Hello from North Carolina, USA

[smahaley]

Good day all -
Glad to be here. I recently acquired a 1978 Spider. I'm excited about learning from everyone here, and to share progress as I begin down the road to resurrection...

Steve

[rdv]

Hi,
you're welcome! Sounds like a bigger project? Have you any pics from the "before" status?

North Carolina got various Fiat Spiders from any year! The worldwide Spider Register actually counts 224 cars incl. 57 CS1 (1800) Spider from model years 1973-78:
https://www.fiatspider.de/register?Fahr ... h+Carolina

Is your car already listed? If not it would be great to get the car data.

Whats your first targets in restoring or reviving your Spider?

Cheers Ralf

[Bagneaux]

Welcome. I have a 78 Spider too, my 4th. It's A fun car. People will tell you lots of good stuff. My two cents: change the timing belt if you don't know how old it is. I love converting the points system to electronic ignition. I used Pertronix is but there
are others. Check the gas tank for rust. Look at or cut open the gas filter tho see if there is rust. I always replace the gas tank. Don't ask how I know why to do this. Above all, HAVE FUN. When I built wooden boats, one of my favorite designers said to have a "moaning chair" in the shop when things go wrong so you can moan and then think how to solve the problem.

[smahaley]

Hi,
you're welcome! Sounds like a bigger project? Have you any pics from the "before" status?

North Carolina got various Fiat Spiders from any year! The worldwide Spider Register actually counts 224 cars incl. 57 CS1 (1800) Spider from model years 1973-78:
https://www.fiatspider.de/register?Fahr ... h+Carolina

Is your car already listed? If not it would be great to get the car data.

Whats your first targets in restoring or reviving your Spider?

Cheers Ralf

Thanks a bunch, Ralf!
I will get the details soon - I'm first working on getting the workshop together to provide enough space for the car....

First targets:
1 - Create the shop space
2 - Assess core systems - body, interior, brakes, fuel engine, etc.
3 - Disassemble interior and begin rust recovery there / floor pan / wheel wells.
4 - Pull engine - I know the radiator is rusted out, and that there may be a head gasket issue (per previous owner), and I would want to get the head off and make sure all mechanicals are good.
5 - Body work.

[smahaley]

Welcome. I have a 78 Spider too, my 4th. It's A fun car. People will tell you lots of good stuff. My two cents: change the timing belt if you don't know how old it is. I love converting the points system to electronic ignition. I used Pertronix is but there
are others. Check the gas tank for rust. Look at or cut open the gas filter tho see if there is rust. I always replace the gas tank. Don't ask how I know why to do this. Above all, HAVE FUN. When I built wooden boats, one of my favorite designers said to have a "moaning chair" in the shop when things go wrong so you can moan and then think how to solve the problem.

Hey- thanks for these kind words! I have a friend that suggested going straight to elec fuel throttle body... Will look into that, but I am not afraid of rebuilding carbs. I will also post some pics soon- but moving from mobile to this forum is new for me....