New But Old Member from SoCal

[fiasco]

Hello from Southern California. I was an active member on the forum for a number of years until I sold my '69 Spider back in 2015. I had no choice but to sell it when I did, but I've always wished I could have kept it. Life has moved on as it always does - I had a 500e for a couple years, and I've had a 2017 Spider (yes, the Fiata) for about a year, and I love it, but yesterday I finally was able to bring a classic Fiat back to my driveway.

I picked up a 1969 rolling shell for just $1200. The engine starts and runs, but the car does not drive. It's going to be a full gut-and-restore project. I'm really looking forward to taking my time and bringing this car back to life, and I hope the community here on the forum is as lively and helpful as it was during my last go-round.

Here's a pic of the cars as she sits.



Solid, fairly straight, a little (but only a little) rust here and there. Interior is all going in the trash, with the exception of the seat frames. Top frame looks salvageable, but there's no top attached to it. Wheels and tires are fine for sitting, but will be replaced all 'round. I'm not trying to build a race car, so I'm going to stick with the stock 1438, but will probably upgrade a few things. I may go to electronic ignition, will probably upgrade the starter and alternator, and stuff like that. Haven't had a chance to look at suspension and brakes yet.

All that to say... I'm glad to be back, and excited for the project ahead!

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Cool! I've always had a love for the early cars (better built, in my opinion), and I drove my '69 from VA to CA, and then picked up my '71 spider (not far from Ontario) as a parts car but it's been mostly restored. Except for the engine which I just started this week.

Welcome back!

-Bryan

[calvinconrad]

welcome back! good luck with the new project!

[rdv]

Hi Fiasco,
and welcome back! Great find your First series Spider (AS) and this baby blue Color is rare too!
I got a 69 AS Spider in 1988 and still my and and only Spider!

Will you restore the car in his original state or any modifications planned?!

The worldwide Spider Registers counts various Spiders for California (naturally!), but only 8 (!) blue AS Spider there! And ONE Spider in this 413 light blue color, which seems to be original, see here:
https://www.fiatspider.de/register?Fahr ... California

If your car is not listed yet, it would be great to get your car data! Thanks in advance and good luck with your project!

BR Ralf

PS_ Your nick is great and hopefully has no meaning!

[fiasco]

Hi Ralf.

My plan is to keep the car looking stock, and to respect the spirit of the AS. I'm going to keep the 1438, but will make some modern upgrades, like a gear reduction starter, upgraded alternator, electronic ignition, and things like that. I am planning to make some changes to the interior based on what I like when I'm driving, but again, will keep it looking mostly stock.

I have tried several times to add this car to the Register, but for some reason it fails when I submit the form. Not sure why. I am a member with the username fiasco, and I log in before I try to add it, but it still won't go.

I got this username back in 2010 when my '75 went through the wringer and earned the name The Fiasco. An oil disaster resulted in seized engine, did a full rebuild, got it back on the road, then about a month later a college student ran into it and totaled it. Fiasco II was a '69 with a 1756, and lived a much better life until I got laid off and had to sell it in 2015. The one I just brought home hasn't earned a name yet, but I'm hoping it's something better than Fiasco III.

Steve

[rdv]

Hi Steve,
I just checked the last supplied filled out registration forms and no data from you or "fiasco".
But no problem, I will pm you to ask for all necessary data. Or just send an email with pic to my known mailaddress (see profile here).

Your project sounds good! Original look but with technical modifications, good luck!

Cheers Ralf