What to consider when buying my first spider...

Arch-e-type · Post by **Arch-e-type** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 3:03 am

I am looking at getting a Fiat spider - I looked at a nice 78 today and am seriously considering buying it. I have some questions being a newbie so here goes...

1. What years are considered best (and what should be avoided). In terms of performance and what not.

2. The one I looked at had a stock carb and the engine was stock. It is the only one I have driven and it seems somewhat leisurely in terms of acceleration.

3. What cost effective performance mods are recommended with the least amount of fussing (i.e. throttle linkage, clearance etc.) and the most trouble free. Webers (down or side draft)? fuel injection? Just leave it and quit bitching?

4. Steering wheel is covered with some cheap wrap stuff. It is a black 2 spoke wheel with what looks like a wood rim. Is this original? My guess is if I remove the rim cover, the rim will be pretty sad looking. Should I try to restore it? Buy another?

5. I have a 3 year old daughter that would need to ride in the car - in the back in a 5 point style child safety seat. The one I have doesn't come close to fitting back there - too big. Does anyone have experience with a brand/model that is small enough to fit?

6. I checked under the car and the frame/body seems very solid with no rust. The owner has records showing a recent engine/trans/brake rebuild. Is there anything I should be worried about and look for?

Thanks in advance!

- Rob

YeLLoWBoAt · Post by **YeLLoWBoAt** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 2:33 pm

I have a 73 in the cars for sale section + a full size truck load of parts. Its going on craigs list today( check the scarmento latter tonight). 4 new tires just overhualed....I am leaving the country for work for 6 months to a year and have no place to store it.

Plus since its a 73 you don't have to worry about smoging it. which can be a PITA.

http://www.fiatspider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=259

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 3:07 pm

Since you are in Calif, smogging is an issue and should be considered too. Unfortunately, 76 and newer cars need to be smogged, and the carbed versions from 76-79 are difficult to get past the test. I'd suggest 75 or older, or 80 and newer. The 80 and up versions have FI, and have improved driveability over the carb versions.

Major concerns with these cars are; rust, electrical gremlins (some caused by poor repairs), engine oil leaks, cracked front crossmembers.

Most years have fairly similar performance with the exception of 79. That was a unique year in many respects and even though it was fitted with a 2L engine, the carburetor and emission package really affected performance. Oddly enough, it seems 78 and 79 models are the most plentiful.

I'd have the underside of the car and the suspension inspected if you're serious about the car and make sure all of the electrics function.
Performance upgrades aren't too difficult, but again, 76 and newer will have to remain pretty stock due to Calif regs

spidernut · Post by **spidernut** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 11:50 pm

Everything rubber that wasn't replaced will be rotted and will need replacing. In addition to Mark's excellent advice, also check the radiator for leaks, break calipers for leaks, the flex coupling "donut" which will probably need replacing anyways, the emergency brake cable that is often damaged by the tailpipe rubbing it, the emergency brake handle to ensure it stays in the "up" position (the teeth wear out on the wratchet), and check to ensure all the gauges and accessories work right.

When buying an older car like this, you must be very vigilent when inspecting the vehicle. People have a tendency to rewire things, make goofy or poor repairs and mickey-mouse things (no offense to Mickey Mouse).

I have a '79 Spider with automatic. Though many cars are hard to get through emissions, mine has been no problem at all.

Unfortunately, I am having to take bids from people on my car since I'm moving to Japan. It is the header on the main page at http://www.fiatcenter.com Titled: John Geoffrey's '79 "Sergio" if you are interested. I'm in Penn Valley, CA, about 4 hours from Monterey.

I have a description in their "sell" section.

John

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 10:10 am

NOT ALL 1980'S WERE FUEL INJECTED

Many 1980 Spiders were carbureted. As well as the '79s, these (if still stock) present some significant performance choking issues. Those issues can be overcome, but not at zero cost, especially if you must conform to smog control laws.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 10:15 am

all 79s were carbed, as well as Federal 80s, Calif 80s were all FI

bandit · Post by **bandit** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 8:22 pm

The real performance killer on the 79's is just the carb i changed it
over to ADF off a 76 and kept the stock manifold the chokes were
only a couple mm bigger but what an improvement over the stock
carb i gained some power all around .

Dan