Thinking of packing it in.

[wengr]

Hard to believe as a few months back when I got this car after months of searching I was as excited as I have been about a car in a long time. But my work on it has just created one problem after another. I did not expect it to be so difficult to work with what's a fairly simple car. It's become a part time job that I don't have time for and a major source of frustration. Anyway at this point I don't know what to do with it, but in the event I move it on, many thanks to all of you who have helped me with advice. Gregory

[Snoopy]

[swede]

wengr,

I sometimes feel exactly the same thing but giving up is not an option, I just take some time off and do something else for a while and then right back at it with full force.
I’m confident that I will succeed in the end and that all frustration along the way will be worth it when everything is done and the wind is flowing thru my hair (if still having any by then)

Never ever give up

[kristoj]

It took me a lot of time and effort to work out all of the initial bugs as well after my purchase. Just remember that it only gets easier. These are fairly reliable cars once you get them sorted.

[4babycar]

Don't give up! I too have had my run of frustration and I am still working through my latest but the pure pleasure of driving you car and the satisfaction of knowing that you are the one that made the car run will be worth it. I know it can be a chore but lean on us for some more help and keep your spider. Have you worked on any jealousy issues your car may have? My 81 hated anytime I took a new date in her in H.S. and would break down within a week every time. It took me a long time to find a girl that "she" would approve. I would suggest some nice flowers (think scented air freshners), some fancy looking wine (fuel additives) and a long hot bath. Those usually work for my wife so I would think they would work for a Fiat too! Good luck and hang in there.

[htchevyii]

Hang in there, once you fix the neglect and bad fixes from p.o.'s you'll have a fun car. Once in a while you've got to take a little time off until it seems like fun again Instead of work.

[mbouse]

i got so frustrated with the Spitwad once that i parked it at the end of the driveway with the keys in the ignition, and the top down. it stayed there for two days until i was done with my hissy-fit.

it is a PITA until you get some momentum going. try tackling the projects one at a time, and do only the little ones first.

[azygoustoyou]

That's a double Don't give up. Just take it a little slower. I always wanted this car too. I only got to drive mine three miles. But I look forward to the time I get to get in it and go. Sometimes things never work out the way you want them to. I'm sure your at that point. Like the others say. Walk away and take a deep breath. Once you get it going , you'll get the fever!

Boy Mike, You keep beating me to the punch. LOL

[SlickItalian]

its funny how frustrated you can get with a car like this... I had a 72 since i got my license.. i had form when i was 16 till i was 21... i was fed up with it one month it wasn't running right and it had an exhaust leak... etc etc.. so I posted it on ebay to see how much i could get for it... 2 weeks later it was on a boat to ireland... never saw it again...

6 months later i was looking for another one... I hate to love the car sometimes... I have a 74 now and I just had my hood break and my carb was clogged up... I let it sit for 3 weeks untill I had the nerve to look at it again and not frustrate me.. The thing i've learned with old cars is that each one has it's problems but when they are working right and looking good nothing really compares.

its amazing how many thumbs up or smiles I get when I drive the car.

[racydave]

It's easy to be overwelmed with to many items to think about. And setting deadlines does not help either. I SIMPLY REFUSE TO GIVE UP. Take a break, then concentrate on one thing at a time

[spiderrey]

ive not looked at my car for 6 months at a time. just didnt have time or was busy with family. i thought about selling, because i just sat. once i took it for a spin that silly idea always goes away. its a hobby, not a neccesity, so you can always just let it sit for a while. Good luck..

[rlux4]

I'm hoping you'll recognize the common thread here; when we first get our cars, a lot of us have to clear up issues that previous owners caused, either through neglect, or ineptitude. Mike's advice is right on: don't overwhelm yourself trying to get everything right at the same time. Deal with one issue at a time and fix it correctly. I had several issues at first, and it did get frustrating, but with the help I got here it all got worked out, and now the car is as dependable as any.
Plus, the more you fix, the more you know about your car and if the problem comes up later, you'll have it nailed.
Ron

[So Cal Mark]

don't let it beat you. Keep asking questions before tackling problems, and fix them correctly.

[launieg]

I find there are sometimes extended periods when I have to just forget about the car, cover it up, and come back to it when the appeal comes back (and it always does). Maybe a few weeks, maybe six months, or more... Stick it out without frustrating yourself.

And as others have said, don't make it an all or nothing restoration. I have what many on this forum could rightly call a junker, but it is safe, runs, and gives me pleasure to drive. The stuff that needs attention will (or maybe not) get done someday

[mdrburchette]

Boy, it sure is great to know I'm not the only one that gets frustrated with their car. There have been numerous times that I've had to walk away, sometimes for days, just to clear my head and psych myself up to dive into a repair again. Eventually, I'll go back to it and things start to fall into place. Have you noticed how many posts I have on this forum? You don't get over 2600 posts by just welcoming new members on board. Many of my posts were from me trying to find help with a repair. Like others have said, just take a deep breath.....and be glad your not a female with four of these damn cars!