Just got my first Spider

[bradartigue]

Hello All,
Here are the pics I took for posterity sake. And yes the odometer is correct. Just wondering if paying $2,500 was to much, but it sure is a blast to drive.


[img][IMG]http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p358/zdye83/front_zps6130db9e.gif[/img][/img]

Thanks for viewing and comments and advice is welcomed. Pesto

$2500 for a flat hooded Spider, I'd say absolutely not, you didn't pay too much. There may be 50 of these running around today, probably less. The chin spoiler and those funny fog lamps aren't stock, and you've got some funny switches and gauges in there, but it looks pretty damned good.

[georgeramos]

I think you did great. There are no obvious cracks in your dashboard...is that possible? The wood needs replacing and the added gauges mean fiddled with wiring but I kinda like the air dam and even the odd fog lamps, kinda give it a custom (yet reversible) look. The green is also really great looking on an early car!

Enjoy!

[divace73]

Well done on getting an early example, If you do have any doubts on the 1400 motor just check out my youtube link at 1:41, the blue AC is a 1400 (specced up of course) but gives you an idea what is possible from such a small motor.

[spiderrey]

70 is the best year.

[70spider]

Thanks for all the nice comments. Much appriciated, I didn't know the flat hoods were rare because I really like the double bubble hoods, I wonder would a bubble hood fit the '70? Just a thought.

Vandor, I tried to PM you about buying the motor but couldn't, something about PM being turned off. I am very interested in the motor, I tried to run down a pickup but no luck, however I have a Mazda Protege5 wagon and the rear opening is: Height 26" X Width 38" ,and that is being conservative, I eyeballed the motor in my spider and I believe it will fit. As for the weight I have hauled 600lbs of bagged topsoil with no problem. I could pick it up Friday or Saturday which ever works best for you. Thanks again.
Pesto

[bradartigue]

I think you did great. There are no obvious cracks in your dashboard...is that possible? The wood needs replacing and the added gauges mean fiddled with wiring but I kinda like the air dam and even the odd fog lamps, kinda give it a custom (yet reversible) look. The green is also really great looking on an early car!

Enjoy!

I've had three or four early cars and none have ever had a cracked dash. Conversely every single Spider 2000 I've ever had or seen has a cracked dashboard, if even minor. Early cars also seemed to have much more paint applied to them; by the time the 2000 was produced you were lucky to get 2 coats and a single clear.

[georgeramos]

the hoods are interchangeable but if yours is in good shape you really should consider keeping it on there for authenticity. The early cars have such a clean, classic look and the hood contributes to that look.

My 71 unfortunately does not have its original hood but has a small bump off a later car.

[spiderrey]

Besides the hood, you also have a grill from a different year.In europe 71,s had the small bump hood.At least my 71 did.

[bradartigue]

Besides the hood, you also have a grill from a different year.In europe 71,s had the small bump hood.At least my 71 did.

And rest assured that some late 1970's probably had a 1971 hood, just as my 1970 has a serial number after the beginning of 1971 production. Part of the allure of Italian hand-made cars in the 70's is they are all quite unique!

[mscafide]

I took delivery of my new 71 as soon as the 1608 engine was available in March of that year. It came with a flat hood as did the earlier 71's with a 1438. Of course, I wanted the hood with the bumps and I replaced the flat hood a year or two later

I do wish I had the flat hood again but the small bumps are ok too.

Mike

[bigjon42]

Wow ! Nice Car. I have a 71, same color with a late 70's double bump hood,
so they fit. I actually like the look. I also got mine with a bad top. Got a new top for about
$160 and the wife and I spent 3 days putting it on. Was actually a fun experience.

http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/bigjo ... sort=3&o=9
Jon

[70spider]

Jon,
Thanks, I think I just might keep the flat hood. I do like your paint, did you get repainted. I also notice that you have the tan interior, looks real nice with the green.
Hopefully by next summer I'll have him looking good enough to go to some Fiat events, I figure I have to put 10k in to get him there.
Thanks Pesto

[70spider]

17hrs, 750miles, and 3 big cups pf coffee later and I have a 1608 motor for my 70 Spider. Thanks Csaba.
Pesto