Ebay( is this a 70

[fiat218]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1970-Red ... 500wt_1021



Does a 70 have big bumpers ?

[kmac33]

If that is truly a 70, there is nothing more sacrilegious than putting those abomination big bumpers on it
Parts look like a mix-mash of years: bumpers, hood, grill, 1800 motor, mirrors.

[johndemar]

Yup, it's Frankenstein.

[fiat218]

that was my thought?
70 dont have bumpers like that ?

[So Cal Mark]

that's the first early car I've ever seen with a late model bumper conversion. If that catches on, I've got a good supply of those bumpers available!

[Exit98]

LOL

I saw that this morning too.

I'll bet he threw the old ones away.

[Kevin1]

Have a look at the timing belt in the engine pictures. That might explain why it isn't starting. Wouldn't this motor end up with bent valves if they tried starting it?

[spiderrey]

It is a 70. The side lights tell you that.

[joelbert2k]

As I recall the 70 had the 1438cc motor with a block mounted distro. Also had a flat hood.
The cambox mounted dizzy and small bumps came along with the 71 model. But I could be mis-remembering

[spiderrey]

Small bump hood didnt come till 73 or 74. It came in 71 in Europe though. At least it came in 71 in Europe on cars with twin webers.

[BwBrown]

I just joined the forum. I've had several Fiats in the past: '68 850 Spider (was nearly killed in that one in 1971 when I was rear ended by a drunk); a '71 124 Spider I bought new from my hospital bed; and an '82 124 Spider.

Now to the present:
The seller lowered his reserve, and I've been looking off and on for another 124...

Long story short, I'll be trailering it home next week, about a 9 hour round trip. Depending on what all it needs, 1725 may or may not have been a reasonable price. I'm just looking for a fun, occasional driver.
I'm anticipating at least a valve/head rebuild, based on that loose timing belt.
We all noted the loose timing belt, but did ya'll notice the crooked front bumper? I'd like to change the rear bumper back to the original split chrome, and either change the front to chrome or remove it completely. Maybe add a pair of "bumpettes" and clean up the front end.
The (stated) 1800 engine will remain a mystery until I dig into it.

Seller says his grandfather won a couple trophies with it. We'll see.
I'll post some pictures and progress information as I go, but it won't be immediately. I have two other projects going at the moment.
Bob;

[RRoller123]

Welcome aboard! You will find plenty of knowledgeable and friendly people here.

Here is a thread on how to post pictures to the forum:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=21014

Pete

[BwBrown]

I've bought, played with, and resold a bunch of cars on ebay, but this one isn't my finest hour! I said I'd post a followup, so here is the next steps of what will be something of a saga.

I brought this '70 FrankenSpider home last week, price ended up below the final ebay (below reserve) price. The later bumpers look (to me) pretty horrible, I intend to remove them and install "bumpettes" - won't be much work, the front has a single bolt on each side and easily moves 4" up and down. The body and interior could all stand being freshened up, it's a 43 year old car with a 27 year old restoration (his grandfather won a best of show trophy in '84, it came with the car). I'm going to just drive it as is for awhile, maybe end up doing a "rolling restoration."

I began last night what ended up being an autopsy, tried to line up the drive gears to put the belt back on in order to do a compression test. Lined up the camshaft drive wheels, then the aux shaft. Finally the crankshaft - CLUNK! Turned it back, 3/4 turn - CLUNK. Not a good sign.

Pulled the head, Cyl #2 has broken off valve, with the accompanying chewed up piston top. Cyls #1, #3, and #4 all have shrapnel in them. At this point I'm looking at a set of pistons, check con rods for straight, and redo the head. Cleaned things up, rotated the crank, and what do my wondering eyes behold, but halfway down the wall of cyl #3 is a hole! I think NOT related to this latest belt break. It might have held compression, but it won't for long.

Anybody have a spare 1800 or 2000 sitting around?

If I manage to find an engine at a reasonable cost, I'm still not underwater, but for the money I could have started out with a nicer car. I'll just keep telling myself that the journey is just as sweet as the final destination.
Cheers,
Bob;

[supplyguy]

A year ago I drove my eBay '71 purchase home, praying all 350 miles that A) I would not be killed during the drive, and B) the car would burn to the ground en route so my wife wouldn't see the evidence of my lunacy. Through this forum, DCFiats, friendly support, and a patient wife, I am all in and will have the car for years - and I don't have a tenth of the mechanical talent you have. Post pics and keep us updated on progress!

[kmac33]

Bob,
Where are you located? I am about to start parting out an 80 that has a good 2L. Just wouldn't want to deal with shipping it!