Need Some Advice

[Exit98]

So I'm looking at at this 81. It's a real good looker, but I'm concerned it may be something of a pig with lipstick.

Here's the thing. Niether of the windows go all the way down. They both stop about 3 inches from the sill. Any ideas why this would occur? The bottoms of the doors show rust, apparently treated and painted, no obvious preforations.

Could internal bodywork to the doors (bondo) be blocking things? On both sides?

Thanks for you thoughts.

Doug

[So Cal Mark]

I doubt they would put that much bondo in the door. More than likely they have the regulator cables misrouted after repairing the door. Since both stop at the same point they matched the installation from one door to the other. If they are power windows, be aware the motor and regulator are an assy and pretty pricey.

[mbouse]

yeah, same wrong installation on both sides sounds like a good reply.

i always replace one side at a time so that i have the correct pattern to follow. those cables are a PITA to route properly.

electrics? that brings up a question... can an electric window easily be converted to manual?

[Exit98]

Nuts, I've now lost my reply twice. Duh!

Anyway, thanks for your thoughts about the window regulators. It makes sense. They are not power by the way. I've never seen the inside of a Fiat door, but I've heard some stories about the frustrations of getting things set up right.

Here is a copy of the Craigslist add:

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/1411992287.html

and here are some pictures supplied by the seller:











The car looks better in pictures than in person, no surprise. How about those wire wheels! The original five allow wheels come with the car too.

I'm pretty conflicted. All the wheel archs have been done. Nice job, but no magnet will ever stick to them again. Engine seems fine. Transmission shifts OK. But I drive a modern Acura 6 speed manual. Driving a 124 for the first time in, oh, 35 years or so is a different experience. Shifting is rather aproxomate. Like stirring a wooden spoon in thick peasoup. Let's see, first gear should be up this way or so. Am I in a gear, any gear, slip the cluch and see if it moves.

Heck, after all these years the linkage must get pretty sloppy, how could it not. Anyone figure out how to tighten it up some what?

No indication the shocks have ever been changed. If they were, it was a long time ago. Exhaust bangs around some, but no big deal. Very hard to see the shock towers.

So, any thoughts, comments or suggestions?

The price is less than what's in the add. In fairness to the seller ( who seems to be a very nice guy)I won't publicize it here.

[So Cal Mark]

I wouldn't be too concerned about a magnet sticking as long as the repairs are done right. Too bad he ran over two dogs when he parked the car though! lol
The shifter probably needs new pivot cups on the bottom, not too difficult to do

[tonyfromjersey]

Did you buy it? The ad is flagged for removal.

[Exit98]

Hi Tony,

I'm NJ too. George has been very kind helping me out in my search.

Here's another listing for the car. Its coming up on my screen:

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/1413129208.html

Anyway, no I have not bought it, I'm still thinking about it. I saw it Wednesday morning. I spend about an hour or more with the owner and the car. I'm just not sure about it.

[Exit98]

I wouldn't be too concerned about a magnet sticking as long as the repairs are done right. Too bad he ran over two dogs when he parked the car though! lol
The shifter probably needs new pivot cups on the bottom, not too difficult to do

First, thanks for taking the time to reply Mark.

At first I wasn't sure they were dogs! They are still alive though, as they were hanging around when I looked at the car on Wednesday.

Yes, the wheel archs look very nice. No ripples at all on the body sides. There is a fair amount of filler under the paint though. There is some bubbling of the paint in a few areas. Very small so far. No doubt prep issues. I think the paint is about 2 years old.

The windows really bug me.

Anyway, as you can see, I'm very reluctant to pull the trigger here.

Doug

[narfire]

I like the colour and the top is a nice contrast in my opinion.
The windows are not a big deal. Like others said I suspect a set up that was'nt done properly. Once the panels are removed they would take you 10 minutes a side to set up properly,A screw tightens a grip(2) on the wire that raises and lowers the window.
The bondo... from an accident or filler from rust issues?
A tough one to call from here

[htchevyii]

I'd definetaly check out the underside of the car carefully for rusty floors, rockers and front suspension mounts. I'd be leary of the bubbles, sounds like bondoed up rust.

[mdrburchette]

Walk away if you're unsure. If something is nagging you, follow your instincts. I prefer not to see a nicely painted car with bondo because you really don't know how it was prepped and repaired. Bubbling under the paint usually means rust has already formed from under that panel and is pushing through to the painted side.
Good luck!

[lanciahf]

Hi Doug,

Looks like a clean car and the owner seems detail oriented, But the bubbling paint is a dead give away that something is not right with the paint job or prep. Personally I would look for a 74 or older, unless you get lucky like George and find one in a time capsule.

Don't be in a hurry and jump the gun there are a lot of Spiders out there.

Take care,
Ralph

[mbouse]

rust will be the killer. those window regulators can be replaced/repaired in an afternoon.

check the shock towers and the floor boards.

[Exit98]

Well, I just emailed the owner and told him I’ve decided to pass on his car.

Mdrburchette, just like you said, I had to follow my gut on this one. It’s just not the right one for me. In the end, there is nothing practical about buying any old car, particularly an old Fiat. It is about nostalgia, serendipity and the hope of recapturing some good times.

Ralph, thanks for your advice too. George keeps telling me there are plenty out there.

Great advice from everyone. This is a very cool place. I hope I’ll be able to reciprocate one of these days soon.

The search continues.

Doug

[mdrburchette]

Good luck Doug. Most of us have been in the position you were of deciding whether to buy a certain car or let it go. It is sometimes good to walk away and think about it. If it continues to pull at you, take another look and decide. The owner may be the greatest guy in the world, but that doesn't mean they have a clue about what they actually have. I have found most people incredibly ignorant about cars or incredibly deceptive.