Fix, scrap, or fix then sell?

[stuartrubin]

1975 124 Spider. I'll try to summarize, and I may have some of the details wrong, but last year, the the thrust bearing on the transmission went bad. There was lateral movement causing horrible noise and difficulty to drive. The mechanic offered to do a "quick" fix and weld some kind of support so the cluctch (I think) would not slam into the transmission (I think..), but with the understanding that it might last only for a short time - days maybe, or possible indefinitely. Well, it lasted about a year. I broke down with no transmission. The thrust bearing, pressure plate, etc., are shot.

The mechanic is estimates it would cost about $1800 to fix. He estimates I could get $1000 for it right now, not running.

I estimate that the The car BEFORE this problem is worth $5000. It has a very solid body; not rust underneath, floor boards, wheel wells, or any other place that I can see. There are a few nicks, scratches and small bubbles in the paint. The engine, carb, brakes, and other mechanical stuff run great. Interior is so-so, not embarrassing, but not worth showing off! It's been generally very reliable.

I like the car a lot, but I no longer LOVE it. I wouldn't mind getting rid of it and moving on to another hobby for a while. I also don't think I (or my wife) have the stomach for another major repair down the road.

So, I'm looking for advice. Options include:
1. Fix it correctly, keep it, and enjoy riding, knowing that there may be other problems lurking. (Net -$1800 loss until the next problem.)
2. Fix it and sell it. (Net $3200, plus the headache of selling it, and no more car)
3. Scrap it and chalk it up (Net $1000 cash, and no more car)

Looking for all thoughts. Tanks!

Stuart

[DRUMMOND]

Its an old Fiat. So its a hobby car.

You are always going to have problems! some small some large. If you can't work on it yourself, then its going to cost you.


Its a fairly simple car. Either learn how to fix things or just sell right now. But you did say you are looking for a hobby, its right in front of you

[aj81spider]

I'd also verify the pricing in your area. That might influence your decision.

In my area a broken Fiat is worth $0.

There are a few Fiats listed on Craigslist at various prices that never sell. It took me two years to sell a solid running 1981 with no rust and I got $2500 for it.

[nelsonj]

If you don't have the stomach for another major repair I think it's time to get out of the car.

Where do you live? 1975 is a magic number in CA (the last year that does NOT require smog) so there might be a market here.

[stuartrubin]

Thanks for everyone's tips. I got some more details from the mechanic yesterday. He thinks that either the wrong thrust bearing was installed or it was machined incorrectly. Apparently, it's easy to get a "close" fit, but the tolerances really need to be tight. He's going to replace the bearing and clutch. He's a good mechanic, but always busy, so I don't think I'm going to be driving much more this season.

I will probably list it for sale once it's back in driving condition. If anyone in the area is interested, let me know!

Nelsonj, unfortunately I'm in Ohio. It's a pretty long drive to CA! We're lucky that, especially for older cars, we have fairly minimal emissions standards. In fact, once you get an antique plate, you're off the hook for any testing indefinitely. (OH historically makes tons of cars and parts, second only to Michigan, so I don't think there has ever been much political will to regulate them much here.)