Seeking comments on a couple of cars

[fiasco]

Looks like I'm going to get my insurance settlement this week. I'll probably look at a '75 that was posted here at FS.com a couple weeks back, as well as a 72 down in Long Beach. Would love to hear comments from anyone on the forum that has opinions on these two cars.

'76: http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=7370
'72: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/ct ... 45034.html

Here are some of my thoughts and questions. First, I'd really like to stay with a pre '76 so I can avoid CA smog testing. How much difference is there between '72 and '76? What I've got is a '76, and I wouldn't be worried about any parts going back and forth between it and the '75, but will I have any fitment issues if I try to scavenge parts from the '76 and put them on the '72? In particular, could I put the 1800 engine in the '72?

Feel free to post any opinions. I may not take your advice, but I'll make a better decision for having heard it.

Thanks all!
-- se

[fiasco]

Forgot to mention. The '75 has a brand new red interior and new black paint. That's great and all, but I have a particular color scheme in mind that I'd like for my car, which would require repaint and a black interior. If I go with the '75, I'll probably leave the paint and interior as is for a while, but if I go with the '72, paint and interior would be on the front burner.

Any issues with putting the '76 interior into the '72? Seats, consoles, etc?

Thanks again,
-- se

[ventura ace]

I don't know either of the cars, Steve, but I can tell you the following: There should be no issues with putting the 1.8L engine in the early car, or any of the interior. Swapping electrical items could be an issue, but it could be figured out (different wiring harnesses with different treatment of relays, fuses, grounding points, etc.) I have a 1.8L engine in my '70 spider, and it fits nicely. The 1.8L engine is the same height as the 1608 engine, which was standard in the 1972. You woul'dn't be able to swap the doors between a mid-70's and early 70's due to a different placement of the latch.

Alvon

[joelbert2k]

Steve,
I can't really give much input on these other than the obvious. It sounds like the 75 is a better deal. Not having seen either up close and in person that's about all I can say. However, I have a soft spot for the earlier years. I wish mine was about 10 years older.
One good point -- neither one has an EGR system you can flood!

Joel

[fiasco]

neither one has an EGR system you can flood!

ouch

[lanciahf]

I would pick the 72.