1980 Fiat Spider 2000

[BNelsonAz]

Hi All,

Just bought a "new" 1980 Fiat Spider 2000 for my 17 year old son. Was looking at $2000 trucks, and was coming up mostly with Craigslist ads that would say "Great truck, excellent shape, only needs a new transmission and engine"

I became interested in this little beauty, though I had never ventured into the Fiat realm.It seemed to good to be true. I figured I'd get there and there would be a family of rattlesnakes living in the glove box, or some heinous odor in the car, but was pleasantly surprised. Turned right over, sounded very nice, and drove like a dream. It's been mostly a western US car, so no cancer that I have found yet.

Anyways, I'll be leaning on y'all a BUNCH for help, since I have only done rebuilds on American cars up to this point. Looks like it's going to be fun!

Bill

[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


Pete

[BNelsonAz]

Howdy Pete,

Muchas Gracias on the photo posting help!

I see probably should have read the entire post that covered resizing...more later!

First thing I need to fix is the Parking Brake. I can see the Y connection going back to the brakes, but no cable from the handle. Where would be the best place to post these kinds of questions?

Thanks!

Bill

[4uall]

Hello and welcome to the greatest place on earth

WHOO HOO ANOTHER 1980 FI 2000

For your parking brake question go to the Index page then select "General Maintenance" and post there

Lots of great vendors

My son is getting Fiona in 10 years

[azruss]

Welcome to the neighborhood, Bill. There are a few of us in the north end of the valley. I think the car looks way too nice for the kid. You should keep it for yourself. I also have an 80 FI that i am just finishing up a 6 year resto. (only have another 6 to go. ) Have taken over 1100 pics of the process, so can help you out that way.
Sounds like you need an e-brake cable. Will be a continuous cable that goes to both sides. each end will have a spring with retainers and a cable sheeth. should be available from all the usual vendors. I get most of my stuff from Auto Ricambi. They are very active in this forum. There are also a couple of chassis loops for the cable that are probably missing as well. I have a half dozen pix showing the e-brake cable assembled.
These cars are very different from detriot iron. they dont like spending time in the low RPM and are quite happy in the 2500 to 4500 rpm range. They are mechanically pretty simple...at least compared to the modern stuff. Just need a old school set of metric tools. 8mm, 10mm, 13mm, 17mm, 19mm. some long extensions, lots of band-aids. Must learn to curse in Italian.
This site has an impressive knowledge base amongst the group and always willing to give you free advice.

[narfire]

Was looking at $2000 trucks, and was coming up mostly with Craigslist ads that would say "Great truck, excellent shape, only needs a new transmission and engine"

Ha, that sounds familiar except I was the 17 year old kid( 39 years ago)... I was looking for Toyota Landcruisers with much the same result. Ended up with a 70 Spider.. Yours will last longer looking at the background. (I was in Van.BC)
This forum is a great place for info, I would have saved thousands if I had known about it when I was looking for my spider.
Enjoy the car and the time sorting it out together,
Chris

[BNelsonAz]

[quote="azruss"]Welcome to the neighborhood, Bill. There are a few of us in the north end of the valley. I think the car looks way too nice for the kid. You should keep it for yourself. I also have an 80 FI that i am just finishing up a 6 year resto. (only have another 6 to go. )

I am SERIOUSLY contemplating absconding with the FI and getting my son something else, but he'd probably do the moping teenager routine until he's 35 over this car.

Sounds like you need an e-brake cable. Will be a continuous cable that goes to both sides. each end will have a spring with retainers and a cable sheeth. should be available from all the usual vendors. I get most of my stuff from Auto Ricambi. They are very active in this forum. There are also a couple of chassis loops for the cable that are probably missing as well. I have a half dozen pix showing the e-brake cable assembled.

I looked at the pics, and I think the only thing missing is the rod connecting the fulcrum point to the PB lever.

Thanks for your help!

Bill