Caught in between

[Hobo]

I have been struggling with what to do with this 82 Fiat Spider that I purchased that has 8,167 originals miles. My original intent was to buy a car that I can enjoy and work on/learn as I had the time. But this car is in such original condition, I have been reluctant to change anything on the vehicle even though I know that it needs it.

'Sure enjoy, drive, learn. But one side of me keeps going back to preservation. Really have enjoyed this car to date and have learned an extensive amount concerning Fiats thanks to this forum.

Would love to hear some of your thoughts on my simple dilemma...

Joe

[djape1977]

some pics woulod be nice...

[NJFIAT1981]

If you are really torn between restoration and replacing parts and can't decide what to do do the obvious. Give it to me I'll know what to do with it.

[So Cal Mark]

if it really is that original and the mileage is documented, I'd keep it stock

[Hobo]

Here are some interesting pictures of areas on the car that still have the original part #'s manufacturing "ink" on certain items.

[TX82FIAT]

If it aint broke don't fix it. as long as you do not have rust. I would only fix what needs fixing. I'm not sure I've ever seen that fuel injected spider decal/painting on the rear 1/4 panel. Nice car, interior looks great.

[courtenay]

I'm with Mark on this one. That is one beautiful looking car. Do the maintenance stuff and keep it original.

[rlux4]

No wonder it wan't driven...it's an automatic!
Just kidding, I was going to buy one for my daughter after she almost drove mine off the road looking down at the shift pattern instead of where she was going.
Very nice car, can't be many around with mileage that low .
Ron

[spidernut]

I know exactly how you feel since I bought my 79 with 31,000 miles (though it was nowhere near as nice as your car). Here's what I ended up doing - I kept the car as close to 100% original as possible for 10 years until the original interior vinyl started cracking and was not repairable. At that point, I replaced the upholstery and carpet with a different color than original. I still try to keep it a stock as possible with as much original equipment as I can.

I'd recommend to keep in mind why you purchased it. If you plan on making it a museum car, don't modify anything. If you really want to drive it and enjoy it while having one of the rare original low mileage cars, I'd recommend keeping it as original as you can.

The other option is buy a second one and modify it like crazy.

[deftone]

So thats what mine is supposed to look like! lol

Would appreciate a whole load of pics so we can see all the details! It looks in great condition

[Hobo]

Here are some pictures some of which some have been posted have posted prior:

[htchevyii]

I would fix whatever is needed to be dependable, while leaving it as stock appearing as possible. What good is a car if it can't be driven and enjoyed? Nice car, by the way!

[Hobo]

Yes. I agree. Road worthy is the key. If I do not go through each system and replace worn parts, I will continue to have Triple AAA towing the vehicle home for me. I have already had two failures requiring towing: one for ignition switch and a second towing for the magnetic pickup. Also in consideration is that I want my wife, son and daughter to drive it and enjoy as muc h as I do. Safety is at the top of the list. So I am making a list of things to replace to ensure that the car is safe to drive.

[Exit98]

Hobo, I feel your pain. If I were offered your car I’d almost be afraid to take it. It’s too perfect on one hand, but on the other hand an un-driven car deteriorates to the point where it isn’t safe to drive.

I follow the auction market and frequently see high-end cars, say a mid-year Corvette or maybe a 57 T-bird original with no miles. The selling price is huge and the buyer ends up with a car he can’t afford to drive, since adding miles kills its unique value. He’s got a trophy to park in his living room.

Fortunately that’s something us Fiat guys don’t have to worry so much about.

So, in my opinion, the best way to preserve you beautiful Spider is to replace all the wear items (unless you have accurate recent service records from the PO) and then drive the car. Belts, hoses, brakes, all fluids and so forth.

The fact that you’ve been towed twice already just proves the point. Once you take care of the obvious things, drive it. It won’t be long until you have it back in good health, and then exercise it regularly.

Let’s face it; our Spiders now live a life of leisure, parked in our garages out from under the harsh sun and rain. And what’s the sense of owning it if you can’t enjoy it. Even if you put 2500 miles a year on it will only have 34,000 miles on it in 2022.

I wonder what things will be like by then?

Beautiful car, good luck.

[Hobo]

As I said, I did not purchase the car for investment value but rather for it's unique condition. My primary reason was that I have always enjoyed working on cars and needed something to challenge me. This car just happened to fall into my needs at the right time and for the right price (a price my wife would let me move foward with the purchase).

Interesting story of how I came about this car but would be quite lengthy to post.

I really enjoy this car: even though automatic, the car will outright scoot! The lines are simple, clean and sharp.

Triple AAA is moving me in the right direction