My new addition w/ pix

[ga.spyder]

Yep,I bit the bullet and bought another Fiat.She's a 78 and was purchased for the cost of a parts/project car.Same old story...bought it ,had to have it,lost interest,etc...Cant keep it where it was stored.He has been driving it on occasion.The paint was badly faded,top is junk.But..it has a rebuilt tranny and front end,all work done by Mr. Fiat- Dave Weaver,Starts right up ,runs great,rides ok(not as good as the 82...not even close),very little rust,just bubbles in a couple spot,none structurally.The bad,the wiring is a cobbled up mess although everything seems to work. I spent 3 hours cleaning and compounding the paint and ...Voila it shines! Took it for several rides and on the last I heard something in the motor and it started to heat up and wasnt charging...belt was off.Nursed it home and found the pulley from the water pump had broken!!Pump is not seized,it spins freely ????? Her are a few pix and a couple I needs
1-water pump pulley
2- drivers side square mirror(not remote)
3- front emblem
OK...befores









after..

[So Cal Mark]

it has a 75-76 motor in it, since it was equipped with an exhaust cam driven air pump. that means it's an interference engine.

[kilrwail]

Hey Craig, it looks pretty good! I'm going to get you to polish my car! I can't help you with the pulley (bummer), or the mirror but Bruce has the stick-on badges. He's sending me a couple at the FFO hotel. Bring your camera and I can point out some things you'll want to address. Good find!

[htchevyii]

Looks good, congrats!

[racydave]

Looks like a good find! Now the 82 will be jealous! I think My Fiat picked up a little attitude in NC!

[rlux4]

How in the world did you ever run across a red Spider? talk about a rare find.
Is this one for Heather?
Ron

[mbouse]

yup, a great find. now you'll be busy.

[katsi]

And I thought I found a great deal. NICE

[kmac33]

Craig,
Glad to see you are getting closer to owning the BEST year for the Spider...74 of course. And in the best color too!

[ga.spyder]

Thanks for all the kudos,guys.The plan is not to try to make a show car,but to have something that the family can tool around in.My wife and daughter are estatic about 'their Fiat'.The car has some issues but they seem to be minor,especially considering its a $1000 car! I was disappointed when the pulley broke(I still cant figure that out!),off the water pump.But I did drive it for an hour or so with no overheating ,smoking or leakage.Found one fuel leak,just a hose.
I am confused about the engine.Mark looked at a pic and said it doesnt appear to be a 78 motor.Does that mean it isnt a 1800? Where is the engine number to identify it?There is no cat,and it does have electronic ignition.I will try to get the no.'s,some pics ,and carb info so you all can let me know what I have. I need a pulley,if anyone has one.
Thanks,Craig

[Europa]

Craig Nelson
1982 Spider 2000
Fling It Around Turns !

Congratulations Craig!

Ps. Now you need to update your signature.

[ga.spyder]

Good Catch ,Europa !!!!

[manoa matt]

Show us some pictures of that armrest. They were a dealer option/upgrade. Never seen one though, you may have the only one.

Those relays in the engine bay are supposed to clip into the black sheet metal piece on the drivers fender. It will clean it up a bit.

[kristoj]

Craig,

That looks like a heck of a find. You di what I would have done out of the gate -- buff the crap out of that oxidized paint. Looks great! Now you can focus on the mechanicals...

[radiopilot]

Craig,

Nice find! I bet she'll look real nice when you're done... a red one at that too! Very nice! Where did you find that one?

Nick