Winter?

green · Post by **green** » Sun Oct 15, 2006 8:50 pm

Hello, I was just wondering, how many people who live in northern climates drive their spiders in the winter? I have an Alfa Romeo Spider now that I will be putting away for the winter, and though it would be impractical I am thinking of buying an old Fiat for the winter but am wondering how it would handle in the snow and such. I live in wisconsin so we have snow all winter... yeah...

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Sun Oct 15, 2006 8:58 pm

Go wash your mouth out with soap, young man. Shame on you for uttering that nasty word....

I just sent the '78 to a neighbor's house today for long term storage in her garage. She has ample room in her two bay garage, and I need all the elbow room I can get.

The '80 has some downtime projects that have been waiting for quite some time. It is up on blocks right now in my garage. Then, it too, will find someplace to hybirnate.

Then the Spitwad can have my garage to himself; as i tear it apart and toss parts all over my garage floor.

Neither of the Spiders will see the light of day again until after two full days of spring rain wash away the layers of salt yet to be gleefully discharged out of the backs of those orange snow plow trucks.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sun Oct 15, 2006 9:17 pm

you could buy a Spider that already is rusted, then just drive it in the winter until it falls apart. Of course, why subject yourself to those conditions? I'd look for an awd Subaru

green · Post by **green** » Sun Oct 15, 2006 10:33 pm

yes, I know, I should be banned for mentioning it. The Fiat I am looking at is in fairly bad condition, the body especially. I believe it is about a 1977 if I am not mistaken. I would drive it this winter and then, fund permitting, this summer I will fix what is needed and repaint the body. I should have stated earlier, this is majorly speculation. I just found the car for sale today and haven't talked to the actual owner yet about it. My main motivation toward it is the chance to get another awesome Italian car, and taking advantage of the body's condition, get it for a price I can afford.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Mon Oct 16, 2006 12:05 am

I can't believe the Spider would be that enjoyable in the snow, unless it's got a hard top. There's no reason it would handle better than any other rear wheel drive car, and it is pretty low. But if it's cheap and already rusted, go for it

racydave · Post by **racydave** » Mon Oct 16, 2006 8:01 am

Ground clearance in snow is a must, also a top that does not leak!!! Rusted floor pans are bad!!! Find a beater.

fiater · Post by **fiater** » Tue Oct 17, 2006 10:47 pm

I wouldn't subject any Fiat to road salt. The Tin Worm will have a feast and you'll have more rust repair than if you stored the car for the winter. I'd get a "winter rat" and if you can find a heated garage, I'd try to get the Spider ready for spring. But that's just me. I live in the "Rust-Belt" and have been working on rusty cars since '69.