NJ 17 to 27 of May.