Does this seem right (1971 Spider)?

[Lior]

Hi All.
Total newbie here. I am hoping to get my very first classic, likely a 70s Era Spider. I came across this posting for an 1971 Spider: http://m.autotrader.ca/a/Fiat/124+Spide ... 3&showVs=1

Is it me, or does the trunk and hood appear to have been replaced? I would love any comments you have based on what you see there and if this is something I should stay away from.
Thanks!
Lior

[zachmac]

Provided you are serious and not pulling our legs? That car has so many modifications from original I don't know where to start? Dash, closed over the bumper and side marker holes, grill, hood, trunk, tail lights, no bumpers, all chrome painted over (windscreen surround and headlight rings for example) etc., etc, etc. Google some pictures of an original 71 and you'll see what I mean. Doesn't mean it isn't a nice car, just highly modified. I like it and depending on the quality of the extensive sheet metal work and the condition of the mechanical bits the price isn't ridiculous.

[Lior]

Thanks Jeff.

[chrisg]

It is interesting that with all of the aesthetic modifications it still has the original, crappy dual plane intake manifold and at least the early style distributor (which might imply points)...in which case it likely has the original DHSA carburetor also. 71 is a cool year for sort of stock 124 Sports

[JohnMc]

It is certainly not stock - but at least from photos they seem to have done some things pretty good.
These are old cars - some people want them stock and others want them modified - same as older US hot rods.
I just do not know if they did things correctly or not.

[Lior]

Thank you very much to those who responded. I'm going to go see it. Any thoughts/comments as far as what I should look for and questions I should ask?
Thanks again.
Lior

[baltobernie]

... if this is something I should stay away from.

Yes.

The wiring has been extensively modified/hacked, as evidenced by the toggle switches on the dash. Does the seller have a schematic to give to the new victim, er .... owner? If you buy this car, remove the "roll bars" immediately. They're so short, they'd decapitate you in a collision.

[chrisg]

look for rust in the front shock towers & around the floor pans/structure where the long trailing arms are bolted. In general, taking a well-worn phillips screwdriver to investigate any bubbling or apparent rust on the underside is a good idea. The stuff you see from the top down is rather universal to any older car & one that's been modified, so I don't have any 124-specific comments on that.

[azruss]

What concerns me is the lack of seams on the front and rear rocker panels. You may want to ask him what was done in detail there. Were the seams welded, leaded, caulked, bondo, etc? Ask how old the paint is. It looks like it is very recent. Unless those seams were welded and leaded, you can expect the paint to crack at those spots in the very near future. While you are at it, ask how he fabricated the license plate insets. I remember one of the forum members doing that kind of stuff years ago and posted in progress pictures. This guy probably has the same. Interesting side note, the interior door handles are off a 124 coupe.

[klweimer]

I'd be worried about lots of Bondo on the body panels to get that smooth look. Take a magnet and see if it sticks to the car body. If it doesn't stick, then it's plastic (bondo). Lots of plastic = lots of cracks and bubbles over time. Take it to a reasonable garage and have them put it on a lift to look for rust and general condition. Doesn't have to be a Fiat specialist, these are pretty simple cars. I would be worried about all the panel switches and how the electrical work was done.
Kirk

[joelittel]

That seems like a lot of toggle switches to me. I'd be curious to know what they all do.

[chrisg]

looks like they are really close to each other, especially for that type of switch

[Funcar]

If this is a TO Spider I'm sure the TO Spider club or ON Fiat Spider guys know the story on this car. I am hopeful you meet the owner who will discuss his modifications, history and reasons for selling. You have good advice on looking at the body. There are some good alternatives for sale in Ontario...look at Kijiji.