Hello and thanks from NC

[carlman]

I've wanted a Fiat spider since I was a teenager... I've owned 2 Miata's but they just weren't 'right'.. too cramped. I'm considering a few different Spider's for sale around my area... and am doing research here to help figure out which model I want and to get prepared for the variety of issues to look for/avoid.

I have pretty much decided to go w/ an '82... I'm going to check it out this weekend. It drives, doesn't have much rust, appears to have been well-maintained... but... is the wrong color and the price is a bit high. Paint is expensive.. but an '82 anything is going to need paint one day... so, I'm thinking of doing a large part of the paint prep myself and getting someone to do the final steps and actual spray job to save some money. I like the looks of a '74 and previous models but they are very hard to find in a condition that matches my abilities and time.

So, I'm thinking of bumper and tail light conversions, and various other bits to make it look the way I want... bumperless (like in the header photo of this site) appeals to me as well. I'm definitely going to lower it a bit as well... completely unsafe from the DOT's perspective... But, this is in lieu of a motorcyle so I consider this a big step towards safety in comparison. ha.

In any case, thanks to all who pariticipate here. I'm learning a lot and appreciate it.... and hope I become a Fiat owner soon.

-Carl

[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

And here is a link to a map of Spider owner’s locations. Many forum members have listed their locations.

https://www.zeemaps.com/map?group=191825

Pete

[4uall]

Hello & welcome to the greatest place on earth

This might help

http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/buyspid.html

[FiatMac]

Welcome Carl. Good to have another North Carolina fiat owner. Where in NC are you?

[azruss]

The bumper conversion is very doable but requires modifying the brackets. I spent 8 hours a corner to get the brackets right. The front fender holes require modifying to get the old school bumpers at the right height. You will also have to find a location for the front turn signals as they are located in the bumpers. Forget about the taillight conversion. That is serious body work. Springs are doable and there is lots of stuff on the site to help you. Read up on all these. It will save you time, money, and body parts.

[carlman]

Awesome, thanks a bunch. I live near Chapel Hill.. my wife's kind of freaking out about me getting into this hobby due to the expense and time. But I think it'll all work out just fine. I have been sick with a bad cold for a week so my ability to do anything has gone way down.. but I'm slowly recovering.

Thanks for the tips, the great links and warm welcome. Hope to have more to contribute later. For now, I read...

-Carl

[SeventySix124]

Hey there Carlman! Glad to see another "local" with a strange obsession. I am also new around here but I have had a '76 124 Spider in my life since '82. I've been doing a lot of reading around here and these folks are such a wealth of knowledge!

I'm deep into my restoration with the block and crank at the machine shop - just waiting some kind of good news so I can get it back together!

So...here's to our newest set of problems! *clink*