Newbie From The Big Apple!

[speedracer]

Hey guys,

I'm the owner of a red 1979 spider which I've owned for about 6 years now. I bought is as a cheap way to get into the "classic car" hobby and I really didn't know anything about them at first, except for all the fix-it-again-Tony jokes! But as time has gone on, I've come to love this little underdog and I really want to get her 100% right. She's pretty nice now and I've put alot of work into her over the years. So has my mechanic! The work must have paid off though, because the car came in third for people's choice award in a fairly large car show. To say I was stunned when they called me to the stage to collect the trophy would be quite an understatement! Apparently, the spider is quite popular among car enthusiasts, as they are pretty quick to tell you a story or two about them, but unfortunately, they are not always good ones though!

Well, it's been off the road for about 2 years because I just didn't have the time for her, but she's ready for the road this year and with a fresh battery, some octane boost, wham, she started right up! So right now she's cleaned, polished and running fine and ready for the springtime.

So now I find myself scouting out this great forum to get my spider to that magical 100% mark. Don't know if I can, but with all the knowledge here there's a pretty decent chance. I'm glad to be here...

Any other NYC spider operators out there?

[ga.spyder]

Welcome to the forum! My story is similar to yours.I found the Spider to be the best value in the 'classic car' genre,really learned to love the car after I bought it.I was at a large show last fall ,parked next to a perfect Mustang and a beautiful 69 Cougar.And whose car got the most attention...my Spider.The Cougar guy couldnt believe how many people wanted to talk about the Fiat.Pretty cool...and I won my class!!
Craig

[kilrwail]

Welcome to the group. A lot of people I see at cruise nights say, "Hey, I used to have one of those". Our cars are indeed very popular.

[mbouse]

hey, speedracer.

love the user name.

what color red did you say? Hey, is that '79 stock, or have you been able to strip that boat anchor of a carburetor and intake manifold? if so, what did you replace it with?

send pictures.

[speedracer]

hey, speedracer.

love the user name.

what color red did you say? Hey, is that '79 stock, or have you been able to strip that boat anchor of a carburetor and intake manifold? if so, what did you replace it with?

send pictures.

Thanks for the welcomes guys!

It's a repaint in Ferrari style red. I don't have the # handy right now though. Nice job all-around and it goes very well with the redone beige leather interior with black piping and accents. I applied some old-style round 2 1/2" Fiat logo stickers on the front fenders, ala Ferrari style, and it really sets the car off nicely. I am considering some pin striping soon to.

As for the engine, no I haven't gotten rid of the carb and manifold. I know the 79 is probably the worst carb/manifold combination they ever made, but it seem's to run very well and is dependable enough, so I'm not going to change it until I need to. For that job, I'd like some help to make sure it's done right. But right now, I havn't found any Fiat enthusiasts in the area. The only "performance" mods I have done to the engine is stripping off all of the smog equipment and redoing the exhaust without the cat and using an ANSA muffler. Nice sound, with just a hint of some backfire on deceleration, which I like!

Pictures will be forthcoming soon!

[So Cal Mark]

welcome, it sounds like a great car, can't wait for pics

[rlux4]

Welcome aboard Speedracer. I also have a red car with beige interior. I wasn't looking for red when I got it, but it has grown on me and now I'm kind of partial to it. Post some pictures of your car, I'd love to see it.
Ron

[kristoj]

Welcome aboard! You should try to get to the Fiat Freakout in August in Valley Forge, Pa.

[speedracer]

Thanks again for the welcomes Mark, lux4 and kristoj!

Pictures will be forthcoming and I am thinking about the Fiat Freakout this year. It's not to far, but I might be on vacation then. We'll see though, I've heard alot about them!

[speedracer]

Hey guys, I finally joined the 21st century! I know how to post pictures!

Well here's a few quick and hasty shots of my 79 spider. She's running like a champ right now. I recently deflated the shock struts on the tube bumpers and pushed the bumpers all the way close to the body of the car. I think it looks much better now. The bumpers look like they are actually part of the car now IMO...

Anyway, here they are -

[mbouse]

THAT is a sharp looking car!! thanks for sharing

[rlux4]

In a word: WOW!
Ron

[wengr]

Yes that is sharp. Always liked those '79 wheels. about as nice looking as a steel wheel gets imo.

[speedracer]

Thanks guys, I'm glad I can finally post some pics.

wengr, I also like these steel wheels. I dress them up with the chrome trim rings which I notice alot of guys with these wheels don't use. If I had my way though, it would be Cromadora CD 30's for my spider. Maybe someday...

[speedracer]

Hey guys, after a long time away I just wanted to re-introduce myself again.

I've been gone from the forum for about 4 years, and my Spider has been parked in my garage for about the same amount of time. Now that I have some spare time, I'm anxious to get her up and running and ready for the springtime. So I just cleaned her up, got her re-started, and I'm happy to report that she is running like a Swiss watch, at least in the garage. I do have a brake problem however, so I haven't taken her out for a spin yet, but I'll get the brake problem sorted out and she'll be ready to show and go again. I'm getting the same excited feeling about her as I did when I bought her!

It's good to be back!